2K Sports has officially unveiled the soundtrack for WWE 2K23, and this year’s selection carries a distinctly personal touch. For the first time in the franchise’s history, the entire playlist was curated by none other than John Cena — a 16-time world champion, Hollywood actor, and one of the most recognizable faces in professional wrestling. Cena, who returns as the cover athlete for the sixth time, also serves as an executive producer on the game. The soundtrack spans genres and generations, featuring iconic rock bands like Metallica and Red Hot Chili Peppers, hip-hop heavyweights such as Doja Cat and Post Malone, and even a German rap track from Luciano — marking a notable expansion of musical diversity in the series.

Cena’s involvement in WWE 2K23 goes beyond a mere endorsement. As executive producer, he has had a hand in shaping the game's overall feel, and the soundtrack is a key component of that vision. In a statement released by 2K Sports, the company emphasized Cena’s “personal touch” on the tracklist. The choice of songs reflects Cena’s own eclectic musical tastes and his history with the WWE universe. Notably, Cena himself contributed to a previous WWE soundtrack: in 2004, his entrance theme “Basic Thuganomics” — a rap track personifying his early “Doctor of Thuganomics” character — was included on the WWE Raw: Thuganomics compilation. That song became synonymous with his rise to superstardom.

This year’s selection includes a wide variety of artists and styles, ensuring that players will hear everything from thrash metal to reggaeton while navigating menus, creating wrestlers, or playing matches. Let’s examine the full tracklist and the significance of each piece:

• Metallica – “Sad But True”
• Bizarrap & Quevedo – “Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 52”
• Doja Cat – “Vegas”
• Luciano – “SUVs”
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Can’t Stop”
• Joyner Lucas & Lil Baby – “Ramen & OJ”
• Hardy – “Jack”
• Bullet for My Valentine – “No More Tears”
• Del V feat. Omar Courtz – “Dame Lu”
• Letdown. – “Shipwreck”
• Idles – “Grounds”
• Post Malone feat. Ozzy Osbourne & Travis Scott – “Take What You Want”

Each track brings a unique energy. Metallica’s “Sad But True” is a heavy anthem that fits perfectly with the intensity of wrestling battles. The song originally appeared on the band’s 1991 self-titled album (often called The Black Album) and has been used in various sports contexts over the years. Doja Cat’s “Vegas” — a modern pop-rap hit that samples Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” — was featured in the Elvis biopic and provides a contemporary, catchy vibe. The inclusion of Luciano’s “SUVs” is particularly interesting: the German rapper has risen to mainstream success in Europe, and his presence on the soundtrack signifies a deliberate effort to appeal to the international WWE fanbase.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Can’t Stop” is a triumphant rock track from their 2002 album By the Way, and its energetic riff has long been a staple of sports montages. Post Malone’s “Take What You Want,” featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Travis Scott, blends elements of rock and trap, while Idles’ “Grounds” — a blistering punk track from the British band — adds an aggressive, political edge. Hardy, a country music star with rock leanings, contributes “Jack,” a song that celebrates whiskey and southern living. Bullet for My Valentine’s “No More Tears” is a metalcore anthem about resilience, and Letdown.’s “Shipwreck” offers an alternative rock sound with introspective lyrics. Joyner Lucas and Lil Baby’s “Ramen & OJ” delves into street life and ambition, while Del V and Omar Courtz bring Latin reggaeton into the mix with “Dame Lu.” Bizarrap and Quevedo’s “Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. 52” represents the global Spanish-language music scene — an area WWE has actively courted in recent years through partnerships with Latin artists.

John Cena’s Role in WWE 2K23 and Beyond

John Cena’s involvement in WWE 2K23 is the latest chapter in a long relationship with video games. He first appeared on a WWE game cover in 2005 for WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2 and has been a fixture ever since. His return as cover star in 2023 marks a full-circle moment: Cena is currently semi-retired from in-ring competition but remains one of the company’s most influential ambassadors. His duties as executive producer likely extend beyond music; he has reportedly consulted on character moves, storylines, and the overall presentation of the game.

Beyond wrestling, Cena has built a successful Hollywood career, starring in films like Daddy’s Home 2, Bumblebee, and Fast & Furious 9. He also launched a successful line of workout gear and remains a philanthropist, holding the record for the most wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His ability to connect with audiences of all ages makes him an ideal spokesperson for a mainstream entertainment product.

The Significance of Soundtracks in Wrestling Games

Soundtracks have always played a crucial role in the WWE gaming experience. From the early days of SmackDown! on PlayStation, where custom entrance music was a luxury, to the modern era with streaming integration, music sets the tone for the entire product. The WWE 2K series has traditionally licensed popular songs from a variety of genres, but rarely has one person curated the entire playlist. Cena’s personal selection adds a layer of authenticity: these are songs he listens to, songs that inspire him, and songs that fit the high-octane environment of a wrestling game.

The inclusion of a German rap song is also noteworthy. Germany has a passionate wrestling fanbase, and WWE has held major events there. Luciano, born in Berlin to Iraqi parents, is one of the country’s biggest hip-hop acts, with hits like “SUVs” and “Pepas” (a remix collaboration). His presence on the soundtrack acknowledges the growing importance of the European market to WWE’s global expansion.

Artistic Diversity and Fan Reception

Fans have reacted positively to the soundtrack announcement, praising its mix of genres and eras. Social media posts highlighted the inclusion of British punk band Idles, whose Ultra Mono album received critical acclaim. Metalheads appreciated Metallica and Bullet for My Valentine, while pop fans enjoyed Doja Cat and Post Malone. The Latin music selections — Bizarrap and Del V — also drew applause from the Hispanic community. This diversity aligns with WWE’s current roster, which features talents from over 30 countries, including Latin American stars like Rey Mysterio, Andrade, and Zelina Vega.

Cena’s personal touch extends to the game’s menu design and presentation. According to early previews, the soundtrack will be fully customizable, allowing players to create their own playlists or prioritize certain genres. This feature was missing from previous iterations and has been a requested update for years.

Historical Context: WWE 2K Series Soundtracks

Looking back, previous WWE 2K soundtracks have featured acts like Papa Roach, Shinedown, Moby, and Eazy-E. The 2004 game WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw included songs from Limp Bizkit, Drowning Pool, and Adema. The trend has been toward more mainstream rock and hip-hop, but the 2023 edition marks a deliberate pivot toward global sounds. John Cena’s role as executive producer likely influenced this shift — he has always been a proponent of inclusion, both in wrestling and in his personal life.

The announcement also comes at a time when video game soundtracks are increasingly curated by celebrities. Games like Madden NFL and FIFA have long used famous curators, but WWE 2K had not experimented with this approach until now. It is a strategy that could help the game stand out in a crowded market dominated by titles like AEW: Fight Forever (which features a soundtrack curated by Kenny Omega) and RetroMania Wrestling.

In addition to the soundtrack, WWE 2K23 promises several gameplay improvements, including revamped chain wrestling, a deeper MyGM mode, and expanded creation tools. A new storyline called “John Cena’s Road to Glory” will let players relive key moments from Cena’s career, from his debut against Kurt Angle to his championship victories. The game is scheduled for release on March 17, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

John Cena’s impact on the wrestling world cannot be overstated. He was the face of the company during the Ruthless Aggression era and the early PG era, headlining multiple WrestleMania events. His move into Hollywood has been equally successful, and his return to the WWE 2K franchise as executive producer ensures that his legacy remains intertwined with the brand. With a soundtrack that blends nostalgia and modernity, WWE 2K23 aims to please both longtime fans and a new generation of players.

Source: Rolling Stone News