The first WWE video game to feature a true create-a-wrestler mode was WWF Warzone, which was published by Acclaim towards the end of the twentieth century. Since then, customization options have come an awfully long way, which bodes well given some of the high-profile omissions from WWE 2K22's roster.

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Now, rather than complaining about their favorite superstars being absent, players can simply create or download them with ease. There's already a wide and varied selection of former WWE Superstars available in WWE 2K22, allowing players to fill up any gaps in the roster, including those left by Superstars who are now at rival promotions like AEW.

Chris Jericho

It's not at all uncommon for professional wrestlers to bounce between promotions, but Chris Jericho takes this to a whole new level. One of several big names currently plying their trade at AEW, Jericho has held Championships at just about every major promotion imaginable during his illustrious career. He remains popular with WWE fans for this reason, hence why Defract and numerous other players have gone to the trouble of creating him in WWE 2K22.

CM Punk

Another former WWE star who's currently on the books at AEW, CM Punk's is one of the most notable absences in WWE 2K22's roster. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt was one of the most popular wrestlers of the WWE's PG era, which explains why JaeThaWrestler and so many other players were so quick to create him in the game.

Rob Van Dam

One of five wrestlers inducted into the Class of 2021 WWE Hall of Fame, Rob Van Dam didn't actually spend all that long at the WWE, with his main stint beginning just before the end of the Attitude era. He was able to make a big impression in a relatively short amount of time though, winning numerous Championships before returning to the independent circuit in 2007. Those eager to see him return to the ring in WWE 2K22 can now do so, however, thanks to the efforts of SuplexCultistUK.

Ronda Rousey

Strictly speaking, Ronda Rousey isn't a former WWE wrestler, though she was during the time when the bulk of WWE 2K22's development took place. For this reason, she is one of only a handful of current WWE Superstars not included in the game's roster at launch. She will eventually be added as a DLC wrestler, but, for those who just can't wait for that or don't fancy dropping any more money on the game, this fantastic creation from ROWDYDIVA should be able to fill the void.

Paige

Plenty of former Superstars have spoken out about some of the gaps in WWE 2K22's roster, the most notable being former Divas Champion, Paige. She's one of the most popular female wrestlers in the history of the WWE and quite rightly questioned why she and some of her former costars were absent in WWE 2K22. However, thanks to creator MrAlterNation, she, at least, no longer is.

Big Show

Had Big Show not signed for AEW in 2021, he probably would've been a shoo-in for WWE 2K22. The seven-foot powerhouse is a seven-time world champion and headlined numerous pay-per-view events while contracted to the WWE. GRMNQuality clearly felt that Show still deserved to be included, however, and set to work on creating this fantastic rendition of the Showster.

Tommy End

Tommy End (or Malakai Black, as he prefers to go by these days) is another former WWE star who made the leap to AEW in 2021 after being released from his WWE contract. At four years, his time at the WWE was relatively brief, but still long enough for him to attract a fairly sizable number of fans. GeKoDoesCaws was clearly among them, as evidenced by the huge effort that the creator put into designing the Superstar in WWE 2K22.

Scarlett

Scarlett made numerous WWE appearances before she made her in-ring debut, which came on an episode of Raw in late 2016. In 2020, she began managing Karrio Kross, but was released soon after due to COVID-19. She still appears in WWE 2K22 as a manager, though those looking to fight with her will need to download her. WhatsTheStatus' model is arguably the pick of the bunch, but there are plenty of other custom Scarletts for those who disagree.

Jon Moxley

Jon Moxley spent almost a decade at the WWE before making the switch to AEW in 2019. During this time, he won the Intercontinental and Tag Team championships multiple times and the WWE Championship once. IconicCAWS' is one of several decent recreations of Moxley in WWE 2K22 and is a must-download for fans of the former WWE wrestler.

The Fiend

Windham Rotunda has fought using a few different ring names and personas over the years, but The Fiend is easily the pick of the bunch. The horror-themed character is one of the creepiest to have ever graced the WWE and one of the most visually striking superstars of all time. Numerous players have attempted to recreate The Fiend in WWE 2K22, but the best arguably comes courtesy of NEFARIOUSPRO, who perfectly captures the character's sinister smile.

WWE 2K22 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

MORE: WWE 2K22: Complete Guide & Walkthrough