There's no debating that the last couple of years in wrestling have been nothing short of chaotic. With the returns of legends like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, massive firings, Vince McMahon retiring, and the infamous brawl out in AEW, wrestling fans have witnessed some of the most game-changing events in the sport's history. As the door closes in 2023, it's only fitting that we look forward to what could be another hectic year for wrestling in 2024.
WWE, specifically, has gained immense momentum over the past year after the departure of Vince McMahon and Triple H taking over creative control of Monday Night Raw and SmackDown. Now that the company is under the TKO banner along with UFC, it's understandable that all eyes are on what the landscape will be like in WWE once 2024 reaches its end and who the faces of it will end up being. For those reasons, there is much to look forward to for WWE in 2024, and these five in particular could be at the top of most fans' lists.
1. UFC and WWE playing in the same sandbox
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On September 12, 2023, Endeavor, the parent company of UFC, announced that it would combine the mega-mixed martial arts brand with the WWE to form TKO. The merger meant that Endeavor would own 51% of the new company and that WWE shareholders would own 49%. With a blockbuster sports merger like this, it's only a matter of time before fans of both companies see some cross-promotion between them.
Are we bound to see more UFC stars appear on WWE television and possibly set up future storylines with the likes of Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and others? Fans have already seen WWE talents like Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker appear on UFC events. Lesnar, of course, is arguably the most successful superstar who has fought in both companies. It wouldn't be the strangest thing in the world for a UFC fighter like Connor McGregor to appear in a segment with Reigns on SmackDown next year. It not only gives the UFC a chance to promote an upcoming battle involving McGregor on pay-per-view but also reinforces the idea that both companies are playing in the same sandbox.
2. More overseas premium live events
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This past year, the WWE delivered premium live events in more global territories. After the success of events like Elimination Chamber and Backlash, the company is looking to replicate that success with even more PLEs outside of the United States.
Currently, there are three major events scheduled in 2024 that will take place in foreign countries. On February 24th, WWE will present the Elimination Chamber in Perth, Australia. The company will travel to Lyon, France, three months later for Backlash. Finally, a new PLE called Bash in Berlin will occur in Berlin, Germany, in late August. With so many overseas events next year, one has to wonder whether fans will soon see a WrestleMania outside of the U.S.
3. WWE shows on new networks
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This past year, it was announced that SmackDown and NXT will air on new networks in 2024. NXT, which previously aired Tuesdays on the USA network, will debut on the CW in October as part of a five-year deal. The move is interesting since the company, for months, has tried to garner attention for the black and gold brand by sending over some of their major stars like Cody Rhodes, John Cena, and even The Undertaker to appear on the show. The CW has traditionally been targeted at a much younger demographic, so it's the perfect home for a brand that spotlights the future stars in the company.
Meanwhile, SmackDown is set to move away from FOX and air exclusively on the USA network. The deal also includes four WWE-produced primetime specials per year that will air on NBC. SmackDown moving to another network isn't new, as the show has moved several times throughout its television history.
While these moves are exciting, there is still one major unknown regarding WWE's TV rights deal: where will Monday Night Raw air in 2024? As of this writing, WWE's flagship show has yet to secure a new home for next year despite its broadcasting deal with USA Network, which is set to expire in October. Recent rumors suggest that the show could find a new home at Warner Bros Discovery, which currently has a broadcasting deal with WWE's primary competitor, AEW. However, it's been reported that AEW's deal with WBD is set to expire in December next year, so there may be discussions being made between WBD and WWE that fans aren't privy to.
4. Free agents in-coming
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| Courtesy of New Japan Pro-Wrestling |
2024 could see many free agents looking to make their mark in WWE. One of the significant names some fans believe could make his debut in the future is New Japan pro-wrestling legend Kazuchika Okada. The former NJPW Heavyweight champion is set to become a free agent in January. Although Okada has previously wrestled for AEW and would more likely sign with the company, there is every chance that WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H is looking to include the Japanese legend in his creative plans next year.
Elsewhere, former WWE women's champion Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, may return to the company after a two-year absence. Since departing from WWE following the controversial walk-out with former tag partner Naomi, the Boss has become a significant name in Japan, wrestling for both Stardom and New Japan. With a new creative team at the helm and the company entering WrestleMania season, it's time for the Boss to return and show again why many fans consider her one of the best female wrestlers in the modern era.
Lastly, there is the current AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman, who has arguably become the company's top babyface. While all signs point to MJF resigning with AEW, there is still the possibility that the "bidding war of 2024" ends with him stepping foot inside a WWE ring soon. The one major obstacle standing in the way is Tony Khan, who probably is looking to keep as many of his top talent in his company as possible and wants them all to re-enter negotiations. For a successful talent like MJF, one has to wonder whether he should continue to be AEW's biggest babyface or finally make perhaps the biggest move in his career and sign with WWE.
5. The year that Roman Reigns will lose his crown?
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| Courtesy of WWE |
One big question that many WWE fans had after last year's WrestleMania was whether the Tribal Chief Roman Reigns would continue to dominate as champion going into 2024. The Tribal Chief defended his championship only a handful of times in 2023, which has led some fans to question the legitimacy of his lengthy title reign. Now that Reigns has passed three years as the champ and with WrestleMania 40 right around the corner, there is the possibility the WWE is ready for the Tribal Chief to finally give up his crown to another worthy superstar. But to whom?
The obvious answer would be the American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, who lost to Reigns at WrestleMania last year. Rhodes has repeatedly stated that he wants to win the WWE Championship and fulfill his career quest of "finishing the story." However, with the return of significant names such as Randy Orton and CM Punk, Rhodes may not be the guy to finally take down the Head of the Table.
There's also the glaring proposition of having the Braham Bull, The Rock, be the one to take the WWE Championship away from his cousin at WrestleMania. The Rock recently stated a match between himself and Reigns was "locked in" for WrestleMania 39 in Hollywood, but creative holes caused the anticipated showdown to be put on hold. With WrestleMania 40 being in Philadelphia and the WWE now on one of the hottest streaks it ever has been, perhaps the showdown between The Rock and Roman Reigns is becoming more of a possibility sooner rather than later.
While there are many threats to Reigns' championship, there is also the scary chance that WWE would want the Tribal Chief to survive as champ past 2024. If that happens, he'll be way past Hulk Hogan's championship reign of 1,474 days. It's just something to consider going into next year.
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