The WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023 event was a thrilling spectacle, combining high-octane matches, intense rivalries, and the jaw-dropping return of CM Punk. Wrestling fans witnessed one of the most memorable pay-per-views of the year, showcasing both seasoned veterans and rising stars. The electrifying atmosphere and surprise appearances made this year’s WWE Survivor Series WarGames an unforgettable event. From hard-hitting WarGames matches to dramatic storytelling, the 2023 edition raised the bar for WWE's traditional Survivor Series format.
In this detailed review, we’ll break down every match, spotlight key highlights, and offer ratings for each bout. Whether you missed the event or want to relive the excitement, our comprehensive coverage of WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023 has you covered. Let’s dive into the night’s unforgettable moments!
Women’s WarGames Match: Bianca Belair’s Team vs. Damage CTRL
The event kicked off with the Women’s WarGames match, featuring two formidable teams: Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Shotzi versus Damage CTRL, led by Iyo Sky, Asuka, Bayley, and Kairi Sane. Anticipation was high, especially with Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair finally reuniting after years of personal and professional tension.
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Key Moments and Spots
- The standout moment in this match was undoubtedly Iyo Sky’s daring leap from the top of the cage with a trash can over her head, crashing onto her opponents below. This moment was both shocking and symbolic of the chaotic nature of WWE Survivor Series WarGames.
- Bayley’s heroic efforts were another highlight. She repeatedly put her body on the line to save her teammates from pinfalls and submission holds, solidifying her role as the leader of Damage CTRL.
- The match culminated in a thrilling finish, with Bianca Belair’s team securing victory after a combination of powerful moves, including a KOD from Bianca and a Manhandle Slam from Becky through a table, which ultimately pinned Bayley.
While the match had its fair share of memorable moments, it was also criticized for its inconsistent pacing. Both teams took turns dominating, often without a clear narrative flow. Despite this, the explosive spots and emotional storytelling made it a fitting opener for WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023.
Intercontinental Championship: Gunther vs. The Miz
Next up was the highly anticipated Intercontinental Championship bout between Gunther and The Miz. Known for his dominant reign, Gunther faced off against The Miz, who embraced the role of the crafty underdog. Despite being the underdog, Miz displayed surprising resilience and ingenuity throughout the match.
Key Moments
- One of the key moments in this match was Miz’s tactical use of a figure-four leg lock around the ring post, targeting Gunther’s legs to neutralize his powerful offense.
- Miz also removed the turnbuckle cover, landing a sneaky low blow on Gunther, which led to a near-pinfall after a Skull Crushing Finale. This moment had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
- Ultimately, Gunther’s strength proved too much for Miz, as he delivered a devastating top-rope splash and locked in a Liontamer submission to retain his title.
While the outcome was predictable, the match was far from boring. Miz’s use of clever heel tactics, even as a face, added depth to the contest, and Gunther’s dominance further solidified his status as one of WWE’s top stars. For WWE Survivor Series WarGames, this match added a strong mix of strategy and intensity.
Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar
The showdown between Dragon Lee and Santos Escobar brought high-flying action and fast-paced wrestling to the event. This match was the result of Escobar’s betrayal of the Latino World Order (LWO), creating a heated rivalry with Dragon Lee, who aimed to defend the honor of the faction.
Key Moments
- Dragon Lee wowed the audience with a series of high-risk maneuvers, including a breathtaking suicide dive to the outside, showcasing his incredible agility and fearlessness.
- Santos Escobar displayed his signature cunning, hitting a top-rope hurricanrana and capitalizing on Dragon Lee’s mistakes.
- The match ended with Escobar executing a Destroyer and his Phantom Driver, securing the pinfall and victory over Dragon Lee.
Although the match had exciting sequences, it didn’t capture the emotional investment from the crowd. Both competitors are extremely talented, but the storyline lacked the depth needed to make the audience fully care about the outcome. Despite this, it was still an entertaining contest and a worthy addition to WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023.
Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley vs. Zoey Stark
In what many saw as a one-sided contest, Rhea Ripley defended her Women’s World Championship against Zoey Stark. From the outset, it was clear that Ripley’s dominance would be hard to challenge, but Zoey put up a valiant fight.
Key Highlights
- Zoey Stark unleashed a series of high-impact moves, including multiple superkicks and a top-rope assault, but it wasn’t enough to topple Ripley.
- The match concluded with Ripley hitting her signature Riptide finisher, securing the pinfall and retaining her title.
While this match showcased Zoey’s fighting spirit, it was largely a showcase for Ripley’s continued reign as champion. The crowd was fully behind Ripley, making it one of the more predictable outcomes of the night. Still, it added another layer to the storytelling in WWE Survivor Series WarGames.
Men’s WarGames Match: Cody Rhodes’ Team vs. Judgment Day
The Men’s WarGames match was the main event and easily the most talked-about match of the night. Featuring Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and a surprise return from Randy Orton, this bout pitted them against Judgment Day, led by Finn Balor, Damian Priest, JD McDonagh, Dominik Mysterio, and Drew McIntyre.
High-Stakes Drama and Weaponry
- The match had plenty of intense moments, with weapons like kendo sticks, tables, and even Cody Rhodes’ iconic bull rope making an appearance.
- Randy Orton’s late arrival completely changed the tide of the match. His signature RKOs were met with thunderous cheers, and his showdown with Jey Uso hinted at unresolved tensions.
- The final moments saw CM Punk’s surprise return, which electrified the Chicago crowd and became the most talked-about moment of the night.
This match encapsulated everything that makes WWE Survivor Series WarGames a must-watch event—high drama, teamwork, and unexpected twists. The crowd's reaction to Punk’s return solidified it as one of the most memorable moments in recent WWE history.
Final Verdict: WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023
Overall, WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023 was a phenomenal event that will be remembered for its high-stakes action, surprise returns, and emotional storytelling. The event showcased the best of WWE’s talent, with matches that combined athleticism, strategy, and drama. While some matches could have used better pacing or storytelling, the overall package delivered a night of unforgettable moments.
Match Ratings
- Women’s WarGames Match: 8/10 – Explosive but slightly disjointed.
- Intercontinental Championship: 7.5/10 – Smart but predictable.
- Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar: 7/10 – High-flying action with limited emotional investment.
- Women’s World Championship: 6.5/10 – A dominant performance by Rhea Ripley.
- Men’s WarGames Match: 9.5/10 – Stellar, especially with Randy Orton and CM Punk’s returns.
Conclusion: A WarGames to Remember
WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023 will go down in history as one of the most thrilling editions of the event. From the chaos of the WarGames matches to the unforgettable returns of Randy Orton and CM Punk, this event captured the essence of WWE’s ability to blend athleticism, storytelling, and entertainment. Fans are already buzzing about what’s next on the road to WrestleMania 40, and WWE Survivor Series WarGames set the perfect stage for what’s to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is WWE Survivor Series WarGames?
Ans: WWE Survivor Series WarGames is an annual pay-per-view event that features team-based matches inside a double-ring, steel cage, known for its chaotic and strategic nature.
Q2. Who won the Men’s WarGames match in 2023?
Ans: Team Cody Rhodes, consisting of Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, and Randy Orton, emerged victorious in the Men’s WarGames match.
Q3. Did CM Punk return during WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023?
Ans: Yes, CM Punk made a shocking return at the end of the event, marking his first appearance in WWE after more than a decade.
Q4. How did Rhea Ripley perform at WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023?
Ans: Rhea Ripley retained her Women’s World Championship with a dominant victory over Zoey Stark.
Q5. What was the standout moment in the Women’s WarGames match?
Ans: The standout moment was Iyo Sky’s breathtaking leap from the top of the cage with a trash can over her head, delivering a high-risk splash onto her opponents.
Q6. How did The Miz perform against Gunther?
Ans: The Miz put up a commendable fight against Gunther, utilizing clever tactics such as removing the turnbuckle pad, but ultimately fell short in his bid to win the Intercontinental Championship.
Q7. What role did Randy Orton play in the Men’s WarGames match?
Ans: Randy Orton made a dramatic late entrance, delivering a series of RKOs that shifted the momentum in favour of his team and helped secure the win.
Q8. Why was CM Punk's return at WWE Survivor Series WarGames 2023 significant?
Ans: CM Punk’s return was a monumental moment because it marked his comeback to WWE after years away, creating massive buzz and setting the stage for future storylines.