WWE 2K22: Most Improved Superstar Models

Every time a WWE game is released, there inevitably comes a flood of images throughout the internet wrestling community of some truly horrendous looking character models. Think Booker T in WWE '12, Renee Young in WWE 2K16, or practically half of WWE 2K20’s roster. It’s thanks to 2K20 that this article came to fruition, as during my time spent reviewing WWE 2K22, I went back to the previous game to see if it was as bad as I remember. Turns out it was, so here are six of the best “glowups” in WWE 2K22.

1) Pete Dunne

The Birmingham-born Bruiserweight is the perfect fit for a videogame. Not only is his moveset fantastic, but his no-frills wrestling attire and facial expressions that range from apathetic to murderous really capture his whole vibe of just wanting to beat people up. What a shame that this is all taken away by the most glaringly hideous feature on his 2K20 character model: a beard that looks like it was drawn on by crayon. Seriously, just look at it, where does his chin end and his neck begin?

Thankfully Dunne has seen a noticeable improvement in the facial hair department and has an actual jawline this time around, and can now continue on his way to being in the main event of Wrestlemania (or at least he will be in my Universe mode!).

2) Io Shirai

Io Shirai made her videogame debut in WWE 2K20, and oh man did they really capture the “dodgy wax model” look here. In addition, just look at the hair! I know that could be said about every superstar featured in 2K20 but it’s especially noticeable here.

The Genius of the Sky is anything but a wax imitation in 2K22 and now has actual facial sculpting, making the game’s model and the NXT superstar much more alike.

3) Randy Orton

What do you get if you take one of the most prolific wrestlers of this generation and squash his head in a vice? Yep, you guessed it, 2K20’s Randy Orton! Throw in some creepy eyes and a nose that makes him look like he’s pressing himself up against a window to watch you sleep, and this character model is far from looking like the Apex Predator.

This year’s game sees good old Randal Keith back on form as one of the best models in the game, with piercing blue eyes that seem to say “I hear voices in my head”. Once again, the hair is massively improved, with various strands of hair poking out instead of the angular LEGO piece from 2K20.

4) Montez Ford

It’s hard to want the smoke when you look like you’ve been drawn from memory by someone who passed by you in the street. 2K20’s character model lacks any of the personality that Montez Ford practically drips with, and is also sporting another terrible beard. And why does he look so shiny?

Bringing the swag back in 2K22, Tez is vastly superior in this year’s version, including some very snazzy looking diamond earrings and a much needed facial hair trim!

5) Edge

Awh, look at little baby-faced Edge and his chubby cheeks, adorable! This is honestly one of the worst facial scans I’ve seen in any WWE game. Sure it’s not the modern day version of the Rated R Superstar like 2K22’s model, but the designers must have thought Edge was a lot heavier back in the day.

Today’s older, more grizzled Edge looks incredible; the nose shape is spot on, his distinctive eyes are now much more true to life, and he has actual facial hair this time, not just something that looks like he has soup running down his chin.

6) Becky Lynch

“Hey, does Becky Lynch have a square jaw that makes it look like a bee stung her?” asked one of the developers of 2K20 when designing “The Man” Becky Lynch. While Lynch does have a strong jawline, her straight-lined, tiny-mouthed, five-polygon-fringe character model does her a great disservice, and is arguably the worst female render on the roster.

Big Time Becks has undergone a major transformation in 2K22, and it really is a spot-on likeness in a series of videogames that, quite frankly, usually does a very poor job of recreating female talent. Her eyeshadow now blends in subtly and isn’t just a permanent marker to the face, her hair gives off strong Aloy (from Horizon Forbidden West ) vibes that I’m totally fine with, and the facial shape is actually right! Well done everyone, you did a great job. Proud of you.

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So there we go, six WWE superstars that have seen some of the biggest improvements in visuals for the latest game in the series. There are a huge number of other members of the roster not covered here, so if you want to see some more, leave a comment (please be nice) and let me know!