2023 witnessed a whirlwind of changes in WWE, from epic showdowns to unexpected twists. Among the myriad of events, what truly stood out were the remarkably short matches that left fans both bewildered and intrigued. In this article, we delve into the top 5 shortest WWE matches of 2023, exploring the circumstances, consequences, and the redemption that followed. Strap in for a journey through the blink-and-miss moments of the squared circle.
5 Shortest WWE Matches of 2023
#5: Bobby Lashley vs. Mustafa Ali (RAW, April 3) – 40 Seconds
The absence of Bobby Lashley from WrestleMania 39 raised eyebrows, but the night after saw a drastic attempt to reposition him. In a mere 40 seconds, Lashley decimated Mustafa Ali, showcasing raw power and determination. Little did the audience know that this RAW episode would be marked by Vince McMahon’s creative shakeup, emphasizing the urgency to present Lashley as an unstoppable force.
#4: Shayna Baszler vs. Nikki Cross (RAW, July 17) – 19 Seconds
The summer of 2023 aimed to elevate Shayna Baszler, pitting her against Nikki Cross. However, the lack of fan investment in the Ronda Rousey feud and Baszler’s character presented a challenge. In a swift 19 seconds, Baszler dispatched Cross, but the muted crowd response hinted at a struggle to captivate the audience.
#3: Bianca Belair vs. IYO SKY (SummerSlam 2023) – 8 Seconds
Money in the Bank cash-ins are known for brevity, and IYO SKY’s swift capture of the Women’s Title at SummerSlam was no exception. In just 8 seconds, SKY capitalized on Belair’s vulnerable state after a chaotic triple threat match. This brief encounter showcased the unpredictability of cash-ins and injected new life into the SmackDown women’s division.
#2: Cameron Grimes vs. Baron Corbin (SmackDown, May 12) – 7 Seconds
Cameron Grimes, an underrated star of 2023, seized a moment on SmackDown by defeating Baron Corbin in 7 seconds (despite WWE’s claim of 3 seconds). The discrepancy in timing aside, this match marked a significant high for Grimes, earning him a thunderous pop from the audience. Corbin’s return to basics in 2023 and his stellar NXT run further solidified his status as a consistent in-ring talent.
#1: Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus (RAW, July 31) – 5 Seconds
In a surprising turn of events, the highly anticipated feud between Trish Stratus and Becky Lynch failed to take off initially. On the July 31 edition of RAW, the match lasted a mere 5 seconds, with Zoey Stark’s interference leading to a disqualification. Audible groans echoed worldwide, highlighting the dissatisfaction with WWE’s booking choices. However, redemption awaited as Stratus and Lynch gradually turned the tide, culminating in a steel cage match at Payback, hailed as a potential match of the year.
The tale of redemption unfolded as Stratus and Lynch overcame the hurdles, delivering a steel cage match at Payback that garnered widespread acclaim. What initially seemed like a disappointment transformed into a captivating storyline, proving that in the world of WWE, unpredictability reigns supreme.
Also Read – 5 Wrestlers Who Shockingly Died in 2023
Conclusion
The shortest WWE matches of 2023 showcased the perplexity and burstiness of the wrestling world. From questionable bookings to unexpected triumphs, each brief encounter left a lasting impact. As fans, we were taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, reminding us that in the squared circle, anything can happen.