Top 5 best WWE PLEs of 2024
WWE continues to boast a strong caliber of Premium Live Events (PLEs), with a lot to look forward to in 2025.
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Top 5 WWE PLEs 2024 [via- WWE]
To no surprise, WWE extended its streak of enthralling and lively Premium Live Events (PLEs) in 2024. Without a doubt, the international arenas helped a lot of shows, with enthusiastic crowds enhancing the overall quality. From France to Germany, WWE hosted half of its PLEs outside of the United States.
Whether it be Match of the Year contenders or shocking returns, there was a lot to look forward to. This year’s PLEs saw the in-ring return of The Rock, John Cena announcing his retirement, and several rivalries conclude. Taking such factors into account, here are the top 5 best WWE PLEs of the year:
5) Survivor Series: WarGames
Since 2022, WWE has integrated the WarGames structure as a yearly stipulation at Survivor Series. Last year, the unthinkable happened when CM Punk made his shocking return to WWE. And how did WWE top that? By having Punk team with one of the company’s biggest superstars in Roman Reigns. The OG Bloodline and Punk took on Solo Sikoa‘s iteration of the group in an entertaining WarGames match in the main event.
Elsewhere, Bron Breakker continued to showcase why he’s the future, defeating Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser in an Intercontinental Title bout. Furthermore, Gunther choked Damian Priest out in a solid World Heavyweight Championship match.
A shocking title change occurred when Shinsuke Nakamura dethroned LA Knight to become the United States Champion. Although the opening women’s WarGames massively underdelivered, the rest of the PLE managed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
4) SummerSlam
This year’s SummerSlam was more of a moments-show in comparison to others on this list. The Judgment Day implosion marked the end of an era, as Dominik Mysterio turned on his Mami, Rhea Ripley. Later in the night, Finn Balor cost his teammate, Damian Priest, the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther finally won his first world title by defeating the Archer of Infamy in an entertaining contest.
Three other title changes took place on the night. First, Bron Breakker essentially squashed Sami Zayn to become Intercontinental Champion. Meanwhile, LA Knight won his first singles title by dethroning Logan Paul in another captivating performance. Queen of the Ring winner Nia Jax, whose second run has been a success, was rewarded with her second WWE Women’s Championship win.
CM Punk and Drew McIntyre had their first match of their trilogy, in which the latter emerged victorious via special guest referee shenanigans. Then in the main event, the moment fans had been waiting for took place: Roman Reigns returned to help his archrival Cody Rhodes defeat Solo Sikoa and turned face for the first time since 2020.
3) Backlash France
An event that was undoubtedly carried by a passionate crowd in France. Not to say the in-ring action was anywhere near bad, but the audience’s involvement in each bout raised the quality of each match. The opener saw an action-packed tag team match, pitting Kevin Owens and Randy Orton against The Bloodline. Near the end of the bout, the infamous Tonga Loa made his WWE debut and helped his family pick up the win.
In her first title defense, Bayley took on Naomi and Tiffany Stratton for the Women’s Championship. The Role Model successfully walked out with her title intact after one of the best women’s matches of the year. What followed was yet another wonderful moment as Jey Uso made arguably the best entrance of the year. Despite the rabid support, Uso failed to beat Damian Priest for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair won the Women’s Tag Team Championships, defeating the Kabuki Warriors. The main event saw Cody Rhodes’ first Undisputed WWE Title defense as well, as he squared off against AJ Styles. Speaking of the latter, he received a phenomenal reception from the crowd. Similar to Bayley, Rhodes emerged victorious against Styles in a 28-minute barn burner.
2) Bash in Berlin
Another lively European crowd, and yet another classic WWE PLE. Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens tore the house down in the opener as The American Nightmare defeated his friend to retain his championship. Following this, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair became two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions after defeating The Unholy Union.
CM Punk squared off against Drew McIntyre in a Strap Match. In yet another brutal bout, Punk leveled things with his rival, delivering four GTSs to seal the deal. The Judgment Day storyline peaked during the mixed tag team match. The Terror Twins got the better of Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio in an enjoyable bout.
The main event featured Gunther defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Randy Orton. Following up their exceptional match from King and Queen of the Ring, the duo delivered in front of a hot crowd. In the end, it was The Ring General who choked Orton out to retain his title and solidify his status as a main event player in WWE.
1) WrestleMania XL
For the past two years, the buildup to WrestleMania has been tremendous. This year, The Rock’s heel turn took center stage, as he made it his mission to stop Cody Rhodes from finishing his story. As such, both main events played a crucial role in the completion of Rhodes’ story.
Night 1 kicked off with Rhea Ripley facing Becky Lynch in one of the toughest challenges in the former’s career. Despite that, The Eradictor managed to defeat Lynch and retain the Women’s World Title. Other than that, the tag titles were split as Awesome Truth and A-Town Down Under walked away with their respective brand’s championships. Jade Cargill made her WWE in-ring debut, teaming with Bianca Belair and Naomi to defeat Damage CTRL.
In one of the best moments of the year, Sami Zayn dethroned Gunther’s Intercontinental Championship reign, putting an end to his historic 666-day reign. For the first time in eight years, The Rock competed inside the squared circle, teaming with Roman Reigns to take on Rhodes and Seth Rollins. After a long battle, it was The Bloodline duo that emerged victorious.
On Night 2, Rollins lost his World Heavyweight Championship to Drew McIntyre. However, the latter’s reign was short-lived, courtesy of CM Punk and Damian Priest. LA Knight made his WrestleMania debut and picked up a massive win over AJ Styles. Meanwhile, Logan Paul successfully retained his United States Championship against Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.
The penultimate match concluded with Bayley emerging victorious at the Showcase of Immortals. The Role Model became WWE Women’s Champion after defeating IYO SKY. For the finale, Rhodes and Reigns battled it out in a Bloodline Rules match, which featured several great moments. The ending saw The American Nightmare finish his story in one of the most emotional moments in wrestling history.
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Vansh Shah
(1055 Articles Published)