Ultimate WWE and AEW Power Rankings #11 – August 13, 2023
It is time for another week of the Ultimate Power Rankings from both WWE and AEW. Who improved their stock from last week and who downgraded their position among the rest?
This set ranges from Monday (August 7) and to this Sunday (August 13). This means that all the results and highlights from this week’s Raw, NXT, AEW Dynamite, SmackDown, AEW Rampage, and AEW Collision. All of this will play a factor in where each superstar places on the rankings.
If a wrestler has a (+) next to their name, then that means that they moved up the rankings from last week’s edition. When there is a (-) next to their name, then that means that they moved down from the rankings from last week. If there is nothing next to their name, then that means that they stayed at the same spot.
Without further ado, let’s get into this week’s rankings!
WWE TOP 10 POWER RANKINGS:
10. Shayna Baszler (NR)
Baszler continued her string of victories with a nice win over up-and-comer Zoey Stark on Raw. The “Submission Magician” has built herself up over the past month and a half as a credible threat and hopefully Baszler continues to show that she is back to being a top name in the women’s division. Well also, hopefully WWE doesn’t screw her up again too.
9. The Judgment Day (-3)
The Judgment Day continue to fall down the rankings due to the continued dissension between Damian Priest and Finn Balor and loss on Raw. However, there is still promise for this faction. Dominik Mysterio (surprisingly) retained his NXT North American Championship against Dragon Lee, Priest is still Mr. Money in the Bank, and Rhea Ripley’s Women’s World title feud with Raquel Rodriguez is picking up steam. Not to mention, JD McDonagh is lurking in the shadows.
8. LA Knight (+1)
Knight’s sudden feud with The Miz has started off very well, with the two exchanging a fiery promo on Raw this week. Also, Knight continues to pick up wins on SmackDown, this time beating the jobber to the stars himself, Top Dolla. This is a welcomed feud for Knight off the back of winning the SummerSlam battle royal, and hopefully after this he continues to climb his way towards title contention.
7. Imperium (+1)
Gunther is now the second-longest reigning Intercontinental Champion, just behind The Honky Tonk Man. Not only did Gunther find out his #1 contender on Raw, but his Imperium mate Ludwig Kaiser continues to be a steady hand, scoring another victory on TV, this time against Otis.
6. Seth Rollins (-4)
The World Heavyweight Champion took part in a teasing promo with Cody Rhodes, which led to them two teaming up in a six-man tag team match against The Judgment Day. Despite winning, Rollins ended the night on his back as a heel turn by one Shinsuke Nakamura proved to be his downfall.
5. Shinsuke Nakamura (NR)
Nakamura has officially turned heel and thus, enters the Power Rankings for the first time. Nakamura was on the winning end in two matches on Raw, first wrapping up his feud with Bronson Reed in victory, and then winning in the main event during the six-man tag team match. He is now geared up to challenge for a world title for the first time since 2018, and most likely to do so at a PLE, Payback. It’s great and refreshing to see Nakamura back in the lime light and hopefully WWE makes him feel like a credible challenger once the inevitable match occurs.
4. Cody Rhodes (-1)
Despite going toe-to-toe verbally with Rollins, Rhodes is not next in line for the World Heavyweight Championship, and instead, made amends with the champ. However, the question once again begs…what is next for Cody Rhodes? Personally, I see a potential feud with Mr. Money in the Bank, Damian Priest, down the line. But ultimately, Rhodes will probably be spinning his wheels until Royal Rumble where he is viewed as a favorite to win the titular match.
3. Chad Gable (NR)
The respect is finally due for Gable. Gable took part in an awesome fatal-four way match on Raw, which earned him a shot at Gunther’s Intercontinental title. Gable has long been ready for a major push in WWE, and it is about time he gets it. Even though I don’t think Gable will defeat Gunther on the first try at the gold, I do see a scenario, a happy one, where Gable is the man to dethrone Gunther after the new record is set. Here’s to hoping this isn’t just a one-time shot for Alpha Academy’s top man.
2. Damage CTRL (-1)
Damage CTRL made their presence felt on SmackDown, with IYO SKY and Bayley taking out Asuka and Charlotte Flair. SKY, the new WWE Women’s Champion, has already made herself a highlight reel just off the very first week of her title reign. Not to mention, Damage CTRL may seemingly have their girl Dakota Kai back in their corner, not so much in the ring, but as a manger until she is medically cleared for action. Nonetheless. to say, good things are ahead for this now rejuvenated group.
1. LWO (+6)
There is a new WWE United States Champion but it is not the LWO member that was originally advertised. Santos Escobar was taken out by Austin Theory before their match could happen, so Rey Mysterio jumped in to save the day. Mysterio took the belt off Theory, a much-needed creative move, and this is another good sign for LWO as a whole. However, it is interesting to see what direction WWE goes after the attack and new champion. Will we get a respectable feud between Mysterio and Escobar. Will Escobar turn heel? Definitely curious to see what may happen down the road, but I’m intrigued nonetheless.
AEW TOP 10 POWER RANKINGS:
10. Saraya (NR)
Saraya has punched her ticket to compete in her home country for All In. Saraya defeated Skye Blue on Rampage to earn her spot in the four-way match for the AEW Women’s World Championship. Regardless of how you feel about Saraya and her career, it is great to see her flourishing and being able to compete in front of her home crowd, in one of the biggest events in wrestling, after returning from retirement not even two years ago. And I wouldn’t be shocked if the English star captures the gold in a crowd that will surely be rooting for her.
9. The Young Bucks (NR)
The Young Bucks gave The Hardys a better match than people would’ve thought in 2023. Still, that’s not the biggest point this week, as The Young Bucks responded to FTR’s challenge for All In and accepted. This is obviously the best possible tag team match to happen at Wembley Stadium and something that all wrestling fans will unanimously be on board with seeing play out once again, this time on an even grander stage.
8. CM Punk (-5)
Punk failed to capture the AEW World Trios Championship with FTR, due in large part to Samoa Joe making him pass out in the crowd during the match. Despite it not being confirmed just yet, Punk is very much likely to face Joe at All In. Not to mention, Punk still has Ricky Starks to worry about. It’s a busy time for the “Real” AEW World Champion.
7. Adam Cole
Cole’s buddy-buddy exchange with MJF was fun and definitely a highlight throughout all of TV. Another issue surrounding Cole is his relationship with Roderick Strong. It’s clear that The Kingdom is becoming a looming threat in AEW and want Cole to wake up and join his formed Undisputed ERA running mate. Regardless of what happens, this Cole and MJF storyline is becoming increasingly more unpredictable, with the two men also challenging for the ROH World Tag Team Championship at All In, before going head-to-head in the main event at Wembley Stadium.
6. FTR (-5)
Before All In comes, CMFTR challenged for the World Trios Championship in losing fashion. FTR will now turn their attention to The Young Bucks in a highly anticipated matchup. Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood continue to be steady and consistent on TV ahead of the event.
5. Ricky Starks (-1)
The heel turn is officially cemented with a fiery promo cut in the opening segment of Collision. Starks called out not just Punk, but the entire AEW roster. It’s clear that this heel turn was much needed, not that his babyface turn was bad, but he is so much better as a heel with his natural arrogance. Hears to hoping Starks continues to excel in this new role. Despite his kayfabe suspension being for 30 days, hopefully Starks ends up fighting at All Out against Punk or someone of note.
4. MJF (+2)
The AEW World Champion cut another fun promo with Cole on Dynamite. The question continues to range on about whether MJF is the one to soon turn on Cole, possibly at All In. Regardless of who turns, this storyline has been a long time coming and it wouldn’t be shocking if MJF’s reign ends in London.
3. House of Black (NR)
The House of Black were victorious in their title defense against CMFTR, in what was an outstanding main event match. The group is coming into their own and have been a highlight each week in AEW. They are the longest reigning Trios Champions and in my opinion, Andrade El Idolo, Rush, and another partner are the next three up for a title challenge.
2. Samoa Joe (+3)
Joe’s presentation on Collision is still amazing. He seems and is an absolute badass. Joe continues to decimate everyone in his path and is in for a (pardon the pun) collision at All In with Punk once it is made official. Even though Joe is a champion, the ROH Television champ, I hope that once he drops that title, Joe becomes a major factor in AEW plans beyond Collision, as he’s proven to still be a top star in wrestling.
1. Hikaru Shida (+1)
Shida once again main vented Dynamite this week, retaining her championship against Anna Jay. With the win, Shida punched her spot in the four-way match for All In. Shida has been a bright spot in the women’s division since the very beginning, and it’s still great to see her get a title reign with fans in attendance. Not only is she champion, but she is getting main event spotlight and putting on solid matches with the other women, thus deserving of the #1 spot in the AEW Power Rankings.
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