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There’s been a significant power shift in the world of pro wrestling in 2024.
Roman Reigns’ stranglehold on the Undisputed WWE Championship finally ended at WrestleMania XL when Cody Rhodes emphatically finished the story. In Reigns’ absence, The Bloodline has retooled, with Solo Sikoa rising to the Head of the Table alongside new members Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Jacob Fatu. Damian Priest finally cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase to become World Heavyweight Champion. At the same time, Bayley and Liv Morgan struck championship gold with each offering a change in character.
Over in AEW, Swerve Strickland’s star turn has arrived, as he captured the world championship and has done nothing but excel with the company’s biggest prize. Mercedes Moné made her AEW debut in 2024 and has had an immediate impact. MJF’s return from injury has put the entire industry on notice, while The Young Bucks reminded wrestling fans why they are one of the best tag teams in the world.
The past year has seen an overhaul across nearly every wrestling promotion. Whether it be familiar faces in new places (CM Punk), new faces rising to the occasion (Damian Priest) or injuries opening the door for a shakeup in the pecking order (Rhea Ripley), the business continues to be white hot. So, where do top wrestlers, tag teams and factions stand in ESPN’s latest power rankings? Also, who is the favorite to be atop the mountain at the end of the year? Andreas Hale, Brandon Caldwell and Mike Coppinger break it all down.
(Editor’s note: ESPN’s voting panel consisted of Hale, Caldwell, Coppinger, Bob McClellan, Dan Thompson, James Rizzo, Shane Palma, Brandon Caldwell, Marc Raimondi, Marcus Vanderberg, Arda Ocal, Sach Chandan, Kendall K. Howard and Eddie Maisonet)
Bayley finds a way to No. 1
Hale: Rhea Ripley would have run away with the vote if this poll had been taken three months ago. However, her injury — a sprained…
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