Alex Hammerstone asks for MLW release
Added 2023-10-28 19:05:22 +0000 UTCAlex Hammerstone has asked for his release from MLW.
Fightful Select has learned that the relationship between Hammerstone, a fixture in MLW, and the company itself has become frayed. Hammerstone asked for his release, and we’re told as of now, MLW does not intend to grant it. Hammerstone’s deal with the company goes until the end of 2025. We’re told that Hammerstone hasn’t been told himself that the release was granted or denied.
We’re told that there had been communication between the two sides earlier this year and a buyout was brought up, and Hammerstone had said that he wanted to leave the company. From the company’s perspective, Hammerstone’s motivation decreased when he was booked to lose the world title to Alex Kane earlier this year.
As of this moment, Hammerstone is under contract to MLW, but noticeably was not featured on their most recent roster page update.
Hammerstone is on a monthly guarantee, which also adds pay per event. Sources in MLW claimed that there were some issues with their September event, when Hammerstone asked for the show off for a prior obligation. That was granted, and the money that would have been allocated to Hammerstone was used elsewhere. However MLW sources claimed that Hammerstone became available, but the budget wasn’t there to add him to the show.
MLW wants to retain Hammerstone, and we’re told MSL has been in contact with him. Hammerstone had indicated to MLW that he felt burned out there earlier this year, and from MLW’s perspective, they had built much of their company around him and wanted to keep their investment and a top star.
As of now, they’ve reached an impasse. Hammerstone hasn’t worked for the company since July and is not currently booked on any shows for the company.
Comments
The issue is really that MLW has floundered. Not all their fault, but definitely some. The fact that they can’t grow past Philly leaves MLW pandering to more of a specific taste which is not YBHs specialty. Hammer is a big talent with big appeal. Hopefully his prime years don’t slip away in this back and forth
Carterman
2023-10-29 12:00:50 +0000 UTCI have been waiting for him to hit a big stage for yearssss
Keith
2023-10-29 05:16:36 +0000 UTCWell i guess having a longer term contract provides some stability and certainty but at the same time your development could outpace your pay and better oportunities could present themselves. Its a tough call and a bit of a gamble either way.
e d
2023-10-29 04:02:06 +0000 UTCHe would be huge as the badass gaijin in NJPW
Andreas Bryhn
2023-10-28 23:32:49 +0000 UTCI'm almost surprised that people sign for so long with small companies. Seems restrictive and can't pay well?
Alex KP
2023-10-28 20:33:00 +0000 UTCDamm sucks to hear they won’t grant it and he’s locked down for that long still. Huge fan of the dude and hope that some deal can be made cause I want to see that dude flourish
M
2023-10-28 19:41:44 +0000 UTCNot shocking. Losing to Alex Kane, who is a still green in certain areas in ring and on the mic, is a morale downer.
Dave Nguyen
2023-10-28 19:17:59 +0000 UTCGranted. I’m looking a step or two ahead.
Magan Yusuf
2023-10-28 19:13:39 +0000 UTCWell he is under contract he isnt “free”.
Scott Newcomb
2023-10-28 19:13:14 +0000 UTCThe free agent market is getting intense lately.
Magan Yusuf
2023-10-28 19:12:04 +0000 UTCCan't blame him, he's done everything he can for MLW and he's in his prime and a ready made TV caliber performer. He could be really good at any promotion - AEW would be about finding consistent TV time and WWE would be about if HHH takes a liking. I think if he went to TNA, Hammerstone would be the champ in less than a year and NJPW he would really stand out and be fun.
Chris Kessler
2023-10-28 19:10:30 +0000 UTCI’m surprised but not surprised to see his name. I thought him and another big name would’ve been long gone
Michael Jones
2023-10-28 19:09:42 +0000 UTC
