Tag: mlw

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.

MLW TV taping spoilers from Atlanta

Posted on by Ian Carey

MLW taped matches and segments for upcoming episodes of Fusion on Saturday March 14 at Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia.

Alex Hammerstone joined the commentary position as the show began. He is believed to have suffered an injury later in the taping during a match with Matt Riddle.

Spoilers from the taping, courtesy of PWInsider, are below.

MLW Fusion spoilers episode one:

  • Matt Riddle defeated Trevor Lee
    • Riddle won via rollup after pulling the referee in front of him when Lee attempted the Cave-In.
    • After the match, Riddle confronted Alex Hammerstone at the commentary desk and hit him with a spinning back fist.
  • “The Mercenary” Paul Hauser defeated “Frat Daddy” Bryce Cannon
    • Hauser picked up the win with a Texas Cloverleaf.
  • Zamaya defeated Priscilla Kelly
    • Zamaya won with a sit-out chokebomb.
  • Karl Anderson defeated Donovan Dijak
    • Anderson picked up the win with a roll-up after reversing Feast Your Eyes.
    • After the match, John Bishop ran in and joined Dijak in an attack on Anderson. Dijak and Bishop then cut a promo introducing Bishop as the newest member of the Skyscrapers and one half of the MLW Tag Team Champions.
    • Dijak’s previous Skyscraper teammate, Bishop Dyer, did not take part in the show.
  • Teddy Long introduced LeBron Kozone.
  • LeBron Kozone defeated Alan Angels
    • Kozone won with a lariat.
  • The Don Gato tequila character appeared ringside.
  • Trevor Lee won a Bunkhouse Stampede to become the inaugural MLW Southern Crown Champion.
    • Other participants included Andrew Everett, Ikuro Kwon, The Beast Man, Diego Hill, Jesus Rodriguez, Paul Hauser, Festus, Josh Bishop, and Matthew Justice.

Intermission

MLW Fusion spoilers episode two:

  • Titan defeated Magnus.
  • Austin Aries issued an open challenge for the National Openweight Championship.
    • Diego Hill accepted and laid Aries out with a spin kick.
  • LeBron Kozone defeated Okumura
    • Kozone again picked up the win with a lariat.
  • Donovan Dijak and Josh Bishop, the New Skyscrapers were interviewed.
  • The Good Brothers & Krugger w/Shotzi Blackheart defeated Contra Unit via Disqualification
    • Contra Unit was disqualified after Ikuro Kwon misted Krugger. A brawl broke out afterward, with the New Skyscrapers later joining the fight against the Good Brothers.
  • Austin Aries defeated Diego Hill to retain the MLW National Openweight Championship.
    • With the ref down, Aries struck Hill with the title belt and then a brainbuster onto the belt. After releasing his Last Chancery submission hold, he gave Hill a second brainbuster and pinned him. After the match, Aries called out Mistico.
  • Shotzi defeated Kira to retain the MLW Women’s Featherweight Championship
    • Blackheart won with a top-rope senton. Shotzi and the Don Gato tequila character took a shot together after the match.
  • Alex Hammerstone defeated Matt Riddle
    • Hammerstone won via rollup in a match that may have been stopped early due to injury. Hammerstone is said to have looked woozy outside the ring after a spot.
  • Riddle cut a promo afterward calling out Karrion Kross.
    • This led to several members of the roster coming out and brawling.
  • The Good Brothers cut a promo to close the show in support of MLW. They led the crowd in an “MLW” chant to close the taping.

PWInsider reported after the tapings that the belief is Hammerstone injured his knee while throwing a pump kick at Riddle and the decision was made to go to the finish early. Hammerstone was reportedly pushing for the match to continue longer. He was said to be in pain backstage but able to walk.

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.

Daily Update: Myles Borne, new MJF trademark, MLW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered in this issue:

  • Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania updates. Update on ticket sales to both shows as well as AEW Revolution and explanations of why and current interest level in tickets.
  • Notes on the giant gates WWE drew for WrestleMania last year and John Cena’s retirement.
  • How much Mania tickets have increased in recent years
  • Odds on this week shows
  • Gina Carano vs. Ronda Rousey and a history of how women’s MMA overcame so many obstacles due to those two. We look at what each did, their background, the story behind the 2014 fight that never happened and why this fight is happening, as well as addressing very serious questions regarding the fight.
  • A look at nostalgia fights and different ways to do them and how they work or don’t work
  • A look at the life and career of the Great Mephisto, one of the most creative minds in wrestling as a wrestler and booker of the 60s and 70s, including his heyday in San Francisco and Australia and stories about his confrontations with Roy Shire, copying from and teaming with The Sheik, Booking WCW in Australia, and a life that start as a street hustler in the depression to facing Hulk Hogan in his first match ever in Northern California.
  • The most detailed look at the television ratings over the past week, with comparisons, Nielsen and Netflix flaws, Olympics and more.
  • Major change in CMLL rules and thoughts about it
  • This past week in CMLL including a hot Friday night sold out show with Mistico vs. Templario
  • Mistico talks Observer awards
  • Saya Kamitani update
  • FantasticaMania first night
  • Cain Velasquez update
  • Notes on the death of Brett Wolverton and Kerwin Silfies
  • Mick Foley television series
  • Longest lasting pro wrestling ring announcer
  • Eve sets UK record
  • Tag team holds titles in Europe & Japan at the same time
  • TNA No Surrender notes
  • More on mainstream coverage of Brody King
  • More on WBD sale
  • Report that Trump will kill current deal
  • AEW in Australia notes
  • Sean Strickland is an idiot
  • Dana White talks boxing
  • Gable Steveson fights again and update
  • Janel Grant lawsuit update
  • Another WWE European tour and PLE show
  • Bad Bunny wrestling update

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Ethan Page vs. Myles Borne NXT main event from last night, where Borne defeated Page to become the new men’s North American Champion.
  • In an Instagram stories post, Stephanie Vaquer congratulated Borne (her boyfriend) on his title win: “I’m so proud of you, because I truly know how hard you work day after day. You deserve this and so much more”
  • On Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast, Michael Hayes shared that he is now 17 months sober from alcohol.
  • Charlotte Flair wished her father Ric a happy 77th birthday: “Happy Birthday Dad @RicFlairNatrBoy I love you big as the sky:
  • Shinsuke Nakamura reacted to AJ Styles’ retirement:
    • AJ left the ring with his family by his side.
    • That’s the right way to go.
    • We fought. We pushed each other. We made history.
    • As a rival, I respect him. As a friend, I’m happy for him.
    • Much love, brother
  • WWE has filed a trademark for “WWE Evolve Succession,” which is the name the company has been using for Evolve’s special episodes.
  • A new WWE ID recruit will be revealed this Friday at Chaotic Wrestling’s event in Watertown, Massachusetts. The winner of Jariel Rivera vs. Tony “The Big Cheese” Navarro receives an ID contract.
  • CM Punk appeared on ChicagoNow ahead of Elimination Chamber.
  • Cody Rhodes was on ESPN’s Get Up and First Take today, while Finn Balor was on SportsCenter.
  • The Chicago Lead interviewed Jade Cargill.
  • Tatum Paxley was a guest on Busted Open Radio.

Other Wrestling

  • On February 23, MJF filed a trademark for the term “Big Hebrew.”
  • During her latest vlog episode, Queen Aminata said she’s hoping to return from her neck injury “pretty soon.” She’s scheduled to be backstage at Dynamite tonight to get checked out. If everything looks good, she’ll be able to start rolling around in the ring and taking bumps again.
  • Roderick Strong appeared on a new edition of Close-Up with Renee Paquette.
  • Tommaso Ciampa made an appearance on 9 News in Denver.
  • Street Fighter shared a video of Kenny Omega doing some motion-capture work as the character Alex in Street Fighter 6.
  • The Infantry (Shawn Dean & Carlie Bravo) have been announced for Battle for the Brave, which is taking place on June 6. It’s an indie show that Deonna Purrazzo and Steve Maclin are producing to benefit the charity organization Tunnel to Towers.
  • MLW will make its Tennessee debut with a TV taping at The Signal in Chattanooga on May 9. Tickets are going on sale on March 4.

Killer Kross calls life after WWE an ‘invaluable experience’

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Karrion Kross and his wife Scarlett Bordeaux left WWE last year in August, 2025, and have now opened up on their post-WWE careers.

Recently speaking to TV Insider, Kross was asked about his post-WWE career and their current perspective.

“How do I say this without sounding passive aggressive? I’ll tell you right now, we are the least tribal people you’ll ever meet. We’re not even salty about where things are at or where we are right now. We are very live and let live. We are very much about making the best of what you’ve got. We always do that. We’re grateful where we are at,” Kross said.

“This whole experience of being independent in the world and market we’re in, the information we’re acquiring all over the country and world has been invaluable. This is not experience or information we could have acquired without being independent. We’ve learned a lot about different markets, in wrestling and entertainment, that we would not have been able to learn had we been inside the machine. Believe me when I tell you, and I think Scarlett will tell you the same, we’re very happy where we are at. I can tell you maybe we would not have been if the audience did not come with us.”

He further opened up in detail about the independent circuit and the amount of love they receive from the fans.

“I understand some people with how they perceive the world and their reality of what is going on through their newsfeed. If we’re not being shoved down their throats in their feed, maybe they think we’ve disappeared. But let me tell you, we’re in two or three major cities every weekend and thousands of people come to see us, whether it’s comic cons or conventions, independent wrestling shows,” Kross continued.

“The amount of love and support we are getting from the wrestling audience or people who just enjoy entertainment stuff has been overwhelming. Truthfully, I thought it may have simmered back a little bit a few months ago. It hasn’t. It is actually getting bigger and growing.”

In the same interview, Kross and Bordeaux also opened up about being “not desperate for a contract” after their WWE exits last year.

Killer Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux ‘not desperate for a contract’ after WWE exit

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

MLW World Heavyweight Champion Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux recently opened up about their post-WWE careers, claiming they are ‘not desperate for a contract.’

Appearing on TV Insider, the couple was asked about their careers following their WWE exit last year. Not “desperate for a contract,” Bordeaux opened up and shared her perspective.

“We are also not desperate for a contract. We weren’t sure if we wanted to jump straight into another major company. The thing is, we are enjoying ourselves right now that we realized what we are looking for is the best story and having the most fun,” she said. “Wherever we go, as long as we’re enjoying ourselves and telling a great story and the audience is enjoying themselves, that’s where we want to be.”

“Wrestling without any contract obligations and more on an appearance basis,” Kross claimed. “Showing up on an appearance basis has not only been good for us mentally. We’ve been able to develop a sense of trust with companies we’re working for, being able to tell them we’re going to commit to the things we’re saying and follow through with them.”

“I’m not misrepresenting companies. A lot of companies like to lock people down because they are concerned about the behavior, or going somewhere else, or losing equity under the management elsewhere. We’ve been able to foster trust and equity with these companies we are working with, and this has been awesome,” the former WWE NXT Champion claimed.

Kross appeared on MLW Battle Riot VIII, where he entered at number one in the 40-man Battle Riot match, and won the match to crown himself the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.

New MLW World Champion crowned at Battle Riot VIII

Posted on by Ian Carey

Killer Kross is the new MLW World Champion.

Kross won the eighth edition of the 40-person Battle Riot match, which for the second straight year featured the promotion’s top title on the line. He eliminated Bishop Dyer, Donovan Dijak, Hammerstone, and Matt Riddle in the closing moments to pick up the win.

The match was taped January 29, 2026, in Kissimmee, Florida, and aired tonight on YouTube.

Mads Krule Krügger entered the match as the defending MLW World Champion. He was attacked, eliminated, and dragged away from ringside in a body bag by several members of Contra Unit, his former faction. Krügger had held the title since September, when he cashed in his Gravity Gamble contract at Fightland to take the title off Riddle.

Our own Tom Lawlor won the first-ever Battle Riot in 2018. He was followed by LA Park, Hammerstone, Jacob Fatu, Alex Kane, and then back-to-back wins by Riddle in 2024 and 2025.

The full Battle Riot VIII is available below:

New World Middleweight Champion crowned at MLW Battle Riot VIII

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

KUSHIDA has defeated Templario at MLW Battle Riot VIII to become the new MLW World Middleweight Champion.

In the final moments of the match, KUSHIDA dropped Templario with a leg hook brainbuster to secure the victory and the title.

After the match, Ikuro Kwon confronted KUSHIDA. However, instead of going after the new champion, Kwon attacked the defeated Templario. Following this, Kwon handed KUSHIDA a CONTRA shirt.

While the 42-year-old initially hesitated, he later accepted the shirt, signifying his heel turn and alliance with CONTRA.

The victory marked KUSHIDA’s first Middleweight Title reign. Before this, Templario’s title run lasted for 138 days (ending when the match was taped on January 29th, 2026). Throughout his title reign, he made three successful title defenses.

MLW Battle Riot VIII results

  • Shotzi Blackheart defeated Priscilla Kelly
  • Scarlett Bordeaux defeated Aleah James
  • Austin Aries defeated Trevor Lee
  • The Good Brothers defeated Mark and Joe Coffey
  • Diego Hill defeated Adam Brooks
  • Karissa Rivera promo
  • Zamaya defeated Carolina Cruz
  • Alex Hammerstone defeated Bishop Dyer
  • KUSHIDA defeated Templario for the MLW World Middleweight Championship
  • Battle Riot – Killer Kross entered at number 1 and won the match, becoming the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.

MLW Battle Riot VIII spoilers from Kissimmee, Florida

Posted on by F4W Staff

The following are spoilers for MLW Battle Riot VIII, taped on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida.

While taped on January 29th, the event will be available for fans to stream on YouTube on February 5th, 2026.

The following results are courtesy of Cory of Bodyslam.net and Jacob Cohen.

MLW Battle Riot VIII spoilers

  • Shotzi Blackheart defeated Priscilla Kelly; Blackheart wants a shot at the MLW Featherweight Championship.
  • Scarlett Bordeaux defeated Aleah James.
  • Austin Aries defeated Trevor Lee. After the match, Aries delivered a promo and put Blue Panther on notice for the MLW National Openweight Championship.
  • The Good Brothers defeated Mark and Joe Coffey. After the match, The Good Brothers and The Skyscrapers brawl to the back.
  • Diego Hill defeated Adam Brooks.
  • Karissa Rivera promo.
  • Zamaya defeated Carolina Cruz.
  • Alex Hammerstone defeated Bishop Dyer.
  • KUSHIDA defeated Templario for the MLW World Middleweight Championship. After the match, KUSHIDA turned heel and joined Contra.
  • Battle Riot – Killer Kross enters as number 1 and wins the match to crown himself the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.

The following is the list of participants in the Battle Riot match (in order of their entrance) – Killer Kross, Matt Riddle, Big Trouble Ben Bishop, Doc Gallows, Cha Cha Charlie, Joe Coffey, Diego Hill, Mads Krule Krügger (c), Matthew Justice, Paul Walter Hauser, Josh Bishop, Paul London, Anthony Greene, Don Gato, Stallion Rogers, Austin Aries, Alan Angels, Adam Brooks, Cody Fluffman, KUSHIDA, Trevor Lee, Ikuro Kwon, Wolfgang, Babathunder, Simon Gotch, Jesus Rodriguez, Karl Anderson, Sidney Akeem, Alex Hammerstone, Ricky Martinez, Ariel Dominguez, Festus, Donovan Dijak, Bishop Dyer, LJ Cleary, Madman Fulton, Onix, Mr Thomas, and Mark Coffey.

Daily Update: New WWE trademark, Josh Alexander, Wolfgang

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This issue covers the following topics:

  • The changes in the WrestleMania plans, the Drew McIntyre title win, Roman Reigns return and the whys.
  • WWE getting Will Hobbs while AEW signs a slew of new talent as well. A look at each case-by-case.
  • Notes on the big weekend coming to Mexico City
  • Kayla Harrison injury and what is the future for the biggest women’s fight in years
  • Win-loss records and total bouts for all top WWE/NXT talent in 2025
  • WWE Iron Man winner from 1984-2025
  • What cutting back on the schedule has taught us about injuries
  • Who gets protected in booking and who doesn’t
  • The problem with the current schedule and development of young talent
  • A star who has been around through various eras talks timing and injuries and best schedule
  • A look at TNA’s debut on AMC, what went right and wrong
  • When did wrestling start being a work. Studying of history shows it’s a lot earlier than you would think
  • Odds for WWE matches upcoming
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the pro wrestling shows this past week, as well as comparisons with the past and a look at the level of declines and why
  • What wrestler has already main evented 12 sold out shows in 2026
  • One woman wrestler announces retirement and another retires
  • Kazuchika Okada in Japan
  • Most watched New Japan World matches of 2025
  • Ted DiBiase Jr. on trial
  • Death of Rick Link, from fan clubs to main events
  • Jesse Ventura speaks about the current political environment
  • The greatest wrestler in the world signs with Eric Bischoff’s promotion
  • Tons of major independent shows coming
  • AEW gets TV in new market
  • Ticket sales for upcoming WWE, AEW and TNA events
  • Most viewed YouTube videos from AEW and WWE
  • Tag team returning to AEW
  • Dana White shuts down talk of major match
  • A new lawsuit filed against WWE
  • Notes on the recent WWE tryout
  • Notes on all the WWE arena shows this past week.

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full triple threat tag match that headlined NXT last night, which saw Sol Ruca & Zaria defeat Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid and Kendal Grey & Wren Sinclair to become the number one contenders to the TNA Knockouts Tag Team titles.
  • WWE filed a trademark application for the name “Royce Keys” on January 20.
  • On What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes, The Undertaker was asked if he’s enjoyed hosting his own Six Feet Under podcast:
    • It has its moments. Yeah, it really does. When you’re in a discussion or you’re in a conversation and you’re hitting it off, that’s always fun. But, man, sometimes when you get that guest that doesn’t want to talk or is not a storyteller, right? I don’t want to name names, but it can be like pulling a tooth.
  • Undertaker announced that Rhodes will be a future guest on Six Feet Under.
  • R-Truth sent out a message thanking everyone for how they’ve responded to the new season of WWE Unreal:
    • Thank you to each and everyone of you WORLD WIDE! I don’t call you fans anymore, You all are my family. I really appreciate ALL of you more than you’ll ever know.
  • CM Punk & AJ Styles teamed up at WWE’s house show in Brussels yesterday, defeating Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed.
  • Booker T spoke to The Takedown on SI about his willingness to help younger talent:
    • I always tell the young guys, if you want some help, I’ll be right over here. I got a little cubby hole and I got a little spot, a little office. Sometimes I show up to work and I have two guys, three guys, a girl, sitting there waiting on me. We’ll break it down … really go into self interrogation mode, ask ourselves serious questions.
    • It’s mostly going to be ‘what not to dos’ and working with these kids and really getting down to the meat and potatoes of being able to beat someone up poetically. That’s all it is. If you could do that, we can make a whole lot of money.

Other Wrestling

  • Josh Alexander appeared on the Battleground Podcast ahead of his match against Kenny Omega on Dynamite tonight.
  • During the interview, Alexander was asked if he would like to see his wife Jade Chung and friend Scott D’Amore have a role in AEW/ROH:
    • I would absolutely love to see that. I mean, Scott’s one thing. He might take offense more if I said no to that than my wife. 
    • My wife first and foremost, she changed her whole career from a wrestling manager into being a ring announcer just because [TNA] asked her to try it. She was worried about it, but she’s like, ‘I’ll give it a try, I’ve never done it, we’ll see.’ She went to voice lessons for a year, and she’s still going to this day, even though she’s not doing it anymore.
    • But she did all this hard work. And I think the hard work showed in what she was able to do as a ring announcer. Like, she was getting praise from a lot of people from around the industry that have been in the industry for a very long time.
    • So I think it’d be a terrible waste of her talents to not see her do what she now loves to do and is now confident in doing at a bigger company. AEW would be a very good place for that.
    • Scott D’Amore, the man has helped me more than anybody else in wrestling history. He saw something in me when a lot of people didn’t, gave me an opportunity when a lot of people didn’t. And the only reason I’m sitting here in this house that I’m able to put over my children’s heads is because of Scott D’Amore giving me those opportunities and me making the best of them. So I owe that guy so much, and I would love to see him anywhere.
  • WDW News Today has an interview with MJF.
  • Alec Price told Undisputed that he and Jordan Oliver are out to prove they’re the best tag team in the world now that they’ve signed with AEW:
    • This is our time. [MJF] was part of the last generation of indie talent, then me and Jordan and our generation held the indies strong. Now it’s all about a new challenge. Me and Jordan aren’t going to squander this opportunity. We’re the best tag team in the world, and we’re going to show it.
  • In an interview with NJPW’s English-language website, Yota Tsuji reacted to Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement match:
    • I hit the showers when I got to the back and I was icing my neck while I checked it out. Tanahashi’s incredible. Those cheers at that volume from that many people without stopping, it just hit home how much he means to wrestling. Tanahashi that day was like the ultimate final form of a pro-wrestler. And you know, the match was great. Some emotion just boiled over toward the end there (laughs).
  • Tsuji noted that he wants his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship defense against Gabe Kidd or Andrade El Idolo to take place overseas. Those two are facing each other in a number one contender’s match at the New Beginning in Osaka on February 11.
    • I’d like to do it overseas. If it happens to be Andrade then it’s a new international name to me to face, and if it’s Gabe then it will be a chance to show the best of NJPW to a foreign audience, so it’ll be cool either way.
  • All three members of former WWE faction Gallus will be debuting for MLW in Kissimmee, Florida on January 29, with Wolfgang joining Joe Coffey and Mark Coffey among the confirmed entrants for the 40-man Battle Riot match.
  • Elayna Black (the former Cora Jade) revealed that she is dating fellow TNA wrestler KC Navarro.
  • Limitless Wrestling’s YouTube channel uploaded the full Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Anthony Greene & Channing Thomas tag match from last week.
  • “Million Dollar Man” Ted DiBiase, The Great Sasuke, Gangrel, and Jordan Oliver & Alec Price will be taking part in Joey Janela’s Boat Bash 2027.

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.