A Look Back at the First Half of WWE in 2023
Rivalries, Returns & Legendary Matches
The first half of 2023 brought a rollercoaster of emotions for the WWE Universe. With thrilling title battles, shocking alliances, unforgettable betrayals, and jaw-dropping performances, WWE reminded fans why its storytelling is second to none. From the electrifying atmosphere of the Royal Rumble to the chaos of Money in the Bank, January through June delivered drama at every turn. In this recap, we’ll explore the most talked-about matches, superstars, and rivalries that shaped the road to WrestleMania—and beyond—without revealing the final match outcomes.
🗓️ January – Royal Rumble: Setting the Stage for WrestleMania 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match – Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Gunther, Brock Lesnar, Logan Paul
- Women’s Royal Rumble Match – Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, Bayley, Becky Lynch, Asuka
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Cody Rhodes made a heroic comeback, fighting with passion and determination as he set his sights on the championship.
Gunther‘s incredible stamina and endurance throughout the match impressed fans and critics alike, hinting at his world title potential.
On the women’s side, Rhea Ripley re-emerged as a dominant force, setting up a rivalry with Charlotte Flair that had deep personal roots.
Meanwhile, the heated feud between Becky Lynch and Bayley intensified with sneak attacks, verbal taunts, and emotionally charged segments.
And in the main event, Roman Reigns clashed with Kevin Owens in a physical battle, but the real shock came post-match, when The Bloodline delivered a moment that stunned fans and shook the locker room.
🗓️ February – Elimination Chamber: Doors Close, Stories Erupt ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Elimination Chamber Match – Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, Montez Ford, Damian Priest, Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed
- Women’s Elimination Chamber Match – Asuka, Carmella, Liv Morgan, Nikki Cross, Raquel Rodriguez, Natalya
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns vs. Sami Zayn
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Inside the Chamber, Seth Rollins and Austin Theory continued their heated battle for U.S. gold, while Montez Ford turned heads with his fearless, highlight-filled performance.
In the women’s division, Asuka unveiled a darker, more dangerous side, dominating the field and reigniting her presence in the title picture.
Back in his hometown, Sami Zayn challenged Roman Reigns in a match dripping with emotion, loyalty, and betrayal. The atmosphere was electric, and the fallout changed the course of The Bloodline storyline.
🗓️ March – The Road to WrestleMania Narrows 🚗
🔥 Key Matches & Segments:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa
- Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley – Face-Off Segment
- Brock Lesnar vs. Omos – Contract Signing
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Cody Rhodes intensified his pursuit of Roman Reigns, battling past every obstacle in his path, including a physical war with Solo Sikoa.
Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley came face-to-face in an intense exchange that blended past wounds with present pride, building anticipation for their WrestleMania rematch.
In a moment of chaos, the contract signing between Brock Lesnar and Omos ended with broken furniture and a shaken ring, setting the tone for their upcoming battle of giants.
🗓️ April – WrestleMania 39: Moments That Defined a Generation 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- Undisputed WWE Universal Championship – Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes
- Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat – Gunther vs. Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre
- Women’s Championship Match – Charlotte Flair vs. Rhea Ripley
- Tag Team Championship Match – The Usos vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
- Brock Lesnar vs. Omos
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Cody Rhodes’ dream and Roman Reigns’ dynasty collided in a contest layered with emotion, legacy, and pressure.
Gunther, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre delivered an all-out war that raised the bar for Intercontinental Title matches.
Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair waged a fierce and historic battle that felt like a true passing of the torch.
In a heartwarming yet hard-hitting match, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn faced their former friends turned foes, The Usos, in a redemption arc for the ages.
And Brock Lesnar and Omos brought thunder to the ring with a colossal clash that tested the limits of strength.
🗓️ May – Backlash: Retaliation and Redemption 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Cody Rhodes vs. Brock Lesnar
- Bad Bunny vs. Damian Priest (San Juan Street Fight)
- Seth Rollins vs. Omos
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar turned their simmering animosity into an explosive rivalry, culminating in a grudge match full of intensity and pride.
In his hometown of San Juan, Bad Bunny delivered an awe-inspiring performance that blurred the line between celebrity guest and full-time wrestler.
Seth Rollins met the challenge of Omos with brains and bravery, proving that style and psychology can match brute force.
🗓️ June – Money in the Bank: Dreams within Reach 💼
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match – Damian Priest, Logan Paul, Ricochet, LA Knight, Shinsuke Nakamura, Santos Escobar, Butch
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match – IYO SKY, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Zelina Vega, Zoey Stark, Trish Stratus
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The men’s match was an adrenaline-fueled spectacle, where high-risk maneuvers and unexpected alliances defined the chaos. LA Knight‘s popularity skyrocketed, Logan Paul proved his athletic credibility, and Damian Priest left with a career-altering opportunity.
The women’s match brought betrayal, strategy, and a brilliant ending, as IYO SKY outsmarted friend and foe alike, setting the stage for major drama within Damage CTRL.
🧾 Mid-Year Recap – Where the Stories Stand
2023’s first half gave fans a thrilling mix of heartfelt emotion, brutal action, and career-defining moments.
- Cody Rhodes rebuilt his legacy, chasing the top title with grit and grace.
- Rhea Ripley emerged as the queen of her division, evolving into a feared and respected champion.
- Gunther elevated the Intercontinental Title with a reign filled with unmatched dominance.
- The Bloodline saga kept fans guessing with twists, betrayals, and emotional shifts.
As WWE heads into the second half of the year, one thing is clear: the best stories are far from over. With new challengers emerging and long-standing feuds boiling over, the rest of 2023 promises even more unforgettable moments.
