Ranking every WWE 2023 PLE from worst to best

WWE reached new heights of business when it merged with the UFC to form the TKO Group. They’ve also provided the audience with incredible Premium Live Events that have reaped their massive success.

Despite the change in the person at the helm, WWE Management was able to sustain their deliverance for their list of annual PPVs. From smaller shows like BackLash and Fastlane to massive stadium shows like Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, every show had its fair share of highlights and memorable moments.

Additionally, the change of locations also brought in energized crowds from different parts of the world. WWE was exceptional as it once again built a “must-see” feel for its live shows that always left the audience hungry for more. Here is the list of every WWE PLE ranked from worst to best and the analysis behind them.

12. Payback

Payback was like a “get-low” PLE after a string of International live events across the world. Despite having two of the best matches of the year in the series of six matches, it ended up being a show that gets slept on by the fans. The event was hot when they kicked it off with Trish Stratus against the Man, Becky Lynch inside the Steel Cage.

The ending was also grand and brought the change of hands for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. Despite the constant interference from Judgment Day spoiling the mood, the change felt for the better. The most disappointing affair was Rhea Ripley vs Raquel Rodriguez. The Visionary squaring against Shinsuke Nakamura and LA Knight vs the Miz did deliver. Austin Theory vs Rey Mysterio for the US Title wasn’t something memorable either.

11. Fastlane

While being far from bad, it was another PLE that paled in comparison with other events. Shinsuke Nakamura wrestled his first main event against the Visionary, Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins in a last-man-standing match. Despite the fans knowing the outcome, they worked hard to deliver more than an average performance.

The PLE also had its fair share of surprises as Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso captured the Tag Team Titles from the Judgment Day. Carlito also returned to aid the LWO while John Cena endorsed LA Knight. Yet, there was something that made it look more like a glorified house show than a Premium Live Event.

10. SummerSlam

SummerSlam was one of the most washed-down PLEs that happened on a grand scale. It had a grand build-up, especially for the main event between Jey Uso and Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship. The Tribal Combat didn’t deliver as the match ended up being underwhelming with Jimmy Uso delivering a nonsensical betrayal.

The event’s excessive run time with matches like the MMA-styled fight between Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler became a snooze fest. There were some bright moments like the Iyo Sky MITB cash-in and Cody Rhodes besting the Beast, Brock Lesnar that garnered him the respect and major push he needed.

9. Crown Jewel

Crown Jewel delivered a slight comeback after an underwhelming Fastlane. None of the matches were underwhelming and the PLE had a great opening with Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and Drew McIntyre tearing it up for the World Heavyweight Championship. Logan Paul also stole the show with his stellar performance against Rey Mysterio.

The PLE also saw the return of the Japanese star, Kairi Sane. LA Knight and Roman Reigns also delivered a match above expectations as the crowd was invested thoroughly during their battle. However, WWE has a history of better events in Saudi Arabia, yet no credit should be taken away from the show that was delivered.

8. Night of Champions

Night of Champions was a major step-up in the game that WWE delivered in Saudi Arabia. Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and AJ Styles delivered an outstanding opening for the show in the match to crown the inaugural World Heavyweight Champion. Brock Lesnar also avenged his loss against the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes.

Other bouts like Asuka ending Bianca‘s record run as the Raw Women’s Champion and Gunther against Mustafa Ali were average battles. It would have been an average PLE had it not been for the outstanding main event. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens led a thrilling finish as they defeated Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa with the aid of Jimmy Uso.

7. Royal Rumble

The success of the Royal Rumble PLE lies in the attraction it generates with its men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches. For this year, WWE delivered a fine PLE as Cody Rhodes returned from his injury to surpass the 29 other superstars and Rhea Ripley conquered the rumble to get her shot at Charlotte Flair.

Bianca Belair vs Alexa Bliss and LA Knight vs Bray Wyatt ended up being lackluster affairs. However, the night also had the biggest pops of the year as Sami Zayn turned face by striking the Tribal Chief with a Kendo Stick. This cemented his official split from the Bloodline.

6. WrestleMania 39 (Night 2)

Being a two-night affair, WrestleMania deserves to be scrutinized for both the nights separately. Despite the wrestling being second to none, it took a disheartening turn for many. Many flops that got delivered belong to this night.

However, the plus points couldn’t be denied either. Asuka and Bianca Belair went to war for the Raw Women’s Championship. On the other side, Gunther, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre delivered the best match of the year. Despite the disappointing finish, Cody Rhodes managed to give the Tribal Chief one of the toughest battles he ever had.

5. Elimination Chamber

Many critics have objected to the position of the Elimination Chamber lying between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania. However, it was different this year for it mattered a lot. It saw the fan favorite, Sami Zayn fight tooth and nail for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship against Roman Reigns.

Its only blemish was the lackluster battle between Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar which could easily be counted among the worst matches of the year. Asuka survived the other 5-women to slam her ticket to Mania while Austin Theory got to prove his mantle in the chamber where he was thrown from the top of the pod last year.

4. Money in the Bank

Money in the Bank is cherished for its unique concept. Bringing it to the hot London Crowd made it further memorable and has given the green light for a future PLE in the UK. It was a satisfying affair for the fans as they saw Damian Priest and Iyo Sky capture the MITB briefcases.

Shayna Baszler betraying Ronda Rousey and Drew McIntyre confronting the Ring General, Gunther after his brutal match with Matt Riddle was an exciting experience for the audience. It was an unforgettable night for the audience after Jey Uso pinned Roman Reigns for the first time in his run as the Tribal Chief. The occasion was the Usos going loggerheads with their cousins in the Bloodline Civil War.

3. Backlash

Backlash making it to the top three PLEs of the year might be something that hasn’t been seen for quite long. The energy shown by the Puerto Rican crowd was unbelievable. They started the night by giving tremendous support to Iyo Sky as she battled Bianca Belair. Rhea Ripley and Zelina Vega were treated like true stars.

On the other hand, the response to the Bloodline against Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and Matt Riddle was also noteworthy. Despite Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes main eventing the show, it was the match between Damian Priest and the music sensation, Bad Bunny, that stole the show.

2. WrestleMania 39 (Night 1)

Fans are surprised to see the gap, in terms of the product, that exists between both nights of WrestleMania 39. The night was gradually built and served a tremendous second half. The showdown between Logan Paul and Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins was unexpectedly amazing. Rey Mysterio finally got the chance to discipline his brat, Dominik Mysterio.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley delivered one of the greatest women’s matches of this year. Lastly, the main event gave all the fans a feel-good vibe as they finally saw Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens capture the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles from the Usos. For many at that point, it seemingly heralded the fall of the Bloodline which remains due with Cody Rhodes coming up short on the next night.

1. Survivor Series

With the days of brand wars behind, Survivor Series once again rode the success of the War Games Match. The Women’s War Games Match once again built the show with several high-risk spots that made the fans gasp at several moments. The Miz earned the respect of the Chicago crowd as he rallied his efforts against the Ring General.

Like every show, it had its lows in the Ripley vs Stark and Dragon Lee vs Santos Escobar. The Men’s War Game’s match was a worthy main event. It not only filled the spot but even minimized the need for having the World Titles defended on that night. The return of Randy Orton further electrified the atmosphere as he evened the odds against the treacherous Judgment Day.

Of course, it topped the list because it delivered one of the biggest cliffhanger endings in the history of professional wrestling. CM Punk made his earth-shattering return that headlined the news for several days.

In case you missed:

• Former tag team makes SHOCKING return and causes major upset on WWE SmackDown 
• “Still holding my head high,” 29-year-old Superstar breaks silence after suffering his first loss on SmackDown 

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW