7 Times WWE Crashed the World of Gaming, Outside the Ring
WWE has always lived larger than life, and that energy has carried well beyond the ropes. Over the years, the company has made its way into dozens of gaming formats, not just the expected console titles, but also mobile games, casino slot machines, and unexpected side projects. From wild arcade brawlers to online reels with superstar intros, WWE’s influence in gaming has grown in some surprising directions.
Here’s a closer look at seven times WWE found its way into gaming, without needing to pin anyone.
WWE and Casino Culture Go Way Back
AEW might have embraced the Vegas vibe with Double or Nothing and the Casino Battle Royale, but WWE had its own gambling streak long before that. Events like No Way Out 2001 featured poker-themed graphics and promo cards, while WrestleMania IX was literally held at Caesar’s Palace.
Beyond that, WWE has licensed themed slot cabinets to physical casinos over the years, often promoting them through superstar appearances and trade show demos. These machines pop up from time to time at gaming expos and occasionally make their way to regional casinos in the US and Asia.
While these machines aren’t always easy to find, they represent a quiet but ongoing part of WWE’s entertainment reach, connecting the thrill of the ring with the pull of the reels.
WWE Casino Slot Games Bring the Action to the Reels
WWE-themed slot machines are real, and they’ve been spotted both online and in select land-based casinos. These games are common on several international platforms, especially non UK casino sites where themed slots aren’t restricted by local licensing rules. Players often gravitate toward these versions for more variety and faster-loading experiences.
These titles are often licensed by WWE and feature high-quality reels built around legends like The Rock, John Cena, and Ric Flair. Expect entrance music, catchphrases, bonus rounds styled like matches, and visuals pulled straight from WWE’s branding. They’re fun, high-energy, and sometimes come with side features like “pick a move” bonuses or wild reels that trigger with signature taunts.
A key feature to look at in any slot is the RTP or Return to Player. This tells you, on average, how much the machine pays back over time. Most WWE-themed slots sit in the mid-90% range, which is fairly standard for branded titles. That said, it’s not all about numbers, fans often play these machines just to see their favourite superstars in action, even if it’s on a reel instead of in a ring.
They may not be as mainstream as wrestling games on console, but they’ve carved out a place among fans looking for something more interactive between shows.
SmackDown! Changed Wrestling Games for Good
When WWF SmackDown! landed on the original PlayStation in 2000, it quickly set a new pace. It was fast, animated, and stacked with features like season mode, create-a-wrestler, and entrances. It wasn’t the first WWE game, but it was the one that stuck. Its sequel, SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role, built on that momentum with tag team storylines and branching plots.
The success of these early games led directly to the yearly wrestling titles fans came to expect. By the time the SmackDown vs. Raw series rolled in, WWE had firmly planted its flag in the console space.
WWE 2K Took Over the Annual Wrestling Game Formula
Once 2K Sports took over the series, starting with WWE 2K14, the focus shifted. The pace slowed, the animation engine got reworked, and new features like MyCareer and Showcase mode added depth to each release.
WWE 2K19 is still considered one of the high points, thanks to its smoother mechanics and deep creation suite. Later entries added Universe Mode improvements, community creations, and online events. While WWE 2K20 suffered from bugs and backlash, 2K22 and 2K23 helped rebuild the series’ reputation. The annual release schedule continues, with each edition trying to fine-tune the experience and reflect the current roster.
WWE All Stars Delivered Arcade Mayhem
Released in 2011, WWE All Stars took a very different approach. It ditched realism entirely and went for over-the-top action. Wrestlers were given exaggerated physiques, cartoonish moves, and a combo-heavy combat system that looked more like Street Fighter 6 than Raw.
What made All Stars stand out was how it brought legends and current superstars into the same ring with wild dream match scenarios like Hulk Hogan vs. John Cena and Macho Man vs. Randy Orton. The art style, finishers, and colourful arenas made it a one-off experience that still gets replayed today.
WWE Immortals Went Full Fantasy on Mobile
In 2015, the developers behind Mortal Kombat released something unexpected, WWE Immortals, a mobile fighting game where wrestlers were reimagined as mythical warriors. The Undertaker became a soul-stealing necromancer. Roman Reigns wielded blades of energy. Trish Stratus cast spells.
The game used tap-based combat, upgrades, and card-style collection, much like Injustice or MK Mobile. While support for the game eventually ended, it showed WWE’s willingness to experiment on platforms outside the usual.
WWE Champions and Mayhem Keep Fans Tapping
WWE’s presence in mobile gaming hasn’t faded. WWE Champions blends puzzle mechanics with match cards, where you battle by matching coloured tiles. It’s lightweight, but packed with updates and special event matches tied to real-world PPVs.
WWE Mayhem goes the opposite direction, it’s a side-scrolling brawler where characters pull off exaggerated moves in fast-paced matches. Both games have carved out loyal player bases and continue to feature rotating superstar rosters and seasonal challenges.
Closing Bell
WWE has never limited itself to just one arena. Whether it’s console titles, mobile apps, or licensed casino machines, the brand has always looked for new ways to connect with fans. These ventures may not always hit the same level of visibility as a televised match, but they help keep the WWE name in front of new players and audiences, with or without a championship on the line.
