When exactly is AEW: Fight Forever, the new game for upstart promotion All-Elite Wrestling, going to launch? Initially, the game was supposed to come out last year and has been listed as “coming soon” for quite some time. What might be holding up the production is unknown, although its been rumored rating issues might have been at fault.

　　Well, if that was the case, it seems the problem has been cleared up, because AEW: Fight Forever has received an ESRB rating, hinting an actual release is imminent. The game is T-rated, but in keeping with AEW’s edgier content, it seems like the game is pushing that rating to its breaking point. According to the ESRB, the game will feature delights such as blood-stained mats, the ability to attack opponents with Molotov cocktails, dirty words, and the slapping of buttocks. Consider me intrigued!

　　“This is a wrestling game in which players compete in matches with wrestlers from the AEW roster. Players use punches, kicks, and grappling maneuvers to drain their opponents' health. In some match types (e.g., Barbed Wire, Stadium Stampede, Unsanctioned) players can use barbed wired, baseball bats, metal chairs, and Molotov cocktails against opponents, eventually resulting in submission and/or knock outs. Blood-splatter effects can occur during matches, staining the mats; video footage of real matches also depicts blood on wrestlers' faces and bodies. The game contains some mildly suggestive material: female wrestlers in revealing outfits (e.g., deep cleavage, bunny outfits, partially exposed buttocks); wrestlers performing taunting gestures (e.g., crotch chop, slapping buttocks). Real footage sometimes depicts wrestlers drinking alcohol and smoking. The word “shit” is heard in the game.”

　　Will this riskier content give AEW: Fight Forever an edge over WWE 2K23? That remains to be seen, but it can’t help but differentiate the game somewhat. You can check out Wccftech's hands-on impressions of AEW: Fight Forever here.

　　AEW: Fight Forever is slated for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and Switch. A specific launch window has yet to be announced.