Court Bauer’s MLW Mission Is Clear Ahead of Saturday Night SuperFight Exclusive

Chicago remains a strong market

MLW’s Saturday Night SuperFight takes place in Chicago, where the promotion has held regular events. Bauer said the company typically visits two or three times a year and sells out weeks or months ahead.

MLW stopped running shows there from 2020 to 2024 because of COVID, Bauer said. Since returning, the promotion has sold out every Chicago event, with Cicero Stadium serving as its venue.

Changes helped Bauer focus

Bauer said staff changes this year included new leaders for talent relations and wrestling operations, as well as arena operations. He said having those roles covered gave him more time to pursue business deals and build the company.

He described the year as transformative, with the priority of drawing attention to MLW. The promotion has expanded distribution through YouTube, Tubi and Amazon Prime, among other platforms.

Talent and creative strategy

Bauer said most MLW talent contracts run from six months to three years. The company previously used some five-year agreements, but changed its approach after creative became stale.

MLW works with talent on storylines and angles, Bauer said, aiming to build their popularity even if they later leave. He said the promotion is prepared to develop other talent when performers receive offers it cannot match.

Saturday’s card and broadcast

The card also includes a New Japan Pro Wrestling crossover bout, a Chicago Street Fight and women’s wrestling. The article’s final quote from Bauer is cut off, so it does not provide his complete explanation of the show’s appeal.