MLW Owner Court Bauer Talks One Shot, NJPW, Hammerstone, More

The owner and CEO of MLW, Court Bauer, joined Fightful Select for an exclusive interview ahead of MLW’s One Shot PPV on Thursday, December 7th.

Bauer and Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp discussed numerous topics. Bauer said, “The Melrose Ballroom is an important venue regarding MLW’s history.

Sean asked Bauer about the benefits of running a show on Thursdays instead of a different night. Bauer told us, “It worked well for them from a production standpoint.” Bauer says it also works well when working with other promotions.

Bauer spoke about the WTF. Bauer says he tends to book “heat.”  He looked at WTF (World Titan Federation) from a nostalgic aspect. Bauer says he hopes it works with younger wrestlers and the veterans.

Bauer told us how Hammerstone was an MLW “Franchise” guy and mentioned looking at 2024 as a first-day approach for the company. Bauer says it was important for MLW and Hammerstone to reconcile. He used CM Punk as an example of how companies and talent can unite. Bauer discussed the send-off with MJF from a few years ago as an example of how things can go well when talent decides to leave. Court said he has a few more surprises left.

Bauer spoke about MLW’s Forbidden Door and how they have a deal with CMLL and NJPW. He talked about doing Supershow. Court says his philosophy has changed because of the Ric Flair Tribute show in 2022. You had different companies working together, and he used the MLW vs. IMPACT match. Court spoke about how Rocky Romero was instrumental in MLW’s relationship with NJPW and CMLL. He said

He mentioned MLW’s Alex Kane and said he knew on day one that Kane would be worth an investment. Bauer also mentioned that Kane is great and makes life easier for him. Bauer says that Kane is the locker room leader of MLW.

He added that he will have water available for Matt Cardona and the crew. He says it’s essential to take care of your roster and crew.

Bauer mentioned he had been a fan of Ricky Shane Page before signing him. Bauer says Page was open to collaborating with them, and that’s how The Calling was formed.

Bauer says he spends about 85% of the time speaking with Lawyers regarding the WWE lawsuit.

Bauer said he doesn’t know if Battle Riot would be what it is without him working with WWE Hall of Famer Pat Patterson. He added that being in the room with Patterson was like being in a master class. He mentioned that he and Dusty Rhodes worked with Patterson on the 2006 Royal Rumble that Rey Mysterio won.

Court says he sees Jenai Kae having a great 2024. Bauer says it is a privilege to have her on the roster. Bauer mentioned that the women’s division will be a priority for MLW in 2024.

Before the interview ended, Bauer announced that MLW would have a show on Christmas Eve called Holiday Rush, featuring PPV quality matches and more.