Top 10 worst WWE matches of 2023

WWE had an outstanding year this year. 2023 is forever going to be framed as one of the best years in professional wrestling. Although WWE delivered incredible matches and shocking returns, The year was not short of awful and lackluster matches. From weekly shows to blockbuster events such as WrestleMania, some matches wasted the spotlight.

This year, WWE had a successful year. It was the year WWE produced unexpected bangers such as Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest and Chad Gable vs. Gunther. However, matches featuring big stars like Ronda Rousey and even Roman Reigns were short of making an impact on the WWE Universe. Here are the top 10 worst matches of the year in WWE.

10) Roman Reigns vs. Jey Uso (Tribal Combat for the Undisputed Universal Championship at SummerSlam)

Roman Reigns is known for having blockbuster matches. His story heading to this year’s SummerSlam against his brother Jey Uso was highly appreciated by the WWE Universe. The two stars and WWE had everything they needed to create a masterpiece. However, WWE failed to make an impact with this match even after having the Tribal Combat stipulation.

The match was on the grand stage of SummerSlam and was advertised as the main event. The contest between the two cousins kicked off at a slow pace and delivered some amazing spots. After a screwed-up ending to the match, Roman Reigns picked up the victory. Although the battle was fine as it also involved the shocking heel turn of Jimmy Uso, it fell short of meeting fans’ expectations and was considered lackluster by many.

9) Bobby Lashley vs. Brock Lesnar (Elimination Chamber)

Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar have been a dream match for professional wrestling fans for ages. The two are brawny wrestlers and were featured in a marquee match at the Elimination Chamber. Although the storyline was mediocre, fans had high expectations for two stars. However, they were short on meeting fans’ expectations and delivered a lackluster match.

The contest was a squash match where Lashley achieved a disqualification victory. Fans had no connection with the match, which resulted in an awful encounter between the two. It will be a match that will be forgotten after a few years. However, it qualified to make its place in one of the worst matches of 2023.

8) Pat McAfee vs. The Miz (WrestleMania Night 1)

WrestleMania was surely an outstanding event. However, it featured a lackluster encounter between Pat McAfee and The Miz. Although the match is pretty good on paper, it was unsuccessful in making any impact on the WWE Universe.

The contest had a quick start and an even quicker end. It was a squash match and was too short to be considered good. It was a waste of opportunity on the grand stage, such as WrestleMania. Therefore, it was one of the worst collisions of the year.

7) Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez ( Payback 2023)

Rhea Ripley had an exceptional time in 2023. She was the top star of the women’s division. However, the Eradicator had a few awful encounters as well. One of them was against Raquel Rodriguez. The two stars with incredible talents successfully delivered a boring match. The crowd had no connection with the story and was sleeping throughout.

Moreover, the match was at the point in Mami’s reign where her involvement was more entertaining on Judgment Day. Therefore, the collision with Raquel was an uninterested battle for the fans.

6) Baron Corbin vs. Gable Steveson (NXT Great American Bash)

Gable Steveson was a golden pick for WWE when they signed the superstar. His first-ever match in WWE was against one of the most hated characters, Baron Corbin, at NXT Great American Bash. Although the match was supposed to be a good battle, it served as a buffer battle and a lackluster showdown.

The crowd left confused, as they couldn’t believe they were looking at an Olympic gold medalist. This awful match marked the debut of the Superstar. However, it will also be known as one of the worst matches of the year.

5) WrestleMania Women’s Showcase match (WrestleMania 39 Night 2)

WWE featured two showcase matches for this year’s WrestleMania. One was of men, and one was of women. However, both of them were polar opposites. On one hand, the men’s showcase match was a banger. The Women’s’showcase was nothing but a lackluster experience.

The match featured stars like Ronda Rousey, Liv Morgan, and Raquel Rodriguez. However, they were all unsuccessful in delivering a decent match. In a substandard match-up, Rousey and Baszler picked up a win to end the uninspired showdown at WrestleMania.

4) Austin Theory vs. John Cena (WrestleMania 39 Night 1)

At the start of this year, WWE had their heads high for the megapush of Austin Theory. His match against John Cena was destined to kickstart his rise. However, it turned out a different way, as the match was highly underwhelming. The fans were not able to connect with Theory, and his win over John Cena made this match even more awful.

The match was set to take place in the broad daylight of WrestleMania. However, it was far from meeting the expectations of the fans. Fans heavily criticized this match. Moreover, it was a battle that didn’t match the WrestleMania energy for many fans, which led to this being one of the most unsuccessful matches of the year.

3) LA Knight vs. Bray Wyatt (Royal Rumble 2023)

One of the most tragic incidents of this year was the demise of Bray Wyatt. His last match in WWE was against one of the fastest-rising Megastars LA Knight. As this was the last time Bray Wyatt ever stepped foot in a WWE match, it holds a special place in the hearts of many fans. However, in terms of wrestling, this match was fragile.

The match was contested under a unique stipulation called the Pitch Black Match, but still, it didn’t leave any mark on the fans. Fans heavily criticized this match at that time. However, it was a showdown that would be out of the fans’ minds in terms of the legacy of Bray Wyatt.

2) Snoop Dogg/Shane McMahon vs. The Miz (WrestleMania 39 Night 2)

The Miz was the host of WrestleMania this year. He surely was an entertaining part of the show, but in terms of wrestling, he came a little short. This showdown at WrestleMania marked the return of Shane McMahon. It was supposed to be a match between Shane and Miz. However, McMahon injured his knee while he was showing off his running skills.

Although Snoop Dogg saved the day in an impromptu battle, the match was nothing but a confusing bout. Shane McMahon received heavy criticism over the internet after the match and also became the talking point as well. However, it also became one of the worst moments of the year.

1) Shayna Baszler vs. Ronda Rousey (MMA Rules Match at SummerSlam)

One of the most high-profile matches of 2023 was a much-awaited showdown between Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey. Both stars share a unique chemistry and were supposed to battle each other for supremacy. However, the dream match never achieved expectations as it was a buffer match at SummerSlam. The contest was held under MMA rules, which were never justified.

The two stars shared no emotions and absolutely no engagement with the crowd, which resulted in the fans sleeping throughout the contest. Moreover, this match has had its hype for a long time. However, it was unsuccessful in delivering anything even close to that. This match was a lackluster showdown between two of the very best superstars and professional wrestlers on the entire planet. Therefore, Shayna Baszler vs. Ronda Rousey was the worst match of 2023.

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