A re-made faction; former AEW champion - 8 Stars who made unexpected WWE debuts in matches this year
WWE obviously relies on its top stars to carry the company throughout the year. Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Gunther, Bayley, Becky Lynch, and Rhea Ripley have all had big roles this year.
However, unexpected returns or debuts really shake things up for everyone. Predictability can stagnate a product, especially if a promotion uses the same five to eight stars and doesn't vary its types or matches.
Several big stars have made unexpected debuts for the company in the past. In 2024, many unexpected names, including the next eight performers, have competed for WWE.
(Stephanie Vaquer and Giulia have signed with WWE but aren't included until they have a match on TV or a premium live event).
#8. Trey Miguel and The Rascalz reunited in NXT
Zachary Wentz and Wes Lee are two-time NXT Tag Team Champions under the MSK name. Trey Miguel stayed with TNA Wrestling while his friends ruled the tag team division in NXT.
As WWE and TNA built a working relationship this year, more names were used in NXT. Wentz was unfortunately released a few years ago due to factors out of his control.
TNA brought him back to reunite The Rascalz. The trio had one of the matches of the year against Nathan Frazer, Je'Von Evans, and Axiom earlier this summer. Lee and Wentz faced and fell to Frazer and Axiom in a spirited title match. The former North American Champ then turned on his brothers.
#7. Ethan Page won the NXT title in his first few months
All Ego Ethan Page was arguably one of the most misused AEW stars. He was stuck with factions that weren't going anywhere and was regularly stepped over by newer signings.
Due to his promo ability, it was a shame he wasn't pushed harder. That lack of use was immediately remedied when he made a shock debut for NXT by attacking Trick Williams.
Page would quickly win the NXT Championship from Williams in a Fatal Four-Way match. He's still the Champ, but due to his readiness for the main roster, All Ego could feasibly debut on the main roster in the 2025 Royal Rumble.
#6. Jordynne Grace shocked the world at the Royal Rumble
Jordynne Grace's surprise appearance in the 2024 Royal Rumble set the stage for a historic working relationship between TNA and WWE. Under Vince McMahon, TNA/Impact Wrestling wasn't even acknowledged as a competitor.
There was a stigma against signing TNA stars, but that was broken by Samoa Joe, Bobby Roode, and AJ Styles. Grace has been the backbone of the Knockouts Division for the last five years.
She led the division with Deonna Purrazzo, but the latter moved on to AEW. The Juggernaut also battled Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women's title. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Grace as part of the women's division in 2025.
#5. Jade Cargill stormed into WWE
Like Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, Jade Cargill joined the ranks of huge names, leaving AEW for WWE. Punk and Rhodes have had long, successful careers, but Cargill was a relative novice to the industry when she joined All Elite Wrestling a few years ago. Triple H signed her last fall, but she only appeared in segments.
Her star power was hard to ignore, as evidenced by the reaction she received when she made her in-ring debut during the Royal Rumble. Cargill made it to the final three and later signed with SmackDown.
She had her first official match at WrestleMania 40 alongside Bianca Belair and Naomi. After The Show of Shows, The Storm would soon compete in singles and tag team contests, winning the Women's Tag titles with Belair.
#4. Joe Hendry has maintained incredible momentum in 2024
One of the biggest names to benefit from the TNA/WWE relationship has been Joe Hendry. The entertaining star joined the ranks of the most over stars in the world this year as his infectious theme became a mainstream success.
Fans started to clamor for Hendry at every TNA show. Signs started popping up in the crowd on AEW and WWE shows. After Grace's involvement in the spring, it was a no-brainer for Joe Hendry to cross over.
He's done that, seamlessly fitting in with the NXT roster. He's brushed shoulders with Williams, HBK, Wes Lee, Page, and other NXT stars. All someone has to do is say his name and Joe Hendry will appear.
#3. Tama Tonga, #2. Tonga Loa, & #1. Jacob Fatu joined Solo Sikoa's Bloodline
Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga debuted for WWE, while Tonga Loa returned under a new name. Tama Tonga shockingly appeared on the SmackDown after WrestleMania 40 by attacking Jimmy Uso.
Loa followed suit at Backlash: France, interfering in the tag team match, pitting Solo and Tama against Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. However, it was Jacob Fatu who made the biggest impact.
He wrecked Cody Rhodes, Owens, and Orton and put The American Nightmare through the announce table. It was one of the loudest debuts in wrestling history and gave the group even more credibility.