In 2023 I began watching Pro Wrestling, which means I can predict what’ll happen in 2024.

Oh boy, what a year! As a very long-time viewer of the WWE (Like 8 months? maybe 9?) I was pretty pumped about the year sports entertainment had, which, in order to feel more invested in the product, is why I want to predict the future. I say want to as if I couldn’t already. I’m going to ponder my mystical orb, summon vibes from the web of the universe, and inform you on three things to absolutely expect in 2024. A twist? You need a twist to read my writing? Fine.

One Mild, One Medium, One Spicy

And if that isn’t enough, I’ve asked my good friend and great sport understander Ryan, a host of the “Calcio is Back” podcast (Which is available wherever you get your podcasts), to add three AEW predictions that are probably more likely to hold water.

Judgement Day’s day of reckoning

Listen, don’t get it twisted, I actually like the Judgement Day. A solid stable of heels is a sign of a healthy ecosystem, and I do love healthy ecosystems. One complaint about this stable though: Not all stars shine equally bright. I think JD McDonough is dumb. Is he in Judgement Day? Like is he really? Is that how he writes his name? Who cares. Do Finn Balor’s eyes look like buttholes? I mean a little. It just feels like without the stable, certain members can’t hang. Rhea and Damien are solid, sturdy, and strong. On their own I think they can move the needle, and to Dom’s credit does anyone else get an audience reaction like he does? Not to mention the fact that the guy is a workhorse appearing on all three brands all the time. Three people right there who are great draws without the stable. I’m going to be a mark here, I’m going to buy in to the seeds sown in Survivor series and say that infighting, weak members, and a need for people to spread their wings will have Judgement Day abandoned by this time next year. When does it happen? The show after Damien Priest cashes in his shot at a title.

Heavyweight Title Contenders, or what’s in Punk’s Planner

Woah! Guys, did you see CM Punk is back? Did you also see that Seth Rollins didn’t love that? Whatever will happen? Don’t worry, I have your answer. Congratulations Drew McIntyre you are Heavyweight champion! Here is where we are going. First, Drew is going to take the title from Seth Rollins on the Day One episode of Raw. But Kevin, Raw wouldn’t want a major title to change on a day where the show is going to compete for ratings with college football, don’t you think that you’re missing the commercial side of this? Oh no, I see it clearer than you do. I have reached my hand in to the heart of the (WWE) universe, and pulled out a plan of courage. How do you set the tone for a year? You tell the fans that they can’t miss even just a weekly episode of Raw. You set the dial to 11 from Day One. You have the Heavyweight title change hands on January 1st. Every week has weight, heavyweight even. Sorry that was bad. The joke, not the prediction. The prediction is perfect. In fact, I’m taking it further. Damien Priest isn’t going to cash in right after it changes hands, but he will hang it over Drew McIntyre’s head for the future. The heavyweight feud going forward will include Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and Damien Priest. And then obviously it’ll be Punk and Rollins making kissy faces at each other. The best part? Now CM Punk doesn’t even have to win the Royal Rumble, Randy Orton can to earn his rematch with Roman Reigns, which he’ll need to get the title since he’s going to lose against him at the Royal Rumble. (Not a prediction, just a Randy Orton Fan)

You can see those major storylines playing out can’t you? I know you can.

But the big one, the final one, the spiciest take I have this year?

King Nakamura, Crowned Again

Yes, that is right. The youngest man to ever win the IGWP Heavyweight Title will win WWE Gold again. After Roman Reigns loses the currently consolidated titles, Nakamura’s feud with Cody Rhodes will turn in to gold. How will Reigns lose the the gold? Who cares. Are you even sure that they’ll separate those belts anyway? Nope. It doesn’t matter at all does it? This is a spicy take. I want you to feel an emotional response to “Shinsuke Nakamura will win a major WWE title and no I will not explain further.” Your emotional response? Joy.

And finally a man with a little credibility, Ryan.

Mild: Swerve Strickland wins the AEW Title.

Building on a strong year and an incredible match a few weeks back with Adam Page, Ryan expects Swerve to steal the spotlight. If he expects it, I’d trust him.

Medium: AEW adds two new Pay-Per Views.

Tony Khan needs that money to keep putting on these shows people. Eight in 2023, Ten in 2024 isn’t outrageous.

Spicy: AEW Cancels Ring of Honor for good.

I didn’t ask Ryan to elaborate, spicy takes don’t need to be elaborated on.

On to 2024

-KJ