WWE in 2024: The Year of The Bloodline
As 2024 draws to a close and 2025 looms on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to reflect on WWE’s year. Let’s examine the highs, lows, and what the future might hold for one of the most prominent wrestling promotions in the world.
The Bloodline
For several years now, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline storyline have been the centerpiece of WWE programming. 2024 was no exception… (Spoiler Alert: It’s poised to maintain that central role in 2025 as well).
Much of WWE’s storytelling this year has followed the trajectory set in 2023. The Bloodline saga remained the dominant narrative, evoking polarizing reactions. Fans who are deeply invested in the story had plenty to enjoy. Especially as the family drama and power struggles continued to unfold. However, others argue that the storyline peaked at WrestleMania 40, with diminishing returns ever since. These critics feel the story has been treading water, with WWE struggling to innovate and introduce fresh elements.
As WWE heads into 2025, the big question is whether the promotion can sustain another year of this narrative. Has the story overstayed its welcome? Or does WWE have the creative momentum to keep it engaging for another cycle? The Bloodline saga’s overshadowing of nearly every other storyline is undeniable. How the company balances its reliance on this angle will be a key challenge moving forward.
The Grandson of a Plumber & World Champion
One of 2024’s most significant moments was the long-awaited coronation of Cody Rhodes as WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40. After years of build-up, Cody’s triumph over Roman Reigns felt like the perfect payoff to an emotional journey. It was a moment that united the fanbase and solidified Cody as a top-tier star.
Cody’s reign as WWE Champion has been solid. His charisma, work ethic, and ability to promote shows of all scales made him a reliable face of the company. However, his reign hasn’t been without challenges. WWE has struggled to create compelling rivalries for Cody outside of The Bloodline storyline. As a result, there have been stretches where his run felt like it was in a holding pattern, waiting for him to re-enter the family feud.
GUNTHER & The Rest of WWE
While The Bloodline dominated the narrative, 2024 wasn’t without its other highlights. Among them was GUNTHER, whose incredible run as Intercontinental Champion has been a standout storyline. His performances, coupled with a stellar match catalog, have positioned him as a front runner for Wrestler of the Year. GUNTHER’s dominance and in-ring artistry have not only elevated the title but also set a benchmark for excellence.
Unfortunately, other divisions did not fare as well. WWE’s women’s division, long regarded as a key advantage over rival promotions, had a lackluster year. Despite having a roster brimming with talent, the division suffered from uninspired booking and limited spotlight. It left fans yearning for the days when women’s wrestling was a major focus of WWE programming.
Netflix in 2025
2025 marks a major transition for WWE as it moves from traditional television to streaming exclusively on Netflix. This shift has sparked speculation about how it might influence the company’s direction. Some fans have hoped for a creative overhaul, perhaps even a return to the edgier Attitude Era. However, such drastic changes are unlikely. WWE’s mainstream appeal and PG branding are deeply entrenched. While some adjustments may occur, they will likely be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
One of the biggest tests for WWE in 2025 will be how it adapts its storytelling to the streaming platform. Netflix presents opportunities for more serialized storytelling, potentially benefiting long-running sagas like The Bloodline. However, it also demands innovation. WWE will need to prove it can develop compelling narratives that extend beyond its flagship story.
As WWE enters 2025, its reliance on The Bloodline remains both a strength and a potential weakness. The storyline has delivered some of the most memorable moments in modern wrestling history, but the company’s over-reliance risks stagnation. Diversifying its narratives and reinvigorating underperforming divisions like the women’s roster will be crucial for maintaining fan interest.
With Cody Rhodes as a solid champion, GUNTHER redefining excellence, and a new streaming era beginning, WWE has a foundation to build on. The question now is whether it can innovate enough to keep fans invested… And how it will navigate the ever-changing landscape of professional wrestling in the streaming age.
What are your thoughts on WWE in 2024? Let us know in the comments.
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