Category: MLW

Tessa Blanchard Removed From MLW Plans, Announced For CMLL Match On Same Date

The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Tessa Blanchard’s relationship with MLW appears to have reached another significant development.

Blanchard has officially been announced for a CMLL event on September 12, where she is scheduled to face Starlight Kid. The booking effectively confirms that she will not be appearing at MLW Fightland, which is scheduled for the same day.

The situation has become increasingly confusing over the past several weeks. Blanchard initially stated during an interview with TMZ Sports that she would be “starting with MLW” and spoke about her desire to compete in the promotion’s women’s division, including challenging for the MLW Women’s World Championship.

Those comments led many to believe that Blanchard had signed with MLW, particularly given the company’s working relationship with CMLL.

However, that perception quickly changed when CMLL clarified that Blanchard was not under contract with MLW and was only expected to make a single appearance. Shortly afterward, MLW removed promotional material related to Blanchard from its website, including references to her previously announced debut.

The situation became even murkier when Dave Meltzer discussed the matter on Wrestling Observer Radio, admitting that details regarding the arrangement between Blanchard, MLW, and CMLL were unclear.

With Blanchard now officially booked for a CMLL match against Starlight Kid on September 12, any possibility of her appearing at Fightland on the same day appears to be off the table.

Blanchard has remained with CMLL since departing TNA earlier this year. Following her release, she stated that she was asked to choose between continuing with TNA or remaining with CMLL and ultimately elected to stay with the Mexican promotion.

At the time, TNA maintained a working relationship with AAA, which is now owned by WWE. While Blanchard had previously been permitted to work for both TNA and CMLL, reports surfaced suggesting TNA officials were unhappy with some of her appearances for CMLL shortly before her departure.

As of now, neither MLW nor Blanchard has publicly addressed the removal of her promotional materials from the company’s website. What is clear is that Blanchard will not be appearing at MLW Fightland on September 12, as she is scheduled to face Starlight Kid for CMLL on the same date. However, whether that means her relationship with MLW has ended entirely or was only ever intended to be a one-off appearance remains unclear.

Tessa Blanchard’s MLW Future In Question After Signing Announcement Disappears, Removed From MLW Roster Page

Tessa Blanchard’s recently announced move to Major League Wrestling may not be as certain as it appeared just days ago.

Questions regarding Blanchard’s status with the promotion surfaced after MLW quietly removed references to her signing from its official website. The development comes shortly after the company announced that the former TNA World Champion would make her MLW debut at Fightland 2026 on September 12.

The sudden disappearance of the announcement has led to speculation about whether Blanchard’s relationship with the promotion has changed behind the scenes.

Adding another layer of uncertainty to the situation, CMLL recently clarified that Blanchard’s involvement with MLW was only intended to be a one-time appearance. According to the Mexican promotion, there is currently no broader agreement involving Blanchard, MLW, and CMLL beyond the previously announced Fightland date.

Further fueling questions is the fact that Blanchard was reportedly never added to the official Fightland lineup despite the initial announcement of her appearance. It remains unclear whether the event page simply was not updated or if plans changed after the signing news became public.

The situation is particularly noteworthy because Blanchard recently spoke publicly about her future, describing MLW as her “second home” while emphasizing that CMLL remains her primary wrestling destination.

At this point, neither MLW nor Blanchard has commented on the removal of the announcement or her disappearance from the company’s online roster page.

Until either side addresses the situation, the status of Blanchard’s planned MLW debut remains uncertain, leaving fans waiting for clarification just days before Fightland is scheduled to take place.

Tessa Blanchard Signs With MLW Following TNA Exit

Tessa Blanchard has found a new home in professional wrestling.

According to comments made during an appearance on TMZ‘s Inside the Ring podcast, Blanchard confirmed that she is set to join Major League Wrestling after departing TNA earlier this year.

“I’m going to be starting with MLW here soon, and I’m super, super excited for everything to come,” Blanchard said.

The move marks the first time in Blanchard’s career that she will compete under the MLW banner. The former TNA World Champion and Knockouts Champion indicated that she plans to make an immediate impact once she arrives, with her sights already set on the MLW Women’s World Championship, currently held by Shotzi Blackheart.

Blanchard also expressed interest in becoming a cornerstone of the promotion’s women’s division, suggesting she hopes to establish herself as one of the key faces of that roster moving forward.

An additional benefit of the deal is that it allows Blanchard to continue working with CMLL in Mexico. MLW’s working relationship with the lucha libre promotion gives her the flexibility to remain active in both organizations.

During the interview, Blanchard also addressed her departure from TNA, explaining that she was ultimately forced to choose between remaining with TNA or continuing her association with CMLL. She opted to stay with the Mexican promotion, leading to her exit from TNA.

Blanchard’s arrival adds another notable name to MLW’s growing women’s division and immediately creates a potential championship match with Shotzi.

Once regarded as one of the top female performers in North America, Blanchard’s career has experienced several highs and lows over the past several years. Despite the controversies and setbacks that impacted her career trajectory, she has remained active in professional wrestling through various promotions, including CMLL and TNA.

Now, with MLW officially in her future, Blanchard is preparing for the next chapter of her career and appears ready to make her presence felt as soon as she steps into an MLW ring.

Lance Anoa’i Announces Plans To Retire From Professional Wrestling In 2027

A member of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family is preparing to step away from the ring.

Lance Anoa’i announced on Instagram that he plans to retire from professional wrestling in March 2027, bringing an end to a career that will span nearly 17 years.

The former WWE and MLW performer shared a lengthy statement reflecting on his time in the business and explaining why he has decided that the next chapter of his life will focus on family.

Lance Anoa’i Announces Retirement Plans

In his post, Anoa’i expressed gratitude to the fans, promoters, and fellow wrestlers who have been part of his journey since his debut.

“After almost 17 years in professional wrestling, I will be officially calling time on my in-ring career in March 2027, once I reach that 17-year milestone.”

Anoa’i noted that wrestling has provided him with countless memories and experiences, but he has reached a point where he wants to dedicate more of his time to his wife and children.

“For so many years, wrestling has taken up my weekends, my time, and countless moments away from the people I love most. I’ve reached a point where I want to dedicate that time to my wife and my kids and be there for the moments that matter most.”

He also praised his family members who continue to carry on the Anoa’i legacy in professional wrestling.

“I love what they’re building, I love being part of it in any way I can, and I will always support them 100% in everything they do going forward.”

While retirement is on the horizon, Anoa’i emphasized that he is not finished just yet.

“This isn’t goodbye just yet though. We still have a few months to go!”

Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades

Anoa’i made his professional wrestling debut in April 2010 and spent much of his career competing on the independent wrestling scene.

One of his most notable runs came in Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he captured the MLW World Tag Team Championship during his time with the promotion.

He also made several appearances on WWE television throughout the mid-to-late 2010s as enhancement talent before eventually signing a WWE contract in 2024.

WWE Run Cut Short By Injuries

After joining WWE, Anoa’i was expected to begin the next phase of his career within the company’s developmental system. However, multiple injuries prevented him from making an official in-ring appearance for WWE.

He was ultimately released by the company in October 2025 without ever wrestling a televised match under contract.

Following his WWE departure, Anoa’i shifted some of his focus toward Power Slap while continuing his involvement in combat sports and entertainment.

Final Year Begins

With retirement now officially planned for March 2027, Anoa’i enters what will be the final months of his wrestling career.

As a member of one of wrestling’s most famous families, he leaves behind a career that included nearly two decades of competition and contributions to promotions across the wrestling landscape.

For now, fans still have several months remaining to see Lance Anoa’i compete before he officially calls time on his in-ring career.

Lady Frost Departs AEW, Quickly Lands New Deal with MLW

Lady Frost’s time with AEW/ROH has officially wrapped up—but her next chapter is already underway.

After reports surfaced that her AEW contract had expired, Frost took to social media to confirm the news herself. In a message posted on Twitter, she expressed gratitude for her time in the company and its leadership, specifically thanking Tony Khan for the opportunity.

“As of today, I am a free agent,” Frost wrote. “I want to thank @TonyKhan for being an incredibly kind and passionate boss. I had some of the most incredible moments with @AEW, and I am so grateful for the years that I spent there. For now, I’m on the hunt. Onto the next…”

That “hunt” didn’t last long.

Shortly after her announcement, Fightful Select reported that Frost had already signed with Major League Wrestling. According to the report, MLW had strong interest in bringing her in and acted quickly to secure her signature once she became available.

Frost even followed up on her original post with a quick update, confirming the speedy turnaround: “Not a free agent anymore. That didn’t take long.”

Frost first appeared in AEW back in 2020 on Dark, gradually building her presence before making her Dynamite debut in 2023. While she never became a central figure in the women’s division, she remained a consistent and reliable performer across AEW programming.

Now heading to MLW, Frost gets a fresh opportunity to showcase her unique style in a new environment—and if the quick signing is any indication, she may have a prominent role waiting for her.

Former Gallus Trio Signs with MLW Following Battle Riot Appearance

A familiar trio is carving out a new path in the wrestling world. The group formerly known as Gallus has officially landed in Major League Wrestling, confirming their signing after making a statement appearance at Battle Riot VIII.

Joe Coffey, speaking with The Takedown on SI, opened up about the decision and why MLW felt like the right destination for the group—now going by GBOT (Glasgow Boys On Top). According to Coffey, the promotion offered the kind of environment they were looking for at this stage in their careers.

He pointed to their experience at Battle Riot as a key factor, noting that it gave them an immediate sense of what MLW brings to the table. With a roster full of talent, Coffey made it clear that he, Mark Coffey, and Wolfgang are eager to test themselves against fresh competition and show fans exactly what they bring to the ring.

Their arrival adds another layer of depth to MLW’s already stacked lineup, and it sounds like the trio is motivated to make a strong first impression with a new audience.

Interestingly, this move comes after earlier reports suggested there was internal interest within AEW to bring the group in following their WWE release in May 2025. At the time, Coffey indicated they were keeping their options open, but MLW ultimately emerged as the landing spot.

Now officially part of the promotion, GBOT looks ready to reestablish themselves and make noise in a new landscape.

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.