Strikes have returned to their normal speed, with the improved collision and selling animations from the opponent. This mini-game only happens 2-3 times during the match and can be turned off via the options menu. Additionally, the attacking wrestler can strike or wrench the opponent's limb, making it harder for them to find the sweet spot. If the attacker finds it first, they'll perform a move, if the defender finds it first, they'll gain the upper hand. (Headlock beats Wrist lock, Wrist lock beats Waist lock, Waist lock beats Headlock.) Whomever wins will place their opponent in the corresponding hold, while both players rotate the right analog stick (space + movement keys on PC) to find a 'sweet spot'.

At the beginning of the tie up, each opponent will press one of three face buttons to place their opponent into a side headlock, a wrist lock or a waist lock with a rock-paper-scissors style outcome.

Pressing the grapple button at the beginning of the match will initiate a collar-and-elbow tie up. WWE 2K15 signifies as the start of a 'new generation', which focuses on turning the franchise into a true wrestling game rather than 'a fighting game with WWE Superstars in it.' The new chain wrestling mini-game has been implemented (exclusive to current generation consoles and PC only) to make matches play out more realistically.