4 2024 WWE PLE matches you probably forgot about
WWE hosted 12 Premium Live Events (PLEs) in 2024. As has been the norm in the Paul Levesque Era, the fan perception of these major shows was mostly positive.
WrestleMania XL, SummerSlam 2024, and Bad Blood were universally praised. Outstanding matches like Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes II at Mania, and The WarGames matches at Survivor Series still have fans beaming with joy.
However, several matches got lost in the shuffle of the more important and entertaining bouts. On that note, we look at four 2024 PLE matches you probably forgot about.
#4. Logan Paul (c) vs Kevin Owens for the United States Championship (WWE Royal Rumble 2024)
Logan Paul's US Title reign received a mixed response, with most fans pointing out the severe deficit in title defenses. His first title defense occurred at WWE Royal Rumble 2024, where he challenged Kevin Owens for the championship.
The match wasn't necessarily bad, but the lack of a clean finish diminished its perception. Owens grabbed Paul's brass knuckles and knocked out the champion, but the referee noticed KO's actions and called off the match.
It, consequently, felt like a regular TV match. Owens and Paul would later get involved in the Men's Elimination Chamber bout to determine Seth "Freakin" Rollins' challenger for WrestleMania XL. The Maverick would also create a problem with Randy Orton.
This led to a Triple Threat match for the US Title between Paul, Orton, and KO at Mania. Considering the lack of significance of Logan Paul vs. Kevin Owens in the long term, it is no surprise that their bout at the Rumble has been forgotten.
#3. The Judgment Day (c) vs The New Catch Republic (WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth)
The Judgment Day has had a stronghold over the Tag Team Championships for a long time. Unfortunately, the sinister faction has few credible title defenses to their name.
Damian Priest, still a member of the group at the time, and Finn Balor defended the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against The New Catch Republic (Tyler Bate and Pete Dunne). There wasn't much of a build as Bate and Dunne had won a tournament to earn a shot.
The match was splendid as the four men put on a clinical display of Tag Team wrestling. However, in the end, Priest laid both men out with a Double South of Heaven Chokeslam, and Balor hit the Coup de Grace on Dunne to retain the championships.
Unfortunately, this match has slipped from memory for several reasons. First, it was placed between the two Elimination Chamber matches, designed to give fans a breather. Second, the lack of a title change diminished its significance in the long run.
Furthermore, The Judgment Day was involved in an intriguing narrative with R-Truth on the Road to WrestleMania XL. There was no development to the Truth angle at Elimination Chamber: Perth which reduced the entertainment value.
Lastly, WWE was building towards a multi-team Ladder match at Mania. Hence, it became obvious that no title change was occurring. Thus, interest was low.
#2. "Main Event" Jey Uso vs Jimmy Uso (WrestleMania XL: Night One)
The long-awaited brother vs. brother match was a massive disappointment for the WWE Universe as it turned out to be one of the most underwhelming matches of 2024.
Fans were expecting a classic on the lines of Bret Hart vs. Owen Hart. The background story and talent shared by both brothers created the perfect atmosphere for such a banger, but it fell flat.
Dozens of Superkicks, a few near-falls, and Jimmy Uso feigning an apology were not enough to meet the WWE Universe's expectations. In hindsight, Jey vs. Jimmy Uso didn't hold much significance as both brothers reunited in the build-up to Survivor Series: WarGames.
The rift and bout at Mania seem to have been forgotten as The Usos have reunited. It remains to be seen if a rematch will take place.
#1. The Pride vs The Final Testament in a Philadelphia Street Fight (WrestleMania XL: Night Two)
WrestleMania is WWE's biggest spectacle, and it is the company's priority to ensure that most, if not all, Superstars receive the opportunity to compete on The Show of Shows. This philosophy could force meaningless rivalries and programs onto the card.
The Pride vs. The Final Testament was a convenient excuse to put prominent names like Bobby Lashley, Karrion Kross, and The Street Profits on the card for Mania. The two factions had been feuding for months, and WWE had stalled the blow-off to The Show of Shows.
The match was not particularly memorable, especially compared to the other top matches fans witnessed on Night Two. There were also a few botches. Bubba Ray Dudley's appearance and the subsequent use of tables provided some entertainment value.
However, once the match was over, very few people talked about it. This may have been Lashley's final WrestleMania match, which makes matters more frustrating.