As 2023 comes to a close we take a look back at the year that was in wrestling.

Favorite Matches

There was plenty of great wrestling matches this year to choose from so here were a few of my favorites: and I

  • Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay – Forbidden Door
  • FTR vs. Bullet Club Gold – AEW Collision
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Adam Page – Full Gear
  • Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley – Wrestlemania 39
  • Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre – Wrestlemania 39
  • Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks – All Out
  • Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar – SummerSlam
  • Women’s War Games Match – Survivor Series
  • The Usos vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn – Wrestlemania 39
  • Mercedes Moné vs. Kairi Sane – Battle In The Valley

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Favorite Moments

Some of the moments that made 2023 memorable:

  • CM Punk Returns to WWE at Survivor Series
  • Bad Bunny Entrance & Match vs. Damian Priest at WWE Backlash
  • Sami Zayn Betrays The Bloodline at The Royal Rumble
  • WWE’s Tribute to the late Bray Wyatt
  • The Rock Returns to SmackDown
  • Toni Storm’s Chin Up Promo on AEW Dynamite
  • Jey Uso Pins Roman Reigns at Money In The Bank
  • AEW All In from London

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Favorite Wrestlers of the Year

  • Seth Rollins: Seth Rollins put WWE on his back for 2023 and became the World Heavyweight Champion in the process. While Roman Reigns & the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship were used sparingly, Seth became the workhorse champion while carrying Monday Night RAW. His WHC run has been strong as well with defenses against Drew McIntyre, Finn Balor, Jey Uso & Shinsuke Nakamura.
  • Rhea Ripley: Possibly the most over woman in wrestling, Ripley had a phenomenal 2023. She won the Women’s Royal Rumble and then put in a MOTY candidate with Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania to win the Women’s World Championship. While her title reign may not have been as strong she is still THE woman in WWE thanks to her being the de facto leader of the Judgment Day
  • Bianca Belair: The EST of WWE became the workhorse of the women’s division while holding the RAW Women’s title for a record 419 days before losing it to Asuka at Money In The Bank. She would briefly hold the WWE Women’s Championship after winning at SummerSlam before Io Sky cashed in on the same night. After some time off, the EST was back to lead her team in War Games at Survivor Series
  • Christian Cage: Christian has become one of the most hated heels in the industry thanks in large part to his excellent mic work. Cage becoming a menace and berating opponents’ fathers while hitting on their mothers is peak heel work. Just check out this compilation clip for Cage’s best moments.
  • MJF: MJF carried the AEW World Title for 407 days before losing it to Samoa Joe last night at World’s End. During that time MJF had title defenses against Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, Adam Cole, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kenny Omega and Jay White. His run with Adam Cole as the duo Better Than You Bay-Bay was box office.
  • FTR: The Top Guys put in banger after banger this year as they showed they were the best tag team in professional wrestling. Their match with The Young Bucks was great but it was their 2 out 3 Falls match with Bullet Club Gold that was a MOTY candidate.
  • The Judgment Day: All four members had big success this year. Ripley currently holds the Women’s World Championship. Dominic Mysterio won the NXT North American title twice this year. Finn Balor & Damian Priest are the only 2-time Undisputed WWE World Tag Team champions and oh yeah – Priest still holds The Money in the Bank briefcase.
  • Damage CTRL: The won-loss record may not reflect it but these ladies have been the backbone of the WWE women’s division. The faction gained traction once Io Sky won Money in the Bank and cashed in at SummerSlam to capture the WWE Women’s title. The group got stronger with the additions of Asuka and a returning Kairi Sane.
  • Gunther: Gunther & Imperium have been rock solid all year and Gunther is fast positioning himself as a future world champion. His Intercontinental championship reign has not only been great, it’s been historic. His 566+ title reign is the longest in history and The Ring General shows no signs of slowing down.
  • Toni Storm: I’ll go ahead and say it – Toni Storm is the MVP of AEW. Her Timeless Toni Storm character may be the best thing going today. Her commitment to the character and the willingness to do the most outlandish things on TV has been phenomenal. She also became the 1st woman to become a 3-time AEW Women’s champion.

Break-Out Stars, Best Storylines & What’s Coming in 2024

Swerve Strickland should be in for a big 2024.

Breakout Stars

  • For breakout stars I have to start with Swerve Strickland. His feud with Hangman Adam Page catapulted him to super stardom. I expect big things for Swerve in 2024 and by big things I mean at some point Swerve Strickland should be holding the AEW World Championship.
  • LA Knight also had an incredible breakout year in WWE as he used his charisma and mic work to win over the fans. He’s had strong showings in the ring as well including standing toe to toe with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. I think WWE missed their chance to put LA Knight in contention for the US Title. They can’t make that mistake again.
  • Julia Hart & Skye Blue have emerged as two future stars in the women’s division in AEW. Hart currently holds the TBS Championship while Blue’s metamorphosis to the dark side will catapult her even further.

Storylines

  • For storylines, the saga of The Bloodline not only dominated WWE but the entire wrestling industry. From Sami Zayn betraying Roman Reigns to Cody Rhodes’ pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship to the Bloodline civil war, it has been the most compelling storyline – ever. The storyline has lost a little steam since SummerSlam but expect business to pick up as we head toward the Royal Rumble.
  • MJF & Adam Cole’s bromance was the talk of AEW throughout the summer until Cole’s foot injury. Suddenly MJF was being attacked by someone in a devil mask. The masked man was joined by 4 other masked men and made life horrible for MJF. MJF put all of his trust in his best friend Cole only for Adam to reveal himself as The Devil.

What’s Coming in 2024

  • Look for WWE to make a splash with either Mercedes Moné and/or AJ Lee returning. WWE has already announced a former WWE champion will return at tomorrow’s Day 1 episode of RAW.
  • If Mercedes Moné goes to AEW, her feud with Timeless Toni Storm will be one of the highlights of 2024.
  • Gunther will become the World Heavyweight Champion in 2024
  • CM Punk will win the Royal Rumble & challenge Seth Rollins at Wrestlemania
  • Roman Reigns will hold on to the Undisputed WWE Universal title until he surpasses Hulk Hogan.
  • Damage CTRL will oust Bayley, Bayley will win the Royal Rumble & challenge Io Sky for the title.
  • Becky Lynch will be the one to dethrone Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World title.
  • With more tag teams coming, WWE will split the tag titles once again.
  • Samoa Joe will have a lengthy run with the AEW World title.
  • Jade Cargill will make her WWE debut at Royal Rumble.

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ctaylorjr14

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