The wrestling industry is buzzing with several high-profile free agents entering the market. QT Marshall has left AEW to return to wrestling in the ring, while Alex Hammerstone is set to become a free agent in 2024 after negotiating his release from MLW. Shawn Spears' contract with AEW has expired, Deonna Purrazzo has finished her stint with IMPACT/TNA, and Kamille has ended her reign as NWA Women's Champion and her NWA contract. Andrade's AEW deal has also concluded, with rumors of a potential WWE return. Fans are eagerly anticipating where these wrestlers will end up next.
MLW owner Court Bauer praised AEW star MJF for honoring his MLW contract and leaving the promotion in a professional manner. Bauer highlighted MJF's commitment to his deal and his request for a pay raise, which was granted through a handshake agreement. MJF became MLW's highest-paid performer and helped the promotion before his departure by entertaining fans and putting over his fellow wrestlers. Bauer emphasized that MJF's conduct exemplified how to do business the right way.
Satoshi Kojima, the original world heavyweight champion for MLW, is set to make his return to Major League Wrestling after 20 years. Kojima's first match back will be revealed soon, and fans are eagerly anticipating his comeback. Known for his prowess, charisma, and connection with fans, Kojima's previous title fights in MLW solidified the promotion's reputation as a top-tier wrestling organization. Now, he aims to become the first-ever two-time MLW World Heavyweight Champion and continue his legendary legacy in the league.
Lance Anoa'i, who recently left MLW, revealed in an interview that he missed opportunities to appear on WWE television, including the Tribal Court segment on SmackDown. Anoa'i and his family, including Roman Reigns, were unable to participate due to their MLW contracts. Anoa'i expressed his desire to bring exposure to MLW by appearing on WWE TV but was shut down by the promotion. He is now free to potentially join WWE's Bloodline angle with Reigns, Solo Sikoa, and The Usos.
Dolph Ziggler's reputation as a great performer and his impressive resume in WWE have been widely praised following his release. There have also been stories emerging about his behind-the-scenes acts of kindness, such as anonymously bulk ordering from indie wrestlers' merchandise stores during lockdown and making generous donations to those in need. These stories highlight Ziggler as a legend both inside and outside the ring, making him a desirable addition to any locker room.
Former MLW performer and free agent Richard Holliday was reportedly seen backstage at tonight's AEW Collision show. It is unclear if he will be part of the event or discussing a potential deal. Holliday recently returned to in-ring action after being in remission from stage four Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He has a history with AEW World Champion MJF in MLW, where they were part of the stable, The Dynasty.
A federal judge has rejected WWE's bid to dismiss an antitrust suit from rival outfit Major League Wrestling, concluding that WWE could have violated antitrust laws by insisting on exclusivity agreements with media partners. The suit explores WWE's allegedly anticompetitive conduct to box out competitors. MLW sued the Vince McMahon-led company last year for "unlawfully interfering with [its] access to media markets." The complaint is wide-reaching in scope, accusing WWE of tampering with MLW's media deals and barring its employees and venue partners from working with competitors.
