MLW & NJPW Presents CMLL Fantastica Mania USA 2026 takes place this Sunday, April 12, from Festival Hall in Charleston, South Carolina, marking the first-ever U.S. edition of the historic Fantastica Mania series to be co-produced by Major League Wrestling.
Key points:
- Historic Tri-Promotion Showcase: MLW, NJPW, and CMLL converge for one night featuring championship gold, including the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and the MLW World Middleweight Championship
- How to Watch: Live at Festival Hall in Charleston; the event will also be taped for MLW Fusion and is expected to stream on NJPW World
- Tickets: Limited standing room only tickets remain at MLWgo.com
What to Expect
The event marks MLW's first major hometown showcase since relocating its headquarters to Charleston, and the promotion has assembled one of the most talent-dense international cards in company history. MLW founder Court Bauer called it a moment to "make history" in the Holy City, crediting collaboration with NJPW and CMLL leadership to bring the event together.
No specific matches have been formally announced as of Thursday. MLW has confirmed a deep roster of participants across all three promotions, and tickets are nearly gone due to overwhelming demand. Check MLW.com for any last-minute bout announcements before Sunday.
Confirmed Participants
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion DOUKI
DOUKI arrives in Charleston as the reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, bringing championship stakes to the event. The title represents NJPW's most prestigious junior heavyweight prize, and any championship action at Fantastica Mania USA would mark a significant moment for American fans.
MLW World Middleweight Champion KUSHIDA
KUSHIDA enters as the MLW World Middleweight Champion, aligned with CONTRA Unit after dethroning Templario at MLW Battle RIOT VIII. Once celebrated for technical brilliance, KUSHIDA has embraced a more ruthless edge under the CONTRA banner, creating a volatile wild card with international competition converging on his home promotion's turf.
El Desperado
El Desperado is regarded as one of the most dangerous junior heavyweights in the world, building his reputation on technical precision, ruthless targeting of limbs, and a cold-blooded finishing instinct. His presence alongside DOUKI sets up dream matchup possibilities in Charleston's junior heavyweight scene.
Taiji Ishimori
Known as the "Bone Soldier," Ishimori is one of the most accomplished junior heavyweights of his generation, blending high-speed aerial offense with bone-jarring impact. His NJPW history with both DOUKI and Desperado makes his spot on the card particularly intriguing.
Satoshi Kojima
Satoshi Kojima returns to MLW for the Charleston event, with his previous MLW appearance coming in the Opera Cup semifinal last October. Kojima is one of the most decorated figures in MLW history and his return to the company's hometown show carries significant weight.
Último Guerrero
Último Guerrero arrives as a former MLW National Openweight Champion and a cornerstone of Mexico's most prestigious arenas, known for his dominance and main event-caliber performances across decades. He also competed at last year's MLW vs. CMLL event in Arena Mexico, where he defeated Matthew Justice to capture the MLW National Openweight Championship.
Místico
Místico returns to MLW for the Charleston event. A two-time Opera Cup Champion and former MLW World Middleweight Champion, he is one of the greatest box office attractions in Mexican wrestling history. His championship history with KUSHIDA adds another layer to the middleweight storyline heading into this weekend.
Additional Confirmed Talent
Also advertised for the event are MLW World Heavyweight Champion Mads Krule Krugger, Killer Kross, The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows), Bishop Dyer, Donovan Dijak, Matthew Justice, and Diego Hill. Lady Frost is also scheduled to make her MLW debut in Charleston.
Full Card
| Match | Notes |
|---|---|
| DOUKI (c) vs. TBA | IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (if defended) |
| KUSHIDA (c) vs. TBA | MLW World Middleweight Championship (if defended) |
| Additional matches TBA | Featuring MLW, NJPW, and CMLL talent |
Specific matchups have not been fully announced as of Thursday. Check back at MLW.com for updates as they are confirmed before Sunday's bell.
How to Watch
- Date/Time: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT
- Venue: Festival Hall, 56 Beaufain Street, Charleston, South Carolina
- Tickets: Limited SRO tickets available at MLWgo.com
- Streaming: Event taped for MLW Fusion; expected on NJPW World
- Doors Open: 6:00 PM ET; Meet & Greets 6:00-6:30 PM
Don't Miss SEScoops Coverage
Stay tuned to SEScoops.com for live results, match recaps, and post-event fallout from Fantastica Mania USA 2026.
