MLW’s Legal Team Brags About Successful Settlement with WWE in Antitrust Lawsuit

In January of the previous year, MLW filed a lawsuit against WWE, alleging anti-competitive practices and interference in MLW’s business affairs. The accusation stated that WWE utilized its influence to obstruct MLW from securing a television deal with a major network, thereby hindering MLW’s growth and violating antitrust laws. Ultimately, the lawsuit has been resolved, and MLW’s legal team has proudly highlighted the settlement with WWE just now.

The lawsuit claimed that Triple H had allegedly contacted Madison Square Garden to exert influence and encourage the cancellation of an event hosted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Ring of Honor a few years ago.

WWE had initially attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, contending that MLW did not present a valid claim. However, the court ruled against WWE’s motion, permitting MLW’s lawsuit to proceed. In response, MLW requested 22 years’ worth of data from WWE as part of their legal proceedings.

Naturally, many felt there was simply no end in sight for the lawsuit. Thankfully, WWE and MLW are in the process of finalizing a settlement in the suit. According to PWInsider, MLW’s legal team, Kasowitz Benson Torres, touted WWE’s settlement in the antitrust lawsuit.

”Kasowitz Secures Settlement on Behalf of MLW Media Against World Wrestling Entertainment in Antitrust Suit

 New York, NY, December 22, 2023 — Kasowitz Benson Torres, on behalf of professional wrestling promotion company MLW Media (MLW), has reached a settlement with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) over MLW’s antitrust and state law claims against WWE for monopolizing and attempting to monopolize the market for the sale or licensing of media rights for professional wrestling programming in the United States. On December 22, 2023, MLW filed a stipulation and proposed order of dismissal of its lawsuit against WWE with the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, notifying the court that the parties have entered into a settlement agreement.

The settlement follows MLW’s successful defeat of WWE’s motion to dismiss, as well as its successful motion to strike numerous affirmative defenses in WWE’s answer to the amended complaint. The parties agreed to resolve the matter on mutually acceptable terms.

The Kasowitz Benson Torres team representing MLW is led by partners Marc E. Kasowitz and Christine A. Montenegro and includes partner Nicholas A. Rendino.”

MLW’s internal reaction to the antitrust lawsuit resolution was also revealed. It remains to be seen what MLW has planned for the company in general as well as its talent, as the promotion has seen some departures as of late. Fans hope 2024 will be a good year for the pro wrestling company.

What’s your view on the lawsuit finally being settled? Where do you think MLW will head next? Let us know in the comments section below!