Former WWE Divas Champion Kelly Kelly is making a return to the WWE video game world after more than a decade. The former WWE star, whose real name is Barbie Blank, confirmed that she will appear as a playable character in WWE 2K26. Her return comes after many fans requested her inclusion in the popular wrestling game franchise.
The announcement has created excitement among longtime WWE fans who remember Kelly Kelly from her time in WWE during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Kelly Kelly Returning in WWE 2K26
Barbie Blank shared the news through a video posted on WWE 2K’s official social media account. In the video, she revealed that Kelly Kelly will join the WWE 2K26 roster later in 2026.
She expressed excitement about being back in the game after such a long time.
According to Blank, fans played a big role in her return. She said that many players had been asking for her to be included again, and the game developers listened.
However, Kelly Kelly will not appear in the game’s launch roster. Instead, she will arrive as downloadable content (DLC).
Release Details for Kelly Kelly in WWE 2K26
Kelly Kelly will be added to the game as part of the Season Two Ringside Pass DLC pack.
Here are the key details:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Character | Kelly Kelly (Barbie Blank) |
| Game | WWE 2K26 |
| Release Method | Ringside Pass DLC |
| DLC Season | Season Two |
| Expected Release | April 2026 |
The Ringside Pass is a post-launch program that adds additional wrestlers, characters, and content packs throughout the year.
Kelly Kelly’s WWE Video Game History
Kelly Kelly has appeared in several WWE video games in the past, but it has been a long time since fans were able to play as her.
Her last appearance in a major WWE console game was WWE ’12, released in 2011.
After leaving WWE as a full-time performer in 2012, she did not appear in later entries of the series.
This makes her WWE 2K26 appearance her first playable appearance in over 13 years.
Kelly Kelly’s WWE Career
Kelly Kelly became one of the most recognizable female stars during the WWE Divas era.
Some highlights of her career include:
- WWE Divas Champion
- Regular appearances on Raw and SmackDown
- Participation in multiple high-profile matches
- One of the youngest Divas Champions in WWE history
Although she stepped away from full-time competition in 2012, she has returned for special appearances over the years.
Recent WWE Appearances
Even after leaving full-time wrestling, Kelly Kelly has made several appearances in WWE.
She competed in multiple Women’s Royal Rumble matches, including:
- 2018 Royal Rumble
- 2020 Royal Rumble
- 2021 Royal Rumble
- 2022 Royal Rumble
These appearances helped keep her connected with WWE fans.
About WWE 2K26
WWE 2K26 is the latest installment in the long-running WWE 2K video game series.
The game is:
- Developed by Visual Concepts
- Published by 2K Sports
Several special editions of the game launched earlier for early-access players.
| Edition | Release |
|---|---|
| Monday Night Wars Edition | Early Access |
| Attitude Era Edition | Early Access |
| King of Kings Edition | Early Access |
| Standard Edition | March 13 |
The game continues the series’ tradition of featuring current WWE superstars, legends, and special downloadable content.
Kelly Kelly’s return to the WWE video game franchise is a nostalgic moment for many fans who remember her from the Divas era. After more than a decade away from the series, she will finally become playable again in WWE 2K26 through the Season Two Ringside Pass DLC scheduled for April 2026. Her comeback highlights how fan demand can influence video game rosters and shows that classic WWE stars continue to hold a special place in the hearts of wrestling fans.
FAQs
When will Kelly Kelly be added to WWE 2K26?
Kelly Kelly will be added to the game in April 2026 as part of the Season Two Ringside Pass downloadable content.
Is Kelly Kelly in the WWE 2K26 launch roster?
No, she will not be included in the launch roster. She will join the game later through downloadable content.
When was the last WWE video game Kelly Kelly appeared in?
Kelly Kelly last appeared in WWE ’12, which was released in 2011.
Who is Kelly Kelly in real life?
Kelly Kelly’s real name is Barbie Blank. She is a former WWE Divas Champion and professional wrestler.
Which company develops WWE 2K games?
The WWE 2K video games are developed by Visual Concepts and published by 2K Sports.
