War Chamber (2024)

Last updated
War Chamber (2024)
MLW War Chamber 2024.jpg
Promotional poster of the event
Promotion Major League Wrestling
DateMarch 29, 2024
City St. Petersburg, Florida
VenueThe Coliseum
Event chronology
 Previous
Intimidation Games
Next 
Azteca Lucha
War Chamber chronology
 Previous
2023
Next 

War Chamber (2024) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It took place on March 29, 2024, at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida, and was streamed live on Triller TV. It was the fourth event under the War Chamber chronology, the first War Chamber event to air live, and the first MLW event since WarGames in 2018 to have a version of the WarGames match contested inside a two-ring steel cage.

Contents

Additional matches were taped for MLW's "War Chamber II" special, which aired on BeIN Sports USA and MLW's YouTube channel on April 20, 2024.

Production

Background

The first War Chamber event was held on September 7, 2019, as replacement for MLW WarGames, which was discontinued after WWE acquired the rights to the trademark of the namesake WarGames match. [1] On January 2, 2024, MLW announced that it would be holding War Chamber on March 29, 2024, at The Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida. [2] [3]

Storylines

The card will consist of matches that result from scripted storylines, where wrestlers portray villains, heroes, or less distinguishable characters in scripted events that built tension and culminate in a wrestling match or series of matches, with results predetermined by MLW's writers. Storylines are played out across the league's social media platforms. [4]

Per MLW's "Open Door Policy," several free agents will appear at the event. Names include former World Wonder Ring Stardom wrestler Unagi Sayaka [5] and New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Kosei Fujita. [6]

War Chamber

For nearly a year, Mister Saint Laurent, former MLW color commentator and Vice President of Operations, had been trying to take over the promotion with his "World Titan Federation" (WTF) stable. MSL would lure away wrestlers such as Davey Boy Smith Jr., Tom Lawlor, Alexander Hammerstone, and Richard Holliday, as well as bring in former WWE stars like Matt Cardona and A. J. Franci$, in his attempts to undermine the company. These attempts included winning the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, but Cardona and Holliday would fail to take the title from then-champion Alex Kane at One Shot and Kings of Colosseum, respectively. During a media event in New York on March 4, MSL, Franci$, Lawlor, Holliday, and Brett Ryan Gosselin attacked the current champion, Satoshi Kojima, stealing the new version of the title belt that MLW CEO Court Bauer and Kane were to present to him. Kojima would suffer an ACL injury during the attack. [7] In response, MLW announced a two-ring War Chamber match on their website, pitting Team MLW (represented by CozyMax (Kojima and Shigeo Okumura) and The Second Gear Crew (Matthew Justice and 1 Called Manders)) against WTF (MLW World Tag Team Champions Lawlor and Smith, Holliday, and Josh Bishop). [8]

Over a year ago, Raven returned to MLW as the leader of "The Calling," a stable that had been attacking the MLW roster members for months, leaving only a calling card with the initials "AO." [9] Among the members were Rickey Shane Page and Akira, who would win the MLW National Openweight Championship and MLW World Middleweight Championship respectively, as well as the MLW World Tag Team Championship together. While Raven was away, Page began to assert more power, and tensions between himself and Akira began after the latter lost his championship at MLW Slaughterhouse. After losing the tag titles at Fightland the following month, Akira was expelled from The Calling by Page. [10] Since then, Akira would unsuccessfully challenge Page for the National Openweight Championship on multiple occasions. At Kings of Colosseum, Akira lost a Taipei Deathmatch due to interference from a returning Sami Callihan, who became The Calling's newest member. [11] At SuperFight, after Akira was defeated by Callihan in a Death Machine Rules match, The Calling would attack Akira before Raven returned to save him. [12] Raven and Akira would later be joined by Jake Crist, a former stablemate of Ohio Versus Everything with Callihan. Christ would challenge Page for his title during "The Burning Crush" special, which aired on February 17, in a losing effort. [13] At Intimidation Games, Page and Callihan defeated Akira and Crist in a New York City Street Fight. The rest of The Calling would attack Akira and Crist before Jimmy Lloyd saved them. Raven then appeared on the video wall, accusing Page of stealing the name of The Calling from him, while calling his new group "The Response." [14] MLW would soon announce a War Chamber match between The Calling (Page, Callihan, Cannonball, and Talon) and The Response (Raven, Akira, Crist, and Lloyd) for the TV taping portion of the event. [15]

Other matches

During The Burning Crush, A. J. Franci$ via vignette interrupted a promo by Alex Kane to announce that he has joined the World Titan Federation and that would be coming to Intimidation Games. Franci$ would claim that he's already done everything for black people in pro wrestling that Kane has done, and that he can take Kane's Bomaye Fight Club to a new level. [13] At Intimidation Games, Franci$ appeared in-person on the entrance stage after Kane's match to taunt the latter, saying that many in the Bomaye Fight Club aren't as loyal as Kane thinks they are. [14] Franci$ was also with promoter Mister Saint Laurent when WTF attacked Satoshi Kojima during the New York media event on March 4; immediately getting into a brawl with Kane. [7] Ten days later, MLW announced a match between Kane and Franci$ for War Chamber. [16]

As part of the ongoing war between Salina de la Renta's Promociones Dorado and Cesar Duran's Azteca Lucha, the former has enlisted Star Jr. to compete at War Chamber against a mystery opponent selected by Duran, later revealed on MLW.com to be Virus, during the TV taping portion of the show. [17] On March 19, MLW.com reported that Duran also has an offer for de la Renta, which he will reveal at the event. [18]

Results

War Chamber
No.Results [19] StipulationsTimes [20]
1 Janai Kai (c) (with Salina de la Renta) defeated Unagi Sayaka by pinfall Singles match for the MLW World Women's Featherweight Championship [21] 7:14
2 A. J. Franci$ (with Mister Saint Laurent) defeated Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas) by pinfall Singles match [16] 7:02
3 Mads Krule Krügger (with Sentai Death Squad) defeated Brian Brock by pinfall Singles match [22] 3:43
4 Bad Dude Tito (with Salina de la Renta) defeated Richard Adonis by pinfall Singles match 0:46
5 Matt Riddle (c) defeated Kosei Fujita by pinfall Singles match for the NJPW World Television Championship [23] 7:03
6 Team MLW (The Second Gear Crew (Matthew Justice and 1 Called Manders) and (CozyMax (Shigeo Okumura and Satoshi Kojima)) (with Bill Alfonso) defeated World Titan Federation (Tom Lawlor, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Richard Holliday, and Josh Bishop) (with Mister Saint Laurent) by pinfall War Chamber match [8] 24:36
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
War Chamber II (April 20)
No.ResultsStipulationsTimes [24]
1 Star Jr. (with Salina de la Renta) defeated Virus (with Cesar Duran) by submission Singles match [25] 6:58
2Brett Ryan Gosselin (with Mister Saint Laurent) defeated Budd Heavy by pinfall Singles match 0:41
3World Titan Federation (Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Tom Lawlor) (c) (with Mister Saint Laurent) defeated The Bomaye Fight Club (Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas) by pinfall Tag team match for the MLW World Tag Team Championship 5:03
4Zayda defeated Sofi Castillo by pinfall Singles match [26] 5:48
5 Matt Riddle defeated Timothy Thatcher by pinfall Singles match [27] 11:09
6 Satoshi Kojima (c) defeated Bad Dude Tito (with Salina de la Renta) by pinfall Singles match for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship [28] 5:48
7Death Fighters (Raven, Jake Crist, Jimmy Lloyd and Akira) defeated The Calling (Rickey Shane Page, Sami Callihan, Cannonball, and Dr. Cornwallis) by submission War Chamber match [15] 23:58
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sami Callihan</span> American professional wrestler

Samuel Alton Johnston, better known by the ring name Sami Callihan, is an American professional wrestler and promoter, currently making appearances for Major League Wrestling (MLW) and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is a former Impact World Champion. He previously wrestled for Lucha Underground under the ring names Jeremiah Crane, and later, Jeremiah Snake, and on the independent circuit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLW World Heavyweight Championship</span> Professional wrestling championship

The MLW World Heavyweight Championship is a world heavyweight championship owned and promoted by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It is the promotion's principal championship. The championship was established on June 15, 2002 at the Genesis and was active until February 10, 2004 after the promotion stopped hosting events. The championship was reactivated in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLW World Tag Team Championship</span> Professional wrestling championship

The MLW World Tag Team Championship is a professional wrestling world tag team championship which is owned by the Major League Wrestling (MLW) promotion. The championship is generally contested in professional wrestling matches, in which participants usually execute scripted finishes rather than contend in direct competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLW World Middleweight Championship</span> Professional wrestling championship

The MLW World Middleweight Championship is a professional wrestling championship created and promoted by the American professional wrestling promotion Major League Wrestling (MLW). The title was unveiled on July 18, 2018, it is contested in MLW's middleweight division by wrestlers at a maximum weight of 205 lb (93 kg). The current champion is Místico, who is in his first reign as champion.

Alex Kane is an American professional wrestler, currently signed to Major League Wrestling where he a former MLW World Champion and a former MLW National Openweight Champion.

Kings of Colosseum (2022) was a professional wrestling supercard event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW), which took place on May 13, 2022, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Say Never (2023)</span> 2023 Major League Wrestling PPV event

Never Say Never (2023) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW) that took place on July 8, 2023, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was the fifth event under the Never Say Never chronology, MLW's first event to be aired live since 2019, and their first live special produced for FITE+ subscribers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">War Chamber (2023)</span> Major League Wrestling event

War Chamber (2023) was a professional wrestling supercard event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW), which took place on April 6, 2023, at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. It was the third event under the War Chamber chronology, and featured the opening of the 2023 Opera Cup.

Alexander James Atkisson, known by his ring name Akira, is an American professional wrestler. He is currently signed to Major League Wrestling, where he is a former MLW World Tag Team Champion and a former MLW World Middleweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLW Slaughterhouse</span> 2023 Major League Wrestling event

MLW Slaughterhouse was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW), which took place on October 14, 2023, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was MLW's third live special produced for FITE, with additional matches being taped for future episodes of MLW Fusion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fightland (2023)</span> 2023 Major League Wrestling event

Fightland (2023) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It took place on November 18, 2023, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was the fifth event under the Fightland chronology. The event streamed live on FITE, with additional matches taped for future episodes of MLW Fusion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">One Shot (2023)</span> 2023 Major League Wrestling event

One Shot (2023) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It took place on December 7, 2023, at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York, and streamed live on FITE. It was the second event under the One Shot chronology, and first since 2017.

Battle Riot VI is an upcoming professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW), which will take place on June 1, 2024, at the Center Stage in Atlanta, Georgia. It will be the sixth event under the Battle Riot chronology and the first to air live since Battle Riot II in 2019. The event will be streamed on MLW's YouTube channel, while additional matches will be taped for the upcoming new season of MLW Fusion on BeIN Sports USA. The event will feature the MLW in-ring debuts of actor Paul Walter Hauser and YouTuber Chris Danger.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kings of Colosseum (2024)</span> 2024 Major League Wrestling event

Kings of Colosseum (2024) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It took place on January 6, 2024, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and streamed live on Triller TV. It was the fourth event under the Kings of Colosseum chronology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SuperFight (2024)</span> 2024 Major League Wrestling event

SuperFight (2024) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It took place on February 3, 2024, at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was streamed live on Triller TV. It was the fourth event under the SuperFight chronology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Intimidation Games (2024)</span> 2024 Major League Wrestling event

Intimidation Games (2024) was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW). It took place on February 29, 2024, at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York, and streamed live on Triller TV. It was the fourth event under the Intimidation Games chronology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MLW Azteca Lucha</span> 2024 Major League Wrestling event

MLW Azteca Lucha was a professional wrestling event produced by Major League Wrestling (MLW), which took place on May 11, 2024, at the Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois. It was the third event under the MLW Azteca chronology and streamed live on Triller TV. The event featured various wrestlers from partner promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">1 Called Manders</span> American professional wrestler

Steven Manders better known by his ring name 1 Called Manders is an American professional wrestler, currently working for Major League Wrestling (MLW) where he is a former MLW World Tag Team Champion. He is also known for his time with American promotions Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), IWA Mid-South and AAW Wrestling.

References

  1. Mike Johnson (February 15, 2019). "WWE ACQUIRES RIGHTS, TRADEMARK TO WARGAMES FROM MLW". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
  2. Currier, Joseph (January 2, 2024). "MLW returning to Florida for War Chamber 2024". Wrestling Observer.
  3. Lambert, Jeremy (January 2, 2024). "MLW War Chamber Set For March 29". Fightful.
  4. Grabianowski, Ed (13 January 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on November 29, 2013. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
  5. "Unagi Sayaka makes debut in Tampa March 29". Major League Wrestling. February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
  6. "NJPW's Kosei Fujita debuts in Tampa 3/29". Major League Wrestling. February 28, 2024. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
  7. 1 2 "Kojima injured after WTF ambush". Major League Wrestling. March 5, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  8. 1 2 "2-ring War Chamber match set for Tampa March 29". Major League Wrestling. March 5, 2024. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  9. "Calling Card Attackers finally REVEALED". Major League Wrestling. March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  10. Manalo Has Pizzazz (November 20, 2023). "MLW Fightland recap & reactions: World champ Alex Kane & Jacob Fatu battle for over 45 minutes". Wrestling Headlines. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  11. Black, Ethan (January 6, 2024). "MLW Kings Of Colosseum Results – January 6, 2024". PW Mania. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  12. Siino, John (February 4, 2024). "MLW SuperFight Results: Alex Kane vs. Satoshi Kojima, Jacob Fatu vs. Yuji Nagata". Post Wrestling. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  13. 1 2 "Burning Crush Recap: Jacob Fatu Fights Mads Krule Krugger In Baklei Brawl". Major League Wrestling. February 18, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  14. 1 2 Black, Matt (February 29, 2024). "MLW Intimidation Games Results – February 29, 2024: Satoshi Kojima Defends Against Minoru Suzuki". wrestlezone.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  15. 1 2 "Raven Returns... Second War Chamber Match Set". Major League Wrestling. March 7, 2024. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  16. 1 2 "AJ Franci$ vs. Alex Kane collide in Tampa 3/29". Major League Wrestling. March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  17. "CMLL's Star Jr. is coming to War Chamber in Tampa". Major League Wrestling. March 6, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  18. "Cesar Duran's offer Salina can't refuse?". Major League Wrestling. March 19, 2024. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
  19. Tessier, Colin (March 29, 2024). "MLW War Chamber 2024 Results (3/29/24): Matt Riddle, War Chamber Match, More". Wrestlezone. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
  20. Vetter, Chris (March 29, 2024). "MLW "War Chamber" results (3/29): Vetter's review of Satoshi Kojima, Matthew Justice, 1 Called Manders, and Okumura vs. Tom Lawlor, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Richard Holliday, and Josh Bishop in a War Chamber match". Pro Wrestling Dot Net.
  21. "Janai Kai vs. Unagi Sayaka title fight set for Tampa 3/29". Major League Wrestling. March 12, 2024. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
  22. "CONTRA's Mads Krule Krugger is coming to War Chamber". Major League Wrestling. March 18, 2024. Retrieved March 18, 2024.
  23. "NJPW Title match added to War Chamber'24 in Tampa". Major League Wrestling. March 22, 2024. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  24. "MLW War Chamber 2024 - Part 2". Cagematch. April 20, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  25. "Star Jr. vs Virus signed for this Friday in Tampa". Major League Wrestling. March 25, 2024. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  26. "Zayda vs. Sofi Castillo signed for Tampa 3/29". Major League Wrestling. March 21, 2024. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
  27. "Matt Riddle vs. Timothy Thatcher in Tampa 3/29". Major League Wrestling. March 11, 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2024.
  28. "Bad Dude Tito Calls out a champion in Tampa this Friday". Major League Wrestling. March 27, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2024.