Gameplay is improved from 2K25, which was already strong, and CM Punk’s Showcase offers a fresh take on the mode with some cool new unlockables. Unfortunately, that’s about where the positives end. The introduction of the “Ringside Pass” and 2K’s obvious push toward tier skips create a tedious grind to unlock legends, belts, and arenas that used to be readily available. The Ringside Pass also reveals a company that doesn’t even seem to understand the people who purchase its products. What was once a rewarding progression system now feels like a paywall, making the overall experience frustrating and close to unplayable.
