Major League Wrestling (MLW) has officially announced the rescheduling of its much-anticipated Chicago return event. Originally slated for November 15, 2025, the “Lucha Apocalypto” show will now take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois. MLW confirmed that all tickets already purchased for the November date will remain valid for the new date, with refund options available for fans unable to attend the rescheduled event[1][2][4].

This change in schedule comes amidst MLW’s busy event calendar for late 2025, which includes the upcoming Fightland event on September 13 in Dallas, Texas, and a collaboration show with Hollywood star Danny McBride on November 20 at The Charleston Music Hall in South Carolina. The November collaboration, dubbed “MLW x Don Gato: Lucha de los Muertos,” will feature the promotion’s unique blend of traditional wrestling and pop culture crossovers[1][3].

According to sources close to MLW, the decision to push back the Chicago date was strategic. A WWE insider speaking with Fightful speculated that the adjustment allows MLW to better space out its marquee events and optimize talent availability, especially given the growing interest from international stars appearing in MLW’s roster and special appearances like Volador Jr.’s MLW debut scheduled for Fightland[3][1]. The insider noted, “MLW is carefully pacing its expansion and is set to make an even bigger impact with the Chicago event in February, giving fans more time to build anticipation.”

MLW’s rise as a notable alternative wrestling brand has been bolstered by its potent mix of lucha libre talent, innovative storytelling, and cross-promotional events. The rescheduled Chicago event, “Lucha Apocalypto 2026,” is expected to be a highlight of the promotion’s early 2026 calendar, with Cicero Stadium providing a large venue catering to MLW’s expanding fanbase in the Midwest[1][2].

Fightful and wrestling podcasts following MLW closely have also noted that the fresh timing may allow for an enhanced card, potentially featuring some of the promotion’s top stars like Templario and Ikuro Kwon, who are on track to headline Fightland 2025 in a bout for the MLW World Middleweight Championship[3]. Fans can expect storylines to develop fully leading into February, culminating in this grand Chicago return.

For those holding tickets to the original November 15 date, MLW has reassured fans through official statements on MLW.com and Eventbrite channels that their purchases are secure and transferable automatically, with a full refund policy in place for anyone unable to attend the new February date. This customer service stance continues MLW’s commitment to fan satisfaction as the promotion expands into new markets[2][4].

Upcoming MLW Schedule Highlights:

• Fightland 2025: September 13, NYTEX Sports Centre, Texas

• Slaughterhouse 2025: October 4, Thunder Studios, California

• MLW x Don Gato: Lucha de los Muertos: November 20, Charleston Music Hall, South Carolina

• Lucha Apocalypto 2026 (Chicago Return): February 7, Cicero Stadium, Illinois[1]

The Chicago wrestling scene has been eagerly awaiting MLW’s return since the promotion’s last visit, and insiders suggest that the February event will be a key moment in MLW’s growth trajectory. An MLW source told 411Mania, “Chicago is a vital market for us, and by rescheduling the event to February, we can craft a bigger experience — both in terms of talent and production value.”[4]

MLW’s collaboration with Danny McBride adds a mainstream entertainment dimension to the promotion’s schedule, with the South Carolina show blending celebrity crossover appeal and lucha libre’s rich cultural heritage. This trend illustrates MLW’s innovative approach to expanding wrestling’s audience beyond traditional fanbases, a strategy noted in WWE.com analyses of wrestling promotions that are successfully leveraging pop culture partnerships.

In summary, MLW’s rescheduling of the Chicago “Lucha Apocalypto” event to February 7, 2026, reflects its dynamic approach to growth and event planning. Fans in Chicago and across the country can look forward to a stacked card and revitalized fan experience at Cicero Stadium, marking another pivotal chapter in MLW’s ascent in the pro wrestling world.

As updates emerge and the February date approaches, wrestling media outlets like Fightful, PWMania, and MLW’s official channels will continue to provide detailed match announcements and behind-the-scenes insights for fans eagerly counting down to MLW’s return to the Windy City.