Thanks to consistent storylines and solid in-ring action, NXT TV recorded strong viewership in 2023. The White and Gold Brand also witnessed some epic returns and debuts and all that made for some of the best moments of the year.
Stars like Seth Rollins, John Cena, Cody Rhodes, and Rhea Ripley all returned to the Performance Center in Orlando to give the NXT Universe moments to remember. Rollins and Ripley even competed inside the ring.
That being said, let’s take a look at some of the best NXT TV matches of 2023:
Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker (World Heavyweight Title Match – NXT TV Gold Rush)
Bron Breakker called out Seth Rollins for a world title match on June 6, 2023. The Visionary accepted the challenge during a live satellite appearance just a week later. Both men met in the main event of NXT Gold Rush.
Everything about this match was great. Breakker used his brute strength to try to keep down the more experienced champion. Rollins played his part as a veteran to perfection. The Visionary also did a fantastic job selling the challenger’s spear.
In the end, Rollins retained his World Heavyweight Championship with a vicious Curb Stomp to Breakker.
Tables, Ladders & Scares Tag Team Match – NXT Halloween Havoc
Diamond Mine made a lot of rumbling in 2023. The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile put on great matches week in and out on NXT TV. Julius and Brutus Creed found themselves in a Tables, Ladders & Scares match against Los Lotharios.
The two teams met at NXT Halloween Havoc television special. All four men went to war in his chaotic match-up. There were table spots, chair shots, and ladder bumps. This turned out to be Creed Bros’ final match on the White and Gold Brand as they were called to the main roster in November alongside Ivy Nile.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Trick Williams (NXT TV Heatwave)
Ilja Dragunov and Trick Williams saw their stocks rise in 2023. Both men captured their first singles title on the brand. They also went to war with each other on NXT TV Heatwave special in August.
Williams showed massive improvement in this match compared to his previous outing with Dragunov. The Mad Dragon didn’t have to carry the bout as Williams rose to the occasion to deliver arguably his best TV match to date.
Becky Lynch vs. Lyra Valkyria (NXT Halloween Havoc)
Becky Lynch did the unthinkable when she beat Tiffany Stratton for the NXT Women’s Championship on September 12, 2023. The two women tore the house down in their rematch at NXT No Mercy later that month.
The Man put her title on the line against fellow Irish superstar Lyra Valkyria. The duo headlined NXT Halloween Havoc Night 1. This was a fantastic match with some great spots and plenty of near falls.
Lyra shocked everyone when she kicked out of the Manhandle Slam. She then proceeded to dethrone Lynch for the NXT Women’s Championship.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Carmelo Hayes (NXT Championship Match – Halloween Havoc)
Ilja Dragunov dethroned Carmelo Hayes for his title in a fantastic match at NXT No Mercy. The duo met in a rematch for the NXT Championship at Halloween Havoc Night 2. This match went above and beyond what fans had expected of it.
The two men tore the house down with their performance. Dragunov is fantastic when it comes to selling offense and defense with his facial expressions. The Mad King delivered the spot of the match with his flying forearm to Melo through the announcer’s desk.
Honorable Mentions
- Butch vs. Tyler Bate (NXT TV #699)
- Roxanne Perez vs. Kiana James (Devil’s Playground Match – NXT Halloween Havoc)
- Ilja Dragunov vs. JD McDonagh (NXT TV #673)
- Axiom vs. Dragon Lee vs. Trick Williams vs. Tyler Bate (Fatal 4-Way Match)
- Dijak vs. Eddy Thorpe (NXT Underground)
Also read: Best NXT TV Matches Of 2022
