WWE 2K: When Action Figures Entered the Game
Discover how WWE action figures from the Mattel Elite Collection became fully playable characters in the WWE 2K video games. From 2K20’s toy-styled Originals to exclusive MyFaction Persona Cards in 2K23, 2K24, and 2K25, these digital figures bring the look and feel of collectible toys into the virtual ring — bridging the worlds of physical merchandise and video game gameplay.
For many collectors and gamers, one of the most exciting crossovers between wrestling merchandise and video games has been the inclusion of playable characters in WWE 2K titles that are styled to look like real Mattel WWE Elite Collection action figures. These toy‑inspired versions bring the look and feel of physical figures into the digital ring, giving fans and players a unique way to engage with their favourite Superstars.
WWE 2K20 introduced a series of themed content called WWE 2K20 Originals, which included playable characters with unique, exaggerated presentations that resembled toy or action figure aesthetics. This series featured fun and stylised character packs that embraced creative redesigns of WWE Superstars, built into downloadable content and included in various editions of the game.
While the Originals packs were themed differently — such as horror or comic‑style variations — they represented an early experimentation with non‑standard character models that gave players versions of wrestlers feeling more like collectible figures within the game environment.
WWE 2K23 featured one of the earliest clear instances of a character model based on a Mattel action figure style. A playable action figure version of John Cena was discovered hidden inside MyFaction mode as a special variant designed with articulated, plastic figure‑like appearance.
This version of Cena resembled a real WWE action figure and was tied to a promotional unlock method involving qualifying Mattel figure purchases and game redemption codes issued through Walmart in the United States.
In WWE 2K24, the action figure concept expanded further with multiple playable character versions directly inspired by Mattel WWE Elite Collection releases.
Elite John Cena could be unlocked in MyFaction using a special locker code and used across regular gameplay modes once obtained.
The game also included a Mattel Elite Cody Rhodes character as part of the Nightmare Family Pack bonus content tied to specific editions of 2K24, and the Bray Wyatt Edition Pack added a Mattel Wyatt “The Fiend” action figure variantreflecting his toy figure style.
These figures weren’t just cosmetic alternates; they carried the visual style and feel of the physical toy figures, bridging the physical merchandise with digital gameplay in a way that felt collectible and special.
WWE 2K25 continued the trend with Mattel Elite Collection‑inspired playable characters available through Persona Cards, especially within various bonus packs and special editions.
Examples include:
Mattel Elite Collection Greatest Hits Roman Reigns as a Persona Card in the Bloodline Edition Bonus Pack
Mattel Elite Series 114 Jey Uso Persona Card also included in the Bloodline Edition
Mattel Elite “Greatest Hits” Undertaker Persona Card available in the Deadman Edition Bonus Pack
Additional playable variants like The Rock Mattel action figure skin tied to Locker Codes or special MyFaction content lists from retail bundles and DLC promotions.
These cards function as playable variants in MyFaction and other modes, with distinct styling reflecting the look of real WWE Elite figures.
Across these WWE 2K games, the inclusion of playable figures styled after Mattel releases stands out because:
They are visually based on real‑world WWE Elite Collection figures, incorporating plastic‑like contours, articulation cues, and toy‑like finishes.
They are unlockable through specific game mechanics or bonus content, such as MyFaction Persona Cards, locker codes, or edition‑exclusive packs.
Once unlocked, they are usable across gameplay, often beyond just a single mode — especially in recent titles where these variants are added as full roster options.
As of now, WWE 2K26 has not officially announced any playable action figure or Mattel Elite‑style characters. There’s no confirmation of Persona Cards or similar unlockable variants tied to the Elite figure line for the upcoming title.
However, given the continued appearance of these figures through WWE 2K23, WWE 2K24, and WWE 2K25, the creative precedent is strong, and collectors remain hopeful that such crossover content could return or expand further in WWE 2K26.
The presence of Mattel Elite Collection‑inspired playable action figures in WWE 2K games represents a unique intersection between physical collectible culture and wrestling video game experiences. From special Easter eggs and MyFaction exclusives to expanded Persona Card systems, these characters have given fans a novel way to enjoy the wrestlers they collect — not just on display, but as part of the virtual wrestling world.
Whether that trend continues into WWE 2K26 remains to be seen, but the legacy of action figures entering the digital ring is already part of WWE 2K history.
Don’t stop here — check out our full range of WWE figures, retro releases, and exclusive collector’s editions to complete your collection.
WWE 2K: When Action Figures Entered the Game
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