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The year 2024 has been a monumental one for professional wrestling, filled with unforgettable moments that have thrilled fans worldwide. Just as strategizing to play solitaire requires precision and skill, wrestlers and promoters have crafted events and storylines that captivated audiences. From shocking returns and stunning debuts to epic matches and emotional farewells, let's take a look back at wrestling's biggest moments of 2024.
One of the most talked-about moments of 2024 was the surprise return of CM Punk to the ring. After a long hiatus, Punk made a dramatic comeback at WrestleMania 40, reigniting his legendary feud with John Cena.
Key Highlights:
Event: WrestleMania 40
Opponent: John Cena
Impact: The match was hailed as an instant classic, drawing massive viewership and rave reviews from fans and critics alike.
2024 saw the emergence of several new champions who have left an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Their victories not only shook up the existing hierarchy but also introduced fresh talent to the spotlight.
Bron Breakker, a rising star and powerhouse, captured the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam 2024, defeating Roman Reigns in a thrilling contest.
Key Highlights:
Event: SummerSlam 2024
Defeated: Roman Reigns
Significance: Breakker's victory ended Reigns' historic title reign, marking a new era in WWE.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) solidified his status as one of AEW's top stars by winning the AEW World Championship at Double or Nothing.
Key Highlights:
Event: Double or Nothing
Defeated: Kenny Omega
Significance: MJF's win was a testament to his skill and charisma, setting the stage for compelling storylines and rivalries.
The Undertaker's final match was a poignant moment for wrestling fans. At Survivor Series 2024, The Phenom faced off against Bray Wyatt in a match that blended storytelling and athleticism.
Key Highlights:
Event: Survivor Series 2024
Opponent: Bray Wyatt
Impact: The match was a fitting tribute to The Undertaker's storied career, ending with a standing ovation from the crowd.
AEW's premier factions, The Elite and The Inner Circle, engaged in a year-long feud that culminated in a spectacular WarGames match at AEW Full Gear.
Key Highlights:
Event: AEW Full Gear
Participants: The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Adam Page) vs. The Inner Circle (Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Jake Hager, Santana, Ortiz)
Outcome: The Elite emerged victorious, solidifying their dominance in AEW.
Rhea Ripley had an exceptional year, capturing the WWE Women's Championship and becoming a cornerstone of the women's division.
Key Highlights:
Championships Won: WWE Women's Championship
Notable Matches: Epic clashes with Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair
Impact: Ripley's powerful performances and unique persona have made her a fan favorite.
Darby Allin continued to rise in AEW, delivering high-risk, high-reward performances that endeared him to the wrestling community.
Key Highlights:
Notable Matches: Thrilling encounters with MJF and Sammy Guevara
Achievements: TNT Championship reign
Impact: Allin's fearless style and charisma have solidified his status as a top star in AEW.
WWE introduced NXT Europe in 2024, expanding its global reach and providing a platform for European talent to shine.
Key Highlights:
Launch Event: NXT Europe: Genesis
Notable Debuts: Ilja Dragunov, Meiko Satomura
Significance: The promotion has showcased the best of European wrestling, drawing new audiences and fostering international talent.
AEW continued to innovate with the introduction of AEW Dark: Evolution, a platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills.
Key Highlights:
Notable Debuts: Konosuke Takeshita, Trish Adora
Impact: AEW Dark: Evolution has provided a pathway for new stars to break into the main roster, enhancing AEW's depth and diversity.
The 2024 Hall of Fame ceremony honored some of the greatest legends in wrestling history, celebrating their contributions to the sport.
Inductees:
The Rock: Recognized for his iconic career and crossover success in Hollywood.
Lita: Celebrated for her groundbreaking achievements in women's wrestling.
Vader: Honored posthumously for his impact on both WWE and WCW.
The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for professional wrestling, filled with historic moments and unforgettable matches. From the return of legends like CM Punk and The Undertaker's farewell to the rise of new champions and breakout stars, wrestling has continued to captivate and entertain fans worldwide. As we look ahead, staying updated with the latest trends in wrestling will ensure that we continue to witness the evolution of this dynamic and thrilling sport.
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