Major League Wrestling (MLW) Women's World Champion Shotzi Blackheart described her championship reign as "the greatest thing ever," expressing pride in her connection with the company that she feels understands her persona.
Blackheart won the MLW Women's World Championship earlier this year by defeating Shoko Nakajima on "Fusion." This marks her first championship in MLW, a company she officially joined in March. "I love MLW. I am such a proud champion. Like, I love this company so much. I've never had a company understand Shotzi Blackheart more than MLW," Blackheart told Fox News Digital. "So, to be the champion there is just like the greatest thing ever. Yes, so proud."
Her reign is now facing a significant challenge as she prepares to defend the title against Kira, a rising star from Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Kira joined CMLL in 2023 and was a participant in the tournament to crown the CMLL Universal Amazonas champion. Blackheart expressed admiration for Kira's in-ring abilities and potential.
"I mean, she's amazing. I watched her a lot when I went to CMLL a few months ago, and she is like the up and coming thing," Blackheart said. "Like, I think she could be CMLL women's champion at any point soon. Like, I really think that she could run the company at some point, and to have her come into MLW is awesome. I want to go up against girls like her – that you can tell they like have spent a lot of time in the ring and they really love this sport and they take it really seriously and she's going to challenge me for sure."
Blackheart anticipates a challenging match against Kira, noting her opponent's high-flying style. "She's a really awesome high-flyer. She does all the tricks and flips and it's really awesome to see. Like I was very impressed when I was doing my research on her. I'm so excited for it. I think it's going to be an awesome match."
Beyond Kira, other competitors are also setting their sights on the championship. Scarlett Bordeaux, a close friend of Blackheart, has expressed her intention to pursue the title. Blackheart welcomed the prospect of a feud with Bordeaux, acknowledging the competitive intensity that would arise despite their personal friendship.
"I am all for it. I think that Scarlett would be an awesome champion everywhere," Blackheart stated. "But yeah, I would definitely make her work for it. But maybe she's the one to take it from me. I don't know. We'll see. But I would love a feud against Scarlett. I would love it. And I would just say like, ‘Hey girl, don't hold back, you know, because I'm not going to either.’ I mean, we love each other, but in a way we're like we're ready to beat the s--- out of each other, too."
Blackheart embraces the pressure of being a target, viewing it as a sign of her value and the excitement surrounding her championship. The growing talent pool within MLW, bolstered by collaborations with CMLL and Stardom, presents a consistent stream of challengers.
"I mean, it feels good. It feels good to be wanted, you know? I love a target on my back. I'm for it. I love the drama – physical and whatnot. But yeah, with MLW teaming up with CMLL and Stardom, really awesome girls are coming through and they want my neck and I'm all for it."
Notable contenders also include Lady Frost, Zamaya, and Priscilla Kelly, among others from partner promotions. Blackheart is set to defend her MLW Women's World Championship against Kira on "Fusion," which airs on Saturday via YouTube, beIN Sports, and Veeps.