Ranking Every 2024 Premium Live Event So Far
From jaw-dropping moments to unforgettable matches and shocking surprises, 2024 has shaped up to be one of the most unprecedented years for WWE. This has included some of the most buzzworthy Premium Live Events in recent memory, with each having its flavor adding into the WWE Universe. Since the monumental title changes and the rise of new stars, each event has thus far played a major role in shaping the landscape of WWE. We’re halfway through the year, which means it’s time to go back and rank every 2024 Premium Live Event to date based on their impact, in-ring quality, and the whole shebang of entertainment value. It comes as no surprise to anyone that WrestleMania 40 is the head of the bunch. It would be the biggest spectacle in sports entertainment once more, with moments and matches that will be remembered for lifetimes and careers. WrestleMania 40 was an extravaganza that went into its second night filled with hyped matches and sights to leave the fans aghast. But headlining the card was a main event matchup pitting Roman Reigns against Cody Rhodes in a match building up for over a year to Rhodes finally taking down the Tribal Chief and ending the historic title reign of Roman Reigns. This instant classic showed insane storyline emotion with incredible in-ring action. It also saw the return of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, another great segment to watch this year; the very highly hyped showdown between Becky Lynch and Rhea Ripley stole the show on night one. Added to these marquee matchups were the following: LA Knight wins the United States Championship in a thrilling ladder match, and the reunion of The New Day gets the crowd on their feet. WrestleMania 40 celebrated all that is great with WWE: storytelling, athleticism, pure spectacle. It was about, and is about, the greatness of WrestleMania and why, to this date, it remains the pinnacle of sports entertainment. The Royal Rumble is always one of the most exciting events on the WWE calendar, and no exception came in the form of its 2024 edition. The drama, surprises, and out-of-your-seat moments were in full supply across both the men’s and women’s matches, with main event spots at WrestleMania hanging in the balance. It was at the event where Randy Orton of WWE made his shocking return to action for the first time in over a year; therefore, his victory was quite feel-good that resonated with the fans. Orton’s win set the stage for a WrestleMania odyssey as he looked to recapture the company’s top spot. Equally as thrilling was the women’s Royal Rumble match that saw Rhea Ripley dominate the competition by punching her ticket to WrestleMania. This victory cemented Ripley’s place as one of the stars in the women’s division. Indeed, the WWE Championship match that was found to feature Drew McIntyre against Seth Rollins indeed is one of the falls that was confirmed to be the toughest physical and hard-hitting ever witnessed in the WWE Universe from the two men. Adding to that momentum, the surprise return of Trish Stratus and John Cena further made the night an unforgettable night of Royal Rumble. The Royal Rumble is always about surprises and setting the stage for WrestleMania, and that’s exactly what the 2024 edition did. It leaves the fans in anticipation of what is to come. Money in the Bank 2024 was one of those events where the stakes were as big as the opportunities for a career change. Money in the Bank ladder matches never fail to be chaotic and wild, and that was no different this year. A true high point of the evening was the men’s ladder match, full of insane spots itself, and the rise of a new star in LA Knight, who won the briefcase and a guaranteed title shot. Knight secured the victory with a thunderous ovation from the crowd, which marked the beginning of his rise to the pinnacle of WWE. The Women’s Money in the Bank match was pretty great, where IYO SKY came out as the winner after a magical fight. SKY had won, which showed how resilient and determined she was to make her mark in WWE. The event contained a tag team championship match in which The Usos and The Judgment Day participated that made the WWE Universe stand on their feet. It also contained a grudging match between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles that added to the overall excitement of the event. Money in the Bank 2024 was a night of emotion, drama, and promise for the future; truly one of the year’s standout Premium Live Events. SummerSlam 2024-also known lovingly as such-was truly ‘The Biggest Party of the Summer’ when it did indeed promise some timeless moments and high-stake matches. In the main event, Cody Rhodes successfully defeated Seth Rollins to retain the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in a bout as personal as it was competitively fierce. Two wrestling icons who were once friends and now find themselves bitter rivals gave the performance of a lifetime as Rhodes would retain his title after an extremely hard-hitting and emotionally charged battle between the two. SummerSlam also featured a blockbuster match between two of the most physically imposing superstars in WWE, Brock Lesnar versus Gunther. The clash of titans was everything the fans had hoped for, as both men gave hard-hitting action that left fans speechless. The women’s division was likewise well-represented with a triple threat match between Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Bayley, showing off the incredible talent and depth of WWE’s women’s roster. Along with the unexpected return of Edge, while confronting a heel-turned AJ Styles by the end of the match, it set up an interesting rivalry in store for the fans. SummerSlam 2024 had its moments and will be discussed for a long period. Whatever match comes out of the Elimination Chamber, it’s always one of the most ruthless and merciless in WWE, and that was no different from the
Asuka Signs Multi-Year WWE Contract Extension
The news will send waves of joy through the WWE Universe, as one of the most dynamic and talented performers in WWE-Asuka-has signed a multiyear contract extension with the company. This is a huge boost to an already illustrious women’s division, with Asuka considered to be among the best female wrestlers in the world. Asuka’s high-energy in-ring style, charismatic personality, and incredible versatility have made her one of the cornerstones that WWE’s women’s division has leaned on for years. With this announcement, the contract extension has thrilled fans and fellow wrestlers alike by ensuring that “The Empress of Tomorrow” is in WWE for a good amount of time to come. Asuka’s journey in the WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. From the instant she stepped foot into NXT, her incredible skills and charisma had her pegged among the most adored performers in the WWE Universe. From her run as an undefeated force in NXT to her sterling runs on the main roster, Asuka has always been one of the most entertaining and dominant stars in the company. That’s shown through her ability to shine in singles competition, in tag team action, and even in multi-woman matches-one of the most versatile performers on the roster, bar none. Her career in WWE has further seen her hold many championships such as the NXT Women’s Championship, RAW Women’s Championship, SmackDown Women’s Championship, and even the Women’s Tag Team Championship, which have made her one of the most decorated female superstars in WWE history. An extension in Asuka’s contract was announced when the women’s division alone continued to change so immensely, with new talent coming through the ranks and established stars looking to cement their own legacy. Asuka remains with WWE today, a true testament to how much she loves the business and is willing to keep herself on the leading edge of what women can accomplish in professional wrestling. But even beyond in-ring action, Asuka has been a groundbreaker for women, changing the perceptions of many aspiring wrestlers from around the planet. The intersection of traditional Japanese wrestling and an entertainment-based approach, à la WWE, gave way to a style that made her one of a kind, setting her apart from her peers and cementing her status as an icon within the industry. But more exciting than anything regarding Asuka’s contract extension might be the potential for future dream matches and rivalries that can be made. Throughout her time in the WWE, she faced some of the top female wrestlers in the world, including Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch, and Bayley. And so, with news of a recent contract, it is guaranteed that for the next few years, Asuka will compete against some of the top names in the industry, plus newer and fresher talent. The very notion that Asuka would square off against rising stars like Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, and Raquel Rodriguez is enough to get any fan of wrestling hyped. Potential matches such as these sometimes are all that’s required to create those moments in the ring and further cement her legacy as the best female professional wrestler of all time. Such special adaptability for Asuka means she can work with a wide variety of opponents, making every single match that she incorporates highly unique and thrilling. Whether it is established veterans or up-and-coming rookies, Asuka showcases her magic way of elevating her opponents, making every bout a must-see event. More than that, Asuka has been an adored figure beyond the ring. She is a fan favorite because of her charisma and personality; social media exposes her to another dimension. She has a very dedicated following on her YouTube channel where she posts glimpses of her life outside wrestling, both incorporating her fun-loving and quirky personality. The connection she has with the WWE Universe places her in a category of one of the most relatable and loved superstars in the roster, and this staying within WWE is absolutely what fans are excited about. In ring or out, from live event interactions, infectiously enthusiastic, to a love for wrestling that is palpable and real, Asuka has etched her place as one of the most favorite anyplace. The ability to brighten the WWE Universe’s day inside and outside of the ring is an almost unique trait that places her above so many of her confines. Various WWE Superstars have also applauded the announcement of Asuka’s contract extension. Many of her peers took to social media in excitement over the news, several female wrestlers noting just how important Asuka has now become toward elevating the women’s division. But it’s hard to overstate her influence on the women’s division: Asuka has been right on the front line of some of WWE’s most groundbreaking moments, such as the first-ever Women’s Royal Rumble and the first Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. By taking on any challenge that comes her way and continuous innovation that never seems to stop at “great,” she has earned respect from fans and colleagues alike. She has time and again proved that women can headline big shows and are as captivating and entertaining, just like their male counterparts, making her a true role model for breaking barriers and making it easier for the next generation of girls. This is a given, as moving forward, Asuka will definitely continue to play a huge factor in the ladies’ division of WWE. Asuka is in prime position to continue making history in WWE with her unparalleled skillset, charisma, and passion for the business. Whether it be capturing more championships, headlining pay-per-views, or mentoring the next generation of female talent, the future of Asuka in WWE is incredibly bright. The WWE Universe is chomping at the bit to see what’s next for “The Empress of Tomorrow,” and with her new contract in place, the possibilities are endless. Over the past couple of years, the women’s division has improved a great deal, but with Asuka at the helm, one can be sure
WWE Fixes Punk vs. McIntyre Storyline
Drama, both in and out of the ring, has never been unknown in the wrestling world, and it’s certainly not been boring in these last days concerning what could be considered the storyline between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. Press fan feedback has been loud ever since the feud began on their eventual disappointment with how it is unfolding. Many people air their grievances around the creative direction that this feud has taken. But WWE listened to what was spoken by everyone, and now they tried to mend it by getting the storyline right in the hope that it might bring back the magic that a clash of this magnitude merits. The first angle between Punk and McIntyre had everything going for it to be a classic rivalry. Both superstars are proven to be amongst the best in-ring, cut razor-sharp promos, and can be so effective at playing to an audience. The execution of the feud, however, lacked much of that intensity and depth for which fans hoped, with many feeling the storyline was very rushed with little in the way of build-up or context as to why these two top stars were feuding to begin with. While the wrestling matches were good, there was more incessant emotional weight missing that generally makes a rivalry memorable. From the fact that they had to practically go back to the drawing board, it was clear in the sense that this feud would ever be given justice. The WWE brought in a number of changes to rejuvenate the Punk vs. McIntyre storyline after fan backlash. First major change: pacing down of the feud. Rather than diving straight into the match with hardly any build-up, WWE has taken a rather different approach by telling a much more subtle story and explaining the motivation behind both superstars, hence giving the fans a reason to get invested. And it is already starting to pay dividends as recent promos from both Punk and McIntyre added some much-needed context toward their rivalry. Of course, Punk has been given more creative license with his promos, and that lends itself to a great deal of real-life tension between himself and McIntyre-something that heightens the story and probably further blurs the lines between fiction and reality. This new direction for the storyline has also involved the introduction of new elements to give layers to the feud. WWE has even introduced third parties to make this rivalry even more confusing, as the addition of common friends and enemies took on a life of their own. Consider, for example, that Sheamus, a longtime friend of McIntyre’s, added an interesting wrinkle to the storyline, finding himself torn between his loyalty to McIntyre and his admiration for Punk’s anarchistic spirit. This, in itself, created an interesting subplot, as the fans pondered over the fact whether Sheamus would ultimately stay with his friend or take Punk’s side. This layer of complexity gave the fans, practically, a reason to tune in week after week in angst to see how the relationships involving these characters unfold. Another key part of this revamped storyline has been the noted history between Punk and McIntyre. It has used the past dealings of wrestlers inside WWE and outside the ring to give richness to this feud. Using shared history, WWE’s been able to create some continuity to make the feud feel more organic. The early days have been brought up by both Punk and McIntyre, with McIntyre saying he watched Punk rise to the top as he struggled to find his footing. Punk has spoken about how McIntyre was someone who had all the potential in the world but lacked that killer instinct to truly make it to the top. These personal digs have added a significant amount of emotion to their promos and made the feud all the more real and raw. The in-ring aspect of the feud has also significantly improved; the matches between Punk and McIntyre have begun to be given time, spotlighting a couple of superstars who can really tell a story in the ring. Such was recognized in their last outing at Monday Night RAW, which many fans and critics alike massively praised as one of the best matches in the year. It was a hard-hitting and back-and-forth match-that saw both men push each other to their limits. The storytelling in the match was top-notch, with Punk targeting McIntyre’s previously injured leg, and McIntyre using his power advantage to try and wear down Punk. The match ended in very controversial fashion, as Punk used underhanded tactics to secure the win and further added to the tension between the two. Perhaps the biggest contributor to this storyline’s resurgence was when the decision to turn Punk heel was made. Punk is at his best when allowed to just be the bad guy, and it’s been a good few weeks of him inching his way back into becoming one of the most despised men in WWE. From attacking McIntyre after the bell to scathing promos that target not only McIntyre but the WWE Universe, too, Punk has wholeheartedly pounced on this dog’s bad-guy booking. Of course, this has just made McIntyre much more compelling in his babyface role, as finally, the fans are completely on his side, wanting him to push through and finally take vengeance on Punk. This has added new vigor to the storyline-a despised heel versus a loved babyface-fans rallying around McIntyre in a fashion they never really have before. The WWE-rehashed storyline of Punk vs. McIntyre was just what was needed to inject some life into what was no more than a meaningless feud. The WWE did wonders in making a rivalry that feels personal, hard-fought by pacing down the action, adding new elements to it, and most importantly allowing both superstars to dig from their real-life history. Throwing in third parties like Sheamus, weaponizing their character development, and creating incrementally better matches each time out has alternatively made their feud one of the most
WWE and AEW Discuss Roster Shake-Up
It has been a few days now, but recent reports hint about the two biggest wrestling promotions in North America-WWE and AEW-one possibly discussing a shake-up within their rosters. Such news lit professional wrestling on fire worldwide as fans try to guess what such an unprecedented move could bring. From being the ultimate fantasy match-up to groundbreaking storylines and potentially even an overhaul of the professional wrestling landscape as we know it, the depth of talent function between two companies cuts many ways. Ever since All Elite Wrestling came into the market in 2019, WWE and AEW have been at loggerheads as each looks at outdoing the other in ratings, market share, and hearts of wrestling fans around the world. While both have tasted success, the way they look at professional wrestling is poles apart. WWE, with its extra years and exposure across the globe, has always been slanted toward a polished, entertainment-based product. On the other hand, AEW has carved out a niche by embracing a far more sport-centric style and winning over hardcore wrestling fans on the basis of pedigree in-ring action and storytelling. But despite their differences, it would seem that both of them are open to discussions involving talent exchange, proving quite simply that each can see a positive side to the concept. Still, according to sources, discussions are in the early stages with few details coming on the meeting. But the idea of a roster shuffle does mean talent from the two companies would be able to work with each other, be it temporarily or in an overarching talent exchange program. That means wrestlers who have been part of one promotion for years could find their way soon into the rival company, opening a whole world of fresh matchups and surprise alliances. It’s something not seen since the old territorial system where wrestlers would bounce from promotion to promotion, staying fresh and exciting throughout their careers. One of the huge attractions of a shake-up of the roster is that dream matches, which one would have thought unthinkable to likely everyone, will become very real prospects. Picture a scenario: AEW’s Kenny Omega facing off against the WWE’s Roman Reigns, or Seth Rollins against Jon Moxley outside of the WWE corporate umbrella. Those are the kinds of dream bookings that fans want to see, and talent exchange makes that possible. The crossover potential is huge, and it could give both promotions that much-needed shot in the arm, considering it is recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has gotten some buzz on live events and audience contact. But there is always a chance that a roster change might create some fresh storylines or character developments. A move of scenery can sometimes help wrestlers who feel they have become stale in their current situations to recreate themselves and find new aspects of their personas. A talent such as Ricochet, for example, has mostly been a haphazard talent utilized on WWE programming and may be suited better to AEW, where the wrestling is given a little more play date. On the other hand, AEW stars like MJF would continue to make that splash at WWE, bringing their brands and charisma in front of an entirely different set of eyes. The cross-pollination of talent would no doubt lead to some exciting dynamics, as wrestlers adjust to new styles, new opponents, and new creative directions. While that would significantly expand the potential dividends, major obstacles also are presented by such a move that would need to be resolved before such a roster shake-up could ever become a reality. One is the issue of creative control. Both the WWE and AEW have their own creative teams, each of which has their own vision for how the product under their banner should be presented. Such a talent exchange would require a level of cooperation and give-and-take seldom witnessed in professional wrestling. WWE, though, is particularly known to be very entrenched in their creative process. How far they will go to give up the reins for this talent swap remains to be seen. Another possible problem could be the question of contracts. WWE and AEW have wrestlers under exclusive contracts, and some sort of talent exchange would need to be negotiated so that everyone would be satisfied with the terms. The wrestlers are to be well remunerated, and both promotions have to agree on everything concerning the length and conditions of the talent exchange. There is also the concern of injury-a wrestler injuring themselves while competing for another promotion might burden the working agreements with complications, both legal and financial, that would have to be agreed upon ahead of time. Despite these issues, it is a good sign for the wrestling world in general that discussions are said to be underway. Wrestling has picked up a lot of steam over the last couple of years, and much of that steam comes from the competition between WWE and AEW. Both promotions have pushed each other to put out a better product, and the fan comes out on top. A roster shake-up would take this to the next level: a more dynamic and unpredictable landscape in wrestling that would keep the fans engaged and excited. An AEW talent exchange would allow WWE to take some of the bullets that have been chipping away at them for some time. Perhaps the biggest criticism of the WWE product these days is that it has grown stale, with too much repetition in storylines and a lack of truly fresh matchups. Adding AEW talent into the mix would breathe some life into the roster and allow the writers to create some truly new and different storylines. It would also give way for WWE to capitalize on some of the popular stars in AEW who have huge followings due to their work in the independent scene and performances in AEW. In return, AEW would gain promotion exposure with WWE, the world’s largest wrestling promoter. While the company has
Plans for Rhodes vs Sikoa 2 Revealed
Ever since it was announced that Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa will square off once more in a lucrative rematch, the WWE Universe has gotten itself talking. The first match between the two dynamic superstars was an explosion of action and suspense that left the fans asking for more. Now, WWE is ready to give them the highly-anticipated second chapter of this rivalry. The stakes are remarkably high, with both men geared to prove a point and leave their marks. Finally, the plans for the rematch have been revealed, and it goes without saying that WWE is leaving nothing spared to make this one of the most thrilling and talked-about matches this year. The first confrontation between Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa occurred in a match on an episode of Monday Night Raw earlier this year. And boy, was it a high-octane action match between two incredibly athletic individuals, showing their different styles between them. But drawing from a well of technical proficiency and experience, Cody counterbalanced the raw power and relentless ferocity of Solo Sikoa, the young powerhouse in search of a name among all of WWE’s most popular stars. The bout was a thrilling affair from first bell to last, with both men pulling out all the stops in hopes of securing the win. The one who came out at the top was Cody Rhodes, but that victory was far from easy, and the match that was staged left a scarring on the minds of the people who watched it. Since that night, Solo Sikoa has been hell-bent on returning the favor against Cody, a main cog of The Bloodline and Roman Reigns’ enforcer. This was one of the few bitter marks on Solo’s otherwise decent record, and indeed he has been vociferous for some time, crying out for a rematch. For Sikoa, though, he had been a perfect storm of athleticism and attitude since his debut and was known for being both intense and having no qualms in doing whatever lay within to win. It came at the loss of Cody Rhodes, but proved to be a learning curve that has further driven his ambitions to be amongst the best here in WWE. The rematch presents an opportunity for Solo to redeem himself, and he is hungrier than ever for a win. This is a little more than fulfilling his satisfaction of proving again that he can defeat Solo Sikoa; this time, it’s about keeping the momentum to the top of WWE. Cody Rhodes has been working through WWE since returning, trying to make his dream of being WWE Champion for the first time-a dream he obtained from his father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes-end. Every match, every rivalry, every victory brings him closer to that goal, which is most definitely solidified by a win over Solo Sikoa. The fact is, Cody respects Solo’s talent and potential, but he has made one thing certain: he won’t let anyone stand in his way as he chases after the championship that has eluded him Thus far. In fact, WWE officials have announced for an upcoming pay-per-view event that Rhodes vs. Sikoa 2 will be part of it, which has already made this rather important rematch even more meaningful in so far as this would be different from their first match since this rematch will feature a No Disqualification stipulation-a way to ensure there will indeed be a winner. Throwing the stipulation of No Disqualification into this matchup makes things highly capable of being unpredictable and volatile, with both men allowed to utilize weapons and game the system to go their way. The stipulation caters to both men’s strengths, placing Cody in a position where he can use his great creativity and experience in these kinds of hardcore matches, while Solo relies on pure power and a willingness to do whatever it takes to come out on top. It should be even more full of intensity and chaos than their first encounter, as one would expect from adding in the No Disqualification stipulation. The kind of rule-bending violence that occurs in such a match is just right for Solo Sikoa’s aggressive style. His ties to The Bloodline also mean interference could be a factor, with Roman Reigns or Jimmy Uso getting involved to help Solo secure the win. On the flip side, Cody Rhodes has again and again proved that he can overcome more daunting circumstances when it comes to these odds. The great twist here is that outside interference is added to the melodrama side of things as the public just wonders whether Cody can overcome influence, once again, by this Bloodline lot. This has been one of the most hyped matches in the history of mankind. WWE has been a bit careful in creating the story to showcase the personal hatred between Cody and Solo, but emulating the bigger view towards the match. While it’s about proving he belongs at the top of WWE and can take down one of its biggest stars for Solo Sikoa, the match for Cody Rhodes will be about gaining momentum and continuing his journey to the WWE Championship. This has been built up through fierce promos, arguing behind the scenes, and teething moments which saw fans seated at the edge. The WWE Universe is invested so heavily in this storyline, and this upcoming match has all the ingredients of an instant classic. The personal stakes cannot be minimized in this match. For Solo, this will be means to not just avenge his loss but also prove himself as worthy of exploitation by Roman Reigns and The Bloodline. Solo has always been built as the enforcer, the muscle that props up the dominance of Roman. With this, he finally gets the opportunity to get out of that enclave and earn people to recognize him as a main event player in his own rights. A victory over Cody Rhodes would define Solo’s career and would probably come with even more significant opportunities down the
Gunther Breaks Character After Bash in Berlin
WWE fans witnessed something highly unusual and unexpected, as Gunther broke character after a monumental match at Bash in Berlin. Typically set up as quite stoic, dominating the ring, and touting his in-ring persona as a merciless machine, Gunther-the current Intercontinental Champion-showed the world what his personality is truly like, a side which rarely meets with sports entertainment. It was a surprise to the living audience and the millions around the globe because it revealed the human side of one of the most powerful WWE characters in a split second. That was a huge spectacle in Germany, but an important milestone for Gunther since the Austrian-born powerhouse was coming home in this event. The atmosphere was electric at the Bash in Berlin, thanks to thousands of fans cheering for Gunther, who has obviously created a reputation as one of the most dominant Intercontinental Champions in WWE history. In that instance, it was evident that the occasion was special, not only for the fans but also for Gunther himself. The place was erupting, filled with cheers and “Gunther! Gunther!” chants thunderously filling the space-a moment to remember, indeed. It’s an event of a lot of importance that cannot be understated. For Gunther, the Bash in Berlin was more than just another title defense; it was a culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. Any performer relishes wrestling in front of a home crowd, but this was special for Gunther-who’d spent much of his career wrestling across Europe before making it to WWE-it was personally pride-weighted. The same fans who had followed him from his early days in independent wrestling were now seeing him at the peak of his career in defense of one of the most prestigious championships in WWE. The connection was there-Gunther and the fans-and he fed off that energy deep into the match. Gunther stood tall in the ring, his arm raised in victory after a grueling match against one of WWE’s rising stars. This was an extremely brutal match, showing off many of the strengths within Gunther: his technical ability and will to win. His opponent gave everything he had, managing to push Gunther to his limits, but ultimately the Intercontinental Champion once again proved why he is one of the best in the business. The match itself was a big testament to how resilient Gunther really is and how well he can adapt to different styles his opponents bring into the ring with him; this one brought a high-flying, fast-paced attack that contrasted with Gunther’s methodical, hard-hitting offense. The contrast in styles made for an entertaining fight as the crowd was right on their seats from beginning to end. What really caught the WWE Universe’s attention, though, was what happened from then on. Instead of keeping his stiff and intimidating character, Gunther took a minute to recognize the fanbase there. He looked around the arena, obviously moved by the reception he was receiving, then did the completely out-of-character thing: he smiled. It was a real, genuine, heartfelt smile-a sign that the fans’ support had touched him deep in a place. He then took the mic and thanked the audience for all of the continued support, which means so much to him, to perform in front of his home crowd. A very rare moment of vulnerability from a man mostly booked as an unstoppable force. It was powerful, yet very short. Gunther spoke to his journey-from the start in Europe to one of the most respected champions in WWE-talking about all the sacrifices he had made and the challenges faced. He also thanked his fans who were with him through thick and thin. A thunderous round of applause from the crowd, for they most surely appreciated the champion’s words and the glimpse into his rare personal side. The moment was one of emotion, most fans visibly moved by Gunther’s honesty and openness. Again, a reminder stood tall and strong that behind that larger-than-life persona was a man-just like everyone else-who faced struggles, doubts, and setbacks. For those who had followed the career of Gunther, this was a pretty special moment. Since his time in WWE, the man-that’s what Gunther once called himself-premieres no-nonsense displays with delivering dedication to his craft. Always coming off as a huge competitor aimed strictly at wins and keeping the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship alive, the matches feature full-on hard-hitting action, with him carrying the persona of a disciplined, almost militaristic figure. Such a break in character was so far from what fans have ostensible gotten used to from him that it made that moment all the more prominent. The journey of Gunther to WWE was not easy. Native to Germany, Gunther began his wrestling career in Europe; hence, he had worked for various independent promotions throughout his career thus far, honing his skill in front of small but passionate crowds. He gained notoriety with a vicious in-ring style, and a relentless pursuit of the best match possible, whatever the size of the audience. He became one of the most respected names in European wrestling under the ring name Walter, capturing championships and earning admiration from fans and peers alike. The matches in promotions like Progress Wrestling and wXw had attained legendary status, and soon enough, the WWE had to take notice. When Gunther finally made his way to WWE, he brought with him that intensity and passion that had defined his career in Europe. He wasted no time in making an impact at NXT UK, where he became the longest-reigning NXT UK Champion in history, a reign that cemented his position as one of the premier performers in the company. Instant classics against the likes of Tyler Bate, Ilja Dragunov, and Pete Dunne showed a man capable of telling a story in the ring through sheer physicality and emotion. The transition of Gunther into the main roster was really smooth, and he kept on dominating, eventually capturing the Intercontinental Championship and bringing a level of prestige back into
Top 10 Craziest Upsets in UFC Title Fight History
The unpredictable nature of MMA means that anything is possible when two fighters enter the Octagon. Despite the fact that champions and title contenders are usually highly rated because of their ability, experience, and impressive record, one can recall that many times underdogs emerged as winners and knocked out seemingly invincible opponents in UFC title bouts. These moments are some of the most memorable and exciting in the history of UFC, which once again demonstrates that no fighter can be considered a loser in this sport. Below are the top 10 shocking upsets in UFC title fight history where the underdog emerged victorious. 1. Matt Serra vs. Georges St-Pierre (UFC 69) Out of all the underdogs in the history of UFC, Matt Serra’s win over Georges St-Pierre in 2007 is the biggest. GSP, the welterweight champion at that time, was nearly invincible, and had just beaten another MMA star, Matt Hughes, to clinch the championship. Serra on the other hand had won the title shot by winning the Ultimate Fighter 4 and this was a season of comeback fighters. Although Serra was a huge underdog in the fight against GSP, the latter was deemed to be younger, faster and far more technically superior than Serra. But in the first round, Serra dropped the champion with a single strike, a devastating punch that left the latter on the canvas as Serra followed him to the ground to strike him down and get the TKO victory. This fight was a big surprise in the MMA world and GSP was defeated by one of the most unexpected champions in the history of the UFC. Ronda Rousey was considered the invincible women’s MMA champion as she entered the UFC 193 in 2015. Unbeaten and, apparently, untouchable, Rousey had finished all of her opponents, and most of the fights did not last longer than one minute. Her opponent Holly Holm, a former boxing champion, was a huge underdog and most of the fans and experts expected Rousey to dominate her. But Holm provided one of the greatest upsets in the history of MMA as seen by the viewers. Holm was able to use her kicks and movement to keep herself out of Rousey’s clinch and was able to land clean shots on Rousey for the duration of the fight. In the second round, Holm gave Rousey a perfect head kick knock out, and that moment is the moment that changed the course of women’s MMA for the better. Anderson Silva the middleweight champion was on a winning streak of 16 fights and had successfully defended his belt ten times before his defeat by Chris Weidman at UFC 162 in 2013. Silva’s striking was always impressive, and he was a big favorite against Weidman who was just a wrestler at the time. But Weidman had a shocking victory when he knocked down Silva in the second round. Silva who is known for his cocky attitude in the ring paid a price for his overconfidence when he began to show off. Weidman landed a perfect left hook that sent the champion down to the mat and out of his feet. This great upset marked the end of Silva’s reign and the beginning of Weidman’s reign as the new middleweight champion. Amanda Nunes was the pound for pound the best female MMA fighter before she faced Julianna Peña in the title defense bout at UFC 269 in 2021. Nunes had been defeating every fighter in her division and held both the bantamweight and featherweight championships, and had already submitted Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg and Valentina Shevchenko. Peña, who has been a warrior throughout her career but never a star, was not expected to beat Nunes, the undefeated champion. But in one of the most stunning upsets in recent memory, Peña managed to wear down Nunes, absorb her big blows and take the fight to Nunes in the second round. Peña took down Nunes and then got her into a rear-naked choke which forced the champion to tap out. It was a shocking win in the MMA world and Peña became the new bantamweight champion in one of the most shocking title victories ever. 5. T.J. Dillashaw vs Renan Barão (UFC 173). His opponent was Renan Barão who at that time held 32 fight winning streak and was the UFC bantamweight champion when they fought at UFC 173 in 2014. Dillashaw stepped in to face the champion Barão’s original opponent and nobody expected that he could pose any threat to the Brazilian superstar. But Dillashaw, however, gave the performance of his life. In the first round of the fight, Dillashaw using footwork, speed and different combinations of punches dominated the Brazilian Barao. He knocked down Barão in the first round and simply controlled him for the rest of the fight before finishing off the champion in the fifth round of the fight. It was the birth of Dillashaw as a top bantamweight and it snapped Barão’s winning streak. Michael Bisping’s victory over Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 in 2016 was one of the biggest upsets of the year and a dream come true for a fighter who spent a lot of time in the UFC without getting a title shot. Bisping stepped up for this fight at short notice to replace Weidman who was the champion before this fight and was also injured. Not many people gave Bisping a chance to win against Rockhold, and the latter had already defeated the former two years earlier. But Bisping knocked out Rockhold in the first round, and the MMA world was in shock as he became the new middleweight champion. This victory was down to the hard work and dedication that Bisping has put into the UFC and will always be one of the biggest upsets in the history of the sport. One of the best examples of an underdog story is the light heavyweight title fight between Forrest Griffin and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 86 in 2008. Griffin
Fighters Who Came Out of Retirement to Dominate the Octagon Again
As it is the case with most combat sports, retirement is the last stage in the career of any fighter in mixed martial arts (MMA). The physical contact involved in the game, the injuries that follow, and the stress that athletes undergo make retirement a good thing after years of competition. Nevertheless, there are certain fighters who cannot resist the lure of the Octagon. Such retirements are usually permanent, but there are cases where certain athletes come from retirement and struggle to regain their position in the sport or even top it. It is not easy to come back to Octagon after some time away from the cage. Those who have come back from the shelf have to get past not just the effects of aging and ring inactivity but also a new generation of talent that keeps on appearing. Below is a list of some of the most famous UFC fighters that came out of retirement to rule the cage once more. Georges St-Pierre (GSP) It will be rather unfair not to include the names of the legends of this sport, such as Georges St-Pierre. Considered by many as the best fighter ever, GSP was the king of UFC’s welterweight for several years before retiring in 2013. This was the case when he was reigning as the welterweight champion and was successfully defending the title for the record ninth time. Due to personal problems and the need to leave the post of the champion, St-Pierre retired from MMA. GSP had not competed in the Octagon for four years, and most people have thought that he retired from the fight. However, in 2017, St-Pierre emerged from retirement to stun the MMA fraternity once again. Not only was he returning to the cage, but he was doing so at a higher weight to take on Michael Bisping for the UFC middleweight title. The increase in weight class brought more excitement to his return to the cage since it was unknown how GSP would fare after coming back from a layoff and against a larger opponent. In UFC 217, St-Pierre silenced all those doubts that people had. He knocked out Bisping in the third round by submission to become one of the most successful fighters in UFC history, as he has been a two-time champion in two different weight categories. It is quite a success that GSP returned after years, and even the weight gain did not affect his performance. He relinquished the middleweight title shortly after that because of health concerns, but his victory in the comeback fight cemented his place among the greatest fighters of all time. Randy Couture It is worth noting that Randy Couture has proved to be one of the best in UFC when it comes to making a comeback. Called “The Natural,” Couture succeeded age and expectations during his career, retiring and coming back two times to win the UFC title. Couture retired in 2006 after a third fight against Chuck Liddell for the UFC light heavyweight title. At the time, Couture was 43 years old, and many people thought that he was still in his prime. But, in 2007, Couture was back in the Octagon, this time having shifted back to heavyweight to fight Tim Sylvia for the UFC heavyweight title. Sylvia was much larger than Couture, and this man had been retired, but he was the only winner in the ring for all the rounds and took the heavyweight title back at 44. Couture fought in the UFC until his last time retiring in 2011 at the age of 47; this was due to records of being the oldest fighter to be the champion in the UFC and the only fighter to be holding titles in two different categories, that is, light heavyweight and heavyweight, for more than one time. His retirement and return several times to the ring make him a legend of MMA as one of the fighters with a lot of achievements. Dominick Cruz This paper will focus on Dominick Cruz and how the fighter has had his fair share of challenges in his career. Cruz, who was known for his unusual style of footwork and movement, was one of the most formidable bantamweight fighters in the MMA. However, injuries hampered his career, and after dethroning the champion bantamweight in 2010, Cruz had to relinquish the title in 2014 due to knee operations and a torn groin muscle. Most people began to question if he would be able to climb back to the pinnacle of the sport as he had been inactive for many years. In 2016, Cruz returned to the octagon after a string of injuries that sidelined him for four years to challenge then bantamweight champion T. J. Dillashaw at UFC Fight Night 81. Cruz was able to demonstrate the same slippery footwork and great technical skills that were present in him before he got injured for a long time. He won a split decision victory over Dillashaw in a very competitive fight to win the title back in the UFC bantamweight division, one of the greatest comeback stories in MMA history. Although Cruz was to lose the title later that year to Cody Garbrandt, this win was one of the most memorable comebacks in UFC history and proved that Cruz was one of the greatest bantamweight fighters of all time. B. J. Penn J. Penn, or “The Prodigy,” is one of the best and most diverse mixed martial arts fighters to have fought in the UFC. Jens Penn is another former two-division champion who weighs light weight and welterweight. Penn is one of the best fighters in the sport due to his natural ability and heart. Penn first retired in 2011 after a series of losses, but he never lost the passion to compete. His first attempt at retirement was short-lived, as he made several more comebacks to the UFC with not as much success as in his earlier years. But one of the most memorable came
How MMA Fighters Stay Fit in the Offseason: Their Secret Routines
MMA is actually one of the most grueling combat sports on the face of the globe. In order to be at their best in the Octagon, fighters have to be physically ready for the challenge that they are about to face, as the Octagon demands a lot of endurance, strength, agility, and determination. Unlike other sports, where the fight camp that precedes the match is believed to be the most important period, the period that comes after it is also significant. This is the time that fighters take time to undergo through the strains and stress of competition, but at the same time they train to improve on their fitness and other aspects of combat. The offseason in MMA does not equal the vacation for fighters. Indeed, the most disciplined fighters have their own regimen that they follow in order to stay in shape and be prepared to enter the fight camp at any one time. Below is a breakdown of MMA fighters’ training during the off season as well as the effectiveness of the routines that they engage in. Recovery and Restorative Activities Depending on the fighter, the first half of the year is normally spent in the process of rehabilitation. MMA competition and training are very rigorous and require a lot of physical exertion, and thus participants are likely to sustain minor injuries, muscle soreness, and tiredness. In this stage, practitioners perform extensive recovery activities in order to facilitate the muscles’ ability to recover while also ensuring that they are not overtly idle. Key practices include: Yoga and Stretching: Yoga is gradually becoming the most common complementary activity among MMA fighters, mainly because of the benefits it has on the flexibility, balance, and mental capabilities of the fighters. Some of the fighters that have used yoga include Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, who have stated that yoga has helped them in improving their performance and also in their recovery after intense training sessions. Stretching exercises also help in preventing injuries as they help to increase flexibility of the muscles and the joints. Swimming: Swimming offers a complete body workout, which is not rigorous, and assists fighters in their recovery without straining their joints. It helps to develop cardiovascular stamina and is the ideal routine for persons with injuries. Massage Therapy and Foam Rolling: To avoid the stiffness and soreness that is associated with training, most fighters often take time during the off season to get massaged or perform self-myofascial release, which is commonly referred to as foam rolling. These techniques assist in relaxing the muscles, increasing circulation of blood, and enhancing the recovery period. Sleep and Nutrition: Recovery is important, and so fighters make it a point to get enough good rest, especially during the off season. Most of them seek the services of nutritionists to help them adjust their meals for the purpose of facilitating recovery, especially through taking foods that contain anti-inflammatory nutrients and enough water and protein so as to repair the muscles. Strength and Conditioning Workouts Thus, despite the fact that there is no fight at the moment, MMA fighters cannot afford to get complacent during the off-season. They need to have strength and conditioning workouts in order to keep them physically fit all year round. But they are also able to concentrate on the muscles and strength during the offseason as they are not in the process of losing weight or practicing specific fight moves. Key components include: Weight Training: The off season is used by fighters to add mass to the muscles and thus add more strength to the body. Some of the lifts used in programs are compound lifts such as dead lifts, squats, and bench presses, which work out many muscles at once. Endurance strength is favored because the strength used in MMA must be usable in dynamic movements during the fight. Athletes may also perform power cleans and plyometric exercises that will help them to generate force in strikes and takedowns. Cardio Conditioning: Cardiovascular stamina is important in this case because a fighter may be required to stand in a fight for several rounds. Fighters may use different forms of cardio in the offseason to build and sustain their endurance, including: Fighters may use different forms of cardio in the offseason to build and sustain their endurance, including: Running and Sprints: The fighters normally employ long-distance runs for endurance and short-distance sprints for speed. Cycling: Biking is a low-impact form of exercise that will assist fighters in improving their cardiovascular endurance without having the negative effect on the knees and hips. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT): HIIT, therefore, involves the sequencing of intense exercise episodes with recovery or moderate-intensity exercise episodes. This method is a perfect mimic of an MMA fight where an individual is attacked, then he/she gets to recover before the attack continues. Functional Strength Circuits: MMA is not about one’s strength but how one can maneuver in the cage with force and speed. Most of the fighters prefer functional strength circuits that mimic the fight environment, and the equipment includes kettlebells, battle ropes, resistance bands, and medicine balls. That is why such routines assist in the development of the necessary explosiveness for strikes, grappling, and the changes in position. Skill Development and New Techniques During the off-season, fighters are privileged with ample time to work on their skills without the stress of a bout pending in the near future. This is the time that the fighters can either work on their skills or incorporate new weapons into their skills, such as striking, grappling, or cage management skills. Key focuses include: Specialized Martial Arts Training: Fighters use the fight camp in a way that they interrelate their training in order to prepare them for a certain opponent. In the offseason, however, they can dedicate more time to one particular discipline: In the offseason, however, they can dedicate more time to one particular discipline: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): During the off-season, MMA fighters tend to focus on their grappling
MMA’s Most Legendary Feuds That Went Beyond the Octagon
As much as we love the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA), there are bound to be rivalries. It is based on rivalry, self-esteem, and arrogance, and sometimes athletes who have opposite temperaments or fighting techniques meet in ways that extend beyond the Octagon. Some of these rivalries have escalated to hatred-filled feuds, characterized by verbal attacks, psychological warfare, and, in some instances, physical confrontations that extend to the streets, the gym, or even the social media platforms. While many fighters take their frustrations to the cage, there are some that have had animosity that has spilled over well past the final buzzer. These are the rivalries that fans cared about that defined fighters’ careers and occasionally even the course of MMA history. It is high time to discuss some of the toughest rivalries in MMA that did not end inside the cage. Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier The animosity between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier can be considered one of the most tense and long-standing in the history of the UFC. This fight that wanted to be a light heavyweight championship bout soon became much more than that and turned into a bitter, long-lasting rivalry that played out over the course of two legendary fights. The rivalry between them started in 2014 when they both fought for the first time at UFC 182. Jones and Cormier had bitter words for each other during their press conferences, and the two fighters came to blows at a media event. Jones accused Cormier of being a ‘fake champion’ because of his Olympic wrestling background, while Cormier accused Jones of being a bad person on and off the cage, including criminal charges and steroid use. It was a genuine hatred, and they soon let it out by turning into a verbal battle. In the first bout in the Octagon, Jones defeated Gustafsson by unanimous decision, but their rivalry began when Jones lost the title because of legal troubles. Cormier won the belt while it was vacant, and many fans as well as fighters regarded him as a ‘paper champion’ until he defeated Jones. The second fight was held at UFC 214 in 2017, and Jones knocked out Cormier with a head kick, but the victory was changed because Jones took steroids. Thus, the constant soap opera aspect of this particular rivalry—both in and out of the cage—helped to make this one of the most compelling stories in the annals of the sport. Tito Ortiz vs. Chuck Liddell Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell are two of the earlier UFC fighters, and their fight was instrumental in bringing the sport into the limelight in the mid 2000s. The hatred that fueled their rivalry was not just professional, but both men have shared training camps with each other and actually have been friends. Ortiz, the brash light heavyweight champion, did not want to fight Liddell, saying they were related. Liddell, on the other hand, was of the opinion that Ortiz was avoiding him because he knew that Liddell would be the winner. Their rivalry boiled over at UFC 47 in 2004, when Liddell KO’d Ortiz in the second round, thus shutting up his opponent and becoming the most dreaded fighter in the division. The two would later fight again in UFC 66 in 2006, in which Liddell would again knock down Ortiz in the third round to retain his light heavyweight belt. Although the rivalry was one-sided, fans were entertained, and the hatred between Ortiz and Liddell became a significant plot in the initial years of the UFC. But little did fans know that the two legends would meet for one last time in 2018 under Golden Boy Promotions, with Ortiz emerging as the winner of the trilogy fight, albeit in what can be described as a fight that happened in the twilight of both fighters’ careers. Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor McGregor is not a stranger to rivalry, but the rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov was something that the public had never seen before. When two of the most famous UFC fighters agreed to fight each other, the fight was about culture, ego, and fighting style, but it became one of the biggest rivalries in the UFC history. The hatred between McGregor and Khabib was taken to the next level before their fight at UFC 229 in October of 2018. The marketing genius who likes to take to social media and brag, McGregor used the abuser’s language to disrespect Khabib, his religion, his family, and his country, Dagestan. The rivalry only intensified with the incident in which McGregor attacked Khabib’s bus in Brooklyn and threw a dolly through the window. The fight itself was one of the greatest in the history of UFC: Khabib was dominating McGregor and eventually submitted him in the fourth round. But the melee that occurred after the fight, where Khabib jumped over the cage to attack McGregor’s team, escalated the rivalry into a complete catastrophe. The two camps fought, and the brawl extended to the crowd, and in that regard, the fight was suspended and both fighters were fined. After the fight, bitterness between McGregor’s and Khabib’s teams remained; the fighters themselves continued to insult each other on social networks. As Khabib retired without a loss, the sour taste of this rivalry is still felt to this date in the MMA fraternity. Ronda Rousey vs. Miesha Tate The battles between Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate were one of the first to become popular in the category of women’s MMA. The fact that Rousey is the brash and confident Olympic judo medalist who had no problem telling anyone who would listen that she was the ‘baddest woman on the planet’ while Tate, the far more reserved but no less tough wrestler, actually seemed to despise Rousey only added to the appeal of their rivalry. It started in Strikeforce, where Rousey beat Tate to the women’s bantamweight title through armbar submission in 2012. The two faced each other again in the UFC,