When it comes to delivering chaos and carnage, few franchises do it quite like DOOM. And now, with the release of DOOM: The Dark Ages just weeks away, Bethesda and id Software have given fans another taste of what’s to come—this time during the high-octane spectacle of WrestleMania 41.

In a move that perfectly blends the theatrical with the violent, the latest trailer for DOOM: The Dark Ages dropped during the weekend’s wrestling festivities. Running for over two minutes, the trailer doesn’t hold back. There’s a generous helping of demon-slaying action, of course, but what really stands out this time is the narrative focus. For a franchise known for letting the shotgun do the talking, it’s intriguing to see DOOM stepping up its storytelling game.

The trailer offers several cutscene snippets that hint at a deeper, more cinematic tale surrounding the Doom Slayer. This isn’t just about ripping and tearing—there’s lore here, and a hell of a lot of it. From grim backdrops to stoic, armor-clad confrontations, The Dark Ages is shaping up to be the most lore-rich DOOM entry yet.

In case you missed the original reveal, DOOM: The Dark Ages is the third installment in id Software’s modern reboot of the legendary franchise that began with DOOM (2016). But here’s the twist—it’s actually a prequel. This entry steps back in time before the events of DOOM (2016), planting players right in the middle of a demonic medieval nightmare.

Combat, of course, remains at the core, but don’t expect the same frantic movement-based gameplay from DOOM: Eternal. Instead, The Dark Ages slows things down—just a bit. The developers describe the new style as “iron tank” combat. Picture the Doom Slayer not darting through the battlefield like a ballerina with a rocket launcher, but holding the line like a steel behemoth. It’s all about presence and power—planting your boots into the earth and letting hell come to you.

This shift isn’t just a gameplay tweak; it feels thematic. The Doom Slayer in The Dark Ages isn’t just a man on a mission. He’s a force of nature, rooted in darkness and rage, taking the war to Hell in the most methodical, devastating way possible.

Set to launch on May 15, 2025, DOOM: The Dark Ages will be available on Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Whether you’re diving in for the demon-slaying, the lore-heavy backstory, or just to feel like a walking apocalypse, this is one hell of a prequel you won’t want to miss.