10 WWE Stars Missing from WWE 2K25 Roster Due to Departures

STAMFORD, Conn. — The upcoming release of WWE 2K25 will feature a revamped roster, but several notable wrestlers will be absent due to contract expirations, departures, and career shifts. Among the missing stars are Bobby Lashley, MVP, Ricochet, and others who have left WWE for rival promotions or freelance opportunities.

Bobby Lashley, a dominant force in WWE since his return in 2018, will not appear in WWE 2K25 after his contract expired in August 2024. Lashley, known for his powerhouse moves and fan-favorite status, signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), leaving a significant gap in the game’s roster. His absence marks the end of a seven-year streak in the WWE 2K series, where he debuted in WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 with a rating of 89.

MVP, another veteran wrestler and key figure in WWE’s faction storylines, also joined AEW in 2024. Despite his real-life contributions as a manager and wrestler, MVP’s in-game presence was less celebrated, with a low rating of 68 in WWE 2K24. His departure is unlikely to be mourned by fans, given his underwhelming gameplay performance.

Ricochet, known for his high-flying acrobatics and daredevil stunts, will also be missing from WWE 2K25. After leaving WWE to pursue opportunities in AEW, Ricochet’s absence ends an eight-year run in the franchise. Fans will miss his ability to perform jaw-dropping moves from the top rope, ladders, and even the roof of the cage.

Baron Corbin, a consistent presence in WWE 2K games since WWE 2K16, will not return for the 2025 edition. Released from WWE in 2024, Corbin now competes as a freelancer under his real name, Tom Pestock. His streak of eight consecutive appearances in the series comes to an end, leaving fans without his signature moves and character.

Jinder Mahal, a former WWE Champion, will also be absent from WWE 2K25. Despite his real-life achievements, Mahal was never a popular character in the games, with a rating of 74 in WWE 2K24. His departure is unlikely to be felt by fans, as he failed to make a significant impact in the virtual ring.

Other notable absences include Tegan Nox, Indi Hartwell, Xia Li, Beth Phoenix, and Dijak. Nox, who appeared in only two previous games, was released from WWE in 2023, ending her brief tenure in the franchise. Hartwell, a former NXT Women’s Champion, saw her rating drop from 77 in WWE 2K23 to 63 in WWE 2K24 before her release. Xia Li, who debuted in WWE 2K22 with a rating of 76, will also be missing after her contract expired.

Beth Phoenix, a WWE Hall of Famer, will not appear in WWE 2K25 following her departure from WWE. Known for her legendary status and powerful in-game performances, Phoenix’s absence will be felt by fans who enjoyed using her in previous editions. Speculations suggest she may join AEW alongside her husband, Adam Copeland.

Dijak, a talented in-ring performer, will also be missing from the roster after signing with Major League Wrestling. Despite his limited opportunities in WWE, Dijak had a solid fan base and was a fun character to play in the games.

As WWE 2K25 prepares for release, fans will have to adjust to a roster without these familiar faces, marking a new chapter for the franchise.