Ross and Marshall Von Erich are the current MLW tag team champions. They will both compete in single’s matches on January 11th, 2020 when MLW presents Zero Hour from Dallas, Texas. The Von Erichs competed in the War Chamber match for MLW in North Richland Hills, Texas back in September.
Ahead of the brothers’ return to Texas, they spoke to Dallas Morning News about continuing the family legacy.
Kevin Von Erich moved with his boys to Hawaii from Texas. Ross and Marshall discussed the move during the interview.
“My dad saw a lot of tragedy in Texas,” Marshall said. “Everything there was reminding him of his brothers.”
“We’re country boys from Texas,” Ross said of living in Hawaii. “Fishing, hunting, surfing — that’s what country boys do here. It’s the same lifestyle for us, just a different environment.”
In terms of getting into wrestling, the Von Erichs have had offers from WWE but their current deal with MLW allows them the freedom to also help their Dad out on the ranch in Kauai.
“I kind of knew subconsciously that this wrestling thing would be there one day,” Ross said.
Court Bauer has emphasized that MLW wants Ross and Marshall to be their own people, not replicas of their father and uncles.
“Ross and Marshall must have their own identities,” Bauer explained. “They must be their own men. If they become replicas … we’ll just be doing a karaoke version of the Von Erichs.”
Both wrestlers utilize the Iron Claw, however, and walk to the ring to the familiar sounds of “Stranglehold.” Other nods to the past with a more negative connotation will not be done, however, Bauer stressed.
“I can’t tell you how many times [a wrestler would] bring up the drug past, dead uncles, and all this stuff we really can’t do anything about,” Marshall said.
“Our dad would call that cheap heat,” Ross added.
“We will never exploit or try to get heat with the family’s past,” Bauer said. “I would never do that. That’s lowbrow stuff.”
The piece by the Dallas Morning News goes into great detail regarding the Von Erich family history in wrestling and the new ground Ross and Marshall are breaking in MLW. The article can be read in its entirety here.
MLW Fusion from 12/28 on BeIN Sports presented a Best of 2019 show featuring some of the top matches and angles from the last year. The main event from MLW’s PPV debut this year, Jacob Fatu vs LA Park, was the featured match on the show.
The featured match on this week’s episode of Fusion was the main event from the promotion’s PPV debut “Saturday Night SuperFight” on November 2nd in Chicago’s Cicero Stadium. LA Park earned a title shot by winning the 2019 Battle Riot match and presented an opportunity for Selina de la Renta to bring the MLW World Championship back into Promociones Dorado.
What Selina failed to fully appreciate, however, is how dominant a champion Jacob Fatu is. On Fusion this week, a recap video of the Contra Unit’s takeover of the promotion was shown before LA Park vs Jacob Fatu closed the show.
While Fatu’s unique ability was on full display during this match, it would take some outside help from Josef Samael for him to retain his title. In the end, it would be a fireball from Josef Samael and a missed spear that saw Selina driven through a table which would lead to the finish. Fatu finished his opponent off with a moonsault from the top.
With a new year on the horizon, one has to wonder who will be the next to challenge Jacob Fatu?
One of the top stories of the year in MLW was recapped on the show this week. Tom Lawlor turned on the Von Erichs during a world title match between Ross Von Erich and Jacob Fatu on Thanksgiving. Lawlor would later state he plans on reforming “Team Filthy” and is currently looking for new stablemates.
A recap of Ross Von Erich and Tom Lawlor brawling in the streets of New York was also shown on this week’s episode.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. Moves Closer To World Title Shot
The opening match from Fusion’s “Best of 2019” show featured Davey Boy Smith Jr. submitting a game Timothy Thatcher. The commentary team peppered in mentions about how important this match was in the MLW rankings during the bout, possibly to communicate to the audience that Smith might not be far away from an MLW World Championship match. Will Smith find himself in the title picture as MLW moves into 2020?
Major League Wrestling has locked up another member of their roster to a new deal. The promotion has announced they have signed current Middleweight Champion Myron Reed to a long-term deal. Terms and length of the contract have not been revealed.
“Myron has emerged as an extraordinary athlete and important voice in the sport,” said Court Bauer, MLW CEO and founder. “We look forward to seeing the champ showcased in MLW as he enters his prime.”
Reed defeated Teddy Hart to win the promotion’s middleweight title on November 9th, 2019 on a show from Orlando. He’s just the third wrestler to hold the title with Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Hart being the other two.
Reed is currently a member of the “Injustice” trio in MLW along with Kotto Brazil and Jordan Oliver. The group has stated that MLW’s referees and management are biased against them.
“Establishing the Injustice movement earlier this year, Reed has been an outspoken advocate with a powerful message. Now consisting of Reed, Jordan Oliver and Kotto Brazil, the trio are one of the most powerful and prominent teams in the league,” an MLW Press release for the signing reads.
The 22-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky made his pro-debut in 2016.
Dustin Rhodes recently took to Twitter to express his desire for a Rhodes brothers vs Von Erich brothers match to take place. The Von Erichs are the current MLW Tag Team Championships and Dustin and his brother Cody are scheduled to team up next on the January 8th edition of Dynamite against the Lucha Bros.
Dustin posted the following to Twitter in regard to a possible match between the two famed families.
MLW’s Court Bauer responded to Rhodes’ comments noting that the Von Erichs and MLW will be in Texas on January 11th, 2020 for Zero Hour. AEW recently ran events in Garland and Corpus Christie, Texas as well.
This is the first time Bauer has publicly acknowledged anything regarding an MLW and AEW relationship. Dustin liked the Tweet posted by Bauer as well.
Several wrestlers work for both AEW and MLW such as Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Jimmy Havoc. This is the first time either side has acknowledged doing business on this level, however.
Dusty Rhodes actually wrestled on the 3rd ever MLW event in 2002. Steve Corino defeated both Rhodes and Terry Funk in a triple threat match that night.
MLW Zero Hour
The following matches are booked for MLW’s return to Dallas, Texas on January 11th, 2020.
Barbed Wire Match Mance Warner vs Jimmy Havoc
Ross Von Erich vs Tom Lawlor
Marshall Von Erich vs Maxwell Jacob Friedman
National Openweight Championship Alex Hammerstone vs Aerostar
Alicia Atout has signed a contract with MLW (Major League Wrestling).
The promotion made the news known on Monday when they issued a press release. This deal will see Atout serve as a correspondent for MLW’s weekly series FUSION as well as additional assignments.
These assignments will see her host programming for MLW’s catalog of content.
“I am beyond excited to be the newest member of the MLW family,” said Alicia Atout. “This is one of the most thrilling announcements I’ve shared with all my loved ones, friends, and fans. It feels surreal; I’ve worked really hard to get to this point and moments like this truly make it all worth it. It feels incredible to finally have a place to call home in wrestling and I can’t wait to create some magic with MLW.”
This comes after she joined the promotion earlier this year as a correspondent.
“Alicia brings a passion and quality to MLW broadcasts and coverage unmatched in the sport,” said MLW CEO and founder Court Bauer. “We are very pleased to formalize Alicia’s future with MLW.”
Alicia Atout’s Background
Atout has created content with her hit YouTube series, AMBY, over the past few years.
The series is an award-winning interview vlog with music and wrestling videos. In addition to creating content for her series, she will now take on her new role with MLW.
MLW returns on January 11th for the Zero Hour event that will serve as a TV taping for their weekly television show, Fusion, on beIN Sports. The event will be held in Dallas, Texas at the NYTEX Sports Centre.
Major League Wrestling presented Fusion on BeIN Sports and YouTube this weekend. The show featured two Opera Cup opening round matches and a “Prince of Darkness” match between rivals Jimmy Havoc and Mance Warner.
In a backstage segment this week, Tom Lawlor announced that he is reforming his old stable “Team Filthy.” Lawlor was quickly interrupted by Ross Von Erich, however, who was looking for revenge on Lawlor. The two brawled on the streets of New York with Lawlor trying to flee the fight every chance he could get.
Cameras caught up with Lawlor and Von Erich brawling to close the show. Lawlor was able to flee the scuffle by hopping on a subway as its doors closed, separating him from his rival. These two will meet in single’s action when MLW returns to Dallas for “Zero Hour” on January 11th.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. Advances To Semi-Finals Of The Opera Cup
Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round) Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Low-Ki
Davey Boy Smith Jr.’s grandfather Stu Hart was the last man to win the Opera Cup when he did so in 1948. In order to advance to the semi-finals, Smith would have to defeat former MLW World Champion Low-Ki.
The finish of this match saw Low-Ki counter a power slam attempt into a submission. With Low-Ki on his shoulders, however, Smith countered the submission into a pinning combination and got the 3-count to win and advance.
Prince of Darkness Match Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner
Jimmy Havoc and Mance Warner opened up this week’s edition of Fusion with a “Prince of Darkness” blindfold match. Havoc rarely abided by the rules of the match, however, and took his blindfold off twice during the contest.
After the second time Havoc took his blindfold off, the referee diverted his attention to admonish him. This allowed Priscilla Kelly to run-in and give Warner a low blow. Havoc then delivered the Acid Rainmaker for the win. What role will Priscilla Kelly play when these two meet again on January 11th in Dallas and the ropes are made of barbed wire?
Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round) Alexander Hammerstone defeated Maxwell Jacob Friedman
Richard Holliday’s lawyer/father was not able to prevent this match from taking place. The Hart Foundation is said to have had a say in the brackets for this tournament and perhaps they made it so the members of Dynasty would have to face each other here.
Both wrestlers tried to get the other one to lay down with the old “Fingerpoke of Doom” spot. Finally, Hammerstone just dropkicked MJF and the match was underway. While MJF would try his best to take as many shortcuts as he could during the match, Hammerstone ultimately picked up the win with a powerbomb.
After the match, Holliday was able to get Hammerstone and MJF to shake hands. MJF then collapsed after doing so, still feeling the effects of that big powerbomb from Hammerstone.
CIMA was seen backstage this week introducing the members of Strong Hearts to MLW. The members of Contra Unit attacked, however. This likely wasn’t how CIMA wanted his group to make their debut. Future matches between these two factions are likely to be scheduled soon.
MLW Fusion 12/21 Quick Results:
Prince of Darkness Match Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner
Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round) Alexander Hammerstone defeated Maxwell Jacob Friedman
Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round) Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Low-Ki
Killer Kross was released from Impact Wrestling just yesterday and now his first appearance outside of the company has been announced in form of an MLW show.
The company took on their Twitter today and announced that
Kross will be making his MLW debut during the Fightland event on February 1,
2020 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:
Killer Kross has made appearances for promotions such as
Lucha Underground and AAA so far in his career but he is primarily known for
his stint with Impact Wrestling.
He made his debut for the company in June 2018. The promotion had pushed him as one of their top stars since then and he had challenged for the Impact World title a couple of times.
Killer Kross, however, asked for his release from the
company in May earlier this year and it was said that the heavyweight star was
unhappy with his current pay and the creative direction of his character.
At the time, Impact Officials decided against giving him a
release and the two sides continued negotiating a new deal as the expiry date
for his original contract in December came close.
Impact had the option to roll his contract over for another year but the officials decided not to do so and earlier this week, they released a short statement confirming his release.
Major League Wrestling began airing matches from the Opera Cup tournament this week on Fusion. The tournament was taped inside New York’s Melrose Ballroom on December 5th.
The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
Here are 6 takeaways from MLW Fusion 12/14:
Brian Pillman Jr. Advances To Opera Cup Semi-Finals
In the night’s main event, Brian Pillman Jr. took on TJP in an Opera Cup opening round match. The Opera Cup trophy was on display during tournament matches on Fusion last night, the first time it has been up for grabs since Stu Hart won it in 1948.
TJP seemed to have the majority of control in this match early with Pillman only able to gain the offensive for short periods. Pillman would hit a super-kick which would turn the tide of the match, however, and then land a strong knee to the face on his opponent. He then hit his swinging neck breaker finish for the win. It’s a big win over an established veteran for the 26-year-old Pillman who moves on to the semi-finals of the tournament.
Gino Medina Drawing Interest From Konnan, Salina de la Renta
MLW newcomer Gina Medina was backstage at Fusion this week. Cameras caught Medina speaking with Konnan in a stairwell during the show, and the two appeared to be discussing business. Their meeting ended with a handshake but no comments were issued at the time.
Later in the show, Alicia Atout was preparing to interview Salina de la Renta but the leader of Promociones Dorado caught a glimpse of Gino Medina and ditched Atout to talk business with him.
It seems the newcomer to MLW might have both Konnan and Salina competing for his services.
This week’s episode kicked off with the members of Injustice, Myron Reed, Kotto Brazil, and Jordan Oliver, in the ring complaining about not being included in the Opera Cup and appear to not be leaving the ring in protest. This brought out King Mo to confront the group but he wasn’t. As Injustice looked to have a 3-on-1 advantage against Mo, ACH’s music hit and he made his surprise return to the promotion and an impromptu tag match was scheduled.
The finish of the match came when ACH made the hot tag to King Mo who landed a sit-down powerbomb and then locked in the submission for the win.
The members of Dynasty were shown in a backstage segment this week. Richard Holliday and Maxwell Jacob Friedman then exchanged gifts. MJF got Holliday the custom made air pods. The large pods don’t seem to fit Holliday too well but he’s quite happy with the gift.
Then Holliday gave MJF his gift. A man somewhat resembling MJF but shorter and smaller walks into the shot wearing an MJF styled scarf. Holliday presents him as “Max Mini” as a gift to MJF, who did not appreciate it and Max was shoved out of the camera shot quickly.
Timothy Thatcher Beats Richard Holliday, Advances In Opera Cup Tournament
Timothy Thatcher arrived in MLW before the SuperFight PPV looking for a fight with Tom Lawlor. He got more than he bargained for on the PPV but a strong showing in the Opera Cup will likely move him to the top of the promotion’s rankings. He started the tournament strong this week with a win over Dynasty’s Richard Holliday, who perhaps was distracted by his unfortunate gift exchange with MJF>
Holiday landed his patented “2008” finisher but Thatcher kicked out. The finish of the match came when Thatcher locked in a Fujiwara armbar and got the tap out.
Thatcher will face Pillman Jr. in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Next Week’s Fusion
Next week on Fusion, MLW continues with the Opera Cup. It was also announced during this week’s show that Tom Lawlor plans to make a huge announcement.
As the tournament continues, Davey Boy Smith Jr. has a chance to win the cup his grandfather was the last to hold. He takes on Low-Ki in the first round. It will also be an inter-Dynasty match-up as MJF takes on Alex Hammerstone in a match Richard Holliday’s lawyer/father was not able to prevent from happening.
Opera Cup (1st Round) Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs Low-Ki
Opera Cup (1st Round) MJF vs Alex Hammerstone
MLW Fusion 12/14 Quick Results:
King Mo & ACH defeated Kotto Brazil & Jordan Oliver (Injustice) w/Myron Reed
Opera Cup (1st Round) Timothy Thatcher defeated Richard Holliday
Opera Cup (1st Round) Brian Pillman Jr. defeated TJP
This weekend, Major League Wrestling presented its final episode of Fusion from the recent Orlando tapings. The main event this week featured the Hart Foundation going up against Contra Unit in tag team action. Tom Lawlor would also explain why he turned on the Von Erichs.
The episode can be viewed in the player below:
Here are 7 takeaways from MLW Fusion 12/7:
Hart Foundation Pick Up Measure Of Revenge On Contra Unit
Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr. (Hart Foundation) defeated Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch (Contra Unit)
Teddy Hart was released from MLW’s roster recently but in storyline, he was taken out by Contra Unit’s Josef Samael with a fireball. Samael hit Hart with the fireball during a middleweight championship match he would lose to Injustice’s Myron Reed.
The remaining members of the Hart Foundation, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr., picked up a measure of revenge this week when they defeated Ikuro Kwon and Simon Gotch from Contra Unit. The finish of the match saw Pillman and Davey Boy deliver a modified Hart Attack on Gotch for the win.
On the Thanksgiving day special of MLW Fusion, Tom Lawlor turned his back on the Von Erichs. During the world title match between Jacob Fatu and Ross Von Erich, Lawlor hit Ross with a chair, allowing the champion to retain his title.
In a backstage segment this week, Lawlor explained he is not loyal to Contra Unit and did what he did because he was sick of the Von Erichs making it all about them. Lawlor said he’s not loyal to Contra or the Von Erichs, he’s only loyal to himself.
The giant Grogan was introduced in a backstage segment featuring the Dynasty recently. The 6ft 8 300lbs newcomer to MLW has wrestled under the name Logan Creed as well. National Openweight Champion Alex Hammerstone was on commentary during this match and bragged about bringing in the big man.
Grogan was well-featured in this battle royal and would eventually toss out Timothy Thatcher to secure the victory. Big things could be in store for the Dynasty with Hammerstone’s “Big Gift” now in the faction.
As this week’s MLW Fusion was taped in Orlando’s Gilt Nightclub, the nearby Florida swamps provided the venue for this match between Leo Brien and Savio Vega. Each wrestler used whatever weapons were at his disposal in this one, with Brien’s bull rope coming into play often.
The finish came when Brien missed hitting his opponent with the cowbell and Savio countered with a spinning back heel kick for the win.
After the match was over, however, Savio didn’t show any mercy to his opponent and continued the assault.
The Von Erich family is used to betrayals. Whether it is Michael Hayes hitting Kerry Von Erich with a steel cage door or Tom Lawlor hitting Ross Von Erich with a steel chair, those betrayals often occur during world title matches, or so it seems.
A backstage interview with Ross and Marshall Von Erich aired this week and featured an upset Ross saying he thought of Lawlor like a brother. Marshall Von Erich warned Tom that he was going to see him soon and Lawlor better hope he doesn’t seem him in the ring.
A Tapai Death Match between Mance Warner and Jimmy Havoc had been scheduled and advertised for this week but did not air. A news bulletin scrolled across the bottom of the screen during the episode that the match had been canceled due to a backstage attack.
When MLW heads to Dallas in the new year, however, Warner and Havoc are scheduled to face each other in a barbed wire match.
On next week’s episode of Fusion, MLW will air two of the opening round matches from the Opera Cup. The promotion taped the tournament on December 5th, 2019 inside New York’s Melrose Ballroom.
It will be an inter-Dynasty match-up as Richard Holiday’s lawyer/father was not able to prevent the match between Hammerstone and MJF next week. Davey Boy Smith Jr. will also look to start his journey to capturing the Cup last won by his grandfather when he takes on former MLW World Champion Low-Ki.
Airing next week:
Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs Low-Ki
Alex Hammerstone vs Maxwell Jacob Friedman
Other opening-round matches:
Brian Pillman Jr. vs TJP
Richard Holiday vs Timothy Thatcher
Quick Results MLW Fusion 12/7:
Grogan wins Invitational Battle Royal
Savio Vega defeated Leo Brien in a Swamp Match
Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr. (Hart Foundation) defeated Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch (Contra Unit)
MLW sent in a press release confirming ACH’s return and announcing he will compete at their next event, Zero Hour, which takes place Saturday, January 11th from Dallas, TX at the NYTEX Sports Center in Ft. Worth. Tickets for that event start at $15 and are now available MLWTickets.com.
MLW’s announcement reads, “Known for bombarding adversaries with a variety of 450º splashes and signature moves like the Dragon Ball Z (multiple elbows to a cornered opponent followed by a running thrust attack), ACH is a powerhouse anime character come to life. Wowing crowds around the world, the Austin, Texas native is a dynamic athlete. Combining uncanny agility with blistering strikes, ACH is the evolution of the modern-day fighter.”
In addition to ACH’s return, the top match announced for MLW Zero /hour is a No Ropes Barbed Wire Match featuring Jimmy Havoc vs. Mance Warner.
Talent signed to appear includes World Tag Team Champions Ross & Marshall Von Erich, World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu and CONTRA Unit, Salina de la Renta, LA Park and Hijo de LA Park, The Dynasty, Injustice, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. and more.
Check out this footage of ACH’s return to MLW at the Opera Cup:
Posted December 6th, 2019 in MLW, News. Tagged: ACH.
The company released a short statement on the matter this morning revealing that they have come to the terms on the release of the former MLW World Middleweight Champion:
”Major League Wrestling has come to terms on the release of
Teddy Hart.”
Hart started his wrestling career in 1995 and he was signed by WWE 3 years later, making him the youngest star to have ever signed with them at the age of 18.
Though he was released from the promotion in 2002 without making any significant impact and it was noted that the former WWE star was released from the organization due to his attitude problems.
Since then, he has wrestled for a number of well-known
promotions including his stints with companies such as Ring Of Honor, Total
Nonstop Action and AAA.
He made several appearances for MLW in 2004. Hart returned to the promotion in 2017 and became one of the company’s regular stars as the leader of the New Era Hart Foundation with cousin Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr.
Teddy Hart last wrestled for MLW on TV during the November 9th episode of Fusion where he competed in a match against Myron Reed and dropped the MLW Middleweight Championship to him.
Major League Wrestling was in Queens, NY at the Melrose Ballroom on Thursday night for an event titled Opera Cup that served as TV tapings of their Fusion show.
Matches on this show were taped for the weekly MLW Fusion TV series on beIN SPORTS. The first episode from this taping is expected to air in the coming weeks, with the replay being uploaded to MLW’s YouTube channel.
MLW Fusion TV Taping Results
Dr. Dax defeated Maverick Chris Calaway
Opera Cup Match: Brian Pillman Jr. defeated TJ Perkins. Post-match, Pillman was interviewed by Alicia Atout where he talked about tonight would be his and 2020 would be his year.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Low Ki
They aired a video on King Mo Lawal.
Opera Cup: Timothy Thatcher defeated Richard Holliday.
Opera Cup: Alex Hammerstone defeated MJF. Post-match, MJF offered his hand and when Hammerstone took it, MJF collapsed in exhaustion.
They aired footage of Tom Lawlor’s recent turn. This led to Lawlor coming out for a promo about how everyone wants to talk about the Von Erichs as he thinks they’re idiots. He knocked the fans and questioned if they are even real Von Erichs. He introduced Lance Von Erich.
Tom Lawlor defeated Rip Von Erich. Post-match, Lawlor cut a promo about how he is undefeated against the Von Erichs. Marshall and Ross Von Erich came out to confront him but were attacked by the Spirit Squad.
MLW Middleweight Champion Myron Reed defeated El Lindaman
They aired a video feature on the forthcoming AAA working agreement.
Injustice walkout for a promo about how they are not in the Opera Cup. Officials came out asking them to leave. They refused to leave and brought a chair into the ring until King Mo came out along with ACH to end the segment.
ACH & King Mo defeated Jordan Oliver & Kotto Brazil.
Opera Cup Semi-Final: Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Timothy Thatcher
Opera Cup Semi-Final: Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Alexander Hammerstone (with Richard Holliday)
Pillman vs. Smith in the finals of the Opera Cup.
Konnan came to the ring where he cut a promo about MLW and AAA is going to do business together and there are some really great things in store. He would put over Gino Medina and noted that Salina de la Renta is trying to recruit Gino. He called Renta bad news. This led to Renta coming out and they traded words. Konnan questioned why Medina would sign with her after all she’s done with Low Ki and the Lucha Brothers. The Dynasty came to the ring to talk about them, which led to Konnan making jokes at the Dynasty’s expense. MJF came out said that he could get Medina two elite contracts. Medina picked Konnan, then attacked him and joined The Dynasty.
Ross and Marshall Von Erichs defeated The Filthy Squad, Mike Mondo & Ken Doane. Post-match, Lance Von Erich attacked Ross and Marshall after the match.
Prince of Darkness Match: Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner.
New York Street Fight: Gino Medina defeated Savio Vega.
Alicia Atout interviewed The Dynasty in a backstage segment.
CONTRA Unit’s Jacob Fatu & Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch defeated Strong Hearts’ CIMA & El Lindaman & Shigehiro Irie.
Opera Cup Finals: Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Brian Pillman Jr.
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor has signed a new deal with Major League Wrestling, shortly after it appeared he was done with the promotion. According to MLW’s Court Bauer, contract negotiations went into overtime but they eventually were able to secure an exclusive deal with the former MLW World Champion and UFC veteran.
“We went into extra innings to get this done,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “Tom’s talent, passion, and leadership are second to none. We’re all beyond pleased to have his continued presence in MLW for years to come.”
Lawlor was also quoted in MLW’s press release on his signing:
“After months and weeks of trying to figure out the next step in my career, I have come to the conclusion that indeed there is no place like home, and no where that I would rather continue to swing for the fences than in Major League Wrestling,” said Tom Lawlor. “I’m happy to announce that myself and management have come to terms that will keep me in the ring with the top talent, wrestlers, and fighters under the MLW banner. While I was able to reach the peak of the mountain and become world champion in the past, I have since realized that there are entire new ranges for me to conquer and I look forward to getting to the summit alongside the fans and supporters of MLW. Stay filthy!”
Lawlor will compete on December 5th, 2019 at MLW’s Opera Cup event. It’s not clear if he will be entered into the tournament itself, however. There is still one opening-round match in the tournament yet to be revealed.
MLW has recently also locked up Contra Unit’s Josef Samael and MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu to new deals.
Lawlor faced the Hart Foundation’s Davey Boy Smith Jr. in the main event of the most recent episode of MLW: Fusion. The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
Major League Wrestling has announced that Josef Samael of CONTRA Unit has re-signed with the league .
MLW CEO Court Bauer commented on the ‘hostile negotiations’ that took place before the two sides settled on a new multi-year agreement.
“Josef’s achievements in the sport are only eclipsed by his tyrannical nature,” said Bauer. “I would describe this deal as one done under protest but we have to find ways to accomplish business with CONTRA, so this deal was unfortunately necessary.”
Samael was also quoted in a press release sent in to SEScoops Tuesday afternoon.
“My masters have taught me to never interrupt my enemies when they are making a mistake,” said Josef Samael. “Now I am the master and the destruction caused by Contra is a source of extreme satisfaction. I don’t care if you respect me. As long as you fear me.”
Samael is one of the core members of CONTRA Unit, an international organization cloaked in mystery but driven to gain power by any means necessary.
Based on recent developments, it looks like CONTRA Unit will be wreaking havoc on MLW for years to come. In addition to Josef Samael, World Champion Jacob Fatu has also signed a longterm deal with MLW.
CONTRA Unit vows to unleash violence at MLW’s upcoming 2019 Opera Cup from New York City (12/5) at the Melrose Ballroom. They will battle the Stronghearts in a 6-man tag match.
Major League Wrestling is preparing for its next big event on December 5th, 2019. The promotion will present the return of the Opera Cup tournament inside New York City’s Melrose Ballroom.
MLW has just announced that CIMA, El Lindaman, and Shigehiro Irie will make their debut for the promotion at the event. The trio has been booked to take on Contra Unit’s Jacob Fatu, Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch.
An 8-person single-elimination tournament will be used to crown a new winner of the Opera Cup trophy. The last time the trophy was won it was awarded to Stu Hart in 1948. Teddy Hart inherited the trophy after his grandfather’s death in 2003. Hart was recently injured by a fireball from Contra Unit’s Josef Samael, however, so it is not clear if he will be medically cleared in time for the tournament.
MLW also recently signed heavyweight champion Jacob Fatu to a long-term deal. Former MLW champion Tom Lawlor is finishing up with the company shortly and the promotion also recently added Alicia Atout to their broadcast team.
Major League Wrestling (MLW) has announced the signing of Alicia Atout.
According to a press release sent in by MLW, Atout will serve as a correspondent in the field bringing her knowledge, experience and analysis across all MLW platforms.
In addition to assignments for the weekly MLW FUSION series on beIN SPORTS, the announcement stats that she will also host programming for MLW’s ’emerging catalog of content.’
“Alicia is both incredibly talented and hardworking, and has been a standout with her Vlog series AMBY,” said Court Bauer, MLW CEO and founder. “We couldn’t be more pleased that she’ll be joining MLW starting this December on MLW FUSION.”
Alicia Atout hosts the popular AMBY YouTube vlog, where she interviews pro wrestlers and musicians. You can follow her on Twitter at @AliciaAtout.
Major League Wrestling has announced two opening-round matches for their upcoming Opera Cup tournament. The tournament will take place on December 5th inside New York’s Melrose Ballroom. Matches will be taped for future episodes of MLW Fusion.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman is entered into the tournament and will face his stablemate Alex Hammerstone in the first round of the tournament.
“All week Richard Holliday and his father/lawyer have attempted to derail the Opera Cup match. MLW ultimately prevailed with the Hart family getting their wish of having the Dynasty fight each other in the historic opening round of the Opera Cup,” an MLW press release for the tournament reads.
One other opening-round match has been announced for the tournament as the Hart Foundation’s Brian Pillman Jr. will face TJP.
“Held annually for nearly 50 years at various turn-of-the-century opera house locations from New York City to Boston, the Professional Wrestling Opera House Cup was a grueling multi-day tournament,” an MLW press release for the tournament reads.
“The best of the day competed in the tournament and would often be an entree to more success, including the World Heavyweight Championship of the day. For years the cup has sat in the attic of the Hart Mansion in Calgary until the tragic passing of the last cup recipient, Stu Hart (1948 winner).”
On the heels of former MLW World Champion Tom Lawlor announcing he is leaving the promotion, MLW has signed current World Champion Jacob Fatu to a long-term deal.
The length of the contract is not known but it is said to commit Fatu to the promotion for the next few years.
“This is where I wanted to be all along. CONTRA in MLW: this is my home,” Fatu said in an MLW press release.
“Fatu has been a revelation in the sport with a breakout year and has shown all the attributes we look for in a champion,” stated MLW CEO and founder Court Bauer. “We are excited to know that Fatu is someone we can build around, and we look forward to seeing him fight under the MLW banner for years to come.”
Fatu headlined MLW’s debut on PPV earlier this month. He successfully defended his title against Battle Riot II winner LA Park on the show. His Contra Unit appears to now be moving into a rivalry with the Hart Foundation.
Episodes of MLW Fusion air Saturday nights on BeIN Sports and are then posted in their entirety to YouTube the following Monday.
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor is wrapping up with Major League Wrestling (MLW). The former UFC fighter turned pro wrestler has been a key component of MLW since the promotion’s relaunch in the fall of 2017.
He won the MLW Battle Riot event in 2018 and later went on to capture the MLW World Heavyweight Championship from Low Ki. He held the title for nearly 6 months before losing to the reigning champ, CONTRA Unit’s Jacob Fatu.
Tom Lawlor has yet to comment on his departure from MLW. However, MLW boss Court Bauer acknowledged the news with a gracious tweet posted late Wednesday night. Bauer thanked Tom for his two years with MLW, who he said was with them from the very beginning.
“I wish him continued success with the next chapter of his career,” Bauer wrote. “First class dude who despite being filthy is somehow all class all the same time.”
Tom Lawlor is instantly one of the hottest free agents in professional wrestling. With the competition heating up between WWE-AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling expanding their operations in the United States, Lawlor will have no shortage of options to consider as he looks to the next chapter of his career.
Lawlor’s final appearance for MLW will be the December 5th Opera Cup live event from the Melrose Ballroom in New York City.
On MLW Fusion this week, Teddy Hart was burned by a fireball from Contra Unit’s Josef Samael. The attack occurred during Hart’s Middleweight championship match against Myron Reed. After the fireball attack, Reed was able to pin Hart and win the title.
MLW has issued a storyline update on the injuries Hart sustained.
“League physician Dr. Sweglar, who was by Hart’s side most of the weekend, has confirmed Hart suffered severe third-degree burns to the face and forehead, with the outer layer epidermis and the inner layer of skin heavily damaged,” an MLW update on Hart reads. “Given the severity of the burns, Teddy Hart is out indefinitely. There is no time table for a return at this juncture.”
Hart had just successfully defended the title against Austin Aries at Super Fight.
Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr, and Brian Pillman Jr. comprise the Hart Foundation in MLW. It appears the Harts are about to enter into a rivalry with Contra Unit. MLW Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu, Josef Samael, Simon Gotch, and Ikuro Kwon make up the faction.
The latest episode of Fusion is available in the player below:
Major League Wrestling has announced its return to Chicago, IL.
Hot off the success of this past weekend’s MLW Saturday Night SuperFight pay-per-view, the promotion will be back at Cicero Stadium Saturday night, February 29th for MLW Intimidation Games 2020.
Tickets for MLW Intimidation Games 2020 go on sale next Thursday morning, November 14th at MLWtickets.com.
Intimidation Games will be an MLW Fusion TV taping featuring championship title bouts and MLW’s top ranked fighters.
The following names are scheduled to appear:
World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor
World Tag Team Champions The Von Erichs
The Hart Foundation
CONTRA Unit
Salina de la Renta
Low Ki
LA Park
The Dynasty
Mance Warner
Zeda Zhang
Konnan
Injustice
El Hijo de LA Park
Gino “El Intocable” Medina
Below, you can watch the 1-hour pre-show of MLW Saturday Night SuperFight, which served as this week’s episode of Fusion:
Major League Wrestling debuted on PPV last night from Chicago’s Cicero Stadium. The venue was at capacity for the show and fans are giving the PPV positive reviews online.
Ross and Marshall Von Erich won the MLW World tag team titles to kick off the PPV. They defeated Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Richard Holliday in a Texas Tornado rules match.
Low-Ki defeated Brian Pillman Jr. via referee’s stoppage. This has been Low-Ki’s standard way of winning matches as of late on MLW Fusion. After the match, Low-Ki offered Pillman a sign of respect.
In the main event, Jacob Fatu showed a packed Cicero Stadium exactly what he can do in a wrestling ring. Fatu closed the show by pinning LA Park with a moonsault.
Major League Wrestling begins a new era in their history tonight. The promotion makes their debut on PPV with tonight’s Super Fight from Cicero Stadium in Chicago. The show will be headlined by LA Park challenging Jacob Fatu from Contra Unit for the MLW World Championship.
MLW’s Court Bauer hyped up tonight’s card recently on Twitter:
MLW Super Fight PPV – Cicero Stadium – Chicago, Ill – November 2nd, 2019
MLW World Championship Jacob Fatu (c) vs LA Park
MLW World Middleweight Championship Teddy Hart (c) vs Austin Aries
MLW Tag Team Championships Texas Tornado The Dynasty (c) vs Ross & Marshall Von Erich
Timothy Thatcher vs Tom Lawlor
National Openweight Championship Alex Hammerstone (c) vs Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Stairway to Hell Match Jimmy Havoc vs Mance Warner
Low Ki vs Brian Pillman Jr.
Septimo Dragon, Gringo Loco, & Puma King vs Jordan Oliver, Kotto Brazil, and Myron Reed
LA Park qualified to challenge for the MLW World title by winning the 2nd ever Battle Riot match earlier this year. Middleweight champion Teddy Hart will defend his title against Austin Aries, who has been interfering in his matches as of late on Fusion.
The Von Erich boys will also challenge for the tag belts on the show in a Texas Tornado match against MJF’s Dynasty. Texas Tornado rules mean all 4-men can be in the ring at the same time. During a recent episode of Fusion, Alex Hammerstone suggested Texas Tornado rules mean no shoes are allowed but this is incorrect.
Episode 81 of MLW Fusion is now online with this week’s show titled, “Hart Foundation vs Dragon Lee & Extreme Tiger, Promociones Dorado vs. CONTRA.”
Broadcasters AJ Kirsch and Rich Bocchini welcome fans to MLW Fusion 81 which took place at the Auditorio de Tijuana in Tijuana, Mexico.
Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Low Ki match was made official for Saturday Night SuperFight.
Tag-Team Match: The Hart Foundation (Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr.) defeated Dragon Lee & Extreme Tiger by pinfall when Smith set Tiger up in the Hart Attack for Pillman to hit a Springboard Clothesline, followed by Smith getting a Jackknife cover on Tiger for the win.
The Stairway to Hell match at Superfight has officially added Bestia 666 making it a 3-way Match-Up between Bestia 666, Jimmy Havoc, & Mance Warner.
Lifestyles of the Rich and Dynastic are shown celebrating being back in the United States. Holliday is seen putting his Louis Vuitton Air Pods back in, but not before rubbing disinfectant all over his hands first due to having been in Mexico. MJF and Hammerstone discuss Hammerstone’s bringing his Mexican pharmacy purchases back across the border then toast to winning, to America, and to the Dynasty.
The Von Erichs tell the Dynasty that when they are done with them next week, Dynasty will have a Superfight hangover.
Crash Lucha Libre Tag-Team Match: Proximo & Terror Azteca defeated Torito Negro & Toto by pinfall when Azteca hit a Missile Dropkick on Torito followed by a Headscissors Spike for the win with a rather quick three count by the referee.
Six Man Tag-Team Match: Promociones Dorado (LA Park & La Rebelion Amarilla’s Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf) defeated CONTRA Unit (Josef Samael, Ikuro Kwon, & Simon Gotch) after Samael threw a fireball at Bestia, then turned directly into a waiting spear by LA Park for the pin and win.
Share your thoughts on episode 81 of MLW Fusion in the Comments section below. For more on Major League Wrestling, check out our MLW News section here at SEScoops.com, or visit the official website for the promotion at MLW.com.
