What a year it has been for WWE. The sports entertainment juggernaut had a wonderful 2023 with some pretty historic moments. Of course, there were some (kayfabe) downsides like Dominik Mysterio ending Wes Lee’s incredible NXT North American Championship run, Edge getting his farewell match, and more.
Overall, 2023 was a pretty solid year for the company with consistent storytelling and some amazing matches. Fans were also treated to some epic returns that took the wrestling world by surprise. So without further ado, let’s take a look at five best WWE moments of the year:
The Beast meets the Ring General (Royal Rumble 2023)
WWE kicked off their Premium Live Event action with Royal Rumble 2023. More than 50,000 fans packed the Alamodome in San Antonio to witness their favorite superstars get equal opportunity to fight for the right to main event WrestleMania.
While both Men and Women’s Royal Rumble matches featured some epic spots, the first-ever interaction between Brock Lesnar and Gunther popped a huge reaction from the crowd. The Ring General and the Beast came face-to-face to tease a (potential WrestleMania) match.
Jimmy Uso finally snaps (WWE Night of Champions)
Night of Champions made its return to WWE after eight years. The last NOC pay-per-view event took place in 2015 and featured Seth Rollins and Sting in the main event. Night of Champions 2023 took place in Saudi Arabia on May 27.
The main event brought The Bloodline (Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa) against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship. The closing moments saw one of the loudest pops in company history as Jimmy Uso finally superkicked the abusive Tribal Chief to cost him the match.
Roman Reigns gets pinned (Money in the Bank)
The Bloodline got itself involved in a civil war after WrestleMania 39. Jimmy Uso cost Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa their tag team title match at Night of Champions 2023. Jey Uso joined his brother in shattering the faction in the lead-up to WWE Money in the Bank 2023.
The twins went to war with Reigns and Solo in the main event of London PLE. Main Event Jey made history as he became the first man in nearly five years to pin Roman Reigns in front of the WWE Universe.
The Rock comes home (WWE SmackDown)
The Rock is one of the biggest stars in the whole world. He’s a former multi-time World Champion. His movies have grossed billions at the Box Office. Rocky is also great at making unannounced appearances.
The People’s Champion surprised the WWE Universe when he showed up at the September 15, 2023, episode of SmackDown. Rock showed up to help Pat McAfee against Austin Theory. His return broke multiple records on social media until…
CM Punk returns (Survivor Series: WarGames)
CM Punk pulled off the biggest (and best) moment in 2023 when he return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames. Chicago’s All State Arena jolted as Cult of Personality hit to make way for the Straight Edge Superstar’s return to his home promotion after a decade.
Punk’s return also set in motion a highly-anticipated storyline with Seth Rollins. Both men finally came face-to-face at the December 18 episode of Monday Night RAW. The same night Punk declared for the 2024 Royal Rumble.
Honorable Mentions
- Sami Zayn turns on Roman Reigns (WWE Royal Rumble 2023)
- Rhea Ripley wins SmackDown Women’s Title (WrestleMania 39)
- Seth Rollins becomes first World Heavyweight Champion (Night of Champions)
- John Cena returns (WWE Money in the Bank)
- Randy Orton delivers mid-air RKO on JD McDonagh (Survivor Series: WarGames)
Also read: Kevin Nash says CM Punk Is Selling WWE Merch Like Tony Montana Moved Cocaine
