WWE 2K26 confirms CM Punk Showcase matches, leaves out iconic Jeff Hardy rivalry

CM Punk is officially the Showcase mode star for WWE 2K26. Ahead of the game’s early access release on March 6, 2K has confirmed some of the matches you will experience. While several major bouts and moments are included, such as matches against John Cena and Rey Mysterio, there is the notable absence of Punk’s iconic rivalry with Jeff Hardy.

Showcase is an annual mode in which you play through a curated selection of matches, interspersed with real-life interviews and archival footage. You also complete objectives to unlock rewards such as wrestlers, alternative versions of wrestlers, and arenas. With CM Punk headlining Showcase mode this year, you can expect interviews with the Best in the World, alongside matches that retell the highlights of his career.

On the official WWEGames X account, 2K has shared a trailer showcasing several of the included matches. Below is a list of confirmed bouts based on what appears in the trailer:

• CM Punk vs. JBL – SummerSlam 2008
• CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio – Armageddon 2008
• CM Punk vs. Randy Orton – WrestleMania 27
• CM Punk vs. The Rock – Elimination Chamber 2013
• CM Punk vs. John Cena – RAW 2013
• CM Punk vs. The Undertaker – WrestleMania 29
• CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar – SummerSlam 2013
• CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre – Bad Blood 2024
• CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins – RAW Netflix Debut 2025
• CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns – WrestleMania 41

In addition to these real-life matches, the trailer also suggests the inclusion of fantasy and “what-if” bouts set in a custom CM Punk arena. These appear to include:

• CM Punk & AJ Lee vs. The Miz & Maryse
• CM Punk vs. Eddie Guerrero
• CM Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

WWE 2K26 CM Punk Showcase mode leaves out Jeff Hardy

The WWE 2K26 Showcase mode trailer seemingly confirms that CM Punk’s unforgettable feud with Jeff Hardy is not included. Punk and Hardy feuded over the World Heavyweight Championship in 2009 as part of an intense rivalry that contrasted Hardy’s real-life carefree attitude with Punk’s straight-edge beliefs.

The CM Punk vs. Jeff Hardy match at SummerSlam 2009 for the World Heavyweight Championship would have been a strong inclusion. However, its absence is understandable, as Jeff Hardy is currently signed with TNA Wrestling.

There is a possibility that Jeff Hardy could be added to WWE 2K26 post-launch as DLC through the Ringside Pass, though nothing is guaranteed. It has previously been reported that AAA stars are likely to appear in WWE 2K26, but TNA is more complicated. This is because WWE became the parent company of lucha libre promotion AAA in 2025, whereas TNA’s relationship with WWE is limited to a partnership.

While no AAA stars have been officially confirmed for WWE 2K26 yet, Mr. Iguana was teased alongside AJ Lee, who has now been confirmed for the game. Former AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo was also shown being scanned, and AAA stars joined the 2K mobile game WWE SuperCard in December 2025.

Beyond the absence of Jeff Hardy, another notable omission is CM Punk vs. John Cena at Money in the Bank 2011. While the match is unforgettable, marking Punk’s first WWE Championship win in front of a raucous Chicago hometown crowd, its exclusion is also understandable. The bout featured Alberto Del Rio, who is no longer with the company, as well as Vince McMahon and John Laurinaitis, who are also no longer affiliated with WWE after getting embroiled in allegations.

WWE 2K26 is set to release on March 13, unless you opt for seven days of early access by pre-ordering the King of Kings, Attitude Era, or Monday Night Wars Edition. The game includes four new match types and several new roster additions, including Blake Monroe, who features a spectacular entrance.