WWE 2K26 Guide | How to Master CM Punk Showcase Mode

WWE 2K26 features a career retrospective called the CM Punk Showcase Mode. This mode includes 21 different matches that mix real history with "What If" scenarios. You will play through his early title runs all the way to fictional WrestleMania main events. You can also unlock everything at once by finishing The Gauntlet, which is a 20-person match, but it is very hard for new players.

How the Showcase Works

The game starts you at the end of a match between CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns from WrestleMania 41 Night 1. After this intro, you can play the matches in order. Each match has specific objectives you must finish to unlock new characters like JBL or Rey Mysterio, different attires, and arenas like Armageddon '08. If you fail an objective, you might have to start over.

Tips for Every Match

You need to manage your weapons carefully. If a mission asks for a specific weapon, do not use it until the game tells you to. When you need to hit a diving attack on a standing opponent, knock them down first. Climb the top rope and wait for them to get up before you jump. To use the Move Thief Payback, you need about 40% of your Special Meter filled while your opponent has a finisher ready. For the match against Cactus Jack, you can go backstage by dragging your opponent toward the curtain and pressing the grab and shoulder buttons. In the later "What If" matches, stop button-mashing and focus on your counter timing against stars like Triple H and Kurt Angle.

The Most Difficult Bouts

A few matches stand out as the hardest. The fight against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29 is complex because of the timed goals. In the match against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2013, there is only one Steel Chair under the ring. If you use it too early, you cannot finish the later objectives. The Triple Threat at WrestleMania 41 is risky because Roman Reigns or Seth Rollins can pin each other while you are outside the ring. Finally, the match against The Fiend Bray Wyatt requires you to save your meter so you can hit a Signature and a Finisher within 90 seconds.

Match 1 to Match 5: The Early Years

In Bull By The Horns, you face JBL at SummerSlam 2008. You need to deal damage, hit a Diving Crossbody, and land two Heavy Combos within 90 seconds. Use an Irish Whip to put him in the corner and finish with the Go To Sleep. Winning unlocks CM Punk '08 and the SummerSlam '08 Ring.

Next is Unseating Royalty against Rey Mysterio at Armageddon 2008. You must hit two Rebound Attacks in 90 seconds. You also need to use Grounded Submissions on his side and feet. Hit a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker and put him in the Tree Of Woe. Landing the High Knee and Bulldog combo helps you win and unlock Rey Mysterio '08.

For A Wounded Viper, you fight Randy Orton at WrestleMania 27. Focus your attacks on his legs and use a Submission at his feet. Hit a Dive Attack while he stands and use an Opponent Taunt. You must apply the Anaconda Vise Signature to win. This unlocks CM Punk '11 and the WrestleMania 27 Ring.

For Whom The Bell Tolls pits you against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 29. You have 90 seconds to deal initial damage. You must hit a Russian Leg Sweep, a Swinging Neckbreaker, and two Diving Splashes to the outside. This match rewards you with Paul Heyman as a manager and the WrestleMania 29 Ring.

In One Last Chance, you face John Cena on RAW 2013. You need five Grapple Attacks, two Standing Submissions, and two Dive Attacks. You must also hit a Piledriver in the ring. Using a Super Finisher at the end makes winning easier and unlocks John Cena '13.

Match 6 to Match 10: Rivalries and Returns

Against The Rock at Elimination Chamber 2013, you must use the Move Thief Payback to hit a Rock Bottom. You also need to perform an Opponent Taunt and hit two Dive Attacks. Winning unlocks The Rock '13 and the Elimination Chamber 2013 Ring.

In The Best vs. The Beast, you fight Brock Lesnar. Remember to save the Steel Chair until the prompt asks you to hit him with it four times. You need to target his head and legs. Use the Low Blow Payback and the Go To Sleep to win. This unlocks Brock Lesnar '13 and Paul Heyman.

Unforgiving Consequences is a match against Drew Mcintyre at Bad Blood 2024. You must bust him open using Piledrivers or weapons. Hit two Go To Sleep moves and use a Wrench at the very end of the match. Do not use the Wrench for the earlier weapon goals. This unlocks Drew Mcintyre Bad Blood 2024.

On RAW 2025, you face Seth Rollins in A Decade of Dues. You must fight in the crowd by climbing over the barricade where there are no fans. Hit two Combos, two Heavy Grapples, and two Go To Sleep moves. This unlocks the RAW 2025 Debut Ring.

Lucid Dreams Come True is a Triple Threat at WrestleMania 41. You need to damage both Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Hit three Weapon Attacks, a DDT, and the Anaconda Vise. Pin whoever is closest after the cutscene involving Paul Heyman to unlock CM Punk WM 41.

Match 11 to Match 14: Legends and Dreams

In In The Boots of Legends, you play as CM Hart against Shawn Michaels '97. You must hit three Grapple Attacks on the ramp quickly. Inside the ring, use the Ringpost Figure Four Signature on a corner without steps. Finish with the Sharpshooter to unlock the WWF World Heavyweight Championship.

Getting Extreme features Cactus Jack at ECW Hardcore Heaven. Go backstage and hit him with weapons five times. You must bust him open and use the Avalanche Pedigree Super Finisher. Winning unlocks Cactus Jack and the ECW Hardcore Heaven Ring.

Matches 13 and 14 happen in the CM Punkvilion. Against Stone Cold Steve Austin, you must not bleed for the first two minutes. Put him through a Table and use Move Thief to hit a Stunner. Against Eddie Guerrero, keep him in the ring for one minute and steal his Frog Splash. These unlock Stone Cold Steve Austin and Eddie Guerrero.

Match 15 to Match 21: The Final Stretch

In What If Part One, you fight Triple H. You must land an Avalanche Pedigree and watch out for Stephanie Mcmahon interfering. This unlocks the King of Kings attire. Part Two is a Triple Threat against Batista and Randy Orton. Use weapons and a Finisher to unlock Batista WMXXX.

Part Three requires you to bust open John Cena '15 on RAW. Use DDTs and Piledrivers to make him bleed. Part Four against AJ Styles starts with a Chain Wrestling mini-game. You must hit two Dive Attacks to unlock AJ Styles WM32.

Part Five is a Submission match against Kurt Angle. You can only win by making him tap out to the Anaconda Vise. Part Six against The Fiend requires you to hit a Signature and a Finisher within 90 seconds at the end of the match.

The final match, Those Crazy Punks!, is a tag match. You play as CM Punk and AJ Lee against The Miz and Maryse. You must tag in AJ Lee, perform a Double Team Attack, and hit a Tag Team Finisher. Winning unlocks AJ Lee, Maryse, and the CM Punkvilion Arena.

Also, check our WWE 2K26 Review and other guides below:

• WWE 2K26 Beginner's Guide | Gameplay Tips & Tricks
• WWE 2K26 Guide | How to Unlock All Wrestler
• WWE 2K26 Guide | How to Unlock All in Ringside Pass
• WWE 2K26 Guide | How to Master Universe Mode
• WWE 2K26 Guide | How to Unlock Every Reward Fast in MyRISE
• WWE 2K26 Guide | How to Master MyGM Mode