“There’s been quite a bit of interest and a little bit of back and forth talk with myself and the company,” Smith Jr. said. “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.
“There has been interest in me going to NXT down here in Orlando. I live down here in Tampa, Florida, so I’ve just been feeling things out, trying to get a lay of the land, so to speak. We’re discussing and talking. I can’t exactly say anything for sure, but there’ve been talks.”
Smith Jr. referenced his father’s upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction as an appealing reason for him to return to the company instead of going elsewhere. British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith was set to be posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame over WrestleMania week in 2020, but that’s been pushed back to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There’s other places, but with my father’s Hall of Fame induction, maybe that’s a good idea, to go back to WWE — whichever brand or roster it is. It’s just not an any decision to make,’ Smith Jr. said “I know Natalya is on SmackDown. I could very well go there. NXT down here is certainly a good place to get re-established. There’s a hell of a lot of talent down there like [Karrion] Kross, [Timothy] Thatcher — Finn Balor, who I’ve wrestled in New Japan Pro Wrestling before. We’re just gonna have to wait and see what’s the best choice.”
Smith Jr. (real name Harry Smith) was originally with WWE from 2006 to 2011. NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and MLW are among the other promotions he’s wrestled for during his career.
It was announced in December that Smith Jr. had finished up with MLW.
Smith Jr. is facing Calvin Tankman at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 4 this Saturday night.
MLW founder Court Bauer announced Thursday that Davey Boy Smith Jr. is no longer with the promotion.
Bauer said, “Davey Boy’s exit in the opening round of the Opera Cup marks the end of this chapter for DBS in MLW. I have immense gratitude for (Davey) and his contributions inside the MLW ring over the past 2 ½ years. The MLW system was a great fit for him. Winning the 2019 Opera Cup as well as his run as a World Tag Team Champion. A certified beast. Davey Boy Smith Jr. is the real deal and I wish him luck with whatever comes next.”
Smith Jr. lost to Low Ki on Wednesday’s Fusion, his second loss since their recent restart following a defeat to MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu. His contract was due to run out at the end of the year.
His tenure with MLW and Bauer goes back to 2004 when he and T.J. Wilson won the GTC Carnival tag tournament over two Florida house shows. When the company returned in 2018, he eventually returned as well, forming the new Hart Foundation with Teddy Hart and Brian Pillman Jr. He and Hart held the tag team titles once and he also won the 2019 Opera Cup.
Tensions between the two sides rose this summer with MLW Head of Wrestling Operations/color commentator Jared St. Laurent releasing a statement on their website in August essentially saying he was done after Smith asked for his early release.
“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. 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.”
Bauer said that “a familiar face” will be arriving soon to take Smith Jr.’s spot and is surprised it hasn’t got out there yet, adding it’s “a big surprise.”
The first round of MLW’s Opera Cup tournament will conclude on next week’s episode of Fusion.
MLW has announced that both remaining first round matches in the Opera Cup tournament will air on Fusion next week. The matches are: Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Low Ki and ACH vs. Laredo Kid.
The Opera Cup began with “Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeating Rocky Romero and Richard Holliday defeating TJP on this week’s Fusion. Lawlor will face the winner of ACH vs. Laredo Kid in the semifinals. Holliday will face the winner of Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Low Ki.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. was the winner of MLW’s first Opera Cup tournament, defeating Brian Pillman Jr. in last year’s finals. Smith Jr. defeated Low Ki in the first round of last year’s tournament.
“Held annually for nearly 50 years at various turn-of-the-century opera house locations from New York City to Boston, the Professional Wrestling Opera House Cup was a grueling multi-day tournament,” MLW wrote about the Opera Cup. “The best of the day competed in the tournament and would often be an entree to more success, including the World Heavyweight Championship of the day. After a 71 year hiatus, the Opera Cup returned in 2019. Soon thereafter, the league confirmed the ‘classic’ would be an annual tournament hosted exclusively by MLW.”
Gino Medina, Jordan Oliver, Hijo de LA Park, King Mo, Dominic Garrini, and Daga were announced as alternates for this year’s Opera Cup.
MLW Fusion premieres on the fubo Sports Network and YouTube at 7 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesdays. The show is also made available on-demand via DAZN. It airs on beIN Sports at 10 p.m. Eastern on Saturdays.
A World title match will headline MLW’s return to new in-ring action.
MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu will defend his title against Davey Boy Smith Jr. on the Wednesday, November 18 episode of MLW Fusion. The episode is the first show of MLW’s “The Restart.”
Fusion is airing on the fubo Sports Network and YouTube on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Eastern time. The show will also be available on demand via DAZN and will air on beIN Sports at 10 p.m. Eastern on Saturdays.
Prior to last month’s closed set tapings for The Restart, MLW had been on hiatus since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an interview with DAZN, MLW’s Court Bauer hyped the Fatu vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. match: “This title fight was set to headline our July PPV this past summer, which would’ve been in Philly. When the pandemic hit, all of our matchmaking went out the window, but what stayed was the appetite for this big fight. The fans wanted it. Fatu and DBS wanted it. I wanted to go big and conceptually deliver a premium level event for free for The Restart. This isn’t a match that’s ever been done before, so what bigger main event can you kick things off with than this?”
Bauer also spoke about what else fans can expect from the November 18 episode of Fusion: “I’m going to stack that fight card. We’re going to add another title bout, maybe two. We’ve upgraded our production and one of the things I really like about The Restart is we’re bringing wrestling back to that smoke-filled arena vibe. There’s a raw, primal feeling when you have that hazy look and two guys are going to war in the ring. It’s cinematic. It draws you into the action more. Visually it adds a layer of authenticity that a sterile, over-produced, over-lit arena that looks like a Times Square can’t touch. As for the remainder of 2020: it’s all about the Opera Cup. This will be a big tentpole annual event for us. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with hosting and promoting the grand tournament, which dates back over 100 years. There’s a lot of history in that cup. Literally. It was made in 1915. We had it restored last year by the same folks that handle the Stanley Cup. It’s a true piece of history in the making every year when we roll it out for the tournament.”
Despite some issues over the summer, Major League Wrestling announced Monday that Davey Boy Smith Jr. will return to the company for their impending ‘The Restart’ this month.
In the announcement, MLW head Court Bauer said a match between the former Tag Team Champion and 2019 Opera Cup winner vs. World Champion and CONTRA leader Jacob Fatu was planned for a pay-per-view this year and is a match they hope to do during their restart.
The move comes three months after MLW’s Head of Wrestling Operations Jared St. Laurent released a statement on the company’s website admitting MLW had discussions about Smith working for Impact Wrestling during the pandemic, essentially blaming Smith for not making it happen and insinuating he was done with MLW:
“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. 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.”
For the first time since March in Mexico, MLW held TV tapings over a late-October weekend at the Gilt Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. New episodes of Fusion resume on Wednesday, November 18th.
Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.
A detailed look at how the pro wrestling and MMA industry has changed in just one week is the subject of our in-depth lead story.
We cover:
Steps taken, made, executed, and constantly changed, from WWE, UFC, AEW and every other company.
Which companies can afford the lockdown the best, and which companies are threatened the most.
WWE, why they chose to do WrestleMania now on tape, why the move made little sense.
Why UFC was forced to shut down shows and the steps they took to avoid it.
What AEW said and what it actually meant.
The dangers from doctors on doing shows right now.
Latest ideas for WrestleMania, revenue lost by not doing the show now, just how fast decisions were changing, pro wrestling vs. MMA in an empty arena, styles vs. styles in an empty arena, what does and doesn’t work, ideas to make the show more entertaining, what is and isn’t finalized for WrestleMania, and update on other planned WWE events.
We also cover:
WWE training, who were brought to the WWE & AEW taping, what was said to those working there, Dana White’s memo to the staff, why UFC had it harder to keep shows going than pro wrestling, UFC’s economic realities, different reactions of talent about shows continuing, new dates for major shows, next shows on UFC schedule, ESPN plans, Japanese government reaction, updates on Japanese shows, XFL ending the season, how the first season leaves the XFL in its quest to make it, Bellator’s reaction, MLW’s reaction, Impact’s reaction, NWA’s reaction, Independent shows, WrestleCon, U.K. groups, Mexico and other U.S. indies.
AEW’s live television show, the in and out of character remarks, Cody and Tony Khan’ reactions, and show things were handled
A look at the career of Jushin Liger, his historical status, his early career, his becoming the best wrestler in the world, his debut with the character, who was first pegged for the role, his debut with the gimmick, his U.S. arrival in WCW, his one MMA fight, and his list of credentials.
Why WWE stock hasn’t collapsed, Shane McMahon’s income, Michelle Wilson and George Barrios’ severance packages, update on The Revival, WWE threatens small group on a frivolous case, WWE legend selling his home, last several weeks of Canadian TV ratings, Jerry Lawler talks empty arena matches, latest WWE tryout, Sonya Deville talks storyline she wanted, as well as the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
Full coverage of the UFC’s empty arena show in Brasilia, Brazil with the stories coming out of the show and match-by-match coverage.
A feature on the worst weekend in the history of the business when Chris Benoit murdered his wife and son. We look at the Reelz television show that just came out covering the crime as well as a look at the Viceland story coming this week. We talk about different theories, the death of Eddy Guerrero, CTE, steroids, xanax and more, WWE reaction, drug testing questions and problems and much more.
Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker.
Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.
In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight talking about various wrestling subjects, WWE, AEW, Japan wrestling starting back and more with Wrestling Observer Radio. We’ll also be taking questions for the show to [email protected]
The WWE did tapings at Full Sail University yesterday for NXT so they will be doing new matches. Raw will be taped for the next three weeks today and tomorrow at the Performance Center.
AEW will be doing a lot of taping on Wednesday. It’s a new show with Cody vs. Jimmy Havoc and Kenny Omega vs. Sammy Guevara for the AAA heavyweight title. Given the restrictions on people allowed to be together, it is impossible to do a lumberjack match as had been advertised with Wardlow vs. Luchasaurus.
Aleister Black vs. Bobby Lashley and Street Profits defending the tag titles against Andrade & Angel Garza were announced for WrestleMania.
Regarding talent traveling to Japan from the U.K. or U.S. or Mexico, talent can come in but they have to be quarantined for 14 days in a hotel or a home when they arrive. Davey Boy Smith Jr., for example, flies out tomorrow morning for the Champion Carnival tour and will have to stay in a hotel for 14 days. The flip side is the risk that if he goes, he may not be allowed to return. He said that he really likes Japanese culture and has friends there, so if it happens, he’s okay.
Ricky Morton on his podcast noted that he had woken up on 3/17 with a bout of Bell’s Palsy. He was very scared, but he can shut his eyes and talk and it is clearing up.
WWE
Mojo Rawley is now officially on Smackdown. The idea is that with Rob Gronkowski on Smackdown, since he works for FOX, then Rawley should be there as well.
AEW
These are the matches on Dark tomorrow:
Jake Hager vs. Joe Alonzo
Colt Cabana vs Brandon Cutler
Dustin Rhodes & QT Marshall vs. Jon Cruz & Matt Sells
Kip Sabian vs. Suge D
Joey Janela & Sonny Kiss vs. Corey Hollis & Mike Reed
Frankie Kazarian & Scorpio Sky vs. Shawn Spears & Robert Anthony
A trailer for the movie “Power Bomb,” which includes Britt Baker and Matt Cross. (thanks to Joe Puccio)
MISCELLANEOUS
A confidential settlement was reached in a lawsuit filed by Hulk Hogan against Mike “Cowhead” Calta and Matt “Spiceboy” Loyd who allegedly were the ones who leaked the sex video to the National Enquirer. Stories can be found here and here. (thanks to Terry)
Kento Miyahara did not set the title defense record today for the Triple Crown as he lost the title to Suwama. I haven’t seen the match yet but hope to do so later today.
Branko Cikatic, who is best known for being the first-ever K-1 World Grand Prix champion in 1993, and fought on some early Pride shows in the late 90s, passed away today in Croatia at the age of 65.
For those wondering about the match I spoke of on the show with Garrett Gonzalez on Friday night involving Chris Benoit and Eddy Guerrero as a tag team and talking about eating Korean BBQ after, it was March 27, 1995 at the Tokyo City Gym, an easy ****3/4 match with Benoit & Shinjiro Otani vs. Guerrero & Koji Kanemoto. So no Liger in that match. The show was taped for television but that match never aired as far as I can recall, so it’s probably not on NJPW World, but it would exist in the NJPW library.
Stardom holds its one-night Cinderella tournament on Tuesday at Korakuen Hall which will air live and free on YouTube early tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern. It will only air live and then be put up later on the Stardom World streaming service. There will be fans at this show.
Momo Watanabe vs. Starlight Kid
Jungle Kyona vs. Giulia
Konami vs. AZM
Syuri vs. Jamie Hayter
Tam Nakano vs. Saki Kashima
Saya Kamitani vs. Natsuko Tora
Maika vs. Utami Hayashishita
Mayu Iwatani vs. Hana Kimura
World Series Wrestling pushed back its Australian tour to 11/28 to 11/30 with shows in Melbourne and Sydney. Britt Baker will not be on the new tour dates and is being replaced by Tenille Dashwood.
Also, the PWA show we had results in here yesterday was from Sydney, not Melbourne (thanks to Kevin Chiat)
Sirius Radio plays old Johnny Carson shows and reader Richard Orloski heard the one today, from April 26, 1985. Carson took an audience question asking if he thought pro wrestling was fixed. He was very diplomatic but noted that throwing somebody into the ropes and having them bounce back at you wouldn’t happen in real life. Someone in the crowd said that they do get hurt for real and the blood is definitely real. Carson didn’t make fun of it.
A few notes regarding air travel. From one friend who works at SFO, he said that no matter what you are told, there are flights coming in every day from all over the world. There were people making connections who came from Taipei, Taiwan and Tokyo within minutes and there were no restrictions or quarantine going on.
Regarding the Chris Benoit case that has been talked about a lot in recent days due to the Reelz and Vinceland stories, a new edition of the book CHRIS & NANCY: The True Story of the Benoit Murder-Suicide and Pro Wrestling’s Cocktail of Death is now on sale at allmajorebook platforms.
A huge eight-man tag was the main event as WWE’s Killer Kross teamed with Davey Boy Smith Jr. & the Von Erich brothers to defeat Team Filthy (“Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Erick Stevens, Dominic Garrini & Kit Osbourne).
El Lindaman defeated Zenshi in a great opener.
An ex-ECW star returned to Philadelphia as Mance Warner’s pick to face Richard Holliday.
Full Recap —
El Lindaman defeated Zenshi (8:09)
Zenshi was selling his shoulder injury from Dominic Garrini a few weeks ago. That came into play a few times throughout the match and eventually cost him the bout in the end.
They equaled each other in the early going after an impressive quick exchange. Zenshi went for a handshake, but Lindaman slapped it away and rocked him with a forearm to the jaw. Zenshi came back with a standing moonsault, but surprisingly it was El Lindaman who took to the sky first with a summersault plancha to the outside.
Lindaman then went to work on Zenshi’s injured shoulder, but the high flyer soon fought back using his uninjured arm to handstand and eventually springboard himself into the ring and connect with an elbow drop. He launched himself into the ring again moments later and caught his opponent with a neckbreaker this time.
Zenshi landed on his feet off a German suplex but was snapped into a cross armbreaker seconds later. Lindaman locked it in, but Zenshi used his long legs to get to the ropes. Zenshi blocked another German suplex but instead ate a Northern Lights into the corner, then eventually a German — but this only got a two count.
Zenshi fought back with a backflip kick, then stayed one step ahead of Lindaman as he evaded four strikes and then hit three kicks of his own in a row. Zenshi went for an Ace Crusher but ate a Blue Thunder Bomb and a tiger suplex instead, which was enough to keep him grounded for the three count.
– Killer Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr., and the Von Erichs hyped up their main event against Team Filthy. Smith talked about the family legacies and how far he was going to shove Garrini’s head up his own ass. Kross made fun of Team Filthy’s name and warned them “Everybody pays the toll.”
– Mance Warner wasn’t giving away any hints as to who his mystery man was to face Richard Holliday later in the night. And when Holliday met with Alicia Atout he guessed the participant: his garbage truck driver? Kwang? The ghost of Carlos Colon? Whoever it is they will be breathing rarefied air.
– Josef Samael warned us that the infiltration of the infidels is underway.
– Earlier in the day, Injustice tried to jump Brian Pillman Jr. and cut his hair ahead of his match with Jordan Oliver next week, but Davey Boy Smith Jr. made the save before they could get to his mullet.
The Blue Meanie defeated Richard Holliday by countout (4:53)
Meanie was announced as Mance Warner’s mystery choice to face Holliday and he got a good nostalgia pop from the Philadelphia crowd. This was a nice but relatively short comedy match.
They exchanged struts, but when Holliday suggested dancing together, he jumped Meanie from behind. Holliday rocked Meanie with a big clothesline, but the Blue Guy fought back with his Meanie jabs. He missed a big avalanche in the corner and Holliday floored him again with a back elbow.
Holliday got in Warner’s face at the announcer’s table and poured a beer out on the floor to the disgust of the Southern Psycho. Warner retaliated by spitting a beer in Holliday’s face. With all the distractions going on, Holliday got himself counted out!
– Atout was with Injustice and she brought up their “beef” with AAA. Oliver said he has a beef with MLW management and said Injustice are the real superstars. They sarcastically said hopefully Pillman is healthy for his match with Oliver next week.
– Low Ki hyped up his match with King Mo next week. He said Mo has fought some great fighters, and he appears a little punch drunk, but by the time Ki is done with him he is going to be kicked sh*t faced.
– Mo (with Atout) retaliated by saying Ki is a fraud. He said all he saw on YouTube was a little person getting bodyslammed. His American Top Team cornerman demanded that Ki have his own cornerman so he could throw the towel in.
– LA Park and El Hijo de LA Park then showed us how to cook sausages and eggs, using it as a euphemism to how they beat their opponents. They called themselves future champions of MLW.
– In a breaking news segment, we were told Mance Warner has challenged MJF to a loser leaves MLW match.
– Killer Kross, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Ross & Marshall Von Erich defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Dominic Garrini, Erick Stevens & Kit “Rip Von Erich” Osbourne. (7:56)
Lawlor took the mic before the match and said he felt at home in this garbage city. He said it was full of smart marks and insulted the fans. Lawlor was then told to “shut the f*ck up” by the crowd.
As you would imagine, this broke down immediately as all eight fought all over ringside. Lawlor and Ross eventually paired off in the ring as some order was restored. Ross missed a big splash in the corner, giving Team Filthy the opening to beat him down and gain the advantage.
Lawlor suplexed Stevens into Ross as he sat in his opponents’ corner, Garrini hit a belly-to-backbreaker, and even Kit Osbourne got in for a few cheap shots.
Kross got the hot tag and suplexed Team Filthy across the ring, but he ate a spinning heel kick from Lawlor. Kross was up seconds later though and dumped Lawlor on his head. Osbourne then hit a low blow on Smith behind the referee’s back, but Marshall locked in The Claw as Osbourne tried to hit Smith with a chair.
Marshall hit a Claw Slam and then a big moonsault to pick up the win over Osbourne. Smith put Osbourne through a wooden board for good measure after the bell.
But as the victorious team were leaving, they were jumped by Team Filthy again and they all brawled to the back. The brawl continued in the back as Fusion was going off the air, but out of nowhere King Mo appeared and broke a pipe over Killer Kross’ back. The announcer’s had just enough time to let us know that he has joined Team Filthy.
Marshall Von Erich sent the Texas crowd home happy as he made MJF tap out to the claw.
Myron Reed successfully defended his MLW Middleweight title when he put away AAA’s Drago with his springboard 450 splash.
Davey Boy Smith Jr.’s war against CONTRA got off to a winning start as he knocked out Simon Gotch in a no rope, no holds barred fight.
**Full Review**
We opened with a video recap from last week and the initiation of the CONTRA Unit vs Hart Foundation feud. They hyped up tonight’s match between Davey Boy Smith Jr and Simon Gotch.
Alicia Atout was then live backstage with Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. Smith said Gotch had a big mouth, a mouth that needs to be fishhooked, and the only way to lose in tonight’s match was to either tap out, pass out, or get knocked out. Smith wanted Gotch to pick his own execution.
AJ Kirsch and Rich Bocchini welcomed us to Fusion as we saw the ropes had been removed from the ring in preparation for the opening encounter.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Simon Gotch (with Josef Samael) in a no rope, no holds barred fight (8:01)
The only way to win was by knockout or submission with no rounds no rules and no ropes around the ring. Smith came out in a full white robe and hood that made him look like Hakushi. This started mat-based but quickly turned stiff with a lot of big strikes and suplexes. Gotch made good use of the non-ropes by pushing Smith out the ring early on.
Smith came back and dominated the early minutes of the match, grounding Gotch and hammering him with elbows to the head and face. He trapped Gotch’s arm behind his head and had free reign to land three big forearms to the jaw.
On their feet, they exchanged stiff forearms to the face, but Gotch knocked Smith down with a kick to the knee. The grounded Smith tried to lock in a cross armbreaker but Samael got involved at ringside and pulled Gotch’s leg so it dangled out the ring, apparently trying to break the hold in a no holds barred match.
Another forearm exchange echoed around the arena, but Gotch again slithered down and locked in a knee lock, but Smith powered to his feet and hit two belly-to-back suplexes. The finish came moments later when Smith hit Gotch square in the face with a discus forearm and an incredibly strong kick to the chest while Gotch was bent over.
Gotch was out on his feet but Smith was not done. He hit two more belly-to-back suplexes for good measure and the referee called for the bell before he could hit a third and declared Smith the winner by knockout.
— Lifestyles of the Rich and Dynastic had Alexander Hammerstone, Richard Holliday, and Gino Medina backstage talking about Hammer’s time in Japan. He said he was such a huge star in Japan that he got a sponsorship deal for pop sodas for 10,000 Yen. Holliday smirked as Hammerstone explained that it was like $100,000, but Holliday had to tell him it was actually only around $91 but Hammerstone didn’t care. He was more interested in the “cool” way they popped open. Holliday said he would get his lawyer/his father to write up the paperwork for getting them on sale in the U.S. so the Dynasty can make some money.
— We then saw highlights of last week’s barbed wire match between Mance Warner and Jimmy Havoc. We heard from the victorious Warner, fresh off the match with blood still covering his face. He said he finished Havoc and he is going to hit the pay window, get his light beers, and get some gold. He called out Hammerstone and said he is coming for his National Openweight title.
— “Filthy” Tom Lawlor had his own mini-movie “Filthy Does Dallas” where he and Dominic Garrini were in Dallas becoming cowboys. Garrini was in his gi and walking around town barefoot while Lawlor was buying cowboy boots and belt buckles to attach to their jiu-jitsu belts.
Middleweight Champion Myron Reed (with Jordan Oliver and Kotto Brazil) defeated Drago to retain (4:42)
Oliver took the mic before the bell and called Dallas “Houston”, but said it didn’t matter because they all look the same anyway with their cowboy hats and cowboy boots. Brazil told them they had no love for them or their trash-ass cowboys. After insulting them, Oliver tried to get the fans to start a “hot fire” chant, but not surprisingly it didn’t take off.
Drago tried to hit an early big splash which connected but he took the brunt of the move due to Reed’s chest protector. Reed used a matrix style nip up to dodge kicks from Drago and then hit a springboard face breaker to the knees after leaping in from the apron.
Reed used a dragon sleeper on Drago and a slingshot legdrop again from the apron back into the ring. He then launched himself at Drago who was resting against the ropes, but Drago ducked and Reed went sailing into the arms of Oliver and Brazil at ringside. Drago then ran and hit a somersault plancha onto all three members of Injustice.
Drago powerbombed Reed twice and took out Oliver and Brazil as they tried to interfere. He slammed Reed to the mat as he pulled him off the top rope but Injustice got involved again and Brazil hit him with a low blow behind the referee’s back. Reed took the advantage and hit his springboard 450 splash and eventually got the three count after the referee stumbled and stalled while counting and had to hit the 1-2-3 again.
If this was a legitimate botch by the referee, they covered it well by making it part of the storyline with the commentators saying Injustice now have a legitimate grievance if this is how the officials are going to treat them. Reed, Oliver, and Brazil all used it as an excuse to air their grievances after the bell. If this was planned and part of the storyline, well played.
— Atout was then backstage with Low Ki when King Mo interfered and mocked him for training with the guy he knocked out. (That match happened at Saturday’s Fightland taping in Philadelphia.)
— CONTRA’s propaganda video this week was directed at Brian Pillman Jr. before his MLW title shot next week against Jacob Fatu. Samael said he has found his death squad and is ready to take out the Hart Foundation.
— We were told Air Wolf was attacked backstage by masked men and was taken to the hospital so his scheduled match has been cancelled. Seconds later, the commentary team were told the attackers were from CONTRA Unit’s “Sentai death squad”.
— We then saw a quick Marshall Von Erich-MJF hype package that recapped their huge Von Erich vs Dynasty feud that lasted throughout most of 2019.
Marshall Von Erich defeated MJF (10:31)
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor was on commentary to continue his feud with the Von Erichs. MJF took the mic before the bell and cut his usual excellent heat-inducing promo. He said that tonight another Von Erich will go six feet under. Marshall got a huge ovation from the Texas crowd, and they erupted again when Hammerstone and Gino Medina were ejected from ringside by the referee.
They locked up, fought for leverage, left the ring still tied together, circled ringside, and came back in still locked up. MJF then offered a handshake and baited Von Erich in so he could stick him with a boot to the gut. Von Erich fired back with armdrags and a dropkick but couldn’t apply the claw as MJF bailed to take a breather.
On the outside, Von Erich chopped the ring post and MJF trapped the tag champ’s fingers in the turnbuckle, going to work attacking the hand. Von Erich had a brief hope spot as he fired back with right hands but MJF grabbed his hair and slammed him back to the mat. MJF kept mocking the claw as he went back to work on the hand.
Von Erich fought up to his feet and hit an overhead belly to belly suplex. He hit a dropkick and a pair of corner clotheslines by a somersault senton into the corner. A power slam was next but MJF kicked out at two. On commentary, Tom Lawlor said he doesn’t respect a guy who doesn’t wear shoes, forgetting his new friend Garrini not only wrestles barefoot but apparently shops barefoot too.
Von Erich went for the claw, but MJF pulled the referee in the way. He then missed MJF and his hand hit the corner post which gave MJF the opening to transition into a Fujiwara armbar and use the injured fingers to pull back for leverage. Lawlor said this turned him on.
Von Erich hit a big boot and a huge moonsault for a very close two count. Dynasty then came to ringside but Von Erich got rid of them with a pair of right hands. MJF used a schoolboy with his feet on the ropes but the referee broke it up. MJF turned around into the claw and tapped out when Von Erich got him to the mat as Lawlor looked on furiously from the announcer’s table.
After the bell, Von Erich fought off the Dynasty and stopped Lawlor in his tracks before he could attack him with a chair. Von Erich celebrated with the Texas crowd as Fusion went off the air.
**Next Week**
MLW World Champion Jacob Fatu vs. Brian Pillman Jr. for the title
Game Changer Wrestling has made a couple of talent announcements for WrestleMania week.
It was announced yesterday that Alex Shelley will be in action at Joey Janela’s Spring Break 4 on Friday, April 3. This will be the first time that Shelley has wrestled at a Spring Break show or for GCW.
Shelley & Kushida teamed up in NXT’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and lost to The Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson & James Drake) in the first round last Wednesday. WWE uploaded a video after the show where Shelley & Kushida discussed reuniting, thanked the fans, and — despite their loss — put the NXT tag team division on notice.
The Great Muta and Will Ospreay have also been confirmed for Joey Janela’s Spring Break 4.
Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III is being held on Thursday, April 2. It was announced yesterday that Davey Boy Smith Jr. will be wrestling at Bloodsport.
Smith Jr. has wrestled at both of Barnett’s previous Bloodsport shows, defeating Killer Kross and Tom Lawlor.
Barnett vs. Jon Moxley is set for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III, and Jeff Cobb has been confirmed for the show as well. The event features hybrid MMA/pro wrestling-style matches that have no ropes and can only be won by knockout or submission.
Spring Break and Bloodsport are both taking place at The Cuban Club in Tampa, Florida.
– After joining their broadcast team earlier this month, Alicia Atout has officially signed with MLW.
It was announced today that Atout has signed a multi-year agreement with MLW. She’s working as a correspondent/interviewer and host for the promotion.
“Alicia brings a passion and quality to MLW broadcasts and coverage unmatched in the sport,” MLW’s Court Bauer said. “We are very pleased to formalize Alicia’s future with MLW.”
Atout, who has previously done work for Impact Wrestling and AEW, noted that this is the first contract she’s signed in professional wrestling: “HUGE NEWS!! I’ve officially signed my first ever contract in professional wrestling and it’s with @MLW! Damn it feels good having a place to call home.”
– A no ropes, no holds barred match between Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Simon Gotch has been added to the lineup for MLW’s Zero Hour tapings. The show is taking place at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas on Saturday, January 11.
Here’s the updated card:
Jimmy Havoc vs. Mance Warner in a no ropes barbed wire match
Ross Von Erich vs. Tom Lawlor
National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone defending against Aerostar
Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Simon Gotch in a no ropes, no holds barred match
Marshall Von Erich vs. MJF (If MJF wins, The Dynasty will get a Tag Team title shot against The Von Erichs. If Marshall wins, MJF can’t challenge The Von Erichs for the titles again.)
Alexander Hammerstone and Davey Boy Smith Jr. advanced in the Opera Cup by defeating MJF and Low Ki respectively.
Jimmy Havoc and Priscilla Kelly teamed up to take out Mance Warner first in a blindfold match, then later backstage.
The full episode is available to watch below:
Full Recap —
We opened with The Dynasty outside the arena earlier today. The cameraman asked MJF and Hammerstone who they thought would win when they face each other in the opening round of the Opera Cup. Richard Holliday said his lawyer/his father would be making sure the match wouldn’t be taking place — and that The Dynasty always win.
Jimmy Havoc defeated Mance Warner in a Prince of Darkness Match (3:40)
This was a blindfold match that had been alluded to in the prior weeks when both competitors mentioned “an eye for an eye” in their promos. The match ended up finishing with the formation of a new alliance between Havoc and Priscilla Kelly.
Havoc chugged a beer while he contemplated going through with the match, but he eventually got in the ring and he and Warner both dawned their hoods.
They circled. Warner swung a wild right and Havoc ducked. Warner got the crowd involved and reacted to their cheers and boos when he pointed around the ring. Warner got his hands on the referee and tried to wrestle him to the ground, and Havoc got excited and ran across the ring and slammed himself into the corner.
Havoc lifted his hood and took a peek, which allowed him to knock Warner down and stomp him in the corner. He then re-hooded, climbed the ropes, and went for a flying elbow drop, but missed by a mile. The referee got involved again when Havoc threw him into Warner, who then tried to DDT him, but Havoc clocked Warner with a clothesline.
Havoc lost his hood again during the referee melee, and Priscilla Kelly ran down to the ring and gave Warner a low blow behind the ref’s back. Havoc then hit the Acid Rainmaker to pick up the win. Havoc and Kelly left together.
– The cameras then caught up with Tom Lawlor entering the building. He said the Team Filthy Dojo is back up and running, but just as he got to the front door he was met by Ross Von Erich, who greeted him with a right hand to the face. They brawled outside for a moment before Lawlor scampered off into the New York night.
– Alicia Atout was backstage with Alexander Hammerstone and asked if everything was okay within The Dynasty, as she saw MJF and Holliday talking earlier on about Hammerstone and MJF’s match. Hammerstone started explaining but was interrupted by Holliday and MJF. They were carrying a large bottle of orange juice and debating the benefits of vitamin C.
MJF told Atout not to worry about The Dynasty and gave Hammerstone the OJ, to which Hammerstone replied: “Thanks, you know I love being on the juice.” They then mocked Atout’s Canadian accent and told her to say “sorry” in it.
– Warner was backstage and was just starting to cut a promo on Havoc and Kelly when he was jumped by them both and strangled with a steel chain. Havoc then brought out a pair of scissors and cut Warner across the forehead and warned him about their upcoming barbed wire match.
– Gino Medina was backstage and the cameraman wanted answers about The Dynasty and Konnan. He said no comment to them all, but this ended with Salina de la Renta dragging him into a locker room and shutting the door behind them.
– A camera then caught Hammerstone backstage. MJF came out to meet him and tried talking him out of being in the Opera Cup because he already has his National Openweight title and doesn’t need the Opera Cup.
They were quickly interrupted by Holliday, his AirPods, and his conversation with his lawyer/father. Holliday was threatening to fire his father if he can’t get this match called off.
– OWE’s Strong Hearts (CIMA, El Lindaman & Shigehiro Irie) cut a promo on CONTRA Unit in Japanese, but they were quickly jumped by Jacob Fatu and the rest of CONTRA before the camera feed cut.
Alexander Hammerstone defeated MJF (w/ Richard Holliday) in the opening round of the Opera Cup (8:15)
A very entertaining matchup between stablemates. MJF warmed up and posed for the crowd before they both went for the Fingerpoke of Doom at the same time, playing up the storyline of them trying to throw the match for each other.
MJF then acted out the spot because Hammerstone has “big muscles but a tiny brain.” He tried it again, but Hammerstone didn’t move. Hammerstone then retaliated with his own finger to the chest, but MJF didn’t move either. In fact, he got enraged and screamed at the crowd that he was the leader of The Dynasty and turned around to eat a dropkick to the face.
MJF stumbled to the outside and Hammerstone hit a rope-assisted Fosbury flop to the floor! He threw MJF back in and hit a humongous missile dropkick too.
Holliday then distracted Hammerstone by shouting “he is your friend” — and this let MJF take control. He got Hammerstone to the mat and locked him in a leg vice and then later used the old school abdominal stretch and grabbed the ropes for assistance behind the referee’s back.
The ref finally caught him and MJF shouted “what are you going to do about it tubby!?” The ref kicked his hand off the ropes, and MJF ate a hip toss for his trouble.
Hammerstone fired up and hit a big butterfly suplex slam and called for the Nightmare Pendulum. MJF dragged himself up to his feet but then spat a disgusting glob of spit right in Hammerstone’s face and neck. He then thumbed Hammerstone’s eyes but ate two big boots and a big clothesline that nearly took his head off.
Holliday was having a terrible time at ringside, pacing up and down, not knowing what to do or what side to pick. He got up on the apron and pleaded with the referee to stop the match, and as he inadvertently distracted him, MJF hit a low blow behind the ref’s back and tried a small package, but Hammerstone kicked out at two.
MJF then teased the Cross Rhodes, but Hammerstone fought out and hit a sit-out powerbomb for the win. Hammerstone advances in the Opera Cup and will face the winner of Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Low Ki.
After the bell, MJF and Hammerstone eventually shook hands. MJF face planted, exhausted after taking a beating.
– Injustice (Myron Reed, Jordan Oliver & Kotto Brazil) had a recorded message for us all. Reed told us that — after months of winning and months of hard work — Injustice were left out of the Opera Cup. Oliver said that if “that man” was alive today and in the locker room he wouldn’t shake his hand, he would piss in his suitcase.
Injustice then said someone is not making it to the Opera Cup. They teased a New Day-style “Who, Who, Who” but then said “we don’t do that.” Kotto Claus is coming to town and he is bringing presents of ‘Justice.
– The cameras caught up with Ross Von Erich and Lawlor as they were fighting on Queens Boulevard. They brawled around a gas station and Lawlor poked Ross in the eye and ran off again.
– Alicia Atout was then backstage with Davey Boy Smith Jr. He said the pride of Stu Hart that runs through his blood and veins will make him victorious against Low Ki. Smith said he has already won the MLW Tag Team titles. The next step is winning the Opera Cup — and the last step is winning the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Low Ki in the opening round of the Opera Cup (12:12)
A handshake opened and closed this excellent contest. They slowly sized each other up early. Smith gave a clean break, but soon enough they hit the mat and Smith used his size and strength to keep Ki down.
Ki snapped on an armbar in the ropes and had Smith rocked, but a stiff forearm quickly turned the tide back in Smith’s favor. Smith slammed Ki and kept in firm control until Ki got the few seconds he needed to hit a double foot stomp while Smith was caught in the middle rope. Ki went for a slam of his own, but Smith was just too big and elbowed Ki directly in the kneecap.
Smith missed a few strikes and Ki retaliated with a kick to the face. Ki followed up with a dropkick through the ropes and chops around ringside. Smith used his strength to gorilla press Ki back into the ring, but Ki landed on his feet and hit Smith with a rolling kick while he was on the apron.
Ki then rolled through on a double stomp off the top rope but was caught with a powerslam. Smith hit a powerbomb that knocked Ki’s mouthguard out. He went for a second, but Ki blocked it and reversed into a scoop slam of his own.
Ki went to the top rope, but Smith met him there and drilled him with a pair of headbutts. Smith then turned him into a running powerslam position, but Ki kneed him in the head and slid down his back into a choke position and locked in the same modified triangle choke that took out Brian Pillman Jr. at Saturday Night SuperFight.
Smith’s eyes were rolling in the back of his head as he fell to a knee, but — at the last moment before collapsing — he tucked his chin, grabbed the back of Ki’s head, rolled through, and ended up on top of Ki and pinned his shoulders to the mat for the three count, giving Smith the victory as he advances in the Opera Cup.
– Before Fusion went off the air, the cameras caught up with Ross Von Erich and Lawlor again. Lawlor was sprinting up the steps at the 11th Street subway station in New York. He got onto a train that just pulled away before Ross could get his hands on him.
Ahead of the tapings taking place tomorrow, there’s been a change to the lineup for MLW’s Opera Cup tournament.
MLW announced today that Shinjiro Otani has withdrawn from the tournament. He was scheduled to face Davey Boy Smith Jr. in the first round.
With Otani off the show, it will now be Smith Jr. vs. Low Ki in the opening round.
The Opera Cup is a one-night, eight-man tournament. MJF vs. Alexander Hammerstone, Timothy Thatcher vs. Richard Holliday, and Brian Pillman Jr. vs. TJP are the other first-round matches.
The Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York is hosting the Opera Cup tapings tomorrow night. Here’s the updated lineup for the event:
Opera Cup tournament semifinals and finals
Strong Hearts (CIMA, El Lindaman & Shigehiro Irie) vs. CONTRA Unit (Jacob Fatu, Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch)
Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Low Ki
Opera Cup tournament first-round match: MJF vs. Alexander Hammerstone
Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Timothy Thatcher vs. Richard Holliday
Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. TJP
Prince of Darkness match: Mance Warner vs. Jimmy Havoc
Exhibition match: Tom Lawlor vs. a member of the Von Erich family
– Shinjiro Otani is coming to MLW for next month’s Opera Cup tournament.
MLW announced today that “Pro Wrestling ZERO 1 has entered the legendary Shinjiro Otani into the 2019 Opera Cup,” with him set to face Davey Boy Smith Jr. in the first round. The one-night single-elimination tournament is taking place at MLW’s television tapings at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York on Thursday, December 5.
This is the third opening round match announced for the Opera Cup. TJP vs. Brian Pillman Jr. and MJF vs. Alexander Hammerstone are also set. There’s one first-round match that is still left to be announced.
– MLW has also announced that Alicia Atout has joined their broadcast team as a correspondent and host. Atout was formerly an interviewer for Impact Wrestling and, though she wasn’t signed to the promotion, did some work for AEW.
“Alicia is both incredibly talented and hardworking, and has been a standout with her Vlog series AMBY,” MLW’s Court Bauer said. “We couldn’t be more pleased that she’ll be joining MLW starting this December on MLW FUSION.”
“AHH BIG NEWS! I’m soooo proud and excited to announce that I’m the newest member of the @MLW family,” Atout tweeted. “Truly can’t wait to start this new journey and be back on your TV screens. Absolutely crazy.”
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr. in an MLW match of the year contender and then told the world he only has a few short weeks left on his MLW contract.
Marshall Von Erich beat Ikuro Kwon by disqualification and then accepted Josef Samael’s offer to face Jacob Fatu on Thanksgiving night.
The Dynasty combination of Alexander Hammerstone and Richard Holliday lost via countout to Dominic Garrini and Douglas James.
** Full Review **
We opened backstage with Lawlor and the Von Erich brothers, Marshall and Ross. Lawlor said he might only be here for a few more weeks but he has big business with Davey Boy Smith Jr. tonight. Marshall and Lawlor both asked Ross if he has their back tonight in their matches. with Ross replying “Of course. We are all brothers.”
Rich Bocchini and AJ Kirsch then welcomed us to Orlando and hyped up tonight’s main event.
Marshall Von Erich (w/Ross Von Erich) defeated Ikuro Kwon of CONTRA Unit (with Josef Samael) by disqualification (03:53)
This was a good quick match that built up the eventual announcement of Marshall vs. Jacob Fatu on MLW’s free YouTuber show on Thanksgiving night. They played up the revenge story as it was Ikuro Kwon who “blinded” Marshall by spitting mist into his eyes earlier this summer, causing him to miss seeing the birth of his son.
Kwon jumped Marshall with a suicide senton as he was making his way around the ring high fiving fans. After Samael had instructed Kwon to attack, the newest CONTRA Unit member hit a flurry of strikes to Marshall’s chest and abdomen before hitting a nice spin kick to the back of the head. Kwon’s kicks continued but Marshall caught him with a discus lariat to stop him in his tracks. A spinebuster followed soon after, but before he could fully lock in the Iron Claw, Josef Samael jumped in the ring and attacked for the disqualification.
Ross quickly came in to even the odds and the new MLW tag team champions quickly cleaned house of CONTRA Unit.
— Lifestyles of the Rich and Dynastic saw Richard Holliday FaceTiming with MJF about Maxwell’s botched Botox injections. Holliday jumped in horror as MJF revealed his barely noticeable abnormalities. Alexander Hammerstone then came in with a gift train for them both. MJF wished for another Burberry scarf, Holliday wanted really big Air Pods, but while Hammerstone couldn’t reveal their gifts yet, he said it was the biggest gift MLW has ever seen.
— Bocchini and Kirsch hyped up the upcoming Opera Cup with two of the four opening round matches announced: Brian Pillman Jr. vs TJP and the Dynasty will explode when MJF takes on Alexander Hammerstone.
Dominic Garrini & Douglas James defeated National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone and Richard Holliday by countout (7:02)
Garrini and James continued their string of impressive performances in MLW in this one. They both looked really good and Garrini’s snap armbreaker submissions popped the crowd each time and looks like it is quickly catching on.
Before the bell, Holliday told the crowd they were breathing verified air before his lawyer/father phoned him and he took the call via his AirPods. He called Garrini and James’ Krav Maga “Krav Ma-garbage” before calling himself the “AirPod God” and Hammer’ “Meatcastle of the Dynasty”.
Holliday piefaced Garrini but also offered a handshake because of “sportsmanship”. Garrini snapped on an armbreaker attempt but Holliday was more worried about his AirPod falling out. Hammerstone came in and had a test of strength with Garrini but again Garrini snapped on another armbreaker attempt. Hammerstone powered out and Garrini tagged in James.
James initially used speed against Hammerstone, but the MLW National Openweight champion plucked him out the air and slammed him down before tagging in Holliday who continued the beatdown on James. Hammer shouted James was “just too small” before eating a dropkick which led to the Garrini hot tag.
Garrini suplexed Holliday and got in another armbreaker attempt but Hammer had to break the hold with a stomp to the chest. The action was nonstop as James came off the top and caught Hammerstone with a Meteora for a close two count. The action spilled to the outside where James hit a tornado DDT on Hammerstone as Holliday and Garrini brawled on the other side. James barely rolled into the ring before the 20 count to pick up the countout win, but Hammerstone was seconds behind him. The Dynasty were furious in the ring at their loss.
— New MLW Middleweight champion Myron Reed had a message for everyone. He said for years to come, everyone will be celebrating the name “Hot Fire” Myron Reed. He gave a nice shoutout to Matt Travis after his tragic passing last week and finished by saying “Free ACH”.
— Lawlor and the Von Erichs were backstage talking about Marshall’s win. Ross received a delivery: a phone with a video message. Samael was in the video and he said his offer was that one of them can face Jacob Fatu on Thanksgiving night. The brothers decided between them that it would be Marshall and he signed the contract on Ross’ back. However, Ross cannot be sure what name Marshall put on the contract as he folded it and handed it back to Ross who put it straight back into the package.
— The MLW women’s division had a nice hype video before Kaci Lennox interviewed Zeda Zhang about her match next week against The Spider Lady. She threatened to squish her like a bug and demask her to show the world who is under the mask.
— Jimmy Havoc had a message for Mance Warner. He accepted his challenge to a falls count anywhere match and threatened to take him back to his own house in Florida and hit him with his own frying pan. Of course, Havoc then threatened to bust him open and drink his blood.
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr. (15:47)
This was an excellent match that should be added to any MLW watchlist: a complete clinic in professional wrestling and storytelling. “King” Mo Lawal was ringside for this MLW dream match as a handshake started us off.
They displayed great chain wrestling and good storytelling psychology as they reversed, escaped, and applied different submissions while on the mat with neither getting any attempt fully locked in as they were both fresh and evenly matched with it being so early in the encounter.
Smith teased participating in a forearm exchange before dropping down and taking Lawlor down with an ankle trip. The match soon got filthy with Smith not giving a clean break and tossing the former world champ to the outside. Smith continued with stiff forearms to the face on the outside, but Lawlor soon retaliated with chops and forearms so powerful that a lady in the front row had to recoil and shut her eyes from the action.
Smith locked in a rear naked choke back inside the ring, but Lawlor was just in reach of the bottom rope. Smith’s forearms were staggering Lawlor with each blow but the match was visibly taking its toll on both men by the 10 minute mark.
Lawlor fought back with a belly-to-back suplex for the first pinfall attempt of the match. He then unsuccessfully tried some Yes Kicks as Smith powered up and dropped Lawlor on his head with a high angle back suplex. Smith then added a great little detail as he grapevined Lawlor’s legs for his first cover attempt of the match.
Lawlor fought back and tried to lock in a rear naked choke of his own, but Smith fought him off. They had a reverse knife edge and open hand chop battle that Smith won with one single mighty blow to the face that caused visible sweat to fly from Lawlor’s body.
Once again, Lawlor fought back and barely got Smith over with a suplex. A side Russian leg sweep followed but once they hit the mat, Smith rolled through and got up to his feet. With their legs still intertwined, he locked in the Sharpshooter. Smith smoothly transitioned into the crossface but Lawlor scratched and clawed his way to the ropes just in time.
They both got their feet for another forearm battle that transitioned to open hand chops. In what looked like a deliberate attempt, Lawlor poked Smith in the eye, temporarily blinding him. Lawlor then hit a spinning heel kick while Smith was in the corner recovering. Lawlor locked in his own rear naked choke but Smith broke free and got Lawlor into the running powerslam position, but Lawlor slipped out the back and dropped him shoulder blades first onto his knee which was enough to pick up the pin and the victory.
After the match, Smith already had a black eye from what must have been a legitimate eye poke. Lawlor was interviewed by Kaci Lennox on the stage and said he holds his destiny in his hands and in a few short weeks, his contract in MLW is up. He questioned what to do, maybe he will return to the cage, maybe he will get a little “raw” or maybe he will lay a little smack? He called himself the hottest commodity in MLW and hottest thing in wrestling today.
**Next week **
– Zeda Zhang vs. The Spider Lady
– Mance Warner vs. Jimmy Havoc in a falls count anywhere match
MLW has confirmed two new matches for their Saturday Night SuperFight pay-per-view.
Tom Lawlor vs. Timothy Thatcher is officially set for the PPV, which is taking place at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, November 2. MLW National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone will also defend his title against Davey Boy Smith Jr. at the event.
Both matches were announced on this week’s episode of MLW Fusion.
On last week’s Fusion, Thatcher defeated Douglas James and then issued a challenge to Lawlor for SuperFight. A promo by Lawlor then aired on this week’s show, with Lawlor saying he’ll knock Thatcher’s teeth down his throat.
Hammerstone’s feud with Smith is part of The Dynasty’s program with The Hart Foundation.
Hammerstone became the inaugural National Openweight Champion by defeating Brian Pillman Jr. in the finals of a four-person tournament this June. Hammerstone defended his title against Smith in July, and the finish of the match was Smith getting disqualified for attacking The Dynasty with a flag pole after MJF disrespected his Canadian flag.
Saturday Night SuperFight will be headlined by MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu defending his title against LA Park in a no DQ match. The show will air live on traditional PPV and Fite TV.
