5 most shocking WWE moments in 2024

2024 was a big year for WWE, whether for its superstars, overall product, mainstream standing, rivalries, or other aspects. This year alone, the company surprised fans with debuts, returns, and much more.

WWE saw several massive changes in regard to superstars and rivalries. Cody Rhodes dethroned Roman Reigns, Damian Priest cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, John Cena's retirement announcement, and the arrival of The Wyatt Sicks, to mention a few. However, these moments are some that fans may have already expected beforehand.

For this list, we will look at some moments many fans didn't didn't see coming. Here are five of the most shocking WWE moments in 2024.

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#5. Hollywood Rock returns

The Rock's involvement in WWE earlier this year is one that some fans expected after The Bloodline's storyline continued to heat up since last year. When he returned, many thought he would face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania, but fans clamoring to see Cody Rhodes instead saw some changes in the plan.

Rock returning may be something that some have predicted, but not him turning heel to showcase The Final Boss character. Many believe this was one of his best characters yet, for the right reasons. Although Dwayne Johnson initially returned as a hated babyface for taking Cody's spot, his new character placed him as a beloved villain that guarantees a violent and entertaining performance.

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#4. The New Day kicks out Big E

The New Day is one of the longest-performing groups in WWE today. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E's chemistry made them fan favorites and saw them accomplish several Tag Team and singles championships. However, all of that changed last month.

In the months leading up to the group's 10th Anniversary, Xavier hinted at a possible heel turn. During the celebration, E returned after two years in hopes of reuniting with Kofi and Woods. However, what happened next was something many didn't see coming, which was the RAW stars berating and dismissing Big E instead after not returning to them sooner despite his injury.

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#3. The entirety of Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk

CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins is the feud that many wanted to see when the former returned to the company last year, stemming from their previous comments against each other and personal history. However, The Voice of the Voiceless' injury prevented that from happening, but something else happened that nobody else saw coming.

After Punk was healed from his injuries, he feuded with Drew McIntyre, the person responsible for his injury. Although Punk was absent at the beginning of the rivalry, his absence resulted in fans anticipating his every appearance and their eventual meetings were nothing but violent. Both men delivered top performances in promos and matches.

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#2. Jordynne Grace debuts at WWE Royal Rumble

WWE's partnership with TNA is one that many consider the mark of the new era of the former, which was in full display with the arrival of Jordynne Grace at the Women's Royal Rumble.

It wasn't the first time a current TNA star and champion appeared at the Royal Rumble, the first being Mickie James in 2022. However, Mickie was a former WWE Superstar and had ties with the company. Jordynne didn't, this is why many were shocked when she entered at number 5.

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#1. The Undertaker returns at WWE WrestleMania XL

The lead-up to WrestleMania XL is one that many won't forget. There was an entire "We Want Cody" movement, The Rock's return and heel turn, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins' history revisited, and more.

Many fans expected other superstars to get involved at Cody vs. Roman for the main event, including Seth, Dwayne, Solo Sikoa, and even John Cena. Many also thought that Stone Cold Steve Austin would return to aid Rhodes, but the person who emerged was the "locker room leader" instead, The Undertaker.