MLW’s Lawsuit Against WWE Takes Interesting Turn

A new detail adds a different element to an ongoing lawsuit

In a battle away from the ring, Major League Wrestling is taking legal action against industry giant WWE.

The antitrust lawsuit is centered around the claim WWE is monopolizing the market for pro wrestling media rights. MLW is attempting to prove that WWE took part in monopolistic actions and anti-competitive conduct, as well as antitrust injury. WWE filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, but that request was was denied.

In the lawsuit, which began in January of 2022, MLW is alleging WWE’s illicit conduct prevented their ability to air on certain streaming services. WWE has publicly denied all claims, but an interesting piece of information was released earlier this month.

When WWE lawyers provided an answer to MLW’s complaint, the document confirmed that Stephanie McMahon spoke with an executive from Tubi on August 9, 2021.

MLW contends that McMahon pressured Tubi to “terminate the agreement” that would have had MLW air on their streaming service. MLW stated that their deal with Tubi was to be revealed the following day on August 10, but it never reached that point because, it alleges, of interference from WWE. MLW contends that agreement fell apart because of a disruption by WWE, using the leverage of broadcast partner Fox, which owns Tubi, to stop the deal.

WWE's lawyers today submitted their answer to MLW's complaint. WWE denied allegations as expected.

The most substantive item is WWE confirms Stephanie McMahon spoke with a Tubi executive on Aug 9, 2021, but denies she pressured Tubi to kill the MLW deal.https://t.co/JnjTrIQaxU pic.twitter.com/BJL5wtJmRk

— Brandon Thurston (@BrandonThurston) August 14, 2023

WWE denies the claim, but acknowledgement of a conversation between Stephanie McMahon and an executive from Tubi adds a new element to the claim.

MLW CEO Court Bauer is a former WWE employee. When reached for comment, Bauer stated, “WWE’s admission that they were in direct contact with one of our key media partners just before the deal kicked off, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What’s been done in the dark will be brought to the light.”

Sports Illustrated will continue to cover the story.