AEW Battle of the Belts V Review - January 6, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

AEW World Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed def. Jay Lethal and Jeff Jarrett in a No Holds Barred Match

While I still don't think this rematch was necessary, I'll give credit where it's due: it was as entertaining as their first encounter this past Wednesday on Dynamite. The stipulation ensured it was beyond overbooked, but considering the crowd ate it up, who cares? It exceeded my expectations. Props to Lethal and Jarrett for putting over Acclaimed twice in one week, but now it's time for Acclaimed to move on to facing more established teams.

AEW TBS Champion Jade Cargill def. Skye Blue

If you weren't already convinced that Cargill is spinning her wheels right now, here was your proof. That's not a knock on this match, either, because I thought it was better than it had any right to be. It was fun on the whole. Rather, I'm sure Cargill has beaten Blue at least once (if not twice) before, so there was no drama surrounding the outcome. Cargill needs real rivals to defend her title against, and I'm not talking about Red Velvet. Of the bright side, Cargill is on the verge of hitting 50-0.

AEW All-Atlantic Champion Orange Cassidy def. Kip Sabian

I appreciate the effort AEW has put into building up this bout over the last month, but I can't say that any of it has interested me in the slightest. Sabian has done well since returning to the ring over the summer, but he's the ultimate stepping stone in that I can't remember a single important match he's ever won. That said, this was really well wrestled and an enjoyable affair despite all the shenanigans down the stretch. The All-Atlantic title is definitely pointless, but props to Cassidy for having some great matches as champ since winning it.

Overall Show

We basically got a two-hour edition of Rampage tonight. Yes, this was a solid show, but there isn't anything remotely special about these quarterly Battle of the Belts specials. They merely exist as an obligation AEW has to TNT. That's it. All three of these matches could have happened on Dynamite or Rampage this week and it wouldn't have mattered. Hell, we already got Acclaimed vs. Lethal and Jarrett two days ago! The crowd being as lively as they were certainly helped, but this was far from a must-see show.

SEE MORE: Battle of the Belts Reviews