Strauss Zelnick, the 68-year-old chief executive of Take-Two Interactive, has become a playable character in WWE 2K26 following a surprise update. Players can now either step into the ring as the gaming executive or face him as an opponent, though his in-game rating of 77 suggests he won't be dominating the virtual squared circle anytime soon.
The addition arrived without fanfare or official announcement, simply materializing in the latest patch. What makes the inclusion particularly notable is Zelnick's exclusive entrance music: Frank Sinatra's "My Way," a track licensed specifically for his character and unavailable for any other wrestler in the game.
The practical irony of Zelnick's wrestling debut is not lost on those familiar with his public statements. The Take-Two chief has previously acknowledged that he doesn't actually play games, which raises the question of whether this is pure novelty or an elaborate in-joke among developers. Yet he's demonstrated willingness to embrace the gaming community's sense of humor, having previously promoted WWE 2K's character creation tools through a humorous video appearance.
What Zelnick lacks in gaming enthusiasm, he apparently compensates for in real-world athleticism. The executive maintains a grueling fitness regimen, working out between 10 and 12 times weekly and operating his own private training facility called The Program. He even authored a wellness book titled "Becoming Ageless: The Four Secrets To Looking and Feeling Younger Than Ever." Despite his near-septuagenarian status, the man is noticeably fit, which theoretically gives his virtual wrestler more credibility than the average CEO might claim.
Zelnick's prominence in gaming circles extends well beyond his physical conditioning. As the head of Take-Two, he oversees Rockstar Games, 2K Sports, and numerous other major publishers responsible for some of the industry's biggest franchises. His role has made him an unlikely celebrity among fans, particularly those obsessed with Grand Theft Auto 6. The hype surrounding GTA 6 has become so intense that investors and casual players alike tune into earnings calls and business interviews hoping to catch Zelnick dropping cryptic hints about the upcoming title.
The WWE 2K franchise itself appears to be a focus area for growth within Take-Two's portfolio. Zelnick recently articulated an ambitious vision for expansion, suggesting the series could "double or triple" its current market footprint with the right approach. "I do think there's ongoing opportunities to improve the quality of the game," he stated, adding that the studio needs to deliver unexpected content while maintaining brand integrity. "I know our team at Visual Concepts always wants to do better. We're never in the business of patting ourselves on the back. We believe that arrogance is the enemy of continued success."
Author Emily Chen: "Adding your CEO as a playable character is either the most shameless move in gaming or the most self-aware one, and honestly, Zelnick pulling it off makes it work."
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