WWE 2K26 CM Punk Showcase Mode: Every Match, Objective, and Reward

CM Punk's Showcase Mode in WWE 2K26 is one of the most ambitious career retrospectives the series has ever attempted. Spanning 21 matches across real events and imaginative "What If" scenarios, it covers everything from CM Punk's early title reigns to alternate-history WrestleMania main events. Whether you want to relive the pipe bomb era or rewrite history entirely, this mode delivers. If you find the full run too daunting, there is an alternative: The Gauntlet, a brutal 20-person gauntlet match that unlocks everything at once. Fair warning, it is not for the faint of heart.

Showcase match select screen

How Does the CM Punk Showcase Mode Work?

Before the first proper match begins, WWE 2K26 drops you into the end of the CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns WrestleMania 41 Night 1 bout as a framing device. Once that brief intro wraps up, the full timeline of matches unlocks in sequence. Each match carries its own set of objectives, and completing them earns character unlocks, alternate attires, and iconic arena rings. Miss an objective and you may need to restart the match entirely, so reading ahead pays off.

All CM Punk Showcase Matches, Objectives, and Rewards

Match 1: Bull By The Horns (CM Punk vs. JBL, SummerSlam 2008)

Match Reward: SummerSlam '08 Ring Objective Rewards: CM Punk '08, JBL

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage to JBL early
• Hit a Running Attack
• Connect with a Diving Crossbody from the top rope
• Land 2 Heavy Combos (Timed: 1:30)
• Hit a Grapple with JBL standing close
• Irish Whip JBL into the corner
• Hit Go To Sleep
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

This opening match is approachable, but the timed Heavy Combos objective can catch you off guard. If JBL keeps countering, knock him down with a Running Attack first, then pick him up to combo freely. After the mid-match cutscene, he becomes noticeably tougher, so a couple of GTS attempts should close things out.

Match 2: Unseating Royalty (CM Punk vs. Rey Mysterio, Armageddon 2008)

Match Reward: Armageddon '08 Ring Objective Rewards: CM Punk Armageddon '08, Rey Mysterio '08

Objectives:

• Hit 2 Rebound Attacks off the ropes (Timed: 1:30)
• Perform a Grounded Submission at Rey's feet
• Perform a Grounded Submission at Rey's side
• Deal enough damage
• Hit a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker
• Get Rey in the Tree of Woe and land 2 attacks
• Hit the High Knee/Bulldog combo in a dazed corner
• Land a Heavy Attack while both standing
• Hit Go To Sleep
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

The only timed section here is right at the start, so if you miss the two Rebound Attacks within 1:30, reset immediately. Everything else is well-telegraphed. Rey's resilience can be frustrating, but patient damage to wear down his stamina makes the GTS stick.

Match 3: A Wounded Viper (CM Punk vs. Randy Orton, WrestleMania 27)

Match Reward: WrestleMania 27 Ring Objective Rewards: CM Punk '11, Randy Orton '11

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage to Orton's compromised knee
• Hit a Dive Attack off the top rope while Orton is standing
• Perform an Opponent Taunt
• Land 2 Heavy Grapples in a dazed corner
• Attack Orton's legs specifically
• Perform a Submission at his feet while he's down
• Hit a Running Strike in the corner
• Apply the Anaconda Vise Signature
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

After the cutscene, an RKO will connect whether you like it or not. Get up fast, counter his follow-up if possible, and close with a GTS.

Match 4: For Whom The Bell Tolls (CM Punk vs. The Undertaker, WrestleMania 29)

Match Reward: WrestleMania 29 Ring, Paul Heyman WM 29 Manager Objective Rewards: CM Punk WM29, The Undertaker WM29

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage quickly (Timed: 1:30)
• Hit a Russian Leg Sweep
• Apply a Submission hold
• Deal damage at ringside
• Hit a Diving Splash from the top rope to Undertaker down at ringside
• Connect with a Swinging Neckbreaker off the ropes
• Hit a Running Attack
• Return outside and deal more damage
• Hit a second Dive Attack to Undertaker down at ringside
• Perform a Grapple while both standing
• Hit Go To Sleep
• Apply your Signature Submission while both standing in the ring
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

This is one of the more demanding matches because the ringside damage objectives are also on a timer. You may need to re-enter the ring and exit again to reset the count-out timer while chipping away at the outside objectives. For the Swinging Neckbreaker, Irish Whip Undertaker into the ropes and time the catch carefully.

Go To Sleep finisher timing

Match 5: One Last Chance (CM Punk vs. John Cena, RAW 2013)

Match Reward: RAW Ring 2013 Objective Rewards: CM Punk '13, John Cena '13

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage
• Hit 5 Grapple Attacks
• Land 2 Standing Submissions
• Deal more damage
• Hit 2 Dive Attacks from the top rope while Cena is down
• Deal damage outside the ring
• Hit a Running Attack
• Connect with Go To Sleep (may need multiple)
• Hit a Piledriver in the ring
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

To knock out the outside damage objective quickly, throw Cena out of the ring and follow immediately with a Heavy Diving Attack from the top rope. It deals significant damage and minimizes time spent at ringside. After the cutscene, Cena shifts into a higher gear, so prioritize counters and land another GTS or use your Super Finisher to close.

Match 6: Rematch Redemption (CM Punk vs. The Rock, Elimination Chamber 2013)

Match Reward: Elimination Chamber 2013 Ring Objective Rewards: CM Punk Elim Chamber '13, The Rock '13

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage early
• Hit 2 Standing Submission Holds
• Perform an Opponent Taunt
• Deal more damage
• Hit a Grapple Attack
• Apply a Ground Submission
• Hit 2 Dive Attacks from the top rope while The Rock is standing
• Deal damage outside the ring
• Steal The Rock's finisher with Move Thief Payback and hit Rock Bottom
• Hit a Heavy Corner Attack in a dazed corner
• Win the match

Delay the Opponent Taunt until The Rock is knocked down or thrown out of the ring, since his recovery speed makes taunting mid-ring risky.

Match 7: The Best vs. The Beast (CM Punk vs. Brock Lesnar, SummerSlam 2013)

Match Rewards: SummerSlam 2013 Ring, Paul Heyman SummerSlam '13 Manager Objective Rewards: CM Punk SummerSlam '13, Brock Lesnar '13

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage while avoiding Lesnar's power
• Hit 2 Running Attacks
• Take Lesnar outside and deal damage
• Hit a Diving Crossbody from the top rope
• Focus attacks on Brock's legs
• Focus attacks on Brock's head
• Hit Brock with a Steel Chair 4 times
• Deal more damage
• Hit 2 Diving Attacks from the top rope
• Apply a Grounded Submission
• Hit a Low Blow Payback
• Connect with Go To Sleep
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

Use any other weapon you find at ringside for the initial outside damage phase. Doubling up weapons on Lesnar's legs makes that limb damage objective easier to satisfy simultaneously.

Match 8: The Unforgiving Consequences (CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre, Bad Blood 2024)

Match Reward: Bad Blood 2024 Ring Objective Rewards: CM Punk Bad Blood 2024, Drew McIntyre Bad Blood 2024

Objectives:

• Bust Drew McIntyre open
• Deal enough damage
• Hit Go To Sleep 2 times
• Hit a Diving Double Axe Handle from the top rope
• Grab a weapon from under the ring and attack Drew 3 times
• Hit a Running Attack
• Deal more damage as Drew fights back harder
• Land 3 more Weapon Attacks
• Perform a Submission at Drew's feet
• Apply the Anaconda Vise Signature
• Hit Drew with a Wrench while both standing in the ring

The back-to-back GTS requirement early on helps chip away at Drew's health to trigger the bleed. Use Piledrivers and weapon shots to the face to speed up the busting open process. Critically, avoid using the Wrench during the first two weapon prompt phases. The Wrench is required specifically for the final weapon objective, so save it.

Match 9: A Decade of Dues (CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, RAW 2025)

Match Reward: RAW 2025 Debut Ring Objective Rewards: CM Punk RAW 2025 Debut, Seth Rollins RAW 2025 Debut

Objectives:

• Take Seth Rollins into the crowd and fight there
• Hit 2 Combos
• Land 2 Heavy Grapple Attacks
• Hit 2 Running Attacks
• Hit a Diving Crossbody off the top rope while Rollins is standing
• Hit Go To Sleep 2 more times
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

The crowd brawl objective confuses many players because the game does not explain it clearly. Look for a gap in the barricade where no fans are seated, near the ringside area. You can climb over this barrier just like entering the ring. Irish Whip Rollins toward it, or jump over yourself and he will follow. Remember that the count-out timer still runs, so you may need to return to the ring briefly to reset it before heading back out.

Match 10: Lucid Dreams Come True (CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins vs. Roman Reigns, WrestleMania 41 Night 1)

Match Reward: Paul Heyman WM 41 Manager Objective Rewards: CM Punk WM 41, Seth Rollins WM 41

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage to Seth Rollins
• Deal enough damage to Roman Reigns
• Deal more damage to both
• Hit 3 Weapon Attacks
• Land 3 Grapple Attacks
• Hit a DDT (multiple versions available)
• Apply the Anaconda Vise Signature
• Hit Roman Reigns with Go To Sleep in the ring
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION after Paul Heyman's betrayal cutscene

Triple Threat matches carry real risk here because Roman or Seth can win by pinfall if you are out of the ring and too damaged. Stay active on counters and keep your health from dipping into critical range. For the Anaconda Vise, throw one opponent out first to buy time for the submission meter to register. After the final cutscene, everyone's health will be depleted, so simply pin whoever is nearest rather than chasing a flashy finish.

Match 11: In The Boots of Legends (Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels, Survivor Series 1997)

Match Reward: Survivor Series '97 Ring, WWF World Heavyweight Championship, WWF European Championship Objective Rewards: CM Hart, Shawn Michaels '97

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage to Shawn Michaels
• Perform 3 Grapple Attacks on the ramp
• Damage Shawn's legs and deal more damage
• Get HBK in a cornerless corner and apply the Ringpost Figure Four Signature
• Apply a traditional Figure Four Leglock
• Deal more damage
• Hit a Leg Sweep
• Land 3 more Grapple Attacks
• Hit a Diving Attack off the top rope while HBK is standing
• Apply the Sharpshooter
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

This match puts you in CM Punk wearing Bret Hart's attire with Bret's full moveset, rewriting the Montreal Screwjob. For the Ringpost Figure Four, the move must be done inside the ring. Throw Shawn into a corner that has no ring steps adjacent to it, fill your Special Meter completely, and follow the on-screen prompts. The ramp Grapple Attacks are on a time limit, so hit one or two, return to ringside, then head back out for the remainder.

Match 12: Getting Extreme with the Hardcore Legend (CM Punk vs. Cactus Jack, ECW Hardcore Heaven)

Match Reward: ECW Hardcore Heaven Ring Objective Reward: Cactus Jack

Objectives:

• Get outside the ring immediately and deal damage (Timed: 1:30)
• Hit a Grapple Attack on the ramp
• Move backstage and deal enough damage there
• Hit Cactus Jack with a weapon 5 times
• Bust Cactus Jack open
• Connect with a Signature move
• Hit 2 Dive Attacks from the top rope while Cactus Jack is down
• Use the Avalanche Pedigree Super Finisher
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION (Falls Count Anywhere)

To reach the backstage area, run up the entrance ramp, grab Cactus Jack near the curtain, and press L1 / LB / L to initiate a drag through the curtain. The same input gets you back to ringside when needed. Busting Cactus Jack open takes persistence. Heavy weapon shots aimed at the head are the fastest route.

Match 13: Shattering The Glass (CM Punk vs. Steve Austin, CM Punkvilion)

Match Reward: None Objective Reward: Stone Cold Steve Austin

Objectives:

• Avoid getting busted open for the first 2 minutes (Timed: 2:00)
• Deal enough damage to Austin
• Put Austin through a table
• Perform 3 Opponent Taunts
• Deal enough damage to Austin's head and neck
• Hit Go To Sleep
• Steal Austin's finisher with Move Thief Payback and hit the Stunner
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

Steve Austin is relentlessly aggressive, so that opening 2-minute "do not bleed" objective requires careful blocking and counter timing. For the table spot, the simplest method is propping a table in the corner and grappling Austin into it. Let Austin build his Special Meter before stealing the Stone Cold Stunner with Move Thief Payback.

Match 14: Bringing the Heat (CM Punk vs. Eddie Guerrero, CM Punkvilion)

Match Reward: None Objective Reward: Eddie Guerrero

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage early
• Hit 5 Grapple Attacks
• Hit 2 Dive Attacks from the top rope while Eddie is standing
• Keep Eddie inside the ring (Timed: 1:00)
• Deal more damage
• Steal Eddie's Frog Splash with Move Thief Payback
• Apply the Anaconda Vise Signature
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

The timed "keep Eddie in the ring" objective responds well to Strong Grapples, Heavy Combos, and Submission attempts. These moves keep Eddie grounded and unable to roll outside. Irish Whips also work since they do not send him out. This is another Move Thief match, so build your Special Meter naturally and wait for Eddie to stock his finisher.

Anaconda Vise submission meter

Match 15: What If Part One (CM Punk vs. Triple H, WrestleMania XXX)

Match Reward: Stephanie McMahon WM XXX Objective Reward: Triple H WM XXX King of Kings attire

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage early
• Land 3 Grapple Attacks
• Hit a Diving Crossbody from the top rope
• Deal more damage methodically
• Apply a Submission Hold
• Hit the Avalanche Pedigree Super Finisher
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

Triple H counters Piledriver Heavy Grapples frequently due to his strength rating, so wear him down with lighter offense before attempting them. Stephanie McMahon will interfere at scripted points, which is annoying but manageable. Be aware that Triple H is one of the more likely opponents to counter your Super Finisher, so make sure his health is sufficiently low before attempting it.

Match 16: What If Part Two (CM Punk vs. Batista vs. Randy Orton, WrestleMania XXX)

Match Reward: WrestleMania XXX Ring Objective Rewards: Batista WMXXX, Randy Orton WMXXX

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage to both opponents immediately
• Hit 2 Running Attacks
• Deal damage outside the ring
• Hit a Double Axe Handle to a standing opponent OR a Diving Knee Drop to a downed one (2 times)
• Apply a Submission Hold
• Land a Signature Attack
• Hit a Finisher
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

This is a No Holds Barred Triple Threat, so grab weapons early and use them freely. For the Submission Hold, leave one opponent outside the ring first, then apply the hold to the remaining opponent inside so there is no interruption. Close with a GTS on whoever has taken the most punishment.

Match 17: What If Part Three (CM Punk vs. John Cena, RAW 2015)

Match Reward: RAW 2015 Ring Objective Reward: John Cena '15

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage
• Hit 2 Running Corner Attacks in a dazed corner
• Connect with 3 Combos
• Land 2 Grapple Attacks
• Bust John Cena open
• Hit a Diving Body Splash from the top rope
• Hit a Finisher
• Win by PIN or SUBMISSION

Busting Cena open is the toughest ask here. DDTs and Piledrivers aimed at the head are the most reliable tools, supplemented by GTS shots. Once his head turns red on the damage display, charged finishers will push through the bleed threshold.

Match 18: What If Part Four (CM Punk vs. AJ Styles, WrestleMania 32)

Match Reward: WrestleMania 32 Ring Objective Reward: AJ Styles WM32

Objectives:

• Initiate Chain Wrestling at the start
• Deal enough damage
• Hit 2 Running Attacks
• Deal damage outside the ring
• Hit 2 Dive Attacks from the top rope
• Attempt 2 Submission Holds
• Hit a Finisher
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

The Chain Wrestling objective triggers immediately at the bell, so just initiate it right away before the buff expires. AJ Styles counters frequently, so patience and well-timed counter windows are essential. For the ringside damage, the top rope Heavy Dive method works perfectly here as well.

Match 19: What If Part Five (CM Punk vs. Kurt Angle, WrestleMania 35)

Match Reward: WrestleMania 35 Ring Objective Reward: Kurt Angle WM35

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage
• Hit 2 Dive Attacks from the top rope while Angle is standing
• Attempt a Submission Hold (Angle may counter repeatedly)
• Deal more damage
• Hit 3 Running Attacks
• Apply the Anaconda Vise Signature
• Win by SUBMISSION only

This is a Submission-only match, so winning by pinfall is not an option. Getting that first Submission attempt to register is the hardest part since Angle counters it aggressively. Stun him first or wear his head and body to red on the damage meter before attempting the Anaconda Vise for the finish.

Match 20: What If Part Six (CM Punk vs. The Fiend Bray Wyatt, WrestleMania 37 Night 2)

Match Reward: WrestleMania 37 Ring Objective Reward: The Fiend Bray Wyatt

Objectives:

• Deal enough damage
• Hit 2 Grapple Attacks
• Deal enough damage to the head and neck area
• Hit 2 Combos
• Land a DDT
• Hit a Signature move
• Follow immediately with a Finisher (Timed: 1:30)
• Win the match

This is one of the tensest closing sequences in the Showcase. Conserve your meter throughout the match and the timed window becomes very manageable.

Match 21: Those Crazy Punks! (CM Punk and AJ Lee vs. The Miz and Maryse, CM Punkvilion)

Match Rewards: CM Punkvilion arena, CM Punk and AJ Lee MyFaction cards Objective Rewards: AJ Lee, AJ Lee '15, The Miz '17, Maryse, Maryse Alt. Attire

Objectives:

• Open with an Opponent Taunt
• Tag in AJ Lee and deal damage to The Miz
• Land 3 Grapple Attacks on either opponent
• Hit 2 Running Attacks
• Deal enough damage
• Perform a Double Team Attack in your corner
• Hit a Signature move
• Execute your Tag Team Finisher from your corner
• Win by PINFALL or SUBMISSION

This is a celebratory cool-down match to close out the Showcase, and it shows. Compared to the gauntlet of demanding bouts that precede it, this intergender tag match is relaxed and fun. The Tag Team Finisher requires trapping either Miz or Maryse in your corner, so position them there before triggering it.

Complete Rewards Summary Table

Showcase character unlock screen

What Are the Most Difficult Matches in CM Punk Showcase Mode?

After completing all 21 matches, a few stand out as genuinely punishing:

• For Whom The Bell Tolls (vs. Undertaker): Multiple timed objectives both inside and outside the ring simultaneously make this the most complex match structurally.
• The Best vs. The Beast (vs. Brock Lesnar): The one-Steel-Chair trap is brutal if you use it too early, forcing a full restart.
• Lucid Dreams Come True (Triple Threat): Roman or Seth can literally win the match while you are stuck outside the ring, ending your run with no warning.
• What If Part Six (vs. The Fiend): The timed Signature-into-Finisher sequence at the end requires careful resource management throughout the entire match.

Tips That Apply to Every Showcase Match

• Weapon management matters. In matches with specific weapon objectives, identify the required weapon early and do not touch it until the prompt appears.
• Diving attacks on standing opponents are a recurring objective type. The most reliable method is to knock the opponent down, climb the top rope, and wait for them to rise before jumping.
• Move Thief Payback requires roughly 40% Special Meter and your opponent having a finisher stored. Let them go on offense briefly to build their meter, then strike.
• Backstage travel in the Cactus Jack match uses L1 / LB / L near the entrance curtain while dragging your opponent.
• Counter timing becomes essential in the later What If matches. Opponents like Triple H, AJ Styles, and Kurt Angle will interrupt your offense frequently if you button-mash.