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

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.

Bryan Danielson may no longer be a WWE Superstar, but that didn’t stop him from using an old WWE catchphrase of his at a recent event for CMLL. 

At the event, Danielson was part of Team AEW (Bryan, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, & Matt Sydal) and came up short against Team CMLL (Blue Panther, Ultimo Guerrero, Mistico, & Volador Jr.) During one spot, Danielson and Mistico (aka WWE’s Sin Cara) shared dueling chants reminiscent of Bryan’s time as a Superstar. 

Bryan Danielson and Místico breaking out a SÍ/NO battle. Hahaha.

Danielson really brought back his 2012 gimmick. ?pic.twitter.com/1aYnmJYXep

— Drainmaker ?? ? (@DrainBamager) March 30, 2024

What’s Next? 

After the match, Danielson issued a challenge to Blue Panther for next Friday night’s Arena Mexico show on April 5, which Panther accepted. This has been a match that Danielson has called a dream match in the past. He recently called Pather his favorite luchador of all time. 

https://twitter.com/bryandanielson/status/1773429497074978941

Yes! No!

Bryan began using the Yes chant following his 2011 WWE World Heavyweight Championship victory. Not long after winning the title, Bryan’s ego would grow, causing him to yell “YES!” and celebrate even the smallest of victories in over-the-top fashion. 

After his 18-second World Heavyweight Championship loss to Sheamus at WrestleMania 28, a dejected Bryan changed his tune. Bryan blamed the fans (and AJ Lee) for his loss and in response to the crowd being on board with the yes chant, would chant “NO!” in response. 

Bringing Back the Chant

This isn’t the first time that Bryan has embraced his WWE catchphrases. Following a December 2023 edition of AEW Collision, the crowd chanted “YES” for Bryan, who admitted he’s not allowed to do that anymore. Thinking better of it, Danielson decided to join in with the YES! chant and sarcastically told fans to definitely not record the moment in question. 

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!

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. Catch the full replay of the PLE here at TrillerTV+

The Melrose Ballroom in New York City was SOLD OUT and for good reason as Intimidation Games packed a punch with three promotions coming together under Major League Wrestling! Not one, not two, not three, but four titles were on the line in The Big Apple and the PLE starts off in a big way with World Middleweight gold!

MATCH 1

MLW World Middleweight Championship

Mistico (with Cesar Duran) vs. Rocky Romero (c) (with Salina de la Renta)

Rocky had a gameplan in place for this match, but it was saturated in disrespect as the champion attempted to get Mistico off his game by nearly tearing the challenger’s mask off his face.

The whole fight, which was full of many close calls, was teetering back and forth between both luchadors and even though Rocky tried to get Mistico off his game by literally ripping his mask, it didn’t deter the challenger from achieving his goal. He stayed true to his high-flying strategy and caught Rocky off-guard with his unbelievable headscissors to fujiwa armbar, causing the champ to immediately tap out!

WINNER and NEW MLW World Middleweight Champion: Mistico

Post-fight, Duran wanted Rocky to put his hair on the line in a hair vs. mask fight, but Rocky was not obliging.

MATCH 2

NYC Street Fight

The Calling vs. AKIRA & Jake Crist

AKIRA and Crist waste zero time in attacking Rickey Shane Page and Sami Callihan as they take The Calling out and then dive on top of them to the outside.

The battle lives up to the stipulation as weapons are certainly used with Sami resorting to paper cuts and RSP making the most of his brute strength. RSP was cagey throughout this entire fight as he used size and speed against his former tag partner in AKIRA. However, both AKIRA and Crist did have an unexpected ace up their sleeve.

It was reported that Raven was lurking in the Melrose Ballroom somewhere, but when Cannonball went to get the tables from underneath the ring, they got the Blue Meanie instead!

Boards were broken, but spirits weren’t as AKIRA almost relished in the challenge at fighting RSP and Sami. He nearly was about to get the win with The Death Penalty, but was fought off and Crist got tangled with RSP. Sami took the opportunity to low blow Crist and RSP got him in a backslide and 1-2-3!

WINNERS: The Calling

Tag team synergy. #MLW pic.twitter.com/ocbFHsKWiA

— MLW (@MLW) March 1, 2024

AKIRA immediately goes on the attack to RSP and chaos ensues as the numbers games gets the advantage for The Calling. However, help is on the way as Jimmy Lloyd comes running down to help ward The Calling off! Sami wanted the trio to fight more, but sure enough, Raven appears on the big screen.

Raven asks that that Sami and RSP want to steal the name The Calling? Call his new faction The Response – “quote the Raven, nevermore.”

We see Tom Lawlor, MSL and Davey Boy Smith Jr are in the men’s bathroom and they feel it’s a good time to stake their claim for the World Tag Team gold. The Bulldog is relieving himself and doesn’t wash his hands as he makes clear it’s either “tap or snap” for Second Gear Crew.

MATCH 3

Bobby Fish vs. Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas & Faye Jackson)

Alex Kane is clearly focused and needs to be tonight against a game Bobby Fish. Fish is very much feeling confident and shows it in his offense.However, both men are quick to lock up and they work the ground game. Kane starts off on the offensive, and even locks in the Fade To Black early. Fish may have got a cheap shot in and then focuses on the left knee. It becomes a target for Bobby.

He has Kane on the defensive quite a bit in the bout, but Fish a little too cocky and he gets taken to Suplex Island. Sure enough, Kane finds the right opportunity and chokes Fish out in the Fade To Black!

WINNER: Alex Kane

Kane gets on the mic to acknowledge the fans in NYC, but AJ Francis stops the celebration. He says that many fans don’t even realize BOMAYE came from Muhammad Ali, but ended up dropping a bombshell on the group. “Some people in your ranks, may not be as loyal as you think they are.” The crowd “ooo’s” at that one as both Mr. Thomas and Faye dismiss that notion.

NYC – @ajfrancis410 is here and has some harrowing words for @Alex_kane11 and #BOMAYE! #MLW @betonline_ag pic.twitter.com/cZXzgtOGgS

— MLW (@MLW) March 1, 2024

MATCH 4

MLW World Tag Team Championship

WTF (Tom Lawlor & Davey Boy Smith Jr. w/ MSL) vs. Second Gear Crew (c)

WTF make it a point to try to take Manders out of the equation as DBS goes back to his hoss fight ways by delivering stiff elbows to the Corn Belt Cowboy. Matthew Justice rises to the occasion and splashes the sports entertainment out of DBS and Lawlor. However, once Manders gets back in, WTF take control. They go for the Hart Attack on Manders but Justice puls Lawlor out. SGC focus on DBS and hit him with a harsh spear and lariat combo. That’s curtains but Lawlor pulls referee Frank Gastineau out!

A table get presented and Lawlor is the one to fall victim to it. He gets Tornado DDT’ed by Justice through it in an amazing double team. Lawlor is twitching in pain as Manders covers: 1-2-no! MSL, who came in wearing a helmet to the ring, gets slugged by Manders. However, out comes Brett Ryan Gosselin and it allows DBS to grab the helmet and hits Manders with it. He gets covered by Tom Lawlor: 1-2-3. New champs!

WINNERS and NEW MLW World Tag Team Champions: WTF

The feed soon cuts and we see Mads Krule Krugger. He’s ready for one last war and he’s going to unleash his “new blood” into the league. “HAIL CONTRA!”

MATCH 5

NJPW World Television Championship

Bad Dude Tito vs. Matt Riddle (c)

Both Riddle and Tito are game for this fight as each competitor shows speed, athleticism and strength is shown. Suplexes are readily exchanged before kicks and strikes are exchanged. Tito gets the better of the exchange with a massive lariat.

Tito says he’s gonna rip Riddle’s head off. However, Riddle hits a fisherman’s buster and then follows up with a Broton Bomb for two near falls. “BRO” chants echo throughout the Melrose Ballroom.

Tito spinebusters Riddle down and hits a frog splash for his own near fall. More strikes are exchanged. Riddle goes on a flurry but Tito slows him down when he gets his knees up. Tito knows how to grapple and it’s evident in this match.

Hard forearms are traded between the two and then so are strikes and suplexes. Tito hits a blue thunder bomb and it’s a near fall. Only 15 minutes in this fight. Riddle manages to hit a package tombstone and it’s good for the pinfall win.

WINNER
and STILL NJPW World Television Champion: Matt Riddle

https://twitter.com/njpwglobal/status/1763519561880506867

MATCH 6

$5,000 Five-Minute Challenge

Janai Kai vs. ???

Salina de la Renta walks out with a bag of cash and issues the challenge to anybody in the back. Out comes a game Zoey Cannon from Boston. A quick boot to the corner then a massive roundhouse knocks Zoey out cold quickly. The ref calls for the bell.

WINNER: Janai Kai

We cut to Cesar Duran who is smiling proudly in his office with the Middleweight Title sitting in front of him. He issues a new challenge to Salina. He wants her best luchador in the War Chamber. Who will she chose?

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT

MLW World Heavyweight Championship

Minoru Suzuki vs. Satoshi Kojima (c)

It should be noted that Kojima hasn’t competed in MLW or NJPW since his last Major League match. However, these two men know one another way too well and Suzuki is sadistic in his gameplan, greatly torquing the leg of Kojima.

Strong style and fighting spirit is greatly shown in this fight, but sportsmanship is out the window as Minoru makes plenty of moments to taunt his longtime rival. Kojima does hit Suzuki with a Kojima cutter and a lariato, but doesn’t get all of the latter. However, the two-time champ perseveres and nails a crisp one on the undefeated fighter in MLW and gets the emphatic 1-2-3!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima

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

Here are the results from the third and final day of the CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania shows, the event is available to view on the NJPW World service now:

Cavernario, Jado & Gedo b. Blue Panther Jr., Soberano Jr. & Henare – Cavernario took the win for his team following the Cavernaria on Blue Panther Jr

Stuka Jr., Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV b. Hechicero, OKUMURA & Raziel – Tiger Mask took the win for his team after hitting a Tiger Suplex on Raziel

Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI b. Dragon Lee & Titan – BUSHI took the win after catching Titan in the BUSHI ROLL. After the match Takahashi took Dragon Lee’s mask

Ephisto, Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay b. Maximo Sexy, Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi – Okada hit the Rainmaker on Taguchi to take the win via pinfall

Rush, Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & EVIL b. Atlantis, Hiroshi Tanahashi, KUSHIDA & David Finlay – Naito took the pinfall win over Finlay

Mistico b. Euforia – Mistico took the win after hitting the La Mistica in just over 11 minutes

Volador Jr. b. Ultimo Guerrero – Volador Jr took the win after hitting an incredible Avalanche Spanish Fly 

????IWGP?????????????“?????”???????????????????????!!
1.22????????????????????(https://t.co/7xh3nqaLQZ )??????!!#njcmll #njpw #cmll pic.twitter.com/K33QqzX8ak

— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) January 22, 2017

Here are the results from CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s co-branded Fantasticamania show that took place at the world famous Korakuen Hall (01/21- Day 2). If you are unfamiliar with Lucha style wrestling then this show (available on NJPW World) is certainly worth a watch.

Ephesto, Raziel, Jado & Gedo b. Blue Panther Jr., Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Henare – Ephesto pinned Blue Panther to take the win for his team

Stuka Jr. b. OKUMURA – Stuka took the win in just under 8 minutes with a Torpedo Splash

Barbaro Cavernario, Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay b. Soberano Jr., KUSHIDA & Ryusuke Taguchi – Cavernario took the win for his team after hitting a Cavernaria on Soberano

Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI b. Dragon Lee, Titan, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson & David Finlay – SANADA took the win for Los Ingobernables after hitting the Skull End on David Finlay

Ultimo Guerrero & Euforia b. Mistico & Volador Jr. – Ultimo took the win for his team with the Guerrero special on Volador Jr

Rush b. Atlantis – Rush hit the Rush Driver to secure the pinfall win in just under 11 minutes

CMLL World Heavyweight Championship Match: Maximo Sexy b. Hechicero – Maximo retained his CMLL World Heavyweight title after hitting an Avalanche style Frankensteiner on Hechicero

#njcmll Day2 of The Korakuen 3-day show starts in about 3 hours! Sign up or Login & Get ready for Gong! https://t.co/cEFFsYKcrQ pic.twitter.com/uAmLL8p6SB

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 21, 2017

AAA sent along a press release on late Sunday evening, immediately after their “TripleMania XXIII” event, which aired live on North American pay-per-view, to explain the many audio and technical difficulties that took place during the broadcast.

Below is the press release AAA issued to explain what went wrong:

AAA ISSUES STATEMENT ON TRIPLEMANIA XXIII PPV AUDIO ISSUES

MEXICO CITY – We thank all of you for giving AAA your Sunday night. No excuse undoes a night plagued with audio difficulties. Fans purchased this event with a level expectations and it was our goal to exceed those expectations. We are still investigating the source of the issues with our audio malfunctions, but we thank you for giving us a shot. Audio issues can occasionally happen with live televised sporting events and luckily were resolved in time for tonight’s main events.

Everyone and we do mean everyone’s desire at AAA was and is to give you a flawless pay-per-view experience. Unfortunately, tonight that didn’t happen and we are as frustrated and as disappointed as you with these technical issues.

On behalf of everyone, we apologize and thank you for support and patience.

Hopefully you enjoyed the matches and consider trying AAA again.

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An announcement is scheduled to be made later today regarding AAA’s TripleMania event, which is their biggest event of the year, airing live on pay-per-view in the United States and Canada on Sunday, August 9th.

The show is scheduled to air from 7-10pm EST. live on all of the major pay-per-view carriers, including In Demand, Dish Network, DirecTV, Bell Canada Satellite and Rogers.

The show, which is priced at $19.95 for SD and $29.95 for HD, will be headlined by Rey Mysterio vs. Myzteziz (Sin Cara, Mistico).

Other matches scheduled for the show include Alberto El Patron (Alberto Del Rio) vs. Brian Cage in a hair vs. hair match and a trios match featuring Los Villanos III & IV & V facing The Psycho Circus in what will be the retirement match for Villano III.

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TNA star Mica recently appeared as a guest on the Two Man Power Trip Of Wrestling podcast and spoke about a number of topics. Below are some highlights of the interview.

On competing in a TNA Gutcheck and getting signed by the company: “I did the Gutcheck and on that day we filmed I honestly thought I was just going to be rolling around and maybe doing a tryout match and next thing I know we are doing an actual show and taking bumps and I was grateful of the opportunity to do it. Tommy Dreamer pulled me aside and said that it was a great performance and don’t be surprised if you get a call and sure enough about a week or two after I got the call from Bob Ryder saying TNA would like to bring me on as one of the TNA Superstars and I was delighted. It was awesome to get a call from TNA and that they wanted me to be apart of their family.”

On Billy Corgan’s influence on the product thus far: “He loves wrestling. Billy’s mind is for wrestling. He is all about it and what’s nice is he does have a wrestling background, he is the Smashing Pumpkins there is no one else, it’s him. His creative genius is amazing. Although we only had him for like four days he is really engaged with a lot of us and their are a couple of story lines that he was apart of and he wanted to make sure he stayed really focused on the story lines that TNA has brought to television. I’m really looking forward to working with him and to see what he has in store for TNA as a whole. You can tell the TNA roster is very excited to have him and we are looking forward to working with him.”

On working against the BDC (Beat Down Clan): “Those guys, especially (Low) Ki and MVP were both in WWE at one time and actually MVP was in a pretty big spot up there so it’s nice to get his insight on how things were, how they are going and how to adjust and adapt to TNA right now. Ki is a hell of a talent and has such a mind for the game. I love talking to him and understanding how to stand out as an individual wrestler and how to make things work. Kenny King for as tall as he is he works as if he could be a Luchador. He is deceiving as far as his ability. Homicide I knew from way back when and got to work with him a little bit but right now he has torn something in his shoulder and I am really looking forward to working more with Homicide.”

On problems injuries caused him while working with Mistico (Sin Cara): “It definitely played a role. He (Mistico) had significant injuries that just happened one after the other. First it was his knee, then his hand. The poor guy was just plagued by injuries and it did hold us up. Their were opportunities for us to start something with another talent on the roster and they tried to get us into something with Ted Dibiase and that came to a stand still creatively because Ted wanted something else and we were just bouncing around doing live events and just doing tag matches with different people.”

On working with Hunico and their relationship: “Hunico is an amazing guy and is ridiculously strong. He has an amateur wrestling background so it was always great to be in the ring with him and learn from him. Besides the amateur background he also has the Lucha background and I learned a lot about being a good base for the Lucha style wrestlers. He himself is a hell of a base for the Lucha guys, he used to catch me which is amazing when we would do Lucha style moves on each other and I always appreciated him taking the time to show me the Lucha style on our off time when we were traveling.”

Check out the complete interview at Podomatic.com.

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Sin Cara recently spoke with the folks at Whats Up Pub. Below are some highlights from the interview.

On what it’s like to wrestle with a mask on: “It’s awesome, to be honest. For me, it’s been a great experience being able to represent my culture. When I was growing up, I used to see all those masked wrestlers – it was like super heroes to me. In a sense, I feel like a superhero once I put on that mask – like a warrior.”

On who inspired him to become a pro wrestler: “My grandfather was the one who would always take me to the arenas in Juarez to watch wrestling. Ever since I can remember, I just wanted to be a wrestler. It was awesome for me to be able to see Eddie Guerrero, Rey Mysterio, all those guys that started in Cd. Juarez, be successful in their careers. That gave me the motivation. If they could do it, I could do it.”

On whether or not there was a time when he thought he could only get so far or felt he should quit: “I went through a lot earlier in my career because of the name (Mistico). I was the first Mistico to ever wrestle under that name, and the name got stolen by a company in Mexico that was using the name and that guy became very famous. I was not able to get a lot of bookings because that company had a lot of power, so I had to change my name to Incognito for a while and went through ups and downs in my career. There were times that I thought, “This is not for me – I just want to quit.” A lot of stuff like that went through my head. I was fortunate enough to have the strength and the faith to keep going and now the tables have changed 360 degrees. Now I’m Sin Cara. I think when you have a lot of faith and you keep working hard anything can happen – I think I’m a testament of that. It’s pretty cool to be able to speak about it now. Everything that I went through, I wouldn’t change, because it’s made me who I am now.”

On what it’s like to be a part of WWE: “It’s a lot of work, man [laughs]. It’s very fun; it’s like a dream come true. We do travel a lot, but I can’t complain. Every time I’m out there, I always think, “This is what I wanted to do when I was a little kid,” so I always take pleasure in everything that I do and have fun with it. I understand that this doesn’t last forever, so I’m trying to do the best that I can while my body can hold up. I always treasure every time I’m out there.”

Check out the complete interview at WhatsUpPub.com.

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– Luis Urive, who is better known to Mexican wrestling fans as Mistico, and to WWE fans as the original Sin Cara, is reportedly close to signing a deal with AAA in Mexico. There’s currently no word on what name he will use since CMLL owns the Mistico name, and WWE presumably owns the Sin Cara name.

– The advertised dark match main event for this coming Monday’s WWE RAW, which takes place in St. Louis, Missouri, is Daniel Bryan, John Cena and The Shield vs. Randy Orton, Batista and The Wyatt Family in a ten-man tag-team match.

– As previously reported, WWE is working on a new Sting compilation DVD that will be released in September. It has recently been confirmed that the project will also be available on Blu-ray.

WWE announced the release of the original Sin Cara on Thursday with the following statement on the company website:

WWE releases Luis Ignacio Urive Alvirde

WWE has come to terms on the release of Luis Ignacio Urive Alvirde effective on March 26, 2014. We wish Luis the best of luck in his future endeavors.

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Luis Urive, better known as the original Sin Cara in WWE, will be debuting for Mexico’s AAA promotion this weekend in a Rey de Reyes qualifying match. He will compete in a four-way against Pyscho Clown, Psicosis and AAA Champion El Texano Jr.

Speaking of Urive, there are many people questioning why he would continue to use the Sin Cara name, as most view it as an association with being a failure in WWE. He can’t go back to using his old Mistico character, as CMLL owns the name and has given it to another wrestler.

As far as the name Sin Cara, WWE believes they own the name, however Urive insists that he has the legal rights to it.

The original Sin Cara is being advertised for a Baja Stars Wrestling show on March 1st in Tijuana, which would be after his contract with WWE expires. His brother, however, claims that the booking is not official.

Sin Cara himself did confirm that he will be wrestling at the one-year anniversary celebration of his Sin Cara Gym in Mexico City on February 1st.

Once Sin Cara is done with WWE, he is expected to return to AAA in Mexico, since CMLL has its’ own Mistico character and the two separated on bad terms.

– Former WWE star Chris Jericho took yet another shot at CM Punk on Twitter. Jericho tweeted on Monday night after RAW:

“Another Raw, another stolen move. I expect that from a rookie or a diva, but et tu Punk? BACK OFF….”

Chris Jericho tweeted the following back on August 1st after CM Punk mentioned his name during a promo on RAW:

“Everyone is so excited that @CMPunk mentioned me on Raw. Newsflash…I don’t give a shit. Mind ur own business and stop rippin me off Punk.”

Last week, when CM Punk and Steve Austin were going back and forth talking trash on Twitter, Jericho wrote:

“It’s so cute reading @CMPunk and @steveaustinBSR ‘s lil cyber bitch-fights…”

It appears the seeds are being planted for an eventual CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho feud down the road once Chris Jericho returns to the company – which is just fine with us.

– For those wondering, it was in fact Hunico who wrestled as Sin Cara on RAW. According to a source who was backstage at RAW, the general feeling in the locker room is that Mistico is done with WWE.

– Two readers sent word that there was no Sin Cara merchandise for sale at last night’s RAW in Tulsa.

– In related Sin Cara news – in light of the recent backstage heat on Mistico, WWE seems to have scrapped the idea of bringing in Mexican wrestler Averno to work with Sin Cara. Before Sin Cara fell out of favor with WWE management, there had been talk of bringing in Averno, a formal rival of Mistico, into WWE so he had someone familiar to work with. (Source: PWInsider.com)

WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross is back with another blog, which you can read in its entirety at JRsBarBQ.com Here are some highlights of what JR wrote about:

Sin Cara Signing With WWE: “The wrestler formerly known as Mistico but now known as Sin Cara was officially welcomed into the WWE family on Thursday in Mexico City with every major Mexico City TV network and print media represented”

“I applaud the way that WWE introduced Sin Cara to the WWE Universe as he will arrive in WWE after a few weeks of advanced TV promotion already meaning ‘something’ and feeling much more significant than other newcomers. For those that aren’t familiar with Sin Cara, formerly known as Mistico, I suggest that you go on You Tube and check out some of his bouts. Very innovative offensive performer along the lines of the great Rey Mysterio”

“Sin Cara has a magnificent opportunity to become a global star in WWE. The final verdict, as always, will be rendered by the paying customers based on how well the gifted athlete delivers inside the squared circle. It will be interesting to see what brand, Raw or Smackdown, gets the opportunity to showcase Sin Cara.”

Michael Cole a Jerk In Real Life: “Emailer…Is Michael Cole’s TV persona more like his real life persona than when he played the straight man/corporate announcer? I’d probably say, yes. Cole’s is not the laid back, easy going guy in real life that he portrayed early in his announcing career. He has taken to being a ‘jerk’ on TV like our sauce to ribs. ”

Cruiserweights: “Twitter @JRsBBQ…one reason, not that I necessarily agree with it, that Cruiserweights aren’t specifically used in their own weight division is that some feel that the mass audience will not accept Cruiserweights or Junior Heavyweights or whatever hip name one wants to come up with as main event level, PPV selling attractions. This isn’t a new philosophy as that same mindset was around when Danny Hodge was the NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion. The term ‘Junior’ said to some fans and promoters as ‘less than’ the best. Ironically, Hodge could legitimately beat 99.9% of EVERY heavyweight in the business but that had zero to do with the marketing perception and selling tickets.”

Sting Back In TNA: “That Sting vs. Undertaker WM27 match that many just knew was going to happen at WM27 looks a little ‘iffy.’ Seriously, I said many times that I did not think that Sting would likely venture into WWE at this point in his career. All people have ‘comfort zones,’ including yours truly, that we are reluctant to leave. In hindsight, at least in my view, more often than not and especially for veterans the ‘comfort zone’ thing isn’t a negative.”

– Jim Ross tweeted he following about WWE’s new star, Sin Cara:

“Mistico is signed, sealed & delivered w/ WWE. Now known as Sin Cara. Helluva young hand. A new star looms on the horizon. Congrats Sin Cara. Every major media outlet in Mexico City present 4 Sin Cara media announcement. He’s doing 1 on 1’s now w/ them including espn deportes. It was great 2 rep WWE in Mexico City 4 Sin Cara signing anouncement. Appreciate the opportunity to step back on the field, so 2 speak.”

Ross later added:  “WWE has high hopes for Sin Cara. He has many new masks. Major TV ‘rollout,’ He’s 27 & has (opportunity to be) main eventer. A flyer, offensive innovator.”

• Video Highlights Of Sin Cara Wrestling In Mexico
• Pictures of Sin Cara UNMASKED

– Longtime wrestling fans understand the importance of promotions protecting their championship titles and how marketable a title feud can be. Unforunately, there have been many signs that indicate WWE does not see much value in the Intercontinental championship.

Intercontinental champion Kofi Kingston’s match against Alberto Del Rio at Elimination Chamber was a non-title match at – and that fact was ignored during the promotion and commentary during the match.

At one point, WWE was considering putting the Intercontinental title on Del Rio en route to his World Heavyweight title match against Edge at WrestleMania, but company officials did not feel that the champion vs. champion match was even worth doing.

By now you’ve heard the news that WWE has signed Mexican lucha libre star Mistico, now known as Sin Cara. (Pictures Of SIN CARA Unamsked)

In case you’ve never seen him wrestle, check out these Youtube video his best work:

As reported yesterday, WWE held a press conference in Mexico City to announce the signing of lucha libre sensation Mistico, now known as Sin Cara.

• Pictures of Sin Cara (Mistico) UNMASKED

When introduced at the press conference, Sin Cara came out wearing a Mistico-style mask, only to remove that and reveal his new WWE mask. Sin Cara reportedly means “Faceless.”

Sin Cara spoke at the press conference and said he doesn’t know whether he’ll be performing on RAW or SmackDown, but said he is ready to go whenever WWE needs him and is proud to have finally made it to the greatest wrestling promotion in the world.

Mistico’s signing with WWE is being covered my all the media in Mexico as it’s considered a big deal. Lucha Libre journalist Kris Zellner expects Cara to end up on the SmackDown brand with Rey Mysterio and Alberto Del Rio.

WWE has already setup a Facebook page for him at Facebook.com/WWESinCara and a Twitter account will be live very soon.

WWE will begin airing clips from the press conference on tonight’s SmackDown and Monday’s RAW.

Mistico Signs With WWE

– As previously reported, WWE has finally signed Mexican lucha libre star after several years of on-and-off talks. According to SuperLuchas.net, the huge push that WWE is giving Alberto Del Rio was one of the major factors that led Mistico to pull the trigger on joining WWE. Mistico has said publicly that he wishes he would have signed with WWE when he first had a chance to back in 2007.

Mistico, one of the top babyface stars in Mexico, is eager to make a name for himself in WWE, which will give his character the most exposure its ever received by a long shot. WWE has been expanding its presence in Mexico in recent years and especially with Rey Mysterio’s career winding down in the next year or two, the time was right for both sides to make a deal.

– Kevin Nash has been very active on Twitter this week, answering lots of questions about why he decided to leave TNA for good and re-sign with World Wrestling Entertainment. On Wednesday night, Nash offered some advice to TNA President Dixie Carter, writing:

“My 1st priority is WWE. Whatever they need and want me to do, I will. Vince brought me back. Boston crowd showed me the love. I bleed WWE!

I’m not kissing Vince’s ass. I’m thanking him for letting me go out the way I feel I deserve to. Ever have a dream come true? I just did.

When wcw took over the WWE for the short time we did, it’s bc Ted Turner paid HUGE $ for talent. Wanna put tna on the map, Mrs. Carter? Set aside $50m. Start with Cena and work backwards. Don’t walk into a Mercedes showroom and ask what new AMG S-63 I can buy for $25K.”

– Tonight’s episode of WWE RAW will take place from the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Expect plenty of fallout from last night’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view. We are officially on the road to WrestleMania, so expect the build to begin tonight.

We can report that WWE is on the verge of kicking off a major storyline that will propel several top superstars into their WrestleMania matches. We cannot confirm the specifics of the “major” angle, but as of last week, it was being strongly considered that the angle would take place tonight on RAW.

The dark match main event that’s being advertised locally is John Cena and Randy Orton vs. CM Punk and The Miz, with Michael Cole as referee.

• UPDATE: Major Announcement To Take Place On Tonight’s RAW

– As we reported over the weekend, WWE has reportedly signed lucha libre star Mistico – after months of negotiations. According to a source in WWE, Mistico flew to the United States early last week to finalize the deal.

As for whether Mistico will use that same gimmick when he debuts with WWE, it appears unlikely. Mexico’s EMLL promotion owns the gimmick and the company is said to be unhappy that Mistico did not include EMLL on the negotiations, which violates an agreement he reportedly had with them. Additionally, WWE typically likes to repackage new talent it brings in, so we shall see. Mistico will be heading to WWE developmental in Florida in the coming weeks to begin his training.

— According to the latest issue of Super Luchas magazine in Mexico, CMLL star Mistico has signed a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.

Mistico is pictured on the magazine’s cover and the headline indicates Mistico saying that he has signed with WWE.

Mistico took part in a tryout before company officials last year and impressed.

Since 2006, Místico has been the top babyface in CMLL and the biggest box office draw in Mexico.

— Former WWE talent Kip James (a/k/a Billy Gunn) denied rumors of a possible appearance at tonight’s Royal Rumble pay-per-view.

“No I will NOT be at the Royal Rumble,” James wrote on Twitter. “@DavidHerro didn’t get me booked. #ThanksPal.”