New match added to MLW x Don Gato Tequila Live Special

The card for MLW’s November 20 live special has a new addition.

It was announced today that Diego Hill vs. Okumura vs. Stigma will take place at MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special in Charleston, South Carolina. It’s a lightning match — which means there is a 10-minute time limit to encourage fast-paced competition.

MLW is billing the bout as an opportunity for the “high-flying rookie” Hill to prove himself against two representatives from CMLL.

“A product of Cesar Duran’s watchful eye, Hill has captured attention with his explosive aerial style and fearless energy. Now, he steps into the biggest test of his young career,” MLW wrote.

“Representing CMLL, Okumura brings decades of ring experience and cunning. A Japanese master who made Mexico his home, Okumura is revered in Arena Mexico for his methodical precision and his reputation for breaking down faster, flashier opponents.

“Meanwhile, Stigma, the masked standout from Puebla, arrives with a mix of speed, power, and heart that’s made him a fixture among CMLL’s most dynamic luchadores. Known for his spectacular top-rope offense and fiery temperament, Stigma thrives under pressure — exactly the kind of atmosphere Don Gato’s vision has created for Charleston.”

The special will air live on MLW’s YouTube channel and beIN Sports. It’s taking place at Charleston Music Hall as part of a collaboration between MLW and Don Gato Tequila — an alcohol brand from Hollywood star Danny McBride.

MLW x Don Gato Tequila Live Special (Thursday, November 20 at 8 p.m. Eastern time) —

  • 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

Former WWE wrestlers to face off at MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special

A women’s division match between former WWE wrestlers has been announced for MLW’s next event.

Shotzi Blackheart vs. Priscilla Kelly will take place at MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special on Thursday, November 20. It’s a matchup featuring former NXT allies who have now become rivals in MLW.

“Priscilla Kelly has returned. After years away, the provocateur who terrorized MLW in 2018 and 2019 resurfaced in Los Angeles last month, crashing Shotzi’s new talk segment The Graveyard Shift,” MLW wrote. “Under the flicker of lights and laughter, Priscilla interrupted the debut episode to declare she’s back — and had venom-laced words for the host herself.

“Weeks later, at Symphony of Horrors, chaos followed Shotzi again. Moments after her match, a mysterious woman cloaked in black attacked Shotzi in the back moments after her match ended. Was it Priscilla? She isn’t denying it… and that’s all Shotzi needs to know.”

Both Blackheart and Kelly (the former Gigi Dolin in NXT) were let go from WWE in a round of roster cuts that were made this May. Blackheart was informed that her contract was not being renewed, while Kelly was released by the company.

Before they were let go, Blackheart and Kelly were aligned as a trio in NXT with Tatum Paxley.

Blackheart recently told TV Insider that MLW has been her favorite place to work since her WWE departure.

The November 20 MLW event is being put on in collaboration with Hollywood star Danny McBride and his Don Gato tequila brand. It will air live on YouTube as well as beIN Sports. Here is the updated card:

MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special (Thursday, November 20) —

  • 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

Arn Anderson to manage son for MLW World title match

Brock Anderson will have his father in his corner when he challenges for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship next month.

It was announced today that Mads Krule Krugger will defend the MLW World title against Anderson in a Bunkhouse match on November 20. For the bout, Anderson will be managed by his father — the legendary Four Horsemen member Arn Anderson.

“For this special bout, Brock’s father, the legendary Arn Anderson, will return to ringside to corner his son as part of a triple main event spectacular, bringing with him the same grit, fire, and strategy that made him one of the sport’s most respected figures,” MLW wrote.

“With ‘The Enforcer’ crafting the game plan and standing behind his son, Brock enters Charleston prepared for the fight of his life — and the chance to bring the World Heavyweight Title home to the Andersons for the first time ever.”

Krugger won the MLW World Championship from Matt Riddle this September and is on the second defense of his reign. The first was a multi-man Chamber of Horrors match that included both Brock Anderson and his tag team partner CW Anderson. The story is that Brock is looking to get revenge for how Krugger took out CW Anderson in that match.

The November 20 event is taking place as part of a collaboration between MLW and Hollywood star Danny McBride’s Don Gato tequila brand. The show is being held in Charleston, South Carolina and will air live on YouTube and beIN Sports at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Live Special (Thursday, November 20) —

  • 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)

Good Brothers to make MLW debut

The Good Brothers are coming to MLW for the first time ever.

MLW confirmed today that Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows will debut for the promotion in Charleston, South Carolina next month. The official announcement was made after The Good Brothers cut a social media promo saying they wanted to be involved in the Thursday, November 20 event — which is being put on by MLW in partnership with Hollywood star Danny McBride and his Don Gato tequila brand.

Gallows & Anderson will be wrestling at the show, but their opponents have not been announced yet. The duo are one of the most well-traveled teams in wrestling, having held gold for WWE, NJPW, TNA, and more. The MLW tag belts are held by Donovan Dijak & Bishop Dyer at the moment.

Since their most recent WWE stint ended this February, The Good Brothers have wrestled on the indies while remaining free agents. They also worked a date for NJPW in the United States back in May.

This is The Good Brothers’ first time wrestling for MLW, but they do have ties to the company dating back to a decade ago when their Talk ‘n’ Shop podcast originally was part of the MLW Radio network.

A special appearance by Arn Anderson has also been announced for the MLW x Don Gato Tequila event. It’s taking place at Charleston Music Hall and will air live on YouTube and beIN Sports.

Arn Anderson to appear at MLW event

One of pro wrestling’s all-time greats is set to appear for MLW next month.

MLW has announced that Arn Anderson will make a special appearance at the promotion’s event in Charleston, South Carolina on Thursday, November 20. The legendary Four Horsemen member will also be doing a meet and greet with fans before the show for an added cost.

The event — titled “MLW x Don Gato Tequila” — is being held at Charleston Music Hall in partnership with Hollywood star Danny McBride and his tequila brand. It will air live on YouTube and beIN Sports.

“A founding member of The Four Horsemen, Arn Anderson is one of the most respected and accomplished competitors of all time — a former WCW World Television Champion and multi-time World Tag Team Champion who defined southern wrestling through his time in Jim Crockett Promotions and WCW,” MLW wrote.

“Now, ‘The Enforcer’ returns to the Carolinas for one unforgettable night. Why is he coming to MLW? Why Charleston? Stay tuned… all will be revealed November 20.”

While MLW has not said what the 67-year-old Anderson will be doing, it seems likely that he’ll interact with his son Brock Anderson — who is part of the MLW roster in a tag team with CW Anderson. Brock joined MLW in 2024 after previously being with AEW.

CMLL star undergoes successful knee surgery

Zandokan Jr. has undergone successful surgery to repair the knee injury that recently forced him out of action.

The injury happened when Zandokan & Difunto lost to AEW Tag Team Champions Bandido & Brody King at a CMLL event on September 12. Zandokan did briefly continue to work matches after that before it was revealed that he would need to have surgery. That operation has now been completed.

“Thank God the operation was successful,” Zandokan posted on Instagram. “I’ll be back with you all soon!”

Along with forcing Zandokan to miss time for CMLL, the injury caused a change to MLW’s Opera Cup 2025 tournament. He defeated Blue Panther Jr. in the first round and was slated to face Volador Jr. next. Instead, Star Jr. replaced Zandokan and lost to Volador in the quarterfinals. The semifinals will be Volador vs. Satoshi Kojima and Mistico vs. Austin Aries.

Zandokan is a member of Galeon Fantasma — a heel trio with Difunto and Barboza.

Paul Walter Hauser wants multi-promotion ‘mega show’ to counter WWE Saudi WrestleMania

Actor and wrestler Paul Walter Hauser would like to see multiple promotions come together to counter WWE WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia.

Last month, it was announced that WrestleMania is heading overseas in 2027 with Riyadh hosting WrestleMania 43. This marks the first time WWE’s signature event has ever been held outside of North America — and it also continues to expand the controversial business relationship that WWE and TKO have with the Saudi regime.

Hauser is both an executive producer and in-ring competitor for MLW, along with making appearances for promotions like AEW/ROH. He told TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast that he thinks it would be a good idea if MLW, AEW, and several other companies joined forces to present a “mega show” during WrestleMania weekend in 2027.

“You know what I would like to see? WrestleMania weekend in freaking Riyadh or wherever it is — I would love to see MLW, CMLL, New Japan, AEW, PROGRESS Wrestling, Defy, GCW, whoever, come together and do a mega show and sell out a 20,000, 30,000-seat place,” Hauser said.

Hauser thinks the biggest obstacle to making this a reality would be getting all of the involved promotions to let go of their egos and work together. If that could happen, Hauser believes there is a huge business opportunity to attract fans who usually go to WrestleMania but won’t be making the trip to Saudi Arabia.

“Just if all egos can go away and people can look less at the hierarchy and more about the value of being for each other and, you know, the enemy of my enemy is my friend — there’s a lot of big business to be done somewhere,” he said. “You know, go sell out Des Moines, go sell out Chicago, anywhere. It’s all wide open because WrestleMania’s happening in Riyadh or whatever.”

Speaking as a fan, Hauser critiqued WWE and gave his pros and cons of what the company is doing. He praised how the TV product looks and the camera shots WWE uses. He also spoke highly of the talent on the main roster. But Hauser thinks some of WWE’s business strategies — like high ticket prices and not giving viewers enough bang for their buck with PLEs — are “garbage.”

“Times are tougher than they used to be, but the prices are going up,” he said. “There’s no real humanity from a corporate perspective. Whereas you can go to an AEW show or an MLW show for 15 to 40 bucks and have a decent seat.”

Hauser, who has won Emmy and Golden Globe awards in his acting career, made his in-ring debut in 2023. He most recently competed in a Fight Without Honor against QT Marshall at ROH Death Before Dishonor this August.

Mistico would like to have ‘double contract’ with CMLL & US promotion

Mistico would like to sign a wrestling contract in the United States while remaining a top star for CMLL in Mexico.

Since AEW & CMLL formed their close working relationship, we’ve seen luchadors like Hechicero sign AEW deals while remaining contracted to CMLL. A dual contract is also something that interests Mistico, with him telling WrestleZone that he has ambitions of doing more in the U.S. promotions where he competes (AEW and MLW).

“I’m looking for an opportunity in any promotion in the world. If I receive an opportunity, I will take it. I proved that I love lucha libre,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s in Mexico, London, Japan. I think that I’ve shown what I’m made of, and now I think it’s time to look for new things.”

“And if I have an opportunity for a championship in an American company, I’m going to do it in AEW and MLW with all the pleasure of the world,” Mistico added. “Like other teammates who have a wonderful double contract, I would like to have that kind of contract. Or also to have new rivalries with other superstars. So I’m looking for new opportunities and new challenges in my career.”

Mistico was previously signed to a U.S. contract when he competed as Sin Cara for WWE in the early 2010s.

The WrestleZone interview was done through a translator and was to promote MLW’s Slaughterhouse event that’s taking place this Saturday, where Mistico will be facing Ultimo Guerrero in the Opera Cup tournament quarterfinals. Mistico was the 2024 Opera Cup winner and is also a former Middleweight Champion for MLW.

Mistico has been one of 2025’s best wrestlers in the ring and at the box office. At CMLL’s 92nd Aniversario in September, he regained the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship from AEW star MJF.

Injury forces change to MLW Opera Cup tournament

An injury has forced MLW to make a change to its Opera Cup 2025 tournament.

With Zandokan Jr. out of action with a knee injury, he will no longer be able to continue in the Opera Cup. MLW has announced that fellow CMLL luchador Star Jr. will be replacing him in the tournament, setting the stage for a Volador Jr. vs. Star Jr. matchup in the quarterfinals. That will take place at MLW’s Slaughterhouse event in Long Beach, California on October 4.

“MLW President Cesar Duran has activated Star Jr. as the alternate to replace Zandokan Jr. A standout in CMLL, Star Jr. enters the Opera Cup fresh, healthy, and amid a career-defining year in Mexico. His lightning-quick offense and relentless drive have made him one of lucha libre’s most talked-about rising stars,” the promotion wrote.

“Opposite him will be one of Mexico’s most decorated luchadores: Volador Jr. The CMLL main eventer made his MLW debut this past Saturday, defeating Titan in an explosive opening-round bout that electrified Long Beach. Representing his faction Los Depredadores — alongside Rugido and Magnus — Volador Jr. enters the quarterfinals looking to continue his path toward Opera Cup glory.”

Zandokan had defeated Blue Panther Jr. in the first round before being sidelined by his knee injury requiring surgery.

Here is the updated Opera Cup tournament bracket:

Left side —

  • Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero
  • Austin Aries vs. Paul London

Right side —

  • Volador Jr. vs. Star Jr.
  • Satoshi Kojima vs. Bishop Dyer

All four quarterfinal matchups are happening at Slaughterhouse, which will be held at Thunder Studios in Long Beach and is set to air live on YouTube and beIN Sports.

The Opera Cup trophy has been won by Davey Boy Smith Jr., Tom Lawlor, Davey Richards, and Mistico during its history in MLW.

“It’s a proving ground — not just for glory, but for legend,” MLW wrote about the tournament.

CMLL wrestler to undergo knee surgery

CMLL star Zandokan Jr. will be spending some time on the sidelines as he recovers from a knee injury.

On Instagram this week, Zandokan indicated that he would be out of action after suffering a knee injury on CMLL’s September 12 event. He worked a couple of dates after the injury, including still competing at the CMLL 92nd Aniversario, but Dave Meltzer confirmed that Zandokan will now be having surgery.

“He’s having knee surgery from the injury that he suffered a week ago Friday in the match with Bandido & Brody King against Zandokan & Difunto. So he’ll be out of action for a while, which is too bad. He was really having a year,” Meltzer said on Wrestling Observer Radio.

“He was a guy that they were really focusing on to build to being one of their top stars. He had had a really big year this year. He beat Star Jr. for his mask. He won the Copa Junior, beating Mascara Dorada in the finals. He’d gotten the championship match with MJF. He’d gotten the [AEW] Tag Team Championship match. Headlined a lot of shows. The trio [Galeon Fantasma] was on fire, but they’re going to have to pause for a while until he gets back.”

Along with his CMLL work, Zandokan is an entrant in MLW Opera Cup 2025 and has been set to appear at Fantastica Mania UK for RevPro next month. There haven’t been any announcements made by MLW or RevPro regarding his status.

Chamber of Horrors World title match set for MLW Slaughterhouse

The MLW World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line in a stipulation match at Slaughterhouse 2025 next month.

MLW has announced that new World Champion Mads Krule Krugger will defend his title against five other competitors in a Chamber of Horrors match at the Halloween-themed Slaughterhouse event. Matthew Justice, CW Anderson, and Mr. Thomas have been named as three of the challengers, with the other two opponents to be revealed soon.

The Chamber of Horrors is a steel cage match with a variety of weapons.

“Barbed wire. Steel. Weapons hanging like ornaments of destruction. Once you enter… there’s no way out,” MLW wrote. “The Chamber of Horrors has haunted generations of fighters, leaving behind only screams and scars for those foolish enough to step inside. Now the echoes of the past will return — louder, darker, and deadlier than ever before.”

Krugger — the leader of Contra Unit — won the MLW World Heavyweight Championship at Fightland last weekend. The main event of that show was supposed to be Matt Riddle defending the title against Donovan Dijak, but Krule was in possession of a title shot contract that he won at the beginning of the year. Krule cashed in to make it a triple threat, and he went on to pin Riddle and become the new champion.

Slaughterhouse is being held at Thunder Studios Arena in Long Beach, California on October 4. The show will air live on MLW’s YouTube channel for free.

MLW Slaughterhouse 2025 (Saturday, October 4) —

  • Chamber of Horrors match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger defends against Matthew Justice, CW Anderson, Mr. Thomas, and two more opponents to be announced
  • MLW Women’s Featherweight Champion Shoko Nakajima defends against HIMAWARI
  • Opera Cup 2025 quarterfinal match: Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero

Women’s title match booked for MLW Fightland

A Women’s Championship match featuring two competitors from Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling has been booked for MLW Fightland 2025.

Shoko Nakajima will put her MLW Women’s Featherweight Championship on the line against Yuki Kamifuku at the September 13 event in North Richland Hills, Texas. The show is airing live on MLW’s YouTube channel for free.

In April of this year, Nakajima made her MLW debut by defeating Delmi Exo to become the new Women’s Featherweight Champion. The title has existed since 2022 with Exo, Janai Kai, and Taya Valkyrie being past champions.

Kamifuku debuted for MLW in June with a victory over Wakana Uehara.

“This summer in Japan, the rivalry turned ugly when Yuki Kamifuku viciously attacked Shoko Nakajima, going as far as to strike the champion with her own championship belt,” MLW wrote. “Now, the world will see the fallout when these two clash in MLW’s return to Dallas/Ft. Worth.”

The Fightland broadcast has a start time of 10 p.m. Eastern.

MLW Fightland 2025 (Saturday, September 13) —

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle defends against Donovan Dijak
  • Templario vs. Ikuro Kwon for the vacant MLW Middleweight Championship
  • MLW Women’s Featherweight Champion Shoko Nakajima defends against Yuki Kamifuku
  • Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Volador Jr. vs. Titan
  • Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Zandokan Jr. vs. Blue Panther Jr.
  • Texas Death Match: Alex Hammerstone vs. Matthew Justice
  • Shotzi vs. Alejandra Quintanilla

Texas Death Match booked for MLW Fightland

When MLW comes to Texas next month, a death match will be part of the lineup.

MLW has announced that Alex Hammerstone vs. Matthew Justice in a Texas Death Match will take place at Fightland 2025. The show is being held at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills on September 13 and will air live on MLW’s YouTube channel.

Hammerstone — a former MLW World Heavyweight Champion — returned to the promotion this April following a stint with TNA Wrestling. He’s set his sights on becoming World Champion again but challenged for a different belt this June, facing Ultimo Guerrero for the MLW National Openweight Championship. It was supposed to be a one-on-one match until Justice was added at the last minute.

In the triple threat, Guerrero ended up retaining the National Openweight title after Justice cost Hammerstone the win.

MLW wrote:

Hammerstone came within seconds of reclaiming the title, only for Justice to crash the moment. After the bell, frustration turned physical as the two erupted in a violent post-match confrontation, throwing live rounds until MLW security intervened. The tension hasn’t cooled since.

Hammerstone has since lashed out, labeling Justice ‘Mud Show Matt,’ mocking his no-rules brawling style and questioning his place in MLW. But Justice hasn’t backed down—firing back by calling out Hammerstone for walking away from the league, claiming, ‘I bleed MLW. You left to chase greener pastures.’

Justice is a former National Openweight and Tag Team Champion in MLW.

The live Fightland broadcast will begin at 10 p.m. Eastern time on September 13. Here’s the updated card:

MLW Fightland 2025 (Saturday, September 13) —

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle defends against Donovan Dijak
  • Templario vs. Ikuro Kwon for the vacant MLW Middleweight Championship
  • Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Volador Jr. vs. Titan
  • Texas Death Match: Alex Hammerstone vs. Matthew Justice

TV taping portion (will not air live)–

  • Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Austin Aries vs. KUSHIDA
  • Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Ultimo Guerrero vs. Esfinge

Report: MLW releases former WWE producer

Former WWE producer David Sahadi is no longer working behind the scenes in MLW.

PWInsider reported today that Sahadi has departed MLW, with “rumblings” saying his new position with Real American Freestyle might have played a role in his release. The report notes that it’s not believed that Sahadi was under an exclusive MLW contract.

“We are told that the promotion has opted to move in another direction in terms of production,” PWInsider wrote. “There’s also been rumblings that Sahadi working for Real American Freestyle, the project being overseen by Eric Bischoff, was seen as a conflict of interest while also working with MLW.”

Real American Freestyle is officially launching with its first show taking place in Cleveland on August 30. Alongside Bischoff, Hulk Hogan was supposed to be one of the public faces of the group prior to his passing. It’s an organization that aims to give amateur wrestlers a way to make careers as professionals.

Sahadi is heading up production for Real American Freestyle, which will stream live on Fox Nation.

In MLW, Sahadi had the title of executive producer. He spent more than a decade with WWE starting in the early 1990s, along with later working for TNA Wrestling.

Sahadi recently launched a new podcast named “Beyond The Lens” on Conrad Thompson’s Podcast Heat network. He has a memoir titled “Backstage Pass” set to be released in March 2026.

MLW, which airs on YouTube and beIN Sports, will present its next show on September 13 with Fightland 2025 being held in the Dallas area.

MLW reschedules upcoming event

MLW is switching up its plans with the promotion no longer coming to the Chicago area this November.

An MLW event named Lucha Apocalypto was originally set to be held at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois on November 15, but it was announced today that the show has been rescheduled to February 7, 2026.

The change comes as MLW revealed this week that it will be running a show in Charleston, South Carolina on November 20 in collaboration with Hollywood star Danny McBride. That event — “MLW x Don Gato: Lucha de los Muertos” — is being presented alongside McBride’s Don Gato tequila brand.

“All tickets previously purchased for the original November date will be honored for the new date. Fans unable to attend on the new date may request a full refund via Eventbrite,” MLW wrote.

“MLW sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this change may cause but promises an unforgettable night of action-packed wrestling when MLW storms into Cicero Stadium on February 7.”

Here’s a look at MLW’s upcoming schedule:

  • Fightland 2025: Saturday, September 13 at NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas
  • Slaughterhouse 2025: Saturday, October 4 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California
  • MLW x Don Gato: Lucha de los Muertos: Thursday, November 20 at The Charleston Music Hall in Charleston, South Carolina
  • Lucha Apocalypto 2026: Saturday, February 7 at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois