In an unexpected turn of events, I had the opportunity to sit down with WWE Superstar and NXT Champion Joe Hendry during the WWE 2K26 creator event held in Stamford, Connecticut. Known for his dynamic presence in the ring and his previous tenure at TNA, Hendry has made quite a name for himself in the wrestling world. His talents extend beyond wrestling; he is also a professional musician, having composed his own theme music, which quickly became a fan favorite due to its infectious charm.
Hendry’s debut in WWE was nothing short of spectacular. He made a surprise appearance at Wrestlemania 41 as the TNA Champion, accepting an open challenge from the legendary Randy Orton. Fast forward to today, and he is now featured as the pre-order bonus character for the eagerly anticipated WWE 2K26, a testament to his rising star in the industry.
WWE 2K26: A New Chapter in Wrestling Gaming
As we discussed the new features of WWE 2K26, Hendry expressed his excitement about the game, which promises to deliver an immersive experience for both new and seasoned players. The game introduces a MyRise campaign story mode, alongside new match types, including the notorious Inferno fire match, all designed to elevate the gaming experience to new heights.
Hendry shared his gaming habits, revealing a diverse collection of gaming platforms: “I have a Steam Deck, a PC, an Xbox, and a PS5. While time is limited, I’m dedicating myself to truly experience WWE 2K26. As a child, I spent countless hours watching wrestling and playing wrestling games, and I’m eager to see how the next generation of fans will engage with this title.”
Curiosity led me to ask Hendry about his gaming preferences beyond wrestling titles. To my surprise, he revealed a shared passion for city-building games, particularly enjoying titles like Kingdoms and Castles and the cult classic They Are Billions. “It can be super frustrating—one zombie gets through, and the whole thing’s gone—but it’s an amazing game,” he noted. He also reminisced about his fondness for classics like Warcraft 3, StarCraft, Final Fantasy 7, and the Metal Gear Solid series, though he acknowledged that wrestling games have dominated his gaming time.
As I delved deeper into my experience with WWE 2K26, I found myself pleasantly surprised by its engaging gameplay. The MyRise story campaign adeptly intertwines kayfabe with real-world inspired career trajectories, all while maintaining the essence of a video game. The in-ring combat feels substantial and responsive, reminiscent of the beloved N64 classic No Mercy. The game features intricate mechanics, including combo breakers akin to Killer Instinct and precise reversal windows that reward skillful play.
Visually, WWE 2K26 impresses with its attention to detail. The Inferno Match, in particular, showcases dynamic elements, such as flames that rise in intensity as the match progresses, creating an immersive atmosphere. The combatants visibly sweat as the action heats up, adding to the realism of the experience.
With the official launch set for March 13, 2026, on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, I find myself eagerly anticipating more gameplay. The prospect of crafting my own storylines and perhaps rectifying some of HHH’s booking decisions adds an exciting layer to the experience.
