OLDEST WRESTLERS TO COMPETE IN WWE & AEW IN 2024

Wrestling is typically seen as a young person's sport due to the tax it puts on the body, both from an in-ring perspective and the travel involved. Many older wrestlers can't keep up as the sport develops and the in-ring skills and techniques evolve. Still, some are skilled enough to stay relevant even later in life.

It's not easy to keep working at the level of WWE or AEW, but those who can keep reinventing themselves manage to do that. Throughout 2024, several older wrestlers have managed to compete for both of these promotions, proving that age is just a number.

Rey Mysterio Is Still Wowing People With His In-Ring Skills

He's Battled Through Numerous Injuries To Keep Wrestling

Few wrestlers have gone through as many injuries throughout their careers as Rey Mysterio, who has constantly been fighting against various issues, particularly with his knees. But despite those problems, he is still an active member of the WWE roster, putting on matches regularly.

Mysterio looks as good as he has ever done inside the ring, continuing to move with speed and agility. He hasn't dialed back his style yet, which means he's still able to work at a high level and remain one of the best in the company.

Christian Cage Is Having One Of The Best Runs Of His Career

He's Become A Top Heel For AEW

Christian Cage is a legend of the wrestling business who has done it all in the industry. After a career-ending injury, most people presumed his time in the business was done. Few people expected him to have another run in the business, and even fewer would've expected it to have gone as well as it has.

Cage has reinvented himself massively and has become a top heel in AEW. His work right now is arguably the best of his entire career, proving that the experience of manipulating a crowd can be beneficial.

Adam Copeland Is Coming Toward The End Of His Career

He's Enjoying One Final Run Before Retirement

Adam Copeland was seen as a WWE lifer for the longest time, but he surprised fans by joining AEW to continue his career. Despite having a career-ending neck injury, Copeland was able to return to close his WWE career in his own right, and now he's carrying on by adding to his legacy in AEW.

Copeland is coming toward the end of his career, which he's been open about. However, he's still competing at a high level. He shows no signs of slowing down by taking big risks inside the ring to ensure he can hang with the younger stars in the business.

Paul Wight Has Battled Injuries To Keep Competing

He Makes Rare In-Ring Appearances For AEW

Paul Wight's AEW career hasn't quite gone to plan, as his body hasn't been able to hold up. Considering his size and the years he's put into the business, it isn't a huge surprise that he's now starting to struggle, as Wight has put in the miles.

He has managed to compete in one match in AEW this year, but it's one that most people wouldn't have seen. It took place on the Chris Jericho Cruise, making it an exclusive match for those in attendance.

R-Truth Remains A Beloved Figure In Wrestling

He's Enjoyed A Successful Tag Team Run With The Miz

R-Truth has been part of the business for a long time, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. His ability to be incredibly funny guarantees that he's always going to have a spot on the card, and over the years, that has led to changes in how much he's been used.

Despite being one of the oldest roster members, 2024 has been one of Truth's best years. His comedic work with The Judgment Day was brilliant, and reuniting with The Miz as a babyface team has led to a fantastic run that audiences are enjoying.

The Rock Made His Triumphant Return In 2024

He Reinvented Himself As A Heel

Few people thought they'd see The Rock competing in a wrestling match again by the time 2024 rolled around, but his return was a huge deal. Rather than just returning as a beloved legend, The Rock switched things up and created the Final Boss character, one of his greatest gimmicks.

He only competed in one match, the main event of WWE WrestleMania 40. However, he was around regularly throughout the build, and that led to some brilliant work that proved he's still got that magic he's always had.

Chris Jericho Remains A Constant Figure In AEW

Some Fans Have Started To Turn On Him Recently

Chris Jericho is one of the biggest names in wrestling history, and he's showing no signs of slowing down inside the ring. Jericho has been one of the faces of AEW since its inception, and that continues to this day. He's consistently part of the show, to the point that some fans have started to resent him.

Jericho has been getting a lot of heat in 2024 as audiences are bored of seeing him. However, in typical Jericho fashion, he has leaned into that and created another character that has proven to be compelling to watch.

Dustin Rhodes Has Become A Champion Again Later In Life

He's Thriving In AEW & ROH

Dustin Rhodes has kept himself in great shape as he's got older in the business, and that's allowed him to keep up with the younger talent. Rhodes hasn't always been pushed by Tony Khan, but in 2024 he has started to get more opportunities when teaming up with younger stars to help build them.

Rhodes is full of passion for wrestling which is something fans have bought into and is why audiences are so excited to watch him whenever he competes.

Jeff Jarrett Is Continuing To Entertain AEW Fans

He's Now Turned Into A Babyface Due To His Lengthy Career

Jeff Jarrett has seen and done it all in professional wrestling, both in the ring and behind the scenes. He is one of the most well-respected minds in the business. There was a groan when he initially debuted in AEW, but Jarrett has proven his worth since then.

Jarrett knows his place on the card and makes the most of every minute he gets inside the ring, which has made him a valuable part of the product. In 2024, he started naturally turning babyface, as fans have shown him respect for his years of work.

Billy Gunn Remains Incredibly Popular

He's Reinvented Himself To Work Alongside The Acclaimed

At 60-years-old Billy Gunn is the oldest active wrestler competing in either WWE or AEW, and he's proving that age is just a number. The former D-Generation X star boasts one of the best physiques in the entire industry despite being an older star, and his hard work is paying off.

He's competed for AEW and kept himself active by having a few independent matches as well. Gunn works alongside The Acclaimed and has connected with a brand new generation of wrestling fans with this character as he's incredibly over.

Sting Wrestled His Last Match Ever

The Icon Retired At AEW Revolution

At AEW Revolution 2024, Sting competed in his final match ever, teaming with Darby Allin in a no-holds-barred contest against The Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Team titles. Despite his age, Sting delivered a memorable performance, capping off his legendary career with a hard-fought victory.

2024-09-14T07:02:00Z dg43tfdfdgfd