WWE 2K26 leak reveals CM Punk Showcase mode spanning three distinct playable sections

We previously reported on rumors that CM Punk is the cover star for WWE 2K26. This led many to believe he would also be central to the game’s Showcase mode, as has been the case with past cover stars such as Rey Mysterio for 2K22, John Cena for 2K23, and Roman Reigns’ Bloodline for 2K25. Insider Gaming editor-in-chief Mike Straw has now reported that CM Punk is indeed the Showcase mode star, with a leak revealing three distinct playable sections.

Showcase mode is a recurring staple of the WWE 2K series. It is a mode celebrating WWE’s rich history, dating back to the company’s lineage as the WWF in 1979. In Showcase, players experience a curated list of matches with objectives that unlock rewards, such as wrestlers and cosmetics. Gameplay is interwoven with real archival footage and interviews featuring the Showcase mode’s star.

According to Mike Straw, CM Punk’s Showcase mode features three playable sections. The first reportedly includes Punk’s favorite matches, while the second focuses on “what if?” scenarios, meaning matches and rivalries the Straight Edge Superstar could have had if he hadn’t left the company following the 2014 Royal Rumble.

The third section is reportedly fantasy matches, featuring opponents CM Punk has never faced and likely never could.

Possible WWE 2K26 CM Punk Showcase matches

Assuming the leak is accurate, the potential match lineup for a CM Punk Showcase mode is extensive. In the fantasy category, Stone Cold Steve Austin and “Macho Man” Randy Savage stand out as plausible options.

CM Punk has previously stated that Stone Cold Steve Austin is a dream opponent. In WWE ’13, the last game featuring Punk on the cover, marketing included a sit-down interview between Punk and Austin, teasing a possible future match.

As for Randy Savage, Punk has revealed that the Macho Man was his favorite wrestler growing up, rather than Hulk Hogan. Punk also paid tribute to Savage during a 2011 episode of RAW by wearing pink trunks with stars and yellow boots resembling Savage’s famous WrestleMania 3 attire.

Regarding favorite matches, John Cena vs. CM Punk at Money in the Bank 2011 is the bigger moment due to a raucous Chicago crowd, Punk’s hometown, and because it was his first WWE title win. However, the more likely match to be included is John Cena Vs. CM Punk on the February 25, 2013, edition of RAW.

Punk has stated that he considers the RAW match the best of his career, and the Money in the Bank bout notably features Vince McMahon, the former WWE CEO, who has not appeared in the WWE 2K series since 2K23 following sex trafficking allegations.

Unfortunately, Punk’s unforgettable rivalry against Jeff Hardy in 2009 is unlikely to be included. Their World Heavyweight Championship ladder match at SummerSlam 2009 is a classic, but Hardy is currently under contract with TNA Wrestling.

While WWE and TNA are partners, reports suggest TNA talent is less likely to appear in WWE 2K26 than wrestlers from AAA. If Jeff and Matt Hardy do appear, it would almost definitely be through post-launch DLC.

WWE 2K26 reveal expected soon

The official reveal of WWE 2K26 is expected soon. The game is slated to release before March 31, 2026, which also coincides with the shutdown date for WWE 2K24 servers. Since 2K22, the series has traditionally been revealed in January, followed by a March release.

Beyond CM Punk rumors, another major claim involves the addition of wrestlers from the Lucha Libre promotion AAA, which WWE has been the parent company of since 2025. Former AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo has seemingly confirmed he was scanned, and other AAA wrestlers, such as Mr. Iguana, have recently appeared in the 2K mobile game WWE SuperCard.

Other potential additions include Torrie Wilson, possibly leaked by a source who accurately revealed all of the WWE 2K25 DLC. It’s also likely that all four members of the Darkstate faction from NXT will appear, as Osiris Griffin has confirmed he was scanned.

WWE 2K25 has also hinted at the return of The Island in 2K26. Introduced in 2K25, The Island is an attempt to replicate NBA 2K’s The City. It features a small explorable island divided into themed areas, where you compete against other players online as a created wrestler and spend real money on items such as in-game cosmetics, such as wrestling shirts.

There is uncertainty surrounding Hall of Famer Mick Foley’s inclusion. Foley has confirmed he will not renew his Legends contract beyond June 2026, which allows WWE to use a retired wrestler’s likeness in exchange for royalties. If Foley is excluded from 2K26, his alternate personas, Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack, would be removed as well.