Marie Shadows vs Wrestling Twitter: MLWxNJPW + Drama Tweet Breakdown

Squared Circle Podcast

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Marie Shadows vs Wrestling Twitter: MLWxNJPW + Drama Tweet Breakdown

When fans twist your words for clout—Marie breaks down the tweet that set Wrestling Twitter on fire.

Marie Shadows

Jun 30, 2025

Transcript

This weekend reminded me just how loud and reactive the wrestling space can be. I said something honest. It came from a place of respect and experience. And yet, it spun out into drama for no reason.

I tweeted:

“I’m hoping MLW to save NJPW.”

That’s it. That’s the sentence people screenshot, misquoted, and used to turn me into a headline or a target. So, here’s the full context—because context still matters.

I Was at MLW’s Summer of the Beast

On June 26, I worked MLW's Summer of the Beast show. I wasn’t just there as media—I was actively helping. I supported talent during meet and greets, connected with Mistico, Yuki, and Wakana, and got to meet KENTA in person. Hung out with Matt Riddle. Story coming in another podcast. The atmosphere was professional, respectful, and energizing.

I also witnessed something unexpected and emotional: a surprise award ceremony honoring NJPW’s Sugabayashi and referee Tiger Hattori. I teared up. It was real. It reminded me why I care so deeply about this industry. We celebrated NJPW. NJPW is bare bones right now.

That ceremony confirmed something quietly important: MLW and NJPW’s working relationship has been rekindled. So no, I didn’t just make something up out of thin air.

I Said “Hoping,” Not “Reporting” or “Can”

There’s a difference between wishing for something and claiming it as fact. I used the word hoping. I’ve been watching NJPW struggle with All Elite Wrestling/Tony Khan, its U.S. presence, branding, and fan engagement. I’ve seen and experienced MLW do more with less. Their structure, focus, and respect for storytelling make them a potential guiding hand.

So yes—I’m hoping MLW helps NJPW stay strong, adapt, and keep its legacy alive.

But I didn’t say they can/are saving them. I didn’t say there’s a new deal on the table. And I didn’t spin it like news.

Wrestling Twitter Took It Out of Context

What followed the tweet was the usual: quote tweets, screenshots, misinterpretations, people claiming I said things I didn’t. I was called out by people who either didn’t read the whole tweet or just wanted content out of outrage.

I know I’m not the only one who’s tired of that cycle. We can’t talk about wrestling with any real nuance or reflection without someone trying to twist it for their own platform.

I’ve always been honest about how I view this industry. I’ve supported NJPW for years. AEW and Tony Khan have been hurting their partners. That’s not hate. That’s observation.

The Bottom Line

Wrestling isn’t black and white. It’s complicated. Every company has strengths and weaknesses. MLW is doing things right—things NJPW could benefit from, especially when it comes to consistency, U.S. reach, and connection with fans.

So I stand by what I said:

I’m hoping MLW to save NJPW.

Not because I know something no one else does, but because I believe in what I saw backstage at MLW. And I still believe NJPW deserves that kind of energy around them again.

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