GM Mode finally made its long-anticipated return in WWE 2K22, now called MyGM. As one of the most beloved and requested modes by the fans, GM mode hadn't appeared in the main series since SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 after debuting in SVR2006.
While it lacked in some aspects in its WWE 2K22 rendition (such as available match types and titles), the mode has now been further expanded in WWE 2K23 with several new and upgraded features.
As we've detailed in our in-depth guide to MyGM, the mode has a lot of interesting features, but you might be wondering: how does the new iteration of WWE 2K's MyGM stack up against the GM Mode from classic SmackDown vs. Raw games? What's better? What's worse?
We wondered as well, so we decided to create this ultimate comparison between MyGM and GM Mode. We spent a lot of time analyzing every single feature and minute detail of all appearances of GM Mode in SVR2006, SVR2007, and SVR2008, and we put together this side-by-side comparison table to see what are the similarities and differences with WWE 2K22 and WWE 2K23's MyGM.
We studied and compared all features and options across all 5 games, including Setup of the GM mode, available Superstars, Draft, Roster Management & Stats, Titles & Rivalries, Show Booking & Playing, Reports & Ratings, and more. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!
GM Mode Setup
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand Choice between... | 5 brands (Raw / SD / NXT / NXT 2.0 / WCW) | 4 brands (Raw / SD / NXT / NXT UK) | 3 brands (Raw / SD / ECW) | 2 brands (Raw / SD) | 2 brands (Raw / SD) |
| N. of Brands going Head to Head | 2-4 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Co-Op Play (Local Only) | 4 Players | 2 Players | 3 Players | 2 Players | 2 Players |
| Choose Your General Manager | * | * | * | ||
| Created Superstar as your GM | |||||
| GM Mode Duration | Unlimited* | 15 / 25 / 50 weeks | Unlimited* | Unlimited* | Unlimited* |
| Difficulty Setting | |||||
| Multiple Save Slots |
*Duration: Each Season ends at WrestleMania, but the mode can be continued. In WWE 2K23, each season is made of 25 weeks.
*General Managers:
- SVR2006: GM is not shown
- SVR2007: Raw has Shane, SD has Teddy Long
- SVR2008: Raw has The Coach, SD has Teddy Long, ECW has Tommy Dreamer
- WWE 2K22: Custom Selection between 5 GMs + Created Superstar
- WWE 2K23: Custom Selection between 8 GMs + Created Superstar
Superstars & Draft
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choose Available Superstars | |||||
| Set characters as Legends | |||||
| Use Created Superstars | Yes, custom popularity | Yes, custom popularity | Yes, but low popularity | Yes, but low popularity | Yes, but low popularity |
| Customizable Superstars Stats | All Stats | All Stats | Face/Heel Roles Only | Face/Heel Roles Only | |
| Customizable Superstars Attributes | Only Created Superstars | ||||
| Import Created Stables | |||||
| Starting Budget | Customizable | $2,750,000 | $10,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $10,000,000 |
| Starting Draft | |||||
| Draft Rounds | 9-15 | 8-15 | 12-20 | 12-20 | 12-20 |
| Skip Draft (Use Pre-Assigned Rosters) |
Roster Management & Stats
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contract Cost | |||||
| Contract Duration Choice | * | * | |||
| Popularity | |||||
| Roles (Face / Heel) | |||||
| Superstar Classes | |||||
| Stamina / Fatigue | |||||
| Injuries | |||||
| Morale Level / Requests | |||||
| Superstars with Match Specialty | |||||
| Mic Skill / Promo Skill | |||||
| Sign Free Agents | |||||
| Sign Legends | |||||
| Sign Enhancement Talent | |||||
| Release Superstars | |||||
| Trade Superstars with other GM | |||||
| Draft After WrestleMania |
*WWE 2K's MyGM doesn't allow you to pick a duration for the contract of Drafted Superstars (they're Permanent), and Free Agents/Legends come with preset contract durations.
Titles & Rivalries
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Championship Titles per brand | 5 | 4* | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Main Title (WWE/World) | |||||
| Midcard Title (IC/US) | |||||
| Women Title | |||||
| Tag Team Titles | * | ||||
| Women's Tag Titles | * | ||||
| Choose Champions | |||||
| Vacate Titles | ??? | ||||
| Power 25 Ranking | |||||
| Rivalries | |||||
| Max. N. of Rivalries | - | - | 8 | 10 | 10 |
| Max Superstars per Rivalry | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Rivalry Fan Reaction | |||||
| Set Rivalry Length | |||||
| Choose Storylines for Rivalries |
*In WWE 2K22, the Tag Team Titles and Women's Tag Team Titles were added to the game with Patch 1.09 when playing on Medium & Hard difficulties.
Show Booking & Playing
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay Per Views | 10 (All Crossbrand) | 10 (All Crossbrand) | 5 Monobrand + 4 Crossbrand | 5 Monobrand + 4 Crossbrand | 5 Monobrand + 4 Crossbrand |
| Weekly Shows Card | Easy: 3 matches + 2 promos Medium/Hard: 4 matches + 3 promos |
Easy: 3 matches + 2 promos Medium/Hard: 4 matches + 3 promos |
5 matches + 2 promos | Raw/SD: 6 matches + 2 promos Heat/Velocity: 3 matches |
6 matches + 2 promos |
| Pay Per View Card | Easy: Each brand has 4 matches + 3 promos Medium/Hard: Each brand has 5 matches + 4 promos |
Easy: Each brand has 4 matches + 3 promos Medium/Hard: Each brand has 5 matches + 4 promos |
5 matches in total | Monobrand: 6 matches Crossbrand: Each brand has 3 matches |
Monobrand: 6 matches Crossbrand: Each brand has 3 matches |
| WrestleMania Card | Each brand has 5 Matches + 4 Promos | Each brand has 5 Matches + 4 Promos | 5 matches in total | 5 matches in total | 5 matches in total |
| Run B-Show (Heat / Velocity) | |||||
| Match Rules | 1v1, 2v2, 3-way, 4-way | Only 1v1 & 2v2 | All combinations | All combinations | All combinations |
| Match Types / Stipulations | Most Match Types | Normal / Tables / Extreme Rules / TLC / HIAC | All Match Types | All Match Types | All Match Types |
| Title Match | |||||
| Interference | |||||
| Promo Types | 5 types | 5 types | 15 types | 15 types | 11 types |
| Cost per Match & Promo | |||||
| Auto-Book Show | |||||
| PPV Specific Matches* | |||||
| Match Playing | Play / Simulate / Spectate | Play / Simulate / Spectate | Play / Simulate / Spectate | Play / Simulate / Spectate | Play / Simulate / Spectate |
| Choose Attires | ??? | ||||
| Choose Winner | Only with Power Card | Only with Power Card | |||
| Spectator Camera Angles | |||||
| Watch Promos | |||||
| Simulate Entire Show |
*PPV Specific Matches: eg. Royal Rumble, Elimination Chamber
Logistics & Side Activities
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cities / Locations | |||||
| Choose Arena Venue / Size | |||||
| Choose Crew | |||||
| Choose Special Effects | |||||
| Advertising / Promotional Activities | |||||
| Training Exercises |
Reports & Ratings
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match Rating | |||||
| Show Rating | |||||
| Revenue Tracking | |||||
| Fans Tracking | |||||
| Fans Progression Graph | |||||
| Total Available Fans | Unlimited | Unlimited | 9,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
| Merchandise Revenue | |||||
| News Feed / Journal | |||||
| Social Media Feed | |||||
| Statistics: Win/Loss Records | |||||
| Statistics: Superstars Status | |||||
| View Rival Show's Ratings | |||||
| View Calendar / Schedule | |||||
| View Previous Shows Cards | |||||
| Simulate Days in Calendar |
Other Features
| Feature | WWE 2K23 | WWE 2K22 | SVR 2008 | SVR 2007 | SVR 2006 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superstar Stats visible in Matchmaking | |||||
| Superstar Messages | Yes, with Replies | Yes, with Replies | Yes, Read-only | Yes, Read-only | Yes, Read-only |
| Commissioner Messages | Yes, with Replies (Triple H) |
Yes, with Replies (Triple H) |
Yes, Read-only (JR / JBL / Tazz) |
Yes, Read-only (JR / Tazz) |
Yes, Read-only (JR / Tazz) |
| Goals & Challenges | |||||
| Hall of Fame | |||||
| Power Cards | |||||
| Affect Rival Show* | |||||
| Reward | Slammy Awards | Achievement + MyFaction Card | GM of the Year Award + Extra Options | GM of the Year Award + Extra Options | GM of the Year Award |
| Starting Video | Video Package | Video Package | Intro Cutscene | ||
| Ending Video | ??? | Video Package | Award Ceremony Cutscene | Award Ceremony Cutscene |
*Affect Rival Show:
- SVR2006/2007: via Slander Promo
- SVR2008: via Brand Invasion Promo
- WWE 2K22: via Power Cards
- WWE 2K23: via Power Cards and Shake-Ups
WWE 2K23 / 2K22 MyGM vs. SvR GM Mode: Verdict
So what mode is better between WWE 2K23 / 2K22 MyGM and the old GM Mode from SmackDown vs. Raw? It's hard to tell.
The new 2K rendition of the mode does many things right and introduces a lot of interesting mechanics. However, there are some omissions as well. Here is a recap of the main Pros and Cons of WWE 2K's MyGM compared to the original GM Mode:
WWE 2K MyGM vs SvR GM Mode: Pros (New Features)
- Ability to choose General Manager (+ Created Superstar as GM)
- Ability to play with up to 4 players with 4 brands (added in WWE 2K23)
- All Superstar Stats can be customized prior to the mode
- Created Superstars can start with custom Popularity
- Ability to choose Show Logistics such as Arena Size, Crew, Special Effects, and Advertising
- Ability to sign Enhancement Talent and set characters as Legends
- A new Superstars Class system that dictates match quality
- Social Media Feed with fans' feedback
- Some PPV cards can actually have more matches than in the past
- Can set up Interference in matches with Superstars or with GM
- You can reply to messages from Superstars and Commissioner
- Power Cards with various effects on the show ratings or rival show
- You can now choose the winner of the match in some cases if you have the Power Card
- Ability to control camera angles when spectating/watching a match
- Seasonal Challenges, Career Progress, and Hall of Fame Awards (added in WWE 2K23)
- AI Difficulty Setting & Game Difficulty Setting
- Multiple Save Slots
WWE 2K MyGM vs SvR GM Mode: Cons (Missing Features)
- Match Rules limitations (only 1v1 & 2v2 in WWE 2K22; missing 5-man/6-man/Handicap in WWE 2K23)
- Match Types limitations (just 5 stipulations in WWE 2K22; some omissions in WWE 2K23)
- Card Size limitations (just 3 Matches + 2 Promos on Easy difficulty; 4 Matches + 3 Promos on Medium/Hard)
- Titles limitations (missing Midcard Titles in WWE 2K22; all titles available in WWE 2K23)
- It's not possible to vacate titles
- There are fewer Promo Types available
- Mode Duration limitations (max 1 year in WWE 2K22; unlimited seasons in WWE 2K23, but each season is 25 weeks)
- Contract Duration options are only available for Free Agents/Legends, not for Drafted Superstar
- Can't Trade Superstars with other GM
- You can't choose Storylines for Rivalries, or decide Rivarly Length
- There is no Power 25 Ranking
- There is no Calendar/Schedule to view
- It's not possible to view the cards and results of previous shows
- There are no Training Exercises for superstars (although this was seen as a tedious aspect in SVR2008)
What do you think about 2K's rendition of GM Mode? Do the Pros outweigh the Cons? Are you excited to play the mode or disappointed? Let us know in the comments below!
