Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP), under the leadership of Scott D’Amore, delivered an electrifying pay-per-view event. MLP Resurrection, on July 5, 2025, at the Colisée de Laval in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, streamed live on TrillerTV. The event marked MLP’s historic debut in Montreal, a city with deep wrestling roots. It featured a stacked card with five championship matches, intense rivalries, and surprise appearances.
Event Overview
MLP Resurrection was held at the iconic Colisée de Laval, dubbed “The House of Pain.” It drew a lively crowd, though some reports noted empty seats in upper sections despite a packed floor. The production quality, reminiscent of D’Amore’s TNA days, featured crisp lighting and solid commentary from Don Callis and Joe Dombrowski. The event leaned heavily on Canadian pride, with hometown hero PCO headlining and a roster blending international stars from AEW, NJPW, NWA, and beyond with local talent.
Match Recaps
Stu Grayson vs. Sheldon Jean Ended in a DQ
The opener saw Grayson dominate early, but Bryan Hansen’s interference led to a quick DQ. Post-match, Jean and Hansen attacked Grayson until Evil Uno made a surprise save, reigniting their Dark Order chemistry.
Stu Grayson and Evil Uno Defeated Sheldon Jean and Bryce Hansen
Santino Marella was acting as Director of Authority for the night. He restarted the match as a tag team bout. Marella’s announcement added a nostalgic twist, and the impromptu tag match delivered solid action, with Grayson and Uno securing the win via their signature teamwork.
Marella’s comedic authority role was a crowd-pleaser, hinting at potential recurring appearances. The Dark Order reunion sparked speculation about their future in MLP. This also established Jean and Hansen as a heel tandem, setting up a feud with Grayson and Uno. The DQ finish protected Grayson’s momentum while giving heels heat.
Six-Man Scramble: Michael Allen Richard Clark vs TJP vs Speedball Mike Bailey vs Psycho Mike vs Jonathan Gresham vs Bhupinder Gujjar
This fast-paced scramble showcased diverse styles, with TJP and Gresham’s technical prowess, Bailey’s high-flying, and Psycho Mike’s brawling. Highlights included dual shooting star presses and a Mamba Splash. Western Canadian underdog, Michael Allen Richard Clark, capitalized on chaos to score an upset victory by pinning Bhupinder Gujjar.
Clark’s win positions him as a breakout star. The match’s quality reinforces MLP’s commitment to spotlighting indie talent alongside established names. Hopefully, this attracts more AEW/NJPW crossovers. Bailey and Gresham’s performances may lead to singles matches, given their fan buzz.
The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows) defeated Bullet Club War Dogs (David Finlay and Drilla Moloney)
This hard-hitting tag match pitted NJPW’s Bullet Club War Dogs against the veteran Good Brothers. Anderson and Gallows used their experience to counter Finlay and Moloney’s aggression. This secured a “huge W” with their signature teamwork. The match emphasized MLP’s ability to draw global talent, enhancing its prestige.
The Good Brothers’ dominance suggested they’re being positioned as top contenders for tag titles. The loss could lead War Dogs to regroup or escalate their heel tactics in MLP. This match also strengthens MLP’s ties with NJPW, hinting at future collaborations.
MLP Women’s Canadian Championship: Gisele Shaw (C) defeated Shotzi Blackheart
Shotzi, wrestling with a broken arm, showed resilience against the “Quintessential Diva.” Key moments included Shotzi’s crucifix and Canadian Destroyer, which drew gasps. However, Matt Cardona’s interference cost Shotzi the match. Shaw capitalized to retain her title. However, a referee error caused a lot of confusion when they signaled a three-count despite a kickout. This led to Jade Chung nearly announcing Shotzi as the winner.
Shotzi’s pre-match claim of wrestling injured created a lot of sympathy for her. Then, when Matt Cardona came out to attack her, many fans didn’t understand what was going on. Shotzi and Cardona have been going back and forth over the internet. Cardona supposedly broke Shotzi’s arm by running over her with her toy tank after she declared herself the “Indy God.” This has been Cardona’s self-given nickname for a couple of years now. The botched finish may prompt MLP to address it on social media or at the next event with a rematch. Shaw’s retention solidifies her as a top heel. But the controversy could fuel a redemption arc for Shotzi. This also highlights MLP’s women’s division as a focal point.
PWA Champion’s Grail: Rohan Raja defeated Alex Hammerstone
Alex Hammerstone, making his MLP debut, brought raw power to this match. He nearly won with a massive powerbomb. Raja, accompanied by his new “Queen” Aurora Teves, used cunning to retain the prestigious Champion’s Grail, which he’s defended globally. The match’s intensity underscored its title implications.
Rohan Raja’s pre-match open challenge, answered by Hammerstone, built anticipation. Teves’ involvement suggests a managerial role moving forward. This could add depth to Raja’s heel persona. Hammerstone’s strong showing positions him for a future title chase. The Grail’s global defenses enhance its mystique, making it a key MLP storyline driver.
NWA World Heavyweight Championship: Thom Latimer (C) retained against Matt Cardona
Matt Cardona, aiming to reclaim the NWA World Heavyweight Championship he never lost, pushed Thom Latimer to the limit in a back-and-forth clash. Cardona borrowed tactics from Chelsea Green but couldn’t dethrone the champion. Latimer has held the NWA title for over 270 days in his reign. Latimer’s victory reinforced his dominance in MLP rings.
Cardona’s pre-match narrative of redemption added stakes to this match. However, his attack on Shotzi after her match signals a deepened feud with her, not chasing the NWA title. Latimer’s reign continues to elevate the NWA title’s presence in MLP.
MLP Canadian Championship: Josh Alexander (C) retained against Ace Austin
The main event (non-headliner due to PCO’s billing) saw Josh Alexander face Ace Austin, a former TNA rival. Their chemistry shone, with Austin’s agility countering Alexander’s technical prowess in an “insane” title match. Alexander’s win cemented his status as the face of MLP.
Pre-match hype revisited their TNA X-Division history, framing this as a personal rematch. Alexander’s heartfelt promos as champion continue to resonate with the fans. Austin’s performance earns him credibility for another shot or a feud with other top stars. This match’s quality boosts MLP’s reputation for main-event caliber wrestling.
Canadian International Heavyweight Championship: PCO (C) retained against Dan Maff in a House of Pain Match (Special Referee: Billy Gunn)
The headliner was a brutal House of Pain match, fueled by Dan Maff’s fireball attack on PCO at a prior event. PCO’s dramatic entrance and high-risk moves, like a Swanton Bomb through tables from a ladder, stole the show. Billy Gunn, as special referee, kept the chaos in check. A Burning Hammer through a table and near-falls had fans believing Maff could win. PCO’s victory, driven by revenge, was a hometown triumph.
PCO’s pre-match promo emphasized Montreal pride. Maff’s heel antics (with Jimmy Jacobs) built intense heat. PCO’s win solidifies him as MLP’s monster hero. Maff’s performance, despite the loss, cements him as a credible threat.
Key Promos and Storylines
PCO’s Hometown Narrative
PCO’s promos leaned into his Montreal roots. He called MLP Resurrection a homecoming. His feud with Maff, sparked by the fireball, was personal. His victory sets up a heroic reign. Expect PCO to anchor MLP’s Montreal market.
Matt Cardona’s Heel Arc
Matt Cardona’s promos framed him as a wronged ex-champion. However, his attack on Shotzi post-match signals a full heel turn. His indie feud with Shotzi adds layers to both Shotzi and himself.
Santino Marella’s Authority Role
Marella’s one-night Director of Authority stint was a hit. His promo laid down the law for the tag match. His involvement could extend, given MLP’s reported interest in exclusive contracts for talents like him.
Josh Alexander’s Babyface Reign
Alexander’s promos after the match emphasized Canadian pride and MLP’s future. It positioned him as the promotion’s heart. His reign may face threats from emerging stars like Clark or Hammerstone.
Referee Botch in Shaw vs Shotzi
The referee’s mistake in the women’s title match led to confusion. MLP may address this via a storyline rematch or disciplinary angle to maintain kayfabe credibility.
Broader Impacts and Future Directions
Talent Acquisition and Expansion
MLP’s reported pursuit of exclusive contracts signals ambition to lock in stars like PCO, Josh Alexander, and Santino Marella. This could stabilize the roster but risks alienating talents tied to AEW or NJPW. The event’s success may accelerate plans for TV deals and more markets in 2025.
Production and Presentation
The TNA-esque production quality drew praise, but the referee botch and empty seats highlight areas for improvement. MLP’s free release of Northern Rising on YouTube shows a strategy to build a fanbase, which could pay off with Resurrection’s buzz.
Cross-Promotional Ties
Featuring talent from AEW, NJPW, and NWA strengthens MLP’s alliances. The Good Brothers’ win and Hammerstone’s debut suggest more crossovers, potentially elevating MLP’s global profile.
Storyline Seeds
The Dark Order reunion, Cardona’s heel turn, and Clark’s upset plant seeds for long-term arcs. The women’s division, led by Shaw, and the Champion’s Grail, held by Raja, are emerging as key draws. PCO and Alexander’s reigns provide stability, while new faces like Hammerstone add intrigue.
Montreal as a Hub
The event’s focus on Montreal’s wrestling heritage, with PCO as the babyface, positions the city as a key MLP market. Future shows at Colisée de Laval could draw bigger crowds if storylines deepen.
Final Thoughts
Resurrection was a triumph for Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, blending nostalgia with modern flair. PCO’s hometown victory, Alexander’s main-event mastery, and surprises like Evil Uno’s return made the night memorable. Despite minor hiccups like the referee botch, the event showcased MLP’s potential as a major player, with a roster that rivals top promotions. Storylines involving Cardona, Shotzi, and emerging stars like Clark promise compelling follow-ups, while MLP’s expansion plans signal a bright future. Fans can catch the replay on TrillerTV to relive the action that’s got the wrestling world buzzing.
Like this:
Like Loading...
