There is a long-standing relationship between WWE and video games. WWE first got into the gaming world when they partnered with Micro League Media in 1987 to create Micro League Wrestling. Considering the archaic era in which this game was released, the graphics left much to be desired.
Nonetheless, it was an exciting time for those who could afford the high-priced gaming system which Micro League Wrestling was compatible with. The system that was used for playing Micro League Wrestling was the Atari ST, which was released over 30 years ago in 1985 at an introductory price of $999.99, monitor included.
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Since those early days of gaming, a lot has changed. The world of video games has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with revenue numbers topping 24 million dollars in 2016 alone.
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With these type of staggering figures, it’s obvious why WWE made a decision long ago to begin licensing their trademarked images, logos, and likenesses in an attempt to get their piece of this lucrative gaming pie.
Fast forward to the new era of gaming and you'll quickly notice that the 2K brand has been one of the most prominent names in sports games.
Once WWE got into a partnership with the 2K family, their game sales began hitting record numbers. The WWE Universe has welcomed the 2K series of WWE games with open arms, as well as open wallets.
In 2013, the WWE 2K14 game was released in October. On the cover of that very game, was an image of The Rock.
Also read: WWE Rumours: CM Punk, Kurt Angle, Chyna and Owen Hart could be the pre-order bonuses for WWE 2K18
The cover received a lot of attention and with that game, the craze of game covers began. Each year, there has been a high level of anticipation from fans eager to find out who would be the next Superstar to grace the cover of the latest WWE 2K game.
John Cena made the cover for the WWE 2K15 game, while Stone Cold Steve Austin made the cover for 2K16 and Brock Lesnar made the cover for the latest release, which was WWE 2K17.
Looking ahead to October of 2017, fans are already speculating on who will grace the cover of the upcoming release of WWE 2K18. There are several possibilities but as of now, not much has been mentioned regarding who could be some of the names that could be the finalists to make the cover.
There is also a certain degree of superstition, so to speak, that whoever makes the cover, will somehow have some sort of a career-defining year. While that's neither here nor there, it is probably safe to assume that WWE Superstars take a lot of pride in being named as the Superstar for the cover of the latest 2K game.
With that said, who will be the face of the upcoming new release of WWE 2K18? Here’s a look at 10 possibilities that I have narrowed the honor down to.
#10 Charlotte Flair
While she’s probably not considered a favourite by many, there is a very real possibility that Charlotte Flair will be on the cover of your next WWE video game.
Since arriving onto the main roster, Charlotte has improved by leaps and bounds. She has developed her own unique style, while carefully incorporating a certain level of her father's prestigious legacy into her wrestling repertoire.
Charlotte would be the perfect representative of the women's revolution to be on the cover of the latest WWE game.
This would not only help retain the fans who buy all of the 2K series of WWE games, but will also help bring in those who wouldn't normally purchase the game, such as the average women's wrestling fan, or just a die-hard Charlotte Flair fan.
#9 Seth Rollins
If there ever was a WWE Superstar who faced as much adversity in such a short window of time as Seth Rollins, I’ve never seen them. The Architect Seth Rollins is one of the most exciting in-ring performers of this generation, who has the unique ability to turn a mediocre bout into a show-stopping clinic.
The way things look right now, we are looking forward to the epic showdown at WrestleMania 33 featuring Seth Rollins taking on his former mentor, ‘The Game’, Triple H. This match has the potential of stealing the show.
Hopefully, Seth has these nagging injuries behind him. But, in a sport where anything can happen and everything is high-impact, you can never be too careful.
#8 The Undertaker
He is the most iconic WWE Superstar of all-time and for many, he’s simply the best to ever step foot into a squared-circle. The Undertaker is THE man among men and every other Superstar is fully aware of that very fact.
The Undertaker has stood the test of time and has proven time and time again just why he is known as "The Phenom."
When it comes to putting a face on the video game that would be a guaranteed hit, there is no name better suited for something like this, than the Deadman himself
#7 Kevin Owens
Much like AJ Styles, Kevin Owens took the long route to get to the WWE. After 15 successful years on the independent grind, WWE finally figured out what most of us knew for many years, which was the fact that Kevin Owens was worthy of a shot on the big stage.
Since arriving in the WWE, Kevin has done exactly what he’s done his entire career... win. Owens has plenty of good years left in his career and thankfully, the WWE Universe will likely be his audience for the remainder of his time in the ring.
#6 The Miz (with Maryse)
When The Miz headlined WrestleMania 27 in Atlanta, it just seemed underwhelming. Despite defeating John Cena and retaining his WWE Championship, it still felt like the time wasn't right.
However, fast-forward 6 years to WrestleMania 33, The Miz is better than he's ever been and if a title opportunity were to suddenly fall into his lap, he would certainly be worthy of that shot.
The past couple of years have been magical for The Miz. He seems to be firing on all cylinders and the fans are finally behind this guy, rightfully so. It may be a long-shot, but if the 2K family wants to add a couple of A-Listers to their upcoming cover, we have just the duo for the job!
#5 Finn Balor
Had it not been for the unfortunate injury Finn Balor suffered during his WWE Universal Title win against Seth Rollins, we would probably be seeing a completely different WWE landscape today.
Now with his television return well within reach, fans are anxious to see WWE’s resident demon king return to action.
Finn Balor has such an incredible style and presence, combined with his technical superiority, that it simply cannot be matched. Balor has plenty of fuel left in his tank and as long as he can protect himself, WWE fans will enjoy watching Finn capture many more championships in the near future.
#4 Shinsuke Nakamura
2016 was a huge year for WWE in regards to signing high-level talent. One of the most prominent names signed, not only last year, but any year, is Shinsuke Nakamura.
Nakamura has revamped the NXT brand and has ensured a great future for those who will come up after him. The Superstar, who is widely known as the “King of Strong Style,” has been one of the most entertaining performers in recent memory.
It is very likely that Shinsuke will soon be headed to one of the main rosters, possibly as soon as after WrestleMania. With that in mind, it would make for perfect timing if he was named the WWE Superstar to make the cover of WWE 2K18.
#3 The New Day
Kofi Kingston, Big E and Xavier Woods came together nearly three years ago, at a time when all of their respective careers were somewhat stagnant. I have a feeling that when they were pitched the idea for The New Day gimmick, there must have been some degree of doubt in the room.
However, like the true Champions they are, this trio made the most of a questionable situation, forming one of the most successful tag teams in WWE history.
Having a cover with three WWE Superstars would be a first for the game, but then again, nothing The New Day has ever done has really been all that normal. I suspect this idea for the 2K cover would go over very well with the WWE Universe.
#2 AJ Styles
For nearly two decades, AJ Styles dominated the professional wrestling industry on all continents and in every company... except one. At the 2016 Royal Rumble pay-per-view, AJ Styles finally did what many critics said would never happen, he stepped into a WWE ring, as the newest WWE Superstar.
2016 would be a tremendous year for The Phenomenal One. AJ would take the WWE by storm, having one of the best years of his entire career. In fact, Styles was named as The Wrestler of the Year for the second consecutive year by Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
AJ Styles would be a very popular pick to grace the cover of WWE 2K18.
#1 Bray Wyatt
I’ll admit, I am a huge Bray Wyatt fan and yes, my judgment is sometimes flawed by the fact that I am such a big fan of The Eater of Worlds. However, it is a great time to be a Wyatt fan, due to how he has vindicated all of us who have supported him since he was repackaged and emerged as his cult-leader persona.
Bray winning the Elimination Chamber and being crowned the new WWE Champion is a moment that I’ll never forget. The way he won it was simply epic in how he pinned John Cena and then AJ Styles, to earn a clean victory.
Despite being a heel, Bray Wyatt has a massive following of what he calls his “fireflies.”
We have stuck with this guy through the worst and very best times, so yes, the Wyatt fans would come out in full force to support a game that has the patriarch of The Wyatt Family on the cover.
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