Tag: Trish Stratus

WWE Best of 2023: The top WWE wrestlers and matches this year

Take a look back at the best of WWE in 2023, including the wrestlers, matches and events that shined above all others.

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Last year was a wild one for WWE. Yet somehow, 2023 did its best to say “hold my beer” to 2022 and produce something even more packed with big stories in and out of the ring.

Where do we even start? Probably with the merger of WWE and UFC, a pairing no one would have predicted a few years ago, under the auspices of Endeavor to form a new company, TKO. The effects of creating a combat sports behemoth are only just beginning to be felt, but on the WWE product side, the most obvious impact was the ascension of Paul “Triple H” Levesque to unquestioned head of creative while Vince McMahon’s direct influence on weekly TV and premium live events waned.

Perhaps not coincidentally, WWE enjoyed a yearlong run of financial and critical success it hasn’t had in some time — certainly not since the COVID-19 pandemic, and not for at least a few years before it in the eyes of many observers. A string of record event gates was matched by the consensus feeling that the promotion’s combination of in-ring action and ongoing storylines was once again the best in the business.

While The Bloodline saga probably lost a little steam in the second half of 2023, it was still front and center early on, with Sami Zayn finally turning on the group and reuniting with Kevin Owens. Cody Rhodes got his chance to finish his story at an enormously successful WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium but fell short, leaving Roman Reigns in his spot as the unquestioned top champion.

Plenty of other highs included the continued ascent of The Judgment Day, the high profile arrival of Jade Cargill (though we’re still waiting for her to, you know, actually wrestle) and the “I can’t believe this is actually happening” return of CM Punk. But there were times of tragedy as well, none bigger than the stunning death of Bray Wyatt.

It was an incredibly eventful year that came right on the back of another and managed to surpass it in many ways. With that in mind, here’s a review of the top talent, moments and matches that defined WWE in 2023.

Did Trish Stratus just tease another WWE run?

Trish Stratus dropped vague hints about what she plans to do in 2024, which may include a return to WWE.

In 2023, WWE pleasantly surprised everyone with Trish Stratus‘ prolonged run, which began with the build-up to WrestleMania 39 and ended with the payoff of her feud with Becky Lynch. Although the program may have gone a week or two too long, Stratus’ involvement paired her with a fellow top talent of the past two decades, and she elevated the women’s division by working with the newly debuted Zoey Stark.

The 48-year-old’s run wrapped up at WWE Payback, and it’s unknown when or if she’ll return to the ring. With WrestleMania season near, however, that would be the timeframe to bring her back for a marquee feud against another top women’s star like Bianca Belair or fulfill the rest of her program with Stark.

In an interview with GAW TV, WWE Hall of Famer Stratus teased fans with a glimpse of the future. She revealed that she has “a lot of things that are percolating” in 2024, potentially hinting that it’s wrestling world, which should raise a few eyebrows (h/t Fightful for transcription).

Honestly. 2023 was probably the most insane year I’ve had on all fronts. I did not expect…I returned to wrestling, obviously, a little mini-program turned into six months. So much fun. I have a lot of things that are percolating and we’ll let you know when we can let you know. I’m excited. We’re on a roll here. Good things are happening, new opportunities and stuff that I didn’t even think I could tap into that I am. It’s been fun. I can’t wait. Honestly, at the end of the day, the support from my Stratospherians, we are so thankful for everyone. They are what drive us; they’re what make us, and your interests are what make the interests, and therefore, we are a thing. Thank you to all my Stratospherians for coming out, for supporting, and it was so fun when I went back to wrestling, tapping into ‘if you know you know’ moments and having that ‘Oh, I loved when she did that back in the day.’ That was fun. I look forward to doing that again next year. I’m so excited.

In so many words, it seems like Stratus is up to something. Though it’s uncertain what it could be, if it involves a comeback to the wrestling ring, fans may get another opportunity to see this WWE legend on either Raw or SmackDown sooner than later.

WWE Payback 2023 results: The Judgment Day rises, Seth Rollins prevails in Pittsburgh

Get full WWE Payback 2023 results from Pittsburgh, including a title changing hands and a new addition to the Raw roster.

While there certainly is, ahem, other pro wrestling news being discussed today, WWE will do its best to take back the attention of the industry with Payback from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh. Yes, there are no Roman Reigns/Bloodline matches on this card, making it feel somewhat lesser, but this feels like a show where the efforts of the wrestlers themselves can make it shine.

That’s definitely true of the World Heavyweight Championship match between Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura. Rollins has spoken often about wanting to be the kind of champion who inspires through his work effort, and a matchup with the King of Strong Style certainly gives him the chance to prove it.

Making their meeting even more interesting is the way Shinsuke has introduced Seth’s real life back issues into his pre-match mind games. It’s not often we see the uber-confident Rollins thrown off his game, which will make his eventual triumph (if that’s what happens) that much more compelling.

The dynamic between Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley is a lot less subtle and easier to understand right away. Raquel Rodriguez has been the one woman in all of WWE able to stand up to Ripley physically, making her a straightforward challenge. Can Mami pass this test and maintain her dominance?

With only six total matches on the Payback card, there’s room for some surprises. Could Damian Priest cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase? Might John Cena, ostensibly in Pittsburgh to host the show, end up in a match? These are all things we’re anxious to find out.

WWE Payback 2023 results:

(click on any match with a link for full details)

  • Becky Lynch def. Trish Stratus by pinfall in a Steel Cage match, and things get even worse afterward for Trish as Zoey Stark has enough of her and hits Stratus with the Z-360
  • John Cena makes his appearance and says his job as host is to make the night special by being the guest referee … for The Miz vs. LA Knight; Miz is upset, so Cena asks him for advice as host but still is sticking to his idea
  • LA Knight def. The Miz by pinfall with John Cena as special guest referee
  • Rey Mysterio def. Austin Theory by pinfall to retain the United States Championship
  • Cathy Kelley tries to talk to Lynch backstage when Tiffany Stratton approaches her with some cheerful insults
  • Damian Priest and Finn Balor def. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn by pinfall in a Steel City Street Fight to become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions
  • The Grayson Waller Effect welcomes Cody Rhodes for a big announcement, and he gives it to him: Rhodes got Jey Uso on the Raw roster; naturally Jey Uso ends up superkicking Waller
  • Rhea Ripley def. Raquel Rodriguez by pinfall to retain the Women’s World Championship
  • Cena interviews Balor and Priest, who say when they’re on the same page, no one can stop The Judgment Day
  • Seth Rollins def. Shinsuke Nakamura by pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship

WWE Payback 2023 results: Becky Lynch finally gets the best of Trish Stratus inside a Steel Cage

See how Becky Lynch prevailed over Trish Stratus (and Zoey Stark) in their Steel Cage match at WWE Payback.

While both wrestlers enter the cage, NXT Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton is shown in the crowd. Trish Stratus rushes for the door right away, but it’s wishful thinking for her to escape. Becky Lynch rams her face into the cage repeatedly, then hits a couple of Becksploder suplexes in a row.

Stratus buys herself a second by slinging Lynch to the mat by her hair, then tries to climb the cage. Lynch meets her on the top rope but gets thrown into the steel after stopping Trish from ascending higher.

Clearly enjoying herself, Trish rubs Becky’s face across the stage and grabs a double leg for a slam. Both women score quick near falls that don’t really look like they have any chance of ending it.

In a fun bit, Lynch picks up Stratus battering ram styles and runs her into the cage, shoulder-high. That leads to another two count, and when Lynch can’t get the Disarm-her applied, she settles for a leg drop when Trish tries to Matrix out of the way.

An exchange of blows goes Stratus’ way, then they end up fighting along the cage. Trish ends up sprawled across the top rope, where Becky drops a leg across the back of her neck for a longer two count.

Stratus has a big welt forming on her forehead, but she’s able to handstand into Lynch on the top turnbuckle, where they trade shots until Trish decides to climb over her foe. Becky has to hustle to grab her, which she does emphatically with a powerbomb and yet another near fall.

Trish shows her power by getting Becky lifted overhead, dropping down hard for a Widow’s Peak for two. Not to be outdone with the homages, Lynch responds with a Twist of Fate that earns two right back.

After Lynch appears to tweak her knee, Trish hits Stratusfaction for the closest they’ve come so far to ending it. Now Stratus has thoughts of escape again and nearly makes it to the top of the cage, and the two foes battle down to the top rope and into a big bulldog that nearly finishes Lynch again … but not quite.

Both women make it to the top of the cage, and Trish even makes it over to the other side before Becky grabs her. Stratus ends up upside-down for a second, and Lynch finally manages to pull her back in for a big superplex. Lynch covers but sees Stratus get the shoulder up at the last split second.

Becky wants to climb but stops as she sees Trish going for the door. Zoey Stark arrives and tries to pull her mentor out, and though Lynch wins the tug of war, Stark intervenes directly after a Manhandle Slam makes it look like Becky has it won.

Stark floors Lynch, but Becky pops up and hits Zoey with a Manhandle Slam. With Trish climbing again, Becky grabs her and uses a very high Manhandle Slam to plant her foe and finally get the three count.

After the match, Stark and Stratus discuss what just happened, with Trish slapping Zoey. Instead of leaving as ordered, however, Stark closes the cage door and hits Trish with the Z-360 before taking off her “Thank You Trish” shirt.

WWE Payback 2023 predictions: Who will prevail in Pittsburgh?

What will WWE Payback give the fans on hand in Pittsburgh? We take our best guess with predictions for every match.

Considering that the name of WWE’s upcoming premium live event in Pittsburgh is Payback, there’s a shocking lack of overall revenge on this year’s card. Oh sure, there are superstars on the card looking to get back at their opponents for attacks or slights over the last few weeks, but it’s not like this is a show bursting at the seems with big rematches.

There’s also notably no Roman Reigns or Bloodline matches scheduled, but there are championships at stake. The men’s tag team titles, Women’s World Championship and United States Championship will all be defended at PPG Paints Arena.

We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention that Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura will get a chance to shine in what presumably will be the night’s main event. It’s not a spot they’re always in (particularly Shinsuke), so it’ll be interesting to see if they step up to the challenge.

So what do we think will happen in each bout? Scroll down to see our predictions for Pittsburgh.

How to watch WWE Payback 2023: Live stream US, international

Here’s how to catch WWE Payback live from Pittsburgh this weekend.

As it enters the fall, WWE kicks off the latter part of the year with the Payback premium live event from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Other marquee WWE events have had more star power, so this show provides plenty of chances for talent to step up and shine on this early September night.

Headlining Payback for the World Heavyweight Championship, Seth Rollins and Shinsuke Nakamura‘s feud has become personal given Nakamura’s threats to worsen Rollins’ back injury and make his life harder after the match.

A win for Nakamura would be his biggest moment in WWE in years, giving him an opportunity to excel in his otherwise quiet stint on the main roster. While Rollins has been a formidable champion, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the King of Strong Style break through and open a longer program with the Visionary.

Cody Rhodes has been quiet since SummerSlam and is not scheduled to compete in a match at Payback. However, he will be a guest on “The Grayson Waller Effect,” which could be how the American Nightmare gets physically involved at the show and potentially sets up his next feud for Fastlane and beyond.

Becky Lynch has endured a long, bumpy road to finally get to her Steel Cage match against Trish Stratus at Payback, which should end their year-long feud. After Lynch defeated Stratus’ compadre Zoey Stark in a Falls Count Anywhere match on the Aug. 29 Raw, she will enter the show with momentum and the chance to go over the WWE Hall of Famer once and for all.

These matches, and more, will grace Payback in Pittsburgh. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the action this weekend.

WWE Payback 2023

  • Date: Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023
  • Location: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Start time: 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT
  • How to watch: On Peacock in the U.S., and on WWE Network in the rest of the world

Updated WWE Payback 2023 card: KO, Sami take on The Judgment Day in a Steel City Street Fight

Check out the latest WWE Payback 2023 card, with all the matches confirmed so far for Pittsburgh.

WWE will host is next premium live event, Payback, at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Sept. 2. It’s the first marquee show since SummerSlam and will feature feuds that developed in the fallout.

One of the first matches announced for Payback was Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus in a Steel Cage match. This feud, which has been going on since shortly after WrestleMania, is one of WWE’s longest running and will culminate at Payback after a summer-long program that has lost steam.

WWE confirmed that Rhea Ripley will defend her WWE Women’s Championship against Raquel Rodriguez at Payback, following weeks of tension pitting the champion against Rodriguez and her tag team partner, Liv Morgan — which culminated in Ripley sidelining both of them with injuries. On the Aug. 21 show, Rodriguez returned healthy to get her retribution and set up the title match.

Shinsuke Nakamura teased an edgier side to his persona, culminating in a surprise Kinshasa on Seth Rollins to close an episode of Raw earlier this month. This led to simmering tension between the two, and now the match has been confirmed for Payback, where Rollins will defend the World Heavyweight Championship.

As expected, The Miz and LA Knight will face off after their recent exchanges, and the winner of the Slim Jim Battle Royal will have the chance to have one of the biggest WWE matches of his career if it is confirmed. Gunther vs. Chad Gable in a rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship is also plausible.

We’ll update this post as WWE announces more matches for Payback. For now, here’s what has been set for the PPG Paints Arena.

Last update: Aug. 28, 2023, 11:15 p.m. ET

WWE Payback 2023 card:

  • Seth Rollins (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura – World Heavyweight Championship match
  • Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Raquel Rodriguez – WWE Women’s Championship match
  • Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Austin Theory – WWE United States Championship match
  • Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn (c) vs. The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Finn Balor) – Steel City Street Fight for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship
  • Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus – Steel Cage match
  • LA Knight vs. The Miz

WWE Raw results 08/14/23: The Judgment Day has the last laugh

The long awaited rematch between Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus is also slated for this week’s edition of WWE Raw.

Shinsuke Nakamura is done playing around. Tonight on WWE Raw from Winnipeg, we’re apparently going to find out just why he had his recent change of heart.

Nakamura seemed pretty entrenched as a fan favorite during his current run, even helpfully volunteering to team with Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes to take on The Judgment day last week after the villainous stable had taken out Sami Zayn.

There was just one problem: After the match, Nakamura laid out Rollins with a vicious Kinshasa, leaving the World Heavyweight Champion staring up at the lights.

The assumption is that Shinsuke wants Seth’s gold for himself. That’s how these things usually work, after all. But perhaps there’s a little more to it than that, and WWE is hinting that we’ll find out tonight.

The other big to-do for this Monday is Becky Lynch battling Trish Stratus. You may recall that they were supposed to have a match two weeks ago, except Stratus had Zoey Stark aid her as soon as the bell rang, content to lose by DQ.

Adam Pearce said “uh-uh!” (hopefully in his best Stone Cold Steve Austin voice) and that Becky and Trish would have a proper rematch, this time with Zoey banned from the ringside area. We thought it might be at SummerSlam, but it will instead take place on this episode of Raw.

We think. Hopefully.

There’s also the not so small matter of Payback coming up in just a few weeks, so time’s a wasting on getting the gears in motion for that event. That could happen tonight as well.

Let’s dive in.

WWE Raw results from Winnipeg:

(scroll down for more details on any match or segment in bold)

  • The Judgment Day is out here without Finn Balor, and they aren’t happy about it; also JD McDonagh and Sami Zayn get into a scrap
  • Sami Zayn def. JD McDonagh by pinfall
  • Chelsea Green apologizes to Chelsea Green and looks like he’s going to strip her of the tag team titles, but she threatens to call Human Resources on him, then suggests they hold auditions for a new partner; Piper Niven tries to declare herself Green’s new partner and doesn’t appear she’ll take no for an answer
  • Cody Rhodes notes that Balor has always been a leader, but one of the problems with The Judgment Day is that both Priest and Ripley are too; Cody says he’ll be ready for Finn and The Judgment Day tonight
  • The Ring General has arrived in Winnipeg, but while Alpha Academy has to accept that Gunther is very good, they don’t take any crap from Ludwig Kaiser
  • Chad Gable def. Giovanni Vinci by pinfall
  • Gunther def. Otis by pinfall
  • Ripley has to step between Balor and Priest to stop their bickering, and Finn comes around and says the group will show they are still a united force against Cody later tonight
  • The weekly SmackDown Bloodline recap video plays
  • Drew McIntyre is asked what’s next for him, but he doesn’t get to answer before Matt Riddle asks him if he’ll tag up to face the Viking Raiders tonight; McIntyre says he’ll consider it, and Riddle does the “so you’re telling me there’s a chance!” thing
  • A short video hypes up Indi Hartwell
  • Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre def. Viking Raiders by pinfall
  • Raquel Rodriguez tells Candice LeRae and Hartwell how frustrated she is that she can’t get cleared since she can’t wait to rip Ripley apart, but everyone agrees this is Indi’s night to show what she can do
  • Riddle thinks he and McIntyre can win the tag team champions, but The New Day is offended by the thought that one win can make them title contenders and they challenge Matt and Drew to a match next week
  • Rhea Ripley def. Indi Hartwell by pinfall, though LeRae may have made a tactical error by attacking Ripley after the match
  • A quick replay shows Nakamura’s attack on Rollins again from the end of last week’s Raw
  • Shinsuke Nakamura gets a title shot from Seth Rollins … and lays him out again
  • The Miz denies shaking LA Knight’s hand, says he’ll beat someone better than Knight ever has, and may show up on SmackDown too
  • Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch ends in a double countout, with Zoey Stark joining in when they brawl up to the concourse
  • Gunther is angry at Vinci for losing and ticked at Kaiser at getting distracted with Dupri, then says he’ll go to Pearce and sort it out by giving Gable his title shot next week
  • Speaking of Pearce, he’s furious with Stratus and tells her Trish will have to face Becky in a steel cage
  • Cody Rhodes def. Finn Balor by pinfall, but after the match, he and Sami Zayn take a horrific beating from The Judgment Day after the arrival of McDonagh turns the tide

WWE Raw preview 08/14/23: Becky vs. Trish, for real this time … probably

Also on this week’s episode of WWE Raw, Shinsuke Nakamura explains his blindside attack on Seth Rollins last Monday.

Becky Lynch did what she needed to do to get what she wanted most: a rematch against Trish Stratus. She looks like she’s actually going to have that match tonight on WWE Raw in Winnipeg.

The first time this match seemed like it was going to happen, Stratus had her henchman Zoey Stark jump in and aid her as soon as the bell rang. It ended up as a quick DQ, and was also a bit of a bait-and-switch for WWE fans. Once Adam Pearce set things right, the thought was that the showdown between Becky and Trish with Zoey barred from ringside would take place at SummerSlam, which was not the case.

But Detroit’s loss is now Winnipeg’s gain, as the match is the centerpiece of tonight’s episode of Raw. Whether Stratus will actually fight Lynch straight up or find another way to weasel out of things remains to be seen, but it does look like The Man may get her hands on Trish, which would make her happy.

Also on tap for tonight is an explanation from Shinsuke Nakamura. You may recall that the King of Strong Style has been delivering warnings that he wanted people to stay out of his business, which is understandable. Yet it was still a surprise last week when he volunteered to help Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes battle The Judgment Day only to turn on Rollins at the very end of the show.

The guess here, of course, is that Nakamura wants a shot at Rollins’ World Heavyweight Championship. But we’ll apparently see if Shinsuke himself confirms that in Winnipeg.

If that sounds enticing to you, you’ll want to tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET on USA. Or just join us back here at Wrestling Junkie, where we’ll have results and live updates throughout the show.

Yes, Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus was originally supposed to happen at SummerSlam

While the reason remains unrevealed, the Trish vs. Becky rematch was pushed back at almost the last minute.

The ongoing feud between WWE Hall of Famer Trish Stratus and future Hall of Famer Becky Lynch has had just the right cadence to reach its crescendo at the second-biggest show of the calendar year, SummerSlam. Once Lynch won the right for a rematch with Stratus by defeating Zoey Stark on the July 24 episode of Raw, it seemed like the two superstars were on a collision course for Detroit.

That’s what made the events of this week’s episode of Raw so perplexing. Lynch came out, feeling good, and asked the crowd in Houston why they couldn’t have the rematch right then and there. Stratus, in the finest heel tradition, replied that she had no intentions of doing that.

Adam Pearce begged to differ, and with the power vested in him by WWE, had the match start immediately. Stratus and Stark simply jumped Lynch right at the bell, however, giving The Man a DQ victory but fulfilling Trish’s obligation for a rematch. Or so she thought.

Pearce later informed her that she wouldn’t be able to wriggle out of facing Lynch so easily, and that she would have to take on Becky without Zoey in her corner — but in two weeks on Raw, not on SummerSlam.

According to Fightful Select (subscription required), SummerSlam was the target for the Lynch-Stratus showdown, but plans changed not long before Raw.

Fightful Select learned Monday night that the Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus match that was originally planned for Summerslam was delayed.

We’re told that things changed by this weekend regarding Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus, and that the match was discussed to be moved back to WWE Payback, before it was announced for August 14. The promo and match in totality was scheduled for only one segment on WWE Raw.

The outlet also shot down rumors that the change was made because Lynch had asked for time off around SummerSlam.

Speculation has now shifted to the possibility that either Lynch or Stratus is nursing a minor injury and wouldn’t have been at 100% for this weekend in Detroit. Still, with Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley also currently without a match, it appears SummerSlam will have only two women’s matches and keep some of its most high profile talent on the sideline, which is a surprising turn of events indeed.