After about two decades, the mainline WWE game series will not be seeing a major release, mainly due to the laughably bad quality of 2K20. In its place, though, there will be a unique entry titled 2K Battlegrounds, which looks to emphasize on the larger-than-life quality of the wrestling world.
As of yet, there have only been a handful of names announced for the game, but it is expected to heavily favor the legends in the business. With that in mind, there is a large selection of these stars that can be added to the roster, although a certain few will be most appealing due to a variety of factors. Here are 10 such legends that should appear on 2K Battlegrounds.
10 “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan
The temptation to bring in “Hulkamania” will probably be too great to resist, but the “Hollywood’’ persona of Hogan really was the most engaging. With the coolness factor on his side along with the sense of nostalgia, this is the version that will be a treat.
He can be used both as a heel or as a babyface, with the NWO connections, “Hollywood” Hogan brings adding a layer of intrigue. Hulk’s size and physique are just what the game wants, considering its presentation style.
9 “Rowdy” Roddy Piper
While he was never of the big-sized guys, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper was easily the biggest heel in the business back in the day. It’s a shame, though, that he hasn’t remained as popular as the audience has gotten younger.
This would make his appearance in 2K Battlegrounds a welcome addition, as it would bring in Piper as the heel selection for players and also bring him back in the public eye. Both older and younger fans can delight in seeing the classic heel in such a larger-than-life form.
8 “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels
As is the case with Hogan, Shawn Michaels was also far more interesting in his heel persona. Sure, the final incarnation of his character as the “Mr. WrestleMania” was great, but he lacked the cockiness and flamboyance of “The Heartbreak Kid.”
In a game that has wrestlers appearing so huge in frame, the younger Michaels might not seem a better fit to blend in with the roster. And yet, it would simultaneously make him stand out as well, seeing as HBK’s fashion and attitude is too hard to miss.
7 Lita
This game is clearly shooting for the hard-hitting formula over the classic wrestling simulation. For this reason, the most badass woman in WWE history would be a perfect choice. Lita’s style always was to bring in an extra edge in her ringwork, making her just as equal to contend with the big boys.
Another matter is how she looks so strikingly different compared to the current roster of female wrestlers, something that will separate her for the legend she is. Having the youthful Lita put ‘em up against women like Charlotte and Becky would be a delight.
6 The Ultimate Warrior
Is there any other more suited to the Battlegrounds style than The Ultimate Warrior? Perhaps not, as Warrior’s whole gimmick was to be a jacked-up dude who finished off his opponents with incredible power. This is why this game is his domain.
Funnily enough, Warrior might be one of the guys who doesn’t look all muscled up like the rest, seeing as he looked like that in real life. In a game that’s about the attacks than the wrestling moves, Warrior would be right at home.
5 Goldberg
Here’s another legend whose dominance was always apparent. Goldberg’s moveset in the game would be very interesting to see considering they have always evoked a sense of power.
The game could simply choose to exaggerate his abilities to go with the gimmick of the presentation, something that will come across as cool rather than goofy since it’s Goldberg in question. More than anything, it would be a sight to see his entrance in the Battlegrounds graphical environment.
4 Kane
It’s a shame that Kane’s recent portrayal of being relatively weak has made fans forget how dominant he used to be. In the eyes of the younger audience, Kane needs to be powered up and brought in Battlegrounds as the persona he carried upon his debut.
Seeing this version of the demon would be way more appropriate given that the game is meant to illustrate power moves. Kane’s entrance and overall gimmick would also provide creative opportunities for the developers in coming up with his moveset.
3 Bret “The Hitman” Hart
He’s a legend for sure, but Bret was never the best on his mic work. Instead, he had the aura of a badass fighter and the right look one needs for the face of the company. With Battlegrounds being about the fighting over the onscreen persona, Bret will be placed in a unique position.
His main forte was on the pure wrestling aspect rather than brawling, yet integrating “The Hitman” look in this game might be seamless. Playing as a fighter Bret Hart over the technician he actually was will be an original experience.
2 “Macho Man” Randy Savage
He had the look of a macho man and the attitude of one as well, and Randy Savage is another star that springs instantly to mind with the nature of this game. He was relatively slower in the ring but made up for it with his onscreen presence and incredible physique.
Savage also had goofy aspects to him that made him a charming character, and Battlegrounds can make use of this quality in selecting his fight style. Overall, though, it would be fun to see Randy Savage look like a million bucks in these graphics.
1 Andre The Giant
The first legend to ever be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame, Andre the Giant’s inclusion really is a no-brainer. Actually, he should be placed as a special selection in the roster, perhaps as the ultimate opponent one has to fight.
In addition, Andre’s size should be respected, with his playable character having a unique power move. Given the outlandish nature of Battlegrounds, it will be interesting and hilarious to potentially see Andre do a high-flying move or something completely unorthodox.
NEXT: 10 Wrestling Games That Look Better Than WWE 2K20
