10 Weird But True Facts For WWE In 2023
Whether they mean to or not, WWE made some crazy history last year.
“Never say never” is an overused cliché in professional wrestling, but 2023's version of WWE might have presented fans with the clearest examples of that phrase still ringing true.
Vince McMahon selling the company he built into a global juggernaut wasn’t on anyone’s bingo card a year ago. CM Punk leaving AEW to return to the company he spent a decade trashing was barely anything more than fantasy booking by WWE stans and engagement accounts.
Earth-shattering moments like these garner a lot of attention and make a lot of year-end lists, but unlike some previous dire years, there was a lot more to WWE than just a handful of headline-grabbing events.
By all indications and metrics, WWE’s year was a huge success, with sold-out shows, positive media buzz, a strong international presence and solid PLEs that received critical praise. With a talented roster, more consistent booking and logical storytelling, there’s a lot to be bullish on about the current product.
Through it all, WWE had a historic year that can be told in several different ways. Rather than looking at seismic moments or storyline developments, there are a handful of strange nuggets woven throughout WWE’s 2023. Some of these facts might seem like common sense, while others don’t feel like they could be true – but they are.
So, strap in to take an unusual trip through WWE’s year and how it unfolded.
Let’s get to it…
10. A Historic IC Title Reign
Gunther broke an all-time WWE record this year when he surpassed
Honky Tonk Man’s 35-year-old mark holding the Intercontinental Championship. He
closed out 2023 holding the IC title for 565+ days, which is more than 100 days
longer than Honky’s 453-day reign.
That’s the stat WWE has drilled into everyone’s heads, but it might not be the most interesting fact.
Gunther’s single IC title reign is longer than nearly every other superstar’s combined days holding the championship, save for two: Pedro Morales’ 617 days over two reigns, and the Miz’s 592 days over eight reigns. If Gunther holds onto the Intercontinental Championship until WrestleMania 40, he’ll easily eclipse both men to have held the title longer than any other wrestler, period.
The Ring General’s record-setting reign is longer than any single title reign for the United States Championship, both the WWE and WCW incarnations of the title. It ranks seventh in length when compared to WWE Championship reigns, and second among WWE Universal Championship reigns, making it the eighth-longest men’s singles title reign in WWE history.
It’s not just about the one number: Gunther is making real
history with this IC title run.