You've spent hours sculpting the perfect jawline for your custom superstar, only to realize the real meat of the game is hidden behind a choice you haven't even seen yet. Honestly, the WWE 2K25 MyRISE mode is a bit of a maze this year. It isn't just about winning matches or getting that social media follower count up. It’s about who you choose to stand next to when the "Mutiny" starts hitting the fan.
If you’re looking to WWE 2K25 MyRISE recruit indie wrestlers, you’ve probably noticed that the game doesn't exactly hand them to you on a silver platter. You have to work for it. And by work, I mean you have to survive a hostile takeover of NXT and navigate a storyline that feels like a fever dream version of the old WCW Invasion.
Why the Indie Path is Actually the Smart Choice
Most people naturally gravitate toward the "Legends" option. I get it. Who doesn't want to team up with a 2003-era Scott Steiner or a modern-day Alundra Blayze? But sticking with the legends is sort of the "safe" route. If you want the weird, the fresh, and the characters that actually feel like they belong in a gritty, basement-show atmosphere, you need to pivot.
Recruiting the indie stars unlocks specific roster members that you can't get anywhere else. We're talking about Josie Jane and Paragon Jay Pierce. These aren't just background NPCs; they are fully playable roster additions once you clear their specific branch.
How to Trigger the Recruitment Phase
You can't just walk up to a guy in a black t-shirt and ask him to join your stable. Everything in MyRISE Mutiny hinges on the late-game split. Here is the basic flow:
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- Survive the first 8 Chapters. You'll deal with the NXT Mutiny (led by the likes of Kevin Owens and Bayley in this timeline) and eventually hit the "Survive" chapter.
- Choose the "Reclaim" Ending. This is the big fork in the road. You’ll be asked to continue with your primary character to save WWE (Reclaim) or side with the Mutiny (Conquer). To get the indies, you must pick Reclaim.
- The Three-Way Choice. Once you're on the Reclaim path, the game presents you with three groups to help you take back the company: WWE Legends, Past 2K MyPlayers, or the Indie Wrestlers.
The "Indie Assistance" Reward Breakdown
Choosing the "Indie Assistance" objective isn't just about the warm fuzzy feeling of supporting local talent. It’s a massive unlock dump. Honestly, the TBD Arena alone is worth the detour if you're into that raw, "Bingo Hall" aesthetic for your Universe Mode later on.
When you commit to this path, you’re securing:
- Josie Jane (Playable Roster & MyFACTION Card)
- Paragon Jay Pierce (Playable Roster & MyFACTION Card)
- TBD Arena (The iconic "To Be Determined" independent venue)
Jay Pierce has been a staple of the 2K "original" lore for a bit now, but seeing him integrated into the 2K25 Mutiny storyline as a savior of the big leagues? It’s a cool touch. It gives that "indie darling making it big" vibe that actually mirrors real-life career trajectories.
The Personality Myth
One thing that confuses a lot of players is whether your starting personality matters for recruiting. It kinda does, but not for the final choice.
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You pick between Bold and Brash, Comedic and Fun, or Scheming and Calculated at the start. While these change your dialogue and unlock specific items (like the Carnival Hammer or the "Chosen" version of your character), they don't lock you out of the indie recruitment. You can be a total jerk (Bold and Brash) and still decide that the indie scene is your best bet for reinforcements.
Pro Tip: If you want to be efficient, your first playthrough should probably focus on the Indie path or the Legends path. Why? Because the "Past 2K MyPlayers" path (which brings back Buzz and The Lock) is a massive nostalgia trip but requires you to have a bit of a handle on the 2K25 mechanics first, as those matches can get surprisingly sweaty.
Making the Indie Run Work
If you're going for a 100% completion, you’re looking at at least four playthroughs. Yeah, it’s a grind.
But for the indie run, try to pair it with a character background that fits. In the early chapters, you’re asked about your background. Selecting "Independent" or "Rival Promotion" doesn't mechanically force you into the indie ending, but it makes the story beats feel way more cohesive. There’s something satisfying about a character who came from the indies returning to their roots to find the muscle needed to take down a corporate takeover.
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The TBD Arena you unlock is one of the most versatile in the game. It lacks the flashy LED boards of a modern SmackDown set, which is exactly why it’s great. It’s perfect for creating your own small-scale promotion in Universe Mode.
Final Actionable Steps for Your Save File
If you’re currently mid-playthrough and want these unlocks, do this:
- Check your Chapter: If you haven't hit Chapter 8 yet, keep grinding.
- Save your Slot: Before the final decision between "Reclaim" and "Conquer," make sure you’re happy with your attributes. The indie path involves some multi-man matches that can be annoying if your stamina is low.
- Focus on Jay Pierce: In the recruitment matches, prioritize taking out the Mutiny members quickly. The game sometimes spikes the AI difficulty here to simulate the "pressure" of the invasion.
- Check the "Live" Menu: After you finish, head to the Live Records in the options menu to make sure the MyFACTION versions of Josie and Jay have moved over properly.
Don't sleep on the indie path just because the Legends look shiny. The TBD Arena and the specific move-sets attached to Jay Pierce and Josie Jane are some of the most unique "original" content 2K has put out in years. It’s the best way to make your roster feel like a living, breathing world rather than just a collection of TV stars.