Over the course of 2023, Wrestling-Online.com published over 3,000 individual stories, covering everything that was happening in WWE, AEW, Impact, and some other promotions.
Some stories were obviously more popular than others and below we take a look in a month-by-month breakdown of the stories that brought the clicks.
JANUARY
- Mercedes Varnado thanks WWE and others in tweets before Wrestle Kingdom 17
- Mercedes Varnado makes spectacular debut at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom as Mercedes Mone
- AEW kicks off 2023 with all-new look Dynamite on TBS
- Vince McMahon forces his way back in WWE
- Vince McMahon issues press release on return to WWE
- WWE engages JP Morgan to help on sale, potential bidders listed
- Stephanie McMahon resigns in full from WWE
- Vince McMahon elected Executive Chairman on the WWE Board of Directors
- Adam Cole returns to AEW on Dynamite
- Mickie James’ Last Rodeo ends with the capture of the Impact Knockouts title
- ROH Tag Team champion Jay Briscoe passes away in car accident
- The wrestling world mourns the death of Jay Briscoe
- Police officers do wellness check on Kevin Nash following suicide comments on podcast
- Vince McMahon settles multi-million dollar litigation with former referee Rita Chatterton
- Ric Flair apologizes to Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins backstage at Raw
- Cody Rhodes wins the men’s 2023 Royal Rumble match
- Rhea Ripley wins the women’s 2023 Royal Rumble match
- Sami Zayn turns on the Bloodline
- WrestleMania 39 tickets surpass 109,000 sold
FEBRUARY
- AEW announces the launch of their non-televised live event business
- “The Genius” Lanny Poffo passes away at age 68
- The Rock’s mom Ata Johnson survives horrific car crash in Los Angeles
- Paul Levesque says having Vince McMahon back has been great
- Lita returns on Raw to help Becky Lynch
- Jerry Lawler in hospital after suffering major stroke
- Tony Khan expecting big increase in AEW television rights
- Tony Khan accuses WWE of more contract tampering
- Former wrestling promoter Jerry Jarrett passes away
- Montreal gives Sami Zayn a god’s welcome on Smackdown
- Mercedes Mone wins the IWGP Women’s title
- CM Punk and Bayley attend NJPW’s Battle in the Valley
- Jeff Hardy’s driving license suspended for 10 years
- Trish Stratus returns to help Lita and Becky win the tag team titles
MARCH
- Sonya Deville arrested in New Jersey for unlawful weapon possession
- ROH returns with new weekly shows tonight on HonorClub
- Jey Uso turns on Sami Zayn on Raw
- Backlash 2023 to take place from Puerto Rico with Bad Bunny as host
- Dragon Lee finally arrives in NXT
- AEW All-Atlantic title rebranded to AEW International title
- Arn Anderson’s son Barrett passes away at age 37
- Taya Valkyrie wraps up with Impact, departs company
- Scott D’Amore promoted President of Impact Wrestling
- Goldberg a free agent after WWE contract runs out
- Alexa Bliss reveals skin cancer treatment, gets all clear
- Impact World champion Josh Alexander injured, surrenders title
- Vince McMahon reimburses WWE $17.4 million for investigation costs
- WWE unveils gigantic WrestleMania 39 set inside SoFi Stadium
APRIL
- Nigel McGuinness returns to ROH as commentator
- Gisele Shaw says she was insulted by Rick Steiner at WrestleCon for being transgender
- Owens and Zayn vs The Usos to headline WrestleMania Saturday
- Bad Bunny and Pat McAfee make unadvertised appearances at WrestleMania
- Shane McMahon returns at WrestleMania, blows his knee in seconds
- WWE merges with Endeavor in $9.3 billion deal
- WrestleMania 39 the most successful and highest-grossing WWE event in history
- Triple H opens Raw, thanks everyone and says they’re not going anywhere
- Vickie Guerrero’s youngest daughter says she was sexually assaulted by stepfather
- AEW All In at London’s Wembley Stadium announced for August 27
- Jeff Hardy returns to AEW after 10-month absence
- Mickie James surrenders Impact Knockouts title, not cleared to compete
- AEW books United Center for CM Punk’s return on new TV show in June
- Mercedes Mone loses IWGP Women’s title to Mayu Iwatani
- CM Punk in surprise backstage visit at Raw in Chicago
- Bad Bunny to take on Damian Priest in a street fight at Backlash
- Trinity Fatu brings the glow to Impact Wrestling
- CM Punk backstage at Impact Wrestling’s TV tapings in Chicago
MAY
- Carmella announces she’s pregnant with first child
- Sonya Deville’s accused kidnapper gets 15 years jail sentence
- Savio Vega and Carlito make surprise appearances at Backlash in Puerto Rico
- 12 competitors in the World Heavyweight title tournament revealed
- Surprise! Dwayne Johnson in Fast X movie post-credit scene
- WWE/UFC merged company to be called TKO Group Holdings Inc
- WBD officially announces new AEW Collision Saturday show
- Superstar Billy Graham passes away at age 79
- Further issues between CM Punk and AEW create problems on Collision launch day
- The $1 billion AEW television deal that never was
- Mercedes Mone suffers apparent broken ankle at NJPW Strong event
- Saudi fans welcome Sami Zayn with open arms at Night of Champions
- Roman Reigns reaches 1000 days as WWE champion
- Seth Rollins wins the WWE World Heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia
- The Bloodline implodes as Jimmy Uso takes out Roman Reigns
- Returning Kris Statlander ends Jade Cargill’s undefeated streak and title run
JUNE
- CM Punk officially announced for Collision’s debut in Chicago
- New WWE Undisputed Universal championship unveiled on Smackdown
- The Iron Sheik passes away at age 81
- CM Punk talks problems with The Elite in interview with EPN
- Roman’s empire falls as The Usos take down the Tribal Chief
- CM Punk returns on Collision, drops first in-ring promo
- Bryan Danielson suffers broken right forearm against Okada
- Forbidden Door 2023 becomes AEW’s largest gate ever
- AEW Fight Forever video game out today
- Darren “Drop” Drozdov passes away at age 54
JULY
- Bayley on Mercedes Mone’s return: “I beg her every day“
- Drew McIntyre returns at Money In The Bank in London
- John Cena makes surprise appearance at MITB, pitches WrestleMania in London
- Roman Reigns pinned for the first time since December 2019
- MITB in London becomes the highest-grossing arena event in WWE history
- Ronda Rousey’s days in WWE are numbered
- Brock Lesnar returns on Raw to resume feud with Cody Rhodes
- WWE lead attorney Jerry McDevitt retires
- Punk vs Starks in Owen Hart Cup tournament final
- Tribal Court segment on Smackdown hits over 3 million viewers
- 18-year-old Nick Wayne to make AEW debut tonight
- Eric Young departs WWE, shows up at Slammiversary
- Nick Aldis departs Impact Wrestling
- Athena and Nightingale make ROH history with first women’s main event
- Dwayne Johnson surprises little girl with cancer by serving her lunch
- Vince McMahon undergoes major spinal surgery
AUGUST
- Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, and The Young Bucks sign new multi-year deals with AEW
- Vince McMahon subject to federal search warrant and a grand jury subpoena
- Dwayne Johnson gifts MMA fighter Themba Gorimbo a house in Miami
- WWE to celebrate 25 years of Edge on Smackdown from Toronto
- Kairi Sane signs new WWE deal
- A good night for the Paul brothers as Logan makes it to Dallas after SummerSlam
- Ronda Rousey: “I got no reason to stay“
- Nick Aldis at Raw, to start producer tryout
- Endeavor expecting WWE acquisition to be completed in September
- The Young Bucks say that The Elite didn’t always agree on staying in AEW
- Jey Uso: “I’m out, I’m out of Smackdown, I’m out of WWE“
- CM Punk takes a shot at Hangman Adam Page after Collision
- All In crosses 80,000 tickets distributed
- Lacey Evans departs WWE
- Edge says match vs Sheamus on Smackdown is his last on WWE deal
- Cash Wheeler of FTR arrested, charged with one count of assault with a firearm
- WWE officially announces WrestleMania 40 smashing all-time gate record in one day
- Wrestling legend Terry Funk passes away at age 79
- Bray Wyatt passes away at the age of 36
- Mercedes Mone appears in the stands and on camera at All In
- CM Punk and Jack Perry in backstage physical altercation at All In
- AEW shatters attendance records at Wembley Stadium for All In
- John Cena returning as part of the Smackdown roster for two months
- CM Punk and Jack Perry allegedly suspended pending investigation
- Roman Reigns enters third straight year as champion
SEPTEMBER
- CM Punk fired from All Elite Wrestling
- Tony Khan addresses Chicago crowd after firing CM Punk
- CJ Perry makes AEW debut at All Out
- Jack Perry suspended indefinitely following All In clash with CM Punk
- Endeavor to complete WWE takeover on September 12
- General Adnan passes away at age 84
- Gunther officially surpasses Honky Tonk Man’s Intercontinental title record
- Jade Cargill returns on Collision and takes out Kris Statlander
- Matt Riddle claims he was sexually assaulted at JFK airport by police officer
- End of an Era: WWE moves under the control of Endeavor as takeover is complete
- Nia Jax returns on Raw, takes out Rhea Ripley
- Becky Lynch wins the NXT Women’s title
- Bryan Danielson says his full-time days as wrestler are soon coming to an end
- Real All In attendance number at Wembley Stadium revealed after FOI request
- Impact celebrates 1,000 episodes tonight on AXS TV
- Seth Rollins tops the PWI Top 500 for the third time
- Mandy Sacs launching OnlyFans page
- The Rock makes surprise return on Smackdown
- WWE lays off over 100 workers from HQ following merge with Endeavor
- Jon Moxley spiked on his head, loses AEW International title in unplanned finish
- Smackdown moving to USA Network in new deal but USA getting rid of Raw and NXT
- FOX exiting wrestling business after NBCU scoops up Smackdown
- Hulk Hogan marries fiancé Sky Daily
- 22 WWE in-ring talent released in total this week
- Jade Cargill signs multi-year deal with WWE
- Adam Cole suffers broken ankle and torn ligaments, to undergo surgery
- Heels show runner Mike O’Malley says they’re looking for a new home
- Edge officially a free agent after WWE contract expires
OCTOBER
- Adam “Edge” Copeland arrives in AEW
- Adam Copeland says WWE didn’t have much for him and they outgrew each other
- Star studded NXT set for next week against Dynamite
- Christian Cage tells Adam Copeland to go f*ck himself on Dynamite
- AEW continue to stack up Title Tuesday episode of Dynamite
- WWE and CM Punk in talks over potential return
- Carlito returns at Fastlane to help the LWO
- John Cena says once SAG-AFTRa strike is over, he’s going back to work in Hollywood
- Jade Cargill makes first WWE appearance at Fastlane
- Kevin Nash diagnosed with skin cancer, undergoes procedure to remove it
- Report: Triple H back fully in charge of WWE creative
- Brian Pillman Jr unveiled on NXT, explains name change
- Dynamite gets a whopping 14 minute overrun and nearly full hour without commercials
- Tony Khan takes shot at Cena and Undertaker for failing to draw a million on NXT
- Full quarter hour ratings breakdown for NXT vs Dynamite
- Nick Aldis unveiled as the new Smackdown General Manager
- Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel with decision to remove Vince McMahon from creative
- WWE installs giant 7 foot tall concrete title replica outside new HQ
- Video of kid grabbing Natalya from Raw goes viral
- Sting announces his retirement match for AEW Revolution 2024
- Rhea Ripley tops PWI Women’s 250 list
- Jericho says Dynamite was better than NXT and WWE didn’t crush them
- Impact Wrestling rebranding to TNA Wrestling in January 2024
- WWE announces Bash in Berlin PLE for August 2024
- Dana White says Vince McMahon “is an absolute savage“
- Tropicana Field gets Royal Rumble after local tourism commission paid $500,000
- Ric Flair makes surprise appearance on Dynamite
- Vince McMahon on Saudi Arabia: “This is our home, WWE’s home“
- MJF and Kenny Omega share special moment in the ring after Collision
NOVEMBER
- MJF becomes the longest-reigning AEW World champion
- Ric Flair signs multi-year deal with AEW
- Danielson challenges Okada for rematch at Wrestle Kingdom 18
- WarGames returning to this year’s Survivor Series
- Kairi Sane returns to WWE at Crown Jewel
- WWE officially announces NXT move to The CW Network
- Samoa Joe relinquishes ROH TV title, says he’s going after AEW World title
- Jim Ross to take another break from AEW due to health issues
- Vince McMahon selling 30% of his stake in TKO Group Holdings for $670 million
- AEW to hold Continental Classic 12-man round-robin tournament
- Mercedes Mone says she can’t wait to return “with some wrestling company” in 2024
- CM Punk teases both WWE and AEW fans with single Instagram Story post
- Backlash 2024 announced for Lyon, France in May 2024
- Kota Ibushi officially joins AEW
- Mickie James departs Impact Wrestling
- Will Ospreay is All Elite
- Continental Classic tournament to crown new AEW Tripe Crown champion
- Randy Orton returning at Survivor Series for WarGames match
- FTR get #1 place on PWI Top 100 Tag Team chart for 2023
- CM Punk makes surprise return at Survivor Series
- CM Punk signs multi-year deal with WWE
- Charlotte and Becky happy “to be dating again” after making amends
- Tammy “Sunny” Sytch sentenced to 18 years in prison
- AEW VP of Show and Creative Coordination QT Marshall resigns from company
- Humble and respectful CM Punk makes good impression backstage on first night back
- Bryan Danielson led committee which recommended firing CM Punk from AEW
- Mercedes Mone posts video training in the ring as return looms
- Ric Flair invites women between 18 and 28 to his room during Rampage promo
DECEMBER
- Ric Flair reacts to backlash from Rampage taped promo
- UFC President on CM Punk in WWE: “It was amazing, it was incredible!”
- Five major WWE execs among those laid off
- Matt Hardy voices frustration over lack of creative direction
- Chris Jericho makes surprise appearance at indie show in Vietnam
- Fan tries to attack Grayson Waller at house show in Newark
- AEW’s VP of Post Production Kevin Sullivan fired
- Tony Khan says Ric Flair is paying AEW not vice versa
- Lash Legend bodyslams 300-pound Otis on NXT
- Von Erichs to appear on Dynamite in Dallas
- Chris Jericho says everyone in AEW could use working for Vince McMahon for six months
- TNA launching streaming service with Endeavor Streaming
- Seth Rollins on his animosity with CM Punk: “It’s deep, deep rooted“
- Cora Jade returns, has cute backstage interaction with CM Punk
- Wrestling stars come out for The Iron Claw premiere in Los Angeles
- WWE and Warner Bros. Discovery resume negotiations over Raw TV rights
- Kenny Omega says he’s out of action indefinitely
- Liv Morgan arrested, faces three charges on marijuana possession
- Charlotte Flair out for up to nine months with knee injury
- CJ Perry undergoes surgery after infection gets worse
- TNA’s Scott D’Amore hyping one of their biggest signings in history
- Mercedes Mone holding out for big money to return
- MJF says he has not re-signed with AEW yet
- AOP returning with Paul Ellering for faction with Kross and Scarlett
- Punk’s lawyer reveals that Brawl Out NDAs are out for life
- AEW’s VP of Live Events & Touring Rafael Morrfi leaving company
- Conflicting reports on the status of Cody Rhodes’ new WWE contract
- AEW Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer Dana Massie departing the company
- Goldberg not happy Vince McMahon never gave him his retirement match
- WWE and Mercedes Mone no longer in negotiations for return
- Triple H teases appearance from former WWE champion on Day 1 Raw
- Shotzi gets married in Las Vegas before WWE live event
- The Devil and his henchmen unmasked
- Andrade El Idolo finished with AEW
- WWE Chief of Global TV Distribution and Executive Producer Kevin Dunn leaving WWE
- Tony Khan evasive on Jericho’s sexual misconduct allegations
