Don’t Sleep on Major League Wrestling
After seeing MLW in Philadelphia, I understand why fans keep coming back
Major League Wrestling may not be on every wrestling fan’s radar, but it should be. The promotion offers a polished live presentation, recognizable names, strong international talent and storylines that are easy to follow without watching every week.
I attended the first night of MLW’s return to Philadelphia on June 12. It was my first MLW show, and I came away impressed with what the company presented.
The production quality was excellent. The lighting, video screens, entrances and other production elements made the show feel important while still fitting the atmosphere of the 2300 Arena. Everything looked polished without taking attention away from the wrestling.
The wrestling was good, and the storylines were easy to understand. I had not been following MLW regularly before the event, but I never felt lost. The wrestlers and the production established the rivalries and explained why the matches mattered without requiring fans to know everything that had happened before that night.
The show featured several recognizable names, including MLW World Heavyweight Champion Killer Kross with Scarlett Bordeaux, Shotzi Blackheart, Donovan Dijak, Matt Riddle, Austin Aries, Saya Kamitani, Rina, Templario, Soberano Jr., Trevor Lee, Lady Frost, Big Damo, Mark Coffey, Joe Coffey and Wolfgang.
Other wrestlers appearing included Andrew Everett, Beastman, Brick Savage, Diego Hill, Josh Bishop, JUMBO, LaBron Kozone, Love Doug, Oddyssey, Okumura, Rich Moya, Tiara James and Zamaya. The lineup gave fans a mix of established names, international talent and wrestlers they may not have seen before.
MLW held an event in New York City the previous night before beginning its two-night stay in Philadelphia. The company sold out all three events that week.
Philadelphia was not a new market for MLW. The company was founded in Philadelphia in 2002, and its first event, Genesis, was held at the 2300 Arena that June. The June 2026 weekend brought MLW back to a building and city that have been part of its history from the beginning.
This was the best show I have attended at the 2300 Arena so far. That is still a small sample, but MLW set a high standard. The show looked great, moved at a good pace and offered plenty of variety without becoming difficult to follow.
I will definitely attend another MLW show when I have the opportunity. I would also encourage other wrestling fans to give the company a chance when it comes to their area.
MLW currently has three more U.S. events announced for 2026. Fightland will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, at Festival Hall in Charleston, South Carolina. Slaughterhouse will bring the company back to the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday, Oct. 3. MLW will then return to Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois, on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The Charleston and Philadelphia events continue MLW’s relationship with Danny McBride’s Don Gato Tequila. Don Gato was also part of MLW’s presentation during the company’s June weekend in Philadelphia.
MLW has already held U.S. events this year in Kissimmee, Florida; Cicero; Charleston; New York City; and Philadelphia. Those dates included Battle Riot VIII in Kissimmee, Lucha Apocalypto in Cicero, CMLL Fantastica Mania USA in Charleston and the three-night New York City and Philadelphia run in June.
Fans who cannot attend an event can follow MLW without paying for another wrestling streaming subscription. New episodes of MLW Fusion become available free on the company’s official YouTube channel every Saturday at 6:05 p.m. Eastern. Fusion is also available through VEEPS.
After seeing MLW in person, I understand why fans have been turning out for its shows. The live presentation was among the best I have seen outside the major national promotions, and the free streaming options make it easy to become familiar with the wrestlers and storylines before attending.
Watch MLW on YouTube or VEEPS. When the company comes to a city near you, go see it live.