DOOM: The Dark Ages hasn't been shy about showing off its new gameplay direction since its first reveal, with the latest reveal giving even more sneak peeks at the kind of gameplay that will be included in its full release. Unlike DOOM Eternal, the Dark Ages won't have players flying around at high speeds, but making their way across the battlefield as an unstoppable force instead. There's still plenty of fast-paced action shown off in each trailer, but the new direction will help it stand out from its predecessors.

Even if you haven't seen the latest trailer, DOOM: The Dark Ages is already shaping up to be a worthy successor to DOOM Eternal, while developing brand-new stories for its medieval-inspired game world. While it's too early to tell for sure, The Dark Ages could have the potential to be a solid contender for GOTY thanks to its unique sci-fi fantasy setting and adrenaline-pumping gameplay. While the content of the newest trailer didn't reveal too many new game-changing secrets, aside from its greater focus on story and a mysterious new demon, the real surprise was where the trailer was first showcased.

The Dark Ages' Latest Trailer Was Revealed At WrestleMania

A Surprising Sponsorship That Feels Like A Match Made In Heaven

While wrestling is far from the first thing you would associate the iconic DOOM franchise with, the collaboration with WrestleMania to unveil their newest trailer felt like a match made in heaven for the series. The unapologetically extravagant style of DOOM: The Dark Ages seems to fit perfectly with the over-the-top flair of WrestleMania, with both franchises aiming to offer an explosive spectacle starring larger-than-life characters and storylines.

Much like the dramatized plots WrestleMania has offered over the years, DOOM: The Dark Ages has a greater narrative focus than its predecessors, featuring more cutscenes and seemingly more interactive characters than before. Even the concept of having longstanding rivalries, alliances, and massive stadium battles are all hallmarks of Wrestling and its character building as a whole. Even though these concepts are vaguely applicable to the DOOM franchise, The Dark Ages seems to feature several grand villains that could offer some serious competition for The Slayer, leading up to a similarly climactic confrontation between the two deadly fighters.

DOOM's Sponsored Event Was More Than A Simple Gameplay Reveal

Offering A Unique Spectacle For Fans Of Both Genres

On top of showing off the latest trailer to build even more hype for the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages, the franchise also had a physical presence at the latest WrestleMania show. As noted by Reddit RoboFunky, The Dark Ages had a partnership with the wrestler Drew McIntyre to celebrate the title, going as far as to don a makeshift version of The Slayer's very own gladiatorial armor. Even the choice of which wrestler to sponsor was a fantastic choice for The Dark Ages, as McIntyre's sword-wielding and intro theme feel right at home with the intensity of The Dark Ages.

This isn't the first time a wrestler or team has been sponsored by a video game franchise either, as it seems to be a growing trend in the industry. One of the most iconic WWE gaming crossovers was the team Green Day's collaboration with Final Fantasy 14 all the way back in 2017. During the sponsored event, each member of the team strolled down the stage wearing comedically themed cosplays from the game, which even featured the ever iconic Chocobo and Moogle being carried alongside them.

Bringing Hope For More Collaborations In The Future

The Dark Ages Still Has Plenty Of Room For Crossover Content

With excitement for The Dark Ages ramping up closer to its release thanks to these kinds of promotions, the game has already received several fantastic DOOM-themed Xbox merch and collectors' editions to be a worthy companion to The Dark Ages itself. There's even been some speculation that the chain shield and helmet shown during WresleMania's Dark Ages spotlight could be hinting at future limited collector's items, but their massive size makes them more likely to just be simply promotional items than anything else.

Given how culturally significant the DOOM franchise is in the gaming world as a whole, it's surprising that the series hasn't had a massive stream of collaborations or crossovers over the years. While the DOOM reboots did get several collaborations with Fall Guys, Fortnite, and Call of Duty: Warzone, there has been a shocking absence of official crossover content within the DOOM reboots themselves.

There has been a shocking absence of official crossover content within the DOOM reboots themselves

While it wouldn't be the most immersive addition, a part of me is still hoping that The Dark Ages will receive some form of WWE collaboration content within the game itself, even if it's just a simple Slayer skin. DOOM's reboots have never shied away from immersion-breaking cosmetics, as the ability to mow through the undead legions of hell as an iconic wrestler is an exciting prospect to imagine. Even if a collaboration between DOOM and the WWE doesn't make its way into the DOOM: The Dark Ages itself, there are plenty of opportunities for interesting merch collaborations to satisfy fans.

Source: RoboFunky/Reddit, Bethesda Softworks/YouTube