New World Middleweight Champion crowned at MLW Battle Riot VIII
KUSHIDA has defeated Templario at MLW Battle Riot VIII to become the new MLW World Middleweight Champion.
In the final moments of the match, KUSHIDA dropped Templario with a leg hook brainbuster to secure the victory and the title.
After the match, Ikuro Kwon confronted KUSHIDA. However, instead of going after the new champion, Kwon attacked the defeated Templario. Following this, Kwon handed KUSHIDA a CONTRA shirt.
While the 42-year-old initially hesitated, he later accepted the shirt, signifying his heel turn and alliance with CONTRA.
The victory marked KUSHIDA’s first Middleweight Title reign. Before this, Templario’s title run lasted for 138 days (ending when the match was taped on January 29th, 2026). Throughout his title reign, he made three successful title defenses.
MLW Battle Riot VIII results
- Shotzi Blackheart defeated Priscilla Kelly
- Scarlett Bordeaux defeated Aleah James
- Austin Aries defeated Trevor Lee
- The Good Brothers defeated Mark and Joe Coffey
- Diego Hill defeated Adam Brooks
- Karissa Rivera promo
- Zamaya defeated Carolina Cruz
- Alex Hammerstone defeated Bishop Dyer
- KUSHIDA defeated Templario for the MLW World Middleweight Championship
- Battle Riot – Killer Kross entered at number 1 and won the match, becoming the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.
Shounak Chakrabarti is an experienced sports journalist with a lifelong passion for athletics and storytelling. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Journalism from the University of Leeds and joined F4WOnline in 2025.
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