10 Worst Wrestling Matches Of 2023 (According To The Internet)
7. Bayley Vs. Shotzi (WWE SmackDown - 1 September)
Cagematch Rating: 2.94/10.
Context makes this one worse.
Shozi and Damage CTRL's Bayley appeared headed for a bitter, personal rivalry on SmackDown, when Bayley took a chunk of the former Blackheart's hair in July. A defiant, bad*ss Shotzi responded by shearing off her own green locks (for the real-life benefit of her sister, who was going through chemotherapy), putting herself back in control of the Damage CTRL storyline, turning up the intensity.
But anyone expecting more from this fantastic, talked-about escalation was left wanting when Charlotte Flair assisted Shotzi's defeat of Bayley in their only singles match after the shaving. Shotzi "won", yes, but because of Flair's intervention when the referee's back was turned, not through her own endeavour. The payoff meant nothing.
This likely explains the low rating. Bayley and Shotzi were fine, working to a level at least in line with modern standards, but Flair whiffing her attempting big boot on IYO SKY on the outside couldn't have helped. Had the outcome not been booked this way then there's a good chance this Very Okay SmackDown match wouldn't have been anywhere near this list.