WWE 2K23 has officially arrived, which means you can enter the ring and begin playing 2K’s brand-new game. Controls for WWE games have also been somewhat perplexing, with so many distinct moves and match styles to learn. The game’s controls were overhauled last year, and this trend has continued in WWE 2K23. With that in mind, here is the Xbox and PlayStation controls guide for the game.
Console Controls Guide For WWE 2k23
The WWE 2K22 control system saw significant changes, and we may see some changes implemented in WWE 2K23. But, we’ve listed below all of the controls we expect to remain the same and will update if any changes are made before the final rollout.
WWE 2k23 Basic Controls
Developers Visual Concepts were already talking up the new controls for WWE 2K22, which were expected to see significant modifications from last year. Such improved controls have been carried over to WWE 2K23, along with a few minor tweaks. Here are the basic WWE 2K23 controls that will get you into the rhythm of a match.
| Command | For X-Box | For Playstation |
| Move | LS | LS |
| Run | LS + LT (hold) | LS + L2 (hold) |
| Exit / Enter Ring / Climb Top Rope | LS + RB (hold) | LS + R1 (hold) |
| Climb Middle Rope | LS + RB (press) | LS + R1 (press) |
| Lean To Ropes for Springboard | LS + LB (press) | LS + L1 (press) |
| Pick Up Object | LB (press) | L1 (press) |
| Wake Up Taunt | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up |
| Crowd Taunt | D-Pad Left | D-Pad Left |
| Opponent Taunt | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right |
| Pin | RS Down | RS Down |
| Re-Position Opponent | RS Up, Left, or Right | RS Up, Left, or Right |
| Lift Opponent (When Grounded) | RS Up | RS Up |
| Instant Recovery (from Ground) | RB | R1 |
| Release Hold / Pin | LB | L1 |
| Tag In / Tag Out Partner | LB | L1 |
| Change Target | Click RS | R3 |
| Finisher Move | RT + A | RT + X |
| Signature Move | RT + X | RT + Square |
| Payback | RT + Y | RT + Triangle |
| Submission | RT + B | RT + Circle |
| Dodge or Climb | RB | R1 |
| Reversal | Y (press) | Triangle (press) |
| Block | Y (hold) | Triangle (press) |
| Light Attack | X (press) | Square (press) |
| Heavy Attack | A (press) | X (press) |
| Grab | B | Circle |
Grapple Controls
To use grappling moves and the new combo moves, enter the grapple state by pressing B on Xbox or Circle on PlayStation. This includes pulling or hauling an adversary. To begin executing manoeuvres, press B on Xbox or Circle on PlayStation.
| COMMAND | For XBOX | For PLAYSTATION |
| Light Grapple Attacks | LS (Any Direction) Then X (press) | LS (Any Direction) Then Square (press) |
| Strong Grapple Attacks | LS (Any Direction) Then A (press) | LS (Any Direction) Then X (press) |
| Irish Whip | LS (Any Direction) Then B (press) | LS (Any Direction) Then Circle (press) |
| Strong Irish Whip | LS (Any Direction) Then B (hold) | LS (Any Direction) Then Circle (hold) |
| Initiate Carry | RB | R1 |
| Powerbomb Carry | LS Up then RB (press) | LS Up then R1 (press) |
| Cradle Carry | LS Down then RB (press) | LS Down then R1 (press) |
| Fireman’s Carry | LS Left then RB (press) | LS Left then R1 (press) |
| Shoulder Carry | LS Right then RB (press) | LS Right then R1 (press) |
| Change Carry Position | LS | LS |
| Turn Move Into Carry | RB | R1 |
| Slam Opponent / Complete Move | A | X |
| Environmental Attack | X | Square |
| Throw Over Ropes / Off Stage | B | Circle |
| Release Carry / Drag | LB | L1 |
| (As Defender) Escape Carry / Drag | B | Circle |
Item Controls
What’s a wrestling match without a few items? We’ve got you covered if you want to swing a chair or use a table.
| Command | For Xbox | For PS |
| Pick Up Object | LB | L1 |
| Grab Object from under the ring | LB | L1 |
| Primary Attack | X | Square |
| Secondary Attack | A | X |
| Drop Object | B | Circle |
| Lean / Wedge Object In Corner | LS + B | LS + Circle |
Ladder Controls
Ladder matches are becoming prevalent in major WWE shows, from TLC to Money In The Bank, so you need to know what you’re doing with ladders!
| Command | Xbox | PS |
| Set up Ladder | A | X |
| Climb Ladder | RB | R1 |
| Push Ladder Down | Rapidly Tap B | Rapidly Tap Circle |
| Rotate Standing Ladder | RS + LB (hold) | RS + L1 (hold) |
| Grab Belt/Briefcase atop Ladder | Complete mini-game | Complete mini-game |
Steel Cage/Hell In A Cell Controls
Cage bouts are primarily about escaping or winning, whereas Hell In A Cell is all about pummeling your opponent. In Hell In A Cell, you can still access the ringside area, which means you can obtain weapons from beneath and use items like the ring stairs. War Games has also been added to WWE 2K23, with all of the controls from Steel Cage matches available in the new mode as well.
| Command | XBOX | PS |
| Climb Cage/Cell | RB | R1 |
| Call for the Cage Door | LB | L1 |
Royal Rumble Controls
In a Royal Rumble, you cannot pin or submit your opponent; instead, you must just hurl them over the top rope!
| Command | XBox Controls | PS Controls |
| Get Back In Ring From Apron | RB | R1 |
| Throw Out Opponent | RT + X | R2 + Square |
Well, that’s the end of my Controls guide for WWE 2k23. If you found it useful, leave a comment. Do check out our other guides as well! Have a great day ahead!
Last Updated on March 14, 2023
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