MLW Saturday Night SuperFight delivers a new champion and plenty of drama

Major League Wrestling’s first pay-per-view of the year lived up to its “Choose Violence” tagline. Saturday Night SuperFight brought a mix of established names and newer arrivals to Cicero Stadium in Chicago, with one match in particular reshaping the company’s outlook heading into 2027.

Josh Bishop claims the MLW world title

Josh Bishop had promised he wouldn’t succumb to Killer Kross’ sleeperhold or stay down for a 10-count. He kept his word, winning their Last Man Standing match to become MLW World Heavyweight Champion.

Both men were battered by the end. Bishop, already covered in blood, used it to smear a table before driving Kross through it with Exit 187. Kross struggled back to his feet and grabbed a chair for support, but Bishop kicked it away. The referee counted to 10, sealing the victory.

Kross had started the year as champion after winning Battle Riot VIII. Bishop’s road to the belt was a rough one, and now he has a claim to being the company’s next standard-bearer.

Aries retains after a time-limit battle with Riddle

Austin Aries and Matt Riddle put on one of the night’s standout performances, with Riddle challenging Aries for the MLW National Openweight Championship.

The match began with the two locked together for several minutes, circling around the arena before finally separating. Riddle later hit a cutter on Aries atop the championship belt, which Aries had been ready to use as a weapon while the referee was down. Aries grabbed the ropes just before the three-count.

With five minutes left in the 30-minute limit, Aries tried to run down the clock. The two traded punches and slaps, then Riddle landed another cutter. He went for the cover, but time expired before the referee could count to three.

The Chicago crowd called for overtime. Aries took the microphone and refused, saying he wouldn’t give the audience, Riddle or MLW extra time just because they wanted it. Riddle answered with a backfist that knocked Aries out, then celebrated with the title. Aries retained, though Riddle had the final moment.

Blanchard makes an immediate impression

Tessa Blanchard made her long-awaited MLW debut against Keyra. The fast-moving match had a strong lucha libre feel, and Keyra briefly took control, working to stop Blanchard from building momentum.

Blanchard turned things around with a thrust kick and a DDT to secure the win. The debut also put the rest of the women’s division on notice. MLW Women’s World Champion Shotzi Blackheart has plenty of challengers in the mix, including Scarlett Bordeaux, Zamaya and Masha. Blanchard has made a strong start, at least.

Tsuji defeats Trevor Lee

Trevor Lee challenged IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji to show he could compete with the best in the business. Lee landed several Collision Courses, but couldn’t keep Tsuji down.

Lee went for a risky move from the top rope and was caught. Tsuji followed with a spear for a two-count, then waited in the corner before charging in with the Gene Blaster to finish the match.

Lee showed he could hang with an elite opponent, even if Saturday wasn’t his night.

Other results

• Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows defeated Mark Coffey and Joe Coffey in a Chicago Street Fight to retain the MLW Tag Team Championship.
• Masha defeated Zamaya in a singles match.
• Ultimo Guerrero defeated Templario and Titan in a triple-threat match.