As 2022 comes to a close, AEW fans can look back on another year full of career-defining victories, surprise returns, and memorable events. Over the past 12 months, moments like the return of Kenny Omega and CM Punk’s first AEW title win have thrilled audiences the world over, and 2023 is set to offer even more excitement in the squared circle.
With no offseason, and no winter breaks, AEW kicks off the New Year in the first week of January with a trip to the West Coast. With Dynamite set for 4 January in Seattle and Rampage/Battle of the Belts lined up for 6 January in Portland, those in the Pacific Northwest who have waited patiently to see the likes of Jon Moxley, Britt Baker, and the region’s very own Bryan Danielson will finally get their chance.
After its first shows in Washington and Oregon, AEW will head down the coast for some winter sun in the Golden State of California. Dynamite/Rampage combo shows will take place in Los Angeles on 11 January, and Fresno a week later on 18 January, before the company journeys back inland for stops in Lexington, Dayton, Laredo, El Paso, and Phoenix.
While it has been in business for less than 5 years, AEW continues to grow and, though it began life in Florida, the company’s nationwide expansion has been a swift process. In 2023, California will enjoy more of the company’s shows than ever before, including San Francisco debuts for Dynamite and Rampage on Wednesday 1 March and Friday 3 March at Cow Palace – a historic and beloved venue, graced through the years by everyone from Hulk Hogan to Bret Hart.
The gold rush of grappling action does not end there for San Francisco as on 5 March the City by the Bay will host AEW’s first pay-per-view of the year – Revolution. Set to take place at Chase Center, the show has always been one of the company’s most exciting, and featured a classic AEW Championship bout between “Hangman” Adam Page and Adam Cole in 2022, as well as a brutal dog collar match between CM Punk and MJF. In 2023, MJF is likely to be the man defending his AEW Championship at Revolution, while local heroes The Young Bucks are sure to enjoy a prominent place on the card.
As we move into 2023, anticipation for Revolution is already rising, and as its name suggests, the PPV could go a long way to kick-starting another landmark year in AEW’s attempts to change the face of pro-wrestling forever. Fans in Canada, Missouri, and Long Island will have their chance to see it all first-hand in the months that follow, while those in London will be looking forward to a date announcement for AEW’s first UK show after the organization confirmed it would be traveling across the pond for the first time in 2023.
For more information on AEW, or to purchase tickets, click here.