Court Bauer doesn't kiss rings anymore.
Recently, there was a report that suggested MLW was in discussions with WWE regarding a possible working relationship. Court Bauer, a former member of WWE creative and the current head of MLW, opened up about this rumor on the most recent episode of Sean Waltman’s podcast, Pro Wrestling 4 Life.
Above all else, Bauer noted that the relationship would have to be beneficial for all involved and that he's not interested in clout chasing or quick social media engagement gains. For him, it's all about long-term investment.
“No, I can't really say anything about that,” Court began. “You know, we've always looked at different opportunities. We've worked with AAA, we've done some stuff with New Japan, Tom Lawlor was just over New Japan strong. We have a relationship started with RevPro out of the UK. So, you know, we're always open to looking at things. But the key there is I don't care about the clout or the flowers. It's not a short-term transactional thing. Oh, great, we got a problem for the viewers or we can do a crossover match and everyone will talk about it and we’ll trend on Twitter, it's like, to me, it has to be a long-term vision. If a long-term vision makes sense, cool. But I don't kiss rings, I don't need that bullshit, been there, done that.
“What makes sense to me is like, how do our fans benefit? How does our talent benefit? How's the company as a whole benefit? Is there something that can mesh and build out something that's mutually beneficial, that works for them and works for us, so you're not sitting there trying to think about how they are going to screw you? How can we take it to the next level? Is there something there? Is there business there? Also, I have this complex thing where it's like, we're launching on new networks and stuff. Do you really want the premier to be like, ‘Hey, it's MLW plus this other thing?’ You're trying to get your talent over and your talent worked to build the promotion to this point and now, they're having to share that stage with someone else and their needs and their things. You know, it's confusing to the fans. Our partners are alike, we signed on to do this thing with MLW. Now you've got this other company, what's that about?’ It's a little confusing and can muddy the waters."
Continuing on, Bauer spoke about the pandemic affecting relationships like that as well because there's no sense in doing dream matches if there's no audience.
“Then you got the pandemic. It's like, okay are you going to do all of these dream matches with no crowd? Where's the money in that? To me, it's kind of like this cheap stunt promoting. I would rather wait and hold those cards until you can pull the trigger on something. So we always evaluate things. We look at things. We're always interested in that and I think the fans love that stuff. If it works out, it's just gotta be big picture, long-term.”
Major League Wrestling will be returning to having live audiences at shows with their next taping at the former ECW Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There will also be inter-promotional action with the furthering of Azteca Underground, the spiritual successor to the Lucha Underground promotion. Learn more about the upcoming show here.
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