I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Major League Wrestling. Whenever I hear MLW, it brings back memories of attending the promotion’s early shows in Florida. There was the memory of Steve Corino and Terry Funk battling around Tabu nightclub while I was trying to take photos ringside as a young college student and not get caught in the crossfire.
There were times I’d find myself backstage at the War Memorial Auditorium before shows among a who’s who in the business. I’m always grateful to Court Bauer for allowing me opportunities to talk to the late Mike Awesome and CM Punk before War Games. Those were two of my first pro wrestling interviews. Forever grateful for those experiences.
Fast forward to 2017 and MLW returned, taking a One Shot show at Gilt Nightclub and running with the momentum it created ever since. These Orlando events allowed me to see the likes of MJF, Ricochet, Matt Riddle, Shane “Swerve” Strickland, and even a familiar Florida name in MVP. Early highlights for me were watching Darby Allin jump off the balcony to the ring and meeting Tony Schiavone.
The St. Pete Coliseum is cool as hell. Amazing turnout for @MLW War Chamber. pic.twitter.com/3Ai9ZZwLPA
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) March 30, 2024
More Sunshine State memories were created on March 29 when MLW returned with the War Chamber at the St. Petersburg Coliseum. The historic venue was built in 1924 and was converted from a former movie theater into an event space perfect for hosting pro wrestling events. For you movie buffs, scenes from the 1985 film Cocoon were even shot there. When you soak in the atmosphere and look around you see a very cool aesthetic.
The show was the first time MLW had run St. Pete in 20 years, and the people were ready for it. A great turnout with an invested crowd made for a fun experience. The main card kicked off with Janai Kai successfully defending the featherweight championship against Unagi Sayaka. I watched Sayaka wrestle alongside the legendary Masato Tanaka a few months later in Japan. Kai is building quite the reign with Salina de la Renta by her side. De la Renta was one of the breakthrough performers of MLW’s relaunch and continues to be an important fixture of the show. Later in the night, I got to watch Kai watching other matches, learning from her colleagues. At one point or two, she was asked for an autograph and picture. I’m sure these little moments will be something the fan and Kai won’t forget as she goes on in her career.
Next up was A.J. Francis, who defeated Alex Kane in controversial fashion. Whether you love or hate Francis, you have to respect his drive. The former football player turned wrestler has hit the ground running building a brand, putting in the work appearing for top promotions like MLW, conventions, and getting the name out there in every way. It was also my first time seeing Kane live, and he proved to be every bit the powerhouse you see on TV. Bad Dude Tito also impressed. Matt Riddle also had a big night with family in attendance, pulling double duty against Timothy Thatcher earlier in the evening and then successfully defending his NJPW television championship against Kosei Fujita. It has come full circle with Riddle returning “home” to MLW.
Double insert holy sh*t chant. #MLWWarChamber pic.twitter.com/beshGW0MCS
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) March 30, 2024
The same could be said about the MLW champion Satoshi Kojima. MLW does a good job bringing in emerging talent and veterans like manager Bill Alfonso. Through this show, I’ve decided there needs to be more doors used as weapons in matches. They are the new tables. Although tables can be effective two. Team MLW’s Matthew Justice was an MVP during the first of two War Chamber matches. Shoutout to the MLW crew, the unsung heroes, for setting everything up. The second War Chamber match saw the legendary Raven entering the two-ring cage match. After the Death Fighters were victorious against The Calling, Raven dubbed Akira the future of the business. Hearing the Offspirng and Raven end the night with “Quoth the Raven “Nevermore,” certainly struck a cord for older fans.
My favorite #MLW star is Kota. @theakiraway pic.twitter.com/eZYwO4AJGh
— Scott Fishman (@smFISHMAN) March 30, 2024
Out of all the stars in MLW, I’ve dubbed Akira’s traveling partner Kota as my favorite. His shiba was there during his meet-and-greet after the event. We need more Kota on MLW television. Given how successful the night was, it’s no surprise the promotion is returning to the venue on July 12 called Blood and Thunder. I’d recommend checking it out if you didn’t go this time around.
