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Stock Up, Stock Down on MJF and More WWE and AEW Stars

Philip Lindsey

We're halfway through 2024 and professional wrestling is still as exciting as ever thanks to the top two companies.

WWE is still on a hot streak with Cody Rhodes as the face of the company, but The Bloodline has successfully transitioned into a new chapter of its long-running story. The latest iteration of the stable continues to be a prominent act on SmackDown with an awesome new member and a fresh approach.

Meanwhile, AEW's women's division has finally become an integral part of its programming with the addition of Mercedes Moné and the emergence of new stars like Willow Nightingale. Toni Storm and her former protege have proven that the company's creative team can create meaningful storylines around the women's world title.

With many of its homegrown stars back, All Elite Wrestling seems primed to power through the remainder of the year and restore the feeling.

Let's track how these six-stars stocks have risen or dropped heading into the second half of 2024.

Tiffany Stratton: Stock Up

Tiffany Statton started 2024 on a high note in her first appearance in the women's Royal Rumble match.

The following month, gymnast turned pro wrestler joined SmackDown and garnered an incredible reaction at Elimination Chamber: Perth. Although Liv Morgan eliminated her, the Australian voiced its disapproval and she has quickly become one of the biggest success stories from NXT this year.

Now, the 25-year-old is the youngest women's Money in the Bank winner, and it's a safe bet that she will hold championship gold soon.

Saraya: Stock Down

Saraya brought name recognition and the hope that the company could elevate its heavily maligned women's division to All Elite Wrestling in 2022.

Today, the women's matches and storylines are better than ever, but the English wrestler's stint with AEW has been a mixed bag. Her comedic timing and heel work are often her best asset, but in-ring output and forgettable title run have left much to be desired.

All In London is about a month away. It's unclear how she will factor into the company's second appearance at Wembley Stadium following her loss in the first round of the women's Owen Hart Cup tournament.

Mariah May: Stock Up

Mariah May joined AEW as a promising signee from Stardom last November.

Who would've guessed that the English wrestler would become such a significant addition to its women's division? May's plan to befriend, and eventually betray, Toni Storm has been the best storyline the company has produced in 2024 and the most compelling build to an AEW World's Championship match ever.

Her women's Owen Hart Cup win and subsequent heel turn was a star-making moment and an unforgettable cliffhanger to a strong episode of Dynamite.

Chad Gable: Stock Down

Chad Gable started this year as a believable threat to Gunther's historic WWE Intercontinental Championship run.

Now, the former Olympian is inexplicably tied up in a storyline with The Wyatt Sicks. On the plus side, Gable has finally The Creed Brothers as a much-needed upgrade to The Alpha Academy, but it's hard to believe he will attain his coveted prize now.

His change of direction after WrestleMania 40 initially seemed like a great way to keep him in the title picture, but Sami Zayn has moved on to a feud with Bron Breakker. It's starting to feel like WWE missed the chance to give him a career highlight.

Jacob Fatu: Stock Up

Jacob Fatu has become the breakout star of the new Bloodline since his debut at the end of the June 21 episode of SmackDown.

His eye-catching moveset and natural charisma have already made Solo Sikoa's new enforcer the most dynamic member of the group. Fatu was also impressive in his in-ring debut at Money in the Bank.

He stopped Cody Rhodes from landing a third Cross Rhodes to help Sikoa secure the win and a claim to an Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam. This has been a tremendous introduction to a new audience and we can't wait to compete in a long list of dream matches.

MJF: Stock Up

Maxwell Jacob Friedman returned to AEW at MGM Garden Arena to reclaim his spot as the top heel in the company.

MJF's formative world title run in 2023 propelled him into the upper echelon of top stars, but it ended with a divisive and predictable mystery that soured many fans. To make matters worse, his friendship and rivalry with Adam Cole didn't have a satisfying conclusion, leaving many viewers wondering what his return would look like.

Although his promo at Double or Nothing reminded us of the Max of old, The Salt of The Earth officially returned to his roots when he turned heel to close the July 3 episode of Dynamite. Betraying Daniel Garcia perfectly set up a conflict with Will Ospreay and their match-of-the-year contender from episode 250.

In the end, MJF shockingly handed The Aerial Assassin his second loss to become the new international champion ahead of All In London. This could lead to a high-profile rematch at Wembley Stadium.

   

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