Honestly, when 2K first announced the WWE 2K24 full roster, most of us just assumed it would be the usual "copy-paste" job from last year with a couple of NXT call-ups and maybe one big legend return. We were wrong. This isn't just a list; it’s a 200-plus character beast that feels like a love letter to the "40 Years of WrestleMania" theme.
It’s huge. It's messy. And yeah, it’s got some weird gaps that’ll make you scratch your head, but overall? It’s arguably the most complete wrestling sandbox we’ve ever seen.
The Heavy Hitters and Why They Matter
Basically, the game is anchored by the "Nightmare Family" and the "Bloodline." You’ve got Cody Rhodes as the cover star, and obviously, Roman Reigns is sitting there with a massive 97 rating, which is kinda ridiculous but also totally fair given his run.
But what really makes this year’s roster pop is the variety of "versions" of the same person. You aren't just getting John Cena. You're getting "Doctor of Thuganomics" Cena, NWO Cena (from that weird Firefly Fun House match), and even "Elite" John Cena. It’s a lot.
The women’s division is also deeper than ever. Rhea Ripley is the highest-rated female at 96, and seeing her alongside legends like Chyna and Lita is just cool. It lets you book those "what if" matches that actually feel right.
The Massive Current Day Lineup
You've basically got the entire active TV roster here.
- Raw: Names like Seth "Freakin" Rollins, Becky Lynch, Sami Zayn, and Gunther (who is a total tank in this game).
- SmackDown: LA Knight (YEAH!), Randy Orton, Bianca Belair, and the ever-present Logan Paul.
- NXT: This is where things get interesting because you get the future stars like Bron Breakker, Trick Williams, and Tiffany Stratton.
It’s worth noting that 2K actually updated some of the models significantly. Randy Orton looks way better than he did in 2K23, and the lighting changes make the skin textures look more like actual human beings and less like shiny plastic action figures.
WWE 2K24 Full Roster: The Legends Nobody Expected
The legends list is usually where these games live or die. This year, they went deep into the archives. Sure, you have the staples: Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and The Rock. But then they threw in Muhammad Ali.
Yeah, the boxer.
It sounds weird, but because he was a special guest referee at the very first WrestleMania, he’s in. And he actually plays uniquely compared to the traditional wrestlers.
Then there’s the WCW and ECW influence. For the first time in a while, it feels like they aren't ignoring the hardcore roots of the business. Seeing the Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) back in a WWE game feels right. It fills a massive hole in the tag team division that’s been there for years.
Surprising Names and DLC Additions
If the base game wasn't enough, the DLC packs really rounded things out. They didn't just add wrestlers; they added "personalities."
- CM Punk: The biggest "get" of the year. He missed the initial cut because he returned to WWE so late, but he’s the centerpiece of the first DLC pack.
- Post Malone: Kinda random? Maybe. But he’s a huge fan and his entrance is actually pretty fire.
- Pat McAfee: He brought his whole crew from the show with him. Playing as AJ Hawk or Boston Connor is definitely a choice, but for fans of his show, it’s a fun inclusion.
- Jade Cargill: She arrived as a "Global Superstar" and her model is arguably one of the most detailed in the entire game.
The Ratings Drama
People always get worked up about ratings. Honestly, it's just a number, but in 2K24, it actually dictates how the AI behaves. Logan Paul being a 90 is a "love him or hate him" moment, but you can't deny he’s been a highlight machine.
On the flip side, seeing some of the legends with lower scores than the current mid-carders feels a bit disrespectful to some old-school fans. But hey, you can always go into the settings and manually change everyone to a 99 if you really want to break the game.
What’s Missing?
No roster is perfect. The biggest "ouch" is definitely Edge. Since he moved over to AEW (as Adam Copeland), he’s obviously gone from the game. Same with Goldberg—he’s just... not there.
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There are also a few NXT stars who were probably just a month or two too late to be scanned, so you'll have to rely on the Community Creations for them. Speaking of which, the "CAW" (Create-A-Wrestler) community is so good now that you can find a near-perfect version of anyone missing within five minutes of opening the servers.
Making the Most of This Massive Roster
If you’re staring at this list of 200+ people and don't know where to start, here’s the move. Don't just stick to Exhibition matches. The Universe Mode is where this roster actually shines.
You can set up a "Legends" brand and have Bruno Sammartino defend a title against Gunther. Or, you can take Cody Rhodes through the Showcase of the Immortals mode to relive the matches that defined WrestleMania history.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Download Center: Even with the full roster, search for "Status" or "WhatsTheStatus" in the Community Creations. They often find hidden models or commentary lines for "unfiltered" versions of superstars.
- Update the Attires: A lot of the roster is stuck in their 2023 gear. Look for the "Alternative Attire" tag in the creation suite to get current-day looks for people like Dominik Mysterio or Jey Uso.
- Try the Managers: Don't overlook people like Paul Heyman or Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. Using them at ringside actually triggers different AI behaviors and buffs your superstar’s momentum.
The WWE 2K24 full roster is more than just a marketing gimmick this time. It's a genuine bridge between the nostalgia of the 80s and the high-production era of today. Whether you're a "we want Cody" person or an "Attitude Era" purist, there’s enough here to keep you busy until next year's cycle begins.