NEW DELHI: With the year 2023 drawing to a close, wrestling enthusiasts are hailing it as WWE's best year in the past two decades, owing to the consistent quality of the product showcased on RAW and SmackDown. While weekly television witnessed significant improvements, it was the Premium Live Events that truly elevated the year's wrestling experience.
WWE presented a total of 11 major shows throughout the year, and what stands out is the remarkable fact that each one of them delivered, ranging from solid to excellent, etching moments that will live long in the memories of fans.
Let's take a detailed look at each WWE Premium Live Event in 2023, ranked from the least to the best.
11. WWE Crown JewelLabeling Crown Jewel 2023 as the worst WWE premium live event of the year might be deemed harsh, considering it was still a decent show. However, aside from the standout match between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre, the event lacked significant highlights.
WWE-wood: 10 wrestlers who became Hollywood superstars
The main event, featuring LA Knight and Roman Reigns, suffered from a significant botch. While Kairi Sane's WWE return added value, some matches, like IYO SKY vs. Bianca Belair, failed to meet expectations.
10. WWE FastlaneFastlane 2023 shared similarities with Crown Jewel, offering one standout match and a surprise return. Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso's Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship win and the iconic press conference set the stage, but the card fell short overall.
John Cena and LA Knight's victory over The Bloodline and Seth Rollins' Last Man Standing triumph over Shinsuke Nakamura in the main event were highlights, but the event felt a bit prolonged.
9. WWE Night of ChampionsNight of Champions emerged as WWE's best Saudi Arabia show of 2023, featuring a stellar main event and a strong supporting lineup. Seth Rollins' World Heavyweight Championship win against AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar's clash with Cody Rhodes were key moments.
However, the highlight was Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's feud-ending victory over The Bloodline, defending their Tag Team Titles after Jimmy Uso's betrayal.
8. WWE PaybackWhile not the biggest show of the year, Payback 2023 delivered two excellent matches. Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus engaged in an epic Steel Cage Match, possibly the best women's match in WWE that year.
WWE-wood: 10 wrestlers who became Hollywood superstars
Finn Balor and Damian Priest's Street Fight win over Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn showcased brutal spots. Despite a lackluster main event between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura, John Cena's appearance added value.
7. WWE SummerSlamSummerSlam 2023 was a brilliant show overall, marred only by a controversial ending. Cody Rhodes defeating Brock Lesnar and IYO SKY's Money in the Bank cash-in on Bianca Belair were standout moments.
The world title match between Seth Rollins and Finn Balor was excellent, while Shayna Baszler's MMA Rules match against Ronda Rousey disappointed. Jimmy Uso's betrayal of Jey Uso added a shocking twist.
6. WWE Elimination ChamberElimination Chamber 2023 hosted one of the most emotional main events in recent WWE history, with Sami Zayn delivering a fantastic match against Roman Reigns.
While the finish was slightly disappointing, the card, including both Chamber matches, was mostly good. Seth Rollins, Montez Ford, and Austin Theory's performances in the United States Title Chamber match stood out. However, Bobby Lashley's disqualification win against Brock Lesnar was a letdown.
5. WWE BacklashBacklash 2023 benefited greatly from an electric crowd in Puerto Rico, turning decent matches into good ones and good matches into great ones.
Bianca Belair and IYO SKY's opener remains fondly remembered. Bad Bunny's Street Fight win over Damian Priest, featuring run-ins from The Judgment Day, LWO, Carlito, and Savio Vega, stole the show. Puerto Rico's passionate crowd made this event unforgettable.
4. WWE Royal RumbleThe Royal Rumble 2023 kicked off the year with a bang, setting the stage for WrestleMania 39. Cody Rhodes and Gunther's showdown in the men's Rumble and the coast-to-coast battle between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan in the women's Rumble were highlights.
WWE-wood: 10 wrestlers who became Hollywood superstars
Asuka's return and the emotional aftermath of Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens, with Sami Zayn's betrayal, made this event a memorable start to the year.
3. WWE Money in the BankMoney in the Bank 2023, emanating from the United Kingdom, was entertaining from start to finish. Damian Priest and IYO SKY's respective briefcase wins, creative ladder match spots, and surprise returns by John Cena and Drew McIntyre enhanced the show. The Bloodline Civil War, where The Usos defeated Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa, provided a gigantic moment. Despite some mixed moments, the event peaked at the end with this intense showdown.
2. WWE Survivor Series: WarGamesSurvivor Series 2023 stood out with solid undercard action, setting the stage for two epic WarGames matches. Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair's alliance, Cody Rhodes leading his team to victory, and Randy Orton's return were notable moments.
However, the show's climax featured a historic moment – CM Punk's WWE return, ensuring this event takes a higher spot on the list.
1. WWE WrestleMania 39Despite its faults, WrestleMania 39 claimed the top spot as WWE's best Premium Live Event of 2023. Boasting numerous memorable moments and mesmerizing matches, Night One featured an emotional win for Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens over The Usos.
WWE-wood: 10 wrestlers who became Hollywood superstars
Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair's hard-fought match and Rey and Dominik Mysterio's dramatic father-son encounter were highlights. Night Two, while a mixed bag, included significant moments like Gunther, Drew McIntyre, and Sheamus' hard-hitting classic and CM Punk's epic return. WrestleMania 39 secured its position as the pinnacle of WWE events in 2023.
Start a Conversation
Post comment