Alex Hammerstone confirms that he has asked for his release from Major League Wrestling.
As first reported by our premium service, Fightful Select, Alex Hammerstone has requested his release from MLW. The former MLW Champion has now confirmed this via his social media.
On Twitter, Hammerstone revealed that he will always be rooting for the success of MLW but believes he is doing what is right for his career at this time. Hammerstone also thanked Court Bauer for the opportunities afforded to him over the years.
My time with @MLW was 5 of the best years of my life and career. Very proud of what I and the company accomplished. I wish them continued success.
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) October 29, 2023
I have recently asked for my release as I feel it’s what’s right for me at this time.
Thank you @courtbauer for the opportunities. https://t.co/Nmt8PIaovb
Per the Fightful Select report, Hammerstone’s deal with the company goes until the end of 2025 and reportedly, MLW does not intend to Grant him his release. From the company's perspective, it appeared that the former MLW World Champion's motivation decreased when he was booked to lose the title to Alex Kane.
Fightful Select reported the following
Alex Hammerstone has asked for his release from MLW.
Fightful Select has learned that the relationship between Hammerstone, a fixture in MLW, and the company itself has become frayed. Hammerstone asked for his release, and we’re told as of now, MLW does not intend to grant it. Hammerstone’s deal with the company goes until the end of 2025. We’re told that Hammerstone hasn’t been told himself that the release was granted or denied.
We’re told that there had been communication between the two sides earlier this year and a buyout was brought up, and Hammerstone had said that he wanted to leave the company. From the company’s perspective, Hammerstone’s motivation decreased when he was booked to lose the world title to Alex Kane earlier this year.
As of this moment, Hammerstone is under contract to MLW, but noticeably was not featured on their most recent roster page update.
Hammerstone is on a monthly guarantee, which also adds pay per event. Sources in MLW claimed that there were some issues with their September event, when Hammerstone asked for the show off for a prior obligation. That was granted, and the money that would have been allocated to Hammerstone was used elsewhere. However MLW sources claimed that Hammerstone became available, but the budget wasn’t there to add him to the show.
MLW wants to retain Hammerstone, and we’re told MSL has been in contact with him. Hammerstone had indicated to MLW that he felt burned out there earlier this year, and from MLW’s perspective, they had built much of their company around him and wanted to keep their investment and a top star.
As of now, they’ve reached an impasse. Hammerstone hasn’t worked for the company since July and is not currently booked on any shows for the company.
Also, Alex Hammerstone confirmed on Twitter that our story about him asking for his release from MLW is correct. The company has not granted his, still.
Things between both parties are currently at a standstill. Hammerstone has not worked for the promotion since July and is not currently scheduled for any upcoming shows.
Fightful will continue to report any updates on this situation.
Elements of this report first appeared on our premium Fightful Select service. Subscribe today for just $5 a month to get early access to breaking news, exclusive podcasts, early looks at interviews, and more.
