Introduction
The period between 2020 and 2024 has been a golden age for wrestling fans, marked by unforgettable storylines that captivated audiences across the globe. Both WWE and AEW played major roles in shaping the industry with compelling characters, shocking turns, and emotional moments. Let’s dive into the best storylines in mordern era that will be remembered for years to come.
Roman Reigns’ Tribal Chief Era (WWE)
The Return and Heel Turn
Roman Reigns’ return in 2020 was one of the most dramatic character transformations in WWE history. After years of being pushed as a babyface and receiving mixed reactions, Reigns re-emerged as a heel, aligning himself with Paul Heyman. His shift to the “Tribal Chief” persona was fresh, brutal, and captivating.
The Family Feud with Jey Uso
The storyline took on personal undertones when Reigns engaged in a deeply emotional feud with his own cousin, Jey Uso, in late 2020. This feud elevated Jey Uso’s status while reinforcing Reigns as a ruthless leader who demanded respect and loyalty from his family.
Dominating WWE as the Tribal Chief
Reigns has since dominated WWE as the Undisputed Universal Champion, turning back challengers like Drew McIntyre, Edge, and Brock Lesnar. His storyline has continued to evolve, blending power, betrayal, and family dynamics that have kept fans on edge.
MJF’s Ascension to the AEW World Title (AEW)
Long-Awaited Breakout
Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) has long been considered one of the brightest young stars in AEW, but his rise to the World Title was a slow burn. Starting as a brash, young heel, MJF carefully built his persona through a series of high-profile feuds.
Betraying Cody Rhodes
MJF’s betrayal of Cody Rhodes in 2020, during their emotional feud, was one of the most talked-about moments in AEW. This storyline solidified MJF as one of AEW’s top villains, positioning him for greater success.
MJF vs. CM Punk the best Rivalry to this date in AEW
When CM Punk arrived in AEW he was always supposed to face MJF, because of their similar nature (a little bit). It turns out it became the best storyline in the company’s history to this date. They both pulled some amazing series of matches with Pipebombs and nukes. It sucks that this rivalry never got its ending, but it is still the best rivalry of AEW, which Eventually makes MJF the top star of the company.
MJF vs. Adam Cole Friendship Storyline
In 2023, MJF formed an unexpected alliance with Adam Cole. Fans were initially skeptical, expecting betrayal, but this slow-burn friendship turned into a nuanced narrative of camaraderie and tension. MJF’s blend of comedy and cunning made this one of AEW’s standout storylines of 2023-2024. Though it sucks in ways but the main reason it sucks is because no. injuries happened to both stars. It has the potential to be one of the best storylines in Comany’s history again
The Bloodline Saga (WWE)
Jey Uso’s Struggle for Power
The Bloodline storyline has been the longest-running arc in WWE, featuring Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Paul Heyman. Jey Uso’s role has been central, as he has constantly wavered between defiance and submission to his cousin, Roman Reigns. His struggle for personal identity made the Bloodline saga particularly compelling.
Sami Zayn’s Inclusion and Split from the Bloodline
Sami Zayn’s unexpected involvement in the Bloodline in 2022 was both comedic and emotional. His eventual betrayal of the faction at the 2023 Royal Rumble earned one of the biggest crowd reactions in years. Zayn’s storyline helped fuel the dramatic downfall of the Bloodline as a unified force. Also it became the biggest arc in Jey’s character too.
The End of the Bloodline’s Reign
In mid-2024, the dissolution of the Bloodline became inevitable. Jey Uso finally broke away, aligning himself against Roman Reigns, signaling the beginning of the end for Reigns’ historic title reign and the Bloodline’s dominance.
The Elite’s Rise and Fall (AEW)
The Formation of the Elite
Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and Hangman Page formed The Elite, one of AEW’s founding factions. Their rise was quick, but it was the tensions and eventual breakdown within the group that turned this storyline into one of AEW’s most emotional arcs.
The Omega-Hangman Page Saga
Hangman Page’s journey from a drunken underdog to AEW Champion was a masterclass in long-term storytelling. His rivalry and eventual friendship with Kenny Omega felt organic and emotionally rich, climaxing at Full Gear 2021 when Hangman finally dethroned Omega.
CM Punk vs. The Elite: Real-life Controversy and Storyline Impact
Real-life backstage tensions between CM Punk and The Elite spilled over into storylines, culminating in Punk’s departure from AEW. The drama provided fans with a blurred line between fiction and reality, adding a layer of unpredictability to AEW’s landscape in 2023.
Bianca Belair’s Journey to the Top (WWE)
Royal Rumble 2021 Win
Bianca Belair’s journey began with a massive victory at the 2021 Royal Rumble, where she outlasted 29 other women to earn her shot at the SmackDown Women’s Championship.
WrestleMania 37 Historic Match with Sasha Banks
Belair’s WrestleMania 37 main event against Sasha Banks was historic for several reasons. It was the first time two Black women headlined WWE’s biggest event, and the match itself was one of the best in recent history. Belair’s victory cemented her status as one of WWE’s top stars.
Jon Moxley’s Dominant AEW Championship Reign (AEW)
Carrying AEW During the Pandemic
Jon Moxley’s reign as AEW Champion coincided with the pandemic, a challenging time for the wrestling industry. Moxley carried the company on his back during this era, delivering hard-hitting matches and intense promos, proving himself as AEW’s heart and soul.
Feud with Kenny Omega
Moxley’s feud with Kenny Omega over the AEW Championship, culminating in their infamous “Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch,” was one of the most violent and controversial rivalries in AEW history.
Bray Wyatt’s Return and the “Uncle Howdy” Mystery (WWE)
The Fiend’s Exit
After a controversial departure in 2021, Bray Wyatt returned in 2022 with a new storyline involving the mysterious “Uncle Howdy.” This departure from his previous Fiend character intrigued fans.
Unraveling the Uncle Howdy Identity
The ongoing mystery of Uncle Howdy’s true identity, and his connection to Wyatt, added a supernatural element to WWE’s programming. Though still unfolding, the storyline had fans theorizing and speculating.
CM Punk’s AEW Comeback and Departure (AEW)
The Return of the Voice of the Voiceless
CM Punk’s return to wrestling in 2021 was one of the most anticipated moments in modern wrestling history. His comeback promo in Chicago was electric, and he went on to have stellar feuds with the likes of Darby Allin and MJF.
The Backstage Fallout and Final Run
However, Punk’s final run in AEW was overshadowed by backstage incidents, including a heated altercation with The Elite. This controversy led to his departure from the company in 2023, ending his AEW run in dramatic fashion.
The Rise of Dominik Mysterio in the Judgment Day (WWE)
Betraying Rey Mysterio
One of the most shocking moments of 2022 was Dominik Mysterio turning on his father, Rey Mysterio, and joining the villainous Judgment Day faction. This betrayal added depth to Dominik’s character, and he quickly became one of the most hated heels in WWE.
Becoming a Major Heel in WWE
Dominik’s alignment with Rhea Ripley and Finn Balor within The Judgment Day faction helped him rise to prominence. His ongoing feud with Rey Mysterio and their WrestleMania 39 match was a highlight of 2023.
Conclusion
The modern era of professional wrestling has delivered countless unforgettable moments, with AEW and WWE consistently pushing the envelope in terms of storytelling. From Roman Reigns’ Tribal Chief domination to MJF’s cunning rise in AEW, these stories have shaped the landscape of pro wrestling from 2020 to 2024. As we look to the future, these narratives will continue to influence how we experience the thrilling world of sports entertainment.
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