How to Get a 5-Star Match Rating in WWE 2K25

While WWE 2K25 is technically a “fighting” game, there’s more to the story than just winning or losing — it’s about putting on a show. Every match you participate in has a rating system based on stars. Ranging from 1 to 5, these stars are dear to the die-hard players as they are the purest reflection of their performance in the ring.

The key to these 5 stars heavily depends on keeping the crowd entertained. Although that may sound like a piece of cake, it isn’t simple. By the end of this guide, you will be able to uncover the art behind achieving a 5-star match rating and polish your skills beyond the ordinary.

What Does It Take To Stand Out In A Match?

Brute forcing your way through a match with strong moves may get you a win, but it won’t always translate to a high rating. Instead, keeping the crowd hooked are the keys to a 5 star match.

For that, keeping these factors in mind is crucial when in a match:

• Defensive Prowess
• Signature Offense
• Unforgettable Moments 
• Peak Drama
• Dynamic Offense

Although each of these is enough to extract the best out of your showdown, spamming the same mechanic or strategy isn’t ideal, and players should maintain a sort of balance to put out the most engaging show ever. 

With that said, let’s break down each of these factors and see how they contribute to earning that 5-star result.

Defensive Prowess

Being excellent at attacking isn’t enough if you are average at defending yourself against the opponent. Better defense comes with patience. If you stop button-smashing and focus on the opposite wrestler, their attack may seem predictable.

Counter, dodge, and block the upcoming onslaughts and avoid taking excessive damage during comebacks to maintain competitiveness. Keep a sharp eye out to block potential enemy finishers, and try to perform well-timed reversals for oncoming attacks. In case of a submission, do your best to escape. This way, you can polish your defensive approach and nail extra stars on your results.

Signature Offense

Showcasing signature moves is another way to earn the crowd’s energy while you wipe the floor with your opponent. These powerful maneuvers aren’t all about damage — they strengthen your momentum and enhance your finisher for maximum impact. However, using them effectively is a must. So, avoid spamming and time them strategically to make the best out of the match.

For a more thoughtful approach, initiate a signature move right before a finisher. This increases the possibility of a successful pin or submission, as you have already weakened your opponent. You can also try a signature after a dramatic near-fall or reversal and flip the momentum in your favor. If your victim manages to escape from a finisher, the match can become more intense and 5-star worthy by hitting them with another signature before a second finisher.

Unforgettable Moments 

If the match feels legendary to the crowd, you were crazy enough to create unforgettable moments inside the ring. Aim to become the highlight and standout by pulling something extraordinary. Go all in with high-risk and daring moves like top-rope dives, ladder jumps, or springboards. Perform close calls and enhance the overall drama of the match, keeping the crowd invested.

When in Hell in a Cell, utilize environmental interactions such as smashing your victim through the announce table. Bring in weapons like chairs, kendo sticks, or ladders, and hit the opposing wrestler or slam them against the cell walls. Avoid keeping the match one-sided, have dramatic comebacks, and trigger OMG moments. Remember, the main motive here is to be as savage and unpredictable as possible to escalate crowd excitement and gain a 5-star rating in return.

Peak Drama

A one-sided beatdown isn’t going to get you anywhere, as the audience begs for tension and unpredictability in the match, which results in heightened drama. So, even if you are superior to your opponent and can have them counting the lights in minutes, try to add suspense to your showdown in the name of crowd engagement. 

Perform close calls, momentum shifts, and last-second reversals for the audience to cheer. To boost their excitement further, kick out of finishers, escape submissions, and pull off a surprise win to fill the ring with peak drama. 

Dynamic Offense

Have a dynamic approach with your attacks because beating your opponent with the same moves won’t let you bag those five stars in the end. Already weakened their leg? Stop hitting the same spot and give the crowd something different to cheer about. Mix your attacks with suplexes, Irish whips, aerial moves, and submission holds.

Make it harder for the opponent to predict your moves. This can be achieved through unique striking styles, grapples, and high-flying moves. If you are playing hardcore, go hardcore, literally. Use tables, steel chairs, or any other weapons you can get your hands on.

Another key is to keep things a little slow, as pacing is just as important for maintaining dynamic offense. Avoid rushing and give your opponent the taste of your fast-paced attacks with pauses. By doing so, you add a touch of realism and drama to the match, along with a smoother flow.

Bag Your 5 Stars 

A win is a win, but a victory that is rated with 5 stars gives an unmatched feeling. By considering the ways we discussed above, it is safe to conclude that to nail a 5-star rating, winning isn’t enough–you have to go beyond and become the center of attention. Battle your way to win through balanced defense, flex signature moves, and sprinkle dynamic offense to give the crowd a show they can never forget, a show that is worthy of nothing but the full 5 stars.