18 Ups & 15 Downs For WWE In 2023
17. Viking Rules
Hats – well, Viking helmets – off to the geniuses who figured out how to disguise a standard WWE plunder brawl involving the Viking Raiders by just attaching a Viking ship bow to the ring, which was adorned with shields, and giving the match a different name.
The Viking Rules match only made its way to television twice this year, but both instances absolutely ruled, with the Raiders defeating Alpha Academy in July, and then Ivar toppling Kofi Kingston in October. They were tremendous fun, with everyone going all-out to deliver for the fans and produce something memorable beyond the typical hardcore-lite matches WWE traffics in regularly.
By over-delivering on both Viking Rules matches, it’s now become lore for fans in the know, something that when booked becomes appointment viewing. The recent feud between Ivar and Bronson Reed has lent itself to the possibility of a blowoff Viking Rules match, which would instantly become a must-see affair.
While not on the level of the Iron Survivor match, kudos to WWE for making this a fun match type for fans to anticipate.