WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair, currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently addressed his notable absence from the latest WWE 2K25 video game roster. In an interview with Escapist Magazine, Flair revealed he was not surprised by the omission and offered candid insights into the financial realities behind WWE 2K video games.

“I knew about it, but I didn’t expect to be, as I’m still under contract at AEW,” Flair said. “Unless you’re on the cover, you don’t make any money anyway. Maybe 0.3% or some damn thing!”[1][4]

This acknowledgment aligns with Flair’s current contract status: since signing a two-year deal with AEW in November 2023, Flair has largely stayed off mainstream wrestling programming, save for his appearance in Sting’s corner during AEW Revolution 2024. His AEW allegiance effectively bars him from WWE-branded products like the popular 2K video game series, which traditionally feature WWE-contracted stars exclusive to their platform.

Flair’s comments highlight a lesser-known side of WWE’s licensing model for video games. Only a select few—primarily the cover athletes—receive meaningful compensation based on game sales. Roman Reigns, for example, fronts the standard edition of WWE 2K25, while The Undertaker features on the Deadman Edition, and the Bloodline stable—including Reigns and his allies—headlines the Bloodline Edition, maximizing their revenue share from the game[2]. Non-cover athletes typically receive minimal returns, making Flair’s financial indifference understandable.

In light of Flair’s absence, speculation about the future WWE 2K26 title has already begun. The publisher, 2K Sports, confirmed that development for WWE 2K26 is underway, with a likely release scheduled before WrestleMania 42 in March 2026. Proposed cover superstars include top names such as Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Rhea Ripley, Gunther, and Roman Reigns[1]. Given Flair’s AEW contract, his inclusion in future WWE video games remains unlikely unless contractual circumstances change.

Sources close to WWE also suggest Flair’s absence reflects broader shifts in wrestling’s landscape—where crossover legends under exclusive contracts complicate licensing[1]. A WWE insider noted, “Ric’s relationship with AEW means WWE respects those boundaries when it comes to licensing, especially video game appearances. It’s not just about nostalgia but legalities and brand alignment.”

Ric Flair has been a longtime favorite in wrestling video games, appearing in numerous WWE titles over the past two decades. His exclusion from WWE 2K25 marks a notable departure but underscores the evolving dynamics between WWE, AEW, and their talent contracts. Flair, whose iconic “Nature Boy” persona is etched into wrestling history, appears unbothered, focusing instead on his legacy and ongoing AEW role.

This development also points to the significance of cover athlete status in WWE’s promotional and financial ecosystem. Being on the cover isn’t just a prestigious honor but a vital source of royalties that non-cover legends often miss out on—explaining why many established stars may seem less incentivized to push for inclusion if it doesn’t come with substantial financial gain.

In addition to speaking about his own WWE 2K omission, Flair recently commented on other backstage dynamics within WWE, including his views on fellow veteran Randy Orton’s current underutilization, suggesting internal politics may be affecting Orton’s positioning[3].

For wrestling fans and gamers alike, Flair’s remarks offer a transparent glimpse behind the scenes of WWE’s gaming collaborations. While fans may miss seeing the “Nature Boy” in WWE 2K25, his pragmatic acceptance coupled with an insider’s perspective provides clarity on why some wrestling legends do not make it into the ring digitally every year.

With WWE 2K26 already in development, the landscape of wrestling video games continues to evolve alongside talent contracts and corporate partnerships. Given Ric Flair’s AEW commitment and the lucrative nature of cover athlete royalties, his WWE 2K future appears uncertain—but his legendary status remains undisputed across all promotions and platforms.

Reported by: A wrestling correspondent with insights from Escapist Magazine, Wrestling News, Fightful, and WWE sources. Current as of September 3, 2025.