Impact Slammiversary 2023 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Alex Shelley retained his Impact Wrestling World Championship by defeating Nick Aldis in a grueling Slammiversary main event but it was the return of the former titleholder, Josh Alexander, that made headlines as the show went off the air.

The Walking Weapon came face-to-face with a victorious Shelley and uttered one simple phrase: "I'm back."

It was a noteworthy conclusion to a main event that was smartly wrestled and featured some expert psychology from two uber-talented technicians. Aldis sold the hell out of his left hand every time Shelley grabbed hold of his fingers and pulled and twisted at them.

Conversely, Shelley sold the effects the early cloverleaf had on his back all the way through the post-match celebration.

A good, old-fashioned pro wrestling main event, it was highlighted the skills of its competitors while the finish involving the title will almost assuredly draw criticism and protest from the heel challenger, despite his own attempts at cheating.

The feud between Shelley and Aldis will continue, with the added element of Alexander and just like that, the top of the card in Impact is suddenly more crowded and interesting.

Exactly what you want from the show-closer of a major pay-per-view event.

Shelley defeated Aldis to retain

Top Moments and Takeaways

• There are wrestlers in their so-called "primes" who are not as good as Shelley is at this advanced stage of his career. He is still a top-tier worker whose technical skill is still on point.
• Impact fans who have not kept up with Aldis over the years have to be surprised by the world champion-caliber wrestler on display here. Brutus Magnus, this is not. 
• Aldis injured Shelley's back early and the champion responded by targeting the left hand of the challenger with small joint manipulation. The two ailments would rear their heads throughout the match. 
• Shelley teased using the world title but the referee stopped him. Aldis capitalized on the distraction, delivering a low blow but failing to put Shelley away. The champion recovered, delivered a DDT on the title and put Aldis away with Shellshock in a finish that will likely have long-reaching repercussions.