Professional wrestlers featured in popular games like WWE 2K25 typically receive very little financial compensation for their digital likenesses, according to wrestling icon Ric Flair. The 16-time champion, known as The Nature Boy, recently shared insights about the economics of wrestling video games, noting that he's not included in WWE 2K25 due to his current contract with competing promotion AEW.

The extensive roster of WWE 2K25 boasts over 300 wrestling superstars from various eras, with downloadable content packs continuously adding legendary figures. Recent additions include Bull Nakano, New Jack, and The Great Khali, while '90s era stars Mark Henry, D'Lo Brown, Victoria, and the New Age Outlaws are scheduled to join the game on September 17.

During an exclusive conversation with The Escapist, the 76-year-old wrestling legend addressed his absence from WWE 2K25. Flair expressed no surprise about his exclusion, given his AEW commitments, but revealed that even as a free agent, the financial incentive would be minimal. According to Flair, only the cover athletes of wrestling games receive substantial payments each year, while other performers typically earn "Maybe 0.3%" for lending their likenesses. This revelation raises questions about which wrestlers profited significantly from the three editions of WWE 2K25 released in March.

If Flair's assessment of the video game industry holds true, Street Fighter movie star Roman Reigns likely earned considerable royalties as the cover athlete for the WWE 2K25 Standard Edition. The Undertaker, who appears on both the Deadman Edition packaging and provides his likeness, probably also received significant compensation. The premium Bloodline Edition features an entire wrestling dynasty, with Reigns positioned at the top and six additional members of the Anoa'i family beneath him, alongside occasional Bloodline associates Sami Zayn and Paul Heyman.

Flair openly admits he doesn't play video games, describing himself as "terrible at them" and a "bad loser" who prefers to leave gaming to his children. Despite his personal lack of engagement with the medium, Flair possesses considerable knowledge about wrestling game production, having appeared in approximately 30 wrestling titles since 1990. Beyond wrestling games, he has contributed his vocal talents to the Command & Conquer series, though he has never occupied the coveted front cover position on any game packaging.

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