Latest news with #MLW
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Departed WWE Superstar Expected to Join Rival Promotion: Report
A former WWE roster member is expected to join a rival promotion for an upcoming show. Recently, a wave of WWE roster and office cuts took place less than one month after "WrestleMania 41." Several stars on the "WWE NXT" roster were cut, as well as a few notable names on "Monday Night Raw" and "Friday Night SmackDown." Advertisement Shotzi was a member of the "WWE SmackDown" roster, but she had been performing on the "NXT" brand more recently. Her name wasn't a part of the talent releases, but WWE has decided against offering her a contract extension. It hasn't taken her long to find work. Shotzi brawls with Jayce Jayne during an episode of "WWE NXT."(via WWE) Fightful reports that Shotzi is locked in for an MLW show on June 26. It appears that won't be the only time Shotzi will work for MLW. It was noted in the report that the promotion expects the former WWE superstar to work several more dates with them in the future. Shotzi also figures to play a major role on MLW TV. The report mentioned that a key feud MLW is looking to run involves Shotzi and Shoko Nakajima. Back in April, Nakajima captured the MLW World Featherweight Championship. Time will tell if Nakajima will still have the gold by the time she begins her rivalry with Shotzi. Advertisement Many fans were initially confused over the fact that Shotzi is free to take bookings, while other released WWE stars must wait for their non-compete clause to expire. Shotzi can return to action sooner because she wasn't fired; rather, her contract isn't being renewed. That means Shotzi isn't under a non-compete clause. Related: 3 Things to Expect From 'WWE Raw' Tonight Following 'Backlash 2025'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MLW Teases Shotzi Blackheart's Debut
Consider this a warning shot — Shotzi Blackheart is coming to MLW. MLW aired a teaser promo during its 2025 Azteca Lucha event. The video clearly references Shotzi's arrival in the promotion, with multiple references to her persona. Advertisement 'The warning SHOTZ will be fired,' reads the screen, which features green text and a tank in the background. 'June 26 Hearts turn black' the video showed, before confirming June 26 as the date for MLW Summer of the Beasts in New York City. Shotzi recently confirmed her WWE tenure was coming to an end. She is still under contract for a bit of time, but WWE will not renew her contract and she will be a free agent. Shotzi also shared that 'come July I will be full time balls to the walls!' and shared her booking info. Shotzi had been with WWE since November 2019. She debuted as 'Shotzi Blackheart,' the same name she used on the indies. Her name was later shortened to the mononym 'Shotzi' when she debuted on the SmackDown roster in 2021. Now that she is free of WWE, she will be returning to using the 'Blackheart' surname. Advertisement Shotzi is a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion. She also won NXT's Breakout Star of the Year Award in 2020. The 'Ballsy Badass' apparently saw the 'writing on the wall' regarding her WWE status and prepared a hype video declaring she was 'back.' News of her WWE departure broke a short time later. Read More: Reported Details Behind Dakota Kai's WWE Release The post MLW Teases Shotzi Blackheart's Debut appeared first on Wrestlezone.
Newsweek
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Set For In-Ring Return
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Former WWE Superstar Shotzi is returning to the squared circle, with Major League Wrestling (MLW) strongly hinting at her arrival for their upcoming "Summer of the Beasts" event. This comes shortly after news of Shotzi's confirmed departure from WWE became public earlier this month. The tease occurred during a recent MLW Azteca Lucha broadcast, where a compelling vignette aired to promote the "Summer of the Beasts" event. The show is scheduled for June 26, 2025, and will emanate from the Melrose Ballroom in New York City. The promotional video clearly indicated Shotzi's impending MLW debut. Alongside striking visuals that included a tank graphic synonymous with her persona, on-screen text declared: "June 26. Hearts Turn Black. The Warning SHOTZ Will Be Fired." This announcement aligns perfectly with Shotzi's recent statements to her fanbase. Following the news of her WWE contract not being renewed, she had assured her supporters that they would indeed "be seeing her soon." Shotzi's WWE tenure is set to conclude, with reports in early May 2025 confirming that the company would not renew her contract. Her full free agency is anticipated to commence in July 2025. Her scheduled MLW appearance on June 26 thus marks one of her first prominent announced bookings in the post-WWE landscape. This move signals Major League Wrestling's keen interest in quickly featuring the popular and energetic performer. Shotzi cultivated a strong connection with fans during her WWE run. Her unique presentation and fearless in-ring style made her a memorable standout. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany. COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 07: A WWE Logo at the WWE Live Tryout at the Motorworld on November 7, 2018 in Cologne, Germany. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation During her time with WWE, primarily in the NXT brand, Shotzi achieved notable success. She memorably held the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Ember Moon, showcasing her tag team prowess. She later transitioned to the main roster, appearing on SmackDown, where she was involved in several storylines, including a notable feud with Damage CTRL. Her unique character always promised an element of unpredictability. Wrestling enthusiasts will undoubtedly be eager to see Shotzi "ride again" and unleash her distinctive style within the MLW environment. The prospect of new matchups and creative directions is sure to generate excitement. This MLW debut offers Shotzi a significant platform to embark on a new chapter and make an immediate statement. For MLW, her arrival brings added star power and considerable buzz to their women's division and the "Summer of the Beasts" supercard. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Fox News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
MLW star Matt Riddle on recent pro wrestling departures: 'When one door shuts, another opens'
Major League Wrestling (MLW) star Matt Riddle offered a sunny realization for pro wrestlers amid recent high-profile departures that took place last week. WWE parted ways with the superstars known as Braun Strowman, Dakota Kai, Shayna Baszler, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Cora Jade, Gigi Dolan, Riley Osborne, Eddy Thorpe, Jakara Jackson, Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolfgang, Oro Mensah and Javier Bernal, according multiple reports. Fightful Select noted that departures were not outright releases but rather the decision not to renew contracts. Riddle was also a WWE release, parting ways with the company in September 2023. He has since performed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and has made an indelible mark on MLW by becoming the world heavyweight champion to start the year. He told Fox News Digital that having the opportunity to perform at a high level elsewhere turned out to be a "blessing." "It depends on what you do when you get fired. It's always unfortunate when people lose their jobs, but at the end of the day, for some of us, say for me, for example, it was a blessing," Riddle said. "Sometimes, you just need the right push. Sometimes you need somebody to shut a door on you so another can open. And that's not to say that everyone that's been released, and that's not just pro wrestling, that's any profession. "Trust me, it might seem like it's over, or it sucks, but when one door shuts, another opens. Even when I got fired from UFC back in the day, to then come where I did in professional wrestling, and even to now where I'm at today. I got fired over a year or so ago, but I've held eight different championships, and I was able to recapture the one championship I was never able to win, and that was the MLW Heavyweight Championship. "Sometimes getting fired is a blessing in disguise." Riddle returned to MLW at Kings of Colosseum in 2024 and won Battle Riot VI that year. In January at Kings of Colosseum, he defeated Satoshi Kojima for the World Heavyweight Championship. He then successfully defended it in a triple-threat match against Kojima and Alex Kane and then against 39 other men in Battle Riot VII. On Saturday, he'll face Donovan Dijak in a title defense at Azteca Lucha in Chicago. The event takes place at Cicero Stadium and can be seen on YouTube at 10 p.m. ET. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Fox News
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Banged up Matt Riddle ready to defend MLW world title against Donovan Dijak at Azteca Lucha
Matt Riddle will walk into Major League Wrestling's (MLW) Azteca Lucha pay-per-view Saturday night banged up when he takes on Donovan Dijak for the world title. Riddle has held the MLW world heavyweight championship belt for nearly four months after he defeated Satoshi Kojima at Kings of Colosseum. Since then, he's defeated Kojima and Alex Kane at SuperFight 6 and won the Battle Riot match last month to hold onto the title. Dijak may be Riddle's toughest challenge yet. He's yet to be pinned or submitted since he made his MLW debut last year. He lost to Riddle at MLW's One Shot in December via disqualification. He made quick friends with manager Saint Laurent and found a new ally in Bishop Dyer when he made his debut at Battle Riot last month. Riddle told Fox News Digital he's aware of the challenges he faces, but it's part of the burden of being the top guy in the company. "At the end of the day, it's kind of like motivation. Sometimes, when you're just one-on-one with somebody, you kind of drop your guard," Riddle said. "Unfortunately for me, it's never a one-on-one situation, even when it's supposed to be. It's just another day for the bro. It's just another day for the MLW heavyweight champion of the world. "I think I'm ready. After winning the Battle Riot and having 39 other competitors, including (Rob Van Dam) there and still walking away … MLW world heavyweight champion, I'm confident, but not too confident, that I know what I have to do to get the job done." Riddle will enter the match with some busted ribs he sustained in a steel chair assault from Dijak. Riddle still vowed to defend the title. "The ribs are a little banged up," Riddle said. "But that's bound to happen in this line of work. I think the important part is that Dijak is the one responsible for injuring my ribs. He'll probably be trying to target them in this world title match in Chicago. "I'm looking out for that, but, at the same time, I've been doing some sit-ups. I've been trying to keep the abs tight." Austin Aries is expected to be on the call for the event. He returned to MLW on the mic at Battle Riot. He shared his thoughts on the match with Fox News Digital. "I know as good as anybody to win the championship is difficult, but to keep the championship is even more difficult because now you're a marked man, everyone's coming for you, everyone's gunning for you," Aries said. "And, on top of that, you're being asked to do media, you're getting asked to be the face of the company. It's a heavy burden to carry, and Riddle's been carrying for a while. "If there's anyone that's going to take the championship off of them and if at any point it's gonna happen, Chicago coming up here on May 10 very well could be that day." Azteca Lucha is set for Saturday at Cicero Stadium in Chicago. The event can be seen on YouTube. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
