MLW: A Shooting Star In The Wrestling World
Court Bauer has positioned his company as the third top wrestling promotion in the U.S.
Since its rebirth in July of 2017, Major League Wrestling has become one of the top promotions in the United States. With AEW experiencing growing pains, WWE ratings tanking like never before, Impact Wrestling still carrying its stigma and Ring of Honor trying to rebuild after the Elite’s departure, MLW is in a prime position to dominate the market.
Court Bauer’s resurrected promotion has the perfect blend of legends, veterans and up and comers. Low Ki and LA Park are in-ring masters serving as a proving ground for the next generation. Ross and Marshall Von Erich, the current MLW World Tag Team Champions, have reintroduced the family name to the wrestling industry. Jacob Fatu is well on his way to becoming the next great Samoan wrestler as the current MLW World Heavyweight Champion. You’ve also got Brian Pillman Jr. and Davey Boy Smith Jr. carrying on their fathers’ legacies. Myron Reed is an exciting young talent leading the middleweight division, while Filthy Tom Lawlor wreaks havoc.
Of course, MLW has endured its fair share of backlash and controversial moments since returning to the landscape. The most recent was distancing itself from Teddy Hart after allegations about his involvement in the disappearance of Samantha Fiddler. MLW also briefly brought in another controversial figure in Jim Cornette, whose hiring was a head-scratcher considering his well-known criticism of many of the talents. It was just a matter of time before an altercation, as Sami Callihan spat in Cornette’s face on an episode of MLW Fusion, prompting Cornette to go into a rage with his trusty tennis racket. Neither Callihan nor Cornette has been brought back to the company.
Despite a revolving door of personnel, MLW has done well in terms of attaining distribution deals. Since the launch of the WWE Network, there has been a void in the pay-per-view market, especially when it comes to the wrestling industry. AEW has entered the fray, but it remains to be seen if it can break out of the 100,000-buy threshold. MLW held its first PPV in November and recently signed a distribution deal with DirecTV, which aired three special presentations in May. Additionally, MLW has been airing consistently on beIN Sports and YouTube, allowing universal access to its weekly content whereas other promotions force you to look up channels that you never knew you had.
In its first relaunch, MLW has accomplished more than what Impact has done with five relaunches. Despite minor setbacks, as well as the coronavirus pandemic, the promotion has continued to thrive and grow its fanbase. By cherry-picking the top performers on the independent scene, importing talent from around the world and welcoming stars of yesteryear back into the spotlight, Bauer has built a foundation for success for years to come. Forgoing the family-friendly sports-entertainment vibe and staying far away from the comedic approach taken by AEW, MLW has reminded viewers what pro wrestling can be: gritty, athletic, mature, in your face, smash mouth, leaving you on the edge of your seat anxious for next week.
Unlike many companies after the COVID-19 crisis, MLW’s star will continue to shine.
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