WWE has confirmed CM Punk as the cover star for WWE 2K26's Standard Edition, marking the WWE Champion's return to video game covers for the first time since WWE '13.
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The announcement comes as the final piece of 2K's multi-edition reveal strategy, following the unveiling of special editions featuring the Attitude Era, Monday Night War, and Triple H's King of Kings Edition. Pre-orders for all editions open January 30, 2026, with the game set to release March 10.
Punk's cover selection aligns with his role as the centerpiece of WWE 2K26's Showcase Mode. According to reports from Insider Gaming, the mode will be narrated by Punk himself and divided into three distinct sections: reliving his favorite WWE matches, exploring "What If?" scenarios imagining an alternate history had he not left WWE in 2014, and fantasy matchups against opponents he never faced during his original run.
This marks Punk's second appearance as a WWE game cover athlete, having previously graced the cover of WWE '13 in 2012. The selection reflects his current status as WWE World Heavyweight Champion and his successful return to the company after a decade-long absence.
WWE 2K26 launches March 10, 2026 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. Premium edition purchasers receive early access starting March 6. The game features 400 playable wrestlers, the return of The Island mode, and new match types including I Quit, Inferno, 3 Stages of Hell, and Dumpster Match.
The timing positions the release just weeks ahead of WrestleMania 42 on April 18, continuing 2K's tradition of capitalizing on wrestling's biggest annual event for maximum promotional impact.