IMPACT Wrestling remained consistent with the delivery of in-ring action in 2023. The promotion gave fans many Match of the Year contenders week in and out. Stars like Will Ospreay and Josh Alexander proved their reliability on every card they worked.
It would’ve been impossible to list every good match in the IMPACT Zone last year. Hence, I thought it best to narrow the list down to 10 matches with honorable mentions at the end. One other thing to note is we included some of the IMPACT+ special events to distinguish them from a traditional quarterly pay-per-view event, so you’ll see two entires from the Under Siege special.
Let’s take a look at some of the best IMPACT Wrestling TV matches of 2023:
Alex Shelley vs. Jonathan Gresham (November 9)
Alex Shelley really stepped up his game following his IMPACT World Title win in 2023. The tag team specialist showed his critics he could work, and work great as a solo star. His match against Jonathan Gresham was one of the major highlights in the past year.
Both men delivered a 25-minute match that never felt dull at any point from bell to bell. Gresham displayed a new type of aggression with his technical work. The strategy was clear as crystal: outwrestle your opponent to the point they give in or pass out.
Time Machine vs. Jonathan Gresham, Mike Bailey & Trey Miguel (April 20)
Alex Shelley had something up his sleeve when he paired with two of his favorite tag team partners in Chris Sabin and KUSHIDA to form Time Machine. The trio took on the technical genius Gresham, Bailey and Trey Miguel.
Both teams displayed outstanding chemistry in the match. Shelley’s team clearly had the advantage because of their history as Motor City Machine Guns and Time Splitters. KUSHIDA and Bailey showed out the most in the match.
PCO vs. Steve Maclin (IMPACT World Title No DQ Match – Under Siege)
Steve Maclin’s journey to the mountain top of IMPACT Wrestling culminated at Rebellion 2023. The former United States Marine went to war with the psychotic PCO at Under Siege special just a month later.
This was a violent and gory spectacle where both men just beat the brains out of each other. PCO doesn’t get enough credit for all the nasty bumps he takes in the ring at 55 years old. The former ROH World Champion put the champion through pain and suffering.
Maclin held his own despite the overwhelming odds. Both men put some excellent psychology to make this match as believable as possible. The stapler spot was probably the most violent sight of the night.
ABC vs. Subculture (IMPACT World Tag Team Title Match – Under Siege)
IMPACT Wrestling’s tag team division had a great 2023, thanks to Ace Austin and Chris Bey’s incredible in-ring work. The two men really turned the division upside down with a series of fantastic matches on television and PPV events.
One of their better matches came against Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster’s Subculture at Under Siege special. This match was a fine display of athleticism from all the performers involved.
Will Ospreay vs. Josh Alexander (IMPACT Wrestling – November 16)
IMPACT Wrestling getting Will Ospreay to work on their shows was one of the best decisions Scott D’Amore took in 2023. The Aerial Assassin worked selected dates but showed up and showed out each time with his performance. He gave IMPACT fans their TV Match of the Year against Josh Alexander at the October 22 taping. This match came just one night after his IMPACT Wrestling PPV Match of the Year against Mike Bailey.
Ospreay and Alexander masterfully incorporated different elements into the match. From chain wrestling to hard-hitting strikes, this match really showcased the best from two of the best in the world. Billy Goat ended up picking up the win. He will next take on The Walking Weapon at the promotion’s Snake Eyes taping following Hard to Kill 2024.
Honorable Mentions
- Josh Alexander vs. Rich Swann (IMPACT Wrestling No Surrender)
- Deonna Purrazzo vs. Trinity (Emergence)
- Mike Bailey vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (Multiverse United 1)
- Eddie Edwards vs, Frankie Kazarian (IMPACT Wrestling – Oct 12)
- Eddie Edwards vs. Will Ospreay (Turning Point)
Also read: Best IMPACT Wrestling TV Matches Of 2022
