Honestly, if you thought anyone else was snagging the spotlight this year, you haven't been paying attention. Roman Reigns is officially the face of the WWE 2K25 cover art, and it just makes sense. The "Original Tribal Chief" isn't just a wrestler anymore; he’s essentially the sun that the entire WWE galaxy orbits.
Seeing him on the box—flanked by the "Wiseman" Paul Heyman—feels less like a marketing choice and more like an inevitability. 2K officially dropped the news during a Monday Night Raw broadcast on Netflix back in January 2025, and the reception was exactly what you’d expect: loud, polarized, and massive.
It’s Roman. Again.
But this isn't just a rehash of 2K20. This year's art direction is moody, high-contrast, and focuses heavily on the "OTC" persona that has defined the last few years of televised drama.
The Standard Edition: Acknowledging the Chief
The WWE 2K25 cover art for the Standard Edition features a heroic, almost stoic pose of Roman Reigns. It’s clean. It’s professional. It screams "A-level Superstar." If you pick this up for your PS5 or Xbox Series X, you’re looking at a design that prioritizes the prestige of the championship era.
What’s interesting is the presence of Paul Heyman. Including a manager on the primary cover is a bit of a rarity for the franchise, but Heyman is so integral to the Bloodline mythos that leaving him out would’ve felt wrong.
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2K and Visual Concepts clearly wanted to lean into the "Showcase: The Bloodline’s Dynasty" mode. By putting Roman front and center, they are signaling that this game is basically a playable history book of the Anoa'i family legacy.
The Deadman and Bloodline Editions: Variety for the Collectors
If you’re the type of person who drops the extra cash for the premium versions, the art changes significantly. We aren't just getting one look this year.
- The Deadman Edition: This one is personal. It celebrates the 35th anniversary of The Undertaker. The art is an imposing profile of the "Big Evil" / "Deadman" persona. It’s dark, it’s purple, and it’s arguably the coolest looking box of the trio.
- The Bloodline Edition: This is the "everything plus the kitchen sink" version. The cover art here is a collage of the extended family—Solo Sikoa, Jey and Jimmy Uso, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa. It looks busy, sure, but it perfectly captures the "civil war" vibe that has dominated SmackDown.
Why didn't Cody Rhodes get a second year? Or Rhea Ripley?
Some fans are definitely salty. You’ve got people on Reddit arguing that Rhea deserved a solo cover after her dominant 2024, or that Jade Cargill should have been the breakout face for 2025. But 2K usually plays it safe with the biggest needle-mover, and right now, that's Roman.
What the Cover Art Tells Us About Gameplay
You can tell a lot about a game by its wrapper. The WWE 2K25 cover art isn't just a pretty picture; it's a roadmap.
Because the Bloodline is so prominent, we’re seeing new match types like "Bloodline Rules" and the "Underground Match" getting top billing. There’s even a new "The Island" experience that ties directly into Roman’s character.
Wait, did you hear about the intergender wrestling?
That’s the real shocker for 2025. For the first time in the 2K era, you can actually have men and women square off in the ring without the "mixed tag" restrictions. This was a huge community request. Seeing Roman on the cover while knowing you can finally pit him against Rhea Ripley in a 1-on-1 match adds a whole new layer of "what if" to the experience.
The "Farewell Tour" DLC and Cover Variants
Later in the year, 2K added another wrinkle with the John Cena "Farewell Tour" DLC. While it didn't replace the physical WWE 2K25 cover art in most stores, the digital storefronts updated to show Cena’s "Last Real Champion" persona.
It’s a bit of a passing of the torch. Cena is on his way out, and Roman is firmly entrenched as the gatekeeper.
Honestly, the variety this year is a breath of fresh air. In previous years, we usually just got one person looking at the camera. Now, with the Deadman Edition and the Bloodline Edition, there’s actually a reason to care about which version sits on your shelf.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you’re still on the fence about which version to grab based on the art and the perks, here is the breakdown of what actually matters for your wallet:
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- Go Standard if you just want the game and like the classic Roman/Heyman look. It’s $69.99 and gets the job done.
- Hunt for the Deadman Edition if you are a completionist. The Undertaker art is superior, and you get the "Wyatt Sicks" pack, which is essential for the modern roster.
- The Bloodline Edition is only for the die-hards. It's pricey (around $129.99), but it includes the WrestleMania 41 pack and the most VC.
- Wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 version if you want portability. It actually holds up this year compared to the disastrous 2K18 port, and it features the same "Island" mode found on high-end consoles.
The WWE 2K25 cover art serves as the definitive stamp on Roman Reigns' legacy. Whether you love him or you're tired of him, you can't deny he's the only one who could've carried this specific launch. Grab the version that fits your favorite era, but definitely don't sleep on the "Deadman" visuals—they're the best the series has seen in a decade.