Windsor, Ontario played host to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s “Uprising” event on March 28th, a night of Canadian professional wrestling action broadcast on Triller TV. The event saw title changes, heated confrontations, and a grueling gauntlet match, signaling a period of shifting dynamics within the promotion. Whereas the Canadian wrestling scene often operates outside the mainstream spotlight of WWE and AEW, events like Uprising demonstrate a dedicated fanbase and a growing roster of talent.
The evening’s most significant outcome was the capture of the MLP Canadian Tag Team Championships by Sheldon Jean and Brent Banks, who defeated the reigning champions, The Good Brothers (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson). This victory marks a notable moment for Jean and Banks, establishing them as a force to be reckoned with in the tag team division. The Good Brothers, veterans of the industry with extensive experience in major promotions, were unable to retain their titles against the rising Canadian duo.
Beyond the championship bouts, several storylines advanced, adding layers of complexity to the MLP landscape. Daisuke Sasaki and Bryce Hansen continued a simmering feud, culminating in a No DQ match won by Sasaki. The animosity between the two stems from a prior encounter at Global Wars, where Hansen emerged victorious, a loss Jean publicly blamed Hansen for. Sasaki’s aggressive tactics, including a chair shot that Hansen narrowly avoided, underscore the intensity of their rivalry.
The MLP Women’s Canadian Championship likewise saw action, with Gisele Shaw successfully defending her title against Deonna Purrazzo. Shaw, prior to the match, stated her intention to inflict serious damage on Purrazzo, contrasting their previous “pure wrestling” encounter. This shift in approach highlights the diverse styles and competitive spirit within the MLP women’s division.
A Grueling Gauntlet for the Interim Championship
Perhaps the most physically demanding match of the night was the Elimination Gauntlet for the MLP Interim Canadian Championship. Stu Grayson ultimately emerged victorious, overcoming a field of formidable opponents including Jay Lethal, Michael Oku, Rich Swann, Rohan Raja, and Jonathan Gresham. The gauntlet format, requiring continuous wrestling against a rotating series of challengers, tested Grayson’s endurance and strategic acumen. The win is a significant step for Grayson, who received a post-match endorsement from Evil Uno, who surprisingly praised Grayson’s potential as a champion, calling him the best wrestler in Canada.
Storylines Emerge and Intensify
Several other key moments unfolded throughout the evening. Bishop Dyer explained his betrayal of Kaito Kiyomiya, offering a blunt assessment of Kiyomiya’s character. This led to a match that Kiyomiya won, but Dyer continued his aggression, attacking Kiyomiya after the bell. Rohan Raja voiced his frustration at being overlooked for a shot at the MLP Canadian Title, adding another layer to the competitive landscape. Jimmy Jacobs’ involvement in The Swirl’s (Blake Christian & Lee Johnson) match against El Reverso & Mo Jabari, attempting to “coach” Jabari, also raised eyebrows and hinted at potential interference in future contests.
The event also featured a tag team match with Máscara Dorada & Bhupinder Gujjar defeating Jake Christ & Michael Allen Richard Clarke, and a match between Alice Crowley & Evil Uno and Taylor Rising & Kris Chambers. These matches, while not directly tied to championship pursuits, contributed to the overall depth of the card and showcased the diverse talent within MLP.
The Growing Canadian Pro Wrestling Scene
Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, like other independent promotions across North America, plays a vital role in developing talent and providing a platform for wrestlers to hone their skills. The promotion’s focus on Canadian wrestlers and its partnership with Triller TV are strategic moves aimed at expanding its reach and building a dedicated fanbase. Fightful’s results section provides ongoing coverage of events across the professional wrestling world, including independent promotions like MLP.
The Canadian wrestling scene, while often overshadowed by the global reach of WWE and AEW, has a rich history and a passionate following. Promotions like MLP are working to cultivate that local talent and create compelling storylines that resonate with fans. The success of Uprising, and the continued development of its roster, will be key to MLP’s growth and its contribution to the broader professional wrestling landscape.
Looking ahead, MLP will likely continue to build on the storylines established at Uprising. The rivalry between Sasaki and Hansen, the dynamic between Grayson and Uno, and the pursuit of championship opportunities by Raja and others will undoubtedly unfold in the weeks and months to come. Fans can expect further announcements regarding upcoming events and storylines on the promotion’s official channels.
What did you think of the results from MLP Uprising? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!
