The WWE and AEW Stars Who Made the Biggest Leap in 2023

2023 has been an eventful year with many unexpected twists and turns as several talented wrestlers rose to the top of their game.

It's always so rewarding to watch a performer grow into their own and receive the adulation we think they deserve. Following someone's career and seeing them put it all together or attain that star-making moment is often one of the most fulfilling experiences for pro wrestling fans.

Sometimes a groundswell of support can come after a well-executed character change or a string of meaningful wins. Sometimes it's hard to explain why it happened at all as a blip among the live audience grows into a raucous reaction every week.

These are 10 AEW and WWE stars who made the most significant leap this year.

Julia Hart and Chelsea Green

Julia Hart

Julia Hart has been one of the breakout stars of 2023 thanks to her haunting presentation and eye-catching moonsault. Last year, her reinvention as a member of The House of Black was successful, but she showed even more growth recently as an in-ring performer.

The reception to her TBS Championship match against Kris Statlander at WrestleDream proved that she was ready for a more prominent role. So, it shouldn't have come as a surprise that 22-year-old homegrown secured her first title win at the next pay-per-view event, Full Gear.

Chelsea Green

Chelsea Green has surprisingly turned out to be one of the best WWE returns since the new creative regime took over. After the company released her in 2021, she went on a beneficial indie run and reemerged as entrant no. 20 in this year's women's Royal Rumble match.

Although Green only lasted five seconds, her character work and persistent online presence have made her one of the most entertaining women on the roster. WWE women's tag team division has on life support, but she also made the best of the situation as one-half of the current champions.

Shinsuke Nakamura and Adam Page

Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura is quietly having a fantastic year following his historic match against The Great Muta on New Year's Day at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. In April, The King of Strong Style returned with renewed energy on a quest for championship gold.

After the WWE Draft, Nakamura moved to Raw and effectively re-entered the world title picture. However, a much-needed heel-turn and compelling feud with Seth Rollins made him one of the most intriguing characters on the brand as he prepares to face Cody Rhodes.

The company's use of video packages and subtitles also added a missing ingredient to his presentation. The total package is far and away the best utilization of the Japanese star on the main roster.

Adam Page

Adam Page has been kind of adrift since his AEW World Championship run. As such, it has been a treat to watch him rise to prominence again in 2023.

His feud with Jon Moxley, reunion with The Elite ahead of Blood & Guts, and acclaimed rivalry with Swerve Strickland are undoubtedly career highlights. Hangman and the leader of the Mogul Embassy stole the show at both WrestleDream and Full Gear.

Damian Priest and Ricky Starks

Damian Priest

2023 has been an incredible year for Damian Priest. The Puerto Rican wrestler has had many standout moments such as the men's Elimination Chamber match and his San Juan street fight with Bad Bunny in his home country at Backlash.

Priest also delivered in the main event of the June 5 episode of Raw against Seth Rollins. Although he didn't win the world heavyweight title, he remains a threat as Señor Money in the Bank and a two-time undisputed tag team champion.

Ricky Starks

Ricky Starks started the year on a high note after an excellent feud with MJF and picked up a win against Chris Jericho. Unfortunately, he lost some steam during their extended rivalry, but no one has benefited more from the addition of AEW Collision.

As a fixture on Saturday nights, Starks became the 2023 men's Owen Hart Cup winner, and he and Big Bill upset FTR to win the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Even more, the 33-year-old has stood toe-to-toe with CM Punk and Bryan Danielson and took part in a tremendous ladder match at Full Gear.

Rhea Ripley and Athena

Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley is one of the most decorated women's champions on the WWE roster, but she grew into a massive star this year. The Eradicator won the women's Royal Rumble match and tore the house down with Charlotte Flair in a match-of-the-year candidate on night one of WrestleMania 39.

Ever since, the reigning women's world champion has become the de facto leader of The Judgement Day and one of the most popular superstars in the company. In October, the 27-year-old topped the 2023 PWI Women's 250.

Athena

Athena has been a revelation for Ring of Honor as the women's world champion and the face of the promotion. The Fallen Goddess has been the most visible titleholder on its weekly programming, and her trilogy of matches with Willow Nightingale was one of the highlights of the year.

To that end, their encounter in the main event of ROH Death Before Dishonor will likely end up on many year-end lists. This weekend, Athena will make history again as the first woman to headline Final Battle when she takes on her former pupil, Billie Starkz.

Swerve Strickland and LA Knight

Swerve Strickland

2023 will go down as the year when Swerve Strickland transitioned into a main eventer. Longtime fans knew just how talented he was, but the Tacoma native has been on another level since he feuded with Darby Allin.

AEW's preeminent heel bulked up, drastically improved on his promo work, and produced one the best feuds of the year with Hangman. Fans have clearly taken notice as the response to him has gotten even louder since the Texas Death match at Full Gear.

Strickland has been sensational in the Continental Classic. With every appearance, it feels like it's only a matter of time before he wins the AEW World Championship.

LA Knight

LA Knight's inexplicable rise in popularity is the most fascinating success story of 2023. Seriously, who would've guessed that he would transform into a fan favorite after the much-maligned Mountain Dew Pitch Black match at Royal Rumble?

By the summer, the charismatic superstar became the people's choice and was heavily favored to win the men's Money in the Bank ladder match. Knight ultimately lost, but he still eventually challenged Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship at Crown Jewel.

It wouldn't be a stretch to say it was the biggest match of his career, and the 41-year-old proved he could hang with The Tribal Chief.