2023 Pro Wrestling Recap: The Year in Review
By Emily Turner
Published December 26, 2023
The world of professional wrestling in 2023 was filled with excitement, drama, and memorable moments. From dream matches to new champions and surprising debuts, the year had it all. Now, as the industry looks forward to 2024, it's time to reflect on the standout wrestlers, matches, and events that defined the past year.
Female Wrestler of the Year: Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley's dominance in 2023 earned her the title of ESPN's best female wrestler of the year. From winning the women's Royal Rumble to claiming the WWE SmackDown Women's World title at WrestleMania, Ripley's achievements were nothing short of remarkable. Her leadership role within Judgment Day further solidified her status as one of the biggest names in wrestling.
Male Wrestler of the Year: Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes' resilience and impact on the WWE's biggest storylines made him the standout male wrestler of 2023. From his memorable showdown at the Royal Rumble to his feud with Brock Lesnar and leadership in the Survivor Series WarGames match, Rhodes proved to be a pivotal figure in the wrestling world.
Tag Team of the Year: FTR
Despite the de-emphasis on tag team wrestling in 2023, FTR stood out as one of the best teams in the industry. Their matches, including the epic showdown with Jay White and Juice Robinson, showcased their prowess and solidified their position as standard bearers of tag team wrestling.
Debut of the Year: CM Punk
CM Punk's unexpected return to the WWE at the WarGames sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. His comeback, amidst speculation and skepticism, marked a truly surprising moment in an era of predictable outcomes and leaked news. Punk's presence in the WWE added a new layer of excitement to the industry.
Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year: LA Knight
LA Knight's meteoric rise in 2023 positioned him as one of the faces of Friday nights in wrestling. His captivating presence and standout performances, including his main event at Crown Jewel, solidified his status as a top contender in the industry.
Promo Artist of the Year: MJF
MJF's unparalleled skills on the microphone made him the standout promo artist of 2023. Whether as a heel or a babyface, MJF's ability to evoke emotions and build compelling storylines with his promos set him apart as a true master of the craft.
Match of the Year: Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay
The unforgettable matches between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay in 2023 left a lasting impact on the wrestling world. Their symphony of violence and physical marvels showcased the pinnacle of in-ring performance, solidifying their status as modern-day legends.
Best PPV Event of the Year: WrestleMania 39
WrestleMania 39 emerged as the gold standard of wrestling events in 2023. With standout matches and compelling storylines, the grandeur of WrestleMania once again captivated audiences and set the bar for excellence in sports entertainment.
Best Storyline of the Year: The Bloodline 2.0
The Bloodline's dominance and impact on WWE programming made it the standout storyline of 2023. From drawing excellent ratings to headlining major events, the Bloodline's storyline proved to be a historic and memorable chapter in pro wrestling history.
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