Getting the WWE 2K24 cover is a testament to Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley

Professional wrestling and video games go hand in hand. Fans have long loved the opportunity to recreate top moments with their favorites while holding the controller in their hands. WWE took the time to revamp its video game product and WWE 2K23 was well received. The announcement of the eleventh installment in WWE 2K24 continues that buzz and shows that WWE is leaning in on Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley as the faces of the company.

News broke on Monday, January 22 that the three superstars would step onto the cover of WWE 2K24. Rhodes is the face of the standard edition, while Belair and Ripley are on the deluxe edition together. This is the first time that two women are the featured superstars and Belair is the first woman of color to appear on the title. This is a big moment for each of them, yet solidifying the idea that they are central to the present and future of the organization.

“I’m proud to tell you on behalf of everyone at WWE, 2K, and the WWE Universe – all of you have earned the honor of being cover superstars for WWE 2K24,” Triple H said in a video to each of them. “It is the first time two WWE female superstars have had their own cover of WWE 2K and the three of you will split the duties for carrying the flag for WWE2K in the coming year. You truly, all three of you, embody what it means to be WWE superstars. So, from all of us to you, thank you and congratulations.”

As with many industries, professional wrestling continues to struggle with leaving its popular but problematic stars of the past there – in the past. Just see how much Hulk Hogan was featured in the game promo and during the episode of WWE Monday Night Raw as an example. Individuals like Ripley, Belair, and Rhodes represent a 180-degree improvement over the individuals who were pushed to the top of the moon decades ago. They are names that don’t carry the baggage of racism, sexism, and other serious allegations with them when they step into the ring or in front of the camera. Seeing them get this moment is a testament to not only who they are, but how the fans view each of them.

Rhodes’s is an amazing story that’s still almost surprising to behold. Walking away from WWE on his own, leading the establishment of AEW, just to return to WWE and push this company in a new direction is still bonkers to watch. Will he be the man to defeat Roman Reigns and finally get his place as the face of the company? Only time will tell, but the wrestling world is rooting for him.

WWE is making strides with its women’s division. Belair and Ripley are two of the forces behind that. Individually, they have head-turning star power, and at some point, they will face off against each other on the biggest stage of wrestling for what will be an Andre-Hogan moment. Putting them on the cover is one thing, but there’s still the opportunity for one woman to get a cover all to themselves. Here’s to hoping that happens sooner, rather than later.

There’s a lot to love about the pro wrestling industry and its inclusion in video gaming is one of them. Fans will be excited to play WWE 2K24 when it is available. Seeing Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley get featured positions on the cover makes them an even better moment for the WWE Universe.