Sporting franchises are an endless money printing idea -- the developers will simply need to get it right in order to make sure that the process is repeated each year, virtually guaranteeing money in the bank. The wrestling game franchise, WWE 2KXX, certainly has a strong fan base -- and with WWE 2K17 being the best wrestling game to date, focus is already being made in the other direction: next year’s edition. What will WWE 2K18 bring to the table? The focus of WWE 2K18 could very well be on the Undertaker, taking into consideration the long serving superstar’s WrestleMania 33 retirement match recently.

Having entertained wrestling fans for close to three decades (27 years and counting), the Undertaker has finally decided to call it quits after he lost to Roman Reigns in WrestleMania 33. His final match was not an instant classic, and neither was it all that special, but it was the perfect set up for an emotional goodbye. Many fans shed tears over this fictional character, and his legacy could not be better cemented than through WWE 2K18.

In WWE 2K17, there is no Showcase Mode outside of the Hall of Fame DLC, which certainly did not manage to make the game or digital wrestling experience feel “complete”. Assuming this particular mode makes a return in WWE 2K18 (which should be out later this year), the Undertaker would be the perfect subject matter. Not only is the timing perfect to coincide with his retirement, it also rides on the feeling of goodwill as people would still see the Undertaker as a bigger-than-life persona, having had his fair share of classic rivalries. Will the Undertaker end up on the cover of WWE 2K18? Only time will be able to tell, so let us wait for it.

Many might find the Undertaker’s retirement to be a shocking outcome, as there are some things in life that we continue to take for granted. To see sporting legends grow old and retire is always an emotional moment, and this is the same. To focus on the Undertaker’s career in WWE 2K18 is the best homage possible for video game fans. Who can forget his feuds with the likes of Kane, Shawn Michaels, Stone Cold Steve Austin and Jake “The Snake” Roberts? It would also be nice to play the Undertaker through his Deadman and Biker personas. Best of all is, he went out with a bang using his Deadman persona -- that was what made him such a hit in the first place.

Apart from that, with 27 years of wrestling under his belt, it would be nice to see the character list lengthen to include other wrestlers from the earlier years of his career make a digital appearance. Of course, what would WWE 2K18 be if there were to be no new stars that appear? Names such as Ember Moon, Bobby Roode, Kassius Ohno, and Andrade “Cien” Almas would certainly make WWE 2K18 a must-have title to own when it arrives. and more would make for a diverse roster. That’s not to mention the recent return of Matt and Jeff Hardy,

Expect WWE 2K18 to hit the market some time in October or November this year, arriving on the usual suspects such as the PS4, Xbox One, PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.