Year End Awards 2024: The best of pro wrestling from WWE, NXT, AEW, and TNA
Last week, I started my year-end review with my “Worst of 2024” in wrestling. Today, I’ll share my picks for the best in 2024.
This review will cover pretty much the same categories as last week, but with one twist. For the best male and female wrestlers, I’ll include my picks for all four major companies (WWE, NXT, AEW, and TNA). I couldn’t decide on just one winner in these categories, so I decided to acknowledge them all.
Now, let’s start with the first category…
1. Best Promotion: WWE
This was an easy choice. WWE had a banner year with a complete overhaul of its creative process and production, making their shows far more entertaining. They also recorded the most profitable year in company history, showcasing how popular the current product has become.
2. Best Male Wrestler
(WWE): Drew McIntyre
This was a tough pick because there were so many worthy contenders. However, I went with McIntyre due to how strong he’s been this year with his new character. He kept his feud with CM Punk interesting even while Punk was injured. He’s one of the strongest heels in WWE right now and deserves recognition.
(NXT): Ethan Page
This choice came down to him or Trick Williams, but I picked Ethan Page for how quickly he adapted to NXT and became a success after being underutilized in AEW. The fact that he’s reportedly the reason Tony Khan no longer grants early releases is an added bonus.
(AEW): Christian Cage
I chose Christian because of how entertaining he’s been. He reinvented himself this year, going in a completely new direction that revitalized his career. Unlike many ex-WWE stars in AEW, he didn’t rest on his laurels, and it shows.
(TNA): Joe Hendry
This was an easy pick. Hendry had a phenomenal year, main-eventing two of TNA’s biggest shows and even an NXT PLE. He’s one of the hottest acts in wrestling right now, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win a world championship in 2025.
3. Best Female Wrestler
(WWE): Liv Morgan
Who would’ve thought Liv Morgan would end the year as world champion and one of the hottest heels in WWE’s women’s division? She started the year as a runner-up to bigger stars but rose to the top after Becky Lynch left the company, passing the torch to Liv at King of the Ring. Liv even became the first-ever Women’s Crown Jewel Champion.
(NXT): Roxanne Perez
Who knew she could excel as a heel? Roxanne won the title early in the year and dominated the division throughout 2024. Her promos have improved significantly, proving she’s the future of WWE’s main roster.
(AEW): Toni Storm
Toni Storm was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale AEW product. She reinvented herself, making AEW worth watching, which is no small feat.
(TNA): Jordynne Grace
What a year for Jordynne. She won the Knockouts Championship from Naomi, entered the WWE Royal Rumble, and had a 10-month title reign that included a brief stint in NXT. Her match against Masha Slamovich at Bound for Glory was one of the best women’s matches of the year.
4. Best Tag Team: Axiom and Nathan Frazer
I had trouble picking a team until I remembered how great these two were. Since winning the titles from Baron Corbin and Bron Breakker, they’ve been nearly undefeated (except for a loss to Chase University). As a tag team, they’ve found their groove and become incredible champions.
5. Best PPV/PLE: WrestleMania 40 (Both Nights)
This was another tough decision because I watched a lot of great shows this year. However, WrestleMania 40 delivered on both nights. Every match was excellent, and the ending of Night 1 perfectly set up the main event of Night 2. It’s one of the greatest WrestleManias of all time.
Honorable Mention: Slammiversary
This is mostly because I attended live, and TNA delivered a strong show, especially with the last three matches.
6. Best Commentary Team: Tom Hannifan and Matthew Rehwoldt
TNA has the best play-by-play team in wrestling right now. WWE letting Tom go remains a mystery, as he’s one of the best in the business. Matthew has adapted well to his role as a color commentator, and his chemistry with Tom is fantastic.
7. Best Booker: Shawn Michaels
I was torn between Shawn Michaels and Triple H, but I chose Shawn because he transformed NXT from a developmental show into a legitimate third brand. NXT was one of the most entertaining and fresh shows of the year.
8. Best Match: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Hell in a Cell)
The trilogy between Punk and McIntyre was incredible, but the Hell in a Cell match stands out as the perfect conclusion to their feud. It was violent, told an amazing story, and exemplified what pro wrestling should be.
9. Best Feud (Male): CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
See above for why this was my feud of the year.
10. Best Feud (Female): Mariah May vs. Toni Storm
This feud was one of the rare highlights from AEW this year. It kept me hooked from start to finish and elevated both women into stars.
11. Best Show: Tie Between NXT and TNA
Both brands stepped up their game this year. Their summer partnership gave fans dream matches we never thought we’d see.
12. OMG Moments of the Year
Vince McMahon being fired from WWE: Something no one thought would happen, but it became inevitable due to the scandals he was implicated in.
WWE partnering with other promotions: WWE worked with NOAH, GCW, and TNA, which was unheard of in the past.
Trump becoming president: This could have major implications for wrestling, particularly regarding Vince’s legal battles and the independent contractor status of wrestlers.
Tessa Blanchard returning to TNA: This shocking comeback was unexpected after she was effectively “canceled” five years ago.
These are my picks for the best of wrestling in 2024. Next week, I’ll share my predictions and wishes for 2025 across all major companies.