6 Heartbreaking WWE Moments of 2024: Rey Misterio Sr. Dies at 66 and More

Although 2024 was a monumental year for WWE, it delivered some of the most heartbreaking moments that the fans least expected, especially the one involving 16-time WWE Champion John Cena. WWE is coming off one of the company's most successful years in its four-decade history. But it was not only major success that was the highlight of this year. 2024 saw multiple moments that made the fans sad and heartbroken at the same time.

From victories moments being ruined to WWE veterans deciding to hang up their boots, here are the top 6 WWE heartbreaking moments of 2024

6) Rey Misterio Sr passed away

Rey Misterio was one of the biggest luchador stars in Mexico. He was one of the pioneers to redefine high-flying wrestling competing for multiple promotions. Most notably, Misterio Sr has trained his nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr, who went on to become one of the greatest WWE luchadors of all time and a Hall of Famer. However, the wrestling world was saddened this year as Misterio Sr passed away at the age of 66 which was a heartbreaking moment for his family and fans across the world.

5) AJ Styles Farewell Tour Delayed due to injury

AJ Styles made his return to WWE in October following an extended hiatus. Also, Reports suggested that he was slated to start his Farewell Tour. However during his first match back against Carmelo Hayes, Styles injured his ankle. This was later revealed to be a legitimate injury and Styles has not been seen since, derailing his plans to embark on the last leg of his wrestling career.

4) Drew McIntyre loses World title at WM 40

Drew McIntyre waited for nearly four years to have his moment of glory. He achieved it finally at WrestleMania XL by defeating Seth Rollins to win the World Heavyweight Championship in front of a live audience. However, his ego cost him his moment as CM Punk attacked him, which led to Damian Priest cashing in his Money in the Bank contract successfully and stealing the title and the glory from McIntyre in a heartbreaking moment for his loyal fan base.

3 The Rock abandons the People’s Champion gimmick

The WWE Universe was used to see the ‘Good Guy’ People’s Champion side of The Rock for years. However, after Cody Rhodes became his rival on the road to WrestleMania XL, The Rock joined forces with Roman Reigns and his Bloodline and brought out a new villainous side of his. This came to be known as “The Final Boss”, which was an amalgamation of his current persona and popular gimmick in the early 2000s, known as “Hollywood Rock.” This left many of his fans upset as their hero had turned on them in the most brutal way possible .

2 Big E exiled from The New Day

The 10-year anniversary celebration of The New Day on RAW, which was supposed to be a joyous occasion, quickly turned sour. As Big E attempted to return to the side of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, the duo accused him of abandoning them and expressed some hurtful remarks. In the end, they dismissed Big E and turned on the fans in one of the most heartbreaking moments of 2024.

1 John Cena’s Retirement

One of the most heartbreaking moments in not only 2024 but also in the history of WWE came at the Money in the Bank Premium Live Event. John Cena made a surprise appearance in front of the Toronto audience, but he had shocking news to deliver to the entire world. The 16-time WWE Champion announced that 2025 would be his final year as an in-ring competitor, and his career would culminate at the end of the year with a Retirement Tour. This news left a huge fan base who grew up watching John Cena heartbroken, realising that “The Last Time” was indeed now.


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