This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. 

If you thought the war was over – think again as War Chamber 2 commences down in St. Petersburg on Saturday night. Who began to get things on a roll but Cesar Duran as he unveils his newest acquisition, Virus. He’s looking to continue to keep Salina de la Renta off her game as she has Star Jr. ready for him to face.

MATCH 1
Virus (with Cesar Duran) vs. Star Jr. (presented Salina de la Renta)

The lucha style was in full effect on this match, but this battle was hard-hitting as Virus and Star Jr. slugged it out. Star floored Virus with a really hard shot, but Virus got some impact back with an extremely impressive avalanche bomb from all the way up top. That could have been curtains for Star Jr.

However, Star Jr secured the victory via submission with a modified leg and arm stretch. Virus had no choice and the ref called for the bell!

WINNER: Star Jr.

We cut to see World Titan Federation who expressed their enthusiasm in facing Alex Kane and Mr. Thomas. Davey Boy Smith Jr and Tom Lawlor have words for their opponents, but can they deliver?

Outside of the arena, there’s Matthew Justice and Bill Alfonso, daddy! The two make a perfect pair and Justice warns CONTRA Unit that he’s ready to continue their war.

MATCH 2
Brett Ryan Gosselin (with MSL) vs. Budd Heavy

It’s been awhile since we’ve seen Budd Heavy, but BRG doesn’t wait for any pomp and circumstance for the hometown Heavy as he immediately goes on the attack. BRG hits a massive lariat before hitting a spinning fisherman’s for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Brett Ryan Gosselin

Post-fight, Gosselin makes clear he’s ready to make an impact in MLW and then takes a couple more shots on Heavy before he and MSL leave.

Salina de la Renta is elated as she’s with her mother and they’re making plans to celebrate about the big victory by Star Jr. tonight.

MATCH 3
MLW World Tag Team Championships
Alex Kane & Mr. Thomas vs. Word Titan Federation (Tom Lawlor & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) (with MSL)

AJ Francis joins commentary as Alex Kane aims early to take the champs to Suplex Island, but it wasn’t Lawlor nor DBS getting suplexed. Kane uses Mr. Thomas to toss into Tom!

WTF does slow the pace and isolate Alex Kane as DBS traps Kane in a modified Indian Deathlock. Mr. Thomas was figuratively and literally a big factor change in the fight as once he got tagged in he became an unstoppable force.

Unfortunately, Francis became a vocal distraction for Kane and the former World Champ took his eye off the prize. MSL slides in a tag belt to Tom and as Mr. Thomas hoists Lawlor up for a powerbomb gets smacked with the gold. Lawlor falls on top of Thomas for the pinfall W.

WINNERS and STILL MLW World Tag Team Champions: Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Tom Lawlor

Post-fight, we see WTF backstage relishing in their win as MSL shows that he happens to hold the new version of the MLW World Heavyweight Title. In comes Satoshi Kojima and Okumura. Kojima lets DBS know in Japanese that they’re coming for those titles in Chicago!

MATCH 4
Sofia Castillo vs. Zayda

The first part of this fight started out with Sofia and Zayda feeling one another out and attempting to wear one another down with fundamentals. However, Zayda underestimated Sofia who catches her in the corner then hits a beauty of a stunner on the ring apron.

Zayda attempts to reset and almost hits her “I’m Prettier” finisher, but Sofia breaks free. Zayda does end up catching her with the move and it’s good for the victory.

WINNER: Zayda

We see AKIRA, Raven, Jake Crist and Jimmy Lloyd. Raven makes it known that he created The Calling and tonight in War Chamber, he’s going to put an end to it. “Quoth the Raven, nevermore.”

MATCH 5
Timothy Thatcher vs. Matt Riddle

Arguably the most anticipated match of the evening – this rematch delivered. Thatcher and Riddle put on a chess match of hard hitting technique. Both men put their strength to the test and in turn, challenged one another’s endurance. Thatcher rocked Riddle hard with three straight European uppercuts and Riddle fired back with some unique submission attempts to take Thatcher off his game.

Riddle ends up rocking Thatcher enough by hitting his “Brostone” piledriver for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Matt Riddle

Post fight, Riddle drops a bombshell that he does indeed plan to hold that MLW World Heavyweight Gold and he plans to punch his ticket by entering this year’s Battle Riot!

While Riddle is on cloud nine, the tone has changed for WTF. CONTRA has decided to set their sights on the Superstars as they one-by-one take out Richard Holliday, Davey Boy Smith Jr and Tom Lawlor!

MATCH 6
MLW World Heavyweight Championship
Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Satoshi Kojima (c)

Bad Dude has pulled a page out of Minoru Suzuki’s book as he really brings it to Kojima and it’s clear Tito wants that World Title. Kojima is still fighting through injury, but the champ does look unphased by his ailments.

Tito not only has the size but the speed to get Kojima off his game, giving him very little window to get any offense in. However Kojima threads the needle by catching Bad Dude with a sudden Lariato and gets the 1-2-3!

WINNER and STILL MLW World Heavyweight Champion: Satoshi Kojima

MAIN EVENT
War Chamber II Match
Death Fighters vs. The Calling

Jake Crist is the first entrant into War Chamber which means The Death Fighters has the man advantage for starters! His opponent is someone he’s very familiar with in Sami Callihan. Before the bell rings, the two make it physically clear there’s no love loss between one another. Trash can lids really hammered that point home.

Callihan and Crist find one another outside of the Chamber and it doesn’t take long for Crist to don the crimson mask. The third man out is Akira, but The Calling get a jump on him and he’s down and out. This allows Rickey Shane Page to enter and rub salt in the wound to his former tag partner.

Crist does his best to weather the storm that is Sami and RSP and avoids a trash can lid shot. Thankfully, it’s enough for Jimmy Lloyd to enter to even the odds and he does just that with a steel chair.

Out next is Cannonball as the real estate for the two rings lessens with his presence. A bloody AKIRA finally comes to and gets involved but The Calling thwarts his efforts in a big way. They lay him out on a table and allows Cannonball to come crashing down on him from the top of the cage!

However Tampa Bay explodes when out comes Raven! He lays The Calling out with some stiff kendo stick shots and then pulls a page out of his arsenal by nailing a tandem drop toe hold onto a steel chair to Cannonball!

AKIRA gets to exact some really devastating punishment to the final entrance, Dr. Cornwallace as he throws a cinder block at a trash can, ramming the steel into the big man’s groin! The final fight finally commences but the violence amps up as thumbtacks get introduced. Both Cannonball and Jimmy Lloyd feel the effects of that. Lloyd also crashes through a door bridged across the two rings and Crist ultimately takes everyone out with a huge dive from up top.

The focus then gets on RSP and AKIRA. RSP has the death fighter sandwiched between a table and a door. RSP climbs the ropes and leaps
off to senton on top of AKIRA, but the latter moves and takes advantage! AKIRA nails a Raven Effect DDT and then uses a kendo stick to lock in a crossface on RSP! However, Jimmy Lloyd levels him up with barbed wire and RSP has no choice but to tap!

WINNERS: The Death Fighters

Post-fight, AKIRA gets on the mic and thanks everyone in the arena and at home. He says to believe in Major League Wrestling and trust the AKIRA way. Raven then gets on the mic and tells the fans that AKIRA is the future of pro wrestling!

We cut to see Salina de la Renta walking with her mother as Cesar Duran watches them, swinging the very key that’s at stake for Azteca Lucha in Chicago!

This recap was originally written by SEScoops’ staff writer Dominic DeAngelo on MLW.com. 

It’s a big weekend as MLW presents Once Upon A Time In New York! Who is the first person to welcome the Melrose Ballroom but Cesar Duran! He promises some intense lucha action and makes the challenge to Salina de la Renta to bring her best luchadores to Azteca Lucha on May 11 in Chicago to challenge his roster. He also promises a female luchadora to challenge Janai Kai but who comes in but Zayda Steel and Brett Ryan Gosselin. They take exception to Duran thinking he’s going to step in front of the line for a Featherweight title shot and Zayda eventually asks him why lucha libre promoters are so shady. Up pops Salina de la Renta on the screen. She disparages the intellect of BRG & Zayda (combined) and she accepts Duran’s challenge for Chicago as Rocky Romero unleashes shots on an Azteca henchmen.

BRG calls Rocky John Stamos and makes his way to the ring for the opening match.

MATCH 1
Scramble Match
Brett Ryan Gosselin vs. Love, Doug vs. Ichiban vs. Marcus Mathers vs. Dyln McCay vs. Cannonball

Before Cannonball can even make it to the entryway, AKIRA and Jake Crist jump him which causes an all-out brawl between The Calling & The Response. Cannonball is left laying but the match is underway.

Big highlights from the likes of Marcus Mathers & McCay as both use their tag team synergy to control a good deal of the bout. Love, Doug proves that love is a battlefield in this one, but does get caught with a beautiful tornado DDT by McCay. Cannonball does come to and dominates as expected. However, BRG proves himself to be the opportunist when he downs Doug and puts his feet on the ropes for the 1-2-3.

WINNER: Brett Ryan Gosselin

MATCH 2
Bad Dude Tito (presented by Salina de la Renta) vs. Azteca 66

What a major signing by Salina de la Renta and Promociones Dorado as Bad Dude Tito walks out to the ring and he’s sure to make short work of Azteca 66. A massive lariat followed up by a Scott Steiner-esque screwdriver gets him the easy 1-2-3.

WINNER: Bad Dude Tito

Next up, out comes Mister Saint Laurent to introduce WTF’s latest signing in AJ Francis. Francis goes down to the ring to rip apart New York City which prompts Alex Kane, Faye Jackson and Mr. Thomas to come out. Kane makes clear that BOMAYE is for the people and NYC is the people. Francis says that Kane let down their elders by losing the World Title to in Black History Month. That prompts Mr. Thomas to handle business and the fight begins.

MATCH 3
AJ Francis vs. Mr. Thomas (with Alex Kane & Faye Jackson)

What a straight up FIGHT this match starts out as and both men clearly have the power to topple one another. Mr. Thomas has a bit more speed but gets caught by Francis who pulls Thomas up for a massive powerbomb.

However, Thomas later catches Francis off-guard with a leaping hurricanrana! He then splashes Francis in the corner. MSL gets on the apron for a quick distraction and Francis picks Thomas up for the Cash Out! 1-2-3!

WINNER: AJ Francis

The feed is cut by CONTRA and Mads Krule Krugger and he promises a new army of new soldiers in the Sentai Death Squad. “A reckoning is coming.”

MATCH 4
Zayda Steel vs. Delmi Exo

Salina de la Renta is on commentary as Zayda and Delmi are well aware of the stakes in this match. There’s some good grappling in this match and the momentum teeters back and forth in the favor of both Featherweights.

Zayda has an impressive flurry and channels Steve Blackman by sweeping Delmi’s leg. Eventually, an Azteca henchman hops on the ring apron which stops Zayda from hitting the Killswitch. Exo shows her savvy and catches Zayda with a Delmi Driver for the pinfall victory.

WINNER: Delmi Exo

Post-fight, out comes Cesar Duran who offers his hand to Delmi and she accepts. Zayda begins to talk trash to Salina on stage and she gets a hard shot from Janai Kai! All out chaos ensues! Cesar wants Janai to put her title right now on the line, but Salina says that he doesn’t control the show.

MATCH 5
Davey Boy Smith Jr. (with MSL & Joshua Bishop) vs. Matt Riddle

Riddle is beginning the feel like Public Enemy #1 for the World Titan Federation and him and Davey Boy Smith Jr. are going to be a battle for ages. It sure is as submissions are applied and power strikes are unleashed. DBS channels moves from his Hart Dungeon legacy including a Crippler Crossface and Uncle Bret’s Sharpshooter!

However, Riddle’s resiliency and MMA background comes in great handy. DBS seems to have the win with a sitdown pin, but it’s Riddle who rolls him over for the 1-2-3!

WINNER: Matt Riddle

You know it’s a big night in Major League Wrestling when Court Bauer comes out for a big announcement and being from NYC, Court is ready to go, but the feed cuts and Mads Krugger has a target in sight: it’s Bauer. A legion of the Sentai Death Squad comes out and begins ambushing Bauer and the roster! So many fighters are laid out and sure enough, CONTRA had their clutches on Court. Thankfully, SGC and league officials come out to attend to Bauer and the victims from CONTRA.

MATCH 6
Magnus (with Cesar Duran) vs. Star Jr. (presented by Salina de la Renta)

This is a much different type of lucha fight as Magnus and Star Jr. do a great deal of brawling on the outside. Both men do utilize their high-flying including an amazing over-the-top senton flip over the ring post to the outside by Star Jr.!

Magnus fights on, but does get caught with a MASSIVE superplex. Star Jr. gets to the apron and does a springboard double stomp for the pinfall finish! A big win for Promociones Dorado and Salina’s bid for Mistico’s Middleweight gold!

WINNER: Star Jr.

Duran soon gets his retribution. Cesar is seen whistling and happens to walk up on a fallen Rocky Romero. He puts coins over his eyes and it seems like El Jefe has taken out Salina’s Numero Uno!

It’s main event time.

MAIN EVENT
Alex Kane & CozyMax vs. WTF (Tom Lawlor, Richard Holliday & Joshua Bishop)

Okumura and Holliday duke it out, but eventually reach a stand-off. Okumura tags in Alex Kane and Holliday turns in Lawlor. These two have the grapple game down. However Lawlor utilizes his kicking strength but it’s not long before Lawlor gets caught with a CRISP belly-to-belly suplex. It’s a near fall for the former World Champ.

Big double suplex by Kane and Okumura as they get another two count. Lawlor soon manages to roll Okumura over to his corner and one half of CozyMax is isolated.

Holliday and Okumura are the two to go at it for a bit and then it’s back to Lawlor and Kane. Bishop finally gets in the mix and shows his pure strength against Kane, but it was Kojima who made a blind tag to Kane’s back while in the corner. Kojima may have an injured MCL, but that doesn’t stop him from hitting a beauty of a Lariato! He covers: 1-2-3!

WINNERS: CozyMax & Alex Kane

Post-fight, the celebration is about to begin, but in comes Davey Boy Smith to tip the scales. WTF takes over the ring as they beat down their three opponents. Suddenly backstage catches word of a brawl between The Calling & The Response. It’s just all-out unruliness as it’s ultimately the World Titan Federation who stand tall!

The legendary team the British Bulldogs are back for a new era of wrestling and are set to make their debut at MLW Fightland 2022.

The original Bulldogs consisted of real-life cousins Tom ‘Dynamite Kid’ Billington, and Davey Boy Smith, and competed in their native UK, Japan, and North America.

The duo held the WWF World Tag Team Championships on one occasion and the Stampede International Tag Team Titles twice.

The New Bulldogs

In a statement on their official website, MLW confirmed that a new era of Bulldogs will be debuting soon.

The group, now a trio, will consist of Davey Boy Smith Jr., and his cousins Tom and Mark Billington, the nephews of the Dynamite Kid.

The group will take on the Bomaye Fight Club, consisting of Alex Kane, Mr. Thomas, and Myron Reed.

MLW Fightland will take place on October 30, 2022 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, better known as the stomping ground of the original ECW.

MLW Fightland

The debut of the new British Bulldogs is just one part of what is shaping up to be a stacked card.

The show will also see Sam Adonis, who signed with MLW this month, face a mystery opponent, while Jacob Fatu takes on Lio Rush.

Reigning MLW World Middleweight Champion Shun Skywalker will put his title on the line against an opponent yet to be announced.

In the main event, reigning MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone will defend against E.J. Nduka (Ezra Judge in WWE NXT) in a Last Man Standing match.

Davey Boy Smith, Jr. is returning to MLW for FIGHTLAND ’22. They made the announcement via Twitter after hyping a big announcement earlier in the day.

Smith has been a champion since leaving MLW

Smith left the promotion in December 2020 after losing to Low Ki in the first round of the Opera Cup.

After leaving MLW, WWE announced that Smith was signed in July 2021. He was later released that November without appearing on TV.

This past March, he debuted in NWA as Doug Williams’s partner in the Crockett Cup. In June, they would win the NWA Tag Team Championships from La Rebellion.

• MLW Inks Partnership With Hot Topic

FIGHTLAND ’22 is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 23 at a Fusion taping at the famed 2300 Arena.

Fans have been puzzled by WWE’s treatment of Davey Boy Smith Jr. He wrestled a dark match for WWE in July, but has disappeared from competition since then.

Dave Meltzer provided some updates on the former MLW star on the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter. He revealed that the reason the heavyweight star was pulled from the ring is that he had contracted COVID-19:

“One of the reasons Harry Smith hasn’t been seen since he did the one dark match with Austin Theory is that he contracted COVID. He’s fine now and was backstage for the draft show in Baltimore.”

The former NJPW star first made his name with his WWE run from 2005 to 2011. He went on to wrestle for promotions such as NJPW, MLW, and AJPW after his release from the company.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. worked a dark match before a SmackDown episode in July this year. He teamed up with Austin Theory to defeat Odyssey Jones and Xyon Quinn.

It was reported afterward that the 36-year-old had actually been signed back in April. People aware of his signing were asked to keep it quiet until he returned.

Many expected him to make his TV return during the Drafts but it didn’t happen. There is no word yet on when or if he will make his return to WWE programming.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. hasn’t been let go by WWE and he is still with the company despite mostly being inactive since his re-signing with the promotion a few months back, according to latest reports.

Mike Johnson of PWinsider was recently asked about the former MLW star. Replying to the question, the wrestling journalist confirmed that he is still with the company:

“He (Davey Boy Smith Jr.) signed with WWE but is yet to be officially assigned to a brand.  So, he’s in “hurry up and wait” mode, but he’s 100% with the company.”

The former NJPW star signed a new contract with WWE back in April this year. Talents were reportedly told to keep quiet about his status until he made his in-ring return.

He finally returned to the ring for the company in July. Smith Jr. teamed with Austin Theory in a dark match before the July 16 episode of SmackDown. They defeated Odyssey Jones & Xyon Quinn in a tag match.

However, the former tag team champion hasn’t been used by WWE ever since and people have been puzzled about his status with the company.

There is no word yet on why they have kept him off TV but it could be a case of creatives not being able to find the right opportunity to reintroduce him on the WWE programming.

Before Jon Moxley faces KENTA for the IWGP United States Championship on February 26th, and before he faces Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship on March 7th, he will face Davey Boy Smith Jr. at Bloodsport 5 on February 20th.

Moxley took to Twitter recently to promote his upcoming match with Barnett.

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 5 Lineup

• Calder McColl vs. Bad Dude Tito
• Calvin Tankman vs. Nolan Edward
• Kal Jak vs. The Super Beast
• Royce Isaacs vs. Alex Coughlin
• Simon Grimm vs. Rocky Romero
• Chris Dickinson vs. JR Kratos
• Jeff Cobb vs. Tom Lawlor
• Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Jon Moxley

The show will be presented on the FITE app.

Moxley last participated in Bloodsport 3. He defeated Chris Dickinson in the main event of that show.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. last defeated Calvin Tankman at Bloodsport 4.

Josh Barnett spoke to the WINCLY podcast last fall about having Jon Moxley on his shows.

“If you watch his match vs. Jake Hager, you can see that he’s got skills, that he spent time grappling and knows submissions skills,” Barnett said on the show. “The man just pure knows how to fight. And that’s what we need more than anything. If you’re in Bloodsport, it’s because I’ve seen something in you that shows that you can fight.”

With the WrestleMania season kicking off, people have been wondering what the company might be planning for the Hall Of Fame ceremony which they had to cancel last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now Davey Boy Smith Jr, son of the announced 2020 class of Hall Of Famer British Bulldog has provided some update on what the officials are planning for the show this year.

The former WWE star recently had an interview with Metro.co.uk. During the talk, he confirmed the event will be part of the WrestleMania weekend and suggested that it will be held without live audience:

“I’m not sure what or who that might be at this point because of the Covid restrictions.” said Smith Jr, “I think it will just be me inducting Davey, as far as I know. I don’t think that they’re doing an audience, just with the fans from the Network on the screens.”

• Triple H Comments On British Bulldog’s Hall Of Fame Induction

Davey Boy Smith Jr also talked about the induction speech he is preparing and revealed that he is looking to include stories about the legend fans might not be aware of.

WWE has confirmed that WrestleMania 37 will feature a live audience and it’s possible that they are considering all options for the Hall Of Fame ceremony.

Though the most likely scenario for the induction ceremony is still it taking place inside a Thunderdome setup. We will have to see when the company will confirm the plans for the same.

• Keep Reading: WWE Hall Of Fame: Plans For 2021 Ceremony & Inductees

Davey Boy Smith Jr is currently on the free-agent market, but that could be changing soon as he has confirmed having talks with WWE regarding a return to the company.

It’s been reported that various promotions including AEW and WWE are interested in signing him after he finished up with MLW in December. The son of the late “British Bulldog” recently spoke to Metro UK. During it, he talked about having talks with WWE. 

“There’s been quite a bit of interest and a little bit of back and forth talk with myself and the company.” Smith stated. “I think that the plan – or what they were hoping – was for me to come to NXT UK. But unfortunately, right now because of Covid, those doors are kind of locked, we’ll see.”

He noted that there’s been interest from WWE about him going to NXT as he already lives in Tampa. At this time, they’re talking, but he’s trying to feel things out. 

‘We’re discussing and talking. I can’t exactly say anything for sure, but there’ve been talks.”

Smith also mentioned how there are other places he could sign with, but pointed out how he’s supposed to induct his father into the WWE Hall of Famer and the best decision may be to go back to WWE no matter which brand he ends up on. However, it’s just not any decision to make.

Major League Wrestling is gearing up for its restart scheduled for November 18th. That is the date new episodes of Fusion are expected to air. Davey Boy Smith Jr. is expected to play a large role in MLW’s return.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, however, Smith only has a few weeks left on his MLW contract and several other promotions are interested in his services.

“He was at Chris Jericho’s Halloween party this past week and spoke to Tony Khan but they aren’t talking any business until after his MLW deal is up,” said Dave Meltzer.

The report also stated that Smith’s MLW contract is up on December 18th, 2020. Several promotions, including WWE, Impact, and All-Japan are also interested in his services. He does not appear to be leaning to any one promotion, it seems.

“He’s had interest from WWE, Khan expressed interest, and there is interest from All Japan, Impact, and MLW and has no favorite or leaning past saying this decision will be made based on offer and whatever makes the most sense business-wise,” Meltzer continued to say of Smith’s free agency options.

The 35-year-old is a 2x WWE tag-team champion along with Tyson Kidd. He’s a 3x IWGP Heavyweight tag team champion along with Lance Archer as well. In MLW, he’s held the tag-team titles along with Teddy Hart & Brian Pillman Jr. and won the company’s Opera Cup tournament in 2019.

• Davey Boy Smith Jr. Free Agency Update

Major League Wrestling’s Head of Wrestling Operations, Jared St. Laurent, issued a statement recently regarding Davey Boy Smith Jr. The statement is in response to recent reports that Smith was unable to work for Impact Wrestling due to his contact status with MLW.

“(Smith) had an offer from Impact to do a program with Ken Shamrock but his MLW contract prevented it, which is tough because it’s a contract where he’s not getting paid a regular salary, just per appearance,” wrote Dave Meltzer in the most recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. The report would continue to say that Smith has drawn interest from both AEW and WWE.

Smith’s MLW contract is believed to be up in December.

MLW Responds To Report Regarding Davey Boy Smith Jr.

MLW then posted the following comments from St. Laurent on Smith’s status with MLW.

“I want to address some misinformation put out there. I had talks with Impact about Davey Boy possibly crossing over and doing some dates. We had a very positive conversation with Impact. Scott D’Amore and Impact were great to deal with and we were absolutely open to it. We gave Davey several options for how we could make this work as well as help him out financially during the pandemic. Davey opted to do nothing, unfortunately. It could’ve been a win/win for all 3 parties. It’s a shame but that is the full story,” the statement reads.

“On a personal level, I’ve known Davey for almost 2 decades. It’s sad to see him elect to end his tenure with yet another company on such a sour note.”

It was also reported recently that MLW sent WWE a cease and desist letter in regards to Smith appearing on an episode of the Bump.

“MLW also sent a cease-and-desist to WWE after Smith appeared on “The Bump.” Smith is scheduled to at least make a WWE appearance inducting his father into the Hall of Fame, but that may be some time off,” Meltzer wrote.

• Update On MLW Resuming Live Events

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

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

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

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.

Mance Warner Wants A Shot At Alexander Hammerstone’s Belt

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

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 this weekend on BeIN Sports and YouTube. The show emanated from Philadelphia’s famed 2300 Arena and featured an 8-Man tag-team main event.

The full episode of the show can be viewed in the player below:

MLW Fusion 3/21/20 Quick Results:

1. El Lindaman defeated Zenshi
2. The Blue Meanie defeated Richard Holliday via count-out
3. Killer Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Ross & Marshall Von Erich defeated Tom Lawlor, Dominic Garrini, Erick Stevens, & Kit Osbourne

Here are 5 Takeaways from MLW Fusion this week:

King Mo & American Top Team Join Team Filthy

The main event of Fusion this week featured an 8-man tag team match as Tom Lawlor’s Team Filthy took on the Von Erich brothers, Killer Kross, and Davey Boy Smith Jr. Last week on Fusion, Lawlor was disqualified in his singles match against Kross setting up this week’s main event.

It was noted on commentary that at times this match resembled the old Philadelphia Flyers games from back in the team’s Broad Street Bullies days.

The Von Erich’s would take control early before Ross missed a knee in the corner which allowed Team Filthy the advantage. A hot tag would later bring in Kross, however, and he would suplex all of Lawler’s cronies.

Kross accidentally hit the referee, however, taking him out of action. This allowed the former Rip Von Erich, and Team Filthy yoga instructor Kit Osbourne to land a low blow on Davey Boy Smith Jr. This brought in Marshall Von Erich who gave the imposter Von Erich an Iron Claw Slam followed by a moonsault to get the pin.

The end of the match did little to stop the brawl, however, as the babyfaces continued to take it to Team Filthy member Osbourne after the match.

It was right in the show’s closing moments when King Mo attacked Killer Kross from behind backstage and announced that he and American Top Team have joined Team Filthy.

King Mo is set to take on Low-Ki next episode after weeks of antagonizing comments from both competitors.

Mance Warner Helps Blue Meaning Defeat Richard Holliday

It was announced this week on Fusion that Mance Warner had been attacked at the pay window by Maxwell Jacob Friedman recently, and MLW officials banned MJF from the 2300 Arena as a result.

It was also arranged that Richard Holliday would face a mystery opponent this week, something Holliday’s lawyer/father was likely not pleased about.

Warner chose someone with a lot of history in the former ECW Arena as the Blue Meanie would take on the current possessor of the Caribbean Championship.

Holliday was distracted by Warner at the commentary booth, however, and it would end up costing him the match. He took the time to pour out one of Warner’s light beers but the Southern Psychopath would then blow beer mist in his face and prevent him from getting back in the ring in time to meet the referee’s count. As a result, the Blue Meanie picked up a victory inside the ECW Arena via count-out. The loss will no doubt not sit well with the members of the Dynasty.

It was later announced on the show that Warner has challenged MJF to an empty arena match with the loser having to leave MLW.

Los Parks Cook Eggs & Sausage, Gunning For MLW Gold

MLW fans were also treated to a special cooking show this week featuring LA Park and El Hijo de LA Park. The Father and son combo cooked up sausage and eggs while stating they are after some championship gold in MLW.

The segment ended when LA Park grew upset about not having his chopping board or being able to add onions to the meal.

El Lindaman Pulls Off Victory Over Zenshi

This week’s show kicked off with a high-paced match between El Lindaman and Zenshi. Zenshi came into the match with a taped-up shoulder and El Lindaman was not shy about focussing on his opponent’s injured limb throughout the match. In the end, however, it was the member of OVE’s vicious suplexes that would earn him the victory here. He hit a blue thunder bomb followed by a tiger suplex to get the win.

Brian Pillman Jr. Faces Jordan Oliver Next Week

It was also announced on MLW Fusion this week that Brian Pillman jr. will take on Jordan Oliver next week. Pillman and Injustice have been at odds since the Opera Cup last year. The members of Injustice were alternates in the tournament and attacked Pillman backstage at the venue. Pillman made it all the way to the finals, eventually losing to his Hart Foundation stablemate, Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Pillman has since said he is going to be dropping weight so that he can compete in MLW’s middleweight division. He will be looking to earn a shot against middleweight champion Myron Reed. He’ll get his chance to show what he can do as a middleweight next week when he takes on Reed’s stablemate Jordan Oliver.

That match is in addition to King Mo vs Low-Ki also scheduled for next week’s show.

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:

1. Drago & Puma King defeated Jordan Oliver & Kotto Brazil (Injustice) and Low Rider & Taurus (Triple Threat Tag match)
2. Low-Ki defeated Chandler Hopkins
3. Barbed Wire Match
   Mance Warner defeated Jimmy Havoc

Here are 5 takeaways from MLW Fusion 1/25/20:

Barbed Wire Violence On MLW Fusion

• 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.

Low-Ki Puts Away Another Opponent

• Low-Ki defeated Chandler Hopkins

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 Teach Injustice A Lesson

• 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.

MJF Vs Marshall Von Erich Next Week On Fusion

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 featured a semi-final match in the Opera Cup and was headlined by Contra Unit taking on Strong Hearts from OWE.

Here are 6 takeaways from MLW Fusion 1/4:

Tom Lawlor Defeats An Imposter Von Erich

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?

Contra Unit Defeats Strong Hearts

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:

1. Tom Lawlor defeated Rip Von Erich
2. Opera Cup (semi-final)
   Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Alexander Hammerstone
3. Contra Unit defeated Strong Hearts

Major League Wrestling presented Fusion on BeIN Sports and YouTube this weekend. The show featured two Opera Cup opening round matches and a “Prince of Darkness” match between rivals Jimmy Havoc and Mance Warner.

Here are 5 takeaways from MLW Fusion 12/21:

Ross Von Erich and Tom Lawlor Brawl In New York

In a backstage segment this week, Tom Lawlor announced that he is reforming his old stable “Team Filthy.” Lawlor was quickly interrupted by Ross Von Erich, however, who was looking for revenge on Lawlor. The two brawled on the streets of New York with Lawlor trying to flee the fight every chance he could get.

Cameras caught up with Lawlor and Von Erich brawling to close the show. Lawlor was able to flee the scuffle by hopping on a subway as its doors closed, separating him from his rival. These two will meet in single’s action when MLW returns to Dallas for “Zero Hour” on January 11th.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. Advances To Semi-Finals Of The Opera Cup

• Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round)
  Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Low-Ki

Davey Boy Smith Jr.’s grandfather Stu Hart was the last man to win the Opera Cup when he did so in 1948. In order to advance to the semi-finals, Smith would have to defeat former MLW World Champion Low-Ki.

The finish of this match saw Low-Ki counter a power slam attempt into a submission. With Low-Ki on his shoulders, however, Smith countered the submission into a pinning combination and got the 3-count to win and advance.

Priscilla Kelly Aligns With Jimmy Havoc

• Prince of Darkness Match
  Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner

Jimmy Havoc and Mance Warner opened up this week’s edition of Fusion with a “Prince of Darkness” blindfold match. Havoc rarely abided by the rules of the match, however, and took his blindfold off twice during the contest.

After the second time Havoc took his blindfold off, the referee diverted his attention to admonish him. This allowed Priscilla Kelly to run-in and give Warner a low blow. Havoc then delivered the Acid Rainmaker for the win. What role will Priscilla Kelly play when these two meet again on January 11th in Dallas and the ropes are made of barbed wire?

Alex Hammerstone Wins Inter-Dynasty Match

• Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round)
  Alexander Hammerstone defeated Maxwell Jacob Friedman

Richard Holliday’s lawyer/father was not able to prevent this match from taking place. The Hart Foundation is said to have had a say in the brackets for this tournament and perhaps they made it so the members of Dynasty would have to face each other here.

Both wrestlers tried to get the other one to lay down with the old “Fingerpoke of Doom” spot. Finally, Hammerstone just dropkicked MJF and the match was underway. While MJF would try his best to take as many shortcuts as he could during the match, Hammerstone ultimately picked up the win with a powerbomb.

After the match, Holliday was able to get Hammerstone and MJF to shake hands. MJF then collapsed after doing so, still feeling the effects of that big powerbomb from Hammerstone.

Contra Attack Strong Hearts

CIMA was seen backstage this week introducing the members of Strong Hearts to MLW. The members of Contra Unit attacked, however. This likely wasn’t how CIMA wanted his group to make their debut. Future matches between these two factions are likely to be scheduled soon.

MLW Fusion 12/21 Quick Results:

• Prince of Darkness Match
  Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner
• Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round)
  Alexander Hammerstone defeated Maxwell Jacob Friedman
• Opera Cup 2019 (1st Round)
  Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Low-Ki

Davey Boy Smith Jr. may no longer be wrestling for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but he’s not allowing his momentum or aspirations to slow down.

Smith Jr. recently caught up with the Total Slam podcast. During their conversation, he revealed he has major championship aspirations in Major League Wrestling (MLW). 

“I would like to challenge for the MLW World Title against whoever holds the title,” he stated. “I would like to thank the fans for believing in me and the majority choosing me as the future MLW World Champion, I really appreciate that. I promise you once I procure the World Championship I won’t let anybody down and I will be a fighting champion.”

Regarding a potential WWE return, he believes the door is open for him to come back. Smith Jr. used to tag with Tyson Kidd in a team named the Hart Dynasty.

“Right now, I am signed with MLW, and they’re really showcasing me good, so before I come back to WWE at some point, I would like to do some great things in my career and build my name back up in North America before I come back.”

In MLW, Smith Jr. is a part of the Hart Foundation stable alongside Brian Pillman Jr. and Teddy Hart.

H/T to Fightful for the transcription.

At one point, Davey Boy Smith Jr. was enjoying tag team success with his partner, Lance Archer, in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The team, named Killer Elite Squad and aligned with Suzuki-Gun, tore up the heavyweight tag division.

Then, last month, Davey Boy Smith Jr. announced that would be leaving NJPW.

In an interview with The Hannibal TV, Smith Jr. opened up about why he decided to leave.

Unwinnable Situation

After having received fewer and fewer dates from the promotion, Smith Jr. admitted that he was “in a situation where I couldn’t win.”

He explained that “New Japan, towards the end, were only giving me four tours a year. What they had told me or expressed to me was that there was no way they could increase the workload of KES, Lance Archer and myself as a tag team.”

Ultimately, the difficult choice to leave had to treated as a business decision. One that he admitted had to be made for his future.

“I felt that the tag team with Lance Archer and myself had expired, and we did all that we could in Japan and in the USA, because we are just not that very well known over here or Canada as a tag team.”

“That’s News To Me”

Smith Jr. pointed to an incident with NJPW booker, Gedo, playing an unfortunate contributing factor.

He explained that when they came to NJPW, circa 2017, Lance Archer would get injured and needed emergency back surgery. Despite this, he was assured that would be booked for the remainder of the tour. However, things didn’t transpire that way.

“I was told that I was going to be on the rest of the remainder of that tour, and I was told by the new person in the office named Saito that I was going to be on the next tour. That was a little over four weeks,” Smith Jr. explained.

“He gave me a schedule and I wasn’t on the Super Juniors tour. I think I was on something in June. So, when I went home, they had owed me merchandise money from that tour, and they said ‘okay you’re coming back next month?’ I said yeah I’ll be back there. I went home and was waiting for my flight, and no one gave me any flight information. I sent the office lady and email and said where’s my flight, and she said well did you talk to Gedo? You’re not on the tour. I said well, that’s news to me.”

He shared that he wished NJPW had just been honest with him. If they had, he simply would have been able to seek bookings elsewhere—something he would have been okay with doing.

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

After being with the company since 2011 (minus a 2-year excursion to NOAH), Davey Boy Smith Jr. is gone from New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His departure was reported last week but new details regarding what happened between the 33-year-old and the promotion have recently come to light.

According to a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, several issues led Smith to decide it was time to leave.

“(Smith) wanted to go to the WWE Hall of Fame because they were inducting Jim Neidhart, who is part of his family, as well as Bret Hart a second time. New Japan was running MSG and he kept asking whether he’s booked on the show so he could make plans either to do the Hall of Fame or not,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

The report would continue to say that Smith was not given an answer as late as 2 weeks before the show. Smith did end up attending the Hall of Fame ceremony.

• Davey Boy Smith Jr. Reportedly Done With NJPW

Davey Boy Smith Quits New Japan Pro Wrestling

There was another issue where Smith wanted to pay tribute to the Dynamite Kid during a match and the New Japan office turned him down.

“Smith had pitched an idea of he and Lance Archer doing a tribute to Dynamite on a New Japan show where he’d score a pin after a Dynamite Kid style diving head-butt. Gedo turned him down and told him he was too big to do that move and instead wanted to do the angle where Chuckie T would go nuts and get DQ’d for a chair shot.”

As previously reported, the issue of Smith wanting to go to Impact Wrestling also played a role. This appeared to be a miscommunication, however, as Smith was under the impression he was not allowed to work for Impact and NJPW was under the impression that Smith would be working dates for them in the future.

There have been no recent talks between Smith and Impact Wrestling at this point, however. Smith is under a 2-year deal with MLW and they would have to sign off on him working TV for another promotion.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. is reportedly done with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The 33-year-old had been with the promotion since 2011, taking a 2-year hiatus with his Suzuki-Gun teammates to Pro Wrestling NOAH from 2015 to 2017. According to a report from Voices of Wrestling, Smith will not be returning to the promotion.

Earlier this spring, Smith was critical of how he’s been booked by “Overseas Companies” following his performance in this year’s Bloodsport event.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Killer Elite Squad

Smith’s departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling breaks up his decorated tag-team with Lance Archer, Killer Elite Squad.

Killer Elite Squad’s Championship statistics:

• 3x IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions
• 2x NWA World Tag Team Champions
• 2x GHC Tag Team Champions

Davey Boy Smith Jr. in MLW

In MLW, Davey Boy Smith Jr, Teddy Hart, and Brian Pillman Jr comprise the Hart Foundation. The trio is currently involved in a rivalry with MJF’s Dynasty faction. Alex Hammerstone and Richard Holiday are the other two members of that stable.

The Hart Foundation are the current MLW tag team champions, Teddy Hart is the middleweight champion, and Smith recently won a fan vote to receive a future MLW World Championship match.

Since leaving WWE, Davey Boy Smith Jr. has been making a name for himself amongst the independent scene. He is currently one-half of the Major League Wrestling (MLW) Tag Team Champions and is a member of Suzuki-Gun in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In New Japan, he tags with Lance Archer, forming the formidable team of Killer Elite Squad.

In an interview with the WINCLY podcast, Davey Boy Smith Jr. discussed the emerging All Elite Wrestling and commented on his interest in the promotion.

He admits that he has yet to speak to anyone from AEW, stating that “I think that it’s awesome that they’ve created something new and different, and I hope it’s a fresh breath of air for the wrestling world. Something that’s just a different alternative, and hey, competition is always a good thing, right?”

Elite Killer

Smith Jr. would go on to say that if he were to be approached by AEW, he wouldn’t know what he’d be able to commit to due to his NJPW obligations.

“I haven’t been contacted by them, but if I were to be, I don’t know what the situation is with New Japan. It seems that they’re not really working with AEW, which is too bad because guys like The Young Bucks & Kenny were featured stars in New Japan. And then when they started their own company, it seems that things have kind of split. I’d have to look into what would be the best situation for myself.”

Wishing them all the best, he shared that he would like to be a part of the promotion “if there’s interest” before reiterating that his contract with New Japan may render it impossible.

“You know what? I wish them all the best. I would like to be a part of it if there’s interest, if there’s a situation that I can be in there but I don’t know if it would work with New Japan. I’m not sure.”

H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Would you like to see Davey Boy Smith Jr. in AEW? If he did appear for them, would Smith Jr. be better suited as a singles or tag competitor?

When Major League Wrestling invades the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia on February 2nd, the Hart Foundation will look to win the MLW tag-team championships from the Lucha Bros.

MLW recently announced the title match for their Philadelphia Fusion tapings which will also include Tom Lawlor challenging Low-Ki for the MLW World Championship. Pentagon and Teddy Hart are scheduled to go one-on-one on Fusion tomorrow night as well.

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1080866628324208640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3AMLW%7Ctwcon%5Etimelinechrome&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmlw.com%2F2019%2F01%2F03%2F7815%2F

“This is a big match,” said MLW CEO Court Bauer. “Fénix and Penta have practically cleaned out the division while the Hart Foundation have not just dominated but straight up decimated everyone we’ve thrown at them. Philly is in for something special when these four throw down.”

The Hart Foundation In MLW

Teddy Hart, Davey Boy Smith Jr, and Brian Pillman Jr make up the new incarnation of the Hart Foundation.

MLW locked up Teddy Hart to a deal last month. “I love a good comeback story,” said Court Bauer when speaking of Hart’s signing. “Teddy has lived up to his end and has brought it in every match. He’s hands down one of the most talented wrestlers of his generation and his commitment to MLW has been exceptional so we’re committing to him.”

MLW also recently signed Davey Boy Smith Jr. to a multi-year deal. “He’s been a part of MLW dating back to when he was just 18 and I know I speak for fans and the league when I say we’re very excited to see what the big guy does in 2019 and beyond,” Bauer said regarding Smith.

MLW also recently filed to trademark the name “Hart Foundation”.

Second generation wrestler Davey Boy Smith Jr. has signed a multi-year deal with Major League Wrestling (MLW). The agreement allows for the Bulldog to continue working for New Japan Pro Wrestling, where he’s a 3-time IWGP Tag Team Champion.

In a press release, league CEO Court Bauer called Smith a special talent. “He’s been a part of MLW dating back to when he was just 18 and I know I speak for fans and the league when I say we’re very excited to see what the big guy does in 2019 and beyond.”

Over the past year, Smith has been aligned with Teddy Hart and Brian Pillman Jr. as part of the Hart Foundation faction. Both Hart and Pillman signed with MLW in recent months, an indication the Hart Foundation will be a force to reckon with in 2019.

The Hart Foundation

Speaking of the Hart Foundation, MLW filed a trademark on the name back on December 19th, 2018. That trademark was previously held by WWE, but was canceled in May of 1999, the week of Owen Hart’s tragic death.

There have been many incarnations of the Hart Foundation over the years. The name was first used by 2-time WWE tag team champions Bret Hart and the late Jim Neidhart. During the Attitude Era, the Hart Foundation was a faction comprised of Bret Hart, Jim Neidhart, Owen Hart, Davey Boy Smith Sr. and Brian Pillman Sr. Other wrestlers affiliated with other incarnations include Jack Evans, Natalya Neidhart and husband Tyson Kidd.

Back to MLW, Teddy Hart and Brian Pillman Jr. recently launched a new web series, H2tv. The first two episodes are at MLW’s YouTube channel. The third episode will be released tonight (1/3) at 8:15pm EST. You can catch the first two episodes below, each are about 2 minutes.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. signing with MLW bolsters their roster and is the latest development in the rapidly-evolving free-agent scene.

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.