WWE 2K20 Universe Mode (Series 1)

## Information

This is the first series of Universe Mode in WWE 2K20 for Gore and Perkis. Once again, the brand split returns, with Gore controlling the Raw brand, and Perkins controlling the SmackDown brand. While the roster resets, the champions from Series 2 of WWE 2K19 will carry over, which is a break from tradition as the championships are usually vacant at the beginning of a new Universe Mode on a new game. Additionally, Pete Dunne carries over his Money in the Bank contract he won at WrestleMania in Series 2, though he only has until Money in the Bank pay-per-view to cash it in. Dolph Ziggler also carries over his right to an Intercontinental Championship match after winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

As Create a Championship will be missing in WWE 2K20 for an undetermined amount of time, the WWE Raw and WWE SmackDown Championships have been abandoned, meaning the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships return as the world titles for SmackDown and Raw. Both shows will keep their respective mid-card championships - those being the United Kingdom/United States Championship for SmackDown, and the Intercontinental Championship for Raw. The Television Championship will most likely not return in this series, as it was rarely defended in the last few episodes of 2K19 Universe Mode, as well as the fact that Create a Championship will be missing (as noted before). Like last year, the Tag Team and Women's Championships will be defended across both brands, so tag teams and women will not be drafted. Undrafted Superstars can compete on both Raw and SmackDown as free agents in an attempt to get signed to either brand.

### Impact of the coronavirus pandemic

This series of Universe Mode was affected by the worldwide coronavirus pandemic, with G&P uploading Episode #87 on March 28/29, 2020 before going on a hiatus. In response to a tweet regarding their lack of uploads, they briefly addressed the situation, stating that they had cut down their recordings since they didn't live together and didn't want to risk potentially spreading the virus to their respective family members. It's also assumed they were unable to meet at each other's houses, as the UK had imposed a non-essential travel ban days before they had sent out the tweet.

To make up for the lack of content, "WWE 2K20 - Best Moments of Universe Mode #3" was uploaded to their channel. In the comments section and on Twitter, they properly addressed the state of their content, where they announced that Universe Mode had been suspended for the foreseeable future, either till the pandemic passes and restrictions are lifted or until they devise a way to continue Universe Mode online. They floated an idea on Twitter where they'd play their individual matches against the AI and commentate over the match via Skype, but noted they'd have less control than usual over cutscenes and promos. G&P returned to YouTube on April 28/29, 2020, uploading Episode #88 of Universe Mode. During the video and subsequent episodes, they explained that they were playing their individual shows against the AI and recording commentary via Skype.

## The Draft

* 15 Superstars were selected by Gore and Perkins each
* Tag teams and stables counted as one pick, as well as Superstars who have managers
* As per usual, anyone who goes undrafted can be used by both shows, unless Gore or Perkins decide to sign them to their show permanently

1Christian, Owens, McIntyre, and Ciampa were automatically drafted to their respective brands since they held the WWE SmackDown, WWE Raw, United Kingdom/United States, and Intercontinental Championships.

2Both the normal Finn Balor and the Demon Finn Balor are counted as a draft pick, as they are different characters in 2K20.

3Both Wyatt and his alter ego, The Fiend, are counted as a draft pick, as they are different characters in 2K20.

4Tucker was also included in this pick, despite Perkins not announcing Heavy Machinery as his pick. After making the pick official, Perkins added that he wanted Tucker and Gore did not object,

## List of pay-per-view events

1Cyber Sunday was streamed live on Gore and Perkins' Twitch channel. It was then uploaded onto YouTube as one massive Universe Mode episode.

2Otis cashed in his SmackDown Money in the Bank briefcase during this match, turning it into a triple threat match.

## Accomplishments

 SmackDown Money in the Bank
 Women's Money in the Bank
 King of the Ring
 Survivor Series Brand Warfare
 Men's Royal Rumble Winner
 WrestleMania Money in the Bank
 Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Winner
 Women's WrestleMania Battle Royal Winner

1Finn Balor was on Raw at the time of his King of the Ring victory. He was later traded to SmackDown as a part of the Superstar Shakeup.

2While Raw won the brand warfare overall, the record could be disputed, as Matt Hardy (who represented SmackDown) pinned Jeff Hardy (who represented Raw) to seemingly win the elimination tag match. However, Matt was transported to the swamp and pinned by The Fiend (who represented Raw), leaving the result of the match up in the air.