The Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, became the epicenter of intense wrestling showdowns and unforeseen comebacks at the 2023 WWE Survivor Series: WarGames. Fans were treated to a rollercoaster of thrilling matches, but the ultimate shocker of the night emerged when former WWE and AEW Champion CM Punk made a stunning return to the WWE after years of absence.
The event kicked off with two WarGames matches, starting with a fiercely chaotic clash between the women. Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Shotzi triumphed over Damage CTRL in a nail-biting encounter. The chaos continued in the main event as Randy Orton returned to join forces with Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn, prevailing over Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre.
However, despite the action-packed matches, the spotlight shifted to CM Punk’s unexpected return to the WWE. His reemergence marks a significant turn of events following his contentious departure in 2014 and years of vocal criticism towards the company.
Survivor Series Matches Recap and Grades:
Women’s WarGames Match: The women’s WarGames showcased sheer intensity, with Lynch, Belair, Flair, and Shotzi emerging victorious over Damage CTRL. The match escalated with jaw-dropping moments and impressive teamwork, resulting in a thrilling finish. (Grade: B+)
Intercontinental Championship: Gunther defended his title against The Miz in a gripping showdown, displaying exceptional wrestling skills. Gunther’s resilience shone through, ultimately securing the win via submission. (Grade: B)
Santos Escobar vs. Dragon Lee: Escobar and Lee engaged in a fast-paced encounter, demonstrating their prowess, yet the match left room for greater potential given more time. (Grade: B-)
Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley defended her title against Zoey Stark in a hard-hitting bout that showcased Ripley’s dominance, although Stark held her ground impressively. (Grade: B)
Men’s WarGames Match: The men’s WarGames match was marked by suspense and a multitude of storylines, culminating in an explosive finish. While lacking the chaotic intensity of the women’s match, Randy Orton’s return delivered a shocking moment. (Grade: B)
CM Punk’s WWE Return: Following the main event, CM Punk made an electrifying return, igniting the crowd and leaving fans in awe.
Triple H, during a post-show press conference, expressed WWE’s excitement about Punk’s return, acknowledging the significance of this unexpected reunion after almost a decade. He emphasized the changes in both parties over the years and hinted at the anticipation surrounding Punk’s future endeavors within WWE.
This monumental event witnessed Punk’s return as a lightning bolt moment, sparking conversations and setting the stage for what lies ahead in the WWE landscape.
CM Punk’s comeback signifies a seismic shift in the wrestling world, promising new storylines and captivating developments for the WWE Universe.
Stay tuned for more updates and developments as CM Punk’s return reverberates throughout the WWE.