It has been a crazy year in the wrestling world and things are showing no sign of slowing down heading into 2024.

WWE is hotter than it has been in years, AEW is back on track thanks to the Continental Classic, New Japan is entering a new era with Hitoshi Tanahashi as president and TNA are also doing great things as they begin a new chapter.

Here are six bold wrestling predictions for 2024 and what impact they would have if they come true.

Cody Rhodes finishes the story

Starting with a big one. WrestleMania 39 seemed like the perfect time for Cody Rhodes to dethrone Roman Reigns – he had all the momentum in the world following his return from injury and Royal Rumble success.

The highly anticipated rematch will almost certainly take place in 2024, and it looked a safe bet for WrestleMania 40 until the Rock’s recent return on Raw.

Rock vs Reigns has been a dream match for years, even more so since the Bloodline saga began. It is with doubt the biggest match WWE can book right now and, therefore, should take place on the biggest stage. But what does this mean for Rhodes?

There is always the possibility of Reigns defending his titles on both nights in Philadelphia, which was rumoured to be the plan for ‘Mania 39 at one stage. The Rhodes match could even be pushed back to SummerSlam or beyond.

Whatever happens over the next few months, it seems like only a matter of time until Cody redeems himself and finally reaches the top of the mountain in WWE.

Swerve Strickland becomes AEW World Champion

Swerve Strickland looks set for big things in AEW this year. He has become one of the best parts of Dynamite each week and is consistently getting huge crowd reactions.

Swerve’s feud with ‘Hangman’ Adam Page was arguably the company’s shining light in 2023 and he came out of it looking like a huge star. He also did some great work in the Continental Classic despite not making it to the final.

AEW must capitalise on Strickland’s popularity in 2024 and a World Title run could be on the cards. He could even be the man to dethrone Samoa Joe, although one of those men would likely need a face turn.

There are plenty of mouth-watering matches Swerve could be part of in the coming months and, fingers crossed, he will finally get his long-awaited match against Keith Lee at some stage.

CM Punk wins gold in WWE again

Seeing CM Punk back in a WWE ring still doesn’t feel real, but his shocking return at Survivor Series has opened up a number of interesting possibilities.

At this stage, it seems likely he will face Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Title in Philadelphia – the story writes itself, after all. Punk could even win the Royal Rumble to set up the match. 

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Rollins has had a good run but ‘Mania 40 feels like the right time to crown a new champion, and what a moment it would be for those who have clamoured to see the Best in the World back in WWE over the past decade.

Anyone who watched him in AEW knows that Punk can still go once he steps through the ropes, and a title reign would make for must-see TV. There might even be another Summer of Punk in 2024.

Mercedes Mone makes big impact in AEW

AEW seems the most likely destination for Mercedes Mone at the time of writing, which would be a huge boost for their women’s division.

That has been one of the main criticisms in the company’s short history, but there have been positive signs of late. Thunder Rosa’s return came at a welcome time and Athena has also been doing some great work in Ring of Honor.

Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker are still to come back into the mix, and there is plenty of TV time across Dynamite, Collision and Rampage. There is already plenty of talent but Mone’s arrival could be just what the division needs to reach that next level.

Will Ospreay main events All In

There is plenty of excitement about what Will Ospreay can do as a full-time member of the AEW roster. The Brit will be on the road to Revolution once he finishes up with New Japan.

There’s no denying Ospreay is one of the most talented wrestlers in the world, and he is a huge acquisition for Tony Khan and company. His bouts against Kenny Omega last year will go down in history.

The Aerial Assassin was featured in a marquee match against Chris Jericho at All In last year, and it was clear to see how much it meant to him. It would be even sweeter if he gets the main event slot in his home country this time around. 

More AEW exits (but not MJF)

Competition is always a good thing in wrestling. Over the past few years, we have seen AEW snap up the likes of Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole and Adam Copeland, while Rhodes and Jade Cargill headed in the other direction.

There is a good chance that trend will continue in 2024. Andrade El Idolo has already been strongly linked with a return to WWE and there has also been speculation over the futures of Malakai Black, Miro and Keith Lee among others.

However, it seems pretty certain that MJF will not be jumping ship. Despite his best efforts to keep the ‘Bidding War of 2024’ story alive in interviews and on social media, most fans expect he has already signed an extension. The former World Champion has essentially become the face of the company over the past few months, a role he seems to take great pride in.

There are also plenty of free agents with lots to offer, such as Mustafa Ali and Elijah (formerly known as Elias), and it will be very interesting to see where they show up next.