AlthoughWWE 2K24has yet to be announced, many are expecting the game to come next year with various quality-of-life improvements, new features, and more to put it overWWE 2K23, and an upcoming match at Madison Square Garden highlights one way this is possible. As it stands,WWE 2K24is expected to be announced at the Royal Rumble, fitting the pattern established over the last two years. Such a pattern would suggest thatWWE 2K24will release in March 2024, but fans should take that with a grain of salt until the developer confirms it one way or another.
Still, anticipation is high after the successes ofWWE 2K22andWWE 2K23. One area where many fans may hope to see some improvements is in the match types, as the selection is pretty standard fare with no “wow type” matches. Visual Conceptsdid take a step forward with this thanks to the addition ofWarGames inWWE 2K23, and at the time, developers told us that the iterative process of match types could see one set up another. For example, having multiple referees in WarGames could give them the standard operating tools needed to add Special Referee matches down the road (though this is not confirmed forWWE 2K24or beyond). While this is an exciting venture, so too would be the possible addition of a Bull Rope match after Cody Rhodes' upcoming bout against Shinsuke Nakamura.
WWE 2K24: The Bull Rope Match
As recently announced,Cody Rhodeswill face Shinsuke Nakamura in a Bull Rope match at Madison Square Garden on December 26. Unfortunately, this is a house show and therefore untelevised, meaning fans not in attendance won’t really be able to watch the match via legitimate means. It’s unfortunate, given how exciting it is and how rare more “out-there” match types are in WWE. It’s also unfortunate because this match type is special to Rhodes; it was considered the specialty of his late father, Dusty Rhodes, who wrestled Superstar Billy Graham in the very same match at the very same venue, Madison Square Garden, back in 1978. Needless to say, it’s an emotional affair for the American Nightmare.
This is Cody Rhodes' second Bull Rope Match after it was rumored for his feud with Brock Lesnar. His first was ROH Supercard of Honor XI against Jay Lethal.
For the uninitiated, a Bull Rope match sees two wrestlers attached to a 14-foot bull rope, ensuring they cannot create a lot of distance between the two. Use of the rope and cowbell is considered legal, and victory is determined by pinfall or submission. Some strap matches like the Bull Rope match also stipulate that the wrestler has to be able to hit all four corners of the ring, though this is a much, much less common condition of the stipulation. But because it is so rare, it would make a great addition toWWE 2K24.
The vast majority ofWWE 2K23match typesare won by pinfall or submission, save for match types like the Royal Rumble. This is to be expected, but at the same time, it creates a certain flow of the game. That’s not a bad thing, but adding new match types that interrupt that flow would introduce some good variety into the game. A Bull Rope match, with the option to interact with all four ring corners while beaten, weak, and knowing an enemy can yank the rope at any time, would be a perfect match type to do just that inWWE 2K24.
Other Match Types WWE 2K24 Should Add
While a Bull Rope match is not a common venture in WWE and it’s important that thevideo game world ofWWE 2Kbe able to replicate real-world events, there’s certainly something to be said about match type variety inWWE 2Kgames. Just because it’s not commonly hosted in the real world doesn’t mean fans should be able to play with various match types in the games. Alongside the Bull Rope match, it would be great to see new or returning match types from past games like the following:
WWE 2K23
WHERE TO PLAY
Expanded features, gorgeous graphics, and the ultimate WWE experience. Hit the ring with a deep roster of WWE Superstars and Legends including Roman Reigns, “American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Ronda Rousey, Brock Lesnar, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and more!2K SHOWCASE: INTERACTIVE SPORTS DOCUMENTARY: Play through the key moments and toughest opponents of John Cena’s storied 20-year WWE career. And in a franchise-first, take on the role of each marquee opponent - some of WWE’s greatest of all time - as you aim to take down Mr. Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect.IT’S WARGAMES: The fan-favorite action-packed WarGames makes its debut in WWE 2K23 and delivers heart-pounding 3v3 and 4v4 multiplayer mayhem inside two side-by-side rings, surrounded by a double-steel cage!YOUR SHOW, YOUR CHOICESWith MyGM: take the reins of a weekly show and compete against rival general managers for brand supremacy. Now featuring more GMs to choose from, additional show options, multiple seasons, expanded match cards, and more match types for up to 4 players.YOU HOLD ALL THE CARDS: Collect and upgrade cards of WWE Superstars and Legends to build the ultimate faction and compete for global dominance in MyFACTION, now featuring online multiplayer!DEFINE YOUR FUTURE IN MyRISE: Walk through the curtains for your WWE debut and shape your career as a WWE Superstar with the decisions you make along the way through distinct storylines - The Lock and The Legacy.THE UNIVERSE IS ALL YOURS: WWE Universe Mode is the ultimate sandbox that puts you in charge of WWE, from Superstar rosters, feuds, champions, weekly shows, and more!
