Category: MLW

MLW Reportedly in High-Level Talks for Major New Weekly TV Series

It looks like Major League Wrestling (MLW) is preparing to make a big move on the television front. According to a new report from PWInsider, the promotion is deep in discussions over media rights for a brand-new weekly TV series, signaling one of its most ambitious projects in years.

Sources indicate that MLW executives have been holding meetings in New York and Los Angeles, exploring potential broadcast and streaming partnerships to bring the new series to life. While details remain tightly guarded, the belief is that the talks are focused primarily on the U.S. market.

If negotiations go well, the new series would mark MLW’s first weekly show since “Fusion” wrapped up in December 2023. To get things rolling, the company has already started searching for new backstage interviewers, suggesting that production plans are beginning to take shape behind the scenes.

At the moment, MLW’s U.S. programming airs on beIN Sports, which showcases its monthly specials, with additional live content available on YouTube. Internationally, MLW can be found on StarTimes across Africa and the Wataaa Fight Channel in the Middle East.

Adding to the intrigue, actor O’Shea Jackson Jr. and director Tony Toat were both spotted at the MLW Slaughterhouse event earlier this month — a sighting that’s fueled speculation about possible Hollywood involvement in the new project.

While MLW hasn’t officially announced its new TV home just yet, the buzz around these talks suggests that the company is gearing up for a major return to weekly television — and potentially, a bigger spotlight in the global wrestling landscape.

Matt Riddle Explodes on Social Media After No-Show Allegations, Insults Fans Over 2020 “Speaking Out” movement Accusations

Matt Riddle’s name has been making plenty of headlines yesterday, and not for the best of reasons. The former WWE star and current MLW World Heavyweight Champion was called out over the weekend for reportedly no-showing a charity wrestling event in the UK. On top of that, the organizers claimed he refused to return the deposit he had already been paid.

Riddle initially addressed the situation with a video on X, attempting to give his side of the story. But instead of cooling things down, the “Original Bro” poured gasoline on the fire with a second video that quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons.

In the profanity-laced clip, Riddle unloaded on critics and fans who have questioned him in recent years. Much of his anger was directed toward those who believed the accusations made against him during the 2020 “Speaking Out” movement. Riddle was accused at the time by independent wrestler Candy Cartwright, who later filed a lawsuit against him, WWE, EVOLVE, and Gabe Sapolsky. WWE, EVOLVE, and Sapolsky were dismissed from the case in 2021, and Cartwright voluntarily dropped the suit entirely soon after.

In his rant, Riddle dismissed those allegations as “bulls***” and took aim at fans who supported them. He bragged about continuing to get booked, teased a possible return to fighting, and even promoted his OnlyFans account, making sure to emphasize he wasn’t worried about backlash. His message was blunt: those who don’t like him should unfollow him, because he doesn’t care.

While Riddle insisted “the cream rises to the top,” this latest outburst has left many wondering if he’s doing more harm than good to his own career. MLW has not yet commented on the controversy, but it remains to be seen if Riddle’s unfiltered social media presence will impact his standing with the promotion—or future opportunities elsewhere.

Matt Riddle Reportedly No-Shows UK Charity Event, Deposit Still Unreturned

Former WWE star Matt Riddle is once again making headlines for the wrong reasons. According to a new report from Cultaholic, Riddle was scheduled to appear at a charity wrestling event in Barnsley, England this past Sunday but failed to show.

The event, hosted by Global Wrestling Kingdom, was organized to raise funds for survivors of domestic abuse and homeless veterans. Riddle had been advertised for a high-profile bout against YouTuber-turned-wrestler Simon Miller. However, the former WWE Superstar never boarded a flight to the UK, leaving promoters scrambling on the night of the show.

Making matters worse, it’s being alleged that Riddle has yet to return the deposit he was paid to secure the booking. Organizers are reportedly frustrated, with the situation casting a shadow over what was intended to be a positive night for charity.

Riddle has faced controversy since his WWE release in September 2023. His exit came after an incident at JFK Airport, where witnesses claimed he was intoxicated and causing a disturbance after a flight. Since then, the “Original Bro” has been apart of MLW, appeared at NJPW events and has made occasional indie appearances, but this latest story won’t do his reputation any favors.

At this point, it remains unclear whether Riddle intends to pay back the money owed or publicly address the no-show. For fans who were hoping to see him in Barnsley, it was a major disappointment — and for the charity, it was a setback in their mission to help those in need.

Tom Lawlor Reveals He’ll Need Hip Replacement Surgery Due to Severe Damage

MLW star “Filthy” Tom Lawlor has opened up about some serious health challenges he’s currently facing, confirming that he’ll soon undergo hip replacement surgery. The MMA fighter-turned-pro wrestler shared the news during a recent appearance on Wrestling Observer Live, revealing the extent of the damage to his left hip — and it’s no minor issue.

According to Lawlor, after undergoing scans, a medical professional gave him a blunt but eye-opening assessment. “If you walked into a nursing home right now, there are 90-year-old women who would rightfully have pity upon the shape that your left hip is in,” he was told. The left side is reportedly riddled with bone spurs so severe they’ve pushed the hip out of its socket. While the right hip isn’t in perfect shape either, the left is clearly the major concern.

This isn’t the first time Lawlor has hinted at serious physical wear and tear. Just last month, he mentioned the possibility of needing back surgery down the line — further underscoring the toll that years of combat sports have taken on his body.

Lawlor has competed across a range of promotions including NJPW, MLW, and the independent circuit, and has never been shy about throwing himself fully into the physical demands of the ring. While there’s no word yet on a timeline for his surgery or recovery, it’s clear that Lawlor is preparing for a major step toward long-term health — even if it means stepping away from in-ring action for the foreseeable future.

We’ll keep you updated on Lawlor’s status as more details emerge. Here’s hoping “Filthy” Tom gets the treatment he needs and makes a full recovery.

MLW Hosts International Summit, Welcomes Surprise Appearance from MJF

Major League Wrestling isn’t slowing down this summer. Hot off the heels of their “Summer of the Beasts” event on June 26 at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City, the company pulled off a surprise that has the wrestling world buzzing—and possibly laid the groundwork for major future collaborations.

In a development that flew under the radar until now, MLW held a closed-door international summit following the show, bringing together top executives from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). While exact details of the summit remain scarce, the meeting signals MLW’s growing ambition to establish deeper global partnerships and expand its influence beyond the U.S. indie scene.

The in-ring action that night was equally headline-worthy, thanks to the shocking return of MJF. The former AEW World Champion made an unannounced appearance, storming the ring to attack lucha legend Mistico. The ambush immediately reignited their long-dormant rivalry that began during AEW’s Grand Slam: Mexico special.

MJF’s surprise involvement wasn’t just a one-off, either. According to a report from PWInsider, the belief within MLW is that this won’t be his only appearance for the promotion—suggesting a potential storyline arc that could carry through the summer and beyond.

Between forging new international ties and welcoming one of wrestling’s most talked-about stars back into the fold, MLW is clearly positioning itself for a major leap forward. Fans should keep a close eye on what’s next. The “Summer of the Beasts” might just be the beginning.

MLW Summer of the Beasts 6/26/2025 – Shotzi Debuts

Major League Wrestling will present their MLW Summer of the Beasts event tonight from the Melrose Ballroom in New York City. It will stream at 9 PM ET on Youtube.

  • MLW World Heavyweight Championship: Matt Riddle (c) vs. KENTA
  • MLW National Openweight Championship: Ultimo Guerrero (c) vs. Alex Hammerstone
  • Battle of Japanese Idols: Yuki Kamifuku vs. Wakana Uehara
  • MLW World Tag Team Championship: Los Depredadores (c) vs. TBD
  • KUSHIDA vs. Diego Hill
  • Anthony Greene vs. Brock Anderson
  • Shotzi arrives in MLW

MLW Announces Broadcast Details For War Chamber 2025

Major League Wrestling has announced the broadcast details for MLW War Chamber, which happens on June 7 at 10 PM ET. It will air on beIN Sports and stream on Youtube.

MLW War Chamber ’25 to Air Saturday, June 7 at 10pm ET
Watch on beIN SPORTS and MLW’s YouTube Channel

Major League Wrestling (MLW) today announced MLW: WAR CHAMBER ’25, airing Saturday, June 7 at 10PM ET on beIN SPORTS and streaming worldwide for free on https://www.youtube.com/@MLW.

This signature special features the return of one of the most feared structures in the sport: the War Chamber — a caged fortress constructed of unforgiving carbon steel, wrapped in barbed wire and built for one purpose: total warfare. No escape. No disqualifications. The only way out is by destroying your enemies.

In the main event, Matthew Justice, Alex Kane, Mr. Thomas, and Paul London unite to step into the War Chamber against the dangerous and calculating Rogue Horsemen in a battle where the stakes are as personal as they are punishing.

Also appearing: the most unfiltered and unruly duo in Major League Wrestling—The Filthy Bros, Matt Riddle and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor—are in the house, and when they show up, nothing is off-limits.

Championship gold is on the line as Shoko Nakajima defends the MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship against former titleholder Delmi Exo, in a bout with global implications.

International styles will collide in tag team competition as CozyMAX (Satoshi Kojima & Okumura) face off with Dark Panther & Blue Panther Jr. in a classic Japan vs. Mexico showcase.

High-octane action is guaranteed as MLW presents its first-ever Lightning Match featuring the returning Myron Reed squaring off with the explosive Ariel Dominguez.

Plus: appearances by Donovan Dijak, Místico, CONTRA Unit, and more.

Watch it all go down:
beIN SPORTS — Saturday, June 7 at 10PM ET

YouTube.com/@MLW — Streaming FREE worldwide at 10PM ET

For more information, visit MLW.com

Shotzi Set to Debut in MLW, Expected to Have Creative Input on Revamped Women’s Division

Shotzi’s post-WWE journey is already taking shape, and it’s looking like a bold new chapter. According to Fightful Select, the soon-to-be former WWE Superstar is officially headed to Major League Wrestling, with her debut set for the June 26 Summer of the Beasts event — a move that MLW had been teasing in recent weeks.

Sources within MLW indicate the company has big plans for Shotzi right out of the gate. Her upcoming appearance won’t be a one-off, either; she’s expected to become a recurring presence, with multiple appearances already lined up. More interestingly, she’ll reportedly have a significant level of creative input in her presentation — including a say in who she faces.

Shotzi’s arrival comes as MLW is putting serious focus on rejuvenating its women’s division. The division is now under the creative direction of Salina De La Renta and is being infused with top international talent, especially from Japan’s Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling (TJPW). Expect joshi wrestlers to be featured prominently moving forward, with MLW also scouting talent from CMLL, the indie circuit, and recently released names from other major promotions.

One potential marquee match already being discussed: Shotzi vs. MLW World Featherweight Champion Shoko Nakajima. The reigning champ from TJPW won the title in April and has quickly become a cornerstone of MLW’s women’s division. A clash between Nakajima and Shotzi would be a major spotlight bout — a fusion of star power, styles, and fan intrigue.

Shotzi, known for her high-octane, risk-taking style, seems like a perfect fit for MLW’s evolving brand of wrestling. With the promotion prioritizing both international talent and creative freedom, her arrival could be a game-changer not just for her career, but for the entire women’s division.

Expect fireworks when Shotzi lands in MLW this summer.

WWE Hall of Famer Reveals He Broke Both of His Heels at MLW Battle Riot VII

WWE Hall of Famer Rob Van Dam shocked fans recently with a painful revelation: he broke both of his heels during his surprise appearance at MLW Battle Riot VII earlier this month. The injury occurred during the April 5 event in Los Angeles, and RVD opened up about the incident on the latest episode of his One Of A Kind podcast.

RVD entered the chaotic 40-man Battle Riot match as the final surprise entrant at #40, only to be eliminated by eventual winner Matt Riddle. The injury happened in the final moments of the night when Riddle shoved him off the top rope. Van Dam landed on his feet, but not in the way he intended.

“A lot of people don’t know that I got hurt because it was the very last move in the night. But I went up to the top rope and Matt Riddle pushed me off and then I landed on my feet. Normally I kind of like, hug the guardrail and my weight goes into it. This one I must have misjudged it a little bit, and I just landed on my feet...both heels blew. I thought that my ankles were sprained. I crawled out of there. I haven’t been able to walk since. And so I got the x-rays, both heels broke. It’s not something that I’m not used to, I kind of routinely kind of go through this thing, but, man, it definitely made me cancel a lot of plans that I had for the next few months and Wrestlecon and WrestleMania week, I made it through all the obligations.”

Despite the injury, RVD still managed to honor a handful of commitments during WrestleMania week, including WrestleCon appearances. However, he admitted that the break has forced him to cancel several plans moving forward.

RVD, known for his high-risk, high-impact style, has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his legendary career. But breaking both heels in one move is a rare and brutal reminder of the toll pro wrestling can take — even on the most seasoned veterans.

Preview For MLW ‘Kings Of Colosseum’ 2025 (1/11/25)

MLW ‘Kings of Colosseum’ 2025 will stream on YouTube tonight at 10:00 PM EST.

You can check out the official preview for tonight’s show below:

“MLW Kings of Colosseum: Kojima vs. Riddle tonight live from Dallas

The countdown is on! Tonight at 10 PM ET, MLW Kings of Colosseum streams FREE worldwide on MLW’sYouTube channel.

Broadcasting live from a packed NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, TX, this event is tracking to sell out – but you may still be able to grab limited general admission tickets at http://www.MLWDallas.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness history unfold in one of the most highly anticipated events of the year!

The stacked card features the epic MLW World Heavyweight Championship showdown as Matt Riddle challenges the legendary Satoshi Kojima for the gold.

KENTA returns to settle the score against Donovan Dijak in a personal, hard-hitting grudge match.

Plus, Janai Kai puts her championship on the line against Delmi Exo in a Title vs. Hair clash that promises to leave one competitor forever changed.

The Gravity Gamble Ladder Match will redefine risk as stars like Mads Krule Krugger, Matthew Justice, and Kevin Knight compete for a life-changing opportunity, while lucha libre legends Atlantis & Atlantis Jr. battle Blue Panther & Dark Panther in a must-see tag match.

Tune in tonight at 10 PM ET and experience MLW Kings of Colosseum live!”