Earlier tonight, Major League Wrestling sent out a press release explaining the partnership:
MLW / CMLL / NJPW UNITE FOR LANDMARK STRATEGIC ALLIANCE
(NEW YORK / MEXICO / TOKYO) — Major League Wrestling (“MLW”), Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (“CMLL”) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (“NJPW”) today announced the formation of a landmark strategic alliance.
The three world class organizations will unite for a variety of crossover collaborations, commencing this October. The strategic alliance creates the ultimate stage for each organization to showcase their signature fighting styles and athletes.
“It’s a privilege and honor to forge an alliance with CMLL and work with Mr. Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli and his team while expanding MLW’s relationship with New Japan to create an extraordinary collaboration,” said MLW CEO and Founder Court Bauer. “I wish to thank Mr. Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli, Mr. Naoki Sugabayashi, Mr. Takami Ohbari and Rocky Romero for building the foundation for this opportunity. We look forward to showcasing the extraordinary athletes from Mexico, Japan, and America for fans worldwide.”
Celebrating its 90th anniversary earlier this month, CMLL is recognized as the premier lucha libre organization in the world. Introducing lucha libre to Mexico on September 21, 1933, CMLL, originally known as EMLL, is a sports and cultural institution, with the famous Arena Mexico hosting some of Mexico’s most iconic matches and becoming the unrivaled leader in lucha libre. Recognized for its rich tradition and celebrated for its unmatched excellence, CMLL is synonymous with lucha libre in Mexico and around the world.
Founded January 13, 1972, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is the largest and longest-running professional wrestling promotion in Japan. Defining the term fighting spirit, NJPW is heralded as the King of Sports. Promoting marquee events, such as Wrestle Kingdom and the brilliant G1 CLIMAX tournament, NJPW is the gold standard. In 2009, NJPW and CMLL formed an alliance highlighted by the crossover of each roster as well as touring events. In 2019, NJPW established its US based subsidiary, New Japan Pro-Wrestling of America. NJPW is acknowledged for its growing footprint as a preeminent wrestling promotion around the world.
Major League Wrestling debuted June 15, 2002, presenting a variety of wrestling styles in its matches. MLW is recognized for featuring some of the sport’s most storied wrestling families, today’s top ranked wrestlers and the next generation of world class fighters. MLW programming is broadcast in 60+ countries worldwide, including MLW Fusion on beIN Sports in the U.S. and on Ayozat TV on SKY in the United Kingdom. MLW premium live events stream exclusively on FITE+.
Fightful Select later shared more details behind the partnership:
More on MLW/NJPW/CMLL
MLW, New Japan Pro Wrestling and AAA have announced a strategic alliance, and Fightful Select has more news on it.
CMLL Informa broke the news today, but Fightful Select has confirmed that discussions started in early July between the three groups. The partnership will launch in October.
MLW adjusted its roster to alight with CMLL, which means that they will not use any AAA talent. This is the reason why talent like Sam Adonis finished up with Major League Wrestling in recent months.
Those that we’ve spoken to say there will be a steady flow of talent between the three groups. MLW is looking to get a big refresh of lucha talent in 2024, including a lot of CMLL talent heading over. New Japan Pro Wrestling crossover will get bigger as they get into the new year.
Salina De La Renta, who recently returned to MLW, will be a central figure in storylines that involve MLW and CMLL.
Salina DeLa Renta returned, noting that she’s going to be an agent for as well as bringing new talent in.
A few weeks ago, Major League Wrestling announced a partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling, starting with an appearance by Kushida on the September 3rd Fury Road Event. (starting at the 30:00 mark of this video).
The company has also booked Minoru Suzuki versus Jacob Fatu for an upcoming bout on Saturday, October 14th at the MLW Slaughterhouse PPV.
Check out MLW at one of the channels below: MLW programming is broadcast in 60+ countries worldwide, including MLW Fusion on beIN Sports in the U.S. and on Ayozat TV on SKY in the United Kingdom. MLW premium live events stream exclusively on FITE+.
Follow Gerard at @BearDown316 on Twitter
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