Base OS : Ubuntu 20.04.5 LTS
Kernel Version: 5.15.0-60-generic
Problem:
Cannot create new virtual machines. The vmware "connecting" splash screen comes up and spins saying "connecting" then freezes. Behavior consistent even with a blank virtual machine with the install the OS later checked. If I downgrade the virtual machine compatibility to 16.X the virtual machine will boot but the splash screen overlays over the virtual machine window, approximately 3/4 of the window, making it impossible to use. Prior built virtual machines still work...its only new virtual machines that are the problem. Additionally I continue to use Ubuntu 20.04 instead of upgrading to 22.04 because the virtual machine manager refuses to capture the menu (windows) key and breaks all GNOME shortcuts. I expect this kind of thing from virtualbox because its opensource and community, but not from a for profit product.
Solution/Workaround:
Downgrade and freeze Linux kernel version to 5.15.0-46-generic.
Steps:
$ sudo apt-mark hold 5.15.0-46-generic
$ sudo apt install linux-image-5.15.0-46-generic linux-modules-5.15.0-46-generic linux-modules-extra-5.15.0-46-generic linux-headers-5.15.0-46-generic
$ sudo reboot
Select 5.15.0-46-generic from Ubuntu kernel menu, if menu doesn't appear do this: https://askubuntu.com/questions/16042/how-to-get-to-the-grub-menu-at-boot-time
$ sudo apt update
$ sudo apt upgrade
$ sudo apt install build-essential
Start VMWare Workstation Pro 17...if for whatever reason Workstation doesn't feel like recompiling the kernel modules 
Download the bundle installer for your version of Vmware Workstation Pro
$ sudo vmware-installer -u vmware-workstation
$ sudo <VMWare bundle installer>
This solution "works on my box" and is no under no guarantee to work for you 
There appears to be a breaking change somewhere between 5.15.0-46-generic and 5.15.0-58-generic. My guess is that it is somewhere in the ether of Linux UI handling. I don't envy whomever has to hunt down this bug and port up to the latest kernel version, good luck on your journey in the magical forest.