In the wrestling business, 2024 is shaping to be one of the best ever in terms of in-ring quality and storyline development for both WWE and All Elite Wrestling. The top talents in the world are shining bright on the biggest stages.

As great as the past year has been, though, it's time for both companies to take the excitement to the next level heading into the winter holiday season.

WWE and AEW could book surprise debuts or returns for upcoming live shows, or an unexpected wrestler could win major gold.

Here are some predicted bombshells that are sure to drop in the latter stages of 2024.

Shane McMahon Will Challenge Tony Khan

Tony Khan claims he wants to change the wrestling game, and one of the best ways to shock the industry would be to sign Shane McMahon.

Rumors have swirled about the possible addition of McMahon to AEW since a photograph of him meeting Khan recently surfaced in July.

The AEW president will eventually announce a major television deal, laying out how the contract proves the company is here to stay, but representatives from the network will request to speak to the fans about the future.

When Khan throws to the big screen, McMahon should appear, just as he did on March 26, 2001, sending the wrestling world into a frenzy.

The former WWE executive can inform Khan that he was hired to ensure his company fulfills its potential since the deal was so lucrative.

Maybe what AEW needs is a McMahon.

Joe Hendry Becomes NXT and TNA World Champion

While some fans have complained about the relationship between TNA and WWE's NXT brand—just as they did when AEW worked with the former—it brought exposure to elite talent and showcased how companies can work together.

With that said, NXT has dominated TNA, but Joe Hendry should change that.

As one of the most popular performers in all of wrestling right now, the Scot should spend the rest of the year chasing world titles.

First, he should beat Nic Nemeth for the TNA World Championship at Bound for Glory on October 26. Just one day later at Halloween Havoc, he should fight Ethan Page for the NXT Championship.

WWE could protect its stars by having it be a multi-person match, but Hendry should walk out of the weekend as a double champion.

Hurt Business Coming to AEW

In recent weeks, Fightful has reported that AEW has been in communication with free agents Bobby Lashley, MVP and Shelton Benjamin. The speculation heated up when Totally Harmless Concept LLC filed to trademark "The Hurt Syndicate."

With a string of injuries costing top stars months off television, the departure of several big-name performers and at least one major retirement, AEW could use a boost in terms of a marquee arrival. Lashley being inserted into the world title scene with MVP as his manager would be just what the doctor ordered.

Benjamin is a beloved performer in wrestling and could be booked as a top henchman for Lashley as he tries to protect the title.

A true monster heel with the AEW world title would set the stage for a triumphant face to eventually defeat the two-time WWE champion.

Let Lashley retire Bryan Danielson and win the belt, and AEW would create the ultimate bad guy.

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