Major League Wrestling (MLW) has entered 2023 with high expectations, as founder Court Bauer predicted a transformative year for the promotion. The arrival of wrestling legend Eric Bischoff could be the catalyst for that change.
A Legendary Return
Eric Bischoff, the former executive responsible for igniting the “Monday Night Wars” with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s, made a sensational debut in MLW. Known for his innovative creativity and bold decisions, Bischoff was granted a “one shot” to showcase his talents on a recent Thursday night event.
The atmosphere at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York, was electric as Bischoff stepped into the ring. The crowd was eager to see what the wrestling veteran had in store for them.
Exciting Matchups and Surprises
The evening kicked off with Matt Riddle and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor welcoming Bischoff to MLW, setting the stage for an action-packed night. In a bold move, Bischoff booked Riddle to face Donovan Dijak, putting Riddle’s title shot on the line. If Riddle were to lose, Dijak would earn a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship during the upcoming “Kings of Colosseum” event in 2025, where he would challenge Satoshi Kojima.
But that wasn’t all. Bischoff also arranged for Paul Walter Hauser to team up with Matthew Justice in a tag-team match against the Rogue Horsemen duo of Brock and CW Anderson. To the crowd’s delight, the match escalated into a New York City street fight, showcasing the unpredictable nature of Bischoff’s creative influence.
A Shocking Firing
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping moment of the night occurred when Alex Kane confronted Bischoff. Taking jabs at Bischoff’s storied career and his controversial exit from WCW, Kane’s bravado was met with a swift response. After Kane’s impressive victory over Bobby Fish in a UWFI Rules match, Bischoff made a dramatic appearance on the screen, announcing that it wouldn’t be a proper return without firing someone.
In a stunning turn of events, Bischoff let Kane go, prompting a chaotic scene as security attempted to escort “The Suplex Assassin” out of the venue. However, Kane retaliated with a series of suplexes, showing that his explosive persona wasn’t easily subdued.
A Cliffhanger Finale
The night concluded with Bischoff seen gazing at the New York skyline while on the phone, an MLW contract in hand. This intriguing scene left fans speculating about Bischoff’s future with the promotion, as the show came to an end.
A Promising Future?
Eric Bischoff had previously expressed that his return to pro wrestling would depend on the enjoyment of Bauer, the performers, and the fans. Judging by the reactions from the audience in Queens, it’s clear that Bischoff’s impact was felt, leaving many to wonder if he will become a permanent fixture in MLW.
As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, Bischoff’s involvement could signal a new era for Major League Wrestling, making it a promotion to watch in the coming months.
