Honey Trap match added to MLW SuperFight card

A stipulation match has been booked for MLW’s SuperFight event in Atlanta next month.

Paul London and BRG (Brett Ryan Gosselin) will meet in a grudge match at the Saturday, February 8 show. It’s being billed as the first-ever “Honey Trap” match where the loser will be dunked into a pool of honey and feathered.

“The rules are simple yet humiliating: the loser of the match will be dunked in a pool of honey and feathered in front of the MLW fans,” MLW wrote. “There’s no greater embarrassment, and the stakes couldn’t be higher for both competitors.”

London defeated BRG at MLW Summer of the Beasts last year but was laid out by the Rogue Horsemen (BRG, Bobby Fish, Brock Anderson & CW Anderson) after.

SuperFight is being held at Center Stage in Atlanta and will air live on MLW’s YouTube channel with a 10 p.m. Eastern start time. Here is the updated lineup:

MLW SuperFight 2025 —

  • Triple threat match: MLW World Heavyweight Champion Matt Riddle defends against Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane
  • Donovan Dijak vs. Tom Lawlor
  • Honey Trap match: Paul London vs. BRG

Matt Riddle to defend MLW World title in triple threat at Super Fight 6

Matt Riddle’s first defense of the MLW World Heavyweight Championship has been announced. 

On Monday, MLW officially confirmed that Riddle will face former champions Satoshi Kojima and Alex Kane in a triple-threat match at SuperFight 6 on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The event will take place at Center Stage in Atlanta, and air live on YouTube. 

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1878837930510487979

Riddle defeated Kojima to win the title on Saturday at Kings of Colosseum 2025 in Dallas. After the match, the new champion mentioned wanting to defend the title against Alex Kane, who was recently fired by MLW General Manager Eric Bischoff, in storyline. 

When asked who he wants to defend the MLW World title against at SuperFight, Riddle responded:

“Well, you know, bro, I think I’m going to freestyle this one, and I know he’s recently been fired, unjustly, and he hasn’t had a world title shot in over a year. And he’s standing right here to my left…”

Kane then entered the scene and told Riddle he doesn’t deserve to hold the title. 

“I’ll be honest, I strongly disagree; I’m the King of Bros,” Riddle responded to Kane. “I just did something you couldn’t do. I just beat Kojima-san, bro. And that’s why I’m the MLW Heavyweight World Champion.”

Kojima then entered the press conference and stated he wants a rematch for the title he just lost. 

“I want rematch,” Kojima said repeatedly. 

“I got a perfect solution, I’ll take you both on, bro, see you there,” Riddle responded. 

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1878348349037842780

https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1878348349037842780

Yuji Nagata to make MLW debut against Jacob Fatu

A legendary NJPW wrestler is making their MLW debut next month.

MLW has announced that Yuji Nagata will debut for the promotion at its SuperFight event in Philadelphia on Saturday, February 3. Nagata vs. Jacob Fatu has been booked for the show.

The match is happening because of the strategic alliance between MLW and NJPW.

“The upcoming SuperFight bout between Nagata and Fatu is a testament to the growing collaboration between Major League Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling and wish to thank Mr. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Rocky Romero,” MLW’s Court Bauer said in a press release. “This inter-promotional bout promises to deliver a unique blend of styles, bringing together the best of both wrestling worlds and giving fans something special you won’t see anywhere else.”

The 55-year-old Nagata recently teamed with Minoru Suzuki in NJPW’s World Tag League tournament near the end of 2023. Nagata is a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, AJPW Triple Crown Champion, and GHC Heavyweight Champion.

As part of the MLW-NJPW alliance, Satoshi Kojima has competed at MLW events over the past couple of months. Kojima is challenging Alex Kane for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship at SuperFight.

SuperFight is taking place from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena and will air live on TrillerTV+. Three matches have been announced for the show so far:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Kane defends against Satoshi Kojima
  • Mistico vs. Averno
  • Yuji Nagata vs. Jacob Fatu

MLW SuperFight spoilers: Dumpster match, multiple title defenses

MLW Superfight took place on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. 

The event was filmed for future episodes of MLW Underground and MLW Fusion. Spoilers from the show, courtesy of PW Insider, are below:

  • Billie Starkz defeated B3CCA
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Alex Kane w/ Mr. Thomas in a no-ropes catch wrestling match
  • Johnny Fusion (John Morrison) w/ Taya Valkyrie defeated Willie Mack
  • AKIRA w/ Raven defeated Calvin Tankman
  • Delmi Exo defeated B3CCA
  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone defeated Jacob Fatu to retain his title
  • Sam Adonis defeated La Estrella
  • MLW World Middleweight Champion Lince Dorado defeated Delirious to retain his title
  • The Samoan Swat Team (Lance Anoa’i & Juicy Finau) defeated The Mane Event (Midas Black & Jay Lyon)
  • Lio Rush defeated Davey Richards
  • Ricky Shane Page (w/ AKIRA & Raven) defeated 1 Called Manders
  • Dragongate Open The Twin Gate Champions Natural Vibes (Kzy & Big Boss Shimizu) defeated The FBI (Little Guido & Ray Jaz)
  • MLW Women’s World Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie (w/ Johnny Fusion & Sam Adonis) defeated Billie Starkz
  • Real1 (nZo) defeated Microman, Matthew Justice, and Mance Warner in a dumpster match

Notes:

After reuniting with former Flock member Reese on Impact this week, Raven returned to MLW Saturday night. He is now being positioned as a “spiritual advisor” to Ricky Shane Page and AKIRA in the promotion. 

They are doing an angle where Cesar Duran has been kidnapped. Duran was not at the show. 

Johnny Fusion (John Morrison/Hennigan), his wife Taya Valkyrie, and “El Rudo De Las Chicas” Sam Adonis have formed a trio. 

GCW’s 1 Called Manders made his promotional debut. 

The show was reportedly close to capacity if not a complete sellout. 

Superfight was the third straight event MLW has held from the 2300 Arena. They will travel to New York’s Melrose Ballroom on April 6, 2023, for War Chamber. 

It’s a big week for MLW as the first episode of MLW Underground on Reelz airs Tuesday, February 7, 2023. 

Taya Valkyrie vs. Billie Starkz title match set for MLW SuperFight

This story has been updated.

MLW Women’s Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie will now defend her title at Saturday’s SuperFight in Philadelphia against Billie Starkz.

Valkyrie was originally scheduled to defend against Delmi Exo. In the announcement, it was said that Azteca Lucha matchmaker Cesar Duran orchestrated the change for reasons that are unknown. As of Monday morning, Exo was still promoting as if her title shot was still on but she was later announced to be taking on the debuting B3CCA instead.

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Alex Kane in a no ropes catch wrestling match
  • Lio Rush vs. Davey Richards
  • Real1 vs. Microman vs. Mance Warner vs. TBA in a dumpster match
  • John Hennigan vs. Willie Mack
  • DragonGate Open the Twin Gate Champions Big Boss Shimizu & Kzy defend against TBA
  • MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Billie Starkz
  • Rickey Shane Page vs. 1 Called Manders in a hardcore match
  • B3CCA vs. Delmi Exo

No ropes catch wrestling match announced for MLW SuperFight

MLW has added another match to the lineup for SuperFight. 

The promotion revealed on Wednesday that Davey Boy Smith Jr. will face Alex Kane in a no-ropes catch-style match on the show. 

MLW.com described the rules of the match: 

The true origins of MMA and No Holds Barred fighting, a no ropes catch wrestling bout has no rounds and no rules.

Noted for its brutal submission holds (“hooks”) and incorporating several English wrestling styles, catch wrestling is a violent form of combat sports. In catch wrestling, expect to see some of the most brutal tosses and suplexes ever. No wrestling holds or moves are banned, regardless of how dangerous they might be. 

Both Kane and Smith are captains of factions in MLW. Kane leads the BOMAYE Fight Club while Smith heads up the new British Bulldogs along with the Dynamite Kid’s nephews, Tom & Mark Billington. 

MLW SuperFight takes place Saturday, February 4, 2023, from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. The announced lineup for the show is as follows:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Alex Kane in a no-ropes catch wrestling match
  • Lio Rush vs. Davey Richards
  • Dumpster match: Real1 vs. Microman vs. Mance Warner vs. TBA
  • John Hennigan vs. Willie Mack
  • DragonGate Open the Twin Gate Champions Big Boss Shimizu & Kzy defend against TBA
  • MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Delmi Exo
  • Hardcore match: Rickey Shane Page vs. 1 Called Manders
  • B3CCA debuts

John Morrison vs. Willie Mack added to MLW SuperFight

The former John Morrison is set to face off with Willie Mack at MLW’s next set of television tapings.

MLW has announced that John Hennigan vs. Willie Mack will take place at MLW SuperFight on Saturday, February 4. The event is being held at the 2300 Arena In Philadelphia.

MLW is promoting Hennigan vs. Mack as a matchup between two people who grew up in Los Angeles under different circumstances, stating that Mack has always had to fight for everything while Hennigan has enjoyed a life of privilege.

“Partying in the Hills of Hollywood with reality stars, actors, and influencers, John Hennigan has enjoyed a big spotlight and a true rockstar life. Requesting his own locker room and hairdresser, Hennigan has ruffled feathers for his loud, obnoxious entourage, flanking him wherever he turns up,” MLW wrote.

“Meanwhile, Willie Mack comes from the streets where he fights to live and lives to fight.”

Hennigan is the current MLW National Openweight Champion. He defeated Davey Richards for the title at MLW Blood & Thunder earlier this month.

Willie Mack recently made his AEW debut, losing matches to Brian Cage on both AEW Dark: Elevation and Rampage.

The updated card for SuperFight is listed below:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Lio Rush vs. Davey Richards
  • Dumpster match: Real1 vs. Microman vs. Mance Warner vs. TBA
  • John Hennigan vs. Willie Mack
  • DragonGate Open the Twin Gate Champions Big Boss Shimizu & Kzy defend against TBA
  • MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Delmi Exo
  • Hardcore match: Rickey Shane Page vs. 1 Called Manders
  • B3CCA debuts

Dumpster match, Lio Rush vs. Davey Richards added to MLW SuperFight

Two matches have been added to the lineup for MLW SuperFight. 

The promotion revealed on Thursday that a dumpster match involving Real1, Microman, Mance Warner, and a “wildcard entrant” will take place on the show. Lio Rush vs. Davey Richards has been scheduled for the event as well. 

This will be the third singles match between Richards and Rush. Richards defeated Rush on a DEFY show in 2017 and Rush defeated him at PWG It’s A Long Way To The Top on November 21, 2021. 

MLW.com wrote the following on the match:

Training hard in St. Louis at the Team Ambition gym, Richards vows to hold nothing back as he battles the brilliant and braggadocios Rush.

With immense momentum on his side, the “Man of the Hour” Lio Rush enters the big fight fresh off an extraordinary global tour, competing in high-profile bouts from Japan to Europe.

Now, the two will collide in what promises to be a world class showcase of combat excellence as they step into the MLW ring and hope to punch their ticket to a world title fight.

Real1 has been involved in a rivalry with both Warner and Microman as of late. He faced Microman earlier this month at Blood & Thunder and had a street fight with Warner in October at Fightland. Both match have yet to air on MLW programming. 

MLW SuperFight takes place Saturday, February 4, 2023, from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. It will be the third straight event MLW has held in the venue. 

The announced lineup is as follows:

  • MLW Champion Alexander Hammerstone defends against Jacob Fatu
  • Real1 vs. Microman vs. Mance Warner vs. TBA in a Dumpster Match
  • Lio Rush vs. Davey Richards
  • Rickey Shane Page vs. 1 Called Manders in a hardcore match
  • MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Delmi Exo
  • Dragon Gate Open the Gate Tag Team Champions Natural Vibes defend against TBA
  • B3CCA vs. TBA

MLW notes: Myron Reed hits free agency, new Featherweight title match announced

Former three-time MLW Middleweight Champion Myron Reed is now a free agent.

Fightful first reported Monday night that Reed became a free agent on January 14th after MLW released him in a “mutual and amicable” split.

Reed took to Twitter Tuesday to confirm the news, thanking MLW and Court Bauer for the last four-plus years and that now, “the stars and sky is the direction.”

Debuting in July 2018, Reed wrestled in 40 matches during his run, first winning the Middleweight gold in November 2019. He and Lio Rush battled over the title in early-2021 during the closed taping era and after he lost it to Tajiri in late-2021, his final reign began in early-2022 before it ended with a loss to Shun Skywalker in mid-2022.

Reed’s last match has yet to air as he and Mr. Thomas of the Bomaye Fight Club will take on the Billington Bulldogs on an upcoming edition of Fusion.

Reed is part of The Rascalz along with Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel and Desmond Xavier. He works regular on the indies in both singles and tag team action.

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MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie will defend the title against Delmi Exo at February’s SuperFight TV taping in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Valkyrie is now affiliated with Cesar Duran and will be looking for her fifth title defense. This will be Exo’s fourth MLW match and first singles match since July 2021. She is the sister of Ashley Vox who has also competed in MLW.

Here’s the current card for the Saturday, February 4th event:

  • MLW Champion Alexander Hammerstone defends against Jacob Fatu
  • MLW Featherweight Champion Taya Valkyrie defends against Delmi Exo
  • Dragon Gate Open the Gate Tag Team Champions Natural Vibes defend against TBA
  • B3CCA vs. TBA

World title match announced for MLW SuperFight

An MLW Championship rematch has been announced for Superfight. 

Alexander Hammerstone will defend his title against former champion Jacob Fatu on the show. 

MLW Superfight takes place February 4, 2023 from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena and will be filmed for future episodes of Fusion. Hammerstone vs. Fatu is the only match announced for the card thus far. 

Hammerstone defeated Fatu to win the MLW World Championship in their first match on October 2, 2021 at MLW Fightland, which also took place in the former ECW Arena. 

From MLW.com:

The biggest rivalry in MLW is finally getting the rematch to the biggest title fight in MLW history as Hammerstone vs. Fatu 2 is set to main event SuperFight’23, an event worthy of such a colossal championship clash.

Having won Battle RIOT IV in New York City last year, Fatu secured a title shot anytime, anywhere and with the date and location confirmed, Fatu and Hammerstone rumble for the biggest prize in the sport on the line.

In the 466 days Hammerstone has been champion he’s defended the belt 13 times. The 819 days Fatu spent with the title from July 6, 2019 until October 2, 2021 is the longest reign in the title’s lineage but much of it occurred when the company was not running shows due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After defeating our own Tom Lawlor for the belt at Kings of Colisseum 2019 Fatu successfully defended it 10 times before dropping the title to Hammerstone. 

 

MLW SuperFight spoilers: Hammerstone vs. Davey Richards

Here are results from tonight’s MLW SuperFight television tapings that were held in Charlotte, North Carolina.

  • Ikuro Kwon defeated Ken Broadway. After the match, Kwon called out Jacob Fatu. Fatu attacked Kwon, leading them to brawl to the back.
  • Cesar Duran came out with a masked Azteca foot soldier. Duran insulted Charlotte until Ricky Steamboat came out. Steamboat informed Duran that MLW had placed him under investigation, and until the investigation was complete, Duran would have to leave. After Duran was escorted out by security, Steamboat chopped the masked soldier out of the ring. Richard Holliday and Alicia Atout then came out. Holliday asked Steamboat for a title match against Alex Hammerstone. Steamboat instead put him in a match against Matt Cross.
  • EJ Nduka and mystery partner Calvin Tankman defeated 5150 to win the MLW Tag Team titles.
  • Richard Holliday defeated Matt Cross.
  • nZo defeated KC Navarro. nZo attacked Navarro in the aisle as he entered, crotching Navarro then pinning him.
  • Prior to the next match, Holliday and Alicia Atout came out and took two seats from fans.
  • Alex Hammerstone defeated Davey Richards to retain the MLW World Championship. After the match, Hammerstone confronted Holliday. Holliday attacked, sending Hammerstone into a corner post and busting him open. Savio Vega and other security came out to break things up.
  • Puma King, Octagon Jr., and Micro Man defeated Arez, Gino Medina, and Mini Abismo Negro (with Dr. Dax). Medina attacked the referee after the match.
  • Killer Kross defeated Budd Heavy via referee stoppage.
  • Gangrel defeated Gnarls Garvin following the impaler DDT. Gangrel used a sickle to bloody Garvin during the match.
  • MLW Middleweight Champion Myron Reed defeated TJP.
  • Alex Kane defeated ACH and Calvin Tankman in a three way match to retain the the MLW National Openweight title. Kane pinned ACH to retain.
  • Mads Kruger defeated Jacob Fatu in a stairway to hell match after interference from Kwon.
  • Marshall and Ross Von Erich defeated Ricky & Kerry Morton. After the match, the two teams argued until 5150 came in and attacked both teams. The Von Erichs and The Morton then joined together and took out 5150 to close out the tapings.

MLW will next run on March 31 with their Intimidation Games tapings at Gilley’s in Dallas, Texas.

Title change at MLW SuperFight TV tapings

EJ Nduka and Calvin Tankman are the new MLW World Tag Team Champions. 

At tonight’s MLW SuperFight tapings in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nduka revealed Tankman as his mystery partner in a match for the titles. They then defeated 5150’s Danny Rivera and Slice Boogie to win the belts. Matches from the taping will air in coming weeks on MLW Fusion.  

5150 had defeated Los Parks to win the titles at War Chamber on November 6th, 2021. They had been scheduled to defend them against Marshall & Ross Von Erich at MLW Blood and Thunder on January 21st, but the brothers tested positive for COVID-19 and were removed from the card. 

Other matches taking place Saturday at MLW SuperFight include the following:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone defends against Davey Richards
  • Stairway to Hell match: Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
  • Killer Kross vs King Muertes
  • MLW National Openweight Champion Alex Kane defends against Calvin Tankman, Matt Cross, and ACH in a four-way match
  • MLW Tag Team Champions 5150 defend against EJ Nduka and a mystery partner
  • Ross & Marshall Von Erich vs. Ricky & Kerry Morton
  • nZo vs. KC Navarro
  • Alex Shelley vs. Richard Holliday
  • Trios match: Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro vs. Puma King, Octagon Jr., and a mystery partner
  • Gangrel vs. Gnarls Garvin
  • Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat appears

TJP vs. Myron Reed added to MLW SuperFight

Editor’s note: This article references results from MLW TV tapings that have yet to air

A new match has been added to the lineup for this week’s MLW television tapings.

MLW has announced that TJP vs. Myron Reed will take place at their SuperFight tapings in Charlotte, North Carolina this Saturday. The tapings are being held at the Grady Cole Center.

At Blood & Thunder last month, Reed became a three-time MLW Middleweight Champion by regaining the title from Tajiri. Reed defeated Tajiri in a match that also included Bandido, who was making his surprise MLW debut at the tapings. That match will air on MLW Fusion this week.

TJP made it to the finals of last year’s MLW Opera Cup tournament before losing to Davey Richards. Richards is challenging for Alex Hammerstone’s MLW World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of SuperFight.

Here’s the updated SuperFight card:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone defends against Davey Richards
  • Stairway to Hell match: Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
  • Killer Kross returns to MLW
  • MLW National Openweight Champion Alex Kane defends against Calvin Tankman, Matt Cross, and ACH in a four-way match
  • MLW Tag Team Champions 5150 defend against EJ Nduka and a mystery partner
  • Ross & Marshall Von Erich vs. Ricky & Kerry Morton
  • nZo vs. KC Navarro
  • Alex Shelley vs. Richard Holliday
  • Trios match: Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro vs. Puma King, Octagon Jr., and a mystery partner
  • Gangrel vs. Gnarls Garvin
  • TJP vs. Myron Reed
  • Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat appears

Mystery partner Tag Team title match added to MLW SuperFight

The MLW Tag Team titles will be on the line at SuperFight this Saturday.

It was announced today that MLW Tag Team Champions 5150 (Slice Boogie & Danny “Limelight” Rivera) will defend their titles against EJ Nduka and a mystery partner at SuperFight. The tapings are being held at the Grady Cole Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, February 26.

5150 won the MLW Tag Team titles from Los Parks last November. Those two teams faced off in a rematch on last week’s episode of Fusion, with 5150 retaining in a ladder match.

“Fresh off of defeating Los Parks in a contractually obligated rematch, 5150 demanded a match at SuperFight in Charlotte. Going as far as to sign an open contract bout sheet, 5150 fears no one and vows they’re bulletproof against any challenge to their belts,” MLW wrote.

“Wasting no time, EJ ‘The Judge’ Nduka took them up on the task, signing the dotted line… but leaving his partner’s name undisclosed.”

MLW teased whether Nduka will have a partner or face 5150 on his own: “When pressed for who is partner will be for the title bout, EJ told MLW.com, ‘Who says I even have a partner? This is the year of the Judge. It’s undeniable.'”

Nduka joined MLW after being released from NXT last year.

Here’s the updated card for the SuperFight tapings:

  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Hammerstone defends against Davey Richards
  • Stairway to Hell match: Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger
  • Killer Kross returns to MLW
  • MLW National Openweight Champion Alex Kane defends against Calvin Tankman, Matt Cross, and ACH in a four-way match
  • MLW Tag Team Champions 5150 defend against EJ Nduka and a mystery partner
  • Ross & Marshall Von Erich vs. Ricky & Kerry Morton
  • nZo vs. KC Navarro
  • Alex Shelley vs. Richard Holliday
  • Trios match: Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro vs. Puma King, Octagon Jr., and a mystery partner
  • Gangrel vs. Gnarls Garvin
  • Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat appears

MLW notes: Gangrel returning at SuperFight, next week’s Fusion lineup

Former WWE star Gangrel will make his return to MLW at the company’s SuperFight event in Charlotte, North Carolina, next Saturday.

He will face Gnarls Garvin at the Grady Cole Center as part of the February 26th TV taping for future episodes of Fusion.

This will be his first MLW appearance since September 2018 when he lost to Simon Gotch by DQ at the original War Games event.

Gangrel, who works regularly on the indies, was supposed to make his AEW debut last August but the appearance was scrapped after WWE and Edge coincidentally brought back The Brood entrance and “Brood Bath” during the build for Edge’s SummerSlam match against Seth Rollins at the same time.

The SuperFight event will be co-headlined by MLW Champion Alexander Hammerstone vs. Davey Richards and Jacob Fatu vs. Mads Krugger in a Stairway to Hell match in addition to the return of Killer Kross, Ricky & Kerry Morton against The Von Erichs, and more.

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Next Wednesday’s episode of MLW Fusion will be headlined by a singles match between the aforementioned Fatu and Krugger that will set up the Stairway to Hell match.

The show will also see Middleweight Champion Tajiri take on Myron Reed and a mystery man in a three-way for the title, the spoilers of which have been out for a month.

In trios action, Gino Medina, Mini Abismo Negro and Arez will Aramis, El Dragon and Jared St. Laurent’s highly-touted mystery signing. 

In two weeks on Fusion, National Openweight Champion Alex Kane will take on Calvin Tankman with the title on the line in a grudge match that has built for months.