WWE 2K24 represents a massive milestone for sports entertainment gaming, specifically designed to celebrate four decades of WrestleMania. The game features one of the most expansive rosters in the history of the franchise, blending current champions, rising stars from the developmental ranks, and iconic legends who defined various eras of professional wrestling. This finalized roster guide covers every character available in the game, including those added through the post-launch live service window and special editions.

The Core Main Roster: Raw and SmackDown

The backbone of WWE 2K24 consists of the active superstars seen on weekly television. The distribution between the Raw and SmackDown brands reflects the landscape of the company at the time of the game’s development cycle. These characters are frequently used in Universe Mode and MyGM, offering a diverse range of move sets and entrance presentations.

Raw Superstars

The Red Brand is led by heavy hitters and high-flyers. The roster includes specialized technical wrestlers and powerhouse athletes.

  • Akira Tozawa (68): A versatile cruiserweight known for high-energy performance.
  • Alexa Bliss (83): Features her distinct supernatural-tinged persona.
  • Becky Lynch (94): One of the highest-rated female performers, reflecting her top-tier status.
  • Bianca Belair (95): The EST of WWE, highlighted for her exceptional strength and speed.
  • Cody Rhodes (93): The standard cover star, available in multiple versions including his "American Nightmare" persona.
  • Damian Priest (86): A key member of the Judgment Day with a balanced power-striking style.
  • Drew McIntyre (89): Representing the Scottish Warrior with a focus on heavy impact moves.
  • Finn Bálor (87): Showcasing his tactical striking and agility.
  • Gunther (90+): The dominant Intercontinental Champion with a focus on chops and fundamental wrestling.
  • Jey Uso (90): Entering as a solo star with his popular "Main Event" presentation.
  • Rhea Ripley (96): One of the elite-tier ratings in the game, dominating the women's division.
  • Seth "Freakin" Rollins (93): A versatile performer with one of the most varied move sets in the game.

Other notable Raw members include Bronson Reed (84), Chad Gable (80), Chelsea Green (75), Dominik Mysterio (83), Kofi Kingston (80), Liv Morgan (85), and Sami Zayn (87). The roster depth allows for extensive rivalry building within the game's season modes.

SmackDown Superstars

The Blue Brand features the most dominant force in modern wrestling history alongside several high-profile veterans and international stars.

  • Roman Reigns (97): The highest-rated active superstar in the game, reflecting his historic championship reign.
  • AJ Styles (85): A technical master with a focus on precision and aerial maneuvers.
  • Asuka (90): A dangerous striker with a unique submission-based offense.
  • Bayley (85): Representing the leader of Damage CTRL with a crafty wrestling style.
  • Bobby Lashley (89): A pure powerhouse focused on amateur wrestling transitions and strength.
  • Charlotte Flair (92): Maintaining her position as one of the most technically sound athletes in the division.
  • IYO SKY (88): A high-flying specialist with some of the most impressive aerial animations in the game.
  • Kevin Owens (86): A brawler who combines heavy strikes with unexpected high-risk moves.
  • LA Knight (88): A charismatic powerhouse whose popularity is reflected in his strong rating.
  • Logan Paul (90): A high-profile celebrity athlete whose move set rivals many full-time professionals.
  • Randy Orton (91): The Apex Predator returns with his signature RKO and methodical pacing.
  • Rey Mysterio (88): The legendary luchador continues to be a staple of the high-flying category.
  • Solo Sikoa (86): The enforcer of the Bloodline with a focus on devastating strikes.

The SmackDown side also includes Austin Theory (72), Grayson Waller (74), Karrion Kross (75), Santos Escobar (78), and Sheamus (86), providing a balanced mix of heel and babyface dynamics for gameplay.

The Future: NXT Roster

The NXT brand serves as a vital component of the WWE 2K24 experience, offering players the chance to use the stars of tomorrow. These characters often feature modern, innovative move sets that differ from the established styles of the main roster.

  • Bron Breakker (80): A standout powerhouse with explosive speed.
  • Carmelo Hayes (81): A high-flying technician with a focus on "Him" branding.
  • Ilja Dragunov (81): Known for his intense, high-impact striking style.
  • Roxanne Perez (78): A technical prodigy in the women's division.
  • Tiffany Stratton (79): An athletic standout with gymnastics-based maneuvers.
  • Trick Williams (78): A charismatic performer with a rapidly evolving style.
  • Tony D'Angelo (75): Features a unique brawling and amateur wrestling hybrid.

NXT is also represented by Axiom (73), Baron Corbin (76), Blair Davenport (74), Cora Jade (74), and Wes Lee (76). Inclusion of these rookies is essential for the MyRise career mode, where players often start their journey in the developmental system.

The 40 Years of WrestleMania: Legends and Alumni

A significant portion of the WWE 2K24 roster is dedicated to the legends who appeared in the "Showcase of the Immortals." This category includes Hall of Famers and former champions who are essential for recreating historical matches.

Golden Era and New Generation

  • Andre the Giant (91): The immovable object of early WrestleMania history.
  • Hulk Hogan (94): Available in multiple versions, including the classic 80s persona and Hollywood Hogan (92).
  • "Macho Man" Randy Savage (89): A cornerstone of the legends roster with his signature diving elbow drop.
  • Bret "Hitman" Hart (93): The excellence of execution, providing top-tier technical gameplay.
  • Shawn Michaels (93): The Heartbreak Kid, featured in several iconic versions spanning his career.
  • Ultimate Warrior (92): An explosive powerhouse with high energy.
  • Dusty Rhodes (91): A legendary figure included as part of special editions, celebrating the Rhodes legacy.

Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression

  • "Stone Cold" Steve Austin (96): The definitive anti-hero of the Attitude Era with high brawling stats.
  • The Rock (94): Featuring both his classic persona and elements of his modern "Final Boss" presence.
  • The Undertaker (96): Available in various forms, including the Deadman and potentially the American Badass through DLC/Persona cards.
  • Triple H (91): The Cerebral Assassin, a balanced powerhouse and technician.
  • Kane (79): The Big Red Machine, providing a terrifying presence in the ring.
  • John Cena (94): The face of the Ruthless Aggression era, a highly durable powerhouse.
  • Batista (89): Representing the Animal with devastating power moves.
  • Eddie Guerrero (90): A fan favorite known for his technical skill and high-flying ability.
  • Kurt Angle (89): An Olympic gold medalist with superior amateur wrestling mechanics.

Complete DLC Expansion Breakdown

Post-launch support for WWE 2K24 was divided into five distinct packs, each targeting a specific niche within the wrestling world. These packs significantly increased the total roster count and added highly requested names.

1. ECW Punk Pack

This pack brought back one of the most anticipated names in the series after a long hiatus.

  • CM Punk: The centerpiece of the DLC season, featuring his modern return look and signature move set.
  • Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley: The legendary Dudley Boyz, essential for tag team and TLC match types.
  • Sandman: Bringing the hardcore spirit of ECW with his signature kendo stick entrance.
  • Terry Funk: A hardcore legend whose inclusion pays tribute to his massive impact on the industry.

2. Post Malone & Friends Pack

This pack focused on a mix of celebrity appeal and legendary managers/wrestlers.

  • Post Malone: A playable celebrity character with a unique move set based on his real-life interests.
  • Sensational Sherri: A legendary manager and performer.
  • Mosh & Thrasher (The Headbangers): Returning to the series to bolster the tag team division.
  • Honky Tonk Man: A classic legend for fans of the 80s era.
  • Jimmy Hart (Manager): The Mouth of the South returns to lead his clients to victory.

3. Pat McAfee Pack

Focused on the popular commentator and his surrounding personalities.

  • Pat McAfee: A highly athletic playable character with a move set that reflects his NFL background and WWE appearances.
  • Playable Co-Hosts: Additional members from the Pat McAfee Show, offering a more casual, fun addition to the roster.

4. Global Superstars Pack

This pack introduced several high-level international talents and returning veterans.

  • Jade Cargill: One of the most physically imposing additions to the women's division.
  • Nia Jax: A dominant powerhouse returning to reclaim her spot in the hierarchy.
  • Kairi Sane: The Pirate Princess brings her unique high-flying and technical style.
  • Lyra Valkyria: Representing the rising stars of the international scene.
  • Carlito: The master of "cool" returns with his signature apple-spitting entrance.
  • Dragon Lee: A high-speed luchador offering some of the fastest gameplay in the game.
  • Michelle McCool: A legendary former champion who adds depth to the alumni division.

5. WCW Pack

A nostalgic trip back to the Monday Night Wars.

  • Diamond Dallas Page (DDP): The master of the Diamond Cutter returns to the virtual ring.
  • The Iron Sheik: A legendary heel and former champion.
  • Mr. Perfect (Curt Hennig): One of the most technically gifted wrestlers in history.
  • Great Muta: An international icon with a legendary aura and unique move set.
  • Lex Luger: The Total Package, a classic powerhouse from the WCW era.

Managers and Non-Playable Figures

Managers play a crucial role in the game’s various modes, providing buffs to their clients and interfering in matches. While they aren't always playable in standard matches, their presence adds to the authenticity of the product.

  • Paul Heyman: Essential for the presentation of Roman Reigns.
  • Bobby "The Brain" Heenan: The gold standard for legendary managers.
  • Miss Elizabeth: Accompanying Randy Savage to the ring for historical accuracy.
  • Paul Bearer: Vital for the Undertaker’s classic presentations.
  • Adam Pearce: Representing the authority figure role in MyGM and Universe Mode.
  • Mick Foley: Appearing as a manager and personality, separate from his three playable personas (Mankind, Cactus Jack, Dude Love).

Analyzing the Ratings Hierarchy

The ratings in WWE 2K24 serve as a guideline for character power levels in competitive play. Understanding these tiers helps in selecting characters for different difficulty settings and online matches.

The Elite Tier (95+)

Only a handful of characters reach this level. These include Roman Reigns (97), Rhea Ripley (96), The Undertaker (96), Stone Cold Steve Austin (96), and Bianca Belair (95). These characters have high recovery stats, immense damage output, and multiple resilience-based traits.

The Main Event Tier (90-94)

This is where most of the game's top stars reside. Cody Rhodes (93), Seth Rollins (93), John Cena (94), Becky Lynch (94), and Gunther (90) fall into this category. They are highly competitive and can beat the Elite Tier if played with skill.

The Mid-Card and Specialist Tier (80-89)

Characters like LA Knight (88), Jey Uso (90), and Kevin Owens (86) occupy this space. They often have specialized stats, such as high charisma or specific striking power, but may lack the overwhelming defense of the higher tiers.

Notable Absences and Roster Changes

While the roster is vast, some notable names from the company's history or current television were excluded due to various reasons. Specifically, Brock Lesnar and Vince McMahon were removed from the playable roster following legal and corporate controversies surrounding the game’s launch. While Lesnar was initially planned for the "40 Years of WrestleMania" showcase and cover art, his presence was largely scrubbed from the final public roster list, though remnants of his data may exist in specific historical game modes.

Additionally, figures who recently departed for other promotions, such as Edge (Adam Copeland) or Sting, are absent from this edition, though community creations often fill these gaps for players looking for a complete historical experience.

Impact of the Roster on Game Modes

The sheer size of the WWE 2K24 roster directly influences the longevity of the game’s core modes:

  1. MyGM: A larger roster allows for more varied drafts and the ability to run multiple brands (Raw, SmackDown, NXT, NXT 2.0, ECW, WCW) simultaneously with unique talent pools.
  2. Universe Mode: The variety of legends and current stars allows players to create "cross-generational" storylines, such as Gunther vs. Bret Hart or Rhea Ripley vs. Chyna.
  3. MyFaction: The roster serves as the basis for the card-collecting mode, where different versions (tiers) of these superstars are released throughout the year with updated stats and alternate attires.

WWE 2K24 stands as a comprehensive digital museum of professional wrestling. By providing a balance of current television stars and the legends that built the foundation of the industry, the game offers a sandbox that caters to fans of all eras. Whether utilizing the high-flying maneuvers of the NXT division or the methodical brawling of the 80s legends, the roster depth ensures that no two matches feel exactly the same.