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Austin Aries vs. KUSHIDA set for opening round of 2025 Opera Cup in Dallas

Tickets Available at MLWDallas.com

Major League Wrestling today announced Austin Aries vs. KUSHIDA in an opening round bout of the 2025 Opera Cup, part of the MLW FIGHTLAND TV taping on Saturday, September 13 at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, TX. The match will air at a later date as part of MLW programming on cable and digital platforms.

 Buy tickets starting at $10 at http://www.MLWDallas.com and Eventbrite.

For the first time ever, Austin Aries and KUSHIDA will square off in an Opera Cup match—marking the first tournament appearance for both men.

Known worldwide for his unmatched speed, precision, and submissions, KUSHIDA enters the Opera Cup as a decorated veteran of New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he carved out a legacy as one of the most dominant junior heavyweights of the modern era. A former multi-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, KUSHIDA brings international credibility and elite tournament experience to the field.

But standing in his way is a very different kind of wrestler—and a very different kind of energy.

Austin Aries, making his first in-ring MLW appearance since 2019, returns to the league with something to prove and a chip on both shoulders. Known for his blunt attitude, razor-sharp wit, and mastery of technical wrestling, Aries is as cerebral as he is punishing. While he hasn’t been seen in an MLW ring in five years, his name still carries weight—and controversy. He doesn’t care about fanfare. He doesn’t care about respect. Aries only cares about winning.

And winning the Opera Cup would speak volumes.

This year’s Opera Cup field is one of the most international in league history, with entrants from not only MLW, but also New Japan Pro Wrestling and CMLL—making the road to the finals more grueling than ever.

Will KUSHIDA’s precision outmaneuver Aries’ aggression? Or will the self-proclaimed “greatest man that ever lived” rewrite his story by stealing the spotlight?

The Opera Cup is officially underway, and it’s anyone’s to claim.

On Saturday, September 13 witness MLW FIGHTLAND.  Tickets start at $10 at MLWDallas.com. Tickets will also be available day of show at the box office unless the event sales out in advance.

Bring your signs as MLW TV trucks will be rolling up for a live broadcast streaming broadcasting worldwide!

FIGHTLAND live on YouTube card (10pm ET start)

MLW World Heavyweight Championship:
Matt Riddle (champion) vs. Donovan Dijak (managed by Saint Laurent)

For the vacant MLW World Middleweight Championship:

Templario vs. Ikuro Kwon

2025 Opera Cup Opening Round:
Volador Jr. vs. Titan

beIN SPORTS card (7pm CT local start)

2025 Opera Cup Opening Round:
KUSHIDA vs. Austin Aries

PLUS: Special Meet & Greets from 6-6:30pm with TBA!

Signed to compete and appear:

MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle • Blue Panther • Templario • Bishop Dyer • Donovan Dijak • Atlantis • Volador Jr. • Satoshi Kojima • Mads Krule Krugger • Úlitmo Guerrero • Titán • Paul London • Matthew Justice • Esfinge • Blue Panther Jr. • Barboza • Difunto and more CMLL Luchadores • Jesus Rodriguez • Zandokan Jr. • Okumura • Cesar Duran • Salina De La Renta • Diego Hill and more!

Matches and more appearances will be announced soon at MLW.com.

Tickets start at $10 at MLWDallas.com and Eventbrite.  

Tickets will also be available day of show at the box office unless the event sales out in advance. No refunds or exchanges.

For the latest information on bouts for this event, please visit www.MLW.com. All bouts are subject to change.

*** 7PM START TIME ***

DAY OF EVENT INFO
The schedule for the event is as follows:

• 5:30 p.m.: Early entry for front row ticket holders

• 6:00 p.m.: Doors open for general public (all ticket holders)

• 7:00 p.m.: Showtime

MORE ABOUT THE NYTEX SPORTS CENTRE
The NYTEX Sports Centre is a 2,400 seat multi-purpose arena in North Richland Hills, Texas. The venue offers modern facilities, parking and easy accessibility.  The NYTEX Sports Centre provides the highest quality service makes the venue a premier event destination.

The venue is located at: 8851 Ice House Drive, North Richland Hills, TX 76180

PARKING
Adjacent paved lots provide ample parking.

About Major League Wrestling

Major League Wrestling (MLW®) is a sports media holding company, offering television content, action figures, apparel, live events, and ancillary entertainment. MLW operates live events in major markets throughout the United States, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.  

One of the fastest growing wrestling leagues today, MLW programming is available in over 60 countries worldwide, including on beIN Sports in the U.S.

For more information visit MLW.com and follow MLW on X, Instagram and YouTube.