2K today announced AJ Styles as the cover Superstar for WWE 2K19.

An unparalleled in-ring competitor and distinguished personality recognized globally for his accomplishments spanning nearly two decades, “The Phenomenal One” – also a massive video game enthusiast – will usher in WWE 2K19’s worldwide marketing campaign of “Never Say Never” while inviting fans to learn more about the video game.

2K released new info about features for WWE 2K19, beginning with core gameplay updates including general improvements, new match types, the Payback System, Big Head Mode and more.

PART ONE: GAMEPLAY

General Improvements

• In WWE 2K18, we upped the total number of competitors on screen from six to eight. In WWE 2K19, we’ve improved the framerate for matches with six or more characters on screen so that things will remain smooth – even when the ring is crowded. In general, the animations are faster and look more impactful when moves are performed.
• Strikes have been overhauled with over 250 new attack and reaction animations. The new strike reaction system triggers varied and contextually appropriate response animations, taking into account fatigue level and size difference.
• When facing computer-controlled opponents, you’ll notice they utilize a wider variety of offense. Additionally, they behave more opportunistically based on their positioning inside or outside of the ring, on the cage, etc.
• Commentary is bolstered with over 15,000 new lines from the team of Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton. All entrance commentary is brand new, with more specific and natural references to the WWE Superstars as they come down the ramp. Once the action gets rolling, thousands of new move calls add to the excitement of the matches.
• Dozens of new match scoring conditions allow more creativity in your quest to earn a coveted five-star match, and a more detailed results screen offers more transparency as to what went into your rating.
• You can now change controller assignment in the middle of a match in Universe and Exhibition. Simply pause the game and you can switch to an A.I. vs A.I. match, control your opponent, or whatever you like.

New Match Types

5-Man

• Normal
• Extreme Rules
• Ladder
• Table
• TLC
• Hell in a Cell
• Battle Royal

6-Man

• Normal
• Triple Threat Tornado Tag
• Ladder Tag
• Ladder Triple Tag
• Hell in a Cell Tag
• Hell in a Cell Triple Tag
• TLC Tag
• TLC Triple Tag

8-Man

• Normal
• 4-Way Tornado Tag
• Ladder Tag
• Ladder 4-Way Tag

Royal Rumble

• Women’s Royal Rumble

Hell in a Cell Reimagined

The size of the Hell in a Cell structure previously scaled larger than it actually is in real life. Now that it has more realistic proportions, we can more accurately capture the tension of battling within the menacing Cell.

With the smaller Cell, competing at ringside goes from traditional moves to a claustrophobic feel, with heavier emphasis on brawling and using the Cell walls, apron, and steel steps to cause damage. Players formerly had to use their OMG skills to break through the Cell walls, but now they can smash rivals through them with standard moves if they take enough damage.

Once on the outside of the Cell, you have the option to move around and climb all four sides instead of just the left and right walls. While climbing, you can attack your opponent and move more freely instead of making a beeline to the top.

The roof of the Cell is now a uniform grid of panels like you’ll see on WWE programming. It’s noticeably simpler to send your opponent through the panels to the ring below with standard grapples, the carry system, striking, and Irish whips.

Revamped Steel Cage

Several new interactions and options have been added to steel cage matches as well. Attack while climbing if both of you are trying to get out or dive onto your opponent mid-climb if he or she is in the ring. A new climbing mini-game awaits when you’re close to the top of the cage. Once you’re up there in a sitting position, you can battle it out with strikes and throw a dazed opponent back into the ring. If you’re ready to climb out, there’s a new mini-game in place to add extra tension in the race to touch the floor first and win the match.

If you’d rather leave through the cage door, that’s also an option now. Simply go to the door and call the ref to unlock it. If it’s toward the beginning of the match when everyone’s still fresh, the ref will take his sweet time getting the door open. One he does, there’s a new mini-game to complete before you can fully exit. If you fail, your opponent will toss you back in the ring and the ref will close the door once again.

Money in the Bank Updates

You can now choose who is holding the Money in the Bank briefcase in both Exhibition and Universe Mode. In addition, a variety of cash-in sequences are now at your disposal. Player-controlled or A.I. characters can cash in before, during, or after a match with a quick selection in the pause screen. If you’re concerned about pesky A.I. cash-ins ruining your day, it’s easy to tweak the frequency with handy sliders in the settings. Players can also create and customize their own Money in the Bank briefcases for use in both Exhibition and Universe Mode.

Get Some Payback

The Payback System is new for WWE 2K19. This defensive mechanic can turn the momentum of a match and get you back on track. Take enough damage and you’ll unlock a Level 1 ability to help you get out of a sticky situation. If you hold out longer, you’ll earn a more powerful Level 2 ability. Players choose from various abilities before entering a match.

Level 1

• Auto-Reverse: Automatically reverse any minor attack.
• Possum: Playing possum allows an incapacitated Superstar to attack from several positions (leaning against the ropes, supine, or corner) or roll an opponent up in a small package.
• Fists of Fury: Temporarily increases striking speed and power.
• Speed Buff: Temporarily increases movement, stamina, and reversal recovery speeds.
• Reversal: Earn a reversal.
• Instant Recovery: Instantly recover after being knocked down. Includes minor speed buff.

Level 2

• Finisher: Earn a finisher.
• Resiliency: Escape a pin, submission, or elimination minigame with ease.
• Adrenaline Buff: Allows you to lift more weight and increases the amount of Momentum earned for performing lifting grapples.
• Tank Buff: Significantly increase your defensive abilities while reducing overall mobility.
• Low Blow: Perform a low blow from a standing or kneeling position. Risk of disqualification.
• Poison Mist: Spit poison mist in your opponent’s face. Risk of disqualification.
• Power of the Punch: Hit your opponent with brass knuckles. Risk of disqualification.
• Move Thief: Use your opponent’s own move set to finish him or her off.
• Run-In: Summon an ally to ringside to help turn the tide (1 vs. 1 matches only).
• Blackout: The lights go out. When they come back on, you appear behind your opponent. (1 vs. 1 matches only).

Big Head Mode

You may have noticed this one in the WWE 2K19 Phenomenal One trailer or in many recently posted videos from media and content creators. In the options screen before any Exhibition match, you can toggle on Big Heads for any WWE Superstar or created character. It’s hard not to smile seeing all of the silly entrances and moves with out of proportion faces and long hair styles reaching down to the Superstars’ ankles. It’s all part of bringing more fun to the series.

Leading up to WWE 2K19's launch on October 9, 2018, 2K will share additional features information – including details for MyPlayer, Creation and Universe advancements - and fans can also join the fun by voting on WWE 2K19’s Twitter poll for the information they want to learn about next.

WWE 2K19 is currently scheduled for worldwide release on October 9, 2018 for the PS4, Xbox and PC.