AEW Worlds End 2024: Highlights, Lows, and the State of Women’s Wrestling

The AEW Worlds End 2024 pay-per-view delivered a mix of high-stakes drama, thrilling in-ring performances, and some underwhelming moments that left fans divided. From record-breaking women’s matches to underwhelming street fights, the event showcased both AEW’s strengths and areas in need of improvement. Here’s a breakdown of three things we loved and three things we hated about the night.

Loved: Mercedes Moné vs. Kris Statlander Breaks Records Again

Mercedes Moné and Kris Statlander stole the show with the longest women’s match in AEW history. The bout demonstrated AEW’s potential to elevate its women’s division when the focus is placed on high-caliber matchups. Both competitors showcased incredible athleticism, storytelling, and chemistry, delivering a contest that resonated deeply with the audience.

This record-breaking performance further cemented Moné’s reputation as a trailblazer in professional wrestling while solidifying Statlander’s status as a top-tier competitor. Matches like these are critical to building credibility and momentum for the AEW women’s division.

Loved: Toni Storm’s “Rookie” Storyline Elevates the Undercard

Toni Storm continues to shine in her current storyline, portraying an AEW “rookie” with retrograde amnesia. Her pre-show match against Leila Grey was not groundbreaking in action but served a larger purpose:

1. Creative Booking: Keeping Storm in the pre-show aligns with her storyline, allowing her to build credibility without disrupting the title scene.
2. Opportunities for Others: By staying out of the main card, Storm indirectly creates space for other women to shine in higher-profile matches.

This thoughtful approach to booking enhances the narrative while keeping Storm relevant.

Loved: Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada Rekindles Magic

The long-awaited return of Kenny Omega to face Kazuchika Okada brought the crowd to its feet. The duo’s storied rivalry was reignited with a match filled with jaw-dropping spots, impeccable pacing, and emotional storytelling. It was a masterclass in professional wrestling, reminding fans why Omega and Okada are two of the best in the world.

Hated: Tijuana Street Fight Lacks Build and Emotion

The Tijuana Street Fight between AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May and challenger Thunder Rosa had potential but suffered due to poor buildup:

• Insufficient Promotion: The feud was exclusively built on “Collision,” leaving fans of “Dynamite” disconnected. The lack of in-ring promos and meaningful interactions made the rivalry feel hollow.
• Crowd Indifference: Despite some brutal spots, including a thumbtack piñata, the crowd was largely disengaged.

AEW needs to prioritize its main women’s title on flagship programming to maintain audience interest and respect the prestige of the championship.

Hated: Overuse of Blood Dilutes Hardcore Moments

While blood is a staple in high-stakes AEW matches, its overuse at Worlds End diminished its impact. Matches involving MJF, Adam Cole, and Will Ospreay featured excessive bleeding, yet the Tijuana Street Fight—a match with a hardcore stipulation—lacked this element.

Inconsistencies like this detract from the narrative immersion, making it harder for fans to emotionally connect with the intended brutality of the stipulation.

Hated: Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Konosuke Takeshita Lacks Impact

Despite being billed as a high-profile match, Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Konosuke Takeshita failed to leave a lasting impression. Both performers are immensely talented, but the lack of a compelling storyline or memorable spots made the match feel like filler on an otherwise packed card.

Final Thoughts

AEW Worlds End 2024 showcased the company’s ability to deliver memorable moments while also highlighting areas that require improvement. Matches like Moné vs. Statlander and Omega vs. Okada demonstrate AEW’s creative and in-ring potential, but the company needs to better promote its women’s division and avoid oversaturating gimmicks like blood.

As AEW heads into 2025, fans hope for more balanced storytelling, consistent booking, and continued elevation of underutilized talents. If AEW can address these issues, it will undoubtedly strengthen its position as a premier wrestling promotion.