Sound the trumpets! MLW has announced plans for a comeback.
MLW has been on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. Their last taping was March 13 in Tijuana, and the last new episode of Fusion was May 9. CEO Court Bauer erred on the side of caution to protect the heath of his people, but recent testing breakthroughs have produced hope for a safer environment. MLW even hired a COVID-19 compliance officer.
Bauer announced that MLW will return with closed tapings in October leading to new TV episodes for November, in an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated.
“The hibernation is over,” said Bauer. “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.”
Bauer also teased a possible name change from Fusion to Underground. MLW Underground was the name of their TV series during the first incarnation in 2003. Even if it is temporary, Underground would certainly fit today’s circumstances without fans in attendance. Underground would also mesh well with the current storyline of the Contra Unit’s hostile takeover of MLW operations. If MLW can’t regain possession of their infrastructure, they would have to go underground to air their programming.
Bauer will look to capitalize on what has worked and what hasn’t worked in terms of TV production from wrestling companies currently running shows. He has his eye on a Raging Bull style with lights focused on the ring and the crowd area blacked out.
Talent mentioned to participate in the comeback taping are Jacob Fatu, Tom Lawlor, Alex Hammerstone, Myron Reed, Salina de la Renta, Richard Holliday, Brian Pillman Jr,. and Calvin Tankman. There also may be wrestlers from AAA and New Japan Pro Wrestling. Travel from Japan still looks unlikely, so the names involved may come from NJPW’s US branch who took part in Lion’s Break Collision.
Who’s pumped for the return of MLW? Do you prefer the Fusion name or a rollback to Underground? Which matches are you hoping for in the restart?