head to head
Neither is harder. They score identically on all four axes, so the difference between them is in kind, not degree.

Execution · Competitive PvP
A hip-hop themed brawler where customized fighters batter each other through New York clubs.

Execution · Competitive PvP
Simulation-styled WWE entry praised for its showcase mode and refined reversal-based combat.
Def Jam: Fight for NY leans Execution (Competitive PvP); WWE 2K19 leans Execution (Competitive PvP).
Same score on execution - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Def Jam: Fight for NY
Combo timing, grapple inputs, environment slams demand solid hands.
WWE 2K19
Reversal timing windows and combo execution
Same score on reads - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Def Jam: Fight for NY
Versus humans, baiting grabs and counters matters; AI is mappable.
WWE 2K19
Human versus matches hinge on counter prediction
Same score on variance - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Def Jam: Fight for NY
Minor stage and AI behaviour randomness.
WWE 2K19
Slight randomness in pin kick-outs and AI
Same score on optimization - which means the number cannot separate them. The difference is in what each one asks of you.
Def Jam: Fight for NY
Fighting-style blends, move purchases, venue weapons reward system knowledge.
WWE 2K19
Payback systems, move-set knowledge and MyPlayer builds
A matching score does not mean a matching test. Two games can both sit at 10 on execution and demand completely different things of you - which is why the reasoning above matters more than the number beside it.