All WWE 2K23 Controls for PS4 & PS5

by Mike Alexander / Articles, Game Controls & Hotkeys, WWE 2K23 / 01 Apr 2023

For myself and many others, the big day is finally here. The day when I get to march down to my local GameStop, wait in line, and purchase this year’s edition of WWE 2K. It has become a yearly tradition and one that I cherish greatly. There’s nothing better than coming home, popping the disk in, and waiting thirty to forty minutes for the game to download & install all of the updates it needs.

Ok, that last part is terrible, but it’s commonplace for any game you buy now.

But once you get into the newest WWE 2K game, it’s glorious. All of your favorite wrestlers are there, the comprehensive character creator is ready for action, and the ring is just begging for conflict. And with WWE 2K23 on shelves now, things are going to get even better.

PlayStation fans can always rely on an excellent WWE experience, and PS4/PS5 gamers have probably already started digging into the newest release. However, this isn’t your grandpa’s WWE 2K game. WWE 2K23 is accessible for sure, but also has some pretty serious mechanical depth. So if you want to get the most out of this newest wrestling game, there’s no shame in seeking out some help. Even the best of the best get a leg up from time to time.

That’s why I’m here to provide PlayStation WWE 2K23 players with the comprehensive controls guide for both PS4 and PS5. Sure the PS5 has the shinier graphics of the two, but that doesn’t mean that PS4 players can’t have fun. As you look over this guide, you’ll notice that it has all of the information you need to get started, and it is expertly organized to boot. Keep it open while you play in case you need to reference something mid-match!

Basic Controls

Wake Up Taunt: D-Pad Up

Taunt Crowd: D-Pad Left

Taunt Opponent: D-Pad Right

Change Payback: D-Pad Down

Pause: Options Button

Move: Left Stick

Change Target: R3

Grab: Circle

Reversal: Triangle

Block: Triangle (Hold)

Light Attack: Square

Heavy Attack: X

Pin: Right Stick Down

Pick Up Object: L1

Re-position Opponent: Right Stick D-Pad Up, Left and Right

Payback: R2 + Triangle

Submission: R2 + Circle

Signature: R2 + Square

Finisher: R2 + X

Advanced Controls

GRABS

After Grab (Circle):

Light Grapple Attacks: Left Stick Any Direction + Square

Heavy Grapple Attacks: Left Stick Any Direction + X

Irish Whip: Left Stick Any Direction + Circle

Strong Irish Whip: Left Stick Any Direction + Hold Circle

Combos

After Light Attack (Square), continue pressing Square / X / Circle to perform a combo

Breakers

During Opponent’s Grab or Combo, press Square / X / Circle to counter an attack of the same type

CARRY

Initiate Carry (After Pressing Circle to Grab): R1 + Left Stick

Interrupt into Carry (While Performing a Qualifying Grapple): Press R1

Environmental Attack: Press Square From Carry

Slam: Press X From Carry

Throw Over Ropes / Off Stage: Press Circle From Carry

Escape Carry (As Defender): Tap Circle Repeatedly

Change Carry Position: Right Stick any direction

Powerbomb: R1 + Left Stick Up

Cradle: R1 + Left Stick Down

Fireman’s Carry: R1 + Left Stick Left

Shoulder Carry: R1 + Left Stick Right

DRAGGING

After Grab (X):

Initiate Drag (While in a Grab): L1

Release Drag (While Dragging): L1

Move (While Dragging): Left Stick

Environmental Attack (While Dragging): Square

WHIP: Circle

Escape Drag (As Defender): Tap Circle Repeatedly

OBJECT

Pick Up Object: L1

Grab Object From under the Ring (At Apron): L1

Climb Ladder: R1

Primary Attack: Square

Secondary Attack / Place Object: X

Drop Object: Circle

Lift Opponent onto Table (Facing Opponent Leaning against Table): Right Stick Up

Block: Y (Hold)

Mike Alexander

Mike has been playing video games since he was able to hold a controller, having been fascinated by Sonic 2 on his mom’s Sega Genesis. That fascination and passion for the art form has grown exponentially nearly 30 years later, and he doesn’t see that fading away anytime soon.
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