Eric Bischoff, the influential figure behind WCW’s “Monday Night Wars” against WWE in the 1990s, made a resounding return to the world of professional wrestling with a one-night appearance in Major League Wrestling (MLW). His involvement injected a dose of high-octane drama and intrigue into MLW’s event at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York, leaving fans buzzing with excitement and speculation about his future with the company.
Bischoff’s impact was immediate and multifaceted. He orchestrated a match between Matt Riddle and Donovan Dijak, with Riddle’s title shot hanging in the balance. A loss for Riddle would transfer his championship opportunity to Dijak, setting up a potential clash against Satoshi Kojima at MLW’s “Kings of Colosseum” event in 2025. This strategic move instantly raised the stakes and added a layer of suspense to the ongoing championship narrative.
Beyond the title picture, Bischoff further flexed his creative muscles by booking a tag-team match featuring actor Paul Walter Hauser and Matthew Justice against the formidable Rogue Horsemen duo, Brock and CW Anderson. The stipulation added another dimension to the contest, transforming it into a chaotic New York City street fight, much to the delight of the audience.
However, the night’s most unexpected turn of events centered around Alex Kane, “The Suplex Assassin.” After Kane secured a hard-fought victory against Bobby Fish in a UWFI Rules match, Bischoff appeared on the screen, invoking his infamous WCW persona and firing Kane on the spot. This dramatic dismissal ignited a furious outburst from Kane, who unleashed a barrage of suplexes on unsuspecting security guards before being calmed and escorted out by his partner, Mr. Thomas.
The firing of Alex Kane became the undisputed highlight of the evening, a shocking twist that resonated with the crowd. However, the show’s final moments introduced another layer of intrigue, leaving fans with a cliffhanger ending. Bischoff was depicted overlooking the city skyline, engaged in a phone conversation while holding an MLW contract, subtly hinting at a potential deeper involvement with the company.
Bischoff’s return, even if for a single night, had a transformative effect on MLW. His presence injected a palpable sense of excitement and unpredictability into the event, reminding fans of his knack for creating compelling storylines and memorable moments. The open-ended conclusion further fueled speculation about Bischoff’s future role within the company, leaving viewers eager for more.
The overwhelmingly positive response from both the live audience and online wrestling communities signaled a successful gamble for MLW. Bischoff’s involvement generated significant buzz and reinvigorated interest in the promotion. While his long-term commitment remains uncertain, the impact of his one-night return undeniably left a lasting impression, leaving fans clamoring for the next chapter in this unfolding story. Whether Bischoff becomes a permanent fixture in MLW remains to be seen, but his brief appearance has undoubtedly opened up a world of possibilities for the company and its future.
