WWE 2K23 came with quite a few upgrades from 2K22, The AI, Career Mode, And the welcome addition of War Games capped off what some are saying is the best 2K game since the 2K/Yukes Split (There have only been 3, I know).
One of the other modes to get a much-needed upgrade is Universe Mode!
The WWE 2K23 Universe Mode Rivalry System got a very requested overhaul this year, giving players the ability to drive stories and rivalries in the direction they want them to go, much in the way of Story Designer in the past. But is the upgrade worth it?
A lot of questions were left on the table by the Dev team this year. With a lot of cutscenes made available, what exactly do they do? More importantly, how do you use them?
Below is a list of every Cutscene in WWE 2K23 Universe Mode, with a brief description of how they work.
This year you have the tools to create the most in-depth stories since WWE 2K14 on the Xbox 360/PS3, the last game to have Story Designer.
In WWE 2K23, cutscenes are organized by Rivalry type. When you create a rivalry in Universe Mode it is divided into 4 subcategories: Low, Medium, High, Very High. Each Rivalry type has different cutscenes attached to it.
Remember you can also change to Free Mode and use any cutscene you'd like, as long as the characters involved meet the criteria (Also shown below)
Quick note: Instead of putting a wrestler's name I put Rival A & Rival B. Rival A is the character that wins the Cutscene interaction. Rival B is the character that is on the other end of said interaction.
WWE 2K23 Universe Mode Rivalry Cutscenes
Low Intensity Rivalries
Sportsmanship
Handshakes, gestures of respect. These action sets are meant to build a clean competitive. Some scene interactions can even lead to an ally formation.
Peace Between Enemies - Stare down before the match, but in the end the competitors bury the hatchet if Competitor A wins the match.
- Both Competitors start match with 25% of their finisher meter.
- Both Competitors become allies
- Match winner gains 10 momentum
- Increase to Match winners Disciplined Trait
Cooperation Between Rivals - Tag Match with rivals as tag partners. Rivals will meet face to face at the end of the match.
- Increases both competitors Disciplined & Loyal Traits.
- Both Competitors start with 33% Special meter
Hesitation Between Rivals -Similar to the Cooperation Between Rivals cutscene. Rivals will meet face to face post-match
- Hot Tags give Rival A or B +33% Special meter.
- Both Competitors gain 10 momentum
- (Pre match cutscene) Pre-Match Respect Both Rivals start the match with a mutual handshake.
- Both Competitors begin with 33% Special meter
- Increases Both Rivals Respectful & Disciplined Traits
- Winner gains 10 momentum
Volatile Partnership - Rival A Competes in a 1 on 1 match. If they are able to win Rival B will join post-match and celebrate. If they lose, Rival B will come into the ring to argue, increasing the intensity of the rivalry
- If Rival A Wins: Increases Both Rivals Loyal Trait.
- Increases Both rivals momentum by 5
- If Rival A Loses: Increases Both Rivals Egotistical & Treacherous Traits
- Both Rivals lose 5 Momentum
Respect from Stage - Rival A will show up on stage post match to show Rival B Respect.
- Increases Rival A's Respectful Trail
- Rival A Gains 10 Momentum
- Rival B Gains 5 Momentum
Teamwork
Teamwork helps build momentum between tag partners & managers. Managers utilize distraction tactics to assist their clients in getting the win.
Unlikely Manager - Rival A comes out to stand in the corner of Rival B.
- Rival A Joins Rival B's match as a manager
- Rival A & Rival B become Allies
- Increases Rival A's Loyal Trait
Temporary Alliance - Rival A & Rival B make a temporary truce in a triple threat match to take out the 3rd opponent.
- Rival A & Rival B gain +25% Finisher Meter after attacking 3rd opponent.
- All 3 Competitors take moderate damage after fighting
- Rival A & Rival B gain Cohesion for 2 weeks
- Match winner gains 10 momentum
Manager's Chair Assist(High Intensity) - Rival A pulls referee into Rival B's attack, knocking the ref out. This leads to the manager of Rival A tossing a chair into the ring to use against Rival B.
- Referee gets knocked out
- Rival A is given a chair to use
- Rival A gets in increase to the Aggressive Trait
Manager's Pin interrupt (High Intensity) - Rival A interferes in Rival B's match by distracting the referee giving Rival B's opponent an advantage.
- Rival B Loses 50% Finisher Meter after pin attempt.
- Rival B's Opponent Gains +50% Finisher Meter
Medium Intensity Rivalries
Fallout
Fallout Actions lead to awkward clashes between Allies and Tag Partners. Building toward tension and even a betrayal. This was a brief breakdown of what the game explains. Note there is only 1 cutscene interaction in this section.
Tag Team Breakdown - Rival A & Rival B head into match in dysfunction. The arguing between the 2 lead to their opponents taking advantage mid match attacking both competitors
- Rival A begins match with +25% Finisher Meter
- Rival A & Rival B both take moderate damage after mid-match attack
- Opponents gain +25% Finisher meter after attack
- Rival A & Rival B increase their Disrespectful Trait
Showdown
These actions bring rivals face-to-face building momentum and intensity for both sides. Note, some interactions will require a champion to become available.
Post-Match Stare Down - After Rival B's matchup, Rival A will enter the ring and stare down Rival B.
- Rival A gets in increase to their Bold Trait
- Rival A gains 10 Momentum
- Rival B gains 5 Momentum
Stare Down with Challenger (Champion Only Cutscene) - Rival A (As Champion) Comes down to stare down the new contender Rival B.
- Rival A gets in increase to their Bold Trait
- Rival A gains 15 Momentum
- Rival B gains 10 Momentum
Stare Down with Champion (Must be against Champion) - Rival A gets into the ring to stare down Champion Rival B.
- Rival A gets in increase to their Bold Trait
- Rival A gains 15 Momentum
- Rival B gains 10 Momentum
High & Very High-Intensity Rivalries
Ambush
Ambush actions focus on unexpected attacks by one rival or a rival team with the intent on doing damage before or after a match
3rd Party Entrance Attack - Rival A Attacks Rival B while they make there way down for an upcoming match. Rival B starts match with damage
- Rival B Starts match with Moderate damage.
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- Increases Rival B's Perseverant Trait
Entrance Distraction & Attack - After Rival B has made their entrance Rival A fakes out the opponent by having their entrance music play, then sneaking up from behind, landing a cheap shot on Rival B.
- Rival B Starts match with high Damage
- Rival B suffers Distracted Status Effect for 2 weeks
- Rival A's Cowardly Trait increases
Champions Pre Match Ambush (Champion Only cutscene) - Rival A(Must be a Champion) Attacks Rival B from behind with their Championship.
- Rival B Starts match with high damage.
- Rival A gets an increase to their Aggressive Trait
Targeted Leg Ambush - Pre and Post match attack carried out by Rival A, targeting the leg of Rival B.
- Rival B Begins match with High Leg Damage.
- If Rival A wins, Rival B will have a minor Leg Injury for 8 weeks.
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- If Rival B wins, they will avoid a post-match attack, and increase their Perseverant Trait
Targeted Arm Ambush - Pre and Post match attack carried out by Rival A, targeting the arm of Rival B. Very similar to Targeted Leg Ambush but focuses on the arm instead.
- Rival B Begins match with High Leg Damage.
- If Rival A wins, Rival B will have a minor Arm Injury for 8 weeks
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- If Rival B wins, they will avoid a post-match attack, and increase their Perseverant Trait
Post-Match Kendo Attack - Rival A plans to attack Rival B post-match. If Rival B wins there 1 on 1 match, Rival A will attack with a Kendo Stick.
- Effects only happen if Rival B wins.
- Increase to Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- Rival A gains 10 Momentum
Post Match Wild Attack - Rival A plans to attack everyone in the ring after Rival B's matchup, regardless of who wins.
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- Rival B loses 5 Momentum
Post Match Champion's Ambush (Must be a Champion) - Rival A, the Champion looks to take out any possible threats to their Championship reign. If Rival B wins the matchup, Rival A will sneak attack and knock them out with the Championship.
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- Rival B Loses 10 Momentum
Ambush the Champion (Must be against Champion) - Rival A plans to attack Rival B, the champion after their match. Rival A will use the Championship as a weapon.
- Effects only happen if Rival B(The Champion) wins
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
- Rival B loses 5 Momentum
Distraction & Ambush - Rival A plans to attack Rival B Post match by swerving them. Rival A's entrance music plays and while Rival B is looking up the ramp, Rival A jumps the barricade and attacks Rival B from behind.
- Rival B Suffers Distracted Status for 2 weeks
- Increases Rival A's Cowardly Trait
Attack
Staging an attack on an opponent as a means to get ahead in a rival or injure your rival
Revenge Attack - Before the match can begin, Rival A attacks Rival B with a flurry of punches.
- Rival A starts match with 25% Finisher Meter
- Rival B Begins match with Moderate Damage
- Increases Rival A's Bold Trait
Vindictive Replacement - Rival B is scheduled for a 1 on 1 match. Rival A shows up with Rival B's original opponent, beaten down and proceeds to replace them
- Rival A becomes Rival B's opponent.
- Rival B begins match with 33% Special Meter
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait
Provoked Attack - Rival B is talking trash to Rival A who waits in the ring. Rival A, Unable to take the disrespect takes the fight to the outside (match starts outside, Officially starts with both competitors getting in the ring)
- Rival A & Rival B begin match with light Damage
- Rival A & Rival B begin match with 25% Finisher Meter
- Increases Rival A's Prideful Trait
Hostile Match Opener - Note this cutscene is glitched and must be reversed to have the desired effect, so it will be explained backwards. Rival B rushes Rival A with an aggressive attack as soon as the match begins.
- Rival A Begins match with high Damage
- Rival B begins match with 33% Special meter
- Increases Rival B's Aggressive Trait
Pre-Match Revenge Attack - Rival A attacks Rival B before their matchup until Security breaks up the fight.
- Rival B Begins match with High Damage
- Increases Rival A's Bold Trait
Mutual Aggression - Both Rivals start the match with a mutual flurry of aggression, starting the match damage, but with the opportunity to gain momentum
- Rival A & Rival B begin match with Moderate damage.
- Rival A & Rival B begin match with 33% Special Meter
- Increases Rival A's Bold Trait
- Winner of match gets 10 Momentum
Bold Match Opener - Rival A Rushes Rival B with an offensive Flurry until the referee breaks it up.
- Rival B begins match with high damage
- Rival A begins match with 33% Special meter
- Increases Rival A's Bold Trait
Post Match Humiliating Attack - Rival A is set on attacking Rival B after their matchup. Rival A plans to attack if they win, but if they do not, Rival B will see through the attack and get away.
- If Rival A wins, increases their Aggressive & Disrespectful Traits.
- If Rival B wins, increases their Disciplined & Perseverant Traits
- Winner gets 15 Momentum
Post Match Torso Injury - Rival A plans to injure Rival B with a chair if they can win their match. If they lose they risk falling behind in the rivalry
- If Rival A Wins Rival B Suffers Minor Torso Injury for 4 weeks
- If Rival A wins, Increases their Aggressive trait
- If Rival B wins, Increases their Perseverant Trait
- Winner of the match gets 10 Momentum
Post Match Furious Attack - Rival A is intent on taking out their anger on Rival B. If Rival A wins they'll attack Rival B again post-match. If Rival B wins, they'll avoid the attack and the referee will instead be knocked out.
- Winner of the match gets 5 Momentum
- If Rival A Wins, increases their Aggressive Trait
- If Rival B Wins, Increases Rival A's Perseverant Trait
- Rival A Suffers Cold Streak Status for 2 weeks
Post Match Steel Cage Fight - Rival A Plans on trapping Rival B inside of a steel cage for a brutal attack. If Rival B wins the match, this backfires on Rival A
- If Rival A Wins the match, they get 5 Momentum
- If Rival B wins the match, Rival A has their Desperate Trait Increased
- Rival B Gains 5 Momentum
Post Match Ladder Fight - Rival A has declared intent to attack Rival B with a ladder after their 1 on 1 match up. If Rival A wins they will attack Rival B with a ladder, if Rival B wins, it will backfire on Rival A.
- Winner of the match gains the Conqueror Status for 4 weeks
- Winner of the match gains 5 Momentum
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait if they win
- Increases Rival B's Prideful Trait if they win
Post Match Table Fight - Rival A has declared intent to attack Rival B with a table after their 1 on 1 match up. If Rival A wins they will put Rival B through a table, if Rival B wins, it will backfire on Rival A.
- Winner of the match gains the Conqueror Status for 4 weeks
- Winner of the match gains 5 Momentum
- Increases Rival A's Aggressive Trait if they win
- Increases Rival B's Prideful Trait if they win
Post Match Stomping(Similar to Post Match Furious Attack) - Rival A is intent on taking out their anger on Rival B. If Rival A wins they'll attack Rival B again post match. If Rival B wins, they'll avoid the attack and the referee will instead be knocked out.
- Winner of the match gets 5 Momentum
- If Rival A Wins, increases their Aggressive & Disrespectful Traits
- If Rival B Wins, Rival Suffers Cold Streak Status Effect for 4 weeks
- Rival A Suffers Cold Streak Status for 2 weeks
Cheap Shot
Actions that deliver mocking attacks or contemptible slights to rivals.
Pre Match Sucker Punch - Rival 1 Offering a handshake to Rival B but instead his them with a sucker punch.
- Rival A starts with 15% Finisher meter
- Rival B Starts with Light Damage
- Increases Rival A's Disrespectful Trait
Referee K.O 1 - Rival A tries to score a cheap shot to Rival B but misses and knocks the referee out instead.
- Match starts with Ref KO'd
- Increases Rival A's Desperate Trait
Referee K.O 2 - Rival A Starts off the match by shoving Rival B into the ref, knocking them out(in late 1990s fashion) the two rivals trade blows until they spill to the outside.
- Match starts outside
- Match starts with Ref down.
- Rival A & Rival B Start match with moderate damage
- Rival A & Rival B start match with 25% Finisher Meter
Match Leaver's Bait - Rival A tries to run away from Rival B, tricking them and laying in a Cheap shot when Rival B tries to give chase
- Rival A gains 25% Finisher Meter after Cheap shot
- Rival B gains moderate damage after Cheap shot
- Increases Rival A's Desperate Trait
Post Match Cheap shot - Rival A intends to embarrass Rival B after their 1 on 1 match. If Rival A wins, they'll stomp on Rival B. If Rival B wins, Rival A will low blow Rival B
- Increases Rival A's Desperate, Treacherous, & Disrespectful Traits
- If Rival B wins, they will lose 5 Momentum
Disrespect
Disrespectful Actions are the moment that can elevate a friendly rivalry to a bitter one. Mock handshakes & humuliating displays are just some of the things you see here.
Match Enforcer - Rival B is set to face another wrestler in 1 on 1 competition with intention of walking out. Rival A is prepared to make sure Rival B sees the match through.
- Rival B's Opponent Starts match with +50% Finisher Meter
- Increases Rival A's Prideful Trait
- Increases Rival B's Cowardly Trait
Dissenting Tag Partners - Rival A & Rival B are scheduled for a tag match as partners. A blind tag by Rival B leads to Rival A laying them out and leaving the match.
- Rival B competes in a 2 on 1 Handicap match
- Rival B starts match with light Damage
- Increases Rival A's Egotistical and Prideful Traits
Pompous Tag partner - Rival A derides Rival B during the discussion of who starts the match, taking the legal spot to open the match
- Increases Rival A's Disrespectful and Treacherous Traits.
- Tag Opponents begin with +25% Finisher Meter
Sleight of Handshake (This one is incorrect, the effects are not accurate to the cutscene) - Rival A offers Rival B a handshake only to pull it back to get into Rival B's head
- Referee Begins match knocked out (They do not, mistype by 2K)
- Rival A & Rival B start with moderate Damage(Also an incorrect effect)
- Rival A & Rival B start match with 25% Finisher
Return the Disrespect - After being disrespected with a deceitful handshake offer by Rival B, Rival A returns the favor with a smack across the face.
- Rival A starts match with 33% Special Meter
- Rival B starts match with light Damage
- Increases Rival A's Prideful Trait
Humiliated Match Leaver - After being Overwhelmed, Rival B decided to leave the match and walk out. Rival A denies this, attacking Rival B and taking them back to the rain.
- Rival A gets +33% Special Meter
- Rival B takes moderate damage after being stopped from leaving
- Increases Rival A's Prideful Trait
- Increases Rival B's Cowardly Trait
Surprise Match Enforcer - During the match Rival B attempts to leave. Rival A Appears and stops Rival B from leaving, rolling them back into the ring
- Rival B's opponent gains 33% Special Meter
- Rival B takes light damage
- Increases Rival A's Prideful Trait
- Increases Rival B's Cowardly Trai
Guard of the Ramp (Similar scene with different effects) - During the match Rival B attempts to leave. Rival A Appears and stops Rival B from leaving, rolling them back into the ring
- Rival B loses 33% Special Meter
- Rival B's Opponent gains 25% Finisher meter
- Increases Rival A's Bold Trait
- Increases Rival B's Cowardly Trait
Abandoned Tag Partner - Rival A & Rival B are forced into a Tag team match. Rival A leaves Rival B, turning their back on the match and making it a handicap match
- Rival A Leaves, turning match into a 1Vs2 Match
- Increases Rival A's Treacherous Trait
Infuriated Tag partner (similar to Dissenting Tag Partners) - Rival A & Rival B are scheduled for a tag match as partners. A blind tag by Rival B leads to Rival A laying them out and leaving the match.
- Rival A Leaves the match leaving Rival B in a 1vs2 Handicap match
- Rival B takes light Damage
- Increases Rival A's Prideful Trait
Trash-Talk From Stage - Rival A appears on stage, trash-talking Rival B after their 1 on 1 match.
- Increases Rival A's Disrespectful trait
- Rival A gets 10 Momentum
- Rival B gets 5 Momentum
Distraction
Distractions are the best way to get an advantage in a rivalry, derailing your opponent's Momentum
Ringside Guest Distraction - Rival A makes their way out to ringside during Rival B's match. Rival A's presence is just enough to get Rival B off their game giving the opponent an opening.
- Rival B suffers light damage after a mid-match attack
- Rival B's opponent gains 15% Finisher Meter
- Rival B gains the Distracted Status
- Increases Rival A's Disrespectful Trait
Ringside Guest Removal - Rival B makes their way down to ringside, but Rival A has a plan, foiling Rival B and their opponent at the same time with a clever reversal
- Rival A's Opponent takes light damage
- Rival A gains 15% Finisher meter
- Increases Rival A's Disciplined Trait
Mid-Match Stage Distraction 1 - As Rival B is getting the upper hand in their match, Rival A's entrance music plays, drawing Rival B's attention to the stage. This gives Their opponent an opportunity to take a quick pin.
- Rival B's Opponent gains 100% Finisher Meter
- Rival B suffers the Distraction Status Effect for 2 weeks
- Increases Rival A's Desperate Trait
Manager's Distraction - Rival A, acting as a manager grabs Rival B's foot to distract them, leading to their opponent getting a sneak attack in.
- Rival B takes moderate Damage after distraction
- Rival B's opponent gains 25% Finisher Meter
- Rival B suffers from Distracted Status Effect for 2 weeks
- Increases Rival A's Desperate Trait
Reversal
Being ready for whatever an opponent throws at them, reversal actions foil desperate & hostile attempts to get even by their rivals.
Surprise Replacement - Rival B was scheduled to take on Rival A, but Rival A replaces themselves with a mystery opponent.
- Rival A is replaced with a Random Character (Not choosable)
Cowards Replacement - Rival A tries to pass off an injury backing out from the match, instead calling on a new ally.
- Rival A is replaced by Mystery Opponent
- Rival A and Mystery Opponent become Allies
- Increases Rival A's Cowardly Trait
Chair Attack Save - Rival B enlists an Ally to attack Rival A after their match. If Rival B wins the match, Rival B & their Ally attack only for a new ally of Rival A to make the save.
- If Rival B wins, Rival A and the saving Wrestler will become Allies
- Increases Rival B's Aggressive Trait
- Rival B loses 5 Momentum
What are your thoughts on all the cutscenes made available to players in WWE 2K23? Does this bring more value to Universe Mode? Or is this not enough to bring you to the mode if you're not already in there? Talk about it in the comments below!
For all the information on WWE 2K23 check out the WWE 2K23 Main Section, and the full WWE 2K23 Roster Page.
