This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com.

Atlanta is more than ready to riot as the historic Center Stage is sold out for Battle Riot VI. We first see Salina de la Renta enter the building after a brief interview with David Marquez and she arrived just in time for the World Featherweight Title fight to kick off the festivities!

MATCH 1
MLW World Featherweight Championship
Delmi Exo vs. Janai Kai (c)

This match was Kai’s toughest to date as a rejuvenated Delmi showed that she was studying tape of the champion Kick Demon and CONTRA’s latest member. Delmi actually had the champ dead to rights but Salina de la Renta came out to confront Cesar Duran who was at ringside and attempted to spray him in the face. Duran ducked and it caught Delmi in the face instead. Kai took advantage and dropped Delmi with a harsh boot for the 1-2-3.

WINNER and STILL MLW World Featherweight Champion: Janai Kai

Backstage we see David Marquez sitting with Emmy-award winning actor Paul Walter Hauser who made media waves in May announcing that he was entering the Battle Riot. Hauser is all types of ready and even has the “classic” WCW costume of Arachnaman for good luck. Ernest The Cat Miller, Jimmy Yang and ICP’s Violent J all come to introduce themselves to Hauser and as he’s rubbing elbows, a hand slips in and steals Hauser’s good luck charm!

• Actor Paul Walter Hauser Enters MLW Battle Riot VI

MATCH 2
Ritual Combat Match
AJ Francis vs. Alex Kane

The rules for a “Ritual Combat” match are simple: sit on the throne for ten seconds untouched and you are the rightful “King” of BOMAYE. The elders are introduced and needless to say the two names are legendary: it’s Teddy Long and Mark Henry!

The fight begins and Francis is quite dominant, putting his ruthlessness and strength to good use. Kane encounters some close calls when it comes to the ten count, but the former World Champion musters up the energy to stop it on numerous occassions. That’s even after being body slammed on an open chair and powerbombed off the apron! Even Mark Henry makes it known that he’s not all too enthused with AJ’s actions

Francis goes to finish Kane by setting up a table but it’s Kane who puts AJ through through it with a superplex! Kane walks up the entryway, sits on the throne, and AJ can’t answer the ten count!

WINNER and KING of BOMAYE: Alex Kane

Post-fight, both Henry and Long make it clear that Kane earned his throne the right way.

We see Mads Krugger and he promises that the new crusader in CONTRA Unit will shake the league at its foundation.

It’s World Title fight time. And we get to catch the first glimpse of the new World Championship!

MAIN EVENT #1
MLW World Heavyweight Championship
Tom Lawlor (with MSL) vs. Satoshi Kojima (c) (with Okumura)

Tom Lawlor literally came loaded for this match as the official pull out all sorts of foreign objects out of Lawlor’s gear. Due to that, he ruled that MSL must leave the arena within 10 seconds or he’d forever be banned from MLW! MSL fell on his way out and we’re off to the races.

Even without the weapons, Lawlor showed exactly why he was a former MLW World Champion as he had Kojima’s number greatly in this match, wearing the champ down with submission holds and hard strikes. However, Lawlor eventually got caught by a Lariato! One didn’t keep him down, but two did and Kojima fights through pain to retain once more!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima

Before we get to the Riot match, Salina aimed to seek out her revenge on Cesar Duran. She had some help pinning him down with Bad Dude Tito and it seemed like she had Duran dead to rights. However, Duran began singing Salina a familiar lullaby that clearly had the Bruja shaken. It was one her mother sang. Duran stood up and presented her footage on the big screen and we see photographs of a young Salina, then older photos of her mother – with a young Cesar Duran. Duran reveals that his happens to be Salina’s “papa” and de la Renta is a broken mess! Duran laughs manically as this throws a clear wedge in the ongoing power struggle between the two!

MAIN EVENT #2
Battle Riot VI

The first two entrants to this fight happen to be fitting. Entrant #1 is your World Middleweight Champion Mistico while entrant two is MLW original Jimmy Yang!

What a Riot this was as we had surprise appearances from the likes of CW Anderson and Scotty Riggs, and Tom Lawlor tried to enter on three different occassions as himself, The legendary Masked Assassin, and using Paul Walter Hauser’s Arachna-Man costume!

Speaking of Hauser really shined in the Riot. He actually eliminated Lawlor nearly upon entry and lasted a very good while until Sami Callihan took him out! Another newbie to the ring, YouTube sensation Chris Danger also showed up, actually hitting Violent J with a stunner and eliminating him!

However perhaps the biggest surprise of the Riot was the newest CONTRA member. Mads Krugger wasn’t lying when he said his newest soldier was earth-shattering as it was MINORU SUZUKI. No one was safe in the ring with Minoru running rampant. Suzuki even helped to eliminate last year’s winner, Alex Kane. After that, there’s only five remain as Riddle is ganged up on.Suzuki is a big threat but it’s Riddle who knees him out!

The final four ended up being Davey Boy Smith Jr., Timothy Thatcher, Matt Riddle and Sami Callihan. Riddle has to fight on the apron against Callihan and Smith and Thatcher joins on the apron to help him! Thatcher pulls Davey off but both men hit the floor are eliminated. Riddle ultimately ends up putting Sami down seconds later and he’s your Riot winner!

WINNER: Matt Riddle

Major League Wrestling is enjoying an excellent run of sold-out shows this year. They’ve celebrated selling out their MLW Azteca Lucha event in Cicero Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, on May 11. The show did so well that the company will host another pay-per-view event, Lucha Apocolypto, at the same venue in November. While it seems Chicago could be a hot market for MLW fans, the company may have found another. 

On X, MLW has announced that tickets for Battle Riot VI have sold out. The event will occur at the Center Stage Theater in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 1. Although the show is sold out, fans can watch the event for free on the MLW YouTube channel. 

More On MLW Battle Riot VI 

 MLW Battle Riot VI will have several exciting matches on the card, including MLW World Heavyweight Champion defending his title against Tom Lawlor. However, the match that many fans may look forward to the most is the 40-Man Battle Riot VI Match. Like in past years, the battle royal winner will get an MLW World Heavyweight Championship opportunity in the future. 

MLW has slowly started to reveal the participants that will compete in the battle royal on X. The company has announced only 20 competitors so far that will be involved. It’s very possible they will not reveal all the talent in the match until the day of the show. 

As of now, MLW has announced several prominent names like Matt Riddle, Sami Callihan, and Místico, who will try to win the 40-Man Battle Royal. Another surprising name added was Golden Globe Award Winner Paul Walter Hauser. It’s unclear when the winner will get an opportunity to challenge for the world title, but all superstars will do their best to be a future contender. 

Current Card For MLW Battle Riot VI

(Match Card & Order Is Subject To Change)

• Alex Kane with Mr. Thomas vs. AJ Francis- Ritual Combat Match
• (C) Janai Kai vs. Delmi Exo with Cesar Duran-MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship Match
• (C) Satoshi Kojima vs. Tom Lawlor with Saint Laurent-MLW World Heavyweight Championship Match
• Matt Riddle vs. Jimmy Yang vs. Sami Callihan vs. Ernest Miller vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Bobby Fish vs. Jake Crist  vs. Timothy Thatcher vs. Mistico vs. Okumura vs. Jesus Rodriguez vs. Matthew Justice vs. Mr. Thomas vs. Bad Dude Tito vs. Mads Krule Krügger vs. Brett Ryan Gosselin vs. 1 Called Manders vs. AKIRA vs. Josh Bishop vs. Paul Walter Hauser vs. TBA-40 Man Battle Riot VI Match

Paul Walter Hauser will continue his pro wrestling career under the MLW banner.

Major League Wrestling announced via press release on their website that the famed actor will be entering Battle Riot VI on June 1 in Atlanta, GA. The Battle Riot is a 40-person Royal Rumble style fight where competitors can also be eliminated via pinfall or submission.

Hauser expressed his enthusiasm for entering the match, noting that he indeed has his eyes on the golden ticket to face MLW World Heavyweight Champion, Satoshi Kojima.

“While some could misconstrue this to be an actor making a cameo in wrestling, or a fan checking off some bucket list or wish fulfillment – don’t get it twisted. I am entering to prove myself worthy of a spot in the world of wrestling, as well as a shot at Satoshi Kojima’s World Heavyweight Title.”

• Paul Walter Hauser Beats Sami Callihan at WrestleCon Supershow, The Sandman Appears

MLW CEO Court Bauer stated how unique of an opportunity the match is for Hauser and how admirable his venture from the screen to the squared circle has been.

“Paul is building something special with a two-track career driven by his passion and an unrelenting quality that separates the pretenders from the contenders,” said MLW Founder and CEO Court Bauer. “I don’t think there is anything Paul wants more than to put MLW gold next to his Golden Globe and EMMY. Now he will get his chance of making that happen at MLW Battle Riot VI.”

Hauser has been an active wrestler in 2024 as he happened to put Matt Cardona through a flaming table back in March and actually defeated Sami Callihan at the WrestleCon Super Show during WrestleMania weekend in Philadelphia.

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. 

Watch the replay of MLW AZTECA Lucha NOW on TrillerTV+

It’s a history-making night in Chicago as MLW made its return to the Windy City after a five-year hiatus from the city. However, the league rings it in big with a sold-out Cicero Stadium and a stacked card as Cesar Duran and Salina de la Renta fight for supremacy. What hangs in the balance, but a literal key that opens the door for one of the two promoters to take power. Trios action starts the battle off!

MATCH 1
Virus, Villano III Jr. & Felino (representing Cesar Duran) vs. Guerrero Maya Jr., Atlantis & Jose Rodriguez (representing Salina de la Renta)

This match rocks Cicero to open the show as both Felino and Maya Jr. show the technical side of lucha libre, but all competitors get physical, including Rodriguez who exchanged a tuxedo for wrestling gear. The tide turns in the favor of Salina when the upstart Villano III Jr. gets caught in a signature torture rack by the legendary Atlantis and has no option but to submit!

WINNERS: Guerrero Maya Jr., Atlantis & Jose Rodriguez (representing Salina de la Renta)

SCORE: Salina de la Renta (1), Cesar Duran (0)

MATCH 2
MLW National Openweight Championship
Bad Dude Tito vs. Rickey Shane Page (c)

It’s a different tone for RSP as he no longer has The Calling at his side, but the big man is ready to step up against another big man in Bad Dude Tito. Tito has been a game contender in any match he’s done since coming to MLW and even took Satoshi Kojima to the limit in a World Title Fight.

Tito switched up his style a bit as he not only delivered the strength, but the speed and even dove at Rickey through the ropes to the outside!

RSP decided to show how fast he was as well, but Tito’s size didn’t phase the champ. He firman tossed Tito like he was a middleweight before dropping an elbow on him. RSP followed that up with his signature gordbuster toss. However, Tito did make the adjustments. He hit RSP with a death valley driver, but Page somehow managed to get a shoulder up! Fatigue kicks in for both fighters but Tito manages to muster up the strength to hit a Thunder Driver for 1-2-3! New champ!

WINNER and NEW MLW National Openweight Champion: Bad Dude Tito

We see Bill Alfonso backstage and he gets ambushed by Mads Krugger and CONTRA Unit! Before he gets knocked out, he warns Krugger that Matthew Justice isn’t gonna be happy!

MATCH 3
Ultimo Guerrero (representing Cesar Duran) vs. Atlantis Jr. (representing Salina de la Renta)

This battle is a clash of styles and experience as the veteran Ultimo Guerrero takes on the legacy youngster in Atlantis Jr. Guerrero has been all too familiar with Atlantis Jr. throughout his whole career and he had the young fighter scouted. Atlantis had UG off his game with an outside attack and then rocked him hard with several kicks. However, Guerrero figured him out. Atlantis went for a top hurricanrana but Ultimo held on and jarred him with a massive powerbomb!

Atlantis managed to keep Guerrero grounded enough to nail one beautiful frog splash for the definitive 1-2-3!

WINNER: Atlantis Jr.

SCORE: Salina de la Renta (2), Cesar Duran (0)

Duran has to be fuming and it’s added salt to the wound when Guerrero exchange handshakes with Atlantis Jr.

MATCH 4
Vacant MLW World Tag Team Championships
Second Gear Crew vs. COZYMAX

This match has quite the historic stakes as if Kojima wins, he’ll be the first dual champion in MLW history. However, SGC have their own stakes in the matter as they lost the straps to WTF under nefarious means.

This fight is hard-hitting. SGC really bring out all stops against Kojima, trying to isolate him on the outside, but Okumura reminds them not to take their eyes off him as he does a flipping senton onto both.

SGC does have Okumura dead to rights when they hit a combo spear and lariat! Kojima gets in the ring in just enough time to break it all up.

Justice and Manders go for a corner double team but Okumura pulls Kojima free and it opens him up to nail a LARIATO on the legal man in Manders. He picks Manders up and it allows Okumura to hit a running Cozy Cutter! 1-2-3!

WINNERS and NEW MLW World Tag Team Champions: COZYMAX

History is made in Cicero as KOJIMA is a dual champion!

MATCH 5
Joshua Bishop (with MSL) vs. Matt Riddle

Joshua Bishop doesn’t endear himself to Chicago nor the Mexican fans in the crowd when he snatches a Mexican flag from a fan to disrespect it. That fires them up and they get even more hot when Matt Riddle walks out. The fan whose flag was stolen fill Riddle in who grabbed the flag from MSL and waved it to a huge reaction from Cicero!

The bell rings and Bishop uses his brute strength against Riddle, including a massive fallaway slam akin to Scott Hall and then an extremely impressive blackout slam on Riddle. Riddle was able to show his striking ability. It catches Bishop off his game and he gets laid out after a high knee lift. Riddle swings up top to nail a twisting senton for the pinfall!

WINNER: Matt Riddle

• MLW Breaks Company’s All-Time Box Office Record For 5/11 Chicago Return

Post-fight Riddle hypes up his desire to win Battle Riot this June before being attacked by Sami Callihan! Callihan grabs hold of Joe Dombrowski and says he’s going to win the bout. Riddle breaks up Callihan’s hold on Joe and the two begin brawling big time!

MATCH 6
Averno & Magnus (representing Cesar Duran) vs. Fuego & Star Jr (representing Salina de la Renta)

Star Jr. really sets the tone for the fight when he catches Averno with a leaping stiff shot to the back of the head. Star Jr. shows why he’s one of Salina’s star acquisitions in this fight. His synergy with Fuego.

Fuego shows his skill too with a big spinning headscissor takeover but Magnus catches him with two double knees and gets him down for the pinfall win!

WINNERS: Averno & Magnus

SCORE: Salina de la Renta (2), Cesar Duran (1)

Duran has one more shot to tie Salina and he has to do it with his prize client, MLW World Middleweight Champion Mistico.

MAIN EVENT
MLW World Middleweight Championship
Bárbaro Cavernario (representing Salina de la Renta) vs. Mistico (c) (representing Cesar Duran)

Mistico makes an epic entrance and even offers a hand in respect for Bárbaro Cavernario, who declines the proposition.

The crowd is absolutely ELECTRIC for Mistico in this match, but Cavernario brings his brawling style to take Mistico off his game. However, the talent of Mistico is clearly unparalleled as the champ kept his focus and hit some of his signature movesets. Cavernario gets a near pinfall after a DVD backbreaker combo. Caverno uses the ropes to splash on top of Mistico.

He continues to wear Mistico down by wrenching the arm of the champion and punches on the right shoulder. Mistico manages to get on the top rope and uses a twisting arm drag to fling Cavernario to the outside, setting him up for a twisting over the top splash!

The war wages on but the finish comes when Mistico catches Cavernario in his signature spinning fujiwa armbar! Barbaro taps and Mistico retains! Duran has tied Salina de la Renta, which means the key stays in Cesar’s possession

WINNER and STILL MLW World Middleweight Champion: Mistico

SCORE: Salina de la Renta (2), Cesar Duran (2)

Post fight, Duran celebrates his tie as Salina says they should have a sudden death match to really determine the winner. In comes MLW CEO Court Bauer to give Duran his payout for Chicago and while that happens, Salina runs off with the key! However, the Azteca henchmen corner Salina and they lock the door behind them! Salina is screaming as we see Duran grinning ear to ear.

Major League Wrestling’s live event schedule continues to roll on with their first collaborative show with CMLL. This Saturday, MLW and CMLL will host Azteca Lucha at the Cicero Stadium in Chicago, Illinois. The pay-per-view event features seven exciting matches, with three title bouts. 

For fans looking to get last-minute tickets for Azteca Lucha, MLW has shared that the show is sold out. However, the event will stream live on Triller TV+ for subscribers. 

The success of Saturday’s event has also led to the company’s decision to return later this year for Lucha Apocolypto at the Cicero Stadium. Tickets for the second super card with CMLL will go on sale on May 14. 

That said, fans are looking forward to this Saturday’s event to see some of the best MLW and CMLL talent compete against each other.

Match Card Preview

In the main event of Azteca Lucha, MLW World Middleweight Champion Mistico, with Cesar Duran in his corner, will defend his title against Barbaro Cavernario. Mistico comes into the matchup aiming to retain his for the second time successfully. He won MLW gold by defeating Rocky Romero at MLW Intimidation Games on February 29. 

Although the underdog, Cavernario will try to pull off an upset to end Mistico’s reign as MLW World Middleweight Champion. The odds may not be in his favor, but Cavernario can push Mistico to his limit.

Elsewhere on the card, MLW National Openweight Champion Ricky Shane Page will put his title on the line against Bad Man Tito. Page has held the championship for nearly a year with five successful defenses. However, Tito can present a formidable challenge as he has the strength and speed to get the upper hand on the champion.

Full MLW Azteca Lucha Card

(Match Card Is Subject To Change)

• (C) Rickey Shane Page vs. Bad Dude Tito-MLW National Openweight Championship Match
• Second Gear Crew (1 Called Manders & Mathew Justice) vs. CozyMAX(Satoshi Kojima & Okumura)-Vacant MLW Tag Team Championship Match
• Matt Riddle vs. Josh Bishop with Saint Laurent
• Averno & Magnus with Cesar Duran vs. Fuego & Star Jr.
• Atlantis, Guerrero Maya Jr. with Cesar Duran & Jesus Rodriguez vs. Felino, Villano III Jr. & Virus-Six-Man Tag Team Match
• Ultimo Guerrero with Cesar Duran vs. Atlantis Jr.
• (C) Mistico with Cesar Duran vs. Barbaro Cavernario-MLW World Middleweight Championship Match

Major League Wrestling’s willingness to think outside the box has helped make them the ‘Apple’ of professional wrestling, Court Bauer has claimed. 

It’s hard to ignore the success of MLW in recent years, as the independent promotion has become one of the most prominent names in North America. The company recently emerged from an antitrust lawsuit with WWE which saw the Sports Entertainment juggernaut down $20 million. MLW has also been enjoying record-breaking toy sales in recent months, a testament to the promotion’s popularity.

Bauer spoke with Alfred Konuwa for Forbes this week to promote Saturday’s MLW: Azteca Lucha 2024 event from Chicago’s Cicero Stadium. You can stream the show live on TrillerTV+. Bauer was asked about his brand. When AEW’s comparison to Pepsi was brought up, Bauer suggested that MLW shares strategies akin to tech giant Apple. 

“Steve Jobs had this great mantra when he was doing all his amazing things with Apple, and it was simple: Think Different. So when I think what our mantra is, and what we try do everyday, it’s just “Think Different.” Don’t try to mimic, don’t try to replicate, just Think Different. What if you tried something new?

“I try to look at things in a positive way. It’s so tempting in wrestling to look at the drama, because everything in wrestling is drama, and I just try to think different and stay away from all that stuff, the main thing is the main thing.”

MLW will continue to think differently with its Azteca Lucha event. The event will take place from the Cicero Arena in Chicago, IL on Saturday, May 11. The show has already proved to be historic with Azteca Lucha smashing MLW’s box office record. 

 This Saturday, Major League Wrestling returns to Triller TV+ on May 11 for Azteca Lucha in Cicero, Illinois. The May 11 event will occur at the Cicero Stadium with an exciting card mixed with MLW and CMLL talent. As the event draws near, the company has shared that it will be coming back to the venue later this year for Luca Apocolypto. 

MLW’s decision to host Azateca Lucha in Cicero, Illinois, has proven successful, as the company has touted that they have sold out the venue. In a press release, it was revealed that it took half a month to fill the Cicero Stadium. 

In celebration of their achievement, MLW announced on their website that they’ll return to Cicero Stadium on November 9 for Lucha Apocolypto. The company shared that tickets will go on sale on May 14, starting at $10. 

“…As a thank you to Chicago fans for selling out Chicago for our May 11 event a half-month in advance, the November return will be a special fan appreciation event with tickets starting at $10,” wrote MLW in a press release. 

In addition to the announcement, MLW revealed that it will be another collaborative event with CMLL. MLW partnered with the popular Lucha Libre promotion and New Japan Pro Wrestling last year. Wrestling fans have seemingly enjoyed the collaborative events, as MLW aims to open the ‘Forbidden Door’ to create dream matches. 

At this time, no matches have been announced for Lucha Apocolypto, but MLW has shared that more announcements will be coming about it on their website. 

More On MLW Azteca Lucha Card

Although MLW looks forward to the November 9 event, all eyes are focused on their show this weekend. MLW Azteca Lucha will feature seven matches, including three championship matchups. 

The main event of Azteca Lucha has MLW MLW World Middleweight Champion Mistico defending his title against Barbaro Cavernario. The match will mark Mistico’s second time putting his championship on the line. He won MLW gold after defeating  Rocky Romero at MLW Intimidation Games on February 29. Cavernario aims to achieve the big upset win and put an end to Mistico’s reign as champion. 

Full MLW Azteca Lucha Card

(Match Card Is Subject To Change)

• (C) Rickey Shane Page vs. Bad Dude Tito-MLW National Openweight Championship Match
• Second Gear Crew (1 Called Manders & Mathew Justice) vs. CozyMAX(Satoshi Kojima & Okumura)-Vacant MLW Tag Team Championship Match

• Matt Riddle vs. Josh Bishop with Saint Laurent

• Averno & Magnus with Cesar Duran vs. Fuego & Star Jr.

• Atlantis, Guerrero Maya Jr. with Cesar Duran & Jesus Rodriguez vs. Felino, Villano III Jr. & Virus-Six-Man Tag Team Match

• Ultimo Guerrero with Cesar Duran vs. Atlantis Jr. 

• (C) Mistico with Cesar Duran vs. Barbaro Cavernario-MLW World Middleweight Championship Match

It’s been almost a decade since Jesús Rodríguez (Ricardo Rodriguez) was released from WWE. Since then, he has gone on a soul-searching journey that has led him to Major League Wrestling. 

A company Rodriguez was grateful to find at this stage of his career, taking all he has learned and experienced to put forth the best version of himself. I recently spoke with the talented performer about his experience wrestling for WWE and what he’s enjoying in Major League Wrestling (MLW).

His WWE Exit

“It’s honestly amazing thinking back 10 years ago,’ Rodriguez said. “The story is, I called the [WWE] office and told them, ‘Hey I’m done. I’m not happy. I’m still at home. I didn’t get on the plane.’ When they just said, ‘Well stay home and we’ll talk and figure it out.’ They called me back a few days later and said, ‘Yeah, we’ll grant you your release.’ I was like thank you.”

At the time he was in his late 20s. He likened it to your first big breakup in high school. A time when you think your life is over and that you’ll never find love again. The ring announcer and pro wrestler learned that the only thing he could control was how he reacted to things.

“Life is going to happen on life’s terms. I didn’t react the proper way,” Rodriguez recalled. “I was very angry and bitter. I just hated life and wrestling and anybody that was, in my mind, opposing me in what I wanted to accomplish. It took a while to control how I reacted. I had to learn that aspect. 

It’s no secret because I am very open about it, my addiction issue. Getting sober and clean was a huge step forward and realizing all that. I am grateful in hindsight that I went through all that to appreciate what I have now. Opportunities I was given when I learned to appreciate things and being more mindful. Now I’m in a situation now with an amazing company that we are leading into.”

Rather than leave the business, Rodriguez found a renewed motivation. He worked with The Great Khali to open the market up in India. This wasn’t the only stop on his international travel with stops in Europe, Australia, and of course, Mexico. Rodriguez, who had a great run with Alberto Del Rio, took his knowledge to helping run schools including a year in Cairo, even maneuvering through the uncertainty of COVID.

MLW

Looking back, Rodriguez is happy to go through the lows in order to truly appreciate the highs, many of which the veteran is getting in MLW as a member of Salina de La Renta’s Promociones Dorado. Rodriguez, who also helps as a producer and behind the scenes like de La Renta, can’t be happier to watch her success onscreen and offscreen working with the women’s division. 

“It’s amazing because I’ve known her for her entire career,” Rodriguez said. “The same for Janai Kai, who I’ve know since the very first day she walked into a wrestling school. It’s rewarding to see their growth and development now…and the presence they have. It’s so admirable if you look at it and the presence they carry with them. I feel like this is portrayed on camera which is very hard to teach.”

Rodriguez, who helps the next generation through Three Legacies Wrestling, takes pride in seeing so much representation across the board in regards to the Latin American community. So much MLW has built a brand and show Azteca Lucha on May 11 when the company returns to a sold-out Chicago’s Cicero Stadium. Rodriguez will team with Atlantis, and Guerrero Maya Jr. to face El Felino, Virus, and Villano III Jr. as the war with Cesar Duran continues.

“It’s amazing to me as a lucha libre fan because I grew up on lucha libre. To be in a trios match with partners like this is amazing to me. The very first wrestling hero I had was Atlantis. To be partnered up with him is a dream come true…I did spend a lot of time with a top heel in the industry so I may have a trick or two to secure that victory.

“We have Azteca Lucha and sold out. We’re building this relationship with CMLL which is very important. We’re able to provider great luchadors from Mexico, the United States, and internationally. Who is to say there isn’t going to be an MLW takeover in Mexico and Arena México? It would be huge. We have a lot of amazing events coming up.”

MLW Azteca Lucha airs airs at 10 p.m. ET, May 11 on Triller TV+

MLW will have a blast from the past when the promotion heads down to WCW country in Atlanta, Georgia.

Battle Riot VI will take place this June and the event is typically full of unexpected surprises and entrants into MLW’s annual 40-man match, but one man who won’t be a surprise will be Ernest “The Cat” Miller. The MLW website announced that the former WCW commissoner will be making his league debut in the bout and they were certain to give Miller the appropriate hype in build for the big bout on June 1.

Somebody call his Momma! WCW legend and Karate Hall of Famer, Ernest “The Cat” Miller is the third participant to enter the 2024 Battle RIOT in Atlanta! A showman and striker with fury and finesse, Miller will make his MLW debut in the biggest match of MLW. Known for his cat-like reflexes, this martial artist aims to pounce on the competition and leap ahead in line for a title shot anytime, anywhere. To achieve that, “The Cat” will have to outlast 39 other participants.

Miller happened to make his in-ring return back in March at the WCPBTW The Reunion 3: Cavalcade Of Legends where he got the win against Marvelous. Before that however, “The Cat” didn’t unleash his claws on the canvas since 2022 when he took on Joey Janela.

MLW has had quite the list of unexpected names in previous Battle Riots. Names like Dan Severn, Raven, and Duke Droese all entered in the fray in previous years.

Battle Riot blends the Royal Rumble with extra battle royal rules. Not only can you be eliminated by being thrown over the top, but you can also lose via pin or submission.

MLW is making waves in the Windy City following a five-year hiatus from the great wrestling city of Chicago.

Major League Wrestling announced yesterday that tickets for its upcoming AZTECA Lucha event on May 11 is sold out and it did so in historic fashion. The event has smashed the company’s all-time box office gate record. The league’s website did tell its fanbase to keep tabs in case the production set-up offers more space, but as of now there are no tickets available.

MLW CEO Court Bauer expressed his excitement for the news, noting that 2024 has been a good start for the promotion.

“Thank you, Chicago. To sell out the biggest arena we run is a huge triumph. This is a big milestone as MLW’s best year of business to date in the history of the league. From our Boss Fight Studios action figures selling out to arenas selling out, this is an unprecedented era for MLW. None of this happens without the fans’ support, the wrestlers’ work in and away from the ring, and the grind of our production team and front office. We’re all pumped to now bring it on May 11. Chicago and fans watching on TrillerTV+ are in for a very special night.”

If the name of the event didn’t give you the hint, the card for AZTECA Lucha is extremely lucha libre focused as Cesar Duran (formerly Dario Cueto of Lucha Underground) is in the middle of a power struggle with Salina de la Renta. The two promoters are waging war with lucha talent and up for grabs is a mysterious key that Duran currently holds possession of.

The headline match for the show is Mistico defending the MLW World Middleweight Championship against Barbaro Cavernario. Matt Riddle will also be taking on Joshua Bishop and Rickey Shane Page will put his National Openweight Championship on the line against Bad Dude Tito.

ECW legend Raven found himself in-between the ropes once again and it happened to be a violent battle put on by Major League Wrestling.

MLW continued to air their tapings that took place in St. Petersburg at the end of March and the card that was presented free on YouTube was War Chamber 2. The main fight featured the heel faction of The Calling taking on The Death Fighters, two groups that Raven is very familiar with.

The Calling was created over a year ago by Raven and it showcased Rickey Shane Page and AKIRA along with supporting names like Cannonball and Dr. Cornwallace (aka Doctor Dax). However, the group became fractured and Rickey ultimately backstabbed AKIRA, effectively kicking him out of the group.

However, AKIRA happened to find an ally in Jake Crist and then the rebel group really came together when Raven joined the fold, ready to take on the faction he created. That violent fight happened to air this past Saturday.

Raven Returns To The Ring

The War Chamber 2 match is very much like WarGames, complete with two rings, but instead of a top on the cage, there’s barbed wire around the top.

Raven happened to enter later in the foray and took everyone out via a kendo stick. He then joined forces with Crist to deliver his patented drop toe hold on a steel chair to Cannonball.

The Death Fighters came out victorious as AKIRA caught Rickey Shane Page in a crossface with barbed wire, forcing his former partner to submit.

Post-match, Raven got on the mic and put AKIRA over as the future of pro wrestling.

Don’t expect Raven’s physicality to be a trend, however. This was all but likely a one-off for the veteran. Aside from an appearance in MLW’s Battle Riot in 2023, this was Raven’s first match in nearly five years.

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. 

If you thought the war was over – think again as War Chamber 2 commences down in St. Petersburg on Saturday night. Who began to get things on a roll but Cesar Duran as he unveils his newest acquisition, Virus. He’s looking to continue to keep Salina de la Renta off her game as she has Star Jr. ready for him to face.

MATCH 1
Virus (with Cesar Duran) vs. Star Jr. (presented Salina de la Renta)

The lucha style was in full effect on this match, but this battle was hard-hitting as Virus and Star Jr. slugged it out. Star floored Virus with a really hard shot, but Virus got some impact back with an extremely impressive avalanche bomb from all the way up top. That could have been curtains for Star Jr.

However, Star Jr secured the victory via submission with a modified leg and arm stretch. Virus had no choice and the ref called for the bell!

WINNER: Star Jr.

We cut to see World Titan Federation who expressed their enthusiasm in facing Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas. Davey Boy Smith Jr and Tom Lawlor have words for their opponents, but can they deliver?

Outside of the arena, there’s Matthew Justice and Bill Alfonso, daddy! The two make a perfect pair and Justice warns CONTRA Unit that he’s ready to continue their war.

MATCH 2
Brett Ryan Gosselin (with MSL) vs. Budd Heavy

It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Budd Heavy, but BRG doesn’t wait for any pomp and circumstance for the hometown Heavy as he immediately goes on the attack. BRG hits a massive lariat before hitting a spinning fisherman’s for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Brett Ryan Gosselin

Post-fight, Gosselin makes clear he’s ready to make an impact in MLW and then takes a couple more shots on Heavy before he and MSL leave.

Salina de la Renta is elated as she’s with her mother and they’re making plans to celebrate about the big victory by Star Jr. tonight.

MATCH 3
MLW World Tag Team Championships
Alex Kane & Mr. Thomas vs. Word Titan Federation (Tom Lawlor & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) (with MSL)

AJ Francis joins commentary as Alex Kane aims early to take the champs to Suplex Island, but it wasn’t Lawlor nor DBS getting suplexed. Kane uses Mr. Thomas to toss into Tom!

WTF does slow the pace and isolate Alex Kane as DBS traps Kane in a modified Indian Deathlock. Mr. Thomas was figuratively and literally a big factor change in the fight as once he got tagged in he became an unstoppable force.

Unfortunately, Francis became a vocal distraction for Kane and the former World Champ took his eye off the prize. MSL slides in a tag belt to Tom and as Mr. Thomas hoists Lawlor up for a powerbomb gets smacked with the gold. Lawlor falls on top of Thomas for the pinfall W.

WINNERS and STILL MLW World Tag Team Champions: Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Tom Lawlor

Post-fight, we see WTF backstage relishing in their win as MSL shows that he happens to hold the new version of the MLW World Heavyweight Title. In comes Satoshi Kojima and Okumura. Kojima lets DBS know in Japanese that they’re coming for those titles in Chicago!

MATCH 4
Sofia Castillo vs. Zayda

The first part of this fight started out with Sofia and Zayda feeling one another out and attempting to wear one another down with fundamentals. However, Zayda underestimated Sofia who catches her in the corner then hits a beauty of a stunner on the ring apron.

Zayda attempts to reset and almost hits her “I’m Prettier” finisher, but Sofia breaks free. Zayda does end up catching her with the move and it’s good for the victory.

WINNER: Zayda

We see AKIRA, Raven, Jake Crist and Jimmy Lloyd. Raven makes it known that he created The Calling and tonight in War Chamber, he’s going to put an end to it. “Quoth the Raven, nevermore.”

MATCH 5
Timothy Thatcher vs. Matt Riddle

Arguably the most anticipated match of the evening – this rematch delivered. Thatcher and Riddle put on a chess match of hard hitting technique. Both men put their strength to the test and in turn, challenged one another’s endurance. Thatcher rocked Riddle hard with three straight European uppercuts and Riddle fired back with some unique submission attempts to take Thatcher off his game.

Riddle ends up rocking Thatcher enough by hitting his “Brostone” piledriver for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Matt Riddle

Post fight, Riddle drops a bombshell that he does indeed plan to hold that MLW World Heavyweight Gold and he plans to punch his ticket by entering this year’s Battle Riot!

While Riddle is on cloud nine, the tone has changed for WTF. CONTRA has decided to set their sights on the Superstars as they one-by-one take out Richard Holliday, Davey Boy Smith Jr and Tom Lawlor!

MATCH 6
MLW World Heavyweight Championship
Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Satoshi Kojima (c)

Bad Dude has pulled a page out of Minoru Suzuki’s book as he really brings it to Kojima and it’s clear Tito wants that World Title. Kojima is still fighting through injury, but the champ does look unphased by his ailments.

Tito not only has the size but the speed to get Kojima off his game, giving him very little window to get any offense in. However Kojima threads the needle by catching Bad Dude with a sudden Lariato and gets the 1-2-3!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima

MAIN EVENT
War Chamber II Match
Death Fighters vs. The Calling

Jake Crist is the first entrant into War Chamber which means The Death Fighters has the man advantage for starters! His opponent is someone he’s very familiar with in Sami Callihan. Before the bell rings, the two make it physically clear there’s no love loss between one another. Trash can lids really hammered that point home.

Callihan and Crist find one another outside of the Chamber and it doesn’t take long for Crist to don the crimson mask. The third man out is Akira, but The Calling get a jump on him and he’s down and out. This allows Rickey Shane Page to enter and rub salt in the wound to his former tag partner.

Crist does his best to weather the storm that is Sami and RSP and avoids a trash can lid shot. Thankfully, it’s enough for Jimmy Lloyd to enter to even the odds and he does just that with a steel chair.

Out next is Cannonball as the real estate for the two rings lessens with his presence. A bloody AKIRA finally comes to and gets involved but The Calling thwarts his efforts in a big way. They lay him out on a table and allows Cannonball to come crashing down on him from the top of the cage!

However Tampa Bay explodes when out comes Raven! He lays The Calling out with some stiff kendo stick shots and then pulls a page out of his arsenal by nailing a tandem drop toe hold onto a steel chair to Cannonball!

AKIRA gets to exact some really devastating punishment to the final entrance, Dr. Cornwallace as he throws a cinder block at a trash can, ramming the steel into the big man’s groin! The final fight finally commences but the violence amps up as thumbtacks get introduced. Both Cannonball and Jimmy Lloyd feel the effects of that. Lloyd also crashes through a door bridged across the two rings and Crist ultimately takes everyone out with a huge dive from up top.

The focus then gets on RSP and AKIRA. RSP has the death fighter sandwiched between a table and a door. RSP climbs the ropes and leaps
off to senton on top of AKIRA, but the latter moves and takes advantage! AKIRA nails a Raven Effect DDT and then uses a kendo stick to lock in a crossface on RSP! However, Jimmy Lloyd levels him up with barbed wire and RSP has no choice but to tap!

WINNERS: The Death Fighters

Post-fight, AKIRA gets on the mic and thanks everyone in the arena and at home. He says to believe in Major League Wrestling and trust the AKIRA way. Raven then gets on the mic and tells the fans that AKIRA is the future of pro wrestling!

We cut to see Salina de la Renta walking with her mother as Cesar Duran watches them, swinging the very key that’s at stake for Azteca Lucha in Chicago!

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. 

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com

Watch the replay of MLW War Chamber HERE.

Major League Wrestling is in St. Petersburg, FL and there’s not one, but two rings hoping to contain all the entrants in tonight’s War Chamber as Team MLW will take on the World Titan Federation. The St. Pete Coliseum is packed and they’re ready for action. We’re sure going to get that with a World Featherweight Title fight!

MATCH 1
World Featherweight Championship
Unagi Sayaka vs. Janai Kai (c) (presented by Salina de la Renta)

Janai Kai has had a trend of knocking out her opponents in the first several seconds, but not this tie. Sayaka is just about as even as a fighter you can get to combat the ‘Kick Demon’ and there were some still boots by both women! However, that all changed when Janai caught Sayaka in the corner with a bad roundhouse, stacked her up and got the 1-2-3!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Featherweight Champion: Janai Kai

😳 @Janai_Kai #MLW pic.twitter.com/Wl3ngzB9cH

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

MATCH 2
AJ Francis vs. Alex Kane

Francis comes out with MSL who joins commentary but AJ also has words in the ring, running down both Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas and disrespecting the BOMAYE Fight Club. Francis keeps running his mouth which finally prompts Kane to cut the BS.

Alex Kane wastes zero time at exacting revenge on Francis, sending the big man to the outside before diving on him! Kane quickly follows up with his patented body splash on the apron! Kane soon splashes Francis into the ring post, but AJ forces him off into the BOMAYE Fight Club who sends their leader back into action. However, Francis pops him up for a massive apron powerbomb!

Francis continues to exude his strength in the ring, and Kane is game to match that, launching Francis up for a big vertical suplex! He then hits a belly-to-back! MSL gets concerned and leaves the booth. When Francis is caught on the ropes, MSL grabs hold of his client and it allows AJ the opportunity to regain momentum and chokeslam Kane! He covers and the ref makes an extremely fast three count!

WINNER: AJ Francis

Post-fight, the BOMAYE Fight Club sans Mr. Thomas is standing in the ring to confront Francis, but instead of attacking they align! Fists are raised and Francis has been backed by BOMAYE! Kane and Thomas are not pleased but definitely have retribution on their minds!

Say what?? @ajfrancis410 with the #BOMAYE Fight Club?? #MLW pic.twitter.com/YxUkV4ZPQo

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

We see AKIRA entering the Coliseum and the first person he sees is Sami Callihan. However, he’s ambushed from behind by RSP and The Calling. This was clearly an orchestrated attack as RSP wraps barbed wire around AKIRA’s face to put him in a crossface! They want to make sure he doesn’t make it to his War Chamber match!

The next match is supposed to involve Devin Diaz, but former bounty hunter Brian Brock attacks him from behind and grabs the mic. He issues an open challenge, but he may have got more than he bargained for in Mads Krule Krugger!

MATCH 3
Bryan Brock vs. Mads Krule Krugger

Krugger doesn’t take long to send Brock to the outside and the brawl begins. Members of the Sentai Death Squad help Krugger in his cause both The Black Hand rules with an iron fist. Kendo sticks, and doors are introduced. Kruger comes charging as Brock but Brock moves and Krugger goes through the door. Brock hits his signature lariat and has to fight off more soldiers. He cracks Krugger with both halves of the door, but it doesn’t phase Mads!

He catches Brock with a chokeslam then his full nelson faceplant for the 1-2-3!

WINNER: Mads Krule Krugger

What kind of monster is Mads Krule Krugger?? #MLW pic.twitter.com/0yLLYbW62G

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

Post-fight, it appears that CONTRA aims to zip up Brock in a body bag, but for some reason, Kruger decides against it and instead carries Brock out of the St. Pete Coliseum!

MATCH 4
Richard Adonis vs. Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta)

Adonis is making his Major League debut but this one might be a match he puts in the archives. Bad Dude Tito makes quick work of him, nailing Adonis with a Steiner Screwdriver and getting the pinfall.

WINNER: Bad Dude Tito

Tito gets on the mic and makes his reasons known why his signed with MLW: gold. He doesn’t care if it’s Kojima or Rickey Shane Page, he wants to secure a title. Ringside, you can tell Salina de la Renta couldn’t be happier.

Bad Dude TITO makes clear his intentions in #MLW = 🏆 pic.twitter.com/s5cWrU8WZw

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

MATCH 5
NJPW World TV Championship:
Kosei Fujita vs. Matt Riddle (c)

Both these fighters are ready to go and you can tell that by their similar gameplans. Mat work starts it all off for these two and several impressive “stalemates” occur. Fujita hits a beautiful hurricanrana that sends Riddle to the outside, but these two want to settle it in the ring.

Fujita eventually catches Riddle in a front face scissors hold that is looking to do Riddle in, but Riddle fights. He tries to break it in the corner but can’t and finds himself back in the center of the ring. Amazingly, Riddle suplexes himself out of it with a fisherman’s buster. He almost gets a pinfall out of it but doesn’t! He calls an audible and picks Fujita back up for a gutbuster GTS and turns it into a German suplex!

Speaking of German suplexes, Fujita nails Riddle with an avalanche German and nearly gets a pinfall but Riddle just grabs hold of the ropes at the witching hour!

Riddle ends up getting the hard-earned W after hitting a Gotch-style piledriver! Still the champ!

WINNER and STILL NJPW World Television Champion: Matt Riddle

Post-fight Joe Dombrowski catches up with Riddle who makes note that it’s been 6 yeaers since he last challenged for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and he now wants to change that!

After six years since last challenging for it, Matt Riddle wants that MLW World Heavyweight Title! #MLW @SuperKingOfBros pic.twitter.com/da0WJkmF3B

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

As the War Chamber gets set up we get a special look of Mistico successfully defending his MLW World Middleweight gold in CMLL!

We also get words from Cesar Duran as he makes his massive offer to Salina de la Renta. At Azteca Lucha on May 11 in Chicago, she brings her luchadores and he’ll bring his. Whoever gets the most wins, gets the coveted “key” that Duran now holds in his hands. Will she accept?

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT
War Chamber Match
Team MLW vs. Team WTF

The first entrant in the match is Josh Bishop with a decked out MSL in war fatigues. This means that WTF will start off with a man-advantage, but Team MLW picked the right man for the job in Matthew Justice as their first entrant. He’s not alone as Bill Alfonso accompanies him to the ring!

The fight begins and you better believe it doesn’t take long for weapons to get introduced. Bishop and Justice exchange chair shots and kendo stick swings as they try to survive one another’s attack for the first five minutes.

The next man out is Tom Lawlor and Justice takes it to him right away! He knows the deck is stacked against him, but he doesn’t let that slow him down as he fends both fighters off until 1 Called Manders enters the fold. The SGC utlize their tag expertise to maximize their minutes before Davey Boy Smith Jr. is the next fighter to roll out. SGC fight on, but a war helmet gets introduced and the World Tag Team Champions in DBS and Lawlor use it to their advantage.

Next out is Okumura who
is a literal one-man wrecking crew as he takes everybody out before wrapping Tom Lawlor in a figure four!

The fight spreads across the two rings before the final entrant for WTF is in: Richard Holliday. Holliday targets Okumura before we get the Bread Winner himself, MLW World Heavyweight Champion Satoshi Kojima!

The match officially begins and it’s absolute chaos as Matthew Justice makes a major momentum change when he leaps off the top of the cage onto everybody!

Doors are busted, bodies are broken and Team MLW looks to make it all in their favor when Manders and Justice put Holliday onto two tables. Lawlor saves him, delivering chair shots in the corner to Justice who is aiming to climb the cage. However, Manders puts Lawlor in an electric chair and Justice comes leaping off with a tornado DDT, sending Lawlor through the table! MSL sees the writing on the wall and hands Holliday a white powder. Holliday tries to utilize it but gets caught by a Lariato! He gets the 1-2-3 and Team MLW wins!

WINNERS: Team MLW

BUY THE 🎟️, TAKE THE 🚗!! @ThrashJustice #MLW pic.twitter.com/EUlOdcWzVd

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

The celebration is set to begin but who interrupts: CONTRA Unit. Soldiers by the dozens come out and fill the ring as Mads Krugger leads the attack. There’s a familiar face in that mix: IKURO KWON! The death pit fighter returns and mists Matthew Justice in the face! It’s an absolute takeover by CONTRA as they drape the flag over the cage, indicating that a takeover is possibly on the horizon!

🏴‍☠️⚔️ #HAILCONTRA ⚔️🏴‍☠️ #MLW pic.twitter.com/HsPYTGdjxH

— MLW (@MLW) March 30, 2024

Major League Wrestling is off to a hot start after hosting six pay-per-view events to kick off the year. They are set to have their annual War Chamber PPV card on March 28 at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida. In a press release, the company revealed that it would return to the same venue for MLW Blood & Thunder later this year. 

MLW shared that Blood & Thunder will be held at The Coliseum on July 12, and tickets go on sale on April 2. The press release notes that the lowest ticket price will be $15. The official card has yet to be announced, but fans who attend will have a chance to have a special meet-and-greet at the event. 

In the press release, MLW also discussed the importance of holding events at The Coliseum and why they like it. 

“The historic Coliseum was built in 1924 and purchased by the City of St. Petersburg in 1989. It has undergone extensive renovations, and the architecture and ambiance creates a flexible space to host a variety of events, making it one of the Tampa Bay area’s most unique multi-use facilities,” wrote MLW.

For fans who can’t attend the show, MLW confirmed that the event will stream live with a $7.99 subscription to TrillerTV+. Although the event is still months away, the company is showing that they are trying to get as many fans as they can to want to be a part of their live PPV schedule. 

MLW War Chamber Preview

MLW War Chamber is another big event that the company hopes will succeed. The card will have five matches, including two championship bouts. The main event will also have CozyMAX (Satoshi Kojima & Shigeo Okumura) & The Second Gear Crew (1 Called Manders & Matthew Justice) taking on World Titan Federation (Davey Boy Smith Jr., Josh Bishop, Richard Holliday & Tom Lawlor). 

Tickets for the event are still on sale for as low as $15 on Eventbrite. MLW War Chamber will also be available to stream with a subscription to TrillerTV+. 

MLW War Chamber Match Card

(Match Card Is Subject to Change)

• Alex Kane vs. AJ Francis
• Bad Man Tito vs. TBA
• (C) Janai Kai with Jesus Rodriguez & Salina de la Renta vs. Unagi Sayaka-MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship Match
• (C) Matt Riddle vs. Kosei Fujita-NJPW World Television Championship Match
• CozyMAX (Satoshi Kojima & Shigeo Okumura) & The Second Gear Crew (1 Called Manders & Matthew Justice) vs. World Titan Federation (Davey Boy Smith Jr., Josh Bishop, Richard Holliday & Tom Lawlor) with Saint Laurent-War Chamber Match

Fans of Major League Wrestling will soon get to see Unagi Sayaka in action as the popular Japanese star is set to make her debut soon. 

On Twitter, MLW shared a promo highlighting Sayaka’s impending arrival. Given the young star’s colorful costumes and personality, it’s fitting that the promo video was a bright, colorful affair. 

pic.twitter.com/opIMpxbXMV

— MLW (@MLW) March 20, 2024

MLW War Chamber

Sayaka will make her in-ring debut at the upcoming MLW War Chamber event. Not only will she be competing, but she’ll be in action for the MLW World Women’s Featherweight Championship. The card for the show is as follows: 

• Janai Kai (c) (with Promociones Dorado (Salina de la Renta and Jesús Rodriguez)) vs. Unagi Sayaka: MLW World Women’s Featherweight Championship

• Timothy Thatcher vs. Matt Riddle

• Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas) vs. A. J. Franci$

• Team MLW (CozyMax (Satoshi Kojima and Shigeo Okumura) and The Second Gear Crew (Matthew Justice and 1 Called Manders)) vs. World Titan Federation (Tom Lawlor, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Richard Holliday, and Josh Bishop) (with Mister Saint Laurent): War Chamber Match

Matches for Star Jr. Mads Krügger, Kosei Fujita have also been announced but their opponents have not been named. MLW War Chamber 2024 will take place on Friday, March 29, from The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida.  

Who is Unagi Sayaka?

The 34-year-old Sayaka is currently working as a freelancer but is known for her time in STARDOM. She Is a former Artist of STARDOM champion and has also competed in Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling and All-Japan Pro Wrestling. 

Currently, Sayaka is the DDT-Pro Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship, a title she has held on five occasions. The unorthodox title allows champions of any gender and multiple people can hold the title at once. 

The gold goes even further than WWE’s Hardcore or 24/7 Championships as Animals and inanimate objects, including a pint of beer, a steel ladder, and Vince McMahon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star have all been champions. Stefan the Dinosaur, a stuffed dino Sayaka often carries with her, is a former champion. 

The pro wrestling scene can shift on a dime at this point. MLW has a lot of money to spend, and they may just invest in their commentary team.

MLW is exploring the possibility of bringing veteran commentator Mauro Ranallo back into the wrestling world, with talks underway for a potential collaboration. Ranallo, known for his work in WWE and other combat sports events, could make a wrestling comeback with MLW after being absent from the pro wrestling scene for some time.

MLW & Mauro Ranallo

Fightful Select reports that a longtime commentator known for both combat sports and pro wrestling has been absent from the wrestling scene for a considerable time, but that might soon change.

Reports suggest that MLW has been engaging in discussions with Ranallo regarding a potential role within the promotion. While no deal has been finalized, there appears to be genuine interest from MLW’s side, especially considering Ranallo’s prior collaborations with MLW owner Court Bauer on a Strikeforce project. 

Ranallo’s departure from WWE in 2020 led him to focus primarily on calling combat sports events, such as the main event of IMPACT Rebellion in 2021. 

Mauro Ranallo’s WWE Exit

Mauro Ranallo discussed his departure from WWE in the past, as he highlighted the mental strain of the environment without casting it negatively. Ranallo said the challenging nature of WWE made it difficult for his mental wellbeing. 

He also said that there was added stress working under Vince McMahon while expressing personal struggles within the system. He recounted his desire to work with WWE as a broadcaster and his evolving role, including shifts in commentary teams and formats, ultimately leading to his decision to prioritize his mental health.

Despite his exit from WWE, Ranallo remained engaged in combat sports announcing, notably calling the Mike Tyson vs. Roy Jones Jr. boxing match last month.

WWE & MLW’s Lawsuit

With MLW recently securing a $20 million settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against WWE, the promotion seems financially poised to pursue Ranallo, who has been absent from the pro wrestling landscape for some time.

In January 2022, MLW launched legal action against WWE, accusing the wrestling giant of using coercive tactics to deter third parties from collaborating with MLW, particularly citing interference in potential deals with media outlets like Vice TV and Tubi.

After nearly two years of legal wrangling, WWE and MLW finally reached a settlement in December 2023, bringing closure to the acrimonious dispute. Recent revelations from TKO Group Holding’s 2023 business report unveiled on Tuesday shed light on the terms of the settlement, disclosing WWE’s commitment to pay a substantial $20 million sum as part of the agreement, marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings and clarifying WWE’s financial obligations resulting from MLW’s antitrust lawsuit.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more in the pro wrestling world. You never know what story will break next, but we will be here with all the headlines you need!

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. 

It’s a big weekend as MLW presents Once Upon A Time In New York! Who is the first person to welcome the Melrose Ballroom but Cesar Duran! He promises some intense lucha action and makes the challenge to Salina de la Renta to bring her best luchadores to Azteca Lucha on May 11 in Chicago to challenge his roster. He also promises a female luchadora to challenge Janai Kai but who comes in but Zayda Steel and Brett Ryan Gosselin. They take exception to Duran thinking he’s going to step in front of the line for a Featherweight title shot and Zayda eventually asks him why lucha libre promoters are so shady. Up pops Salina de la Renta on the screen. She disparages the intellect of BRG & Zayda (combined) and she accepts Duran’s challenge for Chicago as Rocky Romero unleashes shots on an Azteca henchmen.

BRG calls Rocky John Stamos and makes his way to the ring for the opening match.

MATCH 1
Scramble Match
Brett Ryan Gosselin vs. Love, Doug vs. Ichiban vs. Marcus Mathers vs. Dyln McCay vs. Cannonball

Before Cannonball can even make it to the entryway, AKIRA and Jake Crist jump him which causes an all-out brawl between The Calling & The Response. Cannonball is left laying but the match is underway.

Big highlights from the likes of Marcus Mathers & McCay as both use their tag team synergy to control a good deal of the bout. Love, Doug proves that love is a battlefield in this one, but does get caught with a beautiful tornado DDT by McCay. Cannonball does come to and dominates as expected. However, BRG proves himself to be the opportunist when he downs Doug and puts his feet on the ropes for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Brett Ryan Gosselin

MATCH 2
Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Azteca 66

What a major signing by Salina de la Renta and Promociones Dorado as Bad Dude Tito walks out to the ring and he’s sure to make short work of Azteca 66. A massive lariat followed up by a Scott Steiner-esque screwdriver gets him the easy 1-2-3.

WINNER: Bad Dude Tito

Next up, out comes Mister Saint Laurent to introduce WTF’s latest signing in AJ Francis. Francis goes down to the ring to rip apart New York City which prompts Alex Kane, Faye Jackson and Mr. Thomas to come out. Kane makes clear that BOMAYE is for the people and NYC is the people. Francis says that Kane let down their elders by losing the World Title to in Black History Month. That prompts Mr. Thomas to handle business and the fight begins.

MATCH 3
AJ Francis vs. Mr. Thomas (with Alex Kane & Faye Jackson)

What a straight up FIGHT this match starts out as and both men clearly have the power to topple one another. Mr. Thomas has a bit more speed but gets caught by Francis who pulls Thomas up for a massive powerbomb.

However, Thomas later catches Francis off-guard with a leaping hurricanrana! He then splashes Francis in the corner. MSL gets on the apron for a quick distraction and Francis picks Thomas up for the Cash Out! 1-2-3!

WINNER: AJ Francis

The feed is cut by CONTRA and Mads Krule Krugger and he promises a new army of new soldiers in the Sentai Death Squad. “A reckoning is coming.”

MATCH 4
Zayda Steel vs. Delmi Exo

Salina de la Renta is on commentary as Zayda and Delmi are well aware of the stakes in this match. There’s some good grappling in this match and the momentum teeters back and forth in the favor of both Featherweights.

Zayda has an impressive flurry and channels Steve Blackman by sweeping Delmi’s leg. Eventually, an Azteca henchman hops on the ring apron which stops Zayda from hitting the Killswitch. Exo shows her savvy and catches Zayda with a Delmi Driver for the pinfall victory.

WINNER: Delmi Exo

Post-fight, out comes Cesar Duran who offers his hand to Delmi and she accepts. Zayda begins to talk trash to Salina on stage and she gets a hard shot from Janai Kai! All out chaos ensues! Cesar wants Janai to put her title right now on the line, but Salina says that he doesn’t control the show.

MATCH 5
Davey Boy Smith Jr. (with MSL & Joshua Bishop) vs. Matt Riddle

Riddle is beginning the feel like Public Enemy #1 for the World Titan Federation and him and Davey Boy Smith Jr. are going to be a battle for ages. It sure is as submissions are applied and power strikes are unleashed. DBS channels moves from his Hart Dungeon legacy including a Crippler Crossface and Uncle Bret’s Sharpshooter!

However, Riddle’s resiliency and MMA background comes in great handy. DBS seems to have the win with a sitdown pin, but it’s Riddle who rolls him over for the 1-2-3!

WINNER: Matt Riddle

You know it’s a big night in Major League Wrestling when Court Bauer comes out for a big announcement and being from NYC, Court is ready to go, but the feed cuts and Mads Krugger has a target in sight: it’s Bauer. A legion of the Sentai Death Squad comes out and begins ambushing Bauer and the roster! So many fighters are laid out and sure enough, CONTRA had their clutches on Court. Thankfully, SGC and league officials come out to attend to Bauer and the victims from CONTRA.

MATCH 6
Magnus (with Cesar Duran) vs. Star Jr. (presented by Salina de la Renta)

This is a much different type of lucha fight as Magnus and Star Jr. do a great deal of brawling on the outside. Both men do utilize their high-flying including an amazing over-the-top senton flip over the ring post to the outside by Star Jr.!

Magnus fights on, but does get caught with a MASSIVE superplex. Star Jr. gets to the apron and does a springboard double stomp for the pinfall finish! A big win for Promociones Dorado and Salina’s bid for Mistico’s Middleweight gold!

WINNER: Star Jr.

Duran soon gets his retribution. Cesar is seen whistling and happens to walk up on a fallen Rocky Romero. He puts coins over his eyes and it seems like El Jefe has taken out Salina’s Numero Uno!

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT
Alex Kane & CozyMax vs. WTF (Tom Lawlor, Richard Holliday & Joshua Bishop)

Okumura and Holliday duke it out, but eventually reach a stand-off. Okumura tags in Alex Kane and Holliday turns in Lawlor. These two have the grapple game down. However Lawlor utilizes his kicking strength but it’s not long before Lawlor gets caught with a CRISP belly-to-belly suplex. It’s a near fall for the former World Champ.

Big double suplex by Kane and Okumura as they get another two count. Lawlor soon manages to roll Okumura over to his corner and one half of CozyMax is isolated.

Holliday and Okumura are the two to go at it for a bit and then it’s back to Lawlor and Kane. Bishop finally gets in the mix and shows his pure strength against Kane, but it was Kojima who made a blind tag to Kane’s back while in the corner. Kojima may have an injured MCL, but that doesn’t stop him from hitting a beauty of a Lariato! He covers: 1-2-3!

WINNERS: CozyMax & Alex Kane

Post-fight, the celebration is about to begin, but in comes Davey Boy Smith to tip the scales. WTF takes over the ring as they beat down their three opponents. Suddenly backstage catches word of a brawl between The Calling & The Response. It’s just all-out unruliness as it’s ultimately the World Titan Federation who stand tall!

MLW is still making moves, and booking stories after their $20 million antitrust lawsuit settlement came in from WWE. Now, Salina de la Renta is signing her own talent.

Salina de la Renta of Major League Wrestling recently announced the “signing” of Bad Dude Tito, adding to her growing influence within the organization. In a social media clip, she presented a contract bearing the name Promociones Dorado, suggesting Tito’s affiliation. She also took a jab at Mistico for good measure.

de la Renta’s New Signing

Salina de la Renta’s recent actions are causing a stir. Major League Wrestling shared a video clip on social media where she announced the “signing” of Bad Dude Tito. In the video, Salina presented a contract bearing the name Promociones Dorado, suggesting that she has brought Tito into the group.

While addressing Mistico, Salina conveyed her feelings through a veiled gesture, offering flowers with a smirk as a token of her disdain. She expressed her dissatisfaction with Mistico’s success and warned Cesar, suggesting that their reign with the MLW Middleweight Championship won’t last long. With determination evident in her words, Salina unveiled her surprise, revealing the signing of Bad Dude Tito, leaving a challenge that has yet to be accepted.

“Mistico, I have a present for you. It’s flowers.[Laughs] I hope that you take these as a token of my hatred and despise. Congrats. You brought Cesar what he wanted. You guys have the MLW Middleweight Championship. But if I were you, and now I’m talking to you, Cesar, I would not celebrate so much because that won’t last long. Because while you were over there in Boyle Heights parting, I was grinding as always because this is my life. This is what I do 24/7. Oh, so I have a surprise for you too. [Pulls out a contract] What is this? It looks like I just signed Bad Dude Tito. [Laughs] So what are you going to do about that?”

WHAT?! @SalinadelaRenta has signed……… 📝 pic.twitter.com/2zI8Dp6E6J

— MLW (@MLW) March 11, 2024

WWE & MLW’s Lawsuit Battle

WWE and MLW reached a resolution in the antitrust lawsuit that had persisted since 2022. The legal dispute, involving allegations of antitrust practices and talent poaching, concluded with a $20 million settlement.

A 10-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission confirmed the finalization of the settlement agreement on December 22, 2023. The filing outlined the lawsuit’s origins, noting MLW’s initial complaint on January 11, 2022, which accused WWE of meddling with MLW’s contractual relationships with certain media platforms. Allegations included anticompetitive behavior, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act and California law.

On December 22, 2023, the parties informed the court of a $20.0 million settlement agreement and agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case with prejudice, leading to its official dismissal on December 26, 2023. Although the lawsuit faced dismissal in February 2023, MLW refiled with amendments, leading to a judge’s denial of a motion to dismiss in June.

That $20 million settlement number was revealed as part of TKO’s earnings report. Now, MLW has a lot more money to spend.

SEScoops will have more on this story, and so much more, in the pro wrestling world. Keep checking back for more updates!

Major League Wrestling is back tonight with MLW Intimidation Games 2024 from New York City’s Melrose Ballroom. Intimidation Games will stream live on TrillerTV+. 

Fans in attendance will also witness additional matches as part of a beIN SPORTS TV taping. For fans in the New York area, visit Eventbrite to purchase tickets.

MLW Intimidation Games Card (TrillerTV+)

MLW World Heavyweight Title Fight
Satoshi Kojima (champion) vs. Minoru Suzuki

NJPW World Television Title Fight
Matt Riddle (champion) vs. Bad Dude Tito

MLW World Middleweight Title Fight
Rocky Romero (champion, presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Místico (with Cesar Duran)

MLW World Tag Team Title Fight
Second Gear Crew (champions) vs. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (promoted by Saint Laurent)

Bobby Fish vs. Alex Kane (cornered by Mr. Thomas)

NYC Street Fight
The Calling (Rickey Shane Page & Sami Callihan) vs. AKIRA & Jake Crist

5 minute $5000 challenge
MLW World Featherweight Champion Janai Kai fights

beIN SPORTS Card

MLW cameras will be rolling for these additional matches:

¡Lucha Libre Espectacular!
Star Jr. (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Magnus (with Cesar Duran)

CozyMAX open contract fight
Delmi Exo vs. Zayda

Scramble-6 match
Ichiban vs. Love, Doug vs. Brett Ryan Gosselin vs. Marcus Mathers vs. Cannonball vs. Dyln McKay

Plus, there will be a special Meet & Greet with Satoshi Kojima, Minoru Suzuki, and Mistico.

DAY OF EVENT SCHEDULE:

• 5:30 p.m.: Early entry for front row ticket holders
• 6:00 p.m.: Doors open for general public (all ticket holders)
• 7:00 p.m : Showtime

Major League Wrestling fans will be in for a special treat this Thursday. The company will have their pay-per-view MLW Intimidation Games at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City, New York. 

One of the featured matchups announced had Matt Riddle taking on Big Bad Tito. However, MLW has raised the stakes with Riddle putting his New Japan Pro Wrestling World Television Championship on the line. 

A press release from MLW shared that ‘The King Of Bros’ will have his first title defense against Tito. MLW CEO Court Bauer also acknowledged that the new championship match was possible thanks to the business relationship between MLW and NJPW. 

“The alliance between New Japan Pro Wrestling and MLW has resulted in this blockbuster title fight,” said Bauer. He continued, “I wish to thank Mr. Naoki Sugabayashi, Mr. Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Mr. Rocky Romero for brokering this title fight and allowing MLW and New York City the honor of hosting this world championship match. This cross-promotional championship clash signifies an era of exciting collaboration and competition in the world of professional wrestling.”

Riddle won the title by defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW The New Beginning In Sapporo on February 23. The short-notice defense gives Tito an excellent opportunity to compete for his first NJPW championship in his MLW debut. However, the match style has also changed. 

Preview Of Matt Riddle vs. Big Bad Tito At MLW Intimidation Games

Longtime NJPW fans may recall that NJPW World TV Championship matches have a time limit of 15 minutes. This rule adds a new dynamic to Riddle’s match against Tito. 

MLW commented on the new match format and its uniqueness to the MLW Intimidation Games card. 

 “Adding a layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated bout is the unique stipulation attached to the NJPW World Television Championship,” said MLW. They continue, “With a time limit of 15 minutes imposed on all NJPW World Television title matches, both Riddle and Big Bad Tito will be under immense pressure to seize victory within the allotted time frame.”

Tickets for MLW Intimidation Games are still on sale for as low as 19.81 on Eventbrite. However, the new match stipulation could help lead to a sold-out show soon. 

Earlier today, Major League Wrestling announced that they will be coming back to the city of Atlanta for its sixth annual Battle Riot event. 

The company will host MLW: Battle RIOT VI from Center Stage on Saturday, June 1, marking the first MLW event in the Georgia area since the Super Series in September 2022.

MLW Battle Riot VI ticekts will be available for purchase this Thursday, February 22, at 10 a.m. EST at Ticketmaster and MLWLIVE.com.

While fans wait for more information on this year’s match card, MLW has confirmed the return of its yearly Battle Riot match, in which 40 wrestlers vie for a future shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship — a title that is currently held by Satoshi Kojima. 

Per match rules, two participants will begin the Battle Riot match in the ring as their fellow competitors enter the field every minute until all 40 have officially joined the match. Along the way, wrestlers can be eliminated by way of pin, submission, or by being tossed over the top rope and having both of their feet touch the floor outside.

Battle Riot Excitement

MLW CEO Court Bauer shared his excitement for the event, stating, “We’re thrilled to bring our biggest event of the year to the iconic Center Stage, the Mecca of southern wrestling.”

MLW Battle Riot VI, which has been labeled as a premium live event, will air globally on Triller TV+ (formerly known as FITE TV). Attendees and viewers will also be treated to a beIN SPORTS taping that is set to feature a series of bonus matches. The live audience will also receive the opportunity to meet their favorite MLW wrestlers and legends through exclusive meet-and-greets. They will also have the option to buy rare items used in MLW matches and MLW programming.

Legendary Japanese wrestler Satoshi Kojima was crowned the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion at MLW SuperFight at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

With the title win, Kojima has scripted history. He becomes the oldest holder of the title at 53 years. The headlining MLW SuperFight match saw Kojima putting an end to Kane’s reign which lasted 210 days.

Satoshi Kojima becomes MLW World Heavyweight Champion for the second time

Kojima bettered Kane to clinch the MLW World Heavyweight Championship for the second time. The 53-year-old star had first won the title in September 2002.

The final moments of the match saw Kojima hitting a lariat and following up with a brainbuster. However, he could only get one count. After Kane got up, Kojima executed another devastating lariat to secure the pinfall, securing the World title in the process.

Following the bout, Yuji Nagata came out and celebrated with some beers with Kojima. The newly crowned champ urged everyone to drink beer and eat bread.

#AndNew MLW World Heavyweight Champion – @cozy_lariat Satoshi Kojima! #MLW @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/inT1jY9LRs

— MLW (@MLW) February 4, 2024

The celebration begins for @cozy_lariat KOJIMA! #AndNew #MLW @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/A5ItJlg3Fw

— MLW (@MLW) February 4, 2024

Beer WAS had! 🍻 @nagata769 @cozy_lariat #MLW #AndNew @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/fk2tbaIYwP

— MLW (@MLW) February 4, 2024

This marks Kojima’s second reign as MLW World Heavyweight Champion.  He won the title from Alex Hammerstone at MLW Never Say Never and made six successful title defenses. Kojima previously held NOAH’s GHC Heavyweight Title.

Kojima is scheduled to defend the belt against Minoru Suzuki at Intimidation Games on February 29th.

Mistico debuts at MLW

Legendary luchador Mistico also made his MLW debut at SuperFight. He was accompanied to the ring by Cesar Duran and faced Averno,

Meanwhile, it has come to light that Rocky Romero will be defending the MLW World Middleweight Title against Místico at MLW Intimidation Games. 

El Jefe @RealCesarDuran RETURNS and brings Mistico with him!🩸#MLW @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/uRnzQjgnL5

— MLW (@MLW) February 4, 2024

Mistico shows his one-of-a-kind skill against Averno! #MLW @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/sO4e9Jw8oV

— MLW (@MLW) February 4, 2024

In 2024, Major League Wrestling (MLW) is undergoing changes to its programming. The promotion aims to broaden its schedule by presenting one premium live event and one free signature event each month.

The monthly premium live events will be broadcast as part of Trille TV+. For viewers interested in MLW’s free signature events, they can catch them on TV through BeIN Sports and online via MLW’s YouTube channel.

MLW expands 2024 schedule: https://t.co/xsBiWdJ3sH

— MLW (@MLW) January 18, 2024

Recently, MLW made an announcement about returning to its origins in Florida, where the promotion first began over two decades ago. In the upcoming spring, MLW is set to make a comeback with War Chamber, one of its key PLEs, at the Coliseum in St. Petersburg, FL.

In addition to its return to Florida, the company is also marking a comeback to Chicago with its Aztecha Lucha event on Saturday, May 11. This marks MLW’s return to the city for the first time since 2019.

SEScoops had reported back in December 2023 that MLW was gearing up for substantial changes, and this included a comprehensive overhaul of its front office.

On the flip side, MLW was engaged in a legal dispute with WWE in the form of an antitrust lawsuit. The two companies recently settled the lawsuit last month, with the details of the settlement remaining undisclosed.

With the upcoming programming schedule changes, 2024 appears to be an exciting year for MLW. The promotion has added notable names back to its roster such as Matt Riddle, Richard Holliday, Salina de la Renta, Tom Lawlor, and Satoshi Kojima. However, the company experienced a setback as Alex Hammerstone became a free agent. 

MLW Reload

MLW’s inaugural event under the new schedule is Reload, scheduled to air on Saturday, January 20, on both YouTube and BeIN Sports.

MLW commentator Matt Striker has responded to the backlash from comments he made during Matt Riddle’s first match back with the promotion. 

At MLW’s Kings of Colosseum show, Riddle defeated Jacob Fatu. This was the former WWE United States Champion’s first match since being released from WWE in September 2023. After the match, the two men shared a sign of respect. 

Matt Striker’s Comments

Striker was commentating on the match and was impressed with what he was seeing from Riddle. During part of the match, Stiker said the following: 

“How do you let this guy go? This guy is a star, a mega-million dollar star. I don’t care what he does. How do you let him go?”

Many have taken issue with Striker’s comment about not caring what Riddle’s done. Riddle has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct including from his ex-girlfriend Daniella Petrow. Riddle was also accused of sexual misconduct in 2020 by wrestler Candy Cartwright. While Riddle admitted to having an affair with Cartwright, he claimed it was entirely consensual. This affair led to Riddle’s marriage to his ex-wife Lisa ending. A legal case by Cartwright against Riddle and others was dropped in 2021.

Later in the match, Striker doubled down on his comment about Riddle being able to do whatever he wanted. 

“He can do whatever he wants, he can kick your ass. Anyone out there (has) got a problem with him, step to him out on the street, watch what happens. End of conversation.” 

Matt Striker Responds

Striker’s comments during the show have faced a backlash, with many taking issue with the notion that somebody accused of sexual misconduct can do “whatever he wants.” On Twitter, Striker reflected on what he had said. 

https://twitter.com/MLBMattStriker/status/1744006398776627545

At this time, MLW has not commented publicly on Striker’s comments or his subsequent tweet. MLW’s next major event will be Intimidation Games on February 29. 

Matt Riddle recently showed up in New Japan and already has laid out a challenge to a huge star. Click here to find out more.