MLW delivered an electrifying night of pro wrestling with the Summer of the BEASTS 2025. It was held on June 26, 2025, at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York. The event was streamed live on MLW’s YouTube channel and broadcast on BeIN Sports. It featured high-stakes championship matches, shocking debuts, and some pivotal storyline developments. This article provides an analysis of the key storylines showcased at the event, their implications, and potential future directions for MLW’s narrative arcs.
Summer of the BEASTS Overview
Summer of the BEASTS 2025 marked the second edition of MLW’s marquee event. It follows the success of the 2024 iteration. The show featured a blend of established stars, international talent from promotions like NJPW, CMLL, and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling, and surprise appearances that shook the MLW landscape. Key matches included the championship defenses, a notable debut, and the announcement of the 2025 Opera Cup tournament bracket, and setting the stage for future conflicts. The event sold out the Melrose Ballroom. It underscored MLW’s growing popularity.
Below, we analyze the major storylines from the event and explore where they might lead in MLW’s upcoming shows, particularly Blood & Thunder 2025 on August 9, 2025.
Summer of the BEASTS Key Storylines and Matches
Matt Riddle Retains the MLW World Heavyweight Championship Against KENTA
Matt Riddle defeated KENTA with a pinfall after a Tombstone Piledriver to retain the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. This was a first-time-ever “dream match.”
The buildup highlighted KENTA’s reputation as the innovator of the Go 2 Sleep (GTS), a move Riddle has incorporated into his arsenal. This created a narrative of respect and rivalry. The match was a hard-hitting, technical affair, with both competitors showcasing striking, submissions, and high-impact maneuvers. Notably, KENTA attempted the GTS late in the match, but Riddle countered with elbows. It led to a slugfest and a decisive Tombstone Piledriver. Post-match, Riddle and KENTA showed mutual respect with a handshake. However, Riddle appeared to have sustained a hip injury. Tom Lawlor joined him to celebrate, hinting at a potential alliance or future conflict.
Future Directions: Riddle’s Injury Angle
The announcers mentioned Riddle’s hip injury to introduce a vulnerability that could be exploited by future challengers. This storyline element may lead to a narrative where Riddle must defend his title while compromised. It could add drama to his reign.
Future Directions: Mads Krule Krügger’s Cash-In Threat
Mads Krule Krügger holds the contract for a title shot at any time (akin to a Money in the Bank briefcase). He loomed large over the event and threatened to cash in on Matt Riddle. This ongoing storyline suggests Krügger could strike at Blood & Thunder 2025 or another major event, potentially leading to a title change or a brutal feud.
Future Directions: Tom Lawlor’s Role
Tom Lawlor’s appearance post-match could signal a mentorship or alliance with Riddle. However, given Lawlor’s history as a cunning opportunist, he might turn on Riddle to pursue the championship himself. This ambiguity sets up potential intrigue in the heavyweight division.
Future Directions: KENTA’s Future in MLW
While KENTA lost, his performance solidified his status as a top-tier competitor. MLW’s “Open Door Policy” could see KENTA return for a rematch or engage in feuds with other MLW stars, possibly in the Opera Cup tournament.
The Skyscrapers Win the MLW World Tag Team Championships
The Skyscrapers (Donovan Dijak and Bishop Dyer) defeated Los Depredadores (Magnus and Rugido) to win the MLW World Tag Team Championships via pinfall after a Death Valley Driver and moonsault combination.
The tag team title match was a major upset. MLW President César Durán booked Los Depredadores against surprise opponents, The Skyscrapers, managed by Saint Laurent. The Skyscrapers dominated early with a pre-match attack. It showcased their heel tactics and brute force. Despite a spirited comeback from Magnus and Rugido, the challengers’ power-based offense secured the victory. This match not only introduced The Skyscrapers as a dominant force but also highlighted MLW’s strategy of integrating fresh talent to shake up the roster.
Future Directions: The Skyscrapers’ Reign
Dijak and Dyer’s victory establishes them as a powerhouse team. Their heel personas and Saint Laurent’s management could lead to a dominant, antagonistic reign. Hopefully, it will draw challengers like CozyMax (Satoshi Kojima and Shigeo Okumura) or other CMLL teams seeking retribution.
Future Directions: Los Depredadores’ Redemption Arc
CMLL’s Magnus and Rugido may seek a rematch to reclaim their titles, potentially at Blood & Thunder 2025. Their loss could spark a storyline of proving themselves as the best tag team. This could involve internal tension or a quest to regain Durán’s favor.
Future Directions: Saint Laurent’s Influence
As a manipulative manager, Saint Laurent could expand his stable, recruiting more talent to dominate MLW’s divisions. His role in orchestrating The Skyscrapers’ victory suggests a larger power play within MLW’s hierarchy.
Último Guerrero Retains the MLW National Openweight Championship
Último Guerrero defeated Alex Hammerstone and Matthew Justice in a triple-threat match to retain the MLW National Openweight Championship via pinfall with a Guerrero Special.
The National Openweight Championship match became a triple threat when Matthew Justice interrupted the scheduled bout between Guerrero and Hammerstone. He demanded a rematch after losing to Guerrero previously. Hammerstone, a former champion who never lost the title, returned to MLW with a patriotic persona. He attacked Guerrero at Azteca Lucha and vowed to restore prestige to the championship. The triple threat dynamic allowed for chaotic exchanges, with Justice and Guerrero briefly teaming up against Hammerstone before the champion secured the win. Hammerstone’s return promo blamed Justice for his lack of championship status. It set up a personal rivalry, while Guerrero’s resilience reinforced his dominance.
Future Directions: Hammerstone vs. Justice Feud
The brawl between Hammerstone and Justice after the match suggests a heated rivalry. This could lead to a singles match at Blood & Thunder 2025. Hammerstone could seek to eliminate Justice as an obstacle to his title aspirations.
Future Directions: Guerrero’s Continued Reign
Guerrero’s victory solidifies his status as a formidable champion. Future storylines could involve new challengers from MLW’s roster or CMLL, such as Templario. He expressed interest in a title shot backstage.
Future Directions: Hammerstone’s Redemption
Hammerstone’s return as a brash, patriotic figure positions him as a top contender. His failure to win the title may fuel a storyline of redemption, potentially leading to a one-on-one rematch with Guerrero or a pursuit of other MLW titles.
Shotzi Blackheart’s Debut and Confrontation with Ava Everett
Yuki Kamifuku defeated Wakana Uehara in a Summer of the BEASTS TJPW exhibition match. After that, Shotzi Blackheart debuted. She praised Kamifuku and challenged her to a future match. Ava Everett interrupted to mock Shotzi. This led to Salina de la Renta booking Shotzi vs. Everett for Blood & Thunder 2025.
Shotzi Blackheart’s debut was a major highlight. It signaled MLW’s intent to bolster its women’s division. Her interaction with Kamifuku was respectful. It set up a potential dream match, but Everett’s interruption introduced immediate conflict. Everett’s heel persona and claim to be the face of the women’s division clashed with Shotzi’s “Ballsy Badass” character. It created a classic babyface vs. heel dynamic. Salina de la Renta’s involvement as MLW’s Vice President of Wrestler Relations added authority to the feud. The announcement of a match at Blood & Thunder ensures the storyline’s continuation. The women’s division is gaining momentum, with Kamifuku and Uehara showcasing TJPW’s influence and Shotzi adding star power.
Future Directions: Shotzi vs Everett at Blood & Thunder
The booked match will likely be a high-energy clash because Shotzi’s broken arm pitted against Everett’s arrogance. A Shotzi victory could establish her as a top contender in the women’s division, while an Everett upset would elevate her status.
Future Directions: Women’s Division Expansion
The presence of TJPW stars and Shotzi suggests MLW is building a robust women’s division. Future storylines could involve a tournament or a new title to crown a women’s champion. Kamifuku, Uehara, and others could be established as key players.
Future Directions: Salina de la Renta’s Role
As a power broker, Salina’s booking decisions could lead to further conflicts. It could potentially align her with heels like Everett while creating tension with babyfaces like Shotzi.
MJF’s Shocking Return and Attack on Místico
Místico attempted to address the MLW audience regarding his feud with Contra Unit. They had stolen his mask and MLW World Middleweight Championship. Contra Unit attacked, but Místico fended them off until a masked figure revealed as MJF ambushed him. This continued their AEW/CMLL rivalry. MJF vowed to destroy Místico, his league, and his legacy.
MJF’s surprise return was the Summer of the BEAST’s biggest shock. It reignited his feud with Místico from AEW and CMLL. The attack, executed under a mask, added a layer of deception. MJF’s promo escalated the personal stakes by targeting Místico’s cultural and professional identity. Contra Unit’s involvement ties this storyline to their ongoing campaign against MLW’s champions. Místico lost his title and mask to Ikuro Kwon at Azteca Lucha. The narrative blends personal vendettas with inter-promotional drama. It is leveraging MLW’s “Open Door Policy” to integrate AEW and CMLL elements.
Future Directions: MJF vs. Místico Feud
MJF’s attack sets up a high-profile match, likely at Blood & Thunder 2025 or a future PLE. This feud could headline MLW events because of MJF’s star power and Místico’s status as a CMLL icon. The Opera Cup match between Místico and Ikuro Kwon may tie into this storyline. MJF could potentially interfere.
Future Directions: Contra Unit’s Campaign
Contra Unit’s attack on Místico reinforces their role as MLW’s top heel faction. Their feud with Místico could expand to include other CMLL stars or MLW champions. If they target stars like Riddle or Kojima, then it could create a multi-man war.
Future Directions: Inter-Promotional Storylines
MJF’s presence opens the door for more AEW crossovers, and Místico’s CMLL ties could bring additional luchadores into the fold. This storyline could evolve into a broader MLW vs. AEW/CMLL conflict.
Diego Hill’s Debut and MLW Contract Signing
KUSHIDA defeated Diego Hill via pinfall with Back to the Future. Post-match, César Durán offered Hill an MLW contract, and he signed.
Diego Hill’s debut against KUSHIDA was a showcase of his potential. The rookie held his own against the NJPW veteran. The match featured high-flying and technical exchanges, culminating in KUSHIDA’s victory. César Durán’s immediate contract offer capitalized on Hill’s performance. It framed him as a rising star under MLW’s “Open Door Policy.” The respectful handshake between Hill and KUSHIDA post-match established Hill as a babyface with growth potential.
Future Directions: Hill’s Rise in MLW
As a newly signed talent, Hill could be positioned as an underdog in the middleweight or openweight divisions. A feud with established stars like KUSHIDA or Ikuro Kwon could elevate his status.
Future Directions: KUSHIDA’s Role
KUSHIDA’s victory and respectful demeanor suggest he could serve as a mentor or rival for younger talent like Hill. His participation in the Opera Cup could lead to a deeper MLW run.
Future Directions: César Durán’s Influence
Durán’s involvement in signing Hill reinforces his authority as MLW President. Future storylines could see Durán manipulating new talent like Hill for his agenda. This could potentially clash with Salina de la Renta.
Opera Cup 2025 Bracket Announcement
MLW revealed the first-round matchups for the 2025 Opera Cup. They included Místico vs. Ikuro Kwon, Austin Aries vs. KUSHIDA, Paul London vs. Okumura, Volador Jr. vs. Titán, Satoshi Kojima vs. Bobby Fish, Zandokan Jr. vs. Blue Panther Jr., Bishop Dyer vs. Anthony Greene, and Último Guerrero vs. Esfinge. The winner earns a future title shot.
The Opera Cup is a prestigious tournament in MLW. The 2025 edition features a mix of MLW, NJPW, and CMLL talent. The announcement sets up several compelling narratives, including Místico’s quest to reclaim his honor against Contra Unit’s Ikuro Kwon, Austin Aries’ return to competition, and Paul London’s underdog story as a veteran. The tournament’s stakes—a future title shot—elevate its importance. It promises intense matches and storyline developments throughout the summer.
Future Directions: Místico vs. Kwon
This match ties into Místico’s feud with Contra Unit and MJF. A victory could propel Místico toward a title shot, while a loss (possibly via interference) could deepen his rivalry with MJF.
Future Directions: Tournament Dark Horses
Veterans like Kojima, Aries, and London could use the Opera Cup to reestablish themselves. Younger stars like Volador Jr. and Titán may emerge as breakout contenders.
Future Directions: Title Shot Implications
The winner’s title shot could target any championship. This could set up dream matches against Riddle, Guerrero, or the new tag team champions. The tournament’s progression at Blood & Thunder will likely shape MLW’s main event scene.
Summer of the BEASTS Themes and Strategy
Inter-Promotional Synergy
MLW’s “Open Door Policy” brought in stars like KENTA, Shotzi, and CMLL talent. This creates fresh matchups and cross-promotional feuds. The strategy positions MLW as a hub for global wrestling talent, with MJF’s appearance amplifying its mainstream appeal.
Heel Dominance vs. Babyface Resilience
The event highlighted heels like The Skyscrapers, Contra Unit, and MJF asserted dominance. On the other hand, babyfaces like Riddle, Místico, and Shotzi showed resilience. This dynamic sets up classic good-vs-evil narratives for future events.
Emerging Talent
The debuts of Shotzi and Hill, alongside the Opera Cup’s diverse field, underscore MLW’s focus on building new stars while leveraging established names.
Summer of the BEASTS Conclusion
Summer of the Beasts 2025 was a pivotal event for MLW. From Riddle’s resilient title defense to MJF’s shocking return, the event balanced immediate payoffs with long-term narrative setups. The debuts of Shotzi and Hill, the rise of The Skyscrapers, and the Opera Cup announcement provide a strong foundation for MLW’s future. As the road to Blood & Thunder 2025 unfolds, MLW is poised to capitalize on its momentum, blending inter-promotional talent, intense rivalries, and emerging stars to keep fans engaged.
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