NXT wrestler Lexis King revealed that his late father, Brian Pillman, will be a playable character in the upcoming WWE 2K26 video game. The announcement highlights a family legacy in professional wrestling as the game approaches its March 13 release date. This follows a nostalgia contract signed with WWE in February 2024.
WWE 2K26 is set for a global release on March 13, 2026, with details about its features emerging in the weeks leading up to launch. On March 4, 2026, NXT talent Lexis King, whose real name is Brian Pillman Jr., shared exciting news about the game's roster during a promo. He stated, “Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a dream of mine to reclaim my birthright and take what belongs to me in the WWE, and that dream is quickly becoming a reality because I just heard through the grapevine that the WWE 2K26 Ringside Pass number three is going to include the legendary Brian Pillman. That’s right. You’re gonna get to play as me, you’re gonna get to play as my father, and you’re gonna play with us as a tag team and of course, you’re gonna make us the tag team champions because it belongs to us and it is my birthright.”
King posted this announcement on Twitter, emphasizing the inclusion of his father, the late Brian Pillman, a prominent figure in wrestling history known for his innovative style. This development builds on a February 2024 announcement by Pillman Sr.'s daughter regarding a nostalgia contract with WWE, aimed at preserving his legacy.
Around the same time, on March 4, 2026, NXT Champion Joe Hendry was interviewed about his role as a headliner in WWE 2K26. The discussion focused on his experiences as a WWE Superstar featured prominently in the official video game series. These announcements underscore the blend of current NXT stars and wrestling icons in the game's content, appealing to fans of both modern and classic eras.