The lifecycle of professional wrestling entertainment is moving faster than ever, both in the digital world and in the squared circle. As 2K Games prepares to sunset its previous flagship title, WWE is already looking years into the future, reportedly laying the groundwork for a historic showdown at WrestleMania 42. Between the ticking clock for online gamers and the evolving landscape of the women’s division, the promotion is entering a period of significant transition.
The Final Bell for WWE 2K24
It appears 2K Games is sticking to its recent strategy of phasing out older wrestling titles roughly two years after they hit the shelves. This trend saw WWE 2K23 pulled from digital storefronts earlier this year, and now WWE 2K24 is next on the chopping block. Originally, the 2024 installment—which launched to much fanfare on March 8—was slated for removal as early as January 5. However, according to recent reports from Delisted Games, 2K has decided to give the title a bit of a stay of execution.
Players now have until March 31, 2026, before the game is officially pulled from online stores. Once that date passes, the online servers will go dark, effectively disabling all multiplayer modes and connected features. For those who prefer the local experience, there is a silver lining: the offline modes will remain fully functional, allowing fans to continue playing matches against friends or family on the couch.
The Business of Annual Releases
This aggressive delisting cycle highlights a clear, if controversial, corporate strategy. 2K clearly wants its audience to migrate to the newest annual releases rather than lingering on titles that are only a few years old. While some fans might find the practice of “killing off” relatively modern games frustrating, there is a practical side to the decision. Maintaining servers for aging titles requires a financial commitment that 2K seems increasingly unwilling to make, especially as the player base naturally drifts toward the latest hardware and updated rosters.
A Historic Main Event Taking Shape
While the digital version of the brand is being pruned, the live product is aiming for new heights. Though WrestleMania 42 is still well over a year away, the internal rumor mill is already heating up regarding the headlining acts. The most compelling news currently circulating is that WWE is planning a high-stakes women’s match to serve as the main event for Night 1. This move reflects the company’s decades-long effort to elevate its women’s roster, transforming it from a secondary attraction into a powerhouse of elite talent capable of carrying the biggest show of the year.
The Road to WrestleMania: Bliss vs. Morgan
While nothing has been set in stone by WWE officials, industry insiders like Sean Ross Sapp have pointed toward a specific blockbuster matchup. The current internal discussions reportedly center on a clash between Alexa Bliss and Liv Morgan. Bliss, a seasoned veteran who recently made her long-awaited return at this year’s Royal Rumble, brings a wealth of experience and a massive following to the table. On the other side of the ring, Liv Morgan has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming one of the most recognizable faces in the company through sheer charisma and an aggressive in-ring style.
Morgan has already been featured prominently in early promotional materials for WrestleMania 42, signaling that the company views her as a cornerstone of their future plans. Of course, in the world of professional wrestling, plans are always subject to change. With several months of storytelling still ahead, the road to WrestleMania 42 is likely to take many more twists and turns before the first bell rings.