Matt Riddle NJPW Title Defense Set For This Weekend's MLW NYC Return
Major League Wrestling fans will be in for a special treat this Thursday. The company will have their pay-per-view MLW Intimidation Games at the Melrose Ballroom in New York City, New York.
One of the featured matchups announced had Matt Riddle taking on Big Bad Tito. However, MLW has raised the stakes with Riddle putting his New Japan Pro Wrestling World Television Championship on the line.
A press release from MLW shared that 'The King Of Bros' will have his first title defense against Tito. MLW CEO Court Bauer also acknowledged that the new championship match was possible thanks to the business relationship between MLW and NJPW.
"The alliance between New Japan Pro Wrestling and MLW has resulted in this blockbuster title fight," said Bauer. He continued, "I wish to thank Mr. Naoki Sugabayashi, Mr. Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Mr. Rocky Romero for brokering this title fight and allowing MLW and New York City the honor of hosting this world championship match. This cross-promotional championship clash signifies an era of exciting collaboration and competition in the world of professional wrestling."
Riddle won the title by defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW The New Beginning In Sapporo on February 23. The short-notice defense gives Tito an excellent opportunity to compete for his first NJPW championship in his MLW debut. However, the match style has also changed.
Longtime NJPW fans may recall that NJPW World TV Championship matches have a time limit of 15 minutes. This rule adds a new dynamic to Riddle's match against Tito.
MLW commented on the new match format and its uniqueness to the MLW Intimidation Games card.
"Adding a layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated bout is the unique stipulation attached to the NJPW World Television Championship," said MLW. They continue, "With a time limit of 15 minutes imposed on all NJPW World Television title matches, both Riddle and Big Bad Tito will be under immense pressure to seize victory within the allotted time frame."
Tickets for MLW Intimidation Games are still on sale for as low as 19.81 on Eventbrite. However, the new match stipulation could help lead to a sold-out show soon.
