18 Ups & 15 Downs For WWE In 2023
12. Bad Bunny
What can you say about the biggest recording artist in the world taking part in one of the biggest matches on a B-show PLE, singlehandedly delivering one of the most memorable moments of the show – and the year?
Backlash always has been a B-show for WWE, and the 2023 edition wasn’t expected to be much more… except that was booked for Puerto Rico, which Bad Bunny calls home. Bunny inserted himself in the Rey Mysterio/Dominik Mysterio feud, which in essence grew into an LWO/Judgment Day feud.
This gave way to former friends and tag partners Damian Priest and Bunny squaring off at Backlash, with two Puerto Ricans tearing the house down. Bunny gave fans perhaps the greatest entrance of the year, with thousands of fans erupting for him. He could have just turned into a safe, narrow performance against Priest and it would have been deemed a huge success, but Bad Bunny went all-in and produced a tremendous match that in part catapulted Damian into a major star, shone a spotlight on the LWO, and electrified the entire event.
Bunny didn’t need to do anything else for 2023 to merit a spot on this list. He’s proven his value to the company as a celebrity who is willing to throw himself into his role and deliver for WWE and the fans.