WWE 2K17 has set the WWE Universe on fire. With the largest WWE roster comprising over 100 superstars from the past, present and future (talking about NXT here) of WWE, this game has surpassed all its predecessors.
Keeping true to its tradition of some amazing pre-order bonus characters, 2K gave us Goldberg this year, which is finally culminating in a showdown between him and Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series this year.
Now the speculation for the next version starts. Who will be the pre-order bonus? Who will make it to the roster? Who will be the glaring absentees? We take a look at some of the possible superstars that might return to the WWE landscape in future.
For obvious reasons, we have left out Hulk Hogan and Chris Benoit. However, rumour has it that there are certain legends like CM Punk, Kurt Angle and Owen Hart who could return in the pre-order bonus for WWE 2K18.
There have been some names that have been doing the rounds for next year’s version. WWE loves to treat its fans with a legend who makes the fans go wild.
Naturally, all fingers point to Kurt Angle. The man is an Olympic Gold medalist and has a glorious wrestling career. He is perhaps one of the biggest stars of WWE that has somehow slipped through the cracks over time.
On a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer was asked if Kurt would be the next pre-order bonus and he replied affirmatively. Maybe the Olympic hero will follow in Goldberg’s footsteps for one last run with the WWE.
Another name that could possibly be featured as a pre-order bonus is CM Punk. Now, Punk has been a part of previous versions of the game including him gracing the cover of WWE 2K13. But there are a few issues with this.
First of all, Punk left WWE with a bitter taste in his mouth. In fact, he was fired on his wedding day. That is reason enough for him to never, ever return. Secondly, he is facing an impending lawsuit from WWE physician Dr Chris Amann, which Punk claims that is being funded by none other than Vince McMahon.
Moreover, it is an open secret that Punk and Triple H are not particularly fond of each other. However, WWE believes in doing what is ‘best for business’ and Punk’s appearance in the game and a probable return somewhere down the line would definitely help WWE sell out some arenas.
After her death earlier this year, the WWE Universe has been demanding a seat for Chyna in the WWE Hall of Fame. ‘The Ninth Wonder of the World’ was a prominent force in WWE during the Attitude era and achieved a lot during her career in the company.
She was the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble and the King of the Ring tournament and the first and only woman in the history of WWE to hold the Intercontinental Championship.
Both Triple H and Stephanie McMahon have acknowledged that Chyna deserves a place in the Hall of Fame. Adding her as the pre-order bonus for WWE 2K18 would be a fitting tribute to the ‘Ninth Wonder of the World’ and her legacy.
Another glaring omission from the WWE Hall of Fame is Owen Hart. The WWE is not at fault here. Owen’s widow, Martha still holds a grudge against the company. She blames the company for not being careful with Owen’s entrance which led to the wrestler’s untimely death in 1999.
WWE still went out of its way to settle the matter and even released a DVD honouring Owen Hart’s career. If they can bury the hatchet with Martha, WWE might be able to include Owen as the pre-order bonus in 2K18.
Of course, Owen will not return to the ring, but at least he will take his rightful place in the annals of WWE history and the WWE Hall of Fame.
Let us know what you think? Which other superstars could be the pre-order bonus characters in future versions of the game? Tell us your opinions in the comments below.
For latest WWE News, live coverage and rumours visit our Sportskeeda WWE section. Also if you are attending a WWE Live event or have a news tip for us drop us an email at fightclub (at) sportskeeda (dot) com.
