2024 was a year where wrestling hit popularity heights that have only been matched by the Attitude Era and Monday Night Wars in the late 90s. WWE specifically had plenty of must-see moments that had the wrestling community buzzing. It’s no longer a time for fans to be ashamed to wear their wrestling swag out in public. Under Paul Levesque’s (Triple H’s) guidance, the brand is expanding, the storylines are more complex, and the shows are becoming less and less predictable.
The “New Era” of WWE wrestling is upon us, and it is a great time to be a wrestling fan. The brand’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, will be going to Netflix at the beginning of 2025, and Smackdown will be moving to three hours on Friday nights. Here are some of the top moments that happened in 2024.
7. New Day Turns on Big E
Who the hell saw this coming? Who? Who? I’m doing my best, Kofi Kingston impression! Of course, a 10-year anniversary can’t go smoothly, right? I had dreams of this happening, but in a different way. I expected Big E to return and turn on his brothers and absolutely destroy Kofi and Xavier Woods and become a top beast of a heel. The fact that everyone and their mothers thought that Woods would be the only heel was pure genius.
The breakup was insinuated for months, and Kingston piling on E for not being a good friend/brother to the New Day was an angle that shocked everyone and made for great TV. This could be a sign that Big E may be cleared for a return, and if so, get your popcorn (or pancakes) ready because this story could be really good!
6. Jade Cargill’s WWE Debut
If you don’t think Jade Cargill doesn’t have an aura about her, you are bats*** crazy! She has superstar written all over her. Jade made an impressive debut at the 2024 Royal Rumble, entering at number 28 and eliminating three former champions: Naomi, Becky Lynch, and Nia Jax. In her short time in WWE, she has dominated opponents, looked like a star, and won the Women’s Tag Team Championship with Bianca Belair. Cargill is also involved in one of the more interesting storylines of a backstage attack. If you thought the “storm is coming,” you’re wrong. The storm is here!
5. Dirty Dom Turns on Mami
Who doesn’t love a love triangle scenario and the drama of a scumbag leaving his Mami for another woman? Not only is Daddy Dom Mysterio one of the industry’s top heels, but he also looks like someone you want to punch in the face. Yet WWE fans are jealous of Dom for his track record with Rhea Ripley and now Liv Morgan! The storyline is still far from over, as Mami needs to get her revenge. It will be interesting if the couple remains together after Liv loses her title.
4. Rocky Beats Down Cody
Who is more entertaining than The Rock? Not only was he one of the Attitude Era’s biggest stars, but he was also one of the biggest entertainers the world has ever seen. The “Final Boss” beatdown of the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes in the parking lot leading up to Wrestlemania was pure cinema. The Rock was brutal in the attack, not only physically but verbally. This segment would have fans excited for the move to Netflix with the possibility of edgier content by the WWE. The Rock tried to take the role of wrestling’s greatest heel in one night, and he may have succeeded!
3. Jacob Fatu’s WWE Debut
I don’t care about Carmello Hayes’ catchphrase. Jacob Fatu is HIM! This guy is so good and should be a future World Champion! For anyone who didn’t believe in Solo Sikoa’s rein as Tribal Chief, Jacob Fatu’s belief in him made it legitimate. The devotion to Solo and constant praise from Fatu make Solo and the New Bloodline a threat to all. His unique style and athleticism should have him in the main event picture sooner rather than later. He is the standout of this version of the Bloodline, and we will “acknowledge” him soon.
2. The Wyatt Sicks WWE Debut
The backstage debut of the Wyatt Sicks may have been up there with the greatest debuts in WWE history! The carnage Uncle Howdy and the misfits caused was phenomenal, and something fans had never seen before. The backstage area looked like a horror film. The additions of Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, and Joe Gacy brought Bray Wyatt’s “Firefly Funhouse” friends to life to cause havoc in the WWE Universe. This faction is one of the most unique gimmicks in wrestling. They continue to target “wrongdoers,” and personally I can’t wait for the development of their stories.
1. Cody Finishes the Story
First, I want to say I am one of the few who can’t stand Cody Rhodes. I think the angle of his dad not winning the WWE Championship was just plain stupid. I mean, my dad never won the WWE Championship, either! Has yours? But I will admit this was the biggest moment of the 2024 calendar year. Defeating the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and ending his historical reign was a huge deal for the American Nightmare.
He is now involved with a great story with Kevin Owens, and the business with the Final Boss, The Rock, is still unfinished. It will be interesting to see how long Cody will hold the title and who he will eventually drop it to.
