'WWE 2K17': Latest News, Rumors and Buzz for August 8

Roster revelations and a major announcement regarding soundtrack selection dominated discussion this week in WWE 2K17 news.

Just over two months from the release of the hotly anticipated video game that will feature the return of Bill Goldberg to the WWE Universe and an entire game edition devoted to NXT, 2K Games began introducing fans to the faces they can expect to see when they fire up their PS4s, XBox Ones and various other gaming systems.

There were former world champions, internationally recognized legends and two of the most popular female performers in all of professional wrestling.

Bookending the week was a revelation on Monday that a hugely influential rap icon will have his hands all over the WWE 2K17 soundtrack, influencing the aesthetics of the game and continuing his relationship with Vince McMahon's company.

As has been the case for years, both WWE and 2K Games have done a phenomenal job of trickling out information while simultaneously keeping the fanbase hungry for more. The last seven days were no different.

Who's Who?

The biggest news this past week was the announcing of the first batch of Superstars for October's huge release.

Tuesday saw the gradual release of the first competitors fans can expect to control in WWE 2K17 via the game's official Twitter account. The late Brian Pillman stands out as one of the most crowd-pleasing names, The Loose Cannon forever immortalized in the virtual world and available for dream hardcore matches with The Lunatic Fringe, Dean Ambrose, who has yet to be revealed.

SmackDown Superstar Natalya gleefully announced the involvement of her father, Jim "The Anvil" Neidhart, with the project on Twitter:

R-Truth followed, as did The Vaudevillains' Aiden English:

The biggest names revealed Tuesday were those of Chris Jericho and The Bella Twins, all of whom are recognized well beyond the rings of World Wrestling Entertainment:

Others announced included Heath Slater, Konnor and Viktor of The Ascension, The Usos, Erick Rowan and 2013 Hall of Fame inductee Booker T.

The staggered release of names is a smart move by the gaming company. Sure, everyone anticipates the announcements of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, John Cena and Randy Orton, so those names tend not to be the most shocking. It is with great anticipation, though, that fans await the revelation of the legendary figures of wrestling's past that they will have the opportunity to play as.

Pillman was a great way to kick things off, and The Ultimate Warrior appeals to former fans who return to the sport only to play the game every year.

Rap's Bad Boy Curates 'WWE 2K17' Soundtrack

Ahead of his appearance on this Monday's WWE Raw, Billboard announced that P. Diddy will be the official curator of the WWE 2K17 soundtrack:

Speaking with 2K Games in an exclusive YouTube video, Diddy discussed his song choices and even named a few hidden gems fans can expect when they get to gaming:

While it has been nearly 20 years since Diddy experienced his greatest popularity as a performer, he is still incredibly influential in the music industry. He is a hip-hop mogul and a brand unto himself. Having his name attached to the game is an excellent way to drum up interest from outsiders in the production.

A longtime fan and someone who has repeatedly appeared on Raw and Tribute to the Troops broadcasts, it only makes sense that Diddy would partner with the promotion for another mutual business venture, especially as he prepares for his 2016 Bad Boy Reunion Tour.

The Beast Is Unleashed

The final news of the week features cover star Brock Lesnar, whose ring entrance was tweeted to the masses ahead of the October 11 release date:

As usual, the graphics are amazing, and the characteristics of the performer are intact. From the pyro to the physical movements, Lesnar's entrance is true to what one would see when he takes to the squared circle for a marquee match against Undertaker, John Cena, Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns.

On August 21, Randy Orton will get a look at Lesnar's arrival up close and personal. For fans of WWE 2K17, they can live the intensity and heart-pounding ferocity of Lesnar's entrance without having to take the painful trip to Suplex City that The Viper will in Brooklyn.

Lucky for them, the reprieve from pain allows them to enjoy every revelation that awaits them in the weeks leading up to the release of WWE 2K17.