Wrestling Observer Live: Previewing Friday’s wrestling lineup, Roman vs. Cody decision

Wrestling Observer Live with yours truly returns today to go through a busy Friday night on the canvassed mat. 

We take a look at WWE SmackDown, AEW Rampage followed by Battle of the Belts VI, New Japan Sakura Genesis, and NWA 312.

Plus, all of the news that’s fit to discuss like:

Roman Reigns defeating Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 39 always being the plan, Impact Rebellion’s card coming together, Matt Hardy giving an update on brother Jeff, Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s nod to the past with their newest issue, and more!

A fun show as always, so check it out~!

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AEW reveals lineup for Friday’s Battle of the Belts VI

AEW has revealed the full lineup for Friday’s live Battle of the Belts VI special. 

As announced during Wednesday’s Dynamite, The Lucha Bros will defend their Ring of Honor Tag Team titles against TNT Champion Powerhouse Hobbs & QT Marshall. The Lucha Bros won the vacant ROH Tag titles in the Reach for the Sky ladder match at last week’s Supercard of Honor pay-per-view. 

Also announced, Jade Cargill will defend her TBS Championship against Billie Starkz. Cargill remains undefeated in her AEW career, while Starkz is 0-6 in AEW competition and 1-1 in ROH matches. 

The AEW International title will also be on the line, as Orange Cassidy defends his Championship against Dralistico. 

Friday’s Battle of the Belts VI will air live on TNT immediately following Rampage. 

The announced card: 

  • Ring of Honor World Tag Team Championship: The Lucha Bros defend against Powerhouse Hobbs & QT Marshall
  • TBS Championship: Jade Cargill defends against Billie Starkz
  • AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy defends against Dralistico

AEW Battle of the Belts VI heading to Rhode Island

AEW will make their Rhode Island debut this April with a live Rampage and the sixth edition of AEW Battle of the Belts.

The show will emanate from Kingston, Rhode Island’s Ryan Center at the University of Rhode Island on Friday, April 7th. 

In another new date, AEW will return to St. Louis, Missouri’s Chaifetz Arena for Dynamite and Rampage on Wednesday, March 29th. 

Tickets will go on sale for both on Friday, January 13th.

Here’s their current schedule:

January 2023:

  • Friday, January 6: Rampage/Battle of the Belts V at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, OR
  • Wednesday, January 11: Dynamite/Rampage at The Forum in Los Angeles, CA
  • Wednesday, January 18: Dynamite/Rampage at Save Mart Center in Fresno, CA
  • Wednesday, January 25: Dynamite/Rampage at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY

February 2023:

  • Wednesday, February 1: Dynamite/Rampage at Nutter Center in Dayton, OH
  • Wednesday, February 8: Dynamite/Rampage at El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, TX
  • Wednesday, February 15: Dynamite/Rampage at Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, TX
  • Wednesday, February 22: Dynamite/Rampage at Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ

March 2023:

  • Wednesday, March 1: Dynamite at Cow Palace in Daly City, CA
  • Friday, March 3: Rampage at Cow Palace in Daly City, CA
  • Sunday, March 5: Revolution at Chase Center in San Francisco, CA
  • Wednesday, March 8: Dynamite/Rampage taping at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, CA
  • Tuesday, March 14: Dynamite/Rampage at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • Wednesday, March 22: Dynamite/Rampage at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, MO
  • Wednesday, March 29: Dynamite/Rampage at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, MO

April 2023:

  • Wednesday, April 5: Dynamite/Rampage at UBS Arena on Long Island, NY
  • Friday, April 7: Rampage/Battle of the Belts IV at Ryan Center in Kingston, RI