Cody Rhodes Graces the Cover of WWE 2K24, Alongside Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair
In a highly anticipated announcement, WWE 2K24, the upcoming video game, has unveiled its cover stars, featuring Cody Rhodes on the standard edition, Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair sharing the spotlight on the deluxe edition, and a “Forty Years of WrestleMania” edition adorned with iconic legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, and Hulk Hogan.
Cody Rhodes: From Stardust to WWE 2K24 Cover Star
Cody Rhodes, who has emerged as a prominent figure in WWE since his triumphant return in 2022, expressed his delight at being featured on the game’s cover, describing it as a “little bucket list thing” he had always aspired to achieve.
Rhodes’ remarkable journey in WWE has seen him headline WrestleMania 39 against Roman Reigns, secure a Royal Rumble victory, defeat Seth Rollins in a grueling Hell in a Cell match, participate in a War Games bout, and engage in a series of memorable encounters with Brock Lesnar.
Reflecting on his initial days in WWE, Rhodes acknowledged his humble beginnings, stating, “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. So, we’ve come a long way.”
Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair: Breaking Barriers as WWE 2K24 Cover Stars
Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, both trailblazing female superstars in WWE, will share the spotlight on the deluxe edition of WWE 2K24, marking a historic moment as the first time two women grace the cover of a WWE video game.
Ripley, the current WWE women’s world champion, expressed her excitement, saying, “I don’t blame them to be honest. 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.”
Bianca Belair, a former two-time WWE women’s champion, echoed Ripley’s sentiments, acknowledging the significance of this milestone.
WWE 2K24: Exciting New Features and Gameplay Enhancements
WWE 2K24 is set to introduce a host of new match types, including special guest referee, ambulance, casket, and gauntlet matches, adding variety and excitement to the gameplay experience. Over 200 WWE wrestlers and legends, spanning different eras, will be available for players to choose from, including fan favorites like Batista, Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Brock Lesnar, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, and the legendary Chyna, who serves as an inspiration to Rhea Ripley.
Ripley spoke about the impact of trailblazers like Beth Phoenix and Chyna, stating, “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. 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. So, I have to thank people like Beth [Phoenix] and Chyna, because they were so different in such a time where it was very obvious what was wanted within women in the sporting business.”
2K24 Games has promised significant improvements in animations, with over 90% of facial expressions updated, along with enhancements to the ramp and dive cameras. Players will also have the ability to move the camera during live gameplay, adding a dynamic element to the visual experience.
Additionally, a new “Showcase … of the Immortals” mode will allow players to relive some of the most iconic WrestleMania moments from the past 40 years, providing a nostalgic and immersive journey through WWE history.
Cody Rhodes Eyes WrestleMania Glory and the Undisputed WWE Universal Title
As Cody Rhodes sets his sights on WrestleMania 40, he acknowledges the significance of securing a victory in either the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber to earn a shot at the undisputed WWE Universal title.
Reflecting on his aspirations, Rhodes stated, “For me to be able to get back [to challenge for the title at WrestleMania], I’ve gotta win in one of those two settings — the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber. And that’s really where my focus is at. I can’t see WrestleMania 40 until I see one of those.”
However, a potential obstacle in Rhodes’ path to WrestleMania glory emerged with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s recent return to WWE, where he hinted at a possible showdown with Roman Reigns, who is Rhodes’ current target.
Despite this potential hurdle, Rhodes remains focused on his goal, stating, “I don’t consider him in my way. Maybe he is, and I’m being naive to it. Maybe he maybe he wants to get in, I don’t know. But I don’t consider him in my way. Again, The Rock is one of the main reasons we’re here today. Nothing but respect. But also at the same time, I have to have the respect for myself to know where I’d like to go.”
A Legacy in the Making: Cody Rhodes’ Journey from Stardust to WWE 2K24 Cover Star
Cody Rhodes’ journey in WWE has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After leaving the company in 2016, he embarked on a transformative odyssey, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in other wrestling promotions.
Upon his triumphant return to WWE in 2022, Rhodes quickly established himself as a fan favorite, captivating audiences with his compelling storylines and in-ring prowess. His rise to prominence culminated in his selection as the cover star for WWE 2K24, a testament to his impact and popularity within the WWE Universe.
Reflecting on his evolution from the cartoony, gold-face-painted Stardust character to the respected and beloved performer he is today, Rhodes acknowledges the significance of this moment.
He remarked, “I don’t think Stardust makes the cover of WWE 2K24. I don’t think Stardust even gets the back box art.”
With his name etched on the cover of WWE 2K24, Cody Rhodes continues to write his legacy in WWE, inspiring countless fans and leaving an indelible mark on the world of sports entertainment.
Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the adrenaline-fueled action of WWE 2K24. Pre-order your copy today and get ready to step into the ring with the biggest names in WWE history.