WWE 2k23’s Non-Wrestlers as Playable Characters
The new WWE 2K23 was released in March of this year and yet the surprises just keep coming. With an October upgrade – and a $139.99 price tag (or $9.99 if you already have the game) – you can play as the famed Spotify #1 spot holder and rapper, Bad Bunny. However, don’t scoff at that price tag yet, since the Bad Bunny edition also includes the Icon Edition DLC, which would ordinarily go for $119.99 alone. The Bad Bunny game includes the ability to control WWE and WrestleMania regular, Bad Bunny, who likes himself a good entrance at WWE events.
But why Bad Bunny? Why is WWE 2K23 expanding into non-wrestlers for a wrestling game? Take a look at our theories to figure out the method behind the wrestle mania.
Expanding has its benefits
It’s not as ridiculous as it might look initially. Once a franchise has exhausted itself, they tend to explore collaborations and crossovers for a great marketing technique. But if WWE were to keep strictly to the wrestlers featured that year, that well would dry up quickly and it might bore regular customers of the game. Expanding the roster beyond just wrestlers allows WWE 2K23 to tap into pop culture and feature celebrities and athletes who have appeared in WWE programming. Popular cameos generate more interest and buzz.
Besides, it’s not just the developers that win out here. Having a diverse array of fighters beyond just WWE superstars allows for more unique matchups and gaming experiences. The creators can get creative with movesets and arenas, allowing for a game that doesn’t just offer up the same experience every time the bell rings.
Who wouldn’t want to play as Bad Bunny?
And who is more popular than Bad Bunny in the WWE crowd? There are a few celebrities like Bad Bunny that have become heavily featured in WWE storylines and even competed in matches. WWE has expanded into influencer boxing and MMA events like WrestleMania Backlash as one of the most realistic games on PC. This has allowed a lot of new faces to enter the ring, be they real or virtual. By adding playable fighters from those promotions 2K is giving the gaming roster more variety. Bad Bunny in particular is a great option due to his influence in South America. You don’t become Spotify’s #1 artist for three years without a huge following. It’s useful that such an influential star has such an open admiration for the WWE franchise. 2K would be silly not to take advantage of that.
You get to play as WWE icons
Besides, Bad Bunny isn’t all that’s on offer. Depending on the deal you get, you can get the Icon Edition bundled into the price, which gives you lots of playable characters from WWE.
Like who? Well, have you heard of a guy called John Cena? While Cena might be filming for Fast and Furious 27 and therefore away from the ring, you can relive his best days with the Ruthless Aggression Pack. Cena will be joined by Dave Batista, Brock Lesner, and Randy Orton. It also includes the John Cena Legacy Championship and WrestleMania 22 arena for full immersion. In the past, legendary boxers like Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather have been involved in iconic WWE moments. YouTube fans might note that Logan Paul has recently stepped into the ring. This might start with Bad Bunny but it can open up a whole new world of WWE icons who aren’t necessarily on the WWE payroll.
Conclusion
Overall, the expanded character roster shows how WWE wants to evolve into a broad entertainment brand beyond just pro wrestling – and the players can only benefit from such expansion.
