Top 10 best WWE matches of 2023

Over the past few years, after the return of fans in arenas, WWE programming has become hotter and hotter. The fan investment has surmounted as WWE delivered “banger-after-banger” as Sheamus would say. Countless storylines have paid off their dues.

2023 has also been the year that witnessed earth-shattering changes in the Stamford-based company. Fans began engaging in debates about who had been the best booker so far. Triple H, who surprised the fans with his ascension to the throne of WWE creative as Vince McMahon finally bid farewell, has made a case for himself.

2023 also gave fans a laundry list of great matches that heated debates have begun around which should be the Match-of-the-Year. While there are still a few days before everyone bids goodbye to 2023, here is the list of the matches that impressed the WWE Universe this year.

10. AJ Styles vs. Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins (Night of Champions 2023)

WWE was set to crown its new World Heavyweight Champion for the first time since 2013. Superstars qualified by tackling top superstars from their respective brands as they participated in a tournament. Both Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and AJ Styles had a remarkable championship pedigree to boast before they collided.

Despite having a fair share of history, the pair delivered in the opening bout of the night. While the Visionary had the tenacity to outscore the Phenomenal One, nowhere did the fans find Styles lacking in his attempts. At the end, the Head of Creative, Triple H himself, arrived to congratulate the Visionary as he wrapped the World Heavyweight title around his waist.

9. Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus (Steel Cage Match, Payback 2023)

This match saw the 6-time Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch square up against the 7-time Women’s Champion, Trish Stratus. This was the Hall of Famer’s first Steel Cage bout. The duo went back and forth for around 20 minutes as they subjected each other’s bodies to the brutality of the steel cage. 

The match also saw Stratus’ prodigy, Zoey Stark, interfere to aid her mentor. However, she was stopped in her tracks as The Man delivered the Manhandle Slam. The match even had an OMG moment as the Man stopped Stratus from escaping the cage and delivered a massive Manhandle Slam to pick up the win.

8. United States Championship Elimination Chamber Match (Elimination Chamber 2023)

It was a match that tested the mantle of the young superstar, Austin Theory as he successfully escaped the clutches of five other superstars hungry to capture his prestigious United States Championship. The match saw the likes of Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins and Johnny Gargano deliver a thrilling start.

Damian Priest and Bronson Reed also entered and wreaked havoc as they crushed other talent. The match is also remembered for the path-breaking singles performance delivered by Montez Ford, who even dropped a massive frog splash from the top of the chamber. In the end, Logan Paul interfered to beat the Visionary and secure the win for Vince McMahon’s prodigy.

7. Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vs. The Usos (Money in the Bank 2023)

Money in the Bank was a solid PPV that delivered great matches in front of the London crowd. It also saw the rebellious Uso brothers pit against the dominant duo of the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. The match gets bifurcated into a slow start with an amazing end.

This match is not a cup of tea for everyone as many would seemingly get bored by the slow pace. However, the storytelling at the end stole the show. Elevated by the electric crowd, the match saw a historic moment as Reigns got pinned for the first time since becoming the Tribal Chief.

6. Gunther vs. Chad Gable III (Raw, September 4, 2023)

The Intercontinental Championship was on the line on the September 4, 2023, episode of Monday Night Raw. After dominantly retaining the title, the Ring General, Gunther went on to cross the historic reign of the Honky Tonk Man to become the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion. 

It was a fantastic match where Gable proved that he could stand toe-to-toe against the likes of the Ring General. Showing his caliber in the main event, Gable stirred the emotions of the crowd as many were seen lamenting his defeat after the gruesome battle.

5. Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest (Backlash 2023)

Rarely have fans been so enamored by matches with celebrities that they made it to the best matches of the year. It was a chaotic event that featured the musical sensation Bad Bunny and the Senor Money in the Bank, Damian Priest. Spanning a length of 25 minutes, the crowd was on its toes as Bad Bunny picked up the win over his former tag team partner in an entertaining San Juan Street Fight.

Despite not making it to the main event, it was a big deal for the Puerto Rico fans. It was also representative of the Latino World Order as it saw the returns of great Latino Legends, Carlito and Savio Vega, who took out the interference from the Judgment Day.

4. Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn (Elimination Chamber 2023)

This match took place at a point when Sami Zayn was red-hot. Fans even speculated that he would replace the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes in the main event of WrestleMania 39. In any case, it was an iconic battle in Zayn’s home country of Canada. 

Roman Reigns delivered a tactical performance against a hostile crowd in the main event of Elimination Chamber 2023. Zayn was no lesser in his efforts as he went deep in his arsenal of moves by delivering a taunting Superman Punch and a massive Spear. However, with all the interference from the Bloodline, Reigns was successful in pinning Zayn for the count to three.

3. Rhea Ripley vs. Charlotte Flair (WrestleMania 39)

Spanning over a length of around 23 minutes, these two superstars gave a challenging showdown. It seemingly compensated for their bizarre match at WrestleMania 36 that saw Charlotte Flair defeating Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women’s Championship.

Going loggerheads for the SmackDown Women’s Championship, these two delivered one of the best women’s matches for the year 2023. This was also special for the Judgment Day’s Eradicator as she finally settled the score with the Queen.

2. The Usos vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens (WrestleMania 39)

While it was disappointing for many fans to see a red-hot Sami Zayn getting dragged into the tag team turmoil, he made sure it was memorable as he tagged alongside his frenemy, Kevin Owens. Both superstars combined their grudges against the Bloodline as they finally snatched away the Undisputed Tag Team titles from The Usos.

Spanning around 25 minutes, the showdown was an instant classic with amazing storytelling. It even led many fans to believe that it heralded the fall of the Head of the Table. Even though Tribal Chief remained formidable, it still showed the glimmer of hope that fans never expected.

1. Gunther vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus (WrestleMania 39)

Despite a long list of marquee matches throughout the year, this match showed unmatched brilliance. The triple-threat match for the Intercontinental Championship was one of the hardest-hitting matches in recent years. It felt as if the showdown at Clash At The Castle wasn’t so gruesome that WWE decided to add the Scottish Warrior to the equation.

It was one of the most challenging battles in the reign of the Ring General, Gunther at WrestleMania 39. The relentless slug-fest has cemented its place in the prestigious legacy of the Intercontinental Championship and has become one of the best triple-threat matches in the history of the Stamford-based company.

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