April 01, 2025 – Major League Wrestling (MLW) fans are buzzing with excitement as former WWE star Shane Haste has been confirmed as the latest entrant in the highly anticipated Battle Riot VII. Scheduled for this Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, the event promises high-octane action with the MLW World Heavyweight Championship on the line. Haste, a standout talent from New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), brings his hard-hitting style and championship pedigree to the chaotic 40-man match, raising the stakes for the current titleholder, Matt Riddle.
A New Challenger Emerges
Shane Haste, known to WWE fans as “Slapjack” during his time with the Retribution faction, has carved out an impressive career since leaving the company in 2021. Now a key member of NJPW’s The Mighty Don’t Kneel (TMDK), Haste recently re-signed with the promotion after capturing both the IWGP Tag Team and NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championships alongside partner Mikey Nicholls. His addition to Battle Riot VII marks his first-ever appearance in MLW, signaling the promotion’s intent to blend international star power with its homegrown talent.
The Battle Riot match is no ordinary contest. A hybrid of a battle royal and a street fight, it features 40 wrestlers entering the ring at timed intervals, with eliminations occurring via pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. The last competitor standing earns a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship—a prize currently held by Matt Riddle, who faces a daunting challenge defending his title in this unpredictable environment.
Why Shane Haste’s Entry Matters
Haste’s participation adds a fresh dynamic to the MLW roster. At 39 years old, the Australian-born wrestler combines technical prowess with a brawling intensity that has made him a fan favorite in Japan. His recent success in NJPW, including a standout performance at Dominion 2024, proves he’s in peak form. Wrestling insiders at ringmattersnow speculate that Haste could be a dark horse in the Battle Riot, potentially setting up a blockbuster title match against Riddle if he emerges victorious.
MLW has been steadily building momentum in 2025, with recent additions like Atlantis, Ultimo Guerrero, and Matthew Justice to the Battle Riot lineup. Haste’s inclusion further elevates the event, bridging the gap between NJPW and MLW fans while showcasing the promotion’s global reach. The event will be broadcast live, with details available on MLW’s official website, ensuring fans worldwide can witness Haste’s debut.
What’s at Stake for Matt Riddle?
For MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle, the pressure is on. Forced to defend his title in the grueling Battle Riot format, Riddle faces not only Haste but a stacked field of competitors. The unpredictable nature of the match means alliances can shift, weapons can come into play, and chaos is guaranteed. Riddle, known for his laid-back demeanor and submission expertise, will need to dig deep to retain his gold against the likes of Haste and other yet-to-be-announced entrants.
How to Watch Battle Riot VII
Fans eager to see Shane Haste’s MLW debut can catch Battle Riot VII live from Thunder Studios in Long Beach this Saturday, April 5, 2025. The event kicks off at 7:00 PM PDT and will be available for streaming via MLW’s official platforms. Tickets for in-person attendance are still available, though they’re selling fast as anticipation builds for this star-studded showdown.
A New Chapter for Shane Haste
Haste’s journey from WWE to NJPW and now MLW highlights his versatility and enduring appeal in professional wrestling. With a reputation for innovative tag team maneuvers and a relentless in-ring style, he’s poised to make a significant impact in his MLW debut. Whether he walks out as the last man standing or sets the stage for a future rivalry, Shane Haste’s entry into Battle Riot VII is a moment wrestling fans won’t want to miss.
FAQs:
Q: Who is Shane Haste?
A: Shane Haste is an Australian professional wrestler, formerly known as “Slapjack” in WWE’s Retribution faction. He currently competes in NJPW as part of The Mighty Don’t Kneel (TMDK) and is a former IWGP Tag Team Champion.
Q: What is MLW Battle Riot VII?
A: Battle Riot VII is a 40-man match hosted by Major League Wrestling on April 5, 2025, in Long Beach, CA. It combines elements of a battle royal and a street fight, with the winner earning a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.
Q: Why is Shane Haste’s MLW debut a big deal?
A: Haste’s debut brings international star power to MLW, blending his NJPW success with the promotion’s unique style. His entry increases the event’s prestige and adds an unpredictable element to the match.
Q: Who else is confirmed for Battle Riot VII?
A: Alongside Shane Haste, confirmed entrants include Atlantis, Ultimo Guerrero, Matthew Justice, and Bishop Dyer, with more names expected to be announced.
Q: Can Shane Haste win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship?
A: If Haste wins Battle Riot VII, he’ll earn a title shot against Matt Riddle. Given his current momentum, he’s a strong contender to leave Long Beach with the gold.
Q: Where can I watch Battle Riot VII?
A: The event will stream live on MLW’s official platforms starting at 7:00 PM PDT on April 5, 2025. Check MLW.com for full details.
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