Once again, it was a great year for WWE for the women’s division. The fans were treated to a mix of the past, present, and future in 2023. There were so many amazing matches, and it is difficult to name just five. It was good across all three brands (Raw, SmackDown, and NXT). Without further ado, here are the top five women’s matches in WWE in 2023.
Charlotte Flair (c) vs. Rhea Ripley: SmackDown Women’s Title (WrestleMania 39 Saturday)
This match was a show stealer on the Grandest Stage of Them All. Charlotte Flair faced Rhea Ripley in a rematch from WrestleMania 36, in which Flair won the Women’s NXT Title. Ripley got her revenge, winning the SmackDown Women’s Title for the first time. It catapulted her to the top of the mountain on which she still sits today.
Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus: Steel Cage Match (Payback)
All things considered, Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus put on a show to open the premium live event back in September. Fans could feel and see how personal this was as the storytelling played out inside the massive structure. The physicality, along with the sheer brutality, made it an instant classic. It lived up to the hype as two of the best female superstars of their generation laid it all on the line.
WWE Payback 2023 had one wild steel cage clash between @BeckyLynchWWE & @trishstratuscom (and @ZoeyStarkWWE!) pic.twitter.com/nfh3shRHLn
— WWE (@WWE) December 26, 2023
Bianca Belair (c) vs. Iyo Sky: Raw Women’s Title (Backlash)
This match between Bianca Belair and Iyo Sky was highly competitive and played into The EST’s feud with Damage CTRL. While Bayley and Dakota Kai made an appearance, it did not take away the battle inside the ring. Ultimately, Belair would retain the Raw Women’s Title, becoming the longest-reigning champion.
Women’s WarGames Match (Survivor Series)
The team of Belair, Flair, Lynch, and Shotzi faced Asuka, Bayley, Sky, and Kairi Sane inside two cages with no rules. From chairs to kendo sticks to tables, this match saw everyone have their moment to shine. Also, Sky leaping from atop the cage onto the other superstars made for a highlight moment. Overall, an exciting match from start to finish.
— @LuigiWrestling (@luigiwvideos2) November 26, 2023
Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka: Raw Women’s Title (Night of Champions)
An argument could be made that Belair and Asuka’s match at WrestleMania 39 Sunday is in this spot. However, this match saw The Empress of Tomorrow dethrone Belair in what was a shock to some at the premium live event. Mind games were in play here in this match as the chemistry was on full display. Both superstars put on a masterclass from bell to bell.
Top WWE NXT Women’s matches in 2023
- Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge Match – Tiffany Stratton, Blair Davenport, Lash Legend, Fallon Henley, Kelani Jordan (NXT Deadline)
- Lynch (c) vs. Stratton: Extreme Rules Match – Women’s NXT Title (NXT No Mercy)
- Roxanne Perez vs. Davenport: Weapon Wild Match (NXT Great American Bash)
- Lynch (c) vs. Lyra Valkyria: NXT Women’s Title (Halloween Havoc – Night One)
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