Major League Wrestling founder and promoter Court Bauer teased a new cross-promotional initiative with New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL during MLW Saturday Night SuperFight, telling the crowd that the three companies are developing a “very special project” set for 2027.
According to Fightful and 411Mania, Bauer made the announcement after introducing NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi, who was brought out for what Bauer described as “a very special reason.” Bauer then thanked both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL for their existing partnerships with MLW before revealing that the three promotions were working together on an upcoming venture.
Specific details of the project, including its format, timing beyond the 2027 target, and the wrestlers or events that might be involved, were not disclosed during the segment. Both Fightful and 411Mania reported the tease in near-identical terms, with neither outlet indicating that Bauer offered further elaboration on the show.
Building on Existing Ties
MLW has maintained working relationships with both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and CMLL for several years, a history Bauer referenced directly when thanking the two promotions on stage. Those partnerships have previously allowed for talent exchanges and crossover storylines between the companies, and Bauer’s framing of the new venture as a continuation of that cooperation suggests it is intended to build on established lines of communication rather than mark an entirely new relationship.
The presence of Sugabayashi at a live MLW event adds weight to the announcement, signaling that New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s leadership is personally invested in whatever comes next. His appearance alongside Bauer’s remarks about CMLL points to a three-way initiative rather than a bilateral deal between just two of the promotions.
No further specifics, such as a title shot, tournament, or television deal tied to the project, were confirmed by either source. Fans and industry observers will likely be watching for additional details from MLW, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, or CMLL as 2027 approaches, though as of this report, the scope of the collaboration remains limited to Bauer’s on-stage tease.
