The winds of change & an emotional choice - Top 5 WWE segments in the first half of 2024

2024 is half over, and a lot has happened in WWE. That's always the case in professional wrestling, but this year has been different for many reasons.

WrestleMania 40 had many groundbreaking moments and huge title changes, but it wasn't the only 2024 event that provided memorable moments for the WWE Universe.

From big returns to title changes, huge segments, and debuts, the first half of 2024 had many occasions that were unforgettable for various reasons. The next five moments were among the best WWE offered in the first half of the year.

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#5. Jacob Fatu's debut on SmackDown

Jacob Fatu loudly announced his arrival in WWE.

Despite being signed before Tonga Loa, Jacob Fatu debuted after the former NJPW star.

As Solo Sikoa continued to add members to the ranks of his Bloodline, fans anxiously waited for Jacob Fatu's debut. The Bloodline attacked Cody Rhodes at Clash at the Castle following a successful title defense, setting the stage for the huge debut.

After Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens got the upper hand on Solo, Jacob Fatu rampaged into the ring on the June 21 episode of SmackDown and demolished the three men. The icing on the cake for Sikoa was Fatu's top-rope splash through the announce table on The American Nightmare.

The Samoan Werewolf's debut was one of the most effective and memorable debuts in recent memory. Fans knew it was coming, but casual onlookers had to be impressed with the new Enforcer of The Bloodline.

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#4. Uncle Howdy returns and debuts with The Wyatt Sicks

Another star re-emerged in the company after being away for over a year. Uncle Howdy was already a known commodity for WWE fans but was taken off TV after his real-life brother, Bray Wyatt, passed away unexpectedly.

Wyatt's creative mind was always a highlight of programming, and his passing last year in August left Bo Dallas and the Howdy character in limbo. After WrestleMania 40, cryptic messages started to interrupt RAW and SmackDown.

After waiting for a few months, Uncle Howdy re-emerged in WWE with The Wyatt Sicks. The new faction decimated stars, production workers, and officials in the backstage area.

While they were presented as heels, the fans couldn't help but cheer for the new version of a beloved character. The touching tribute to Wyatt also made the group's introduction to fans even more special.

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#3. The Rock returns to WWE on RAW Day 1

Jinder Mahal didn't have a chance when The Rock stomped back into WWE in January.

The Rock's return to WWE on RAW Day 1 was extremely noteworthy. Regardless of if it doesn't lead to anything, whenever The Great One returns to WWE (and he's done that sporadically since he stopped being a full-time star in 2004), it's newsworthy.

Not only did he lay out Jinder Mahal, but he also planted the seeds for a dream match. After uttering the phrase "sit at the head of the table," fans clamored for a potential dream match at WrestleMania 40.

While the pairing is historic, Roman Reigns needed to lose his title to a full-time star. Things only got cloudier after Cody Rhodes won the 2024 Royal Rumble. The Rock's return muddled the feud but also added an unexpected twist when he turned heel. His actions set the stage for weeks of intense confrontations.

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#2. Bayley makes her WrestleMania 40 choice

Bayley returned to WWE with a bang at SummerSlam in 2022. She didn't show up alone as both IYO SKY and Dakota Kai flanked the former Champion. The appearance announced Damage CTRL to the world and set Bayley on a two-year arc culminating with an emotional win at WrestleMania 40.

Before the group even made it to The Show of Shows, cracks started to appear in the faction's foundation. SKY and Kai added new members without Bayley's knowledge, and they eventually turned against their leader.

The Role Model's promo skills were on full display when she made her decision for WrestleMania. Her friends talked behind her back and made her feel unimportant or simple-minded. When she responded to background laughs in Japanese, the crowd cheered.

It was a great moment for a performer who had routinely put over many other stars over the last three years. Instead of falling to Bianca Belair for the tenth time, it was her turn to win a Championship.

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#1. WrestleMania 40 changes the game

Cody Rhodes ended Roman Reigns' title run of over 1,300 days.

WWE made sure that everyone watching WrestleMania 40 knew the company was in The New Era. Triple H assumed full power over Creative, ending Vince McMahon's tumultuous run of nearly 40 years controlling the promotion. He kicked off Night One while his wife, Stephanie McMahon, did the same on Night Two.

She reiterated that WrestleMania 40 was the first such show fully under the guise of the Paul "Triple H" Levesque Era. The two-night affair was full of game-changing moments and title swaps. The only titles that didn't change hands in Philadephia were the Women's Tag Team belts and the United States title.

Every other title changed hands, including the two biggest prizes in WWE. Damian Priest became the second person to cash in Money in the Bank at The Show of Shows by cashing in on Drew McIntyre following the latter's win over Seth Rollins.

The biggest change occurred in the main event when Cody Rhodes finished his story by vanquishing Roman Reigns. Reigns finally passed the torch to The American Nightmare, and the aftermath has set WWE on the path for what will be a riveting second half of 2024.