World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
MLW owner talks Tessa Blanchard, Masha Slamovich signings: ‘I believe in forgiveness’
MLW owner Court Bauer has defended signing Tessa Blanchard and expressed support for giving people second chances, saying he believes in forgiveness. The signings have drawn attention because both Blanchard and Masha Slamovich have faced public allegations or scrutiny, raising questions about how wrestling promotions respond to past conduct.
Blanchard’s debut was delayed by about 60 days and is now set for MLW’s Saturday Night SuperFight pay-per-view, after a planned appearance at Fightland fell through. Bauer said her arrival was nearly a decade in the making: she had been considered for MLW’s 2017 relaunch and has since found success in Mexico and elsewhere. Slamovich apologised in September 2025 over her actions in what she called a mutually destructive relationship; Blanchard has denied racism allegations.
In short
- Court Bauer says he believes in forgiveness and second chances.
- Tessa Blanchard is set to debut at Saturday Night SuperFight.
- Masha Slamovich apologised over her actions in a past relationship.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A promotion can reasonably believe that people should have a path back to work after controversy, particularly when they acknowledge harm or dispute allegations and there is room to assess the evidence fairly. Supporters may also argue that a delayed debut and public scrutiny show the decisions are not being made without consideration, while allowing performers to demonstrate change over time.
The case against
A promotion also has a responsibility to consider the impact of its choices on people who say they were harmed, as well as on colleagues and audiences. Critics may argue that signing performers despite serious public allegations or scrutiny can appear to reward them without sufficient accountability, and that an apology or denial alone may not resolve those concerns.
Explained simply
Major League Wrestling (MLW) is a US professional wrestling promotion. Like other promotions, it hires wrestlers to perform scripted matches and build storylines, while their conduct outside the ring can also attract public attention.
Tessa Blanchard is a wrestler who has denied allegations of racism. Masha Slamovich is another wrestler who apologised in September 2025 for her actions in a relationship she described as mutually destructive. Their histories have prompted discussion about how wrestling companies assess allegations and apologies when deciding whom to hire.
Court Bauer owns MLW. His comments about forgiveness touch on a wider question in sport and entertainment: what should be required for someone to receive another opportunity after past conduct has drawn criticism?