Finn Balor
Goldust
How quickly times change. This time last year The Bizarre One was a fixture on WWE TV alongside brother Cody, who together formed one of the companys freshest duos in years. But a lacklustre break-up storyline saw fans lose interest in both ahead of WrestleMania before an April injury condemned Goldust to months on the shelf. First priority for WWE 2K16, then: the reunification of the Brothers Rhodes.
Haku
This must rank as the biggest shock inclusion of all a high-kicking Tongan machine who hasnt been seen in a WWE game since Raw on the original Xbox. The only shame is that his return comes a couple of years too late to team him with son Camacho, who departed WWE last year and now wrestles as Micah in rival fed TNA.
Luke Harper & Erick Rowan
Bray Wyatts longstanding henchmen reunited in May, ending Rowans experimental run as a babyface. A fresh link-up with Wyatt was expected soon after, until a bicep tear sent Rowan to rehab and opened up a spot in Brays family for newcomer Braun Strowman. The latters call-up came too late for him to make the 2K16 cut, however, so the ginger one will have to make do for those wishing to reconcile the cultish clan.
Heath Slater
After the dismissal of 3MB squad-mates Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre, Slaters days in WWE seemed numbered but mercifully, company bosses appear to recognise that hes one of the best enhancement talents it has. And who knows: now hes been restored to the videogame roster, perhaps the odd victory or three isnt out of the question.
Hideo Itami
Not even 14 glorious years in Japan were enough to fast-track Kenta Kobayashi to WWEs main roster; just like all other new signings, he was first dispatched to developmental territory NXT and given an unfamiliar name. A persistent shoulder injury has further delayed his chances of promotion, but this videogame debut should provide a measure of comfort.
Honky Tonk Man
WWEs resident Elvis impersonator was consistently hopeless as an in-ring performer but that even didnt prevent him carrying the Intercontinental Championship for 454 days after defeating Ricky Steamboat in June 1987, a record that still stands. That feat alone just about justifies his insertion here.
JBL
Most found the former Acolytes WWE Championship reign to be the perfect cure for insomnia, yet a switch to the commentary desk has transformed Layfield from humdrum villain to cult hero. Listen out for the comedic cow moo just after his music kicks in an ingeniously subtle nod to his Texan upbringing.
Jack Swagger
Next year will mark the All-American Americans ninth in WWE, but his star has fallen a fair distance since his 2010 World Heavyweight Championship reign. Indeed, many assumed he was gone for good after deleting his Twitter account earlier in the summer, but hes still holding on to a roster spot and thus makes the cut for this years game.
Jake The Snake Roberts
Personal problems plagued the real life Aurelian Smith Jr for decades, as showcased in 1999 documentary Beyond The Mat. But moving in with fellow grappler (and yoga guru) Diamond Dallas Page sparked a change of mindset, and luck The Snake was inducted into the Hall Of Fame in 2014, and makes a triumphant return to WWE games here as a result.
