As the release of WWE 2K26 approaches, scheduled for less than two months, leaks and revelations are starting to pour in. The latest, from Insider Gaming, will delight purists: four new match types will be added to the game upon launch, including some that fans have been asking for for over a decade.
Among them, two big returns are getting people talking: the I Quit Match and the Inferno Match, absent since 2013 and 2011 respectively. Two others will complete the offer: the 3 Stages of Hell and a brand new arrival, the Dumpster Match, still mysterious.
The return of the I Quit Match, 13 years later
Absent since WWE 2K14, the I Quit Match marks its big return after 13 years of absence. This type of combat is based on a simple but brutal principle: forcing your opponent to say “I Quit” into the microphone, a sign of absolute surrender. Highly appreciated for its psychological dimension, this format allows for more intense and longer confrontations.
It fits perfectly with the spirit of Showcase mode which will feature CM Punk, a superstar accustomed to high-tension matches. His return to the roster and his central role in story mode are already shaping up to be a strong argument for players.
The Inferno Match: a fiery classic
Long absent from recent WWE games, the Inferno Match is also back. Spectacular and unpredictable, this type of fight consists of setting your opponent on fire to achieve victory. The more violent the holds, the more the flames around the ring intensify.
This visually impressive format could benefit from the graphical improvements made by WWE 2K26, and offer an even more cinematic setting.
The 3 Stages of Hell and the mystery of the Dumpster Match
Another unexpected return: the 3 Stages of Hell, legendary format of the Smackdown vs Raw series. This best of three round match allows you to vary the stipulations: normal match, extreme fight, cage, everything is possible. It is a mode particularly appreciated by players for its complexity and its increase in tension.
Conversely, the Dumpster Match is a real novelty in the WWE 2K universe. Little information is available, but early speculation suggests a mechanism similar to Casket Match, where the goal would be to throw the opponent into a dumpster to win. Additional details are expected to be revealed shortly.
Cross-gender matches confirmed in My Faction
Another confirmation slipped into this announcement: the intergender matches introduced last year will be playable again in WWE 2K26. And this time, they will be available in My Faction mode, which could allow unprecedented mixed duels between Superstars from all backgrounds.
All of these new features show a clear desire by 2K Sports to diversify gaming experiences and meet the expectations of long-time fans. With a rapidly evolving roster and expected returns like CM Punk, WWE 2K26 promises to be a pivotal episode for the license.