Wrestling Highlights of 2024

If 2024 proved anything, it’s that wrestling is as exhilarating and unpredictable as ever. Whether you’re a fan of amateur wrestling, professional circuits like WWE and AEW, or international competitions, this year delivered unforgettable moments that left us cheering, gasping, and sometimes just shaking our heads in disbelief. Let’s jump into the standout moments from the world of wrestling this year.

Collegiate and Amateur Wrestling: Records and Rising Stars

The NCAA Wrestling Championships in March showcased some jaw-dropping performances. Mason James, the undefeated heavyweight from Iowa, capped off his college career with his fourth consecutive title, joining an elite club of wrestling legends. His final match was a nail-biter, ending in a sudden victory takedown that had the crowd on their feet.

Meanwhile, Jada Morrison from Penn State stunned everyone by becoming the first woman to place in the men’s division in a dual meet. Her grit and technique have made her a trailblazer in collegiate wrestling, and fans are already buzzing about her future on the world stage.

At the international level, the 2024 UWW Wrestling Championships in Tashkent saw the U.S. men’s and women’s teams dominating the freestyle events. Gable Steveson, fresh from his WWE stint, made a dramatic return to amateur wrestling, securing gold and solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s greats.

WWE: The Year of Unpredictable Turns

Over in the world of sports entertainment, WWE turned up the drama in ways only they can. The Royal Rumble was a spectacle, with LA Knight pulling off an underdog win to earn his first-ever WrestleMania main event. His rivalry with Roman Reigns culminated in a brutal, no-holds-barred match at WrestleMania 40, where Knight dethroned the “Tribal Chief” in a moment that sent shockwaves through the wrestling world.

Another major highlight was the Women’s Division, where Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair delivered a match-of-the-year contender at SummerSlam. Their Iron Woman match went the full hour, showcasing incredible athleticism and storytelling that had fans chanting “This is awesome!” throughout.

And let’s not forget the long-awaited return of The Rock, who made a surprise appearance at Survivor Series to confront his cousin, Roman Reigns. The moment was pure electricity (pun intended), setting the stage for a potential clash that fans have been dreaming of for years.

AEW: Breaking Barriers

AEW continued its meteoric rise in 2024, blending high-flying action with compelling storylines. The Forbidden Door 3 pay-per-view brought together talent from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Ring of Honor (ROH), and AEW for a night of dream matches. The headline bout between Kenny Omega and NJPW’s Kazuchika Okada was an instant classic, reminding fans why they’re two of the greatest wrestlers of this generation.

AEW also made history with its first-ever stadium show in London, packing Wembley Stadium with over 80,000 fans. The main event saw MJF retaining his AEW World Championship in a four-way match against Jon Moxley, Adam Cole, and Darby Allin. MJF’s reign of charisma and controversy continues to make him one of the most talked-about champions in wrestling today.

Breakout Stars of 2024

This year introduced us to a new crop of wrestling superstars who are poised to carry the industry into the future. Carmelo Hayes, now a mainstay on WWE’s main roster, dazzled audiences with his unmatched athleticism and swagger, earning the Intercontinental Championship in a show-stealing performance at Clash of Champions.

In AEW, Julia Hart emerged as a breakout talent in the women’s division. Her dark, mysterious character and fierce in-ring style made her a fan favorite, culminating in her capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship at Full Gear.

And over in Impact Wrestling, Josh Alexander continued to elevate the promotion, delivering banger matches and bringing attention to the underappreciated roster.

Independent Wrestling: A True Revival

The indie wrestling scene thrived in 2024, with promotions like GCW, PWG, and Stardom delivering high-quality events that felt raw and personal. GCW’s Bloodsport event was a standout, blending MMA and wrestling in a unique, hard-hitting format that’s become a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Stardom continued to dominate in Japan, with Mayu Iwatani and Giulia putting on must-watch matches that raised the bar for women’s wrestling worldwide.

Looking Ahead

2024 was a banner year for wrestling fans, whether you love the pageantry of WWE, the innovative storytelling of AEW, or the pure competition of amateur wrestling. The rivalries, surprises, and record-breaking moments reminded us why wrestling is so much more than just a sport—it’s an art form.

As we look toward 2025, one thing is certain: the wrestling world will keep evolving, thrilling us with new stars, unforgettable matches, and moments that make us leap out of our seats. Who’s ready for the next chapter?