NEW YORK — Don’t expect much dancing as the recently reinstated Rich Swann squares off against a member of the notorious Hart Foundation as 22 year old Brian Pillman Jr. steps up in a big bout.

MLW today announced Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Rich Swann for MLW’s April 5th Battle Riot event at the Melrose Ballroom. Both the April 4th and April 5th events will be MLW FUSION TV tapings for beIN SPORTS.

Tickets start at $20 at http://www.MLWTickets.com. 

Rich Swann’s suspension has been lifted and the grappler from Baltimore with a bad attitude makes his return to singles competition Friday night April 5th. The question: is he ready for the 22 year old prodigy Brian Pillman Jr.?

Swann has seemingly undergone a metamorphis since he was taken out of action due to a concussion last fall in a six man bout against the Hart Foundation. While out, Swann complained about the officiating in that match. Since returning, Swann has only escalated his hostilities towards referees including slapping  an official and Rich Bocchini in Philadelphia.  

With his fine and and suspension behind him, Swann now looks to get back in the mix in singles competition against one of the most dynamic newcomers in the sport today.

The 2018 Rookie of the Year, Pillman has recently had his own struggles with The Dynasty – a new trust fund trio consisting of Alex Hammerstone, MJF and the persnickety 6’3″ Richard Holliday.

Will Pillman enter the match distracted by The Dynasty’s looming presence in the Hart Foundation’s affairs? Will Swann be able to keep his cool against officials he believes are biased and out to get him? 

See the 2019 Battle Riot® LIVE in New York April 5 at the Melrose Ballroom as MLW presents a live national network special for beIN SPORTS (buy tickets). The card has a 7pm start time.

Tickets to witness the event live in New York start at $20 at MLWTickets.com.  Tickets will also be available day of show at the box office unless the events sells out in advance.

Buy tickets starting at $20 at MLWTickets.com.

Signed thus far for April 4th’s RISE OF THE RENEGADES:

NYC Street Fight for the World Championship: “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Jimmy Havoc

Pentagón Jr. vs. LA Park (presented by Salina de la Renta)

6-Man Tables Match: The Hart Foundation vs. The Dynasty

Sami Callihan vs. Mance Warner

GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Minoru Tanaka vs. DAGA

Rey Feníx vs. Air Wolf

MJF vs. Brian Pillman Jr.

Grudge Match! Ace Romero vs. Josef Samael

Gringo Loco vs. Hijo de LA Park

Rey Horus vs. Ace Austin

Plus: Jim Cornette • Low Ki • Salina de la Renta • Simon Gotch • Jacob Fatu • Myron Reed • Ariel Dominguez

Signed thus far for April 5th’s BATTLE RIOT II:

DREAM MATCH
LA Park (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Jimmy Havoc

WORLD MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT:
Teddy Hart (c) vs. Ace Austin

Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Rich Swann

THE BATTLE RIOT Participants:  
Low Ki • Pentagón Jr. • Minoru Tanaka • Teddy Hart • Davey Boy Smith Jr. • MJF • Ace Romero • Alex Hammerstone • Ace Austin • Ken Kerbis • Brian Pillman Jr. • Sami Callihan • LA Park • Rey Feníx • Hijo de LA Park • Mance Warner • Barrington Hughes • DAGA • Kotto Brazil • Lance Anoa’i • Air Wolf • Jimmy Yuta • Avalanche • Myron Reed • Richard Holliday

More matches and wrestlers will be announced at MLW.com.

There will be several meet and greet opportunities featuring Major League Wrestling wrestlers and personalities.  Additionally, there are limited VIP tickets available which includes early entry (5:30 p.m.) featuring a special pre-show meet and greet with extended meet and greet privileges.

Tickets to each event start at $20 at MLWTickets.com. There is also a $30 fan appreciation ticket that gives you access to both the April 4th and April 5th matches.

General Public Doors Open: 6 p.m. with a bell time of 7 p.m.  League officials anticipate the card will end at approximately 10:45 p.m.

Please note: General Admission SRO Tickets are: $20 for advance sales, $25 Day of Event at the door.