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Pro wrestling is strong these days. WWE built incredible momentum with WrestleMania and Backlash, while AEW shook off much of the negativity with a great first edition of Dynasty pay-per-view.
While the sport is thriving, there are some big names going in the wrong direction.
Between injury-prone performers like CM Punk and Rey Fenix and superstars like Bayley, who is currently having a lackluster run as champion, some surefire situations are falling apart.
Here are the superstars heading in the wrong direction in 2024.
CM Punk
CM Punk still garners positive audience reactions, and the WWE Universe seems to have forgiven the man who disrespected CM Punk when he quit ten years ago, but after a series of lackluster performances And because of injuries, that reputation is on the wall.
Punk is a shell of a man who ruled the wrestling world as a top star for many years.
First, the injury bug has affected Punk more than most other performers, whether in AEW or now WWE. The former world champion is almost 46 years old and has an extensive injury history that has recently forced his latest employer to completely rebook his marquee event.
Second, while Punk is now happy with his position within the company, his disgruntled personality rears its ugly head once again when WWE changes its booking decisions and story direction for the first time against the veteran's consent. He will start showing his face.
The Second City Savior will be upset that he's losing because Drew McIntyre outclasses Punk on the mic and in the ring. Even if he does return, the possibility of another injury or tantrum will leave the rest of 2024 in doubt.
bailey
There's little doubt that WWE has given Bayley the accomplishments she deserves this year, including winning the WWE Women's Championship at the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania on her resume, but her story has been lackluster and the reaction from fans has been mediocre. was.
Bayley has been a cornerstone of the women's division for 10 years and deserves more recognition.
Since winning the 2024 Royal Rumble, Bayley has appeared in four televised matches, not including her victory over Iyo Sky in Philadelphia. Add in the fact that all the matches were thrown together with little story purpose or direction, and it's clear why the WWE Universe isn't thrilled about the champion taking the belt.
Perhaps by the time WWE Creative books Bayley strongly, fans will be done with her reign. As a result, Triple H and company have no choice but to eventually win the title and give it to someone with more momentum.
It's not Bayley's fault that her character is going in the wrong direction.
rey fenix
One of the best in-ring performers in wrestling is former AEW International Champion Rey Fenix. Six months after being sidelined due to injury, he returned in his first match, Collision, and electrified the wrestling world.
At the moment the crowd went wild for the Phoenix, but the veteran was injured again as his brother Penta El Zero Miedo announced on May 5th's sole booking that the former champion was not medically cleared to compete. There are concerns that this may be the case. .
Phoenix may be a genius in the ring, but his inability to stay healthy is a concern.
Most wrestling fans who have watched Phoenix wrestle for years have known the luchador for the first time during his time in Lucha Underground, but a series of injuries have kept Phoenix from achieving the stardom that his older brother and younger brother deserved. could not reach the level.
Tony Khan and AEW understand the value of this talented Mexican performer, but the possibility of further injuries hurts the confidence of creative teams to book Phoenix into marquee matches and storylines.
The injury may not be Phoenix's fault, but he won't reach his potential if he can't stay healthy.
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