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

There is said to be a lot of unhappiness within the main WWE roster right now regarding the way NXT talents are given the opportunity to go out and put on excellent matches while many of the main WWE roster talents are relegated to short, nothing-type matches on television, especially those in the Divas division.

Wrestling Observer Newsletter editor Dave Meltzer offered the following update on his message board:

“So story is accurate but it’s inherent. It was the same thing in the OVW days, well not exactly the same, but similar. I get DMs from people on the main roster always after those specials. It’s a common frustration. The top NXT performers are frustrated they aren’t on the main roster making money. Then they will get more frustrated when they realize their dream. WWE guys are frustrated they aren’t having the matches guys in NXT are when they know if they can perform before 400 fans in longer matches they can tear the house down.”

• PHOTOS: Several HOT Pics Of RONDA ROUSEY In Sports Illustrated’s SWIMSUIT ISSUE!!

Tonight’s episode of Raw took place in Montreal, Canada and featured a total of eleven matches, including a first ever one-on-one meeting between the WWE World Heavyweight champion John Cena and Money in the Bank briefcase holder Seth Rollins.

Canadian icon and WWE Hall of Famer Bret Hart graced the WWE Universe with his presence and cut a promo. Of course, he brought up the Montreal Screw Job, but it was a nice moment. Also, WWE continued to promote current on-going storylines leading up to Battleground.

Last week’s episode of Raw was one of the best and most exciting in recent history. Did this edition live up to last week’s high standards?  Without further ado, here are highlights, lowlights and my random thoughts on the 7/7/2014 edition of Monday Night Raw:

BEST MATCH: The opening bout between the Usos and the Wyatt Family was the best match of the night. There were two other matches that could have stolen the show, but they failed to do so for a couple of reasons. First, Randy Orton and Dean Ambrose gave it their best effort, but it was clear to see that the two didn’t have very much chemistry, at least when it comes to singles action. Also, the Dean Ambrose botch wasn’t a crowd-pleasing moment.

Chris Jericho vs. the Miz could have been special, but the match didn’t last as long as I hoped. John Cena vs. Seth Rollins had the most promise, but they weren’t given enough time to do anything memorable and the obvious interference by Kane and Randy Orton ruined the match for me.

What was your favorite match of the night?

WORST MATCH: AJ Lee/Paige vs. Naomi/Cameron was the worst match of the night. Aside from the main event and the tag team match between the Usos and the Wyatt Family, there weren’t any real standout matches. However, this bout stood out for all the wrong reasons and it was a poor showing amongst the four Divas involved. Bo Dallas vs. El Torito was a close second for the worst match of the night award because at least the crowd was somewhat into it.

The worst segment of the night was the Nikki Bella/Alicia Fox disaster, but I don’t think there was an opening bell and nobody was declared the winner. Therefore, Idon’t consider this to be a match; otherwise, it would have won the award.

UPSET OF THE NIGHT: Kofi Kingston defeating Cesaro was the upset of the night. I know that Kofi defeated Cesaro last week on Raw, but I didn’t expect him to do it again and I don’t think the fans/crowd did either. I see Cesaro winning the Intercontinental Title at Battleground and Kingston falling into obscurity once again, but at least Kofi is living in the moment now.

To quote the great Mike Adamle, Kofi be Jamaican me crazy.

MOST SHOCKING MOMENT: I expected Randy Orton to defeat Dean Ambrose in their match tonight, but I was anticipating Seth Rollins to screw Ambrose over, resulting in Ambrose losing cleanly. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Ambrose has been really hot as of late and Rollins costing him the match would have protected Ambrose a bit more. Also, it would have spiced things up and furthered the Ambrose/Rollins feud.

The following are highlights from TNA Impact Wrestling president Dixie Carter’s recent interview with The Ministry Of Slam:

On criticism over signing too many MMA fighters to TNA deals: “I’ve gotten criticism for bringing these guys in but when you’re looking for talent and there’s only two teams, where do you go to get your star players from? You’re going to mostly look to each other and then every once in a while, you’ve got to build your own talent which takes a lot of time.

So here are two guys that are major superstars. Both come from wrestling backgrounds, and both are training their butts off right now to be in the ring. I think it’s a great way of trying to find some superstar talent and not having to take so many years to try to grow somebody’s stardom. Both of these guys are so well-known and they love professional wrestling. They’re committed and they’re training, and I’m excited for people to see their potential. I think it’s a great way of looking for new talent, and talent that have never been seen before in our world.”

On recent TNA talent releases: “Well, I think the fact that you let talent go is not any indication whatsoever of any problems. I think part of our problem is that we didn’t turn the roster often enough. We only have one show so if we don’t have people on the show all the time. we are not in the position to have them sitting at home and being paid and not working. I think we have to get some more programming.

We have to be able to do that to where we can shift and make talent appear fresh, but going to another show versus sitting people at home. I think it’s been a long time coming. I know that our competitor lets people go constantly. We had not done it in a long time, and I think because we had not done it in a long time, that it raised some eyebrows.

It’s time for us to bring in some new faces, and we’ve got some exciting faces that will be appearing in the next several months. It’ll freshen things up somewhat. It’ll freshen up the people who are still on the roster and it’ll give the fans new and unique matches that they’ve never seen before. Like always, I’m sure some of the people that are no longer with us will return at some point – I’m hopeful for that. I think it’s a good healthy state of where we’re going and how we need to grow.”

On Bully Ray and the Aces & 8’s: “Bully Ray in my opinion has really stepped up and become a formidable singles champion. He’s done outstanding work. A lot of the young guys have come along under the Aces & Eights banner very quickly. I love the reformation of the Main Event Mafia; I love the younger members in there stepping up to represent our company. I think there’s going to be some interesting TV in the coming weeks.”

Check out the complete interview online at MinistryOfSlam.com.

REPORT: Hulk Hogan Leaving TNA To Return To WWE In 2014 [READ MORE >>]

– MMA fighter & TNA star King Mo made his pro wrestling debut on Wednesday night at Ohio Valley Wrestling. defeating Austin Bradley via an arm submission in the main event. Mo reportedly used a variety of MMA holds throughout the match.

– The Ryback vs. Daniel Bryan match that will air on tonight’s SmackDown is getting rave reviews from people who have seen it, with many saying that it’s Ryback’s best match to date.

– Here are some attendance figures from WWE’s recent European tour, courtesy of the Wrestling Observer:

• 4/24 in Liege, Belgium: 5,000 fans
• 4/24 in Amneville, France: 3,300 fans
• 4/25 in St. Petersburg, Russia: 4,000 fans
• 4/25 in Bologna, Italy: sellout of 7,000 fans
• 4/26 in Moscow, Russia: 6,000 fans
• 4/26 in Trieste, Italy: 3,000 fans
• 4/27 in Lodz, Poland: 3,500 fans
• 4/27 in Mannheim, Germany: sellout of 10,000 fans

– MMA fighter and TNA star King Mo Lawal recently returned from The Netherlands, where he was training for upcoming Bellator MMA fight in January. Mo will be focusing on MMA and won’t be training wrestling at OVW until after his next fight.

* More Backstage TNA News Heading Into 2013

– Speaking of OVW, TNA stars Al Snow, Douglas Williams and Kid Kash are all regularly working at the developmental territory to train wrestlers and promote local OVW live vents.

– Here is the latest episode of “The List” with Robbie E and Robbie T:

(Partial Source: PWInsider.com)

– TNA Turning Point drew an estimated 11,000 pay-per-view buys, which is a little higher than the average show.

– Spike TV is working on a King Mo television special that will likely air before his Bellator MMA debut in January. The show will include Mo talking about his love for pro wrestling growing up, including the Four Horsemen.

– TNA Impact Wrestling is watched by about 10% of homes on tape delay, which is similar to what WWE RAW does.

* Major Swerve Coming With TNA’s ACES & EIGHTS Storyline

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Former WWE talent Shawn Spears competed in a dark match following Thursday’s live Impact Wrestling episode, as he lost to Joey Ryan. Spears briefly competed on WWE’s ECW brand in 2008 as Gavin Spears.

In a match taped for an upcoming episode of TNA Xplosion, TNA World Tag Team Champions Chavo Guerrero and Hernandez faced Robbie E and Robbie T.

– European bookmaker Paddy Power have launched a new “Hulkamania” licensed online slot machine. Hulk Hogan had previously given his image to American land-based casinos but this marks Hogan’s first online casino venture. If you’re in a country where gambling is legal, you can check it out here here.

– Spike TV cameras were on hand for Wednesday night’s Ohio Valley Wrestling television taping in Louisville, Kentucky as footage of King Mo training and watch action from ringside was shot. The footage will air on an upcoming Spike TV special centered on the combatant.

– Mixed martial artist King Mo is currently slated to begin competing for TNA Wrestling in January. However, he will not be a full-time wrestler as organization officials plan to use him as a special attraction.

Mo is training this week at Ohio Valley Wrestling, TNA’s developmental territory in Louisville, Kentucky.

– One-half of the TNA World Tag Team Champions, Kazarian, takes on one-half of the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champions, Eric Young, on this week’s episode of TNA Xplosion. (Watch)

– TNA Women’s Knockout Champion Miss Tessmacher will be answering fan questions on Twitter tonight at 8:00 p.m.

(source: F4WOnline.com)

Busted Open satellite radio show with King Mo
Host: Dave Lagreca and Doug Mortman
Airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
Sirius 94 and XM 208 from 2-4 ET

Where does he feel he is at with his wrestling training: “As far as where I’m at, I’m still a baby. Some people it takes years. Some people it takes a few months. I’m hoping it takes a few months, but I want to be on the level of Kurt Angle. If I could get to that level in  a few years, I’ll be alright. I still have a long way to go. I’m willing to spend the time and dedication to get there.”

What his role will be as enforcer in the James Storm/Bobby Roode falls count anywhere match? “I guess I’m a referee and an enforcer. I figure if I’m the guest enforcer, I might as well be the referee as well..I’m cool with anyplace besides the bathroom. I don’t want to be slapping one, two, three and there is piss on the floor. I don’t care if its dirty, I just don’t want any bodily fluids on the floor. If it’s blood, I’m ok with it. Any type of urine, I don’t want to deal with that.”

Will he fill the void of the lack of bad-asses in wrestling: “Here is the thing. Most of the guys who played the badass role are terrible wrestlers. I’m not saying I’m better than them, but I’m hoping I’m the badass with also being a good worker. The Ultimate Warrior was a badass but he wasn’t any good. Goldberg they said was horrendous. I’ve seen guys like Nathan Jones who wasn’t any good. So guys who played that badass role tend to be terrible workers. I want to change that perception. If I’m going to be a badass in this business, I want to be known as a guy that worked well too.”

Which career would he rather have? Ric Flair or Hulk Hogan? “I’m more of a Ric Flair fan. NWA and WCW that was all me. I loved Hulk Hogan, but to me Sting and Ric Flair were those guys that got me star struck. I’d rather be Ric Flair. The cars, Space Mountain, the women, I’d much rather be Ric Flair.”

Talks about his debut on Impact Wrestling: “Right now I’m nervous. My armpits are sweating. I’m nervous, but when I get out there I’m just going to be me. I’m going to let it come natural. I’m not going to try to force anything. I’m just going to be me. You see guys out there that play a role that’s just not them. The crowd is on to it and they don’t buy it. The people who play the role that is similar to them, a bigger version of them, then the crowd eats it up.”

TNA Wrestling has released a preview for next week’s episode of Impact Wrestling on SpikeTV.

IMPACT Preview: King Mo Debuts, Who Joins Team TNA vs Aces & 8s?

Preview Thursday’s LIVE IMPACT broadcast on SpikeTV at 8/7c as the road to “Bound For Glory” Pay-Per-View continues! Remember – if you can’t watch IMPACT on Thursday night, make sure to set your DVR to record all the action!

– The fight between Aces and 8s and Team TNA is set for Bound For Glory! “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan will not be allowed to enter the fight – so who will represent TNA in the battle? Don’t miss Thursday’s broadcast for details!

– Also on Thursday’s huge event on SpikeTV, King Mo makes his IMPACT WRESTLING debut after being announced as the special enforcer for the Bobby Roode vs. James Storm match at Bound For Glory!

– Tensions continue to rise between “The Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy and World Heavyweight Champion Austin Aries as their main event match at Bound For Glory draws closer! What will happen when champion and challenger cross paths on Thursday’s IMPACT?

– Plus, IMPACT will feature Knockouts Tag Team action as Knockouts Champion Miss Tessmacher teams with ODB to battle Tara and Gail Kim

All this and much more on Thursday’s IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV LIVE at 8/7!

(source: ImpactWrestling.com)

– During an interview with Steven Muehlhausen of The Fight Club Chicago, mixed martial artist and recent TNA Wrestling signee “King Mo” Lawal revealed that he will be making his debut for the promotion this fall.

“I’m going to pro wrestling school starting next month. I will be making my TNA debut this October,” he said.

Lawal offered more thoughts on TNA in the interview, as well as thoughts on Brock Lesnar. It is available here.

– TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that Hulk Hogan will appear on Fox News Channel program Fox & Friends Thursday morning during the 8:00 a.m. hour.

– Kurt Angle announced on Twitter that he has concluded filming scenes for Lighthouse, which will be released early 2013. Danny Glover appears in the film, who the TNA Wrestling star dubbed “amazing.”

– Shelton Benjamin tweeted the following message this morning about whether he headed to TNA:

“Since so many keep asking, I have no plans to go to TNA. Not saying never. but no time soon. Don’t take that as a knock against TNA. Just though I’d throw that in cause people like to create bs out of a simple answer to a question.”

– Recent TNA live event attendance figures:

August 3rd (Enid, Oklahoma): 500 fans
August 4th (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma): 600 fans

– Bellator MMA fighter & contracted TMA wrestler “King” Mo Lowal will report to Ohio Valley Wrestling around September 1st to begin training for his TNA debut.

Lawal is expected to debut for TNA in October and work through January, when Bellator MMA debuts on Spike TV.

(Partial Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

– Sting will be off television for several weeks as a result of last week’s attack by three mystery men. TNA has not yet decided who will be revealed as the masked attackers and it’s possible that TNA will not immediately follow up on the angle. The general feeling is that the segment did not come across well on television, but was done to explain why Sting is not part of the Bound For Glory series.

– During a recent interview with MMAJunkie.com, Bellator MMA & TNA Wrestling star “King” Mo Lawal said he’ll be reporting to Ohio Valley Wrestling (TNA developmental) in approximately two months. Lawal says his injured knee should be close to 100% by then.

He also revealed that he’ll be training with WWE Announcer Booker T in the coming weeks and wants UFC fighter Rampage Jackson to be his tag team partner in TNA. Jackson is one of many UFC fighters that has expressed interest in a pro wrestling career once his MMA fighting days are over, but we have not heard anything about Rampage talking with TNA (or WWE, for that matter).

– TNA Knockouts champion Miss Tessmacher did not compete in this year’s Hooters pageant last Saturday, despite being advertised. Instead, she worked a TNA live event from Orlando.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Nesletter)

– In anticipation of MMA fighter “King Mo” making his TNA debut this fall, TNA is having a custom throne built for his ring entrances. As previously reported, Mo has been seeking career advice from Sting and Hulk Hogan and will begin training at OVW this summer.

It’s expected King Mo will debut by November and his contract would see him working one Impact taping per month during the Bellator MMA fighting season.

– There is talk of using Douglas Williams as an agent for TNA live events or as a trainer at OVW

– According to early estimates, TNA’s recent Sacrifice PPV did around 8,000 to 9,000 buys. Sacrifice was the first PPV event that TNA posted on Youtube for purchase after it aired live, so they likely made some additional revenue from the online buys.

– To update the story of Anthony Nese being released from TNA, it was reportedly his decision to leave. Nese asked TNA for permission work a June 1st internet pay-per-view event for the PWS promotion in a tag team match against the legendary Great Muta. TNA turned down his request so he asked to be released so he could perform on the iPPV, which they granted.

(Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter)

— Ric Flair did not appear as advertised at TNA Wrestling’s Thursday night live event at Uno Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The legendary grappler is advertised for tonight’s TNA live event at Harang Auditorium in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Matches taking place include TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode vs. Rob Van Dam, Jeff Hardy vs. Mr. Anderson, AJ Styles vs. Kurt Angle, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin vs. Gunner and Hernandez, Mickie James vs. Angelina Love and TNA Television Champion Devon vs. Robbie E.

— Mickie James has launched a YouTube channel via www.youtube.com/IAmMickieJames.

— TNA Wrestling President Dixie Carter announced on Twitter that new talent King Mo will appear at tonight’s Bellator 68 event at Caesars Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

WWE and video game publisher THQ sent out the following press release on Monday:

THQ and WWE(R) Announce Integrated Marketing Agreement

THQ Expects to Reach More WWE Fans by Aligning Marketing with WWE’s Full Range of Products and Events Throughout the Year

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., Nov 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — THQ Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment today announced a new, comprehensive marketing agreement. THQ-developed, WWE-branded video games will be integrated into domestic and international events, pay-per-view and television sponsorships, magazines, WWE.com, WWE DVDs, and more. In addition, for the first time, THQ will host interactive gaming kiosks at 40 WWE live events. This significantly expands THQ’s previous marketing efforts concentrated around the launch of individual WWE video games.

“This strategic marketing agreement reflects the benefits of working more closely with WWE to maximize the interactive entertainment experience for fans of this leading sports entertainment brand,” said THQ President and CEO Brian Farrell. “We expect to increase awareness of our games through this new integrated program. Beyond that, we are expanding our WWE video game offerings with social applications and brand extensions to help WWE fans enjoy different interactive experiences throughout the year.”

THQ Marketing Agreement Key Features:

THQ video game kiosks featuring WWE(R) SmackDown(R) vs. Raw(R) 2011 and WWE(R) All Stars(TM) hosted at 40 WWE live events from Tuesday, October 26, 2010 through Saturday, April 16, 2011. High profile sponsorship of WWE pay-per-views and television programming, with greater in-program integration of THQ video games. Significantly increased online presence, including year-round participation on WWE.com. Integration of video game launches with WWE international events. Cross-promotion in 15-20 WWE DVDs.

“We are pleased to move our partnership forward in a broader, more comprehensive way,” said WWE Chie Operating Officer Donna Goldsmith. “Working together, we plan to give our fans more access to all of the great interactive entertainment being created by THQ, as well as develop robust promotions to increase awareness of all WWE platforms.”

In addition to working more closely with WWE from a marketing perspective, THQ is developing an array of products built around the WWE brand. This suite of products includes social media, iPhone and iPad applications, console brand extensions, and a powerful community site. The goal is to enable WWE video game fans to stay connected all year long.