Ethan Crossfield 
Annual roster changes are a familiar part of sports and wrestling games, but WWE 2K27 could face an unusually large turnover before it reaches players. According to Smackdown Hotel, 32 names currently included in WWE 2K26 are likely to be absent from the next installment. The number is not final, and contract situations, likeness agreements, character rights and potential returns could still change the lineup.
Why WWE 2K27's roster may look so different
WWE 2K27 is confirmed to be in development, although neither Visual Concepts nor Take-Two Interactive has commented on the reported roster changes. The series generally follows a predictable promotional cycle, with a reveal often expected around the Royal Rumble and a release in March. Those windows are not confirmed for WWE 2K27, but the established pattern gives fans an idea of when the final roster picture may become clearer.
The reported departures appear to reflect broader changes across WWE rather than a single issue with the performers' popularity. Recent exits, post-WrestleMania developments and changing character rights can all affect whether a wrestler or persona remains available in a new game.
The 32 names currently at risk
The reported list includes Alba Fyre, Aleister Black, Alex Shelley, Andre Chase, Apollo Crews, Ava, Cactus Jack, Chris Sabin, Dexter Lumis, Dude Love, Erick Rowan, Ilja Dragunov, Jaxmyn Nyx, JC Mateo, Joe Gacy, Kairi Sane, Kofi Kingston, Mankind, Mick Foley as a manager, Nikki Cross, Pat McAfee, Ridge Holland, Santos Escobar, Sheamus, Tommaso Ciampa, Tonga Loa, Tyler Breeze, Uncle Howdy, Xavier Woods, Yoshiki Inamura, Zelina and Zoey Stark.
Several entries represent more than one presentation of a performer. Mick Foley's manager slot is listed separately from his wrestling personas, while Cactus Jack, Dude Love and Mankind are also included. That makes rights and character availability especially important when comparing WWE 2K26 with its successor.
Major absences could affect the game's identity
The potential removal of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would be particularly noticeable because they were associated with The New Day in WWE 2K26. The source also notes that the pair have moved to AEW as part of The New Level alongside Austin Creed. Uncle Howdy's possible absence may also disappoint fans who connected with the Wyatt Sicks presentation, especially since the character appeared as downloadable content in WWE 2K25.
Mick Foley and his related personas are another complicated case. Their reported break with WWE was connected to the company's growing association with President Donald Trump, adding a wider real-world dispute to the list of factors that can influence a game's roster.
What to watch before release
The 32-name figure should be treated as a current estimate rather than a locked roster decision. A performer could return, a deal could preserve a likeness, or additional departures could push the total higher. As WWE 2K27 moves through development and marketing, official announcements should provide a clearer answer than early roster tracking.
The changes could make the next game feel substantially different before any new wrestlers or features are announced. AEW may offer an alternative wrestling promotion for fans, but the source describes AEW Fight Forever as a reported commercial flop, leaving no established competing game ready to absorb every displaced WWE character.
Key points
- Smackdown Hotel currently identifies 32 WWE 2K26 names likely to miss WWE 2K27.
- The total can still change because of contracts, likeness rights, character rights and returns.
- Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Uncle Howdy are among the most significant potential absences.
- WWE 2K27 is confirmed in development, but its reveal and release timing remain unconfirmed.
Expert View
A roster loss of this size would make WWE 2K27 feel like more than a routine annual update. For the community, recognizable absences can matter as much as new additions because they affect tag teams, historical lineups and fantasy booking options. The situation also highlights how closely wrestling games depend on changing employment and licensing relationships.
