MLW facing renewed criticism for being home of problematic wrestlers

NOTE: This story opens with a spoiler about a recent MLW taping. Major League Wrestling (MLW) has been criticized in recent months for hiring wrestlers who have been accused of troubling behavior or worse. This criticism ramped up again with the surprise appearance of Masha Slamovich during a taping on Saturday (September 12). PWInsider reported that the Russian star not only debuted for the company at an event in South Carolina, but she also beat Shotzi Blackheart for the MLW Women’s World Championship. At this stage in her career, Slamovich is best known for her time in TNA, where she was once the Knockouts World Champion. However, her time with the company came to an end after a former partner, independent wrestler AKIRA, accused Slamovich of domestic violence. When the allegations were first made public in 2025, Slamovich responded by apologizing and taking responsibility for her actions before adding the relationship was “toxic and mutually destructive.” The news of Masha besting