Tag: mlw news

MLW announces Stardom names for upcoming events

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW and Stardom’s working relationship will officially begin next month with two Stardom wrestlers coming to New York City and Philadelphia.

It was announced today that Stardom’s Saya Kamitani and RINA will debut for MLW at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, June 11. The two will then compete at MLW’s events in Philadelphia that weekend (June 12-13). Details regarding their matches have not been revealed yet.

Kamitani and RINA are both members of the H.A.T.E. faction in stardom. Last year, Kamitani made history by becoming the first women’s wrestler to win MVP in the long-running Tokyo Sports Awards. She is a former World of Stardom Champion and NJPW Strong Women’s Champion.

With a focus on talent exchange and creative collaboration, MLW & Stardom unveiled their new strategic partnership over the weekend. The move fits in with Stardom’s international expansion strategy, which is to partner with existing promotions instead of staging standalone Stardom events in foreign countries. Shotzi Blackheart, Lady Frost, and Scarlett Bordeaux are some of the top names in the MLW women’s division who could potentially play a role in this partnership.

MLW is currently in the process of relaunching its weekly Fusion TV series. There’s no word on a return date yet, but that announcement is said to be imminent. The promotion has been holding TV tapings for a few months now in preparation of the relaunch and will continue to film content at these NYC/Philly events.

MLW announces broadcast team for TV revival

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW has confirmed the broadcast team for the revival of its weekly television series.

When MLW Fusion makes its return, Joe Dombrowski and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor will serve as the commentators for the show. Rich Bocchini — who has done commentary for MLW and WWE NXT in the past — will make his MLW return in a new role. He’ll be the broadcast’s “MLW Insider” who is tasked with delivering “breaking news, exclusive scoops, and unfiltered insight from inside Major League Wrestling.”

Bocchini was known as Rich Brennan while with WWE and did play-by-play during the early days of NXT.

MLW wrote about his new role:

  • Bocchini will operate across every layer of MLW — embedded backstage, stationed at ringside, and tracking developments as they unfold in real time. His mission: deliver the news, context, and inside information driving the biggest fights in the sport.

A return date for MLW Fusion has not been announced yet, but the promotion held a TV taping for the show in Atlanta this past weekend. It went on hiatus toward the end of 2023 and has aired on beIN Sports and YouTube.

The next event on MLW’s calendar is Fantastica Mania USA in Charleston, South Carolina on April 12. Taking place in collaboration with NJPW and CMLL, the event is a taping for Fusion. MLW also has upcoming stops in Chattanooga (Tennessee), New York City, and Philadelphia over the next few months.

Shotzi’s brother found, taken to hospital after going missing

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shotzi Blackheart has shared some encouraging news after her brother went missing earlier this week.

Late Tuesday night, Blackheart (Ashley Urbanski) sent out a post asking for help locating her brother Deano after he was found missing in the wake of a car crash. She followed up today with an update noting that Deano has been found and is being taken to the hospital.

“My brother has been found and is being taken to the hospital. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who shared the post, reached out, and helped spread the word,” Blackheart wrote. “The support and kindness from so many people truly means the world to our family. Thank you all so much.”

The car accident happened in San Francisco, and security footage showed Deano walking away from his vehicle in a possibly disoriented state. Shotzi noted that Deano has been undergoing dialysis and is not his usual self, so they were especially worried about his safety.

It was announced on Tuesday that Shotzi has re-signed with MLW, which has become her home promotion since departing WWE in 2025. She currently holds the MLW Women’s Featherweight Championship as the promotion gears up to relaunch its weekly Fusion TV series.

Shotzi is advertised for Saturday’s MLW television taping at Center Stage in Atlanta.

Former WWE wrestler re-signs with MLW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Shotzi Blackheart is sticking around in MLW — a promotion that’s become home to her following her departure from WWE.

While no details about the contract were reported, it was announced today that Blackheart has re-signed with MLW. She debuted for MLW in June 2025 and currently holds the MLW Women’s Featherweight Championship, which she won from Shoko Nakajima in February.

Proving that she can lead a division is one of the reasons that Blackheart chose to re-sign her MLW deal.

“I just think about the goals I have this year, and MLW ticks every box to help me grow and elevate as a performer.” she told The Takedown on SI. “I want to prove that I can lead a division and be the face of a company. They push me to grow as a TV performer.”

Blackheart exited WWE after being informed in May 2025 that her contract would not be renewed. MLW has been the right fit for her creatively since then, with Blackheart feeling like she’s in her “own pro wrestling horror movie” with the way MLW leans into her character.

“I’ve been at every MLW taping since June. They were one of the first companies to hit me up when my WWE contract ended, and it has turned into my favorite creative playground. It’s a company that truly believes in me,” Blackheart said.

“They’ve invested in me creatively. I’ve never had a company understand my character more than MLW. Every time I get a script, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, they understand me,’ or they make a T-shirt for me, and I’m like, ‘That’s so me.’”

Blackheart also competes for indie promotions like Game Changer Wrestling and House of Glory. She was featured on both the main roster and in NXT during her WWE career.

MLW is preparing to relaunch its weekly Fusion TV series soon. The promotion will be at Center Stage in Atlanta this Saturday for a taping.

MLW announces new roster addition

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW has made a new addition to its roster as the promotion prepares to relaunch its weekly TV series.

It was announced today that LaBron Kozone has signed a multi-year contract with MLW. Kozone is from North Carolina and has held gold for Deadlock Pro Wrestling, along with attending a recent WWE tryout earlier this year. Some of his past experience includes two matches on AEW Dark and a trip to Germany for wXw.

The 33-year-old Kozone is also a trainer at the Fire Star Pro Wrestling Training Center in Greensboro.

MLW hyped Kozone as being a “new wave of athlete” who can trade strikes and overpower his opponents in the ring.

“LaBron is a blue-chipper and a generational prospect,” MLW founder Court Bauer said in a press release. “MLW is always looking towards the future and LaBron is a franchise wrestler in our eyes.”

MLW is now based in the Southeastern United States after relocating to Charleston, South Carolina last year. The promotion is bringing back its Fusion TV series soon, though a return date has not been announced. A Fusion taping is set to be held at Center Stage in Atlanta on March 14.

Teddy Long to appear at MLW event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Legendary wrestling personality Teddy Long will be in the building when MLW comes to Atlanta this month.

It was announced today that Long is slated to appear at MLW’s television taping at Center Stage in Atlanta on Saturday, March 14. What role Long will be playing that night has not been announced — with MLW teasing that he could be there to scout talent or make some kind of announcement.

“A standout general manager and guiding light for champions for decades, Teddy Long’s legacy is deeply intertwined with Atlanta. From managing the dominant forces of Doom and the Skyscrapers to advising Ron Simmons during his championship reign and becoming a respected power broker behind the scenes, Atlanta has long been a major part of Long’s celebrated career,” MLW wrote. “Center Stage, in particular, has served as a backdrop for many pivotal moments in his journey.

“Long last appeared in MLW during the summer of 2024, and his sudden return raises questions across the league. Is he here to scout new talent? To back a rising star? To settle unfinished business? Or does Teddy have a blockbuster announcement up his sleeve? One thing is certain: when Teddy Long shows up, something big usually follows.”

The 78-year-old Long has worked as a manager, referee, and on-screen general manager during his decades in the industry. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2017.

These tapings are for MLW’s Fusion TV series, which is set to return soon after a multi-year hiatus. An exact return date has not been announced yet.

MLW bringing back Fusion TV series

Posted on by Joseph Currier

After a two-year absence, MLW is bringing back its Fusion television series.

The promotion released a teaser today hyping that Fusion will return in 2026. The show has been on hiatus since the end of 2023, with MLW instead opting to present regular specials instead of weekly TV. A return date has not been announced, but MLW says the show will be coming back soon.

“You waited. You demanded. Soon it returns. MLW Fusion 2026,” the teaser says.

It was announced this week that MLW, NJPW, and CMLL will be joining forces for Fantastica Mania USA in Charleston, South Carolina on April 12. That event is listed as a Fusion taping.

Fusion debuted in 2018 and has served as MLW’s primary TV show. It aired on MLW’s YouTube channel and beIN Sports before the series went away in December 2023.

The next event on MLW’s calendar is Battle Riot VIII in Kissimmee, Florida on January 29. It’s being headlined by the annual Battle Riot match, where Mads Krule Krugger is putting his MLW World Heavyweight Championship on the line against 39 other challengers. The show will be broadcast live on YouTube.

MLW, NJPW, CMLL partnering together for joint event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW is linking up with its partners NJPW and CMLL for a joint event this April.

The three promotions announced today that Fantastica Mania USA 2026 will be held in Charleston, South Carolina on Sunday, April 12. The card will include wrestlers from MLW, NJPW, and CMLL, though no names have been confirmed yet. MLW notes that participating talent will be announced soon.

Festival Hall in Charleston is hosting the show, which will be the second event MLW has held in its new home city. It was announced in November that MLW was relocating its headquarters to Charleston. The city is also home to Hollywood star Danny McBride, who has formed a partnership with MLW through his Don Gato Tequila brand. Don Gato will be a sponsor of this Fantastica Mania event.

“As the owner of Major League Wrestling, it matters to me that our hometown always gets the very best this sport has to offer,” Court Bauer said. “Charleston welcomed MLW home, and now it’s only right that we make history here. We’re proud to partner with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL to bring Fantastica Mania to the Holy City. I want to thank Mr. Naoki Sugabayashi, Mr. Salvador Lutteroth Lomelí, and Mr. Hiroshi Tanahashi for collaborating with us to make this event possible… Three of the world’s great organizations will converge in Charleston, and Festival Hall is going to feel it while sipping world championship tequila.”

The show is listed as a TV taping, with MLW hyping that it will “bring together elite fighters from the United States, Japan, and Mexico for one unforgettable night of competition, championship stakes, and cultural crossover.” Tickets are going on sale this Friday (January 23) at 10 a.m. Eastern time.

MLW raises stakes of Battle Riot match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW has raised the stakes of Battle Riot VIII by announcing that the World Heavyweight Championship will now be on the line.

It was confirmed today that Mads Krule Krugger will enter the January 29 Battle Riot match and put his MLW World title up for grabs. The annual 40-man battle royal usually determines a future challenger for the belt, but this will be the second straight year the title itself has been defended. Matt Riddle retained in Battle Riot VII in 2025 before later dropping the championship to Krugger.

The Battle Riot is also set to include Alex Hammerstone, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Killer Kross, KUSHIDA, Templario, Bishop Dyer, Donovan Dijak, Adam Brooks, Ikuro Kwon, Okumura, Matthew Justice, Paul London, Mr. Thomas, Diego Hill, Jesus Rodriguez, Anthony Greene, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, and Austin Aries.

Since the Battle Riot was introduced in 2018, it’s been won by Tom Lawlor, LA Park, Hammerstone, Jacob Fatu, Alex Kane, and Riddle (twice).

This year’s event is taking place in Kissimmee, Florida and will air live on MLW’s YouTube channel.

MLW Battle Riot VIII (Thursday, January 29) —

  • 40-person Battle Riot match for MLW World Heavyweight Championship (no DQ battle royal, eliminations occur by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope)
  • MLW Middleweight Champion Templario defends against Kushida

Former WWE NXT faction members to make MLW debut in Battle Riot

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Two members of former WWE NXT faction Gallus are set to debut for MLW this month.

Scottish brothers Joe & Mark Coffey are the latest entrants confirmed for MLW Battle Riot VIII, a 40-man battle royal that’s being held in Kissimmee, Florida on January 29. It’s an anything goes Royal Rumble-style match where eliminations occur by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. The winner earns a future shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship that is currently held by Mads Krule Krugger.

Both Coffey brothers (and their Gallus faction mate Wolfgang) were released by WWE in May 2025. They spent time in both NXT UK and NXT while with WWE, with Mark Coffey being a former NXT UK Tag Team Champion and Heritage Cup Champion. Joe & Mark are both free agents and are taking bookings internationally.

Among the other Battle Riot participants will be Alex Hammerstone, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Killer Kross, KUSHIDA, Templario, Bishop Dyer, Donovan Dijak, Adam Brooks, Ikuro Kwon, Okumura, Matthew Justice, Paul London, Mr. Thomas, Diego Hill, Jesus Rodriguez, and Austin Aries.

MLW’s YouTube channel is broadcasting the Battle Riot event live. So far, only two matches have been announced for the card:

MLW Battle Riot VIII (Thursday, January 29) —

  • 40-person Battle Riot match for future MLW World Heavyweight Championship shot
  • MLW Middleweight Champion Templario defends against Kushida

Kushida to challenge for MLW Middleweight title

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kushida has the chance to win his first-ever MLW gold later this month at Battle Riot VIII.

The promotion has announced an MLW Middleweight Championship match between Templario and Kushida for the January 29 Battle Riot event. The show is being held in Kissimmee, Florida and will be broadcast live on MLW’s YouTube channel.

A decorated junior heavyweight, Kushida has held titles in NJPW and WWE but has yet to win an MLW championship. The company has become his wrestling home in the United States. He is still under contract with NJPW and is a coach at their dojo in Los Angeles. He will be holding a seminar at the dojo on February 1.

Templario — a star for CMLL — has been MLW Middleweight Champion since September with three successful defenses.

The Battle Riot card will be headlined by a 40-man battle royal where the winner earns a future shot at MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger. In addition to their title bout, Kushida and Templario will both be competing in that match. Alex Hammerstone, Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Killer Kross, and Bishop Dyer (the former Baron Corbin) are among the other entrants.

MLW Battle Riot VIII (Thursday, January 29) —

  • 40-person Battle Riot match for future MLW World Heavyweight Championship shot
  • MLW Middleweight Champion Templario defends against Kushida

MLW announces schedule changes for 2026

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW is changing up its planned schedule for 2026 with the league now based in the Southeast.

Last week, MLW revealed that the promotion is relocating its headquarters to a new home: Charleston, South Carolina. The move means that the Southeastern United States will now be hosting a greater number of MLW events. One of those shows will now take place in Atlanta on Saturday, March 14 at Center Stage.

“After nearly a year away, MLW’s return to Atlanta marks the beginning of a major new chapter for the league,” MLW wrote. With Major League Wrestling recently establishing its new headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, the Southeast is quickly becoming the home base for some of the most exciting events on the MLW calendar. Expect more dates across the region to be announced in the months ahead.”

Along with the new Atlanta show being added, MLW is postponing the January 10 date it had scheduled in North Richland Hills, Texas for Kings of Colosseum VI. The event will be rescheduled for later in the year, but MLW has already refunded those who purchased tickets for the original date.

Tickets for the Atlanta show are going on sale on Friday, December 5 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. The event is sponsored by Danny McBride’s Don Gato tequila brand, which MLW has a newly formed relationship with. MLW’s most recent event was a live special in collaboration with Don Gato in Charleston on November 20.

MLW reveals location for next Battle Riot event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

MLW’s next Battle Riot event will be held in the Orlando area in January 2026.

The promotion announced today that Battle Riot VIII will take place at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida on Thursday, January 29. The show is in partnership with Don Gato Tequila, an alcohol brand that’s owned by Hollywood star Danny McBride.

Considered MLW’s biggest event of the year, Battle Riot is headlined by MLW’s version of a Royal Rumble. The Battle Riot is a 40-person battle royal where eliminations can occur via pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. The MLW World Heavyweight Championship — currently held by Mads Krule Krugger — will be defended in the match.

Past Battle Riots have been won by Tom Lawlor, LA Park, Alex Hammerstone, Jacob Fatu, Alex Kane, and Matt Riddle (twice).

Tickets for Battle Riot VIII are going on sale on Wednesday, November 19 at 10 a.m. Eastern time. The show will be a homecoming for MLW, which held its initial events in Orlando after the promotion relaunched in 2017.

“Whenever we announce the location of a big event, we get so much feedback telling us to come back to Orlando,” MLW’s Court Bauer told the Orlando Sentinel. “We’ve been to Miami/Fort Lauderdale, we’ve been to Tampa, but still we hear ‘come back home’ to Orlando from fans who are loud and proud about it.”

MLW and Don Gato Tequila are also partnering together for a live special that will be held in Charleston, South Carolina next Thursday (November 20).

MLW reveals opponent for Isla Dawn debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Isla Dawn will be facing a fellow former WWE talent in her MLW debut.

It’s been announced that Dawn vs. Scarlett Bordeaux will take place at MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special on Thursday, November 20. The show is being held in Charleston, South Carolina and will stream live on MLW’s YouTube channel as well as airing on beIN Sports on cable.

Last week, MLW released a promo revealing that Dawn would be debuting at the event. She promised to make MLW a lot more dangerous with her arrival.

Dawn — a former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion — was released from her WWE contract in February. After that, she had one match for AEW over the summer and has made some appearances on ROH.

Bordeaux departed WWE in August upon the expiration of her contract. She’s returning to MLW after previously competing for the promotion in 2022.

Also at the November 20 show, Bordeaux’s husband Killer Kross will return to MLW against Matt Riddle. The show is taking place at Charleston Music Hall in partnership with Hollywood star Danny McBride and his Don Gato tequila company.

Here is the updated card:

MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special —

  • 2025 Opera Cup Finals: Mistico vs. Volador Jr.
  • Matt Riddle vs. Killer Kross (w/ Scarlett Bordeaux)
  • Bunkhouse match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger defends against Brock Anderson (w/ Arn Anderson)
  • MLW World Tag Team Champions The Skyscrapers (Bishop Dyer & Donovan Dijak) defend against The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)
  • Shotzi Blackheart vs. Priscilla Kelly
  • Los Panthers (Blue Panther & Hijo de Blue Panther) vs. Los Atlantis (Atlantis & Atlantis Jr.) vs. Los Felinos (Felino & Felino Jr.) vs. El Galeon Fantasma (Difunto & Barboza)
  • MLW Middleweight Champion Templario defends against Guerrero Maya Jr.
  • Isla Dawn vs. Scarlett Bordeaux
  • Lightning match: Diego Hill vs. Okumura vs. Stigma

Former WWE wrestler Isla Dawn to make MLW debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion will be making her MLW debut this month.

Last night, MLW posted a video hyping that Isla Dawn will arrive in the promotion at its upcoming event in Charleston, South Carolina. The show is taking place at Charleston Music Hall on Thursday, November 20 in collaboration with Hollywood star Danny McBride and the Don Gato tequila brand that he owns.

Dawn — in a return to her “unholy” persona — cut a promo promising to make MLW a lot more dangerous with her arrival.

“Everyone’s talking about MLW meets Don Gato,” Dawn said. “Charleston, the ‘Holy City’ — but all that holiness without a little sin? Well, that just sounds no fun. I think it’s time for the arrival of Isla Dawn to make Charleston a little less holy, and MLW a lot more dangerous.”

MLW hasn’t announced any other details about Dawn’s role for the show.

Dawn was released from her WWE contract back in February. She’s been making appearances on ROH recently after competing on AEW Collision once this summer.

In WWE, Dawn had Women’s Tag Team title reigns with Alba Fyre on the main roster and in NXT. Fyre is still with WWE and now aligned with Chelsea Green.

The MLW x Don Gato event is set to air live on MLW’s YouTube channel and beIN Sports at 8 p.m. Eastern on November 20. Here is everything that’s been announced:

MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special —

  • 2025 Opera Cup Finals: Mistico vs. Volador Jr.
  • Bunkhouse match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger defends against Brock Anderson (w/ Arn Anderson)
  • Matt Riddle vs. Killer Kross (w/ Scarlett Bordeaux)
  • MLW World Tag Team Champions The Skyscrapers (Bishop Dyer & Donovan Dijak) defend against The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows)
  • Shotzi Blackheart vs. Priscilla Kelly
  • Los Panthers (Blue Panther & Hijo de Blue Panther) vs. Los Atlantis (Atlantis & Atlantis Jr.) vs. Los Felinos (Felino & Felino Jr.) vs. El Galeon Fantasma (Difunto & Barboza)
  • Lightning match: Diego Hill vs. Okumura vs. Stigma
  • Isla Dawn arrives