WWE and MLW were supposed to go back in front of a judge regarding the amended lawsuit from MLW before the United States District Court, Northern Division of California, San Jose. However, that’s no longer planned.
MLW filed the amended lawsuit in March 2023, listing additional changes made from their 2022 antitrust lawsuit as the original lawsuit included allegations that WWE violated the Sherman Antitrust Act in the US market for pro wrestling content, WWE attempted to undermine the competition regarding MLW’s pursuit of media distribution deals, and WWE tried to hire contracted talent away from the company.
The rival promotion also alleged that WWE’s deal with Peacock contributes to its antitrust case because it keeps non-WWE wrestling content off the service, including REELZ. However, MLW’s Underground program wasn’t allowed to air or be promoted on the service.
MLW also alleged that WWE made attempts via Paul “Triple H” Levesque to prevent the Ring of Honor G1 Supercard event at Madison Square Garden in 2018.
There was supposed to be a hearing in San Jose on October 26th to determine whether WWE’s defenses against the lawsuit would stand scrutiny before the court and be allowed to proceed.
According to court documents obtained by Pwinsider, the hearing has been canceled as the Judge, Edward J. Davila, will instead issue a ruling based on previous motions and arguments filed by the two sides.
