IN 2024, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE…
By Chris Sabga [Facebook | Website | X]
All wrestling fans have a wish list for 2024. I’m no exception. Here’s mine:
- In 2024, I Would Like to See…These Wrestlers Win World Championships
Cody Rhodes: It’s time to “finish the story.” After a massive mixed reaction from the AEW audience, he has sustained his momentum as a major fan favorite in WWE for almost two years now. Those cheers should be rewarded with championship gold.
CM Punk: Whether you love him or hate him, you react to him. Everyone would react to: “And NEEEEEE WWE World Heavyweight Champion – CM Punk!”
Bryan Danielson: It makes no sense to me that he’s never been AEW World Champion. In his final year as a full-time professional wrestler, he should get a long overdue reign. He’ll make the title better just like he’s made the company better.
Eddie Kingston: The Rocky Balboa of pro wrestling and the most believable “character” – if you can call it that – in the industry today! Everything about Eddie Kingston feels authentic. As endearing as his struggles and setbacks make him, I hope 2024 is the year that “Mad King” is crowned AEW’s top champion.
Becky Lynch: It’s time for “The Man” to be treated like “The Man” again!
- In 2024, I Would Like to See…Big E Return
This, of course, depends on Big E’s health. If he can be cleared to return safely, I would love to see it. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods have done a great job representing The New Day, but something – or someone – is missing. That someone is Big E. - In 2024, I Would Like to See…Powerhouse Hobbs and Keith Lee Rise Through the Ranks
Too many wrestlers, not enough time. That’s been the ballad of AEW since the beginning. It’s not a bad “problem” for a young company to have, but it does mean that certain standouts – Powerhouse Hobbs and Keith Lee, for me – get lost in the shuffle from time to time. Lee is currently injured, but when he comes back, I hope he’s finally placed in a prominent position. -
In 2024, I Would Like to See…R-Truth Get a Serious Championship Run
R-Truth genuinely deserves a legitimate reign with the Intercontinental, United States, or – dare I say – World Heavyweight Championship. He’s one of the funniest and most entertaining wrestlers in the world, but he can also get serious when the situation calls for it. Don’t forget: He looked downright fearsome when he was hitting opponents with water bottles years ago. If a sustained singles title run somehow isn’t possible, I’ll take R-Truth and Brock Lesnar as an odd couple tag team. You know you want to see it! - In 2024, I Would Like to See…More Surprise Entrants in the Royal Rumble
WWE has moved away from this somewhat in recent years, which makes me sad. The Royal Rumble is my all-time favorite WWE event, and surprise entrants are a big part of the reason why. Give me “The Perfect Ten” Tye Dillinger (in the #10 spot, naturally), give me Albert, give me the “youngster” Carlos Colon again. Anyone and everyone would be welcome by these eyes. The more random the better! -
In 2024, I Would Like to See…Academy Award Nominations for Wrestlers and Wrestling Movies
While a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Dave Bautista’s multifaceted role in Knock at the Cabin seems like a pipe dream, The Iron Claw appears to have a legitimate shot at being an Oscar contender in multiple categories. Will it happen? I hope so! Its success would pave the way for… - In 2024, I Would Like to See…More Films and and Documentaries about Pro Wrestling
2023 was a banner year, with the Von Erich biopic The Iron Claw, the Netflix documentary Wrestlers, and more. I hope this continues in 2024 – and beyond.
Chris Sabga has written for WOW Magazine, CBS Sportsline’s WrestleLine, IGN.com, They Live By Film, and SilverScreenSurprises.com.