WWE 2K24 is set to have the first batch of downloadable content on May 15. The popular video game series will have five DLC packs, which fans can purchase together in a season pass for $39.99. In preparation for next week’s release, WWE 2K24 has shared a first look at ECW legend The Sandman.
The upcoming DLC titled the ECW Punk Pack features The Sandman, The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley), Terry Funk, and CM Punk as playable characters. It will mark the first time they will be playable in the last few years, including The Sandman, who hasn’t been in a WWE video game since Smackdown vs. Raw 2008.
WWE 2K24’s X/Twitter account previewed a first look and the entrance for The Sandman.
Let's hear it for The Sandman ?
The ECW Punk Pack for #WWE2K24 is available May 15 pic.twitter.com/adPs0h39mD
— #WWE2K24 (@WWEgames) May 6, 2024
More On The Sandman In WWE 2K24
Although the hardcore icon character model looks good, his appearance resembles his time in WWE. Fans may be disappointed that his signature ECW theme, Enter Sandman by Metallica, isn’t featured in his entrance. It’s also noticeable that the ECW legend doesn’t come to the ring from the crowd in the game.
It’s unclear why WWE 2K developers didn’t include The Sandman’s signature entrance in their latest installment. Alongside the first look at the hardcore legend, WWE 2K24 revealed that he has an 86 overall. The Sandman’s stats come as a surprise, with the ECW icon having better numbers than current WWE superstars.
The Sandman’s Overall Compared To Current WWE Superstars In The Game
The Sandman’s high overall may surprise some fans compared to active WWE talent featured in the game. WWE 2K24 has the former ECW World Heavyweight Champion rated higher than the likes of AJ Styles (85), Chad Gable (80), and Austin Theory (72). He also has a better overall than other WWE Hall of Famers featured in the game, like Booker T (85) and Harley Race (84).
In an interview with Squared Circle Pit’s Rob Pasbani, WWE 2K24 Producer Bryan Williams explained how it’s decided to give certain wrestlers their overall.
SEScoops’ Thomas Lowson transcribed the following quotes.
“For us on the design side, we’re really big on character differentiation and making sure that when you select a character that they are of their appropriate hierarchy on the card. Not everybody can be a Roman Reigns. You have people that are at the tippety top of the card and then you have people that are not, but there’s no slight on anybody,” said Williams.
Williams also noted how many championships a wrestler has held and their win/loss record were considered when making the decision.
It’s unclear why the WWE 2K developers felt The Sandman should have a better overall than several top current talent and legends. However, fans of the ECW legend will soon get a chance to put his overall to the test next week.