Injury forces change to MLW Opera Cup tournament

An injury has forced MLW to make a change to its Opera Cup 2025 tournament.

With Zandokan Jr. out of action with a knee injury, he will no longer be able to continue in the Opera Cup. MLW has announced that fellow CMLL luchador Star Jr. will be replacing him in the tournament, setting the stage for a Volador Jr. vs. Star Jr. matchup in the quarterfinals. That will take place at MLW’s Slaughterhouse event in Long Beach, California on October 4.

“MLW President Cesar Duran has activated Star Jr. as the alternate to replace Zandokan Jr. A standout in CMLL, Star Jr. enters the Opera Cup fresh, healthy, and amid a career-defining year in Mexico. His lightning-quick offense and relentless drive have made him one of lucha libreâ€s most talked-about rising stars,” the promotion wrote.

“Opposite him will be one of Mexicoâ€s most decorated luchadores: Volador Jr. The CMLL main eventer made his MLW debut this past Saturday, defeating Titan in an explosive opening-round bout that electrified Long Beach. Representing his faction Los Depredadores — alongside Rugido and Magnus — Volador Jr. enters the quarterfinals looking to continue his path toward Opera Cup glory.”

Zandokan had defeated Blue Panther Jr. in the first round before being sidelined by his knee injury requiring surgery.

Here is the updated Opera Cup tournament bracket:

Left side —

• Mistico vs. Ultimo Guerrero
• Austin Aries vs. Paul London

Right side —

• Volador Jr. vs. Star Jr.
• Satoshi Kojima vs. Bishop Dyer

All four quarterfinal matchups are happening at Slaughterhouse, which will be held at Thunder Studios in Long Beach and is set to air live on YouTube and beIN Sports.

The Opera Cup trophy has been won by Davey Boy Smith Jr., Tom Lawlor, Davey Richards, and Mistico during its history in MLW.

“Itâ€s a proving ground — not just for glory, but for legend,†MLW wrote about the tournament.

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