Players have discovered a new skin in WWE 2K23 who became a world famous wrestler and movie star John Cena in a plastic action figure, complete with a hard, still face and smile. And yes, in case you’re wondering, it’s pretty creepy!
Combat simulator WWE 2K23 doesn’t officially release until tomorrow, March 17, but fans who pre-ordered the more expensive deluxe editions of the game were early access granted starting March 14th. And since launch, players and streamers have been digging into the game and found something truly cursed: a Mattel-branded action figure skin for WWE 2K23 cover star John Cena.
This strange skin was first spotted via a map in the game’s MyFaction mode. In this mode, players create and manage their own groups and factions in the game by collecting cards, which of course can be purchased with real money. It’s basically a 2K spin on the popular (and profitable) Ultimate Team mode found in modern FIFA games. And it was in this mode that players eventually unlocked and made playable the rare Mattel-branded action figure skin, allowing them to play as the famous wrestler in the most disturbing way I’ve seen in a while.
I’ll admit it action figure John Cena it looks like a real wrestling toy, complete with obvious joints and plastic skin. The artists and modelers who worked on this should be proud of what they did as it really does look like a toy come to life. However, they should also be ashamed of the cursed creature they have now created and released into reality. Something about Cena’s plastic face, still and forever stuck in a smile, really makes this all that much scarier.
In response to a tweet showing the skin, some are reacting with horror. One person called the leather “the stuff of nightmares.” Another Twitter user suggested it was both “creepy and cool”. And while some, like me, find the new skin disturbing, many others are excited to see such a fun and quirky cosmetic option included in the game. Although the players are disappointed that this skin seems to only be usable in MyFaction mode.
However, I expect in no time players will come up with ways to spread this cursed skin to other parts of the game. soon, WWE 2K23 will be filled with cold plastic versions of John Cena and then we can all shut down this simulation and start from scratch.