WWE has a few second and third generation Superstar on their roster. They even have a fourth generation in Ava, but there is only one Lexis King. He came to WWE NXT by way of AEW, but there are no hard feelings about anything that he experienced along the way to get him here.

Brian Pillman Harbors No Ill-Will Toward AEW

Lexis King mentioned experiencing self-doubt during his time in AEW, clarifying that he harbors no negative sentiments towards the company. King, formerly known as Brian Pillman Jr., operated under his real name while in AEW and has since transitioned to WWE, joining the NXT roster. During an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, King discussed a significant turnaround in his career while in NXT. He emphasized that any uncertainty about his work stemmed from his own concerns rather than any shortcomings on AEW’s part.

26 years ago my father was buried, and tonight I buried his last name. I will no longer be known as the lost son living in his father’s shadow. I will forge my own path and stop at nothing until I am the King of #WWENXT ? https://t.co/AVcTMvutO5

— King (@LexisKingWWE) October 11, 2023

When it comes to AEW, Lexis King is not holding onto any sour grapes, because he had a lot of experiences while being paid very well by AEW.

“There’s no ill will. But it’s sort of just that mindset. You know, I’ve put myself in that mindset. Nobody else put me in that; I put myself in that mindset of, ‘What’s going on here?’ Sort of that self-doubt. And then I kept grinding … I moved back home. I kept grinding, going to the local school, trying to find out what makes me tick as a performer. And just the experience [of] living there. The experience traveling with AEW made me the performer I am today.”

Brian Pillman Jr Opens Up About Becoming Lexis King

Some might have assumed that Lexis King may not be 100% thrilled about giving up the Brian Pillman Jr name. After all, that is his actual name. On the contrary, King is happy to have a chance to live out one of his pro wrestling fantasies, as he has his own name now.

“I don’t wanna get into it, but it is my name, so when I go there, I was like, ‘hi, I’m Brian Pillman Jr,’ yada yada yada. Then they gave me the whole ‘you can’t keep your name’ kinda talk, and I was like, ‘well, I don’t wanna make it seem like that’s a bad thing,’ which it’s not. “

“You know, coming into it, I always fantasized about having my own wrestler name. Because my whole career I’ve had his name. My whole life I’ve had someone else’s name. I’ve been walking around with someone else’s name. Brian Pillman is a name that my father made, he made that name on his own. There’s not much I can add to it.”

The Lexis King Name Holds Personal Significance To Brian Pillman Jr

Brian Pillman Jr.’s WWE ring name, Lexis King, holds significant personal meaning for him. The name Lexis is derived from Alexis, his half-sister who tragically passed away in a car accident. 

His last name King is connected to his mother, Melanie Pillman, who previously went by the last name King. Melanie Pillman faced challenges with drug addiction before her passing last year. Additionally, King is the last name of his sister, Skylar King.

Lexis King goes by a new name, but John Cena made it clear you make your own name in pro wrestling.

King, real name Brian Pillman Jr., made his WWE debut at NXT Halloween Havoc and revealed in a new interview with Chris Van Vliet that John Cena came down to visit the roster down in Orlando, FL.

“He actually came and did a seminar with us at the PC. I thought, ‘Okay, I’ll see what’s going on.’ I’m so glad I went. It was the most enlightening…it wasn’t just little questions that people would ask. We were getting into it. We were talking about contract negotiations and all this different stuff. It was amazing, the amount of questions we were able to ask and get answered.”

King, however, noted about the one very intriguing piece of advice Cena gave to the the hopeful future WWE Superstars sitting under his learning tree.

“One of the coolest things he said was, ‘You can’t control the booking and who is wearing what belt, but you can be the best version of said character.'”

Cena told the NXT roster that he believes it not to be beneficial to pitch ideas to WWE as they have a staff for doing that. Just focusing on the character you’re given to portray is key. 

King noted that in AEW he made successful pitches to the company, but he won’t do it again while in WWE. He also opened up about how he really questioned his own value in wrestling while apart of the AEW roster.

Please credit Chris Van Vliet and h/t to Fightful for the transcription.

Brian Pillman Jr. thought that the addition of Julia Hart would have made The Varsity Blondes a great babyface group. He admits that he wasn’t happy with AEW management’s decision to take her away.

The AEW star recently made an appearance on Café De René with René Duprée podcast where he talked about a number of things.

Speaking about the creative decision to take Hart away from their tag team, Pillman mentioned that they lost their edge due to the call:

“As soon as we lost [Julia Hart], we lost our edge and our spark that made us a good babyface group that could’ve gotten over. But somebody came in and decided she would be better with [House of Black]. That’s just how it goes.

I definitely wasn’t happy with it to be quite honest.” said Brian Pillman Jr, “It is what it is. It’s business. I thought probably what really stopped us from seeing the true potential of the Varsity Blondes was that we lost her before we really got going.”

• AEW’s Brian Pillman Jr. Cast In Upcoming Action Movie

The Varsity Blondes originally consisted of Pillman, Griff Garrison, and Julia Hart. Hart however aligned herself with The House Of Black at Double or Nothing in May, leaving Pillman and Garrison behind.

Julia Hart remains with the AEW stable even without Malakai Black. The Varsity Blondes on the other hand have only made a total of 5 appearances since then, including appearances on AEW Dark.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

The Varsity Blondes are mounting a charge through the AEW Tag Team rankings. After debuting. Spending their early days appearing on AEW Dark, they can now be found as a mainstay of AEW Dynamite. The team of Brian Pillman Jr and Griff Garrison have already challenged the Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Team titles, and are currently ranked number two behind the team of Eddie Kingston and Penta el Zero.

Pillman is certainly a star on the rise with AEW, and while he might not have any gold around his waist, he has good cause to celebrate. Following the expiry of his contract with MLW, he has now signed as a full-time member of the AEW roster.

From my first AEW match against Shawn Spears to my most recent against Miro! Today marks 1 year of wrestling for the greatest company in the world, 1 year of getting my ass kicked by the best the world has to offer! These men have molded me into the performer I am today!!!
🔥🏈❤️ pic.twitter.com/K6N6j2ASTy

— King (@LexisKingWWE) July 2, 2021

It was thanks to a loophole that Brian Pillman Jr had been able to work for AEW. The contract he signed with MLW did not allow wrestlers to work for other promotions. However, when he signed his deal, AEW did not exist. This meant that they were not mentioned in his deal.

On Monday, AEW confirmed the news of Brian Pillman Jr.’s signing by announcing that he is #AllElite:

Welcome to the team…#BrianPillmanJr (@FlyinBrianJr) is #AllElite pic.twitter.com/AkhGywNJAA

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 12, 2021

Bright Future Ahead for Brian Pillman Jr.

When Brian Pillman’s episode of Dark Side of the Ring aired, a new light was cast over his son. The extent of what Brian Pillman Jr had to endure following his father’s passing pulled at the heartstrings, endearing him to fans around the world.

At just 27, Pillman has the world at his feet, with his size, power and athletic ability. It is surely only a matter of time before we see the Varsity Blondes with gold around their waist. AEW is building a roster full of talent not just for the present day, but for the future.

With the likes of Jungle Boy, MJF and Darby Allin all primed to lead the singles division, Brian Pillman Jr and Griff Garrison could well be the future of tag team wrestling.

Major League Wrestling presented a new episode of Fusion this weekend on YouTube and BeIN Sports. The show featured the 5th and 6th matches in the MLW vs AAA Super Series.

The full episode can be viewed in the player below:

MLW Fusion 4/25/20 Quick Results

1. Caribbean Championship
   Richard Holiday (c) defeated Chessman
2. Hart Foundation (Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Brian Pillman Jr.) defeated Texano Jr. & Rey Escorpion Jr.

Hart Foundation Give MLW A 4-2 Lead In Super Series

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1254242797139484673

Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. teamed up for the first time in many months this week. They took the early advantage in their match against Texano and Rey Escorpion Jr. but the members of Injustice would change that. The trio caused a distraction while Pillman was in the ring, allowing the AAA team to take control of the match.

There was several examples of referee bias toward AAA wrestlers in this match as well. Davey Boy was prevented from tagging in during a key moment for his team. Eventually, Pillman fought off both opponents and tagged in Davey Boy right in front of the referee. Davey Boy cleared house and Pillman hit a plancha to the outside. The Hart Foundation then hit a modified version of the Hart Attack (with Pillman springboarding off the ropes and Davey Boy holding up Texano) for the win!

With the win, MLW goes up 4-2 in the MLW vs AAA Super Series.

Richard Holliday Retains “His” Caribbean Championship

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1254311751648030720

In previous episodes, we’ve seen that Holiday didn’t even know who he would be defending his title against in Tijuana. It should also be noted that the Caribbean Championship doesn’t actually belong to him. Savio Vega is the rightful holder of the title that Holliday is in possession of. Despite this, Holliday’s lawyer/father continues to lobby for the belt to be made an official MLW title.

Holiday informed the fans in attendance that they likely would not be able to afford his air pods, ingratiating himself to them. Chessman then took the early control of the match before Holiday hit him with a chair. Chessman would battle back but would miss a top-rope move allowing Holiday to hit the Market Crash for the win.

Low-Ki Interrupts Team Filthy Press Conference

A press conference featuring the members of Team Filthy was planned for this week. It never happened, however. Low-Ki is reported to have gone after Dan Lambert and then Team Filthy left before the press conference could begin. Lambert played an instrumental role in King Mo’s controversial victory over Low-Ki a few weeks back.

Low-Ki was filmed in the parking lot telling Team Filthy and American Top Team that they are the ones who started this war.

MLW Issues Complaint Regarding AAA Officiating

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1254237495119810565

The officiating during the MLW vs AAA Super Series has been suspect at best. Douglas James was denied a victory over Averno after a long 2-count during his match. Tom Lawlor and Dominic Garrini were denied a blind tag in their match last week as well. It was noted on this week’s MLW broadcast that the league has issued a formal complaint to AAA regarding the officiating.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1254546916383305728

Mance Warner Wants A Shot At Alexander Hammerstone’s Belt

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1254485398782308352

Last week on Fusion, Mance Warner shoved Alexander Hammerstone’s face into Alicia Atout’s birthday cake. This week, Warner apologized to Atout and offered her a light beer as a gift. Atout told Warner she was happy he sent MJF out of the territory and suggested he could turn his attention to other members of the Dynasty as well. Warner said he’d like to get some gold like Hammerstone’s National Openweight title.

A video was shown featuring Hammerstone saying the Openweight title is like his birth certificate, as in it always has his name on it. These two are bound to clash for that belt sometime soon.

Coming Up In MLW

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1254237260771287041

Inustice will get a shot at the AAA Trios titles next week when they take on Los Jinetes del Aire (El Hijo del Vikingo, Myzteziz Jr. & Octagon Jr.). This match came about after Injustice and Konnan had a backstage run-in previously. Brian Pillman Jr. may be watching this match closely. The members of Injustice came out to distract him this week and Pillman still wants revenge for the faction’s recent attack on him. Pillman is also said to be losing weight in order to qualify for a middleweight title shot against Myron Reed.

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:

1. Dominic Garrini defeated Zenshi
2. Richard Holliday defeated Savio Vega
3. 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

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226702327161032706

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.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226709875809488896

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.

Texas Does Not Like Tom Lawlor

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226392786494201858

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.

Dominic Garrini Defeated Zenshi

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226694776482926594

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.

Richard Holliday Defeated Savio Vega

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226543781337391105

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

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226735783723327489

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.

Also Upcoming In Major League Wrestling

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226344792059187200

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.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226913980708532225

MLW is also promoting its new alliance with Dragon Gate:

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1226891227854970881

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:

Davey Boy Smith Jr. Wins The Opera Cup

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1218728786532937728

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.

Gino Medina Defeats Savio Vega

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1218724005064126469

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.

Injustice Ejected After Myron Reed Victory

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1218718468389920768

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

— Jimmy Havoc (@JimmyHavoc) January 10, 2020

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.

Matches Announced For Fightland

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1219092344387051520

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
• Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs Erick Stevens
• Brian Pillman Jr. vs Jimmy Havoc w/Priscilla
• LA Park returns
• Konnan to appear

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:

1. MLW World Tag Team Championships
   The Von Erichs (c) defeated the Filthy Squad
2. Opera Cup Semi-Final #2
   Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Timothy Thatcher

The full episode can be viewed in the player below:

The Von Erichs defeated The Filthy Squad

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1216661164421152768

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.

Injustice Attacked Brian Pillman Jr.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1216381821652361216

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.

Gino Medina Joins The Dynasty

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1216506392531501056

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

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1216557982651052032

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.

Next Week

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1216593267288092672

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.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1216532866039001102

Also next week, Savio Vega will take on Gino Medina after taking offense to the Dynasty’s attack on Konnan this week.

• Opera Cup Finals
  Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs Brian Pillman Jr.
• Gino Medina vs Savio Vega

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.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1213123786003927041

MLW: Zero Hour Lineup – January 11th, 2020

• MLW World Championship
  Jacob Fatu (c) vs Brian Pillman Jr.
• 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 (c) vs Aerostar
• Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs Simon Gotch
• Richard Holliday vs Savio Vega
• Puma King & Drago vs Hijo de LA Park & Taurus vs Kotto Brazil & Jordan Oliver (Injustice)

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

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1206045714612015104

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

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1183196656201801729

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.

ACH Provides Backup For King Mo Against Injustice

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1206031194028150784

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.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1206035144756334593

MJF and Richard Holliday Give Each Other Gifts

Max Mini😂 pic.twitter.com/MOheYTIc08

— Jocay🇪🇨 (@Jocay19) December 15, 2019

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

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1206040681250095104

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

Brian Pillman Jr. has been announced for AEW’s first pay-per-view event, Double or Nothing. Pillman is the latest grappler confirmed for the Double or Nothing Over the Budget Battle Royal.

Other participants already announced for the Over The Budget Battle Royal include:

• Sonny Kiss
• Kip Sabian
• Brandon Cutler
• Ace Romero
• Darby Allin
• Former WCW star Glacier

Pillman is signed to Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he is part of the new Hart Foundation faction with Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. The Harts are the reigning MLW World Tag Team Champions.

Brian Pillman Jr. commented on his involvement in the Over The Budget Battle Royal. He tweeted, “Or nothing? I’ll bet most of the men and women in this Battle Royal don’t have a clue what “nothing” feels like… Well I do. That is exactly why I will win because I have NOTHING to lose!!!”

AEW Double or Nothing takes place Saturday, May 25th from Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

#AEW #DoubleOrNothing
Sat, May 25th #LasVegas#OverBudgetBattleRoyale@FlyinBrianJr pic.twitter.com/LPccTqSWvG

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 12, 2019

Brian Pillman Jr., who is the son of Brian Pillman, has commented on the rumors of the Hart Foundation (Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, and Jimmy Hart) being inducted into this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class.

It was reported earlier this month that the current plan is to induct only the three talent listed above and not “Dangerous” Danny Davis, Owen Hart, Brian Pillman, or Davey Boy Smith. Jimmy and Bret Hart have already individually joined the WWE Hall of Fame.

During a recent interview with the WINCLY, Pillman Jr. talked about this possibility where he noted that “I haven’t heard anything about it, but it’s possible.” He noted that his mother doesn’t have too much bad blood with WWE but admitted that she wasn’t always the easiest person to work with.

“Everybody knows he deserves to go in. If he goes in with the Hart Foundation, I think that would be a good way to do it. I’m not gonna sit there and complain that he deserves it on his own.”

This year’s event will take place on April 5 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York as part of WrestleMania 35 weekend.

While Natalya Neidhart is defending her father’s legacy on Raw in a controversial angle, other Hart family members are preparing for MLW’s trip to Miami this week.

Teddy Hart, Harry Smith/Davey Boy Smith Jr, and Brian Pillman Jr. are currently a top stable in the promotion. The trio recently filmed a segment at Chicago’s Pro Wrestling Tees.

Pillman is scheduled to face Tommy Dreamer in a Singapore Cane match this Friday in Miami.

MLW Goes Live This Friday

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1072500504733859840

Major League Wrestling will present a live edition of Fusion this Friday night from Miami on BeIN Sports. The promotion has promised more live specials will air in 2019 as well.

A 4-Way Ladder match has been scheduled for the live show to crown a new MLW Middleweight ChamThe former champion, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, was forced to vacate the title recently due to a broken elbow. Dezmond Xavier, Andrew Everett, Kotto Brazil, and El Hijo de LA Park will be the competitors vying for the title.

“The fans are paying for a title match and the league will deliver on the promise of one next Friday,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer in a press release. “When MJF is medically cleared by his doctor and league physicians, he will have an opportunity to reclaim the title.”

Also on Friday, DJZ will take on Dragon Lee. Rush will also take on Rich Swann.

Brian Pillman Jr. was the guest on the most recent episode of Talk is Jericho.

Host Chris Jericho and Pillman Jr. covered a wide range of subjects, including Pillman’s memories of his father, who died when the younger Pillman was just four years old.

“Growing up, I knew he was a big deal in wrestling, and I knew that he was a famous person in that business, but I more or less thought that people would forget about him,” Pillman said. “I was so wrong about that.”

Training For Wrestling

Pillman also discussed his decision to get into the wrestling business, and specifically his choice to begin his training in Calgary with Lance Storm. He said that his father’s ties to the city were one reason for his choice, but perhaps not the driving factor.

“I did my research,” Pillman said. “Who’s the best trainer? I want to be in the most professional training environment.”

Pillman also said that Storm presented him with the pros and cons of the wrestling business before he agreed to take him on as a student.

“More or less, I was led to believe by my mother and my family that this would be bad for me, that it was going to do all this harm to me, that it killed my father and all that. But then you meet guys like Lance and you [Jericho] that, it didn’t kill you, you’re still making a good living,” Pillman said. “All these people that say wrestling is terrible are wrong.”

Football

Pillman also spoke to his decision to go to college before entering the business. He said that while he had impukses and ideas of following in his dad’s footsteps right out of high school, ultimately he chose to pursue an education first, so that he would have something to fall back on.

Pillman talked about his high school football career, and how it paralleled his father’s football career as well. Both played defensive line, and in spite of their small stature, both were successful. “I went to the d-line, and at 185 pounds, I was just manhandling dudes,” he said.

Steve Austin

Steve Austin was a pivotal figure in the elder Pillman’s career, and the two were tag partners in WCW.

In the interview with Jericho, Pillman Jr. mentioned that Austin reached out to him via Twitter. Austin would later send the younger Pillman a weightlifting belt that belonged to his father.

Austin also reached out when Pillman Jr. recently suffered a knee injury, and offered some moral support and advice.

Other topics covered in the interview include a very early interaction with Triple H, different training philosophies, choosing a functional hairstyle, and learning moves.

The full interview can be found below.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVr92Bx2-wY]

What did you think of Jericho’s interview with Pillman? Will we see him in WWE one day?

Brian Pillman Jr. recently took part in the new Hart Foundation’s attack on Kevin Sullivan. Pillman signed a multi-year deal with the promotion earlier this year. He has since aligned with Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Pillman was Chris Jericho’s guest on Talk is Jericho this week and spoke about being a “real person” before getting into the wrestling business. He said his famlly warned him about getting into wrestling and so he opted to get a more traditional job first.

Brian Pillman In The Real World

“I was more or less led to believe by my Mother and family that (wrestling) was bad for me and it was going to do all this harm to me, and it killed my father and all that,” Pillman said. “Then you meet guys like Lance (Storm) and guys like you (Jericho) that it didn’t kill you, you’re still making a good living.”

Pillman then mentioned he felt he succeeded at being a normal person. He went to college and got a real job. It was only after his co-workers began getting annoyed at him for dropping double ax-handles while at work that he decided to change course.

“I was working on databases for car dealerships all around the Western Hemisphere,” Pillman described his real-world job.

“I kept going to the top of the cubicles and coming down on people with double ax-handles. They were like ‘look, you got to get out of here’,” he continued.

You can check out Pillman and the new Hart Foundation Friday nights on MLW Fusion. The show airs on BeIN Sports Friday nights and is posted to YouTube Saturdays at 6 PM.

NOW on @TalkIsJericho – @FlyinBrianJr talks memories of his dad, advice from @steveaustinBSR, training w @LanceStorm & his knee injury!

— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) September 28, 2018

Major League Wrestling has signed a highly-touted prospect in Brian Pillman Jr. MLW sent in word that this is a multi-year deal that will keep the blue chipper with the conpany through 2020.

“Brian is a franchise player in the making,” stated MLW CEO Court Bauer in a press release.  “Brian has a bright future ahead of him and now MLW fans can look forward to seeing his journey each and every week on MLW FUSION.  This kid has IT.”

On MLW Fusion as of late, the young 2nd generation star has received mentorship from not only his family friends in the new Hart Foundation but also his father’s old rival, Kevin Sullivan.

Sullivan is worried Teddy Hart and Harry Smith will only lead the young Pillman in the wrong direction. Pillman told Sullivan he’s just paying his respects, however.

Brian Pillman Jr.

In an interview earlier this year, Pillman stressed that his character will evolve over time.

“My gimmick is that I’m Brian Pillman Jr. That’s my gimmick,” Pillman told the Sporting News earlier this year. “Eventually I’m going to have to change, I’m going to have to evolve and drop the ‘II’ or drop the ‘Jr.,’ become somebody else, somebody fresh, somebody new. I’m kind of in that process of that. I’m trying to develop my first beyond-the-legacy gimmick.”

He also appeared on Wrestling Observer Radio recently and spoke on how he originally felt his father’s untimely death was a work.

Pillman posted the following after making his independent wrestling debut late last year:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdYc9-kFGzo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_loading_state_control

Brian Pillman Jr. was a guest on Wrestling Observer Radio over the weekend. The son of the late “Loose Cannon” Brian Pillman spoke with Dave Metlzer and Bryan Alvarez about a wide variety of topics during their half hour discussion.

Pillman spoke about his decision to follow in his father’s footsteps in becoming a pro wrestler, what he perceives to be his strengths and weaknesses, his father’s legacy and much more.

Pillman was only four years old at the time of his father’s tragic passing. It was such a surreal moment that when his family was called and informed about the tragedy, he thought it was a television angle, “like Austin and the gun.” Young Pillman Jr. was so unsure of the nature of the call versus the reality of it that he actually thought “my dad’s death was a work.”

The second generation wrestler recently made his debut for Major League Wrestling. Pillman, along with Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Teddy Hart, comprise the new Hart Foundation faction that is already making waves in MLW.

Listen to Brian Pillman Jr. on Wrestling Observer Live over at F4WOnline.com.

https://twitter.com/antmaurizio/status/1028745725285421057

Brian Pillman Sr.

Brian Pillman was at the forefront of edgy storylines during the 90s, and seemed to relish the opportunity to push the boundaries of his character and whatever feud he was involved with.

From his time with the Four Horsemen and the initial beginning of the “Loose Cannon” gimmick, where he would court controversy through a myriad of worked shoots, including grabbing the mic during SuperBrawl VI and directly referring to Kevin Sullivan as “booker man,” to the previously mentioned altercation between “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and a more developed “Loose Cannon,” where the infamous WWF segment took place with Austin breaking into Pillman’s home only to be confronted with a gun as the camera faded with the sound of screams, supposed gunshots and carnage. The then WWF would later have to apologise for the entire angle.

With Pillman Sr. being so willing to blur the lines of his own reality and character, it’s not surprising that a four-year-old Pillman Jr. would believe the initial reports of his father’s unfortunate passing were a work.

Brian Pillman Jr. is set to make his national television debut with Major League Wrestling. The son of “the Loose Cannon” or “Flyin” Brian Pillman made his pro-wrestling debut in late 2017.

MLW CEO Court Bauer revealed the news that Pillman will appear on MLW Fusion this Friday night. The show airs Friday nights on BeIN Sports and is posted on MLW’s YouTube page in full the following evening.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1024293475217559553

Brian Pillman Jr. Wrestling Career

Pillman spent much of 2017 being trained by some of the best in the business. He spent time at the Lance Storm Wrestling Academy in Calgary earlier this year. His connection to Calgary runs even deeper, however, as he has aligned himself with Teddy Hart and Harry Smith in MLW.

Additionally, Pillman Jr has spent a lot of time training with Rip Rogers.

Pillman doesn’t plan on lean off his father’s legacy, however.

“My gimmick is that I’m Brian Pillman Jr. That’s my gimmick,” Pillman told the Sporting News earlier this year. “Eventually I’m going to have to change, I’m going to have to evolve and drop the ‘II’ or drop the ‘Jr.,’ become somebody else, somebody fresh, somebody new. I’m kind of in that process of that. I’m trying to develop my first beyond-the-legacy gimmick.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdYc9-kFGzo/?utm_source=ig_embed

The son of the late- Brian Pillman has recently begun his training to become a pro-wrestler. While he had originally reached out to Lance Storm’s school, it appears he has settled on Ohio Valley Wrestling.

Rip Rogers, who sent out the original “….dive” tweet last week, is the head trainer at the school. OVW is also near Pillman’s hometown of Cincinnati.

https://twitter.com/IanisaGoodDude/status/866299021291278336

Brian Pillman’s Family

Brian Pillman Sr. was 35 when he died. He already had 3 of his own children at the time, and his wife Melanie was pregnant with his 2nd son when he died. Pillman had also adopted two of Melanie’s children.

The 23-year old Pillman Jr. was only an infant when his father died in 1997. Many believe the elder Pillman was far ahead of his time. The “Beyond the Ring” on his life and career is on the WWE Network, and a great watch.

Pillman Jr. posted the following to Instagram yesterday:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUU33WzDP3N/