2024’s Top 3 Pro Wrestling Breakout Stars
LA Knight, Rhea Ripley, Ricky Starks, and Jey Uso are only four of the AEW and WWE breakout stars of 2023. This year is sure to see a few breakout stars of its own, especially with the talent you can see highlighted in AEW’s Collision and Dynamite and in three of WWE’s shows. After all, as every pro wrestler knows, making your way to the top of the card is no guarantee that they will remain there for very long. The big question now is which wrestlers look set to take their rightful place in main events and get the merchandise machine working overtime?
- Dragon Lee
Dragon Lee has been with WWE SmackDown for a few months only, but he hasn’t wasted a moment of that time. One of the brand’s most popular newcomers, Lee’s ever-improving performance has led to him being pipped as Rey Mysterio’s successor.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise to wrestling fans, given his continued involvement with Santos Escobar and his impressive stepping into Mysterio’s shoes when he was absent from SmackDown. Guided by Triple H, Lee looks ready to breakout into bigger stardom in 2024. He’s definitely one to watch.
- Mariah May
AEW’s underrated women’s division is where you’ll find one of 2024’s pro wrestling potential breakout stars. If things go according to AEW’s plans, the name on everybody’s lips is going to be Mariah May. You could see the former Goddess of Stardom champion face the division’s number one star, Toni Storm, for a title feud sooner than you might expect – a match that’s sure to be as action-packed as online pokies NZ powered by the best software.
The England-born May who once tried out unsuccessfully for WWE shone brightly on the independent circuit and in World Wonder Ring Stardom and has continued to blaze at AEW. If she is one of 2024’s breakout stars, she’s likely to be around for the long term.
- Swerve Strickland
2024 might be the year that puts Swerve Strickland where he belongs, which is nowhere less than the upper echelons of AEW’s top stars. AEW President Tony Khan’s favorite wrestler, Strickland has received glowing praise from wrestling veterans around the world for several years, and he’s only getting better at what he does. His recent fiery feud with Adam “Hangman” Page was arguably the best example of why this year could easily see him take his place alongside names such as Chris Jericho, MJF, and Punk.
Fans are waiting with bated breath to find out if this is year that Strickland, who hasn’t won a single title or wrestled in a main event pay-per-view, comes out tops in AEW’s Continental Classic. It’s not without good reason that some commentators think that the leader of the Mogul Embassy has what it takes to knock MJF off his throne and claim his first world championship title in 2024.
Other Wrestlers To Watch In 2024
Lee, May, and Strickland undoubtedly will do great things this year, but they’re not the only pro wrestlers whose stars are going to shine much brighter. Among the others to watch are the WWE’s Carmelo Hayes and Ludwig Kaiser. The top tiers of AEW and WWE are about to get all shook up.

What’s up fellow geeks! I’m AB and I’m as passionate a pro wrestling fan as you’ll find. I’ve been watching wrestling for 19 years and it’s my absolute favorite form of entertainment. I have a podcast called That Wrestling Pod, and I feel like I bring a fresh and positive perspective on all things professional wrestling. In addition to wrestling, I’m a huge movie buff, a die hard Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bulls fan, I love all kinds of music and I’ve been known to dabble on some PS4. I feel like I fit right in here on Geek Vibes Nation, and I’m excited to contribute to a world of fellow Geeks. You can follow me on Twitter @ThatWrestlePod and can also find me on Facebook under That Wrestling Pod. Keep on keepin on!