WWE 2K26 Adds Start of Match Actions and Advanced AI Customization

WWE 2K26 reintroduces classic features, as shown in a new gameplay trailer.

WWE 2K26 will be released worldwide on March 13. Players who pre-order any premium version of the game will gain access on March 6. The first Ringside Report from 2K Games focused on new gameplay additions, including previously reported match types, new interactive environments, and AI customization that delivers greater realism than ever before.

AI Settings and Customization Features in WWE 2K26

The ability to simulate WWE matches is a massive draw in modern video games. As such, AI must control certain WWE Superstars so they act as they would on WWE Raw or WWE SmackDown every week. In WWE 2K26, a significant upgrade gives players greater control over how the AI handles certain professional wrestlers.

The new AI Sequences system, available in the Create-A-Moveset section, lets players string together a sequence of signature moves to tell the AI exactly how to use a specific WWE star. Once these sequences are configured, the AI will always attempt to execute the selected moves in the configured order. Also, AI has been retooled to display more natural reactions and authentic animations between moves.

Start of Match Actions Return in WWE 2K26

WWE 2K26 reintroduces “Start of Match Actions.” This means that at the start of every match, wrestlers will perform a brief sequence to enhance realism. Whether that is chain wrestling, a rock-paper-scissors-like system first added to the games over a decade ago, a handshake offering, the ability to trade blows and a striking exchange, or simply playing to the crowd, this adds more realism to each match and harkens back to the original WWE SmackDown vs. Raw from 2004, where there were also opening match sequences.

Entrances are also more interactive this year, allowing players to control key gestures, taunts, heavy pyro customization, and much more.

Not only is all of this added, but so is the ability to launch surprise attacks, stack tables, fight on barricades, use title belts as a weapon in new ways, and more. The additions of Booker T and Wade Barrett to the commentary table were touted as well.

Are you excited for WWE 2K26? Sound off in our official Discord server. For more WWE 2K26, learn about the changes coming to the game for Nintendo Switch 2. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.