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After returning as a playable character in WWE 2K24, CM Punk now features as a GM in 2K25, despite having never played the role in real life.
WWE 2K25 has continued to improve upon the MyGM mode from its previous iteration. The simulator sees players managing their own wrestling leagues while trying to beat competitors on show ratings and revenue. While the game’s AI sometimes gives glaringly inaccurate results of show ratings, the mode has its charms and has garnered appreciation from fans. Before starting a match, one first has to choose their general manager (GM), who provides certain bonuses that you can leverage.
2K25 has expanded its roster of GMs with Nick Aldis, Mr. Fuji, Ava Raine, Shawn Michaels, and CM Punk. Wait… CM Punk? While Punk is a legend of the squared circle, he was never known for becoming a GM for the WWE, or any other wrestling league for that matter. Then why is the Straight-Edge Superstar 2K25’s 18th GM?
CM Punk’s Return to the 2K Roster After 10 Years
After nearly a decade away, Punk returned to WWE in late 2023. Welcomed by a roaring crowd, the two-time WWE Champion signed with the RAW brand. His arrival did come a little late for his inclusion in WWE 2K24. Punk had been an independent contractor with the WWE, and his likeness could not be used in any of the games released since his retirement in 2013. Now that he had finally returned, fans demanded that he be included in the game’s roster. WWE and Punk engaged in a promotional campaign for 2K24’s DLC, which added the returning superstar as a playable wrestler.
CM Punk as a GM in WWE 2K25
In 2K25, players thankfully didn’t have to wait for a DLC to play as the legendary wrestler. He was also introduced as a GM to the MyGM mode. Every GM contributes to the game mode’s experience with power cards that provide limited-use abilities to the players and with their persona from a narrative-building point of view.
As a GM, CM Punk has the Punked ability, which reduces the fan retention rate of all opposing brands by 3% for the next week’s show. Even though the power card bonus isn’t the most game-changing when compared to some others, players often find themselves choosing Punk to spearhead their brand in the strategic game mode.
There is also a poetic side to CM Punk’s addition as a GM to WWE 2K25. During his run as WWE Champion from 2011 to 2013, Punk feuded with interim RAW GM John Laurinaitis. After losing the title to John Cena, he found himself entangled in backstage controversies while allegedly being underpaid. By 2014, frustrated with his persona’s creative direction and dealing with lingering health issues, Punk walked out of the WWE, effectively retiring at 35.
When asked about his reasons for retiring, he voiced frustration over management’s lack of strategic direction for wrestlers, which left him feeling creatively stifled and ultimately drained his passion for the sport. We can only speculate if the addition of Punk’s straight-edged persona in the GM roster is a subtle acknowledgment by the developer to give his virtual self the creative freedom and strategic oversight he had sought within the WWE.
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