Why Isn’t Naomi in 2K23? The Real Story Behind Her Absence
Naomi, a fan-favorite WWE superstar known for her athleticism, vibrant personality, and of course, the Glow, is notably absent from WWE 2K23’s roster. The primary reason for this omission stems directly from her and Sasha Banks’ (now Mercedes Mone) highly publicized walkout from WWE in May 2022. At the time of the game’s development and roster finalization, both Naomi and Sasha Banks were suspended indefinitely by WWE. This suspension, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding their future with the company and eventual release, effectively removed them from consideration for inclusion in the game. In short, it was a matter of contractual status and timing during the game’s production cycle.
The Walkout and Its Consequences
The details of the walkout are crucial to understanding Naomi’s absence from the game. Naomi and Sasha Banks, then the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, reportedly took issue with creative plans for an episode of Monday Night Raw. They felt the proposed storyline undermined their championship and presented them in a negative light. Rather than participate in the scheduled match, they left their championships on the desk of John Laurinaitis, then head of talent relations, and departed the arena.
This action resulted in immediate repercussions. WWE publicly announced their suspension and stripped them of the Women’s Tag Team Championships. The narrative surrounding the walkout became highly polarized, with some fans supporting Naomi and Sasha’s stance, while others criticized their professionalism. Regardless of one’s perspective, the situation created significant legal and contractual complexities that directly impacted their availability for WWE 2K23. Since their exit from the WWE, Mercedes has continued wrestling with NJPW, while Naomi has signed with TNA Wrestling (now called TNA Wrestling) under the ring name Trinity Fatu.
Timing is Everything: Game Development and Roster Selection
Video game development is a long and intricate process. Roster selection for titles like WWE 2K23 happens months, sometimes even a year, before the game’s release. Developers need to finalize character models, move sets, entrances, and voice lines. At the time those decisions were being made, Naomi and Sasha Banks’ status was in limbo. WWE was unlikely to allow their inclusion in the game while they were suspended, and any anticipation of their return was premature given the circumstances.
Essentially, by the time the dust settled and it became clear Naomi wouldn’t be returning to WWE in the foreseeable future, it was simply too late to incorporate her into the game. Including her would have required significant rework and potentially delayed the game’s release. As game development is a complex puzzle of various factors, the decision to omit Naomi, though disappointing for fans, was a pragmatic one from a business and production standpoint. You can explore further aspects of game development at the Games Learning Society using this link: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
The Hope for Future Inclusion
Despite her absence from WWE 2K23, the possibility of Naomi appearing in future installments remains. Depending on the evolving landscape of professional wrestling and potential reconciliations between Naomi and WWE, fans could see her return to the virtual ring. With professional wrestling known for its unexpected twists and turns, nothing is ever truly off the table. Until then, players must rely on community creations and mods to add Naomi to their game experience on platforms that allow it, or hope for her return in a future title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Naomi officially released by WWE?
Yes, both Naomi and Sasha Banks were officially released by WWE. While the initial announcement only cited a suspension, their contracts were eventually terminated.
2. Could 2K have added Naomi as DLC?
Technically, yes, 2K could have added Naomi as DLC (Downloadable Content). However, given the circumstances surrounding her departure and the potential licensing issues, it was a less likely scenario compared to adding wrestlers still affiliated with WWE.
3. Will Naomi ever return to WWE?
It’s impossible to say definitively. Professional wrestling is known for its unpredictable nature. While there were differences with creative that led to her departure, a return to WWE could be possible in the future depending on various factors, including new leadership, creative direction, and Naomi’s own career goals.
4. Are there any mods to add Naomi to WWE 2K23?
Yes, on PC, the modding community has created character models and move sets to add Naomi to WWE 2K23. These mods are not official and require specific PC versions of the game. Be cautious about downloading mods from unknown sources to avoid malware.
5. Is Sasha Banks (Mercedes Mone) also missing from WWE 2K23?
Yes, similar to Naomi, Sasha Banks (Mercedes Mone) is also absent from WWE 2K23 for the same reasons: her walkout, suspension, and eventual release from WWE prior to the game’s roster finalization.
6. Does the WWE 2K23 roster reflect real-world WWE storylines?
Generally, yes. The WWE 2K series strives to reflect the current WWE roster and popular storylines at the time of development. However, due to time constraints and the fluid nature of wrestling, some discrepancies are inevitable.
7. How does 2K decide which wrestlers to include in the game?
The roster selection process is complex and involves collaboration between 2K and WWE. Factors considered include a wrestler’s popularity, current status in WWE, championship history, marketability, and overall fit within the game’s design.
8. What other wrestlers were surprisingly left out of WWE 2K23?
Besides Naomi and Sasha Banks, other wrestlers who were absent from WWE 2K23 despite being with the company previously included names like Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler (who was released after the game’s release), and some NXT talents. Roster turnover is constant, so some omissions are inevitable.
9. How often does 2K update the WWE 2K roster with DLC?
2K typically releases several DLC packs throughout the year, adding new wrestlers, move sets, and story content to the game. These packs are usually timed to coincide with major WWE events or storylines.
10. What is the “Glow” that Naomi is known for?
The “Glow” refers to Naomi’s signature entrance and in-ring style, which involves incorporating glow-in-the-dark paint and accessories, creating a visually striking and memorable presentation.
11. Could AEW wrestlers ever appear in a WWE 2K game?
While technically possible, it is highly unlikely. WWE and AEW are rival wrestling promotions. Including AEW wrestlers in a WWE 2K game would require significant collaboration and licensing agreements, which is not something either company would be inclined to pursue.
12. How can I request a wrestler’s inclusion in a future WWE 2K game?
Fans can voice their requests through social media, online forums, and by contacting 2K and WWE directly. While these requests are not guaranteed to be fulfilled, they do provide valuable feedback for the developers to consider.
13. What happens when a wrestler leaves WWE after being included in the game?
If a wrestler leaves WWE after being included in the game, their character typically remains in the game. However, they are unlikely to receive any further updates or DLC content.
14. Are WWE 2K games historically accurate in terms of wrestler ratings?
WWE 2K games aim to provide a balanced and competitive experience. While wrestler ratings are influenced by their real-world performance and status, they are also adjusted for gameplay purposes to ensure that matches are engaging and challenging.
15. What is the future of women’s wrestling in WWE 2K games?
The future of women’s wrestling in WWE 2K games is bright. WWE has made significant strides in promoting women’s wrestling, and 2K has followed suit by including more female wrestlers, storylines, and championship opportunities in their games. The trend towards greater representation and inclusivity is likely to continue.