Major League Wrestling has added several high-profile wrestlers to its roster in recent years. This year, Tessa Blanchard and Masha Slamovich, who performs in MLW as Masha, brought added attention to the company’s women’s division.
Blanchard, a third-generation wrestler, has repeatedly denied allegations of racism. Slamovich addressed allegations of domestic abuse in September 2025, apologizing for her conduct in what she called a “mutually destructive relationship.”
MLW announced Blanchard’s signing in September, and she was initially expected to appear at Fightland. A delay pushed her debut to Saturday Night SuperFight, scheduled for this weekend at Cicero Stadium in Chicago and airing on Veeps.
MLW owner Court Bauer said the delay was about 60 days. He described the pay-per-view as a strong moment for Blanchard’s arrival and said the wrestler, MLW and CMLL were all pleased with the arrangement.
Bauer said Blanchard had been part of CMLL’s roster and that her move to MLW was a major honor for the company. She had also been expected to feature in MLW’s 2017 relaunch, he said, and had filmed training material for the promotion. The plan fell through at the time, making her upcoming debut nearly a decade in the making.
Bauer has said he believes people can deserve second or even third chances. Asked whether he held a similar view about Slamovich, he said forgiveness was important to him as a Christian, while acknowledging that some people should remain accountable for their actions.
He added that people can make serious mistakes, recognize what they did wrong and gain perspective over time. Bauer said his own past mistakes had been met with further chances, and that without them he might not have reached his current position.
Bauer also argued that public condemnation, particularly on social media, can leave little room for people to change. In his view, responses should allow for nuance: someone may need time away, but that does not necessarily mean they should be permanently rejected. Any possible return, he said, should involve a conversation when the timing is right.
Both Blanchard and Slamovich are scheduled to wrestle at Saturday Night SuperFight. Blanchard will face Keyra, while Slamovich is set to take on Zamaya.
