10 Absolute WORST Wrestling Moments Of 2023
2. Cody Rhodes Fails To Finish The Story
The most divisive and debated storyline moment of 2023 was seemingly as much to do with the reality of a multi-billion dollar takeover than the fantasy escape professional wrestling is designed to promote.
A hot babyface like few in company history, Cody Rhodes had to "Finish The Story" he'd put in place one year earlier and dethrone Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, but he failed. As arguments raged over how much adversity the character had faced, the importance of Reigns hitting 1000 days with the top title by virtue of the win and just who managed to throw that rubber chicken in the ring next to 'The American Nightmare' living his worst life, things were happening behind the scenes with even bigger ramifications than a storyline belt switch.
After orchestrating some corporate chair-switching in WWE HQ thanks to some grim gamesmanship, Vince McMahon was un-"retired" and overseeing a sensational sale offer that culminated in the company merging with UFC under the newly-combined TKO brand. The stability of Reigns on top seemingly trumped the fantastic WrestleMania story, and audiences were made to wait (at least) another year for the next Steve Austin/John Cena-like figure to finally ascend.