Former WWE writer, Court Bauer’s Major League Wrestling (MLW) has carved out a niche for itself in the pro wrestling industry. MLW has been known to put stars like MJF and Jacob Fatu on the map, while giving other stars like PCO and Riddle a second chapter in their careers. The company has made strides over the past year, even partnering with actor Danny McBride to co-promote a new event. This event also kicked off a new milestone for Court Bauer’s promotion, as MLW moves to Charleston, South Carolina, to be home for their new headquarters.
MLW Moves to Charleston Permanently
MLW recently took over the Charleston Music Hall to host the MLW x Don Gato: Lucha de los Muertos. The Main Event saw Killer Kross (with Scarlett Bourdeaux) defeat Matt Riddle. Meanwhile, other notable names on the card included Shotzi Blackheart, Priscilla Kelly, The Good Brothers, Mistico, Atlantis Jr., and many other top names.
MLW’s first time at the Charleston Music Hall wasn’t a one-off, as Court Bauer explained,
“Charleston isn’t just hosting Major League Wrestling anymore — it’s home. I’m thrilled to officially announce that MLW is moving its league headquarters to Charleston, South Carolina.”
MLW’s move to South Carolina is a strategic plan by Court Bauer and Mister Saint Laurent to establish their own foothold in pro wrestling’s thriving independent scene.
MLW’s Move to Charleston to Channel Crockett Days
Before WWE (and now TKO) had a stronghold on the wrestling industry, the territories were booming. One of the most prominent territories in pro wrestling history is the Carolinas. This area saw many greats cut their teeth in their business and rise to prominence, including Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and Ricky Steamboat.
As the MLW CEO stated,
“Charleston has real wrestling lineage, and it also has one of the strongest, healthiest business sectors in the country right now. The city is booming — tech, hospitality, entertainment — everything is on the rise. That kind of ecosystem is exactly what MLW wants to be part of.
Combine that with Charleston’s connection to Crockett, WCW, and decades of Southern wrestling, and the decision became obvious. This is a city with heritage and momentum — and that’s a rare combination.”
As MLW moves to Charleston, Court Bauer is looking for other ways to grow recognition of the company. He’s accomplished this feat by hosting a widely successful event with Danny McBride.
MLW Partners with Danny McBride
MLW’s first event in Charleston, South Carolina, was a resounding success. Court Bauer’s company has gained a lot of momentum over the past couple of years, but they’ve also come into some lucrative partnerships that helped make this event a success.
MLW partnered with Danny McBride, actor on the Emmy-winning HBO sitcom The Righteous Gemstones. The popular actor recently launched his own tequila brand, Don Gato. This brand’s mascot is Don Gato, a fictional retired luchador who hung up the tights to distill tequila.
Danny McBride is a lifelong wrestling fan. The actor was extremely excited to partner with MLW to bring their star-studded event to the Charleston Music Hall.
Why Did MLW Move to Charleston, South Carolina?
Moving to Charleston was an economic and branding choice. Court Bauer has been a long-time resident of the Tri-State Area, with MLW currently operating out of Westchester, New York. With rising prices in New York, running businesses in the Northeast has become less and less feasible.
The South is seeing an economic and technological revolution, including in South Carolina. Court Bauer is just riding that wave, while carving out a solid identity for MLW.
The MLW CEO reasoned,
“Charleston was an easy choice for us. The South is where the soul of wrestling lives — it’s where the sport hit harder, where gold and glory mattered, and where wrestling was a combat sport before anyone used that term.
Charleston has that rare mix of old-school quality, creativity, and grit that perfectly mirrors what MLW stands for. This city takes wrestling seriously. It’s part of the culture here, part of the rhythm of the South, and it deserves a league that calls it home.”
By moving to Charleston, Court Bauer is also hoping MLW will boost the local economy.
The optimistic wrestling promoter said,
“Fans are already coming in from out of state for our MLW x Don Gato Live Wrestling Special on Thursday — staying in local hotels, eating at local restaurants, supporting local businesses. That’s good for Charleston now, and it’s only going to grow from here.
We’re bringing production, creative, and live-event jobs to Charleston. We’re proud to join Charleston’s growing entertainment and sports community.”
The company is already leaning into its new hometown pride. MLW released South Carolina-themed merchandise that is now available for purchase.