KUSHIDA Announced for MLW Battle Riot VIII

Major League Wrestling has announced the latest entrant for the 40-wrestler Battle Riot match at MLW Battle Riot VIII. Veteran wrestling star KUSHIDA is officially entering the bout at MLW Battle Riot VIII.

The international competitor is known for his innovative offense, time-bending quickness, and submission mastery. He will bring unpredictability and a technically advanced set of skills to the 40-man Battle Riot match.

The Battle Riot match will guarantee the winner a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. For KUSHIDA, it’s an opportunity to determine his own future.

The wrestler has held titles in multiple promotions all over the world. In NJPW, he was a six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and a four-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. In Ring of Honor, he won the ROH World TV Title. In WWE NXT, he became the NXT Cruiserweight Champion.

The chaotic match will feature participants entering at 60-second intervals. Eliminations can occur by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. There are no disqualifications, meaning weapons, wild cards, and total unpredictability shape the night.

MLW Battle Riot VIII, featuring KUSHIDA, is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026. It will be held at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida. Tickets for the event are now available at MLWLive.com and Ticketmaster.