WWE Survivor Series Smashes Records

WWE has continued its record-breaking year with Survivor Series.

Survivor Series 2023 took place on November 25th in Chicago’s Allstate Arena and proved to be one of the most memorable in the event’s 37-year history.

WarGames bookended the show, with Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair, Shotzi, and Becky Lynch getting the better of Damage CTRL after Lynch launched Bayley through a table with a Manhandle Slam for the pinfall victory.

The main event saw Randy Orton make his triumphant return to WWE after an 18-month absence to team up with Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Jey Uso, and Sami Zayn to take the fight to The Judgment Day. Orton played a decisive role in the finish as he caught JD McDonagh with an RKO from the top rope, clearing the way for Cody to drop Damian Priest with a Cross Rhodes for the victory.

Elsewhere, Gunther continued his dominant reign as Intercontinental Champion with a victory over The Miz, Rhea Ripley saw off a challenge from Zoey Stark, and Santos Escobar scored a win over rising star Dragon Lee.

However, the biggest moment of the night came after the action in the ring was over, as CM Punk made his return to WWE almost a decade after he walked out on the company. The star’s music hit to a monstrous ovation and he stared down the stars at ringside as Rollins was held back by Michael Cole and Corey Graves.

WWE Survivor Series Makes History

Now, WWE has announced that Survivor Series set multiple records for the company. Viewership was up 44% on the previous record set in 2022, although exact figures have not been given. Meanwhile, 17,138 fans packed into the Allstate Arena, breaking the previous record for the event set in Brooklyn in 2021.

The show also broke the all-time merchandise record, and sponsorship was up 24% on 2022.

CM Punk also netted a huge accolade, with his return resulting in 71 million views across the company’s digital platforms, making it the most social post in WWE history.