Welcome to the first-ever year-end awards for Features of Wrestling.
For better and for worse, 2024 has been one of the most important and historic years for professional wrestling both in and out of the ring. The big news hit right from the off with The Rock returning to WWE on New Year’s Day to set up his involvement in the war between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes. Just a few weeks later, Rock was announced as a member of the TKO Board of Directors and WWE Raw was announced as being a Netflix exclusive property. The biggest news of the year broke just a couple of days later as Vince McMahon resigned from WWE following allegations of sexual assault. As a result of the resignation, this was the first time in WWE’s history that a McMahon was not in charge of the company. By the way, this was all in January alone!
The big news continued throughout the year with the biggest WrestleMania of all time taking place, stars from every promotion around the world negotiating contracts or exploring free agency and AEW finally securing a new media rights deal with WBD, to name a few.
Although it has been an incredibly newsworthy year behind the scenes, it has been just as chaotic inside the squared circle. With many stars having standout years and others on the cusp of reaching that next level, who are we recognising as the big winners of the past year?
Features Of Wrestling Male Wrestler Of The Year: Cody Rhodes
In what has easily been the biggest year of his career, Cody Rhodes won the Royal Rumble match for a second time, main evented both nights of WrestleMania 40, dethroned Roman Reigns to become the new WWE Champion and has held the title for 8 months and counting. On top of this, The American Nightmare has had some stellar matches against the likes of AJ Styles and Gunther, being only one of 2 men to pin The Ring General this year. As popular as ever and the quarterback of WWE, Rhodes solidified his status as the biggest star in the company.
Runner-Up: Will Ospreay
Features of Wrestling Female Wrestler Of The Year: Toni Storm
Timeless by name and Timeless by nature, Storm did what so many have failed to do over the past 5 years, make the AEW Women’s Division compelling. Constantly entertaining the fans with her antics, Storm became a highlight of the show each week and had equally entertaining matches to back it up. Partnered with Mariah May and Mina Shirakawa, all 3 looked to be on the best of terms despite the inevitable betrayal that fans continued to expect each week. Despite many believing that Storm would snap, few could have predicted the bloody attack from May to close out an episode of Dynamite back in July. Even fewer would have predicted that the match between Storm and May would be one of the most anticipated matches at All In but it quickly became the one many wanted to see. With many accolades in 2024 alone, this is another well-deserved award for the Timeless one.
Runner up: Jordynne Grace
Promotion Of The Year: WWE
Financially and creatively, WWE has had one of its most successful years ever with no signs of slowing down. With The Bloodline Saga at the forefront along with CM Punk’s excellent feud with Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes finally finishing the story, the logical storylines and payoffs have become a refreshing change from the nonsensical booking of the old regime. Additionally, with Bayley finally receiving her Mania moment and the introduction of women’s mid-card championships, the women’s division has also been booked well over the past 12 months. Yes some shows have been forgettable and there are still criticisms, but with repeated sell-outs, booming social media stats and an unprecedented demand, the numbers don’t lie for the world leader.
Runner up: TNA
Show Of The Year: WrestleMania XL
Given that this was the 40th iteration of WrestleMania, fans expected something special. With this in mind, WWE exceeded the already lofty fan expectations by putting on what many are saying is one of the best Manias in history. Kicking off strong with Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch and continuing the momentum throughout the weekend, the show only had one lacklustre match across both nights as Jimmy and Jey Uso’s brother vs. brother match left many underwhelmed. With Bayley finally getting her marquee singles match, the return of The Rock, the very entertaining Bloodline Rules match and the ultimate feel-good moment to close out the weekend, this will be one to remember for decades to come and a sign that WWE is hotter than ever before.
Runner up: WWE Backlash France
Breakout Star Of The Year: Joe Hendry
At the start of 2024, only a select few wrestling fans were aware of TNA star Joe Hendry. However, thanks to his viral entrance song, social media work and entertaining parody songs, Hendry became one of the most talked about acts in all of wrestling. When Jordynne Grace made her return to WWE TV in the spring of 2024 and signalled that a TNA and NXT talent exchange was on, there was only one name that fans wanted to see make the jump through the prohibited portal. On May 27th when Hendry finally made his debut in NXT, the Scottish star was met with a thunderous ovation from the crowd and social media numbers to back it up. Placed in numerous top title matches in 2024, many are hoping to see Hendry finally win the big one in 2025 given that he should have been the top TNA star this year.
Runner Up: Tiffany Stratton
Rivalry Of The Year: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre
When CM Punk made his return to a WWE ring at the Royal Rumble, there was of course a mixture of excitement and apprehension given his prior injury concerns. Unfortunately, many fears were realised shortly afterwards as Punk confirmed that he suffered an injury in the match and would miss WrestleMania. As soon as Drew McIntyre interrupted and uttered the line “I prayed for this and it happened”, the tone was set for one of the most intense and personal feuds in recent WWE history. Punk would constantly prevent McIntyre from becoming World Champion and McIntyre would continually provoke Punk on social media, including a photo with AEW’s Jack Perry. When Punk was finally cleared at SummerSlam, fans were given a taste of what they were both capable of. Although the Strap match at Bash in Berlin was divisive due to the red light, green light rules, their Hell in a Cell match was easily the best WWE match of the year and took the rivalry to even greater heights. Bloody, physical and bringing the once overused Cell match stipulation back to relevancy, both men made magic and the absolute best out of what began as a bad situation.
Runner up: Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns
Match Of The Year: Will Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson At AEW Dynasty
While it feels like stating the obvious that two of the best wrestlers of this era had the best match of the year, that was exactly what happened at AEW Dynasty 2024. The fans chanted “Holy sh*t” before the bell even rang and erupted as soon as the match was underway. Despite the slower feeling out process, the crowd were still hot for the dream match. Ospreay knew he couldn’t out-wrestle Danielson from a technical standpoint so went for the speed and striking. With Ospreay’s high spots, Danielson’s technical ability and amazing false finishes, to say that both men played to their strengths is a massive understatement. The Hidden Blades from out of nowhere, the Os-Cutter counter into a Busaiku Knee and the Tiger Driver spot that played into a long-term storyline for future Ospreay matches, this truly was a next level match and one that every wrestling fan should see. Ultimately Ospreay got the victory in what was another passing of the torch moment after Ospreay defeated Kenny Omega the previous year.
When the match was over in April 2024, many believed that the match of the year was already decided. While a few came close, there was never going to be any way it would top this masterpiece.
Runner up: CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood
Images obtained from WWE and AEW
