Alex Hammerstone’s Contractual Status After Unexpected MLW Return

Alex Hammerstone pulled off a major surprise by showing up at MLW Battle Riot VII, but despite the grand return and all the hype, he’s not officially back under contract. That’s right—The former MLW World Heavyweight Champion is flying solo, for now.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful cleared the air after the event, tweeting, “I’m told he has not signed a contract,” when asked about Hammerstone’s status with the company. So while fans saw him storm into Battle Riot with big energy, it’s clear MLW hasn’t locked him down just yet.

Hammerstone was introduced by Cesar Duran, who called him a “very important part of MLW’s future.” But Hammerstone made it clear this wasn’t some feel-good comeback for the crowd. “I didn’t come back just for the return pop,” he told fans in the arena. “I came back to enter Battle Riot and reclaim the MLW World Championship.”

His reappearance couldn’t come at a more interesting time. Hammerstone’s last match aired on the March 13 episode of TNA iMPACT!, where he came up short in a title match against Joe Hendry. That marked his final appearance for TNA after recovering from knee surgery that had sidelined him since November.

Even without a contract, Hammerstone is already back in the thick of it, re-entering the MLW title picture and stirring up talk across the wrestling world. He previously held the MLW World Title for 644 days—a reign that made him a pillar of the promotion—and now he’s looking to do it all over again.

Will Hammerstone officially sign with MLW, or could another promotion swoop in and make a play? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know where you think he should land next.

Do you think Alex Hammerstone will reclaim the MLW World Championship? What are your thoughts on his return and the impact it could have on MLW’s future? Drop your comments below—we’d love to hear from you!