Survivor Series 2023 was a WWE premium live event built around two WarGames matches, featuring major returns, championship defenses, and one of the loudest crowd reactions in recent wrestling history.
Event Overview
Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 was one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year. Instead of traditional elimination tag matches, the event focused on the WarGames format. WarGames features two rings placed side by side and surrounded by a large steel cage. Teams enter at timed intervals, and the match officially begins once all members are inside.
The event delivered high-level storytelling, intense action, and historic moments that shaped WWE storylines heading into 2024.
Men’s WarGames Match Results
Team Cody Rhodes faced The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre. The winners were Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Randy Orton. They defeated The Judgment Day, consisting of Damian Priest, Finn Bálor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, and Drew McIntyre.
This match served as the main event. The babyface team brought together some of WWE’s top stars, while the opposing side combined the power of The Judgment Day with Drew McIntyre.
The biggest moment came when Randy Orton made his surprise return. Orton had been out for over a year due to serious back surgery. His comeback received a massive reaction from the crowd.
Inside the cage, weapons such as tables, chairs, and kendo sticks were used. The match was physical and dramatic. Orton delivered his signature RKO to secure the victory for his team.
This match strengthened Cody Rhodes’ leadership role and continued the ongoing tension within The Judgment Day.
Women’s WarGames Match Results
Team Becky Lynch faced Damage CTRL. The winners were Becky Lynch, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, and Shotzi. They defeated Damage CTRL, consisting of Bayley, Asuka, IYO SKY, and Kairi Sane.
The women’s WarGames match opened the main card. It was fast-paced and aggressive from the start.
Becky Lynch led her team against Damage CTRL, a dominant faction in the women’s division. The return of Kairi Sane to WWE had strengthened Damage CTRL in the weeks leading up to the event.
The match featured high-risk spots from Bianca Belair and Shotzi. Charlotte Flair added power and experience to her team. In the final moments, Becky Lynch secured the win after delivering a Manhandle Slam.
This victory slowed the momentum of Damage CTRL and reinforced Becky Lynch’s position as a top star in WWE’s women’s division.
Women’s World Championship Match
Champion Rhea Ripley faced challenger Zoey Stark. Rhea Ripley retained the title.
Rhea Ripley defended her Women’s World Championship in a singles match. Zoey Stark showed strength and determination, but Ripley’s power advantage made the difference.
Ripley controlled most of the match. She countered Stark’s offense and finished the contest with the Riptide to retain her championship.
This win continued Ripley’s dominant title reign and confirmed her as one of WWE’s strongest champions in 2023.
Intercontinental Championship Match
Champion Gunther faced challenger The Miz. Gunther retained the title.
Gunther entered Survivor Series 2023 as the longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in modern WWE history. The Miz used his experience and ring awareness to challenge him.
The match focused on technical wrestling and strong strikes. Gunther’s hard chops and power moves slowly wore down The Miz. After a tough battle, Gunther secured the victory.
This defense added another milestone to Gunther’s historic Intercontinental Championship reign.
Santos Escobar vs. Dragon Lee
Santos Escobar faced Dragon Lee. Santos Escobar won the match.
This singles match highlighted rising talent. Santos Escobar showed a more aggressive side following recent storyline changes. Dragon Lee impressed with speed and aerial skills.
Escobar eventually gained control and picked up the win. This match helped develop Escobar’s new character direction and pushed him further up the card.
CM Punk’s Shocking Return
The most talked-about moment of the night happened after the main event ended.
CM Punk made a surprise return to WWE. Punk had not appeared in WWE since 2014. His entrance music played unexpectedly, and the arena crowd reacted with one of the loudest cheers in recent WWE history.
His return instantly became the biggest headline from Survivor Series 2023. It reshaped WWE programming moving forward and created major buzz across wrestling media.
This moment alone made the event historic.
Randy Orton’s Comeback Story
Randy Orton’s return was also significant. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, many fans questioned whether he would wrestle again.
His appearance inside the WarGames cage proved he was ready to compete at a high level. Orton looked physically strong and moved confidently during the match.
WWE carefully protected his comeback by placing him in a high-impact storyline immediately. His return added credibility and star power to the main event.
WarGames Format and Its Impact
The WarGames concept has become central to modern Survivor Series events. Instead of traditional elimination matches, WWE now presents two large team battles inside a double-ring steel cage.
This format allows long storytelling segments, weapon usage, dramatic comebacks, and faction-based rivalries. Survivor Series 2023 used this structure effectively in both men’s and women’s matches.
The structure also increases suspense, as the match officially begins only after all competitors enter the cage.
Crowd Reaction and Business Success
Survivor Series 2023 achieved strong ticket sales and a sold-out crowd at the Allstate Arena. The Chicago-area audience created a loud and energetic atmosphere throughout the night.
The return of CM Punk generated global social media trends within minutes. WWE saw high digital engagement, increased viewership numbers, and strong merchandise sales following the event.
From a business perspective, Survivor Series 2023 was one of the most successful editions in recent history.
Key Storyline Developments
Several important WWE storylines advanced during this event.
Cody Rhodes continued to position himself as a locker-room leader.
The Judgment Day showed early signs of internal tension.
Rhea Ripley strengthened her hold over the women’s division.
Gunther continued building a legacy Intercontinental Championship reign.
CM Punk’s return created new main-event possibilities.
These developments directly influenced WWE programming heading into Royal Rumble season.
