The Post's Joseph Staszewski explores the world of professional wrestling every Tuesday in his column “Post Match Angle.''.
Now that 2023 is in the rearview mirror and the awards have been handed out, we take a look at what we hope for the industry in 2024.
WWE is moving towards WrestleMania 40 under Endeavor, the first full year of securing media rights for “Monday Night Raw” with the help of a deal with CM Punk.
AEW's media rights are also up, and this deal could be an important step in the company's continued success.
There's so much to look forward to, so we're making five bold predictions for 2024.
Roman Reigns loses WWE Undisputed Championship, takes time off, turns babyface upon return
Reigns' heel run has been legendary, but WWE could give him a fresh start after the pressure that came with his historic reign is over, as he will likely face The Rock and ultimately lose the title. will have to give.
Reign's Bloodline faction will likely be completely split by then, and his absence will give Jimmy & Jey Uso and Solo Chicore time to thrive without him.
Without the championship and the possibility of CM Punk becoming World Heavyweight Champion, Paul Heyman would have a reason to leave Reigns for the first time.
That could be the spark needed, along with some regrets and reconciliation with the family, to change Reign's babyface.
Reigns vs. Punk is WWE's next big feud, and they could use it as a way to upset Reigns.
Swerve Strickland becomes AEW World Champion
It will be a race between Strickland and newly signed Will Ospreay to reach the top of the mountain.
It may be unacceptable for the Ospreys to do so at Wembley Stadium, but by the end of the year, if not sooner, the energy surrounding Strickland will be undeniably strong.
During the post-World's End media scrum, he made becoming AEW's first black World Champion his main goal for 2024. It's clear that the fans support him, as they cheered him on even after he shattered Dustin Rhodes' ankle with a cinder block.
Samoa Joe could be the heel champion Strickland needs to build babyface momentum and take the title.
UFC's biggest star arrives in WWE early
Endeavor hopes to get the best start to 2024 with a TKO win, but WrestleMania 40 and UFC 300, which will not feature Conor McGregor, happen to be one week apart. Now feels like the perfect time for the new company to make its first foray into cross-promotion.
I don't think we'll be able to get a UFC star for the match itself, but it's possible they could interact at ringside, deepen their feud, or have an unscheduled match at WrestleMania.
AEW Women's Division has its best year yet
World's End didn't have the best performance in AEW's women's division despite playing three matches, but with the return of star players and free agent additions, 2024 could be a strong year. There is sex.
Now that Adam Cole is revealed to be the Devil, let's hope Thunder Rosa returns and hopefully Britt Baker as well. Jamie Hayter should also be back this year.
Tony Khan said during the media scrum that he intends to be active in free agency, and there are already rumors that Mercedes Mone and Deonna Purrazzo could join.
With their presence and the rise of Toni Storm, Julia Hart, Sky Blue, and Kris Statlaender, AEW will have the richest and most talented women's roster in five years.
CM Punk did the best work of his career in an incident-free year.
Something feels different about CM Punk.
He looks refreshed, in great shape, and really happy and grateful for the opportunity he's been given in WWE. He also knows this is likely his last chance with a major professional wrestling organization.
Punk appears destined to face Seth Rollins in the main event of WrestleMania 40, but that match could also include a win at the Royal Rumble. That way, WWE can start unlocking all potential Punk storylines and Dream Her matches. “The Best in the World” seems to be very interested in NXT and is here to “make money” and not be friends.
A year without incident would be more than a reward for WWE's faith.
ten count
Be sure to enjoy Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins in action.
Lynch gave Nia Jax the most perfect one-punch ending ever, giving her perhaps her best WWE match yet.
Rollins, along with Drew McIntyre, added another banger to his collection as World Heavyweight Champion, landing a perfect rope break spot that his opponent couldn't fault. Bravo.
It's up to Shawn Michaels and the brains at NXT to make WWE's “underground” idea viable. This is NXT's version of a lights-out match, and after two wins, it's shaping up to be Eddie Thorpe's signature match.
It could be interesting to see Sky Blue and Julia Hart become threats in AEW's women's division. But we need to stop making run-ins and saves every time a women's game ends.
I'm starting to warm up to the idea of Kris Statlander teaming up with Stokely Hathaway if she enters the AEW Women's Championship conversation as a heel.
And if she rejects him, he'd be better off bringing in a Camille, Deonna Purrazzo, or Mandy Rose-level free agent to compete against her.
Unlike Adam Cole, Carmelo Hayes is visibly demonized by Trick Williams in NXT. Thank you for loving Kevin Owens punching Grayson Waller.
It will be interesting to see how Saraya uses Harley Cameron as a last resort to lure Ruby Soho away from Angelo Parker. Worst case scenario, even if Soho leaves her, Saraya will have someone else by her side.
Considering all the baggage that comes with Matt Riddle, his return to MLW is a good move for both parties. It gives them a proven name to be successful with their style and gives Riddle the spotlight to stabilize his career and help him potentially return to MMA after his WWE release.
His first fight will be in Philadelphia against Jacob Fatu. I'm also interested in what Sami Callihan does there.
Bryan Danielson has finished 2023 with a stellar but injury-plagued year and is just months away from the end of his full-time in-ring career, with the Jan. 4 Wrestle in what could be Rainmaker's final match. He will face Kazuchika Okada at Kingdom. New Japan and free agency are approaching.
Thank you for the moment we are about to have.
Executive producer Kevin Dunn, who stepped down after more than 40 years with the company, was not a favorite of most WWE fans, and it's no wonder Vince McMahon left the company after he was sold to Endeavor.
Dunn had a great career and was instrumental in many of WWE's successes, but audiences no longer have to worry about being blinded by thousands of camera cuts.
I'm looking forward to seeing who will take over and what kind of stamp will be stamped on it.
Tiffany Stratton had a great post after being forced to act as her farmhand after losing to Fallon Henry in New Year's Evil.
The former NXT Women's Champion posted a photo of Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie dressed as farm workers on The Simple Life.
More evidence that NXT made the funniest call.
Wrestler of the week
Samoa Joe, AEW
Just a few years ago, Joe's career seemed to be coming to an end. He was released from WWE. That made the end of MJF's record-setting AEW World Championship reign even more special on Saturday.
Joe remains as threatening and powerful as ever, becoming world champion for the first time since 2008.
The 44-year-old is in great shape and would be the perfect person to help launch AEW's next babyface star.
This week's social media posts
Featured matches
Randy Orton vs. LA Knight vs. AJ Styles, No. 1 Contender for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship (SmackDown, Friday, 8 p.m., FOX)
The winner gets Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. The question is, will he be the only one, two, or all of these three to face the Tribe Chiefs at Tropicana Field?
Orton is the biggest possible match and the most logical choice, but Styles also just returned and did not face Reigns during this historic fight. Both had left television due to injuries from The Bloodline. Knight has already lost to Reigns at Crown Jewel and will likely be eliminated there, but the stakes will certainly rise in January if the champion has to compete in all three matches.
