WWE: The best matches, wrestlers, and more of 2023

WWE Wrestler of the Year: Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley was the most impressive wrestler of 2023. First, she won the 2023 Women’s Royal Rumble and went on to defeat the phenomenal Charlotte Flair at the WrestleMania. Those are accomplishments within themselves. But Rhea Ripley continued to defend her title and beat anyone who challenged her.

Unlike her teammates, most of Rhea’s victories came without outside interference. Speaking of them, she's the leader of Judgment Day. The best part about that is she doesn't need to say it. Rhea makes moves and they just go with it. Why? Because none of them want to disappoint Mami.

Honorable mention: Jey Uso

WWE Match of the Year: Gunther Vs. Sheamus Vs. Drew McIntyre (WrestleMania 39)

This is the match of the year and it’s not close. Gunther, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre viciously beat each other the entire match. It was a hard-hitting match that resembled the 1980s. However, they managed to keep things current with a few high-flying and momentum-based moves. Adding a variety of moves kept the massive WrestleMania crowd invested.

An important part to note is them individually. Sheamus has been a WWE performer since 2009. This match showed that he hadn't slowed down. Drew McIntyre continued to remind people that he's an elite competitor. And Gunther showed that he's the future of the WWE.

Honorable Mention: Sami Zayn vs. Roman Reigns (Elimination Chamber)

WWE Moment of the Year: CM Punk returns

Honorable mention: Randy Orton returns

This was the biggest moment in wrestling. Not just from this year. CM Punk said he’d never return to the WWE. Wrestling fans know that no one stays away forever, but this is CM Punk. He didn't have to reason to come back. Yet, there he was. "Cult of Personality" played and everyone around the world lost their mind. This was such a big moment that even the commentators sat in silence to let CM Punk have his moment. It's even better since it happened in his hometown of Chicago.