Cody Rhodes Graces the Cover of WWE 2K24: A Testament to His Meteoric Rise
In the dynamic realm of professional wrestling, few have experienced a resurgence as extraordinary as Cody Rhodes. After a six-year hiatus from WWE, Rhodes made a triumphant return in 2022, captivating audiences with his unwavering determination and exceptional in-ring prowess. Now, as the year 2024 dawns, Rhodes stands as one of the most prominent figures in WWE, his presence gracing the cover of the highly anticipated video game WWE 2K24.
A Journey Marked by Triumphs and Adversity
Rhodes’ journey to the forefront of WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. Since his return in 2022, he has ascended to the pinnacle of the industry, headlining WrestleMania 39 against the dominant Roman Reigns, emerging victorious in the prestigious Royal Rumble, and engaging in unforgettable battles with wrestling legends such as Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, and Rey Mysterio.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievements, Rhodes acknowledged the profound transformation he has undergone since his early days in WWE. “Back in the day when I first started here, I was just looking at what my rating was and I didn’t want to be the worst in the game,” he recalled. “So, we’ve come a long way.”
A Shared Spotlight: Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair Grace the Deluxe Edition
In a groundbreaking move, WWE 2K24 features not one but two covers, recognizing the immense talent and contributions of both Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. These exceptional athletes share the spotlight on the Deluxe Edition of the game, becoming the first-ever female duo to grace the cover of a WWE video game.
Ripley, the reigning WWE Women’s World Champion, expressed her exhilaration at this historic achievement. “I don’t blame them to be honest,” she told ESPN. “I would want this face on a cover, too. But it’s pretty cool. It is wild to think that I get to be on a WWE 2K24 deluxe edition cover. I never thought that this day would come, to be completely honest. It’s wild to see how many amazing things I get to do within my career and just how far it’s gone.”
A Forty-Year Legacy: Celebrating WrestleMania’s Enduring Legacy
WWE 2K24 also pays homage to the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania, with a special “Forty Years of WrestleMania” edition. This commemorative edition features iconic cover art adorned with wrestling legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, and Hulk Hogan, capturing the essence of WrestleMania’s enduring legacy and its indelible impact on the world of sports entertainment.
Unveiling New Match Types and Enhanced Gameplay
WWE 2K24 promises an immersive and exhilarating gaming experience, introducing four captivating new match types: special guest referee, ambulance, casket, and gauntlet. These additions further diversify the gameplay, offering players an array of thrilling and challenging scenarios.
The game boasts an impressive roster of over 200 WWE wrestlers and legends, ensuring that fans can step into the ring as their favorite superstars. Notable legends making their virtual return include Batista, Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Brock Lesnar, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and the trailblazing Chyna, who continues to inspire a new generation of wrestlers.
Ripley’s Inspiration: Embracing Individuality and Challenging Norms
Ripley, a self-proclaimed “mosh,” recognizes the significance of her platform as a role model for those who feel marginalized or different. She draws inspiration from pioneers like Beth Phoenix and Chyna, who defied societal expectations and paved the way for wrestlers like herself to embrace their individuality.
“I know that I get a lot of messages from my ‘moshes’ — my fan base — and they’re so ecstatic that there’s someone out there that can represent them — represent the weirdos, the freaks, the people that just don’t fit the norm,” Ripley explained. “So, I feel that it was really important for me to get out of my shell and stop following that mold and be the person that you see today to help other people be confident within their own skin as well.”
A Showcase of Immortals: Revisiting WrestleMania’s Epic Moments
WWE 2K24 introduces the captivating “Showcase … of the Immortals” mode, allowing players to relive some of the most iconic WrestleMania moments of the past 40 years. This mode promises an immersive and nostalgic experience, enabling fans to step into the ring and recreate the unforgettable matches that have cemented WrestleMania’s status as the grandest stage of them all.
Rhodes’ Undying Quest for the Undisputed WWE Universal Title
As Rhodes sets his sights on WrestleMania 40, his unwavering determination to capture the undisputed WWE Universal Title remains his ultimate goal. He recognizes the significance of securing a victory in either the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber, acknowledging that these events hold the key to unlocking his WrestleMania aspirations.
However, a potential obstacle looms on the horizon: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who made a surprise appearance at a recent WWE event, hinting at a possible involvement in the upcoming WrestleMania. Rhodes, however, remains unfazed by this potential challenge, asserting his unwavering focus on his own path to glory.
A New Chapter in Rhodes’ Legacy: Leaving Stardust Behind
Rhodes’ journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks, and his evolution from the enigmatic Stardust character to the revered superstar he is today is a testament to his unwavering resilience. He acknowledges that the Stardust persona would never have graced the cover of WWE 2K24, highlighting the profound transformation he has undergone.
With his sights set on the future, Rhodes remains committed to etching his name into the annals of WWE history, leaving behind the legacy of Stardust and embracing the limitless possibilities that lie ahead.