"WWE 2K25" made a surprise shift with its New Wave Pack DLC, replacing the original promised celebrity guest character with active WWE Superstar El Grande Americano.
Initially touted to feature an unnamed celebrity guest, along with up-and-comers such as Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Stephanie Vaquer, and Giulia, the pack now includes the masked luchador, available for all who bought the DLC, Season Pass, or any special version of the game.
Celebrity Guest Removed Quietly from Launch Plans
When the New Wave Pack debuted in May, supporters immediately picked up on the lack of the celebrity guest as promised. According to GameRant, this was reminiscent of earlier "WWE 2K25" DLC releases such as the Dunk and Destruction Pack, which included NBA stars Shaquille O'Neal, Tyrese Haliburton, and Jalen Brunson.
The developer, Visual Concepts, at the time mentioned that the mystery guest would be included later. With El Grande Americano now officially substituting the celebrity character, though, it appears plans have quietly changed.
Who is El Grande Americano?
El Grande Americano made his WWE debut on March 24 during Monday Night Raw, wearing a star-spangled mask and gear modeled after the American flag. Fans quickly speculated about his true identity, noting his moveset and physique closely mirrored that of Chad Gable, leader of the American Made faction, who had been sidelined with a shoulder injury.
El Grande Americano will replace the New Wave Pack's celebrity guest. With unique entrance video/music moveset, he will be automatically entitled to players who own the New Wave Pack, Season Pass, Ringside Pass, Deadman Edition Bloodline Edition in September. #WWE2K25 pic.twitter.com/5R7hYlbXUM
— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) July 14, 2025
Though unconfirmed, it is widely assumed that the character is a gimmick swap for Ludwig Kaiser, also an up-and-coming Raw talent.
Fans Respond to the Roster Switch
The transition from celebrity cameo to full-time WWE wrestler has been controversial among fans. Some welcomed the addition of El Grande Americano, while others wondered why the character could not have been provided as an alternate costume for either Gable or Kaiser.
Gossip persists as to what celebrity was initially booked. Most suspect Travis Scott, the surprise guest during the John Cena vs. Cody Rhodes WrestleMania narrative earlier this year, as the probable initial guest.
In the meantime, you can also try the fan-favorite reptile luchador. Mr. Iguana is not officially available in the game, but you can access him through Community Creations.
