4 worst WWE matches of 2024 in the Triple H regime
Triple H has led WWE into a new era centered on long-term storytelling and great in-ring action. His approach, combined with the freedom and opportunities given to the locker room, has led to some great wrestling matches.
The ideal wrestling match has back-and-forth action with a balanced dose of big moves, good chemistry between the wrestlers, some drama, and fine storytelling. For example, Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes II in the main event of WrestleMania XL: Night Two was universally hailed on all parameters.
However, sometimes, the match doesn't click, and the reaction is pretty underwhelming, as was the case with these WWE four matches in the Triple H regime.
Disclaimer: This list is restricted to the main roster; NXT has intentionally been excluded.
#4. Triple H booked an underwhelming Men's Royal Rumble match
The 2024 Men's Royal Rumble match featured the pre-advertised in-ring return of CM Punk, a decade after he had walked out on the company. However, some glaring issues killed the excitement.
First, many of the top competitors entered late in the match. The winner, Cody Rhodes, entered at 15, while other favorites like Gunther, CM Punk, and Drew McIntyre, joined the fray at 18, 27, and 29.
Therefore, Tag Team Specialists and lower mid-card talent, with no real chance of winning, filled the ring for the most. This also leads to another notable issue with The Rumble as there was limited star power. Aside from the four big guns mentioned above, there weren't many credible stars.
Jey Uso, Bobby Lashley, and Sami Zayn were also participants, but they were far from favorites. Major players like Randy Orton, AJ Styles, LA Knight, Logan Paul, and Kevin Owens had wrestled in the under-card. Perhaps, Triple H should have considered using some of them again.
Furthermore, following botched attempts in previous years, Kofi Kingston seemingly dropped his Royal Rumble highlight reel spot this year, making his appearance meaningless and ruining what many deem a mandatory highlight.
Lastly, there were few legitimate surprises. Andrade came in early, but the pop wasn't as memorable because he was less known to casual fans. Bron Breakker also entered the fray, delivering a shot of adrenaline and quickly racking up several eliminations before Dominik Mysterio's unceremonious elimination.
No recognized legends entered for a loud pop, a long-standing tradition of the Rumble. The drama started in the last fifteen minutes of the match. The rest was pretty much skippable.
#3. Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax for the inaugural WWE Women's Crown Jewel Championship
At Bad Blood, Triple H introduced the Crown Jewel championships in honor of Saudi Arabia. Two champion vs. champion matches were scheduled between the World Champions from both brands for both the male and female divisions.
Liv Morgan and Nia Jax battled for the inaugural Women's Crown Jewel Championships last week, but there was nothing memorable about the battle. It felt like a random throwaway match on RAW.
Tiffany Stratton teased a cash-in heading into the match, but that didn't happen. Furthermore, both women were heels, so there was confusion, and WWE hadn't given fans much reason to cheer one over the other. Stratton was the X-factor, and Triple H fumbled the opportunity to add drama with the cash-in.
The ending was predictable as Morgan won via outside interference. It fell flat and uninspiring. Compared to the Men's Crown Jewel Title, this will easily fade out of memory soon.
#2. The Pride vs. The Final Testament in a Philadelphia Street Fight
The Pride vs. The Final Testament was just an excuse to get credible names like Bobby Lashley, Karrion Kross, and The Street Profits on the card for WrestleMania XL. Judging by the build and booking of the match, Triple H didn't keep this entire program on his priority list.
For starters, The Pride- The Final Testament saga had gone on for too long beyond its expiration date. Thus, there was little fanfare heading into their Philadelphia Street Fight at Mania.
The lack of interest from the crowd impacted the quality of the match, severely diminishing the energy and excitement. Montez Ford dove over the turnbuckle and Kross hit a chair-assisted Neckbreaker, but most of the action felt sloppy and flat.
The inclusion of Bubba Ray Dudley as a Special Guest Referee and Snoop Dogg as a commentator added some thrill. However, overall, it was one of the least inspiring matches of WrestleMania XL.
#1. Jey Uso vs. Jimmy Uso was extremely underwhelming
The Bloodline saga had multiple spin-offs and daughter storylines branching off the main narrative. The Usos imploded in the summer of 2023 as Jimmy betrayed Jey to prevent his brother from becoming like Roman Reigns.
For the next several months, both men were on separate brands, but Jimmy frequently stuck his nose in Jey's business. Despite resentment, Jey eventually agreed to a match with his twin brother at Mania.
Triple H had delivered an amazing background story, fans were interested, and The Usos were great in-ring workers. However, seven months later, the WWE Universe seems to have forgotten that this ever happened, and for good reason.
This was more of a Superkick fiesta as both men repeatedly used the same redundant maneuver to gain an advantage. For two stars immensely gifted between the ropes, they could have done better.
Jey finished the match with a Spear followed by The Uso Splash, but it was far from his best effort. Triple H booked the prelude brilliantly, but the lack of innovation and drama in the actual match took away from the entire angle.