WWE 2K23 release date, launch time and how to get Early Access

With just a few weeks to go before Wrestlemania 39 in California, WWE fans can book their own super shows with the launch of WWE 2K23 on PlayStation, Xbox and PC. While the standard edition has a March 17 release date, some fans can start playing early, but only by purchasing specific versions of the game. Indeed, if you’ve pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition or Icon Edition of WWE 2K23, you can start playing at 4am GMT UK time on March 14. That’s 9pm Pacific Time on March 13 if you live in the US. 

Building on last year’s much improved release, WWE 2K23 is headlined by a brand new 2K Showcase mode starring John Cena.

players will take part in legendary John Cena bouts against the likes of Kurt Angle, The Undertaker, Batista, The Rock and RVD.

“Spanning his 20-year WWE career and narrated by Cena himself, this interactive sports entertainment documentary uses 2K’s unique Slingshot Tech for a seamless transition from gameplay to live-action footage to bring pivotal moments in each match to life,” 2K explains.

Fans of classic NWA and WCW will also be pleased to find out that WarGames is making its debut in the WWE 2K series. Featuring two rings surrounded by a double-steel cage, WarGames can be played in 3v3 and 4v4 single player or multiplayer variants.

According to 2K Sports, the upcoming wrestling release also makes improvements to MyGM, MyRise, MyFaction and Universe modes.

The hefty roster contains a mixture of current Superstars and Legends, such as the British Bulldog, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin.

Additional wrestlers are available as pre-order bonuses and within future DLC packs.

Rapper Bad Bunny is available for all pre-order customers, while DLC packs contain the likes of Human Wrecking Machine Zeus, The Steiner Brothers, Bray Wyatt, and Harley Race.