With WWE 2K19 now available for PS4 and Xbox One, we realise that one of the more exciting aspects, as always, in the WWE 2K series, is its gigantic roster of playable pro wrestling superstars.
Following last year’s problems stemming from frame rate issues and resolution drops down to 540p, despite being in docked mode, this year’s edition will be skipping the Nintendo Switch entirely.
While a majority of its lineup of wrestlers had already been announced several months ago, at the eleventh hour a plethora of superstars and new favourites were announced, with 11 wrestlers being added to the game in the form of DLC, none of which were playable in previous versions, including Raw superstar Bobby Lashley, and NXT superstars Lacey Evans, Ricochet and EC3.
WWE legend Shawn Michaels will be a welcome addition to WWE 2K19, given his recently announced return to the ring, and it seems to be the view from bookies across the UK that the Heartbreak Kid will make his singles return to action at either the upcoming Survivor Series or the Royal Rumble, with Kane or the Undertaker being touted as likely opponents.
You’ve probably already been kept up to date with all the newly confirmed superstars in the game – but what about the ones you’re not going to be able to see in this year’s instalment? Below, you can find every character that won’t be making it back for WWE 2K19, and the reasons why.
Big Cass: Released from contract on June 19, 2018.
Brian Kendrick: Unable to come to terms on a deal.
Buddy Roberts: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances.
Bushwhackers: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances, with their third appearance option already being used.
Darren Young: Released from contract on October 29, 2017
Emma: Released from contract on October 29, 2017
Enzo Amore: Released from contract on January 23, 2018
Fabulous Freebirds: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances.
Larry Zbyszko: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances, with his third appearance option already being used.
Mark Henry: Retired, following Wrestlemania 33. Now works Backstage, as a producer.
Mick Foley: Unknown. However, he has been vocal about a lack of money for video game appearances.
JBL: Left WWE on September 1, 2017 in order to focus on humanitarian work as a beyond sport global ambassador.
Natural Disasters: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances, with their third appearance option already being used.
Neville: Released from contract August 24, 2018.
Nikki Cross: Unable to come to terms on a deal. It should be known that NXT stars are offered less money than their counterparts, for video game appearances.
Prince Albert: Reasons unknown.
Rich Swann: Released from contract on February 15, 2018.
Rob Van Dam: Exclusive contract with 2K expired.
Sawyer Fulton: Released from contract on November 3, 2017.
Summer Rae: Released from contract on October 29, 2017.
Tatsumi Fujinami: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances, with his third appearance option already being used.
Tommaso Ciampa: Unable to come to terms on a deal.
Tyson Kidd: Retired on June 29, 2017. Now works as a WWE producer.
The Von Erichs: Hall of Fame deal included only two video game appearances.
There you have it! Keep an eye out for more updates on WWE 2K19.
