WWE 2K23 will be bringing in a few changes to its game modes following the tremendous success of WWE 2K22 in the hopes of elevating the upcoming game. WWE 2K23 will release multiple editions, each of which will contain certain bonuses that the player will be able to use such as unique MyFaction cards and playable versions of superstars. One of these playable versions will take fans back to the earliest days of John Cena as WWE 2K23’s Icon Edition will reward players with Prototype John Cena.
John Cena’s storied career will be played out in WWE 2K23’s Showcase Mode, but this year, Showcase Mode will give players control of Cena’s opponents that have defeated him. This change can freshen up Showcase Mode as it will not only give players more variety within the game mode but will be an interesting way to experience Cena’s career. While Prototype John Cena has not been confirmed for Showcase Mode, the earliest iteration of John Cena will be unique to fans who had no knowledge of this part of his career.
John Cena’s Prototype
Prior to joining the WWE, John Cena was a wrestler on Ultimate Pro Wrestling where his gimmick, the Prototype, was first introduced to audiences. As the prototype, Cena acted more like a robot than a man with his muscular physique and mannerisms all serving to emulate a powerful machine, a gimmick that was originally carried into the WWE over twenty years ago. Cena further popularized the Prototype during his time in OVW, a member promotion of the WWE, where he won the OVW Heavyweight Championship and the OVW Tag Team Championship.
Following his time at OVW, Cena was drafted into the main roster of the WWE and even competed as the Prototype against Kurt Angle. Unfortunately, many in the WWE did not believe that this altered persona of John Cena had any potential to make it big within the main roster, which ultimately brought about Cena’s next big persona as the "Doctor of Thuganomics." While the Prototype may not feature in WWE 2K23’s Showcase Mode, it marks an important period in the career of John Cena and could give newer fans insight into his overall journey -- from his time in Ultimate Pro Wrestling to his victories in WrestleMania.
WWE 2K23 Showcase Mode Should Include Prototype Cena
With WWE 2K23’s Showcase Mode set to take players on a journey through John Cena’s Career, the earliest iteration of his character seems like a necessary talking point. As Prototype, John Cena was able to make a name for himself, not only in other brands but also in the OVW, which at the time was a part of the WWE. Further, the Icon Edition of WWE 2K23 will also unlock OVW versions of Batista, Randy Orton, and Brock Lesnar. Called the OVW Four when with Prototype Cena, they may play a role in Cena’s Showcase Mode.
As with any other Showcase Mode, fans should also expect to hear directly from John Cena as he talks about each of his losses and how it affected his career going forward. Hearing his thoughts about the first character he played in the ring would be fascinating, and gaining his insight on how he managed to shift to an entirely new personality could shed light on how WWE functions. Following last year's success with Rey Mysterio’s Showcase Mode, WWE 2K23 will hope that giving fans control of John Cena’s enemies will be enough to captivate fans and give them a look at one of the most popular superstars WWE has ever seen.
John Cena’s brilliant career in the WWE may be nearing its end and WWE 2K23’s Showcase Mode could be the perfect send-off. While he has not been his usual dominating self in the WWE lately, fans still get to experience his power in the WWE 2K franchise. With such an illustrious career within the company, and millions of fans waiting for their chance to play out his biggest losses, WWE 2K23’s John Cena Showcase Mode could be the best one the franchise has ever seen.
WWE 2K23 is scheduled to release March 17, 2023 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.