Tag: MLW

MLW Fusion Preview 11/25/20

MLW returns TONIGHT at 7pm ET with the opening round of the Opera Cup on FUSION available on Fubo Sports, Pluto TV and YouTube.  Learn more about where to watch.

The 2020 Opera Cup commences this week with two high stakes, opening round matches on MLW Fusion, presented by newlawoffice.com. 

  • Opera Cup Opening Round: Rocky Romero vs. Tom Lawlor
  • Opera Cup Opening Round: TJ Perkins vs. Richard Holliday
  • Calvin Tankman makes his debut

An inter-promotional clash kicks off the opening round of the historic Opera Cup tournament. Representing New Japan Pro-Wrestling, former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Rocky Romero collides with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. Can Lawlor topple NJPW veteran Romero? Or will the ring generalship of “Azucar” Rocky Romero prove too much for the captain of Team Filthy?

The opening round of the Opera Cup continues as the Dynasty’s Richard Holliday heads into arguably one of the biggest fights of his career as he goes head to head with the high flying veteran TJP. Can Holliday use his size advantage to ground out TJP and secure his spot in the Opera Cup semi-finals, or will the high-octane hybrid style of TJP outpace and outgun the smug self-proclaimed Caribbean Champion?

The Heavyweight Hustle will be televised as 355 pound Calvin Tankman makes his highly anticipated debut this week on Fusion!

Plus, one week removed from that vicious attack at the hands of CONTRA’s mysterious masked mercenary, we’ll get a medical update and hear from National Openweight Champion, Alexander Hammerstone!

MLW cameras will attempt to get a response from Lio Rush after Myron Reed offered up a title fight.

Salina de la Renta vows to make a statement… but how will she explain her betrayal?

Opera Cup alternate “Untouchable” Gino Medina is confirmed to be an attendance plus the World Tag Team Champions Ross & Marshall Von Erich have a special message for fans.

Fans can also watch nationwide on cable and dish via beIN SPORTS on Saturday nights at 10pm ET and on demand anytime, anywhere on DAZN. 

Join ringside correspondents Rich Bocchini, Jared St. Laurent and Alicia Atout and celebrate Fusion in time for Thanksgiving!

MLW Fusion Preview: The Restart Arrives 11/18/20

Matches:
•World Heavyweight Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
•World Middleweight Championship: Myron Reed (c) vs. Brian Pillman Jr.
•National Openweight Champion Alex Hammerstone in action! 

MLW returns TONIGHT at 7pm ET with the premiere of FUSION on Fubo Sports, Pluto TV and YouTube.  Learn more about where to watch.

After 7 months, a new breed of fighting athletes rise up as MLW kicks off #TheRestart presented by newlawoffice.com.

Although the dreaded CONTRA Unit remains at large, their shadowy presence remains a constant starting and ending with the World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu.

After having his back broken at the hands of CONTRA during the May 9th hostile takeover of MLW, Davey Boy Smith Jr. has endured a painful road to recovery.  Months of physical therapy and training with the likes of Kazushi Sakuraba have set the table for Smith’s quest to topple Fatu and take the championship. Now, the final stage goes down as for the first-time ever Jacob Fatu fights DBS for the World Heavyweight Championship!

A bitter year-long feud culminates in a World Middleweight Championship showdown. Brian Pillman Jr. challenges the longest reigning World Middleweight Champion in MLW history as he looks to take the belt from Myron Reed.  Will Reed prove he truly is the “Young GOAT” or will the unpredictable and volatile Pillman get his hands on the prestigious title? 

Ranked #1 in MLW since the summer of 2019, National Openweight Champion Alex Hammerstone will also be in action. Leading the charge to unite MLW’s athletes to rise up and take back MLW from CONTRA, “Your Boy Hammer” looks to make a statement when he steps into the squared circle. 

Kevin Von Erich shares a secret about the origins of World Class Championship Wrestling with his sons, the reigning World Tag Team Champions Ross and Marshall Von Erich.

Plus: the 2020 Opera Cup brackets are revealed!

Fans can also watch nationwide on cable and dish via beIN SPORTS on Saturday nights at 10pm ET and on demand anytime, anywhere on DAZN. 

Experience a new era in combat sports as MLW hits #TheRestart button and returns to top ranked weekly competition with FUSION!

MLW CEO & Founder Court Bauer issued the following statement on tonight’s restart via the MLW mailing list this morning:

Good morning!

After nearly 8 months today is the day. Welcome to #TheRestart of Major League Wrestling!

This year has been unlike any other in the history of our league and we thank you for being with us every step of the way.

Tonight at 7pm ET, we embark on a new era for MLW featuring a new breed of fighting athletes as we bring you into smoke filled arenas each and every week.

We’ve reloaded the roster, nearly doubling the number of wrestlers and we will be giving you stacked cards each and every week for free.

You’ll also notice new strategic alliances pop up on FUSION along with some other surprises.

I promise the intense competition will remind you of what we all love about MLW. My hope is that you will enjoy the extraordinary competition of the Opera Cup, championship bouts and some big marquee matches.

A key goal for #TheRestart was to give fans more ways to watch us than ever before. In addition to watching us nationwide on cable and satellite on beIN SPORTS, you can now stream us on not just on YouTube but on Fubo Sports Network, DAZN and Pluto TV plus we’re in 20+ countries and counting! Learn more about where to watch.

Thank you again for your incredible support throughout the year.

Now, get ready for a big night of fights!
•Jacob Fatu vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.: World Heavyweight Title Fight
•Myron Reed vs. Brian Pillman Jr.: World Middleweight Title Fight
•Alex Hammerstone in action + more!

Sincerely,

Court Bauer
CEO/Founder of Major League Wrestling

YouTube To Air MLW FUSION Wednesday Nights Starting November 18

Major League Wrestling announced that YouTube will air MLW FUSION on Wednesday nights starting on November 18th at 7 p.m. ET.

With MLW The Restart, the promotion is moving much of its programming to Wednesday Nights.

MLW also noted in the below press release that more information about the card for the premiere will be available soon.

NEW YORK – YouTube will air Major League Wrestling’s flagship series MLW FUSION on Wednesday nights, with episodes premiering at 7pm ET on MLW’s YouTube channel: http://www.YouTube.com/majorleaguewrestling.

MLW will kick off the move to Wednesday nights on November 18th as part of #TheRestart initiative by the league.

“Fans have been blowing up my Twitter for months asking that we keep MLW’s presence on YouTube, so we’re going to do just that,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “YouTube has enabled us to grow and we will continue to enrich the platform with more quality content from MLW.”

MLW officials confirmed more information about the fight card for the November 18th premiere will be made available shortly.

MLW will be moving much of its programming to Wednesday nights, while its flagship series will air nationwide on cable and satellite Saturday nights at 10pm on beIN SPORTS in the United States.

MLW returns Wednesday night November 18 at 7pm ET with the premiere of FUSION on Fubo Sports and YouTube.

Fans can also watch nationwide on cable and dish via beIN SPORTS on Saturday nights at 10pm ET.

Watch FUSION anytime, anywhere on DAZN.

MLW’s current Heavyweight Champion is Jacob Fatu and Ross & Marshall Von Erich are the World Tag Team Champions.

Myron Reed is also MLW’s Middleweight Champion and Alex Hammerstone is the National Openweight Champion.

MLW Officially Announces Lio Rush’s Debut For The Restart

Major League Wrestling has officially announced Lio Rush for The Restart.

It was announced today that the former WWE Superstar, billed as a Middleweight and Influencer, will make his MLW debut for “#TheRestart” on Wednesday, November 18.

MLW CEO Court Bauer called Rush the top free agent in pro wrestling right now.

“It’s not very often someone as special as Lio Rush ends up on the open market,” said Bauer in a press release sent to us today. “Lio is hands down the top top free agent in the sport and I look forward to some of the dream matches on the horizon for fans… and for the record, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give Wale the assist on this. He had a lot to do with facilitating this relationship and we’re all grateful for it.”

MLW previously announced ACH, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and AAA World Cruiserweight Champion Laredo Kid for the Restart

Below is the full announcement from MLW on Lio Rush:

Lio Rush is coming to MLW for The Restart

•Stream on fubo Sports Network & YouTube – Wednesdays 7pm

•Watch nationwide on cable & satellite on beIN Sports – Saturdays 10pm

NEW YORK – Major League Wrestling today announced the arrival of Lio Rush when MLW restarts on November 18th with the return of the league’s flagship series FUSION.

“It’s not very often someone as special as Lio Rush ends up on the open market,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “Lio is hands down the top top free agent in the sport and I look forward to some of the dream matches on the horizon for fans… and for the record, I’d be remiss if I didn’t give Wale the assist on this. He had a lot to do with facilitating this relationship and we’re all grateful for it.

Fighting athlete. Musician. Artist. Influencer. Lio Rush is a new wave renaissance man. A force unlike any other in the sport, Rush is a human GIF generator, awing fans and overwhelming opponents with his innovative arsenal.

A wrestling prodigy, Rush emerged in the sport in his teenage years, rapidly ascending to the international stage by his early 20s. Now in his mid 20s, Rush has transcended into pop culture.

When not in the ring, Rush can be found recording in Maybach Music Group’s studios or working on projects with his close friend, Grammy nominated artist Wale.

Rush looks to move the world with his words and life experiences and continue to move up the ranks in the entertainment and sports world.

The next step in the evolution of Lio Rush: going major league at #TheRestart.

MLW returns Wednesday night November 18 at 7pm ET with the premiere of FUSION on Fubo Sports and YouTube.

Fans can also watch nationwide on cable and dish via beIN SPORTS on Saturday nights at 10pm ET.

Watch FUSION anytime, anywhere on DAZN.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

MLW Restart Date Revealed

In the above video, it was revealed that the date for MLW Restart is Wednesday, November 18.

Major League Wrestling also announced earlier that they and beIn SPORTS renewed their relationship. It was reported earlier this week in a article published by Forbes that MLW had re-signed with beIN Sports.

The broadcast partnership agreement includes broadcast rights for the weekly series, MLW: FUSION, which airs Saturdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Several MLW stars reacted on social media about the upcoming restart.

Davey Boy Smith JR tweeted, “https://youtu.be/1gTc2BUtH_Q We Are Back! Wednesday November 18 is the #RESTART Activity is expected. Tune in”

Salina de la Renta wrote, “For those of you who keep asking when is #TheRestart of @MLW fusion. It’s the 18th of November idiots!”

Alicia Atout tweeted a photo with the caption, “IT’S OFFICIAL. NOVEMBER 18TH. WE’RE BACK SUCKAAAAS!”

Alexander Hammerstone wrote, “LADIES AND GENTLEMAN WE HAVE A DATE! November 18th @MLW is back in business! Your Boy Hammer is ready to beat some Contra a–.”

Below you can see their tweets as well as a few others:

https://twitter.com/DBSmithjr/status/1321973806810992641
https://twitter.com/salinadelarenta/status/1321972585710669826
https://twitter.com/alexhammerstone/status/1321973364785733632
https://twitter.com/AliciaAtout/status/1321974573718556673
https://twitter.com/MarshallVonEric/status/1321980363418132480
https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1321976479824158728

Source: Wrestling Inc.

MLW Re-Signs With BeIN Sports Network

Major League Wrestling is staying on beIN Sports.

Forbes published an article saying MLW has re-signed with beIN Sports and will continue to air their flagship show, MLW: FUSION, on the network. The two have worked together since March of 2018, and FUSION has quickly emerged as one of beIN Sports’s hottest programs.

MLW CEO and founder Court Bauer spoke on the extension, saying both him and the league are thrilled to continue working with the network.

“We are excited to continue to be a cornerstone of beIN Sports’ portfolio of world-class sports content,” Bauer said. “beIN’s dual language reach will help further entrench MLW as a thriving sports league.”

The beIN extension is just the first of many anticipated deals for MLW, according to Bauer. The wrestling league is also reportedly in talks with other major cable networks about new programming, a strategy Bauer notes has been successful for other combat sports promotions like the UFC and WWE. While another cable deal may be in MLW’s future, Bauer also notes that they plan to expand into the streaming world as well.

“MLW is focused on its value in this space as well as in the nonlinear streaming realm,” Bauer said. “This deal and other on-going conversations reflects our goal to be a versatile sports league that is plug and play for our partners on cable and streaming.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

MLW Announces Move To Wednesday Nights

MLW announced beginning next week its show is moving to Wednesday at 7 pm ET on the fubo Sports Network. Replays will also air the same night at 10 pm ET.

Below is the full announcement, along with comments from MLW CEO and Founder Court Bauer:

 

NEW YORK – Major League Wrestling (“MLW”) is moving nights. Starting next week, fans can tune in to fubo Sports Network Wednesday nights at 7pm ET to watch the latest major league action with a replay at 10pm ET.

fubo Sports Network is a live free-to-consumer TV network featuring sports stories on and off the field.

Available on over 75 million devices; consumers can stream fubo Sports Network for free on Pluto TV, LG Channels, Samsung TV Plus, The Roku Channel, Vizio Channels, Plex and XUMO as well as through fuboTV’s subscription service and on fubosportsnetwork.com.

fubo Sports Network features original programming, live sports and programming from partners including: MLW, USA Today, FanDuel, The Players Tribune, Stadium, VSiN, Campus Lore and many more.

About Major League Wrestling
Major League Wrestling (MLW®) is a sports media holding company with a focus on professional wrestling sporting events/programming, digital content and ancillary entertainment.

The fastest growing wrestling league today, Major League Wrestling airs on DAZN, fubo Sports Network as well as on beIN SPORTS in the United States and in over 20 countries abroad.

MLW streams for free every Saturday night at 6:05pm ET on YouTube.com/MajorLeagueWrestling.

MLW features a roster full of high profile fighters and on-air talent from around the world including: CONTRA Unit, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Ross and Marshall Von Erich, Alex Hammerstone, Richard Holliday, LA Park, Myron Reed and Injustice, Salina de la Renta, Alicia Atout and many more.

MLW is the parent company of the MLW Radio Network, the leading provider of professional wrestling podcasts in the world with 5-6 podcasts in the top iTunes 100 in the sports category on the average day.

New MLW Trailer For “The Restart”, Court Bauer Talks MLW TV Product, Running On A Larger Scale

Major League Wrestling is preparing their big return to normal operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

As seen below, a new trailer has been released for The Restart, which is scheduled for this fall.

MLW CEO Court Bauer spoke with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated and confirmed that the promotion is returning to TV with fresh content in early November, with TV tapings scheduled for October. Filming will take place at an undisclosed East Coast venue.

“The hibernation is over,” Bauer said. “We’ll air in November on a weeknight in primetime on Fubo Sports Network, and our content will also be available on DAZN, which includes exclusive content, and Saturday nights on beIN. As for the filming, we’re not going to publicly announce our location. If fans were to show up, it would just cause a wave of complications with the COVID protocol, but we are very excited to return for our fans.”

MLW recently hired a COVID-19 Compliance Officer to help ensure that the company operates safely amid the pandemic. Bauer talked more about the role of Mike Kitlas, and their coronavirus safety protocols.

“We hired a COVID Compliance Officer, Mike Kitlas, and there will be frequent testing,” Bauer said. “We’re going to test before everyone gets on a plane, when they land, and then again during the tapings. We’ll be cleaning the trucks and the set every day. We have a protocol to follow, and we will ensure that guidelines will be met to keep everyone safe. That will include scheduling, transportation, locker room social distancing, and wearing masks, which will apply for talent, staff, and production.”

Bauer also revealed a potential name change for the weekly MLW broadcast. This will start the third season of Fusion, or mark a return to a familiar name for longtime MLW fans with Underground.

“We’ve had a lot of fans let us know they prefer Underground,” he said. “That’s something we’re going to pin down in the weeks ahead.”

Bauer also discussed the new empty arena setting for MLW, noting that the product will be presented uniquely. Bauer is eager to showcase a gritty, MMA type of environment for fans.

“We’re going to have more of a Raging Bull setting,” Bauer said. “We’ve had the luxury to see what works in this era. Our competitors have been forced due to contractual obligations to put programming on the air every night of the week. For us, from a creative perspective, we have been able to recharge, assess and determine the best way to move forward. That is really going to enhance our viewing experience.”

While the MLW tapings in October will feature regulars like MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu, Alex Hammerstone, Tom Lawlor, Brian Pillman Jr., and Salina de la Renta, Bauer noted that there is also potential for new faces from AAA and NJPW.

“We’ll have top talent from MLW and beyond,” Bauer said. “We learned during this break who had our back, and I think people will be very surprised by what opportunities have been borne from that.”

Bauer believes the MLW roster will help create a distinctly different presentation of pro wrestling in the empty arena COVID-19 era. He noted that the company has spent the whole summer building the promotion up so that they can run on a larger scale coming out of the pandemic.

“We spent the whole summer building our business to emerge from the pandemic ready to run on a larger scale,” Bauer said. “It’s now the right time for us to safely get back to work, and our talent is going to put on a great show in our return.”

Source: Wrestling Inc.

 

MLW Star Brian Pillman Jr. To Make Debut On AEW Dark

AEW announced eight matches for this Tuesday’s AEW Dark, streaming on AEW’s YouTube channel at 7 pm ET.

Among the matches, Brian Pillman Jr. will be making his Dark debut against Shawn Spears.

He was in the crowd during last Wednesday night’s Dynamite: Fyter Fest. Pillman has appeared for AEW once before at last year’s Double or Nothing in the Casino Battle Royale Match that Hangman Page won by lastly eliminating MJF.

“Months of preparation behind me and I will finally make my debut for All Elite Wrestling!” Pillman Jr. wrote on Twitter. “This is quite literally the BIGGEST opportunity of my life and I hope that everyone tunes in to see what I’ve been cooking up.”

Below is the full lineup:

* Joe Alonzo, Brady Pierce, Tony Donati, Faboo Andre vs. Lucha Brothers, The Blade, and The Butcher

* Brandon Cutler and Peter Avalon (with Leva Bates) vs. Dark Order (Grayson and Evil Uno)

* Big Swole vs. Rache Chanel

* Will Hobbs vs. Orange Cassidy

* Frankie Kazarian vs. Luther

* Michael Nakazawa vs. Shawn Dean

* Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Shawn Spears (with Tully Blanchard)

* Scorpio Sky vs. Serpentico

 

Major League Wrestling Signs Deal With DAZN

Major League Wrestling has signed a deal with DAZN in the United States.

DAZN, which primarily focuses on boxing and Bellator MMA, will be home to MLW’s future live shows and feature MLW in its regular weekly schedule. Episodes of MLW Fusion and the Opera Cup event from December went live on DAZN this morning.

MLW has been forced to postpone their schedule in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their next show is slated to be a taping of MLW Fusion on October 3rd outside Dallas/Ft. Worth, with Battle Riot III scheduled for December 5th in Philadelphia.

The particulars of the deal have not been announced.

DAZN is available for $19.99/month or $99.99/year.

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet