The best part of today’s wrestling landscape is the parity from the top of the roster all the way to the bottom. Yes, we all have our favorite wrestler, and despite what some fancy rating might say, that wrestler becomes the one we prefer to use. There will never be a right or wrong way to play a video game, but it’s easy to decide which wrestlers we like and dislike in this year’s game. And it’s also easy enough to argue that most of these wrestlers could win the championship on any given night.
So without further delay, here are my favorite wrestlers in WWE 2K19.
Seth Rollins
The Architect has been at the top of the WWE Universe for several years now, and when the infamous “BURN IT DOWN” hits the crowd erupts. The same holds true in WWE 2K19. No, his character model isn’t perfect and his attire isn’t up-to-date, but he’s about as true to his real-life counterpart as anyone in the game. Rollins possesses one of the more impressive movesets in the game. His signature Falcon Arrow, frog splash and buckle bomb are sure to weaken your foe. And after he hits his finisher that sends your opponent’s face bouncing off the mat, it’s only a matter of time before the ref is holding up your hand in victory.
AJ Styles
The WWE 2K19 cover athlete is an obvious choice as one of this year’s top wrestlers. Styles possesses one of the best movesets in all of wrestling, and the detail 2K puts into his character to bring it to life is second to none. Styles is also one of the top-rated wrestlers in this year’s game, which doesn’t hurt. Whether you deliver a flying forearm to your opponent, or try to make them submit with the calf crusher, Styles’ arsenal of weapons is in a class of its own. Oh yeah, and let’s not forget arguably the best finisher in the WWE today, the Styles Clash.
I think it’s safe to say that AJ Styles is phenomenal in WWE 2K19.
Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is a polarizing figure in WWE lore. But in wrestling if you’re a polarizing figure long enough, respect also eventually enters the equation. And there are very few in the industry on the same level as Reigns, and this remains true in WWE 2K19. The creators at 2K did a great job of bringing the realism of Roman to life. Everything from his tattoos, to his entrance, to his signature superman punch, pays homage to the Big Dog. Yes, Reigns’ moveset could be a bit more diverse, but his signature moves put him above and beyond the competition. And once Reigns hits his finisher that would make Edge and Rhyno blush, all that’s left to do is wait patiently as the ref makes the three count.
Ronda Rousey
Admittedly, I very rarely used the women wrestlers in previous wrestling video games. But that has changed this year with 2K19. And what better wrestler to choose than the “baddest women on the planet” Ronda Rousey. Rousey was a special add-on to the game, but it is clear the vision was to make her dominant. And dominant she is. 2K probably could have done a better job with her character model, but overall she plays the part of the Raw Women’s Champion quite well. Her moveset features a plethora of suplexes and her quick-striking attacks make it nearly impossible to defend. Once Ronda puts you in her finishing armbar, it’s time to tap.
Velveteen Dream
If I had to pick one wrestler to carry on the WWE legacy over the next 10 years, Velveteen would be that guy. And the creators of WWE 2K19 did a sensational job of bringing Velveteen’s flamboyant look to life. As soon as his music hits, and he starts to walk down the ramp, you’re immersed in what makes “The Dream” so great. And that doesn’t even include his impressive moveset. His signature rolling Death Valley driver looks great, but it’s his elbow drop that puts the finishing touches on a near flawless representation of one of NXT’s gems.
Top Unlockable Characters:
Stone Cold Steve Austin (1993)
The Texas rattlesnake will always be one of the top wrestlers, no matter the era.
The Rock
Much like Stone Cold, very few wrestlers can compare to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. His People’s Elbow is the most electrifying move on the planet, if you smell what The Rock is cooking?
Shawn Michaels (1997)
The Heartbreak Kid has been in just about every wrestling video game ever created. So it’s no wonder he would be at the top of any “best wrestlers” list. When Michaels hits his Sweet Chin Music, it’s over.
Daniel Bryan (2013)
Yes! Yes! Yes!
What Daniel Bryan did in 2013-2014 in terms of capturing an audience was special, and it’s something no other superstar has accomplished since then. His vast array of moves, makes him the perfect all-around wrestler.
There are over 200-plus wrestlers in WWE 2K19, so now that I told you my favorite wrestlers, I’d like to know who you prefer to use in this year’s game. Let me know in the comments below.
