WWE All Pay Per Views 2023: Review, Top, Worst, Key Points And Ratings

The world of professional wrestling is always filled with excitement and drama, and the WWE pay-per-view (PPV) events in 2023 have been no exception. This year has seen spectacular matches, surprise returns, title changes, and unforgettable moments that have thrilled fans. Let’s review the top WWE PPV events so far in 2023.

The year kicked off in high gear with the Royal Rumble on January 28th, held at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The crowd was electrified by the return of popular wrestler Cody Rhodes, who made a surprise entrance as participant #30 in the 30-man Royal Rumble match. After a six-year absence from WWE, Rhodes returned to win the entire Rumble match, punching his ticket to a world championship match at WrestleMania. Another shocker came when Sami Zayn betrayed his Bloodline teammates, attacking Roman Reigns after Reigns retained the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This surprise heel turn signaled an intriguing new chapter in Zayn’s ongoing storyline. Overall, the surprise-filled Rumble set the stage for big things ahead in 2023.

Next up was the Elimination Chamber event held on February 18th at the Bell Centre in Montreal. The highlight of the night was the emotionally charged match between Reigns and former friend Zayn for the Undisputed Title. Despite Zayn’s inspirational effort, Reigns won yet again, retaining his championship after a grueling battle. There was also a milestone for Asuka, who won the Women’s Elimination Chamber match to become the number one contender for the Raw Women’s Championship. Her victory marked her exciting return to prominence in the women’s division after injury setbacks.

WrestleMania 39 spanned two consecutive nights on April 1st and 2nd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. On Night One, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens teamed up to dethrone Jimmy and Jey Uso for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. This ended The Usos’ record tag title reign at 622 days, a shock to many fans. Night Two revolved around the long-awaited fight between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Despite Rhodes’ valiant effort, Reigns won by submission, retaining his undisputed crown. While fans were disappointed Rhodes didn’t get the big win, the match cemented his status as a top contender.

The next PPV, Backlash on May 6th in San Juan, Puerto Rico, had fans buzzing with Cody Rhodes finally achieving his goal. In an intense fight, Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar to capture the undisputed title, beginning a new championship era. Rhodes got emotional after his hard-fought victory, which capped off his triumphant return story that began at the Royal Rumble. For Lesnar, it halted his dominant streak since winning the title months earlier.

The next PPV was the Night of Champions on May 27th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In a clash between two fan favorites, Seth Rollins defeated AJ Styles to capture the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. Their electrifying match earned rave reviews as a pay-per-view highlight. For Rollins, it marked another peak in his illustrious career.

Money in the Bank on July 2nd in London saw a major title change hands when Jey Uso shockingly pinned Roman Reigns to capture the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. This marked Reigns’ first pinfall loss in years, ending his dominant reign. The other headline was Damian Priest winning the Money in the Bank ladder match, and earning a contract for a future title match.

SummerSlam followed on August 6th in Detroit. In an emotional main event, Cody Rhodes defeated Brock Lesnar to retain the Undisputed Title in a brutal contest. There was also a surprise cash-in when IYO SKY used her Money in the Bank contract to defeat Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship just minutes after Belair had won it.

September’s Payback event in Pittsburgh delivered more twists. Kevin Owens captured the Undisputed Title from Reigns, halting Reigns’ staggering 846-day championship stretch. Also, Becky Lynch outlasted legend Trish Stratus in a steel cage match, further cementing her place among WWE’s all-time greats.

At October’s Fastlane in Indianapolis, Sami Zayn sent shockwaves when he finally betrayed The Bloodline, attacking Reigns after his successful title defense against Cody Rhodes. This signaled a pivotal turning point in the year’s biggest storyline. In another key title bout, Seth Rollins retained his newly won World Heavyweight Belt against Bobby Lashley.

November brought WWE to Saudi Arabia for Crown Jewel. In a milestone moment, Rhea Ripley captured the Raw Women’s Title in WWE’s first-ever women’s match in the country. Her victory over Bianca Belair made her Raw’s top female star. In the main event, Roman Reigns defended the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against influencer Logan Paul.

Finally, Survivor Series in November saw the epic return of legend Randy Orton, who helped Team Cody Rhodes defeat The Judgment Day. Orton’s comeback added shock value and excitement to cap off an unforgettable year of WWE pay-per-views filled with twists turns, titles changing hands, and history being made.

Overall, WWE’s 2023 pay-per-view slate delivered countless memorable moments that left the WWE Universe buzzing. Despite some uneven events, most shows excelled with surprise returns like Randy Orton, major title changes like Jey Uso dethroning Roman Reigns, new stars rising like Rhea Ripley, emotional contests like Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar, and plot twists like Sami Zayn turning on The Bloodline. With risks taken and status quo shaken up, WWE continued its legacy of providing spectacular entertainment on the grandest stages.