The landscape of professional wrestling has changed dramatically by 2024, and WWE and AEW are doing well. With each promotion carving its path in the industry, here’s a look at who’s running it and who’s facing the biggest challenges.
Winner: Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley remains a standout in AEW, solidifying his position as a key figure in the company. He was praised for his performances with Claudio Castagnoli (also known as Cesaro) in NJPW Wrestle Kingdom and AEW Revolution. Moxley’s previous victory over Tetsuya Naito at NJPW Windy City Riot made him the first wrestler to hold the world titles in WWE, AEW, and New Japan, cementing his status as a champion of the cross-promotion. His appearance at this gateway event has shown his significant role in reviving the wrestling association. Moxley’s energy, no-nonsense attitude, and ability to put on exciting matches every time make him a favorite and a valuable asset to AEW.
Loser: Chris Jericho
Although Chris Jericho is still a wrestling champion, his run in AEW in recent days has been turbulent. Despite winning the FTW Championship at Dynasty, Jericho’s new look failed to catch on with audiences. The negative reaction to the crash and criticism of the “Tree of Learning” episode marked a challenging phase in Jericho’s remarkable career. Crucial to AEW’s early success, Jericho is now in the spotlight, needing to reinvent his character and recapture the magic that made him one of the most influential figures in wrestling.
Winner: Swerve Strickland
Swerve Strickland’s rise in AEW reached new heights as he became the first black AEW World Champion in the dynasty. His strong performances on Collision and Dynamite, especially his feud with Christian Cage, cemented his status as a top talent. Outside of the ring, Strickland has participated in podcasting, rapping, acting, and documentary projects, demonstrating his wide appeal and growing influence. His ability to connect with audiences across platforms shows his ability to become a major crossover star.
Loser: Shinsuke Nakamura
In WWE, Shinsuke Nakamura’s streak ended despite a brutal performance on Raw last year. After feuding with Seth Rollins, Nakamura suffered a series of injuries and lost during WrestleMania. His win-loss record in 2024 reflects a difficult period, showing how a powerful king missed opportunities to make an impact in his early season. The once sensational performer now finds himself struggling to regain his place on the WWE roster.
Champion: Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes’ journey in WWE has been an exciting one. After returning to the company, Rhodes became a mainstay on Raw, participating in major feuds and delivering memorable matches. His attempt to capture the WWE Championship (a title not held by his father) was a hit with fans. Rhodes’ emotional promos and storylines make him one of the biggest attractions in WWE in 2024.
The world of wrestling in 2024 is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Jon Moxley and Swerve Strickland cement their place in history, Chris Jericho and Shinsuke Nakamura and other legends take on new challenges. Cody Rhodes’ journey to recovery continues to amaze fans. As we move forward, the professional wrestling format remains dynamic and unpredictable, with more twists and turns coming in the coming months.
