Major League Wrestling (MLW) has announced a 45-day suspension of live event due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. MLW’s April 18th event from Chicago, IL at Cicero Stadium has been rescheduled for Friday, June 12th.
MLW sent in the following press release regarding the hiatus:
Major League Wrestling temporarily suspends promoting live events for 45 days due to pandemic
MLW programming to continue Saturday nights on beIN SPORTS and YouTube
NEW YORK — Major League Wrestling has suspended promoting live events for 45 days, effective immediately, as the league continues to assess the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
At the appropriate time, the league will communicate plans for promoting live events outside of the 45-day temporary hiatus and update the status of league events.
MLW programming will continue to air Saturday nights on beIN SPORTS on cable and satelitte, MLW’s YouTube channel and with partners around the world during this period.
As a result of the temporary suspension of promoting live events, MLW’s April 18th event in Chicago has been rescheduled for Friday night June 12 at Cicero Stadium. All tickets purchased for the originally scheduled date will be honored at this time.
The MLW family would like to extend our appreciation and well wishes to all doctors, nurses, emergency services staff, first responders and medical professionals on the front line working to address the public health crisis in our nation and around the world.
Major League Wrestling presented the 100th episode of Fusion this weekend on BeIN Sports and YouTube. The show emanated from Philadelphia’s famed 2300 Arena and featured a main event of Jacob Fatu defending the MLW world heavyweight championship against CIMA.
MLW Fusion #100 Quick Results:
Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Erick Stevens
Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Jimmy Havoc
MLW World Heavyweight Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) defeated CIMA
The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
Jacob Fatu Retains, Despite Solid Effort From CIMA
Jacob Fatu is arguably the most dominant champion in MLW world heavyweight championship history. Coming into this match, few if anyone would have given CIMA a chance to take the belt here. The member of Stronghearts did manage to give Fatu a surprising run for his money, however.
CIMA must have known that he would need to take risks if he was to gain the advantage on the champ but the end of the match came when he missed a top rope move and Fatu countered into a pop-up Samoan drop. The champion then went to the top and delivered a devastating moonsault but was then instructed by Josef Samael on the outside to deliver one more for good measure before pinning his challenger and retaining his title.
Eric Stevens recently aligned with Tom Lawlor and Team Filthy but he was in tough this week as he took on the 2019 Opera Cup winner Davey Boy Smith Jr.
The end of the match came when Stevens attempted to go off the top rope but was caught by Davey Boy who then delivered his Calgary Stampede Powerslam followed by a diving headbutt for the win. After the match, Davey Boy got in the faces of Lawlor and Garrini, the other members of Team Filthy. Lawlor had been on commentary during the match.
Rookie of the Year Brian Pillman jr. faced Jimmy Havoc this week on Fusion. In Havoc’s corner was “Hell’s Favorite Harlot” Priscilla Kelly and she did not hesitate to interject herself into the match. Throughout the course of the contest, Kelly put Havoc’s leg on the ropes to break up a pin, handed him a foreign object, and as the match wore on she even came off the top rope for an attempted cross-body block.
Pillman was able to thwart all of this, however. As Kelly was coming off the top, he avoided her attack and allowed her to crash into Havoc instead. Moments later, the Hart Foundation member would hit Air Pillman for the win.
Brian Pillman Jr. and Injustice’s Rivalry Continues To Build
Pillman didn’t have to worry about the members of Injustice getting involved in his match against Jimmy Havoc this week as the trio had been banned from the building. MLW cameras caught Injustice trying to get into the building but they were turned away by security. During the course of this interaction, Jordan Oliver repeatedly stated that he would stab Pillman.
We’ve also heard that while Pillman has normally been competing at around 220 lbs, he will look to the keto diet to drop 15 pounds to the 205-pound middleweight limit. This will allow him to challenge Myron Reed for the title he took off Pillman’s Hart Foundation teammate Teddy Hart who has since left the territory. Before Reed can worry about Pillman, however, he must face Laredo Kid for the title next week.
Richard Holliday’s Caribbean Championship Reign Continues
Don’t worry consumers.
There is a very Dynastic episode of “Lifestyle of the Rich and Dynastic” featured in this episode.
Richard Holliday from the Dynasty is currently in possession of the Caribbean Championship title belt. He took that title off of Savio Vega but not by defeating him for it but rather by literally taking it from him after a recent match.
This week on Fusion, viewers were informed that Holliday defended the title on a private island earlier this week. Footage of this supposed title defense was not shown, however, and likely doesn’t exist. It sounds like the Dynasty had a great time on the island, and the trio discussed how Holidays’ new title belt is the 1A belt in the promotion alongside Alexander Hammerstone’s National Openweight belt. One has to wonder how these comments sat with the legitimate Caribbean Championship, Savio Vega.
On March 13th, 2020, MLW and AAA host a joint show in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The last time MLW was in Mexico they performed in front of a capacity crowd of 5000.
Matches listed for the show are as follows:
Black Destiny, Fantastik & Rayo Star vs. Nuevo Poder del Norte (Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr. & Tito Santana)
AAA World Trios Title Match Los Jinetes del Aire (El Hijo del Vikingo, Myzteziz Jr. & Octagon Jr.) (c) vs. Injustice (Jordan Oliver, Kotto Brazil & Myron Reed)
Extreme Tiger & Puma King vs. Dominic Garrini & Tom Lawlor
MLW Openweight Title Match Alex Hammerstone (c) vs. Laredo Kid
Mortiz & Pagano vs. Mance Warner & Savio Vega
Gino Medina & Richard Holliday vs. Los OGTs (Averno & Chessman)
Los Mercenarios (El Texano Jr. & Rey Escorpion) vs. Hart Foundation (Brian Pillman Jr. & Davey Boy Smith Jr.)
Nicho el Millonario, Nino Hamburguesa & Psycho Clown vs. El Hijo de LA Park, LA Park & LA Park Jr.
Also, next week on Fusion we’ll see Tom Lawlor take on the debuting Killer Kross.
Major League Wrestling presented its first episode of Fusion from its recent Fightland tapings in Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. The main event of the show featured the return to the promotion of LA Park as Los Parks took on Josef Samael & Simon Gotch from Contra Unit.
MLW Fusion 2/29/20 Quick Results:
Richard Holliday, Gino Medina, & Alex Hammerstone (the Dynasty) defeated Logan Creed, Savio Vega, and Mance Warner
Kotto Brazil & Jordan Oliver (Injustice) defeated Zenshi & Laredo Kid
Lumberjack Match LA Park & El Hijo de LA Park (Los Parks) defeated Josef Samael & Simon Gotch (Contra Unit)
The full episode of Fusion can be viewed in the player below:
Los Parks Get Measure Of Revenge Against Contra Unit
The last time we saw LA Park in MLW, he was defeated by Jacob Fatu in the main event of the Super Fight PPV in November. He returned to the territory this week along with his son El Hijo de LA Park and they faced two members of Contra Unit in Simon Gotch and Josef Samael in a lumberjack match.
Contra Unit attempted to get an early advantage by attacking the father-son team during their ring entrance. The crowd was vocally behind Los Parks, however as they mounted a comeback throughout the match. Park would finally pick up the win for his team with a twisting senton onto Samael. Contra Unit doesn’t take to losses well so we will have to see how they respond to taking the L against the legendary luchador and his son here.
Richard Holliday, Gino Medina, and Alexander Hammerstone came out to kick things off on Fusion this week. Holliday is still wearing the Caribbean Championship belt he stole from Savio Vega as well. The trio were interrupted by Konnan who was then backed up by 3 wrestlers who have all had their problems with the Dynasty in the past: Logan Creed, Savio Vega, and Mance Warner. An impromptu 6-man tag would begin.
The Dynasty would pick up the win after Holliday hit Vega with the belt. After the match, however, Konnan picked up a measure of revenge on Gino Medina with a flapjack and the babyfaces retook the ring to end the segment.
After the previous segment, Konnan found himself alone in the ring. The members of Injustice then came out and continued their ongoing rivalry with the legend. Brian Pillman Jr. who has had his own problems with Injustice stemming from their attack on him before the Opera Cup, came out to back up Konnan and serve on commentary for Inustice’s match against Zenshi and Laredo Kid.
Injustice would pick up the win after Laredo Kid was distracted by middleweight champion Myron Reed on the outside. Oliver and Kotto hit Zenshi with a crucifix stunner combo for the win.
After the match, Laredo Kid went after Myron Reed on the outside as Injustice was confronting Pillman at the commentary booth. Laredo Kid then hit Reed with White Noise in the ring and allowed the live crowd to count the 3-count on him while the luchador held up the middleweight title. It looks like a title match between these two is in the works and Pillman looks to have that title in his sights as well, though he might be a little heavy for it.
Brian Pillman Losing Weight To Go After Myron Reed’s Middleweight Title
In a backstage segment later in the show, Injustice poked fun at Pillman Jr for being north of the 205lbs middleweight limit. Pillman has since announced plans to go on the Keto diet to get down to 205 and take on Myron Reed.
Next week will be the 100th episode of MLW Fusion. The special episode will feature an MLW World Heavyweight Championship match pitting title-holder Jacob Fatu of Contra Unit against CIMA.
MLW’s Court Bauer sent out a Tweet recently that has some fans wondering exactly what the future might hold for the promotion. Last month, MLW announced they had signed on with ICM Partner,s a talent agency that typically represents showrunners in the TV and Film industries. A recent Tweet by Bauer is suggesting some interesting negotiations have taken place as of late.
Bauer sent out the following Tweet regarding some conversations he is having about the future of MLW TV. The location of the Tweet is tagged as being from 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the famed-headquarters of NBC, NBC Studios, and NBC Universal.
According to a reports earlier this month, MLW has also been in contact with Amazon about providing content for Amazon Prime. The company is looking for content for its streaming service especially with looming concerns over a writer’s strike this summer. The situation between MLW and Amazon is said to be fluid with MLW seeing “momentum in a few directions with major players.”
NBC has a wrestling-related project already in the works for the 2020/21 season. Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson’s early life will provide the backdrop for the sitcom “Young Rock.”
“As the only free agent in the wrestling space in 2020, MLW is in a unique position in the television landscape,” said Court Bauer, creator and Chief Executive Officer, Major League Wrestling in a press release announcing the league’s signing with ICM Partners.
“MLW provides an extraordinary entertainment experience, showcasing some of the sport’s most storied and iconic families, embracing the Mexican lucha libre culture and presenting original content in a 360 manner.”
Major League Wrestling presented Fusion this weekend on BeIN Sports and YouTube. The show emanated from Texas again this week and featured the main event of Tom Lawlor taking on Ross Von Erich.
MLW 2/22/20 Quick Results:
Logan Creed defeated Moonshine Mantell
Erick Stevens defeated Douglas James
King Mo defeated Dr. Drax
Ross Von Erich defeated Tom Lawlor via DQ
The full show can be viewed in the player below:
Here are 6 takeaways from MLW Fusion 2/22/20:
Team Filthy Adds Member, Attack The Von Erichs Texas Style
Last week’s episode of Fusion saw the Von Erich brothers successfully retain the MLW tag team titles against the Dynasty in front of a raucous Dallas crowd. This week, Ross Von Erich took on Tom Lawlor in the night’s main event.
Ross looked to have Lawlor set up for the Iron Claw but Team Filthy member Dominic Garrini interfered and caused the DQ. Marshall Von Erich came out to even up the odds but Erick Stevens ran out and appeared to join Team Filthy as he joined in on the beatdown on the Von Erich brothers. With the 3-on-2 advantage, Team Filthy used cowbells and bull rope to attack the Von Erichs and then even disrespected the state flag of Texas in the middle of the ring to close the show.
King Mo has continued to train with American Top Team since signing with MLW. He took on the dastardly Dr. Dax this week after having antagonized Low-Ki in a backstage segment recently. Mo pointed out that Low-Ki trains with the Gracie family and earlier in his career, Mo KO’d Roger Gracie.
King Mo made Drax tap to the rear-naked choke for the victory.
Gorgon/Grogan Gone, Logan Creed Has Arrived In MLW
Last week on MLW, Mance Warner was able to gain access to the building only after bribing the Dynasty’s giant to allow him in the building. This week, the former Gorgon/Grogan announced that his name is Logan Creed and he is no longer a member of the Dynasty.
Creed kicked off this week’s episode of Fusion in a match against Moonshine Mantell. He picked up the victory with a power-bomb.
Before he joined Team Filthy in the night’s closing segment, Erick Stevens cut a promo in the back saying he’s targetting a match with Davey Boy Smith Jr. The commentary team noted that Stevens was not wasting any time in MLW by challenging the top contender to Jacob Fatu’s MLW World Championship.
Stevens took on Douglas James this week on Fusion. He’d pick up the victory with his Sarasota Screwdriver finisher.
MLW Top-10 Rankings From Pro Wrestling Illustrated
MLW aired a segment this week featuring a countdown of the top-10 wrestlers in the promotion as determined by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. The PWI top-10 for MLW is as follows:
MLW World Champion: Jacob Fatu (Contra Unit)
Davey Boy Smith Jr. (Opera Cup Winner) (Hart Foundation)
Alexander Hammerstone (National Openweight Champion) (Dynasty)
Los Parks return next week. This will be LA Park’s return to the promotion after dropping the MLW World title match to Jacob Fatu at SuperFight. Injustice will also take on the team of Zenshi and Laredo Kid.
MLW has a joint show coming up on March 13th with AAA in Tijuana:
Colonel Parker is returning to Major League Wrestling. The famed-manager hasn’t been seen in the promotion since 2018 when his Stud Stable came up short in that year’s Battle Riot event. Parker will be at MLW’s Intimidation Games from Chicago’s Cicero Stadium on April 18th, 2020.
“Having managed the likes of Steve Austin, Big Van Vader and Harlem Heat as well as promoting wrestling throughout the south, Colonel Parker has a stellar track record for success in the sport,” an MLW press release for Colonel Parker’s return reads.
MLW Signs Zachary Cooper
MLW has also recently announced the signing of Zachary Cooper:
Lawyers for Major League Wrestling have reportedly contacted WWE in regards to concerns of contract tampering. PW Insider is reporting that a source within MLW told them their lawyers have contacted WWE about contract-tampering concerns regarding “multiple talents.” A source within MLW says they have evidence against WWE in this regard.
The situation is said to have nothing to do with Davey Boy Smith Jr. recently appearing on WWE’s the Bump, however.
It is not clear which wrestlers or talent under MLW contract were approached by WWE but this is not the first time such concerns have been raised. In late 2018, MLW is reported to have sent a cease and desist order to WWE regarding contacting their talent.
“I had guys at WaleMania approached by WWE people backstage in the green room about signing,” Bauer said on Wrestling Observer Radio in late 2018. “I’m like ‘you can’t do that, I’ll give you a freebie, don’t do it again’. Boom, they do it again. I had to send a cease and desist to WWE, that’s called tortious interference.”
MLW continues to enjoy a good relationship with AEW, however. AEW and MLW have shared wrestlers such as MJF for months with seemingly no issues cropping up between the two promotions.
Major League Wrestling presented a special episode of Fusion this week on BeIN Sports and YouTube. As per an agreement with Richard Holliday’s lawyer/father, the Dynasty was put in charge of producing this week’s show from Dallas.
MLW Fusion 2/15/20 Quick Results:
Gino Medina defeated Septimo Dragon
National Openweight Championship Alexander Hammerstone (c) defeated Septimo Dragon w/Konnan
MLW Tag Team Championships Ross & Marshall Von Erich (c) defeated MJF & Richard Holliday (the Dynasty)
This week’s episode of Fusion was filmed in Dallas and this Texas crowd loved the Von Erichs. The NYTEX Sports Centre looked to be a standing room only crowd and they were all cheering for Ross and Marshall as they took on MJF and Richard Holliday. This was the Dynasty’s contractually obligated title rematch after having dropped the belts to the Von Erichs at Saturday Night SuperFight last November.
The Dynasty used every dirty tactic they could think of including attacking the brothers before the bell. Near the end of the match, with all competitors down on the mat, Hammerstone came out to cause some interference. He was followed by Mance Warner, however, who found a way into the building after having been banned by the Dynasty. Warner hit Hammerstone with a chair shot and then began brawling with Gino Medina, who came out as well.
With the outside interference fended off, the Von Erichs hit the Claw Slam for the victory and the live crowd went crazy!
Mance Warner played a big role in helping the Von Erichs retain their titles in the main event this week. He was not even supposed to be in the building, however. The Dynasty had Warner banned but Warner found a way in regardless. The Dynasty had Gorgon posted outside to prevent Warner from entering but after Warner offered the big man a few light beers, Gorgon noted that MJF is “an asshole” and allowed Warner to enter the building and make the big save in the main event.
Tom Lawlor and Dominic Garrini Disrespect The Dallas Sportatorium Grounds
Since episodes of Fusion began to be taped from Dallas, Tom Lawlor and his Team Filthy stablemate Dominic Garrini have been featured in spoof episodes of TV’s “Dallas.” This week, Lawlor and Garrini warned the Von Erichs not to “piss away” their time as tag champs and then motioned as if they were going to urinate on the hallowed grounds of the Dallas Sportatorium, though the camera cut away before they did.
The newest member of the Dynasty, Gino Medina, would kick things off on this week’s Dynasty produced version of Fusion. Medina joined the Dynasty after turning down Konnan’s offer of mentorship and then joining his new stablemates in an attack on the legend. This week, Konnan recruited Septimo Dragon to take on Medina. Dragon would give him all he had but Medina was able to take advantage of his ring positioning at the end of the match, using the ropes for leverage as he got a 3-count from a small package.
The Dynasty kept on the attack after the match, even unmasking Septimo in the process. Konnan would run-in with a slapjack to make the save.
Alexander Hammerstone Resorts To Underhanded Tactics Against Aerostar
Konnan was on commentary for this match and continued to build up the rivalry between him and the Dynasty. Hammerstone had a significant power advantage during this match and made use of this fact often. Aerostar began countering much of Hammerstone’s high-impact offense, however, and that may have led the big man to panic. He opted to rip the mask off Aerostar and roll him up for a quick pin rather than win in a more honorable fashion. Konnan took Aerostar to the back while covering his face with a towel.
Coming Up In MLW
Jacob Fatu will defend the MLW World Championship against CIMA in 3 weeks:
Next week’s episode will be the last from the Dallas tapings. It will feature Ross Von Erich vs Tom Lawlor, Erick Stevens will make his MLW debut against Douglas James and King Mo returns!
Teddy Hart was arrested on Tuesday night in Richmond, Virginia.
He was booked on three charges of possession, possession of a Schedule III controlled substance and possession with intent to sell and distribute, according to the police report.
It should be noted that possession of a Schedule III controlled substance is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia with a maximum penalty of up to 12 months in jail and / or a fine of up to $2,500.
Schedule III controlled substances can include anabolic steroids and ketamine. Hart is scheduled to appear in court on April 23rd.
Hart made his return to MLW 2017 where he would later become the leader of the New Era Hart Foundation alongside Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr.
His most recent match under the MLW banner that took place in November. This is where he competed in a match against Myron Reed and dropped the MLW Middleweight Championship to Reed. He was released in December.
Hart was previously arrested back in 2017 after attempting to evade arrest after being pulled over for a hazardous traffic violation in Arlington, Texas. It should be noted that those charges were dropped.
Major League Wrestling presented an episode of Fusion from Texas on BeIN Sports and YouTube this weekend. The show featured an MLW World Championship match between Contra Unit’s Jacob Fatu defending against Hart Foundation’s Brian Pillman Jr.
MLW Fusion 2/8/20 Quick Results:
Dominic Garrini defeated Zenshi
Richard Holliday defeated Savio Vega
MLW World Championship Jacob Fatu (c) defeated Brian Pillman Jr.
The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
Here are 6 takeaways from MLW Fusion 2/8/20:
Jacob Fatu Retains Over Brian Pillman Jr. Thanks To Injustice
Brian Pillman Jr. had the biggest match of his young career this week on Fusion. He challenged Jacob Fatu for the MLW World Championship. Earlier in the evening, the members of Contra Unit attempted to attack Pillman as he entered the building but Davey Boy Smith Jr. helped him fend the stable off.
Pillman spent much of the early part of the match taking damage from Fatu’s offense but managed to make a comeback late. As he was going for a springboard move from the outside, Josef Samael got up on the apron and distract the referee. The members of Injustice (who have been in a rivalry with Pillman since the Opera Cup) came out to ringside. Pillman turned his attention to them and jumped on top of Jordan Oliver and Kotto Brazil on the outside. Myron Reed then hit Pillman with the loaded chest protector and tossed him back in the ring where the champion was waiting.
After Pillman initially kicked out from a standing moonsault, Fatu then hit a jumping moonsault from the top rope. Fatu then gave him another one for good measure and got the pin.
Cameras cut to the back where Davey Boy Smith Jr. and the Von Erichs were in a backstage brawl with Contra Unit’s Sentai Death Squad.
The Dallas live crowd was not happy to see Tom Lawlor considering Lawlor’s recent actions towards the beloved Von Erich boys. Lawlor opened this week’s show cutting a promo in the middle of the ring while wearing a Von Erichs T-shirt. The Texas crowd chanted for Lawlor to remove the Von Erich shirt. He obliged but then shoved the shirt in his pants before tossing it into the crowd (the crowd tossed it back). Lawlor then introduced Team Filthy member Dominic Garrini for his match against Zenshi.
Zenshi unleashed many high-flying Lucha-inspired moves during the match but Garrini was able to counter with his jiu-jitsu based submission offense. At one point, Zenshi appeared to have been injured and a medic entered the ring to check on him but Garrini wouldn’t let up and continued the attack. He locked in an armbar and the referee called for the bell.
After the match, Lawlor said to Alicia Atout that from here on out, Team Filthy would show no mercy.
Later in the show, Zenshi would be interviewed in the back by Atout and said he wants revenge.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman joined the commentary team as his Dynasty stablemate Richard Holliday took on Savio Vega in single’s competition this week. The Dynasty looks to be in good hands with Gino Medina, Alexander Hammerstone, and Richard Holliday set to run things as MJF exits the territory. MJF still has a little time left in MLW, however.
Holliday picked up the win with his “2008” slam. After the match, MJF and Holliday stole Savio Vega’s Carribean Championship title belt.
The Dynasty To Produce Next Week’s Episode of Fusion
The Dynasty was interviewed in the back by Alicia Atout this week. They noted that Richard Holliday’s lawyer/father had arranged for them to produce next week’s episode. Medina will be taking on Septimo Dragon, Hammerstone will face Aerostar for the National Openweight title and MJF and Holliday will challenge for the MLW tag team championships as they get their rematch against the Von Erichs.
MLW taped Fightland in Philadelphia recently which featured the debut of Killer Kross. While Kross is now signed to WWE, he will appear on future episodes of Fusion taped from the 2300 Arena.
MLW also announced that former Battle Riot winner LA Park is due to return to the promotion soon.
The latest on MLW (Major League Wrestling) trying to get a new distribution deal for their weekly television show and other content has surfaced online.
On Wednesday, Pwinsider.com reported that the promotion is in talks with Amazon with the idea to air their content on Amazon’s Prime Video service.
The media outlet noted that MLW is still meeting with other potential outlets. One source noted that it’s a “fluid situation” and there is “momentum in a few directions with major players.”
It was noted that Amazon is among many TV content producers looking to fill potential holes in its lineup as there is a looming writer’s strike that could halt production come June.
Thus, sports and pro wrestling are valued highly in these situations due to them not being affiliated with the union as they can continue to draw viewers.
Currently, MLW airs episodes of Fusion to YouTube and FITE in the US along with airings on beIN SPORTS.
If MLW reaches a deal with Amazon then it would mark the first general-purpose streaming service dipping into a weekly wrestling series.
Although Netflix reached a deal with Lucha Underground a few years ago to air episodes of the program on their service, the episodes didn’t air live and were taped shows that had already aired on the El Rey Network.
Major League Wrestling announced a partnership with AAA back in November and in March the two promotions plan to co-promote an event together. MLW recently issued a press release stating that on March 13th MLW and AAA will work together to produce a show from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
“This collaboration between the two organizations continues Major League Wrestling’s strategic alliances with international federations to create a unified global system to help introduce the sport to new markets, exchange talent, collaborate on content and develop opportunities for fans, athletes and the sport,” An MLW press release for the show reads.
Major League Wrestling featured AAA stars prominently on their recent show from Dallas, Texas. AAA’s Drago challenged Injustice’s Myron Reed for the MLW Middleweight Championship on a recent episode of Fusion.
MLW previously ran a show from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico last October. On that show, the promotion partnered with the Crash Lucha Libre. The show drew 5000 fans and featured La Rebelion Amarilla (Bestia 666 & Mr. 450) & LA Park defeating members of the Contra Unit in the main event.
Major League Wrestling and Dragon Gate Pro Wrestling have entered into a new alliance, according to a press release sent in by MLW on Monday morning.
The following is the official announcement, including a video trailer regarding the partnership:
THE GATE TO THE AMERICAS HAS BEEN OPENED.
KOBE, JAPAN / NEW YORK — Major League Wrestling and Dragon Gate Pro-Wrestling of Japan today announced the formation of a strategic alliance.
MLW and Dragon Gate Pro-Wrestling will fuse forces to launch a new collaboration focused on a talent exchange and opportunities to share content and participate in other projects.
“The collaboration between MLW and Dragon Gate is a very special opportunity to produce unique events, showcase spectacular talent and create a new canvas for Japanese and American cooperation,” said Court Bauer, CEO and founder of MLW. “We are ecstatic about this partnership.”
Dragon Gate is a world-renowned wrestling organization based out of Kobe, Japan that has revolutionized wrestling.
Transcending traditional Japanese wrestling with its distinct mixture of strong style wrestling and Mexican lucha libre, Dragon Gate is a spectacular packaging unlike any other Japanese organization.
With popular wrestlers such as Ben-K, YAMATO, Shun Skywalker and Narauki Doi among others, Dragon Gate delights fans around the world with their thrilling high-flying acrobatics and inventive moves.
A vibrant trendsetting organization, Dragon Gate emerged in 2004 and reimagined Japanese wrestling in its own vision. Today, Dragon Gate is one of Japan’s most prominent organizations with a global reach, including introducing their SVOD service, https://dragongate.live.
More details on first chapter of the MLW x Dragon Gate collaboration will be revealed soon.
Major League Wrestling presented an episode of Fusion from Dallas, Texas on BeIN Sports and YouTube this weekend. The show featured a no-ropes, no-holds-barred match between Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Simon Gotch as well as a single’s match between Marshall Von Erich and MJF. The Middleweight title was also on the line this week as Myron Reed from Injustice defended against AAA’s Drago.
MLW Fusion 2/1/20 Quick Results:
No Ropes, No Holds Barred Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Simon Gotch via referee stoppage
With this episode of Fusion having been taped in Dallas, Texas, the live crowd was enthusiastically behind Marshall Von Erich in this match here. The Von Erich’s bitter rival, Tom Lawlor, joined the broadcast booth for this one as well. Meanwhile, Ross Von Erich was off wrestling in Israel and wasn’t in attendance for the show.
To start off this match the two locked up and didn’t let go as they took their lockup to the outside, around the ring area, and then back into the ring again.
MJF would attempt to pull out all the tricks in the book during this match. At one point he trapped Marshall’s fingers in the steel connecting the turnbuckles in an effort to prevent the Iron Claw from being used on him. Hammerstone and the Dynasty’s newest member, Gino Medina, would attempt to interfere as well but to no avail. Marshall would pick up the victory with the Iron Claw as the Dallas fans went nuts. Following his victory, Marshall would have to fend off the remaining members of the Dynasty as well as Lawlor.
The loss likely spells the end of MJF’s time in MLW, at least for the foreseeable future. MJF finished up with the promotion at the tapings in Dallas but the Dynasty has added to its roster as of late and will look to continue its run of success in their post-MJF era.
King Mo Looking To Face Low-Ki?
An interview in the back with Low-Ki was interrupted by King Mo and Dan Lambert from American Top Team this week. Mo pointed out that Low-Ki trains with the Gracie family and King Mo KO’ed Roger Gracie in 2011. Low-Ki has been finishing his opponents via referee’s stoppage/KO as of late but King Mo doesn’t seem interested in giving him credit as MLW’s resident Knockout King.
Contra Unit is attempting to dismantle the Hart Foundation. Josef Samael sent Teddy Hart out of the territory with a fireball to the face and now the faction has turned its sights on Brian Pillman Jr. and the reigning Opera Cup winner, Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Last week, Samael challenged Smith to face Simon Gotch in a no-ropes, no-holds-barred Bloodsport-styled match. Smith and Gotch faced each other in such a match to kick things off this week on Fusion. The match started with a very technical style with both men looking for submissions. Eventually, Smith would change strategies, however, and won the match via referee’s stoppage after several suplexes in a succession relieved Gotch of his consciousness.
Drago had an opportunity to win the MLW Middleweight Championship this week against Myron Reed. The popular luchador from AAA would have to contend with the other members of Injustice, Jordan Oliver and Kotto Brazil, on the outside. In the end, the frequent interference would be too much for Drago and Reed would pick up the win with his patented springboard 450 Splash.
Tom Lawlor and Dominic Garrini Star In Dallas Spoof
With MLW in Texas, and Lawlor likely now the most hated man in the state, the former MLW World Champion debuted a vignette this week featuring himself and his Team Filthy stablemate. Lawlor’s video was a spoof on the famous Dallas TV series. Also along with Lawlor in this video was a member of Team Filthy, Dominic Garrini, who went “Full Gi” on the streets of Dallas as the pair tried on Cowboy boots and visited “Wild Bill’s Western Shop.”
Mance Warner was victorious over Jimmy Havoc in a barbed-wire match last week on Fusion. This week, cameras found a bloodied Warner backstage. According to Warner, now that he’s got Havoc in his rear-view mirror he’s going to drink a few beers and then go after gold. In particular, Warner mentioned that he’s going to be gunning after Alexander Hammerstone and the MLW National Openweight Championship.
MLW still has several matches from the Zero Hour tapings from January 11th, 2020 in Dallas to air. This weekend, the promotion was in Philadelphia’s famed 2300 Arena for Fightland as well.
Major League Wrestling (MLW) was in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the 2300 Arena on Saturday night for an event titled Fightland 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. Here are the spoilers, courtesy of PWinsider.com:
MLW Fightland Results
The show opened with a confrontation between The Dynasty (Alexander Hammerstone, Gino Medina, Richard Holliday) and Konnan, who got back up from Mance Warner, Logan Creed, and Savio Vega
The Dynasty defeated Mance Warner and Logan Creed.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Erick Stevens with a diving headbutt after a running powerslam
Brian Pillman Jr defeated Jimmy Havoc with Priscilla Kelly with the Air Pillman springboard clothesline.
King Mo Lawal defeated Low Ki by KO after Ki’s towel was tossed in the ring. Post-match, Team Filthy (Dominic Garrini, Tom Lawlor, Kit Osbourne, Erick Stevens) came out and a brawl with Low Ki’s corner man Ross Von Erich. Marshall ran out to make the save. Lawlor hit the ring and nailed Low Ki with King Mo’s umbrella.
Douglas James defeated Septimo Dragon with a guillotine choke
Alexander Hammerstone defeated T-Hawk with The Nightmare Pendulum – MLW National Openweight Title Match.
Mance Warner defeated Gino Medina with a roll up
Killer Kross defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor by DQ when Team Filthy interfered. This brought Davey Boy and The Von Erichs down. This set up the main event.
Myron Reed defeated Laredo Kid with a 450 splash – MLW World Middleweight Title
Los Parks (LA Park & Hijo del LA Park) defeated Contra Unit (Josef Samael & Simon Gotch) when LA Park pinned Samael after a twisting splash – Lumberjack Match. Lumberjacks included: The Von Erichs, Zenshi, Injustice, Savio Vega, Logan Creed, Mance Warner, and more.
El Lindaman defeated Zenshi with a double underhook German suplex into a pin
Jacob Fatu defeated CIMA to retain the MLW World Heavyweight Title
Richard Holliday vs. Mance Warner’s “surprise opponent”. The surprise star was The Blue Meanie, who won the match when Holliday got counted out while arguing with Mancer who was on commentary.
Davey Boy Smith Jr, The Von Erichs & Killer Kross defeated Team Filthy when Ross Von Erich pinned Kit Osbourne after an Iron Claw chokeslam
This weekend, Major League Wrestling presented its first episode of Fusion from the Zero Hour tapings held in Dallas earlier this month. The show featured a barbed wire match between Mance Warner and Jimmy Havoc in the main event.
The full show can be viewed in the player below:
MLW Fusion 1/25/20 Quick Results:
Drago & Puma King defeated Jordan Oliver & Kotto Brazil (Injustice) and Low Rider & Taurus (Triple Threat Tag match)
Low-Ki defeated Chandler Hopkins
Barbed Wire Match Mance Warner defeated Jimmy Havoc
Barbed Wire Match Mance Warner defeated Jimmy Havoc
Not since 2003 during its initial run has MLW held a barbed-wire match, but Jimmy Havoc and Mance Warner went to battle in such a fight this week. Warner would come away as the victor after an interference attempt from Priscilla Kelly didn’t go as planned.
Kelly gave Havoc a handful of powder to use but Warner caused the powder to hit Havoc in the face instead. Warner then hit a piledriver for the win.
Warner now leads the head-to-head series in MLW between the two at 3-1:
Bunkhouse Brawl 9/7/19 Mance Warner defeated Jimmy Havoc
Falls Count Anywhere 11/9/19: Mance Warner defeated Jimmy Havoc
Prince of Darkness Match 12/5/19 Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner
Barbed Wire Match 1/11/20 Mance Warner defeated Jimmy Havoc
Warner also won a triple threat against Bestia 666 and Havoc on the SuperFight PPV in November.
Contra Unit Has A Challenge For The Hart Foundation
Last week on Fusion, Davey Boy Smith Jr. won the 2019 Opera Cup. To kick off this week’s episode of Fusion, Contra Unit cut a promo about how what they had started with a fireball (delivered to Teddy Hart) they will finish, referring to the demise of the Hart Foundation. This brought out Davey Boy Smith Jr from the back, however, and Brian Pillman Jr. came from the stands disguised as a fan to run Contra off.
Later in the show, Contra Unit issued a challenge to Smith for a no-holds-barred match with no ring ropes and where the only way the match can end is via knockout or tapout. Smith would later accept the challenge and will face Contra Unit’s Simon Gotch in a match that will air on a later date.
Former MLW World Champion Low-Ki was in single’s competition this week. He was facing local talent Chandler Hopkins who put in a good showing for himself. The commentary team noted Hopkins has been competing in AAA as of late and has impressed Konnan. Low-Ki put the match away by countering a top rope diving attack attempt into a triangle lock. Low-Ki offered Hopkins his respect after the match.
Drago & Puma King defeated Jordan Oliver & Kotto Brazil (Injustice) and Low Rider & Taurus (Triple Threat Tag match)
Drago was able to send a message to the members of Injustice week when he picked up the pin for his team in the opener. The members of Injustice had appeared in a backstage segment with Konnan and said that nobody cares about AAA. Konnan told Myron Reed he’s got to worry about Drago and tonight, the members of Injustice will be in the ring with some top talent from AAA.
In a high-paced action-packed opener, it would be Drago who would pick up the pinfall over Low-Rider.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman was interviewed in the back by Alicia Atout. Pretty much right off the bat, MJF managed to offend Atout and then complain about Grogan’s heavy breathing behind him before talking about his match next week against Marshall Von Erich.
The Von Erichs then issued the following response to MJF, using fruit as an example of what they will do to MJF with the Iron Claw.
A feature film focussed on the Von Erich wrestling family is in the works. According to a report from Deadline, Sean Durkin will be penning the script for the film. The 38-year-old filmmaker won the Dramatic Directing Award at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.
“I’m very excited about this one,” Durkin told Deadline. “It’s another family portrait, about a wrestling family who revolutionized the sport and then suffered tragedy.”
Tessa Ross and Juliette Howell have signed on to produce the film.
“Sean is an extraordinary filmmaker and we’re excited to be working with him,” said Tessa Ross.
Ross and Marshall Von Erich are the current MLW tag team champions. They have entered into a rivalry with Tom Lawlor on the show after Lawlor turned on the brothers.
Major League Wrestling presented the finals of the Opera Cup tournament on an episode of Fusion that aired this weekend on BeIN Sports and YouTube. The middleweight title was also on the line and Savio Vega and Gino Medina faced each other in a New York street fight.
Quick Results MLW Fusion 1/18/20:
Middleweight Championship: Myron Reed w/Injustice (c) defeated El Lindaman
New York Street Fight: Gino Medina defeated Savio Vega
Opera Cup Finals: Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Brian Pillman Jr.
The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
The main event this week on Fusion was the finals in the Opera Cup tournament. It would be the first time in 70 years the trophy would be awarded to a wrestler for winning a single-elimination tournament, the last victory being Smith’s grandfather, Stu Hart.
Before the match, Smith cut a promo about how he was surprised but pleased that Pillman had made it to the finals. He said that Pillman works hard but in the ring that night, it would be strictly business. Pillman expressed similar sentiment in an interview with Alicia Atout earlier in the evening.
Pillman would give Smith everything he had but ultimately it was the more experienced veteran who would take the victory. Smith made Pillman tap out to the crossface for the win.
It was also announced during the broadcast that the Opera Cup will be an annual tournament in MLW.
Last week, Gino Medina decided to reject offers from both Konnan and Selina de la Renta in favor of aligning with the Dynasty. After Medina attacked Konnan last week, Savio Vega challenged Medina to a New York street fight this week.
Vega seemed to have everything going for him near the end of the match. After a contest that involved multiple weapons being used, Vega hit a spinning leg lariat and looked to have the match won. That’s when the other members of the Dynasty appeared on the stage and provided a distraction. Medina then hit a low blow, followed by his finisher for the win.
This week’s episode of Fusion kicked off with a middleweight title contest. Injustice’s Myron Reed would face OWE’s El Lindaman with the strap on the line. Lindaman came out strong but he also had to contend with the other members of Injustice, Kotto Brazil and Jordan Oliver, on the outside.
Before the match, Reed cut a promo about how he hears people are comparing him to Cassius Clay. Reed says he’s more like Muhammad Ali, however, because he breaks the mold. He’d pick up the win with a 450 splash and retain his title.
Injustice attacked Brian Pillman Jr. last week before his Opera Cup tournament match. This week, Pillman cut a promo on Injustice and MLW officials would ensure that all 3 members of the group were kicked out of the building before the finals of the tournament could begin.
Barbed Wire Match Next Week
This Saturday for @MLW in Dallas, starting off my decade with a nice, easy, No Rope Barbed Wire match against @ManceWarner. Should be a laugh? pic.twitter.com/Jl8v3gCGDF
The rivalry between Mance Warner and Jimmy Havoc gets taken to a whole new level next week. We’ve seen this rivalry continue for months in the most brutal and vicious style matches. Next week, however, the ring ropes will be replaced with barbed wire as the match between Warner and Havoc taped from Dallas on January 11th, 2020 will air.
Next week’s Fusion will be the first to air from the recent tapings in Texas.
With Zero Hour from Dallas in the books, MLW has now begun advertising the big matches for Fightland from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. Here is what is confirmed for the event scheduled for February 1st, 2020 thus far:
World Heavyweight Championship: Jacob Fatu (c) vs CIMA
Killer Kross vs Tom Lawlor
National Openweight Title: Alex Hammerstone (c) vs T-Hawk
Killer Kross will face “Filthy” Tom Lawlor at next month’s MLW Fightland event from Philadelphia, PA. This will be Kross’ first match for the league.
If you’re in the Philadelphia area, visit MLW2300.com for ticket information
“Fightland wouldn’t be Fightland without a dream match like Lawlor-Kross,” said Court Bauer, MLW CEO. “The 2300 Arena has seen some scraps but given the rep of these two, this one is going to be on a different level.”
The following is the updated card for MLW Fightland, an MLW Fusion TV taping:
MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu vs. CIMA
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Killer Kross
Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Erick Stevens
Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Jimmy Havoc (with Priscilla Kelly)
Some of the athletes and talent signed to compete and appear include: LA Park, World Tag Team Champions Ross & Marshall Von Erich, CONTRA Unit, Mance Warner, The Dynasty and more.
MLW is eyeing new TV deals and has signed on with ICM Partners. According to news first broken by Deadline Hollywood, the talent agency has partnered with MLW and will be looking to broker new TV & streaming deals for the promotion.
ICM is a talent agency with offices in Los Angeles, New York, Washington, and London. They typically represent showrunners in the TV and film industry.
MLW’s TV rights become available this spring. The promotion is touting a 43% growth in total viewers from 2018 to 2019 while on BeIN Sports.
ICM Partners will also help MLW launch “MLW Studios.”
“ICM Partners will also represent MLW with the launch of MLW Studios, a multi-platform media studio, offering a slate of original scripted and non-scripted programming,” an MLW press release states.
Episodes of MLW Fusion currently air Saturday nights on BeIN Sports. They are later posted in full to YouTube.
“As the only free agent in the wrestling space in 2020, MLW is in a unique position in the television landscape,” said Court Bauer, creator and Chief Executive Officer, Major League Wrestling.
“MLW provides an extraordinary entertainment experience, showcasing some of the sport’s most storied and iconic families, embracing the Mexican lucha libre culture and presenting original content in a 360 manner.”
MJF, known to many as the nicest guy in pro wrestling, announced the news on Twitter on Monday morning.
MJF had been with MLW since the promotion’s relaunch back in October 2017. He led the Dynasty faction, along with Alexander Hammerstone and Richard Holliday.
The 23-year-old Long Island native was no stranger to MLW gold. He has held the promotion’s MLW World Tag Team titles (with Holliday) as well as the Middleweight championship.
While my time with @MLW is over I can assure you the Dynasty will live on….forever.
MJF’s final appearance for MLW took place over the weekend at the MLW Zero Hour TV tapings from Dallas, Texas.
Maxwell J. Friedman is one of the standout performers in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He is currently embroiled in a feud with his former best friend, Cody Rhodes. The two are on a collision course that is expected to culminate in a match at AEW’s next pay-per-view event, AEW Revolution.
MJF is the #5 ranked Men’s Singles competitor in AEW.
Major League Wrestling presented a new episode of Fusion on BeIN Sports and YouTube this weekend. The show was headlined by the second Opera Cup semi-final match between Timothy Thatcher and Brian Pillman Jr. and also featured a tag title match between the Von Erichs and the newly named “Filthy Squad.”
MLW Fusion 1/11/20 Quick Results:
MLW World Tag Team Championships The Von Erichs (c) defeated the Filthy Squad
Opera Cup Semi-Final #2 Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Timothy Thatcher
The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
Tom Lawlor has said he’s putting “Team Filthy” back together and this week we found out that Ken Doane and Mikey Mondo will now be going by the name “the Filthy Squad.” They were pitted up against the Von Erichs in a tag team title match this week.
The Squad targetted Marshall Von Erich’s injured knee throughout the match. After Marshall managed to tag out, however, the Von Erichs went on offense. They would finish the Squad off with an Iron Claw assisted slam (the Iron Slam) to retain.
After the match, the Von Erichs were attacked by the newest member of Team Filthy, Rip Von Erich. The imposter Von Erich lost to Tom Lawlor on last week’s episode.
As Fusion was kicking off this week, Alicia Atout attempted to get an interview with Brian Pillman Jr. As she was doing so, however, Pillman was attacked by the members of Injustice. Pillman had previously gotten into a backstage disagreement with Kotta Brazil last week.
At this point, it is unclear if Pillman will be available for the night’s main event against Timothy Thatcher.
Not since Randy Savage arrived in WWF in the mid-80s have managers fought over the services of a wrestler to this degree. Since Gino Medina’s arrival in MLW was announced, Konnan and Selina de la Renta have been seen in the back trying to negotiate with him.
This week, Konnan came out and recalled being in the Gringos Locos stable with Medina’s father, El Sanguinario. Selina de la Renta also came out who had some words about Konnan. Finally, the Dynasty came out and MJF touted how he has 2 big-time wrestling contracts and everyone in the Dynasty are top guys as reasons why Medina should join their faction.
When it came time for him to make his decision, Medina shook Konnan’s hand only to boot him in the stomach directly after. Selina de la Renta would scatter from the ring as the Dynasty put the boots to Konnan. Medina has joined the Dynasty.
Brian Pillman Jr. Advances To The Opera Cup Finals
Pillman went into this match with an injured shoulder courtesy of the earlier attack by the members of Injustice. An injured body part is just what Timothy Thatcher loves to focus on in a match.
It looked like the match was all but over when Thatcher had Pillman trapped in an armbar but the youngster countered the submission into a pinning combination and scored the surprise 3-count. With the win, Pillman advances to the finals of the tournament next week.
MLW has two big matches set up for next week’s episode of Fusion. The Opera Cup finals take place next week with two members of the Hart Foundation squaring off, Brian Pillman Jr. vs Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Major League Wrestling (MLW) was in Dallas, Texas at the NYTEX Sports Centre on Saturday night for an event titled Zero Hour 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. Here are the spoilers, courtesy of Wrestling Inc:
MLW Zero Hour Results
Myron Reed def. Drago via pinfall to retain the MLW World Middleweight Champion. There was a brief promo before the match by Injustice.
Marshall Von Erich def. MJF via submission
Dominick Garrini def. Zenshi via submission. Before the match, Tom Lawlor came out to cut a promo on the fans where he spits on a Von Erich’s shirt. Lawlor then introduced Garrini as the newest member of his Team Lawlor Dojo.
Erick Stevens def. Douglas James via pinfall
Alex Hammerstone def. Aerostar via pinfall to retain the MLW National Openweight Championship
Richard Holliday def. Savio Vega via pinfall
Ross Von Erich def. Tom Lawlor via DQ. The match ended when Garrini came in and attacked Ross. Post-match, Marshall came out for the save. Erick Stevens then ran to the ring to aide Team Lawlor and they beat down Marshall and Ross. Lawlor then put on a flashing cowboy hat, tied up the Von Erichs and shoved the Texas flag down his pants. Eventually, The Von Erichs would clean house
King Mo def. Dr. Dax via submission
Gino “El Intocable” Medina def. Septimo Dragon (w/ Konnan) via pinfall. Post-match, Holiday joined Medina to beat down Dragon on behalf of The Dynasty. Eventually, Konnan entered the ring to help Dragon run them off.
Drago & Puma King def. Injustice and Low Rider-Taurus (presented by Salina de la Renta) via pinfall when Drago pinned Low Rider
Jacob Fatu def. Brian Pillman Jr. via pinfall to retain the MLW World Heavyweight Championship
Low Ki def. Chandler Hopkins via submission
The Von Erichs (c) def. The Dynasty (MJF and Richard Holliday) via pinfall for the MLW World Tag Team Championships. Von Erichs won with a Claw-side suplex finisher.
Davey Boy Smith Jr def. Simon Gotch via knockout in a No Ropes Street Fight Match
Mance Warner def. Jimmy Havoc via pinfall in a No Ropes Barbed Wire Match
Major League Wrestling presented a new episode of Fusion on BeIN Sports and YouTube this weekend. The show featured a semi-final match in the Opera Cup and was headlined by Contra Unit taking on Strong Hearts from OWE.
Tom Lawlor said he was going to take on a member of the Von Erichs this week but neither Ross nor Marshall seemed to know anything about this. Lawlor then unveiled it was the son of Lance “Von Erich” he would be taking on in Rip Von Erich. Lance Von Erich was billed as a Von Erich cousin in 1985 but was not actually related to the family.
Lawlor didn’t have much trouble with the imposter Von Erich, who even tried an Iron Claw attempt during the match. Lawlor won with a rear-naked Iron Claw to further insult the Von Erich family legacy, however. He would get on the mic after the match and further antagonize Ross and Marshall.
The Spirit Squad Align With Tom Lawlor Against The Von Erichs
After Lawlor defeated Rip Von Erich this week he got on the mic and referred to Marshall and Ross Von Erich as a bunch of “Hawaiian Hillbillies” which brought the brothers out from the back. Lawlor had likely foreseen this happening, however, and was prepared. The members of the Spirit Squad came out from the back, giving them and Lawlor the numbers advantage over the boys.
It looks like Lawlor has enlisted the help of the cheerleading team in his rivalry with Ross and Marshall. It wouldn’t be the last time we would hear from Lawlor during the show either.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. Moves On To The Opera Cup Finals
Before Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Alexander Hammerstone clashed in a semi-final Opera Cup tilt, Smith cut a promo where he basically said he was going to make Hammerstone piss himself and tap out. Hammerstone didn’t submit to Smith but he did drop the fall.
Smith would have to deal with outside interference from the Dynasty’s Richard Holliday throughout the match but after making a familiar-looking comeback, Smith had things back in his control. The Dynasty attempted to double-team Smith but the Hart Foundation member ducked and Hammerstone hit his stablemate instead before being power-slammed by Smith and taking the loss. After the match, Smith attempted to shake Hammerstone’s hand but Holliday wouldn’t allow this to take place despite Hammerstone seeming willing.
With the win, Smith Jr. now awaits the winner of Timothy Thatcher vs Brian Pillman Jr. in next week’s semi-final match.
Kotto Brazil Picking A Fight With Brian Pillman Jr.?
Brian Pillman Jr. was interviewed in the back regarding his semi-final Opera Cup match next week. During the interview, Pillman was interrupted by Kotta Brazil. The Injustice member informed Pillman that he was an alternate in the tournament and should perhaps watch his back.
Pillman didn’t seem too intimidated but are Brazil and Pillman on a course to a match between them?
OWE’s Strong Hearts took on Simon Gotch, Josef Samael, and Jacob Fatu from Contra Unit this week. This match came about as a result of a backstage attack from Contra Unit to the OWE faction on a previous episode of Fusion.
The members of Strong Hearts were able to demonstrate their tag-team prowess during this match but in the end, nothing they could do was going to defeat Jacob Fatu. The MLW World Champion hit a moonsault on CIMA for the win as he continues to look unbeatable.
The Von Erichs To Take On 2 Of Tom Lawlor’s Top Students
At the end of the show this week, Tom Lawlor cut a backstage promo on the Von Erichs. Lawlor challenged the Von Erichs to put their MLW World Tag Team titles on the line against two of his top students from “Team Filthy.” We should find out more about if Ross and Marshall will accept Lawlor’s challenge on future episodes of MLW Fusion.
MLW Fusion 1/4 Quick Results:
Tom Lawlor defeated Rip Von Erich
Opera Cup (semi-final) Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Alexander Hammerstone
The biggest match yet in the young career of Brian Pillman Jr. will take place in 8 days at MLW: Zero Hour in Dallas, Texas. MLW has just announced that Pillman will take on Jacob Fatu for the MLW World Championship at the event.
“Major League Wrestling today announced a World Heavyweight Title Fight: Jacob Fatu vs. Brian Pillman Jr. for MLW: Zero Hour at the NYTEX Sports Centre in the greater Dallas/Ft. Worth area on Saturday, January 11. The event will be a MLW FUSION TV taping for beIN SPORTS,” an MLW Press Release for the match reads.
Josef Samael from Fatu’s Contra Unit faction recently burned Teddy Hart with a fireball and sent Pillman’s Hart Foundation stablemate right out of the territory. Pillman will be looking for revenge in addition to the title.
MLW matchmakers stated that Pillman has earned the shot at the title due to his strong performance at the recent Opera Cup event.
