Mick Foley
As Raw general manager earlier in the year, Foley was always a likely roster inclusion – but it's interesting to see him listed under his real name. That may mean that we get him in flannel-shirted regular-guy form, rather than as one of his famous WWE personas of Mankind, Cactus Jack and/or Dude Love. Final confirmation as soon as we have it.
Mickie James
Last September I proposed the return of a long-time women’s division favourite to the 2K series – and while James didn’t make the game, WWE went one better by bringing her back to real rings instead. James re-debuted in November against Asuka at NXT Takeover: Toronto, and is now back in videogame form too. Sweet.
Mr Perfect
For me, Mr Perfect vs Bret Hart, from 1992, is the greatest Summerslam match of all time. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that classic bout, and I'll be celebrating by pitting them against one another weekly, if not daily, in WWE 2K18. Perfect's son, Curtis Axel, has never matched his dad's achievements, but he too can be found elsewhere on the roster.
Naomi
While former Funkadactyl Cameron is long gone from WWE, partner Naomi has turned a successful stint on TV show WWE Divas into championship gold – holding the Smackdown Women's Championship for much of 2017. She dropped the belt to Natalya at Summerslam, but remains primed for a very successful 2018.
Natalya & Jim Neidhart
This daddy-daughter coupling had lots to celebrate in August 2017. In addition to being confirmed for WWE 2K18, Nattie tied the record for most women's pay-per-view matches at Summerslam, and overcame Naomi to capture the Smackdown Women's Championship. Alongside Bret Hart and British Bulldog, they take the game's Hart Family contingent to four.
Natural Disasters
Initially 2K neglected to reveal Typhoon – suggesting that there'd be no reformation of supermassive tag champions the Natural Disasters, and Earthquake would only be available for solo play. But that was corrected in early September, and both behemoths are indeed in. It's unlikely you'll choose to rehash their atrocious 1991 feud with the Bushwhackers, mind.
Neville
12DOVE's wrestler of the year? Newcastle pocket rocket Neville, and I write that without a hint of irony. The self-proclaimed 'king of the cruiserweights' has lived up to that description, reinventing himself as a dastardly heel and putting on a succession of barnstorming bouts. And, as you can see, the title he's held for most of 2017 is added to 2K18 too.
The New Day
They didn't have match at WrestleMania 33, instead being cast as the event's hosts – but Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E have nonetheless combined to have a successful year, restoring fan interest in the Smackdown tag titles thanks to an entertaining and hard-hitting summer feud with The Usos. Sterling work, lads.
Nia Jax
It's become fashionable to knock the lady who gets to call Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson her cousin, but her charisma in internet vids alongside real-life best friend Alexa Bliss suggests there's talent here – if WWE can only translate it to the TV screen. Having the pair feud over the WWE Women's Championship, as is occurring right now, is a healthy start.
No Way Jose
NXT's party guy gets a WWE series debut, with a call-up to the main roster likely on the horizon for 2018. If I were a betting man I'd pinpoint it for the Tuesday following WrestleMania 34, with a Smackdown live appearance and victory over Aiden English. [Consider this guaranteed for a thousand WWE 2K18 Universe mode save files, if not real life.]
