WWE 2K25 is already released, and 2K announced TNA-connected talent among its downloadable content. But whether WWE needed separate or newly negotiated deals to include them is not publicly established: WWE and TNA’s announced partnership covers programming and select live events, not video-game licensing.
What the WWE–TNA partnership does—and does not—say
WWE and TNA announced a multi-year partnership on January 16, 2025. WWE’s announcement describes crossover opportunities for NXT Superstars and TNA Wrestling Stars across WWE and TNA programming, including NXT, TNA iMPACT!, select WWE Premium Live Events, and TNA pay-per-views.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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WWE 2K25 - PlayStation 5 | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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WWE 2K24 - PlayStation 5 | $24.31 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![2K Games WWE 2K24 PS5 STANDARD EDITION [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41O1lLlftEL._SL160_.jpg)
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2K Games WWE 2K24 PS5 STANDARD EDITION [video game] | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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PGA TOUR 2K25 - PlayStation 5 | $17.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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WWE 2K25 PS4 Standard Edition | $29.99 | Buy on Amazon |
The announcement does not mention WWE 2K25, video-game rights, or the terms governing a wrestler’s appearance in a game. Its existence therefore does not prove that the partnership itself granted the rights needed for 2K25—or that a separate new deal was required.
What 2K announced for WWE 2K25
WWE 2K25 was announced for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam, with the standard edition scheduled for March 14, 2025. The game has since been released. 2K’s New Wave Pack announcement names the Motor City Machine Guns, Stephanie Vaquer, and Giulia. The WWE 2K25 newsroom listing also names Jordynne Grace among DLC talent.
#1 Best Overall
- RULE BEYOND THE RING: In a franchise first, step outside the ropes and onto The Island for Xbox Series X|S/PlayStation 5—an immersive, WWE-themed world filled with epic arenas, challenges, and live events. Fight to join the Bloodline with “The Original Tribal Chief” Roman Reigns, as you upgrade and customize your MySUPERSTAR through multiple storyline chapters.
- 2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE'S DYNASTY: The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.
- EXPANDED GAMEPLAY - Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise Additional features include the return of chain wrestling, Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, and more.
- MyGM GOES WORLDWIDE - Take your show on the road with MyGM, now featuring online multiplayer. Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.
Those announcements establish that the listed content was announced for the game. They do not identify which company, if any, licensed an individual’s likeness or other rights, or disclose the contractual route used. In particular, they do not establish whether Joe Hendry appears in the game; the fan question about him is not an official confirmation.
Why an in-game appearance can involve more than one kind of right
A wrestler’s appearance may raise separate questions about individual talent or likeness rights, promotion-owned branding and marks, entrance music or other separately controlled material, and distribution through the game publisher and platforms. These are possible categories to consider, not confirmed terms of any WWE 2K25 agreement.
Rank #2
- FORTY YEARS OF WRESTLEMANIA - WrestleMania is the biggest event in sports entertainment, where Superstars become WWE Legends. Experience a gripping retelling of WrestleMania’s greatest moments in 2K Showcase of the Immortals, where you can relive a collection of some of the most unforgettable, career-defining matches.
- AN ICONIC ROSTER - WWE 2K24 boasts a star-studded roster featuring WWE Legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE Superstars “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, whose larger-than-life entrances and signature moves are heightened by ultra-realistic graphics.
- NEW MATCH TYPES - From Guest Referee to Casket, Gauntlet, and Ambulance matches, there are a bevy of new match types to experience in WWE 2K24, including support for multiple Superstars in Backstage Brawl.
- BUILD YOUR FACTION - Assemble your favorite WWE Superstars and Legends in MyFACTION. Acquire cards, build a dominant faction, compete in online multiplayer and the all-new ranked quickplay. Plus, earn exciting promotional and final rank rewards as you climb the new seasonal leaderboard!
The public announcements do not allocate those rights or identify the agreements that covered the DLC talent. Without that information, it would be speculation to say that WWE, TNA, 2K, or a wrestler used a particular licensing arrangement—or that the multi-year partnership made a new game-specific deal unnecessary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What can be concluded about “new deals”
The evidence supports a narrow conclusion: WWE and TNA have a publicly announced multi-year partnership focused on programming and select live events, and 2K announced TNA-connected talent for WWE 2K25 DLC. Public sources do not reveal whether separate or new contracts were needed for those game appearances. The headline’s claim is therefore an open licensing question, not an established fact.
Rank #3
- FORTY YEARS OF WRESTLEMANIA WrestleMania is the biggest event in sports entertainment, where Superstars become WWE Legends. Experience a gripping retelling of WrestleMania’s greatest moments in 2K Showcase of the Immortals, where you can relive a collection of some of the most unforgettable, career-defining matches.
- AN ICONIC ROSTER WWE 2K24 boasts a star-studded roster featuring WWE Legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE Superstars like “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, whose larger-than-life entrances and signature moves are heightened by ultra-realistic graphics.
- NEW MATCH TYPES From Guest Referee to Casket, Gauntlet, and Ambulance matches, there are a bevy of new match types to experience in WWE 2K24, including support for multiple Superstars in Backstage Brawl.
- PROVE YOURSELF IN MyRISE Unleash your raw talent and become the undisputed champ in MyRISE, featuring two thrilling career arcs and original storylines chronicling your ascent to WWE stardom from the men's and women’s divisions.
- BUILD YOUR FACTION Assemble your favorite WWE Superstars and Legends in MyFACTION. Acquire cards, build a dominant faction, compete in online multiplayer and the all-new ranked quickplay. Plus, earn exciting promotional and final rank rewards as you climb the new seasonal leaderboard!
2K’s WWE 2K25 store page describes the game and its editions; current platform and edition availability can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2K SHOWCASE: THE BLOODLINE'S DYNASTY- The all-new Showcase, hosted by “The Wiseman” Paul Heyman, celebrates one of the most historic family dynasties in wrestling. Relive legendary showdowns or dream matches between The Bloodline and WWE Superstars and Legends.
- EXPANDED GAMEPLAY- Intergender wrestling makes its long-awaited debut in the WWE 2K franchise! Additional features include the return of chain wrestling, Underground and Bloodline Rules match types, barricade diving, and more.
- MyGM GOES WORLDWIDE- Take your show on the road with MyGM, now featuring online multiplayer. Draft WWE Superstars and Legends to your show’s roster and lead your brand through multi-week seasons.
- YOUR UNIVERSE, YOUR WAY- New upgrades give greater control over your Universe experience featuring commentary-driven promos with new cutscenes, branching choices, and multiple outcomes.
- A UNIFIED MyRISE- Take control of your Superstar from the women’s or men’s divisions in a singular multi-gender MyRISE storyline where Bayley, Kevin Owens, and other Superstars infiltrate NXT in an attempt to take control of the entire WWE universe. Featuring new brawl environments, unlockable arenas, characters, and more—plus new ally storylines involving Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, and other WWE Superstars.
Rank #4
- REAL FEEL: Swing your swing and play your game with new EvoSwing mechanics—new shot types, ball flights, roll physics, and visual improvements.
- MAJOR TOURNAMENTS HAVE ARRIVED: The U.S. Open Championship, The Open Championship, and the PGA Championship make their 2K Franchise debut.
- MyCAREER AND MyPLAYER, YOUR WAY: Step into the most immersive MyCAREER yet. Dynamically simulate rounds, play through training and pre-tournament events. Be your authentic self in MyPLAYER with diverse customizations, a new Attributes Points system, upgraded Skill Trees, and an all-new Equipment Progression system.
- UNLEASH YOUR INNER COURSE ARCHITECT: Design your dream course with Course Designer! New tools, surfaces, objects, and more control with higher-res terrain. Show off your courses in all their natural beauty with an all-new camera system.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
