WWE 2K22 has a tough hill to climb. The franchise was forced to skip a year after critics and fans alike heaped mountains of hate on 2K20. That extra time at the drawing board will hopefully pay off with a wrestling game that satisfies both core fans and casual players. The team at 2K hasn't said much about the game since its reveal back in April at WrestleMania 37, but that should change soon. With SummerSlam on the way next month, it would be a surprise if the company didn't drop some WWE 2K22 gameplay details and let fans know which wrestlers are going to be included.
Even when the gameplay and visuals have been subpar, the WWE 2K series has always done an excellent job of giving fans access to a massive roster of wrestlers from WWE's past and present. So far, the team has only confirmed that Rey Mysterio, Cesaro, Bayley, Booker T, Ric Flair, Bobby Lashley, and The Miz will be included in WWE 2K22. That list will obviously grow in the coming weeks and months, as 2K doesn't even have Universal Champion Roman Reigns listed as a confirmed member of the roster yet.
One name that many fans likely have at the forefront of their minds is John Cena. The 16-time World Champion has been following The Rock's footsteps and diversifying his talents by making a move to Hollywood. That might make some people wonder if he's going to be included in WWE 2K22, but they should rest assured after his appearance at Money in the Bank.
The annual pay-per-view WWE Money In The Bank event ended in a championship match between Reigns and Edge. While that match was exciting, Cena's surprise appearance at the end had everyone talking. Cena announced he would challenge for Reign's Universal Championship at SummerSlam, which will be his first televised match since losing to The Fiend at WrestleMania 36 in 2020.
If there were any doubt about Cena's inclusion in WWE 2K22, that should put it to bed. With Cena challenging for one of the company's biggest titles just before the game's likely release date, there's very little chance he won't be included in the roster. Even before his appearance, it's unlikely Cena wouldn't be included. He's one of the WWE's most marketable Superstars of all time and his crossover appeal makes him among the biggest draws in the company even if he's no longer an everyday wrestler. Expect to see Cena's signature "you can't see me" taunt popping up in a WWE 2K22 preview video very soon.
