Battle RIOT VIII has it’s first participant.
Major League Wrestling will hold their upcoming “MLW: Battle RIOT VIII” event on Thursday, January 29th, 2026 from the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, Florida, and the first participant for the shows marquee match has been announced.
Earlier today, MLW sent out a press release announcing Alex Hammerstone as the first participant in MLW’s Battle RIOT VIII. You can read the entire press release below:
ORLANDO, FL – Major League Wrestling (MLW) today announced Alex Hammerstone as the first participant in MLW Battle RIOT VIII on Thursday, January 29 at the Osceola Heritage Park Events Center in Kissimmee, FL. Buy tickets starting at $10 as part of MLW’s fan Appreciation Night at http://www.MLWLive.com and Ticketmaster.
Alex Hammerstone’s history with the Battle RIOT is etched in silver and scar tissue. In 2021, he conquered Battle RIOT III, a career-defining triumph that launched him into what many still regard as the biggest world championship showdown in MLW history that fall. Hammerstone would go on to dethrone Jacob Fatu and seize the MLW World Title, cementing himself as one of the most dominant, decorated forces MLW has ever seen.
After stepping away from the league for a period, Hammerstone made a seismic return at Battle RIOT VII in Los Angeles this past April. Entering as a surprise participant, he shocked the wrestling world and detonated a new chapter in his career—one driven by bitterness, fury and a burning belief that he is bigger and better than everything and everyone in his path. Since that night in LA, Hammer has activated an inner destroyer mode, tearing through the competition and leaving analysts, wrestlers, and oddsmakers aligned on one point: he may be the man to beat in 2026.
And that’s before a single other participant has even been announced.
The Battle RIOT remains one of MLW’s most unpredictable and chaotic traditions. 40 participants enter in 1 minute intervals. Eliminations occur by pinfall, submission, or being thrown over the top rope. Weapons, wild cards, and surprise entrants are all fair game. Alliances form and collapse within minutes. The last competitor standing earns the ultimate prize: a future shot at the MLW World Title.
Hammerstone’s entry raises the question that will loom over Central Florida until the final bell: Can Hammerstone win his second Battle RIOT and once again propel himself into a world title showdown?
Fans will find out on Thursday, January 29 when the gates open, the countdown clock hits zero, and the RIOT erupts once again.
Grab your seats at MLWLive.com and Ticketmaster! Don’t miss MLW’s return to the Orlando metro area for the first time in six years!Bring your signs as MLW TV trucks will be rolling up for a live broadcast streaming broadcasting worldwide!
Battle RIOT VIII participants:
•Alex Hammerstone
Matches and more appearances will be announced soon at MLW.com.
PLUS: Pre-Order your Special Meet & Greets from 6-6:30pm at www.MLWVIP.com.
Tickets start at $10 at http://www.MLWLive.com and Ticketmaster.
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.
DAY OF EVENT INFO
The schedule for the event is as follows:6:00 p.m.: Doors open for general public (all ticket holders)6:30 p.m.: Special Meet & Greets at MLW Shop Pavilion7:30 p.m.: Showtime
MORE ABOUT THE OSCEOLA HERITAGE PARK CENTEROsceola Heritage Park is “Where Central Florida Comes To Play.” The 200-acre entertainment complex in Kissimmee, Florida, features the 10,000-capacity Silver Spurs Arena; 60,000-square-foot events center; the 7,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Heritage Club; the 5,400-seat Osceola County Stadium; and festival grounds capable of accommodating up to 50,000 guests. The venue, managed by Legends Global, is dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment to Osceola County while providing a home for community and philanthropic events.
PARKING
Parking at Osceola Heritage Park’s Events Center features large on-site lots and attendants directing guests as they arrive. The venue offers ample space for all events, and signage makes it easy to navigate to the correct lot. Accessible parking is located close to the entrances, with dedicated drop-off areas available for guests with disabilities. Overall, fans can expect an easy, organized parking experience right on the property.
The venue is located at: 1901 Chief Osceola Trail Kissimmee, FL 34744About Major League WrestlingMajor 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 Charleston, 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.
Buy tickets starting at $10 as part of MLW’s fan Appreciation Night at 
Bring your signs as MLW TV trucks will be rolling up for a live broadcast streaming broadcasting worldwide!We will keep you updated right here at Bodyslam.net as more participants and matches for MLW Battle RIOT VIII are announced.
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