In storyline, Lawlor requested the match and is saying that his opponent is set. MLW wrote that both Ross and Marshall Von Erich “are baffled by the announcement claiming they haven’t been approached about such a bout.”
Lawlor, who has signed a multi-year deal to stay with MLW, turned against the Von Erichs by hitting Ross with a steel chair and causing him to lose a title match to World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu on MLW Fusion’s Thanksgiving special. Lawlor said “F*ck CONTRA” and “F*ck the Von Erichs” after hitting Ross with the chair.
The Opera Cup tapings are taking place at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York this Thursday. The updated card is listed below:
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. Shinjiro Otani
Opera Cup tournament first-round match: Alexander Hammerstone vs. MJF
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
Tom Lawlor vs. a member of the Von Erich family in an exhibition match
MLW announced the news Friday morning that the former UFC light heavyweight has signed an “exclusive, multi-year” deal with the promotion. Per usual, financial terms and specifics were not disclosed.
The deal is not like last week’s Jacob Fatu signing where MLW will have control over his creative when he works indies. Despite Lawlor tweeting recently that he isn’t taking bookings for next year, it’s confirmed that he is.
The announcement comes nearly two weeks after MLW founder Court Bauer tweeted, “I want to thank “Filthy” Tom Lawlor for his two years with MLW. Tom was a day zero guy that helped relaunch the league in October 2017. I wish him continued success with the next chapter of his career. First class dude who despite being filthy is somehow all class at the same time.”
Lawlor, a podcast co-host on this website, is a former world champion for the company and will be part of their upcoming Opera Cup event in New York City.
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.
MLW has made their first match announcement for November’s Blood & Thunder television tapings.
It was announced today that Tom Lawlor vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. will take place at the Blood & Thunder tapings. They’re being held at GILT Nightclub in Orlando, Florida on the afternoon of Saturday, November 9.
Lawlor and Smith Jr. also faced each other at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport II earlier this month. Smith Jr. defeated Lawlor in that match.
Lawlor is a former MLW World Heavyweight Champion, while Smith Jr. is a former MLW Tag Team Champion. Lawlor lost the MLW World Heavyweight title to Jacob Fatu at Kings of Colosseum in July. The Hart Foundation’s Teddy Hart & Brian Pillman Jr. also lost the Tag Team titles to The Dynasty (MJF & Richard Holliday) that night.
The Blood & Thunder tapings are taking place a week after MLW’s first-ever pay-per-view. Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois will host Saturday Night SuperFight on November 2, with Fatu defending his World Heavyweight title against LA Park in a no DQ match in the main event.
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Low Ki, Marshall Von Erich & Ross Von Erich (w/ team captain Kevin Von Erich) defeated CONTRA Unit (MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu, Josef Samael, Ikuro Kwon & Simon) Gotch in the MLW War Chamber.
Leo Brien debuted a new look and gimmick.
LA Park will cash in his golden ticket for a shot at Fatu’s MLW World title at the MLW Saturday Night SuperFight PPV in the Chicago area on November 2.
Full Recap —
From the sold-out NYTEX Sports Centre in Texas, MLW Fusion opened with a video package hyping up the War Chamber main event.
Leo Brien defeated Brandon Banks (1:27)
Brien has a new look and gimmick: a wild, rough-house, cowbell-swinging throwback — he is even throwing in some Berzerker style barks to add to his crazed in-ring style.
The match was short, sharp, and to the point. Brien hit a big boot, used a biel across the ring by the ears, and followed up with a running powerslam called the Oklahoma Stampede to get the win.
Brien looked good here, and you could see him facing off against the likes of Mance Warner, LA Park, and Tom Lawlor in the future. Hopefully this restart will be the start of big things for him.
– LA Park and Salina de la Renta stormed the ring at the end of the match. They slapped Banks around and laid out the referee with a chair. Park set up said chair in the corner and rested his legs on the downed official to listen to de la Renta.
De la Renta introduced her destroyer, “the greatest wrestler in the history of Mexican sports, the greatest luchador in lucha libre,” LA Park. She announced that Park will cash in his golden ticket for a shot at the MLW World Heavyweight Championship at the MLW Saturday Night SuperFight pay-per-view. It’s taking place in Cicero, Illinois on November 2.
– Teddy Hart had a recorded message from a Calgary hockey rink. He said he takes wrestling seriously as a sport due to his upbringing in ice hockey. He said nothing gets him going more than the thought of going to Dallas to beat up MJF and Richard Holliday.
– We had a great recorded promo from the Von Erichs. It was intertwined with old archive footage of the Dallas Sportatorium and pictures of the Von Erich family. The family was at the site of the Sportatorium as Kevin Von Erich was talking about all his memories being back there. Ross & Marshall Von Erich said they had never been there before as they didn’t want to go without their dad.
Tom Lawlor, Low Ki, Ross Von Erich & Marshall Von Erich (w/ team captain Kevin Von Erich) defeated CONTRA Unit (MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu, Josef Samael, Ikuro Kwon & Simon Gotch in the MLW War Chamber (30:19)
They followed the traditional War Games rules with two competitors starting and the coin toss winning team gaining the one-man advantage throughout the alternating entrances. The finish could only take place when all eight wrestlers were in the ring and you could win by pinfall, submission or surrender.
It was a single ring cage with no roof, but barbed wire circled the top of the cage to stop anyone from entering or exiting.
Simon Gotch and Marshall Von Erich were in first and fought for the first five minutes. Kevin Von Erich came out with Marshall and got a huge ovation from the Dallas crowd. Marshall had a quick start, but they slowed it down soon to pace themselves for the long match ahead.
Josef Samael was out for CONTRA next. After another brief flurry from Marshall, CONTRA used the advantage to break him down. They stayed in control until Tom Lawlor came out to even the odds.
Lawlor and Marshall immediately had the advantage — but after only two short minutes, MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu came in for CONTRA. Marshall and Lawlor went straight for him, but Fatu ended up catching Lawlor off the top with a Samoan drop and slamming Marshall with a big uranage.
Fatu hit his handspring moonsault on both his opponents, kicking and squashing Lawlor against the cage before moonsaulting on Marshall. Samael bit Lawlor’s ear for good measure.
Low Ki evened the odds next. On arriving, he slammed the cage door on Samael — a little nod to the Dallas history with the Freebirds and Von Erichs. In the corner, he slammed elbows to the top of Gotch’s head, but CONTRA soon took back control.
Their advantage increased with their fourth and final member entering the ring. Ikuro Kwon went straight to Low Ki and they exchanged kicks and strikes — hopefully we will see them facing off in the future. Low Ki can bring a freshness to this feud and create some new matchups.
We were told Ross Von Erich was suffering from the flu as the countdown to his arrival started. Ross entered like a house on fire as the Von Erich theme song blasted around the arena. He floored Gotch, Samael, and Kwon as Marshall Claw slammed Gotch. Samael was bleeding heavily from the door shot from Low Ki earlier.
Ross reversed a pop-up powerbomb with a hurricanrana on Fatu, but the champion came back and remained strong. He choked Ross with his wrist tape soon after.
With all competitors in there, the match broke down into a hard-hitting exhausting brawl. Lawlor eventually got the champion down in the corner and hit a basement dropkick for a two count.
Marshall slammed Fatu and then dropped Kwon on top of him for good measure. Samael mouthed off at Kevin through the cage but was battered by Marshall for his trouble.
Fatu had Ross up for a Samoan drop, but Marshall applied the Claw. It was only briefly though, as the champion fought out and spun Ross around so he kicked his brother in the head. Fatu then successfully hit his big pop-up Samoan drop.
Samael and Ki climbed the cage and Samael had his face rammed into the barbed wire. A masked CONTRA member tried to climb the cage on the outside, but Kevin pulled him off and applied the Claw to take him down.
Lawlor came close to being pinned: He had Samael in a rear-naked choke, but Samael broke the hold when he jabbed his spike into Lawlor’s hand. Kwon then sprayed mist into Lawlor’s eyes and Fatu hit him with a superkick and triple-jump moonsault. Low Ki made the save at the last moment with a double foot stomp on Fatu.
Marshall saved his brother from a Gotch piledriver. He applied the Iron Claw, then pulled Gotch to the corner. Ross went underneath and lifted Gotch on his shoulders. Marshall — still applying the Claw — went to the top rope and they slammed Gotch to the middle of the ring. They pinned Gotch and picked up the win to the delight of the Texas crowd.
Kevin Von Erich joined Lawlor, Low Ki, Marshall, and Ross in the ring to celebrate.
Next Week —
MLW Tag Team Champions The Dynasty (MJF & Richard Holliday) defend their titles against The Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart & Davey Boy Smith Jr.) in a two-out-of-three falls match.
Once a year wasn’t enough as GCW brought back Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport for the second time in 2019 Saturday night, headlined by the former UFC heavyweight champion Barnett facing Chris Dickinson and also featuring former UFC star “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
The venue was the Showboat Atlantic City in Atlantic City, NJ, which visually was a lot brighter than White Eagle Hall in New Jersey which took away from the ambience a bit. The hard camera angle was also a bit lower than you see with most wrestling shows as well.
For those new to the format, fights can end by knockout or submission and there are no ropes on the ring, just a mat and ring posts. From what I understand, it’s closer to UWFi and Pancrase style than actual pro wrestling even though the matches all feature wrestlers albeit with MMA or martial arts backgrounds. Originally started with Matt Riddle as the namesake, Barnett and his name were added to the event this past April during Mania weekend.
The timing of the event will either be a blessing or curse as there are two big ESPN+ fights happening Saturday night with Donald Cerrone vs. Justin Gaethje (UFC) and Tyson Fury (boxing) following that.
Both the pre-show and PPV main card streamed on Fite.tv.
Pre-Show:
Matt Makowski def. Rory Gulak by knockout
Gulak was clad in a classic wrestling singlet while Makowski had shorts and kneepads in both of their JBB debuts. Makowski is a former MMA fighter who racked up a 6-2 record including bouts in Bellator, EliteXC, and ShoXC. Most of the match was worked on the ground with some nice transitions. Makowski hit a nice O’Connor roll into a belly to back suplex into an armbar attempt remiscent of former UFC flyweight champion Demetrous Johnson’s famous 2018 submission of Ray Borg. Makowski hit a head kick to a grounded Gulak for the knockout and win in a decent match.
Sumie Sakai submitted Lindsay Snow
Lawlor sat in on commentary for the first women’s match in Bloodsport history. Snow was billed as having some BJJ experience while Sakai is a long-time talent who has worked all over the place. Snow used her size to dominate early, but Sakai managed to hang there and eventually work for an armbar which got Snow to tap.
************
The main show opened up with all the participants being introduced and brought out to the ring, Strikeforce/Bellator Grand Prix style. The crowd, while not huge, was very boisterous which made this feel like a fun event from the start.
Anthony Henry submitted Zachary Wentz
Wentz is part of Impact Wrestling’s Rascalz and is a former amateur fighter while Henry, also someone with an MMA past, is part of the talented Workhorsemen tag team with J.D. Drake. Both are making their JBB debuts.
Wentz started out fast with the Masvidal knee while Henry fired right back with a belly to back suplex. Both guys traded suplexes before Wentz started working for submission holds. Wentz hit a right hand that dropped Henry, but got caught in Henry’s guard and submitted to a seated triangle choke/armbar combo to end a fun match.
Erik Hammer submitted JR Kratos
The debuting Hammer is a teammate of Barnett’s and an accomplished catch wrestler with a history in IGF while Kratos is coming off a victory over Simon Grimm at JBB 1. Lawlor came back out for more commentary. Both guys are heavyweights and the action was a bit slower, so having Lawlor in was a big help, especially with details like Kratos having a kid two days ago. Things eventually broke down into a punch and slap contest which the fans loved. Hammer hit a belly to belly and transitoned into a reverse bulldog choke of sorts for the tap to end a hard-hitting match.
One thing missing on these shows: replays.
Allysin Kay def. Nicole Savoy by knockout
Both made their JBB debuts and Lawlor remained out on commentary. It took a while for the fans to get into this, but a slapfight on the mat helped things along. There was a lot of ground work and ref breaks as the two went to the edge of the apron. Kay nearly got a twister for a submission before Savoy got out of it. Savoy hit a suplex that rolled Kay out of the ring for a near countout. The end came when Kay snagged Savoy in a crucifix, landing a slew of elbows to her head for the knockout.
If you dislike mat wrestling, you probably aren’t loving this show. It would be interesting to see them allow for pins to finish matches given how much of these matches are spent on the ground.
Anthony Carelli submitted Simon Grimm
Carelli (the former Santino Marella) made his JBB debut while the heavily booed Grimm (the former Simon Gotch) was looking to avenge his debut loss to JR Kratos. Both have plenty of martial arts experience so this will be a lot different than any Marella-Gotch WWE fare for sure.
Again, lots of mat grappling and armbar attempts dominated the early action. One thing I’ve noticed in these first two JBB events is that it’s hard to really tell a story in this format. It’s possible, but there’s only so much you can do.
Carelli locked on a Dragon sleeper that Grimm got out of much to the fans’ dismay. Carelli eventually got a reversal into an armbar for the quick tap to end an ok match. He got a “Please come back” chant.
Timothy Thatcher submitted Ikuhisa Minowa
A former Pancrase and MMA fighter, Minowaman as he’s known to most wrestling and fight fans, is making his U.S. debut tonight while Thatcher is coming off a loss to Hideki Suzuki at JBB 1.
We got a dropkick, body slam, and uppercut elbows early which was a nice change of pace from the immediate mat work we’ve seen already. Thatcher showed some great facials when he and Minowa were locked together in leg locks on the mat. This was a match of armbars and leglocks that Thatcher won with a crossface while on Minowa’s back. If there’s anyone made for this format, it’s Thatcher.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. def. Tom Lawlor by knockout
This was a battle of MLW roster mates. Former MMA fighter Lawlor, who came out to NKOTB’s “Hangin’ Tough” was supposed to be on the first JBB show, but canceled due to fear while Smith submitted Killer Kross in a good match back in April. Lawlor got a huge “Filthy Tom” chant prior to the match.
Smith controlled much of the grappling early and landed some nasty looking side elbows while Lawlor was under him. ‘Filthy’ got his shots in, but got powerslammed after refusing to give up on a rear naked choke attempt. Both guys laid in some heavy forearm blows and Lawlor got hit with a belly to back suplex that looked to rattle him.
The action really picked up late as Smith tried to clamp on a Sharpshooter but couldn’t which led Lawlor to clothesline Smith out of the ring while on his knees. Forearms and Daniel Bryan-esque kicks followed which woke Smith up. Lawlor fired up an both men were laying in forearms, kicks, and knees. Smith won following a hard belly to back suplex and sitout powerbomb that knocked Lawlor out. Fans were really into this by the end thanks to the last few minutes.
Killer Kross submitted Nick Gage
From the minute Kross came out, the fans were chanting for “Nick F*cking Gage” so to say they were looking forward to this was an understatement. Kross was on the first show, submitting to Davey Boy Smith Jr. while this is GCW Champion Gage’s Bloodsport debut.
Gage went in for a Masvidal flying knee at the start, but Kross got it to the ground quick, locking on a brief heel hock after Gage slapped him in the face hard. Gage, playing the unrefined street fighter, hit a headbutt and landed a soccer kick, going for a type of rear naked choke before Kross reversed things. He got in his own rear naked choke and put Gage to sleep in a rather short match. The fans booed Kross and Gage wasn’t happy with the ref stopping the fight.
After the winner was announced, Gage grabbed the referee and tossed him out of the ring to the fans’ delight. Gage eventually shook Kross’ hand and took off, leaving Kross to get on the mic and call out Dave Batista to face him at Bloodsport. Fans chanted “Holy sh*t” and “Batista” before Kross said, “Give them what they want.”
Josh Barnett def. Chris Dickinson by knockout
On the first show, Barnett went to a draw with Minoru Suzuki while Dickinson submitted Andy Williams. For the tale of the tape, Barnett’s age was listed as “War is ageless”. Barnett was originally slated to face Jon Moxley, but the AEW star had to pull out due to his elbow injury.
The early portion of the match featured lots of mat grappling and ground and pound. Barnett gave the lesser known Dickinson a lot as the “Dirty Daddy” was in control for most of the early going. Barnett also had the Brock Lesnar reddish-purple skin going early on which was unusual to see. Dickinson would later wear some nasty welts on his side as did Barnett.
While he was continually working for an armbar, Barnett hit a nice double-underhook suplex to Dickinson. Dickinson later countered with a belly to back suplex of his own, but Barnett was not to be denied. The finish was Barnett landing a head kick to Dickinson while he was on his knees for the knockout, ending a great back-and-forth sequence and a fun match that took a while to get going.
Dickinson got on the mic and said he let a lot of people down including myself. He said Barnett was a childhood hero of his and put over the Bloodsport concept. Barnett put over Dickinson and got a lot of chants for himself. He said this isn’t the last Bloodsport show and said that Moxley wants to run it back with him. “If the office won’t let him, you let them know,” Barnett said.
Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Tom Lawlor are set to face off later this month.
It was announced today that Smith Jr. vs. Lawlor will be taking place at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport II in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, September 14. The show is taking place at Showboat Atlantic City.
Bloodsport features hybrid MMA style pro wrestling matches. This will be the third Bloodsport event that Game Changer Wrestling has put on. They partnered with Matt Riddle for the first Bloodsport show in 2018 and with Barnett for their second one earlier this year.
Smith Jr. defeated Killer Kross at Barnett’s Bloodsport I. Lawlor lost to WALTER at Riddle’s Bloodsport.
Allysin Kay vs. Nicole Savoy and Simon Grimm (Simon Gotch) vs. Anthony Carelli (the former Santino Marella) have also been announced for Barnett’s Bloodsport II.
Josh Barnett vs. Jon Moxley was supposed to headline Barnett’s Bloodsport II, but Moxley had to be pulled from the match due to the case of MRSA in his elbow that also caused him to miss All Out. Barnett will still be wrestling at the show, though his new opponent has yet to be announced.
Barnett’s Bloodsport II will stream live as an iPPV on Fite TV.
MLW returned to the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York on Thursday for their Never Say Never set of television tapings.
– Contra Unit laid out Ariel Dominguez & Jay Sky.
– Mance Warner defeated Ricky Martinez
– Low Ki defeated Jimmy Yuta
Low Ki won in about a minute with a KO elbow.
– Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Timothy Thatcher
This was an excellent matchup. Georgia Smith, Davey’s sister, came out to interview him after. Davey called out Alexander Hammerstone and said that his sister was dating Hammerstone and he was not happy.
– Ross & Marshall Von Erich defeated The Spirit Squad (Kenn Doane & Mike Mondo)
The Von Erichs answered The Spirit Squad’s open challenge. For some reason, the Von Erich music played through the whole match.
Contra Unit came out after and attacked the Von Erichs with help from a new member that spit mist on one of the Von Erich’s eyes.
– Injustice (Kotto Brazil, Myron Reed & Jordan Oliver) defeated Gringo Loco, Air Wolf & Zenshi
They had a great lucha match.
– Brian Pillman Jr. defeated Richard Holliday
– Bestia 666 defeated Rey Horus
There was then a Salina de la Renta segment with Konnan where Konnan gave de la Renta back her missing phone but said that he told Savio Vega that she was withholding a bonus paycheck from him. Vega came out and ripped up his contract with de la Renta
– MLW National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone defeated Savio Vega to retain his title
MJF and Richard Holliday were at ringside and interfered a bunch
– Austin Aries defeated Ace Austin
They had a good match. After winning, Aries cut a promo and said that this was a new him and he’s coming for the Middleweight Championship. He mentioned that the last time he was at the Melrose Ballroom was controversial. Aries then got into it with a fan and they had a shoving match and had to be separated.
– MLW Middleweight Champion Teddy Hart defeated MJF to retain his title.
Hart won a crazy match when he jumped off the top rope and hit a Canadian Destroyer. Aria Blake had been thrown out from ringside prior to that. Queens absolutely loves Hart — he gets the biggest pop every time he’s here.
– MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu defeated Tom Lawlor to retain his title
Great match. Contra Unit attacked Lawlor after to add insult to injury. The Von Erichs attempted the save, but they were thwarted as it was four-on-three. Low Ki then made the save and sent Contra packing.
Lawlor and Low Ki, who feuded for months, had a staredown in the ring and shook hands to a roar from the crowd.
– Zenshi defeated El Hijo de LA Park
Zenshi won in a great lucha match.
– LA Park defeated Jimmy Havoc in a street fight
This was an absolutely wild street fight. De la Renta made Park and Havoc, who are both members of Promociones Dorado, shake hands after.
Mance Warner came out with a chainsaw while Park and Havoc were splitting up the dollars people were throwing in the ring and chased them away. Warner then did a victory lap around the arena, taking pictures with fans and drinking beers.
Before everyone left, Teddy Hart came out to thank everyone for coming out on a work night and said the boys in the back are appreciative that we support them and allow them to travel the world. The crowd doused him in “Teddy” chants, but he said he wanted to hear an MLW chant to end the night.
MLW has announced when Tom Lawlor will be getting his World Championship rematch.
Jacob Fatu defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Lawlor is set for MLW’s Never Say Never tapings at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York on Thursday, July 25. This will be Fatu’s first defense of the title.
Fatu became MLW World Champion by defeating Lawlor in the main event of last weekend’s Kings of Colosseum live special. Along with Josef Samael and Simon Gotch, Fatu is part of MLW’s Contra Unit stable. The group debuted and attacked Lawlor at Intimidation Games this March.
Before losing the title to Fatu, Lawlor had been MLW World Champion since defeating Low Ki in February.
Two other matches have been announced for Never Say Never thus far. LA Park will face Jimmy Havoc, and Davey Boy Smith Jr. will take on Timothy Thatcher. Thatcher is making his MLW debut at the show.
Jacob Fatu defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor to win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship.
A Tag Team title ladder match will air on next week’s MLW Fusion.
Konnan returned and interrupted Salina de la Renta’s interview with Jim Cornette. De la Renta is holding a devastating secret over Konnan’s head and is threatening to reveal it to the world.
Full Recap —
– Jim Cornette and Rich Bocchini welcomed us to this MLW special and ran down the card, which includes a live edition of the Jim Cornette Experience with Salina de la Renta.
MLW National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone defeated Kotto Brazil to retain his title (5:39)
Hammerstone took the mic before the match and called the fans “inner city sweathogs” and called The Hart Foundation felons. MJF blamed Court Bauer for his headset not initially working as he joined Cornette and Bocchini on commentary. Richard Holliday and Aria Blake were around ringside too.
Brazil used his speed to his advantage in the early stages, including a headscissor takedown, a dropkick to the face, and a cradle. But it didn’t take long for Hammerstone’s power to come into effect as he launched Brazil across the ring and floored him with a pump kick to the jaw.
Hammerstone went for his Nightmare Pendulum finisher, but Brazil avoided it and hit a satellite DDT. Brazil then hit a big dropkick from the top rope and followed up with a frog splash from the top, but Hammerstone kicked out at one.
Brazil went to the well once too often and was distracted by Richard Holliday while he was on the top rope. Hammerstone joined him up there and hit a big delayed middle rope superplex. He then planted Brazil with the Nightmare Pendulum and picked up the win to retain his title.
MJF took the mic after the match and called The Dynasty the greatest faction in professional wrestling history. The crowd were chanting “Perro” at him, but he shot them down and challenged The Hart Foundation for their MLW Tag Team titles.
– We cut backstage to Simon Gotch, who warned Tom Lawlor that the last time they were in this arena, Contra Unit was born. He pointed out the door where Gotch led Lawlor to his ambush. But as he said that, the door opened — and there stood a newly buzz cut Tom Lawlor.
Lawlor beat up Gotch and slammed him into the door. Lawlor told Josef Samael and Jacob Fatu that he hopes they’re ready for their fight later on, because he is. He said tonight the door closes on Contra.
– We then saw an advertisement for MLW’s pay-per-view on November 2 in Cicero, Illinois.
Myron Reed defeated Rey Horus (8:22)
Jordan Oliver joined Reed at ringside and they had their “Justice” placards with them. It was a quick start to the match, with Horus sending Reed to the outside numerous times.
Horus looked to dive onto Reed throughout the match. Oliver distracted him on this occasion, which gave Reed the opportunity to get back into the ring and hit Horus with a step-up enzuigiri. Oliver then put the boots to Horus on the outside behind referee Doug Markham’s back.
Horus fought back and sent Reed to the outside. He was about to get his dive in when Oliver stormed the ring and sprinted at Horus, so Horus dropped down with the top rope and Oliver tumbled to the outside. Markham delayed Horus’ dive again, deciding to read the riot act to Oliver and Reed on the outside, so Horus launched himself over Markham, over the top rope and right on top of his two foes on the outside.
Back inside, Horus ended up hitting a springboard guillotine leg drop for a two count. He then went for a brainbuster, but Reed turned in mid-air and hit a cutter. Reed then followed up with a springboard 450 splash but only got a two count.
They exchanged forearms until Horus caught Reed coming off the ropes with a running Spanish Fly. Horus knocked Oliver off the apron, but the distraction was enough to allow Reed to springboard from the apron and land a big flying European uppercut that floored Horus long enough for Reed to pick up the victory. Reed is calling that the Louisville Slugger. He and Oliver put the boots to Horus after the bell.
– Georgia Smith was backstage interviewing her family members Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Teddy Hart. They accepted Dynasty’s challenge for their Tag Team titles — but made the match next week a tag team ladder match.
Smith Jr. then said he wants to give Brian Pillman Jr. the shot at defending the titles. He said you need to become fearless to become limitless — and he wants Pillman to take no prisoners against The Dynasty.
– Jim Cornette then interviewed Salina de la Renta. She immediately told him to address her as Miss de la Renta. She denied to answer when questioned about whether or not LA Park would cash in his title shot tonight.
De la Renta moved onto Konnan, saying his two “stars” are not here so he must suck at his job. She also said he must not be able to pleasure a woman, and that brought Konnan out to confront her. Konnan announced that he has another crop of luchadors that he has already signed up, so she can’t exploit them like she usually does.
De la Renta said this is typical of Konnan, but she has a little secret of her own. A secret that will bring Konnan to his knees, humiliate him, and end his career. She threatened him by saying if he wants to know this secret, keep trying her and she will spill.
– We cut backstage to a Dynasty photoshoot where Hammerstone revealed to MJF that The Hart Foundation have accepted their challenge — but under ladder match rules. MJF looked less than pleased to hear the stipulation and couldn’t stop Richard Holliday from accepting on his behalf. He ended up storming off, with the commentary team joking that MJF doesn’t like heights.
Jacob Fatu defeated “Filthy” Tom Lawlor to win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship (7:17)
Fatu was accompanied by only Josef Samael, as Lawlor took out Simon Gotch earlier in the night. De la Renta was sitting in the front row watching the action and keeping tabs for her Promociones Dorado member LA Park, who can cash in a World title shot at anytime.
Fatu didn’t let Lawlor enter the ring and it took Samael and referee Frank Gastineau to create some space.
They exchanged big right hands from the get-go — and it didn’t take long for the action to spill to the outside. Samael distracted Lawlor while he was on the apron and Fatu ran and sent Lawlor flying right on top of the security guardrail. Fatu tossed him around outside and choked him with a cable. He dropped Lawlor back-first on the apron, chest-first on the guardrail, and head-first on the ring bell.
Back inside, Fatu thwarted Lawlor’s attacks but missed a middle rope headbutt. Lawlor locked on a rear naked choke, but Fatu threw him off. He tried again and had better luck for a few seconds, but Fatu tossed him again. A spinning heel kick and a dropkick slowed Fatu some more, but Fatu squashed Lawlor in the corner on the third choke attempt.
Fatu caught Lawlor coming off the top and hit a big Black Hole Slam. Fatu then went for his triple-jump moonsault but missed. Samael was distracting the referee, so Lawlor went filthy and kicked Fatu below the belt. Lawlor then went for a sunset flip. He didn’t get the big man over and luckily moved at the last minute as Fatu went for the big sit-down splash.
Lawlor then hit his own Yes Kicks, but they still didn’t faze Fatu. Fatu hulked up to his feet, so Lawlor delivered some knees to the head and locked in another choke. But it was again to no avail as Fatu escaped after a few seconds.
Lawlor then went for an RKO style cutter, but Fatu put his hands on the mat and used a handstand to block it. Fatu then hit a back handspring moonsault but only got a two count.
Lawlor fought back with some Chop and Roll Express chops, fists, and a spinning clothesline in the corner. He went for another spinning clothesline, but Fatu met him with a superkick and a pop-up Samoan drop. Fatu then lined Lawlor up and hit his triple-jump moonsault to become the new MLW World Heavyweight Champion.
Fatu celebrated with his newly-won title as Cornette and Bocchini questioned the future of MLW with Fatu as their champion.
Next Week —
Teddy Hart & Brian Pillman Jr. defend the MLW Tag Team titles in a ladder match against MJF & Richard Holliday.
Austin Aries re-debuted and defeated Adam Brooks in a good match.
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor and the Von Erichs are still brawling and fighting with Contra Unit — all of which builds to next week’s MLW World title match between Lawlor and Jacob Fatu.
Full Recap —
– Josef Samael and Jacob Fatu opened this week’s Fusion with a video package from Contra Unit. Samael hyped up his match with Tom Lawlor tonight and said he would soften him up for Fatu next week.
– In the arena, Rich Bocchini and Jim Cornette interviewed Marshall & Ross Von Erich after their impressive debut last week. They said they have Lawlor’s back, he can trust them, and they gave him their word and their word is their bond.
Austin Aries defeated Adam Brooks (12:02)
This was a good match that was given a little more time than usual. Bocchini reminded us that Aries competed in the opening match of the debut episode of MLW Fusion, defeating ACH. He then said Aries has been traveling the world since then, collecting titles and generally annoying promoters.
Bocchini later said some find Aries difficult, but the live crowd seemed to love him, giving him a loud “Austin Aries” chant to welcome him back. Aries looked trimmed down since his 205 Live and Impact Wrestling stints in recent years.
Aries used his signature headstand escape from a Brooks headscissors and followed with a dropkick to the mouth. However, Brooks (who was making his MLW debut here) was in control for most of the early exchanges, hitting a springboard cutter for an early two count.
Brooks went for a package stunner (with Aries on his back), but Aries slapped his ears and hit a shinbuster, an overhead suplex, and some ground and pound to take back control. A running forearm in the corner was then followed by a middle rope uppercut to the back of the neck from Aries.
Aries’ middle rope work continued with a neckbreaker across it, sending Brooks to the outside. He got the crowd going and went for a dive, but Brooks cut him off with a right hand. Brooks followed with a slingshot DDT, but he was too worn out to make the cover.
Both were feeling the effects of the match as we entered the 10-minute mark. Brooks hit a dropkick in the corner, but Aries soon rolled through and locked in his Horns of Aries bridging choke submission. Brooks made it to the ropes in time.
After a quick exchange, Aries hit a Death Valley Driver on the ring apron, which Cornette was quick to remind us is the hardest part of the ring — because, of course, after being told this after every apron bump we all immediately forget this fact and have to be reminded of it each and every time something happens there.
Aries then missed a 450 splash off the top as Brooks got his knees up. Brooks then followed with an over-the-head neckbreaker on the knee for a close near fall. He quickly went up top, but this time he missed as Aries got his knees up on a senton bomb attempt. Aries followed up with a discus five-arm, a running dropkick in the corner, and his signature brainbuster for the win.
After the bell, Kaci Lennox interviewed Aries in the ring as the crowd was chanting his name. He grabbed the mic from her and told her not to interrupt them and showed her out by holding the ropes open.
Aries said it was good to be home. He said that just because he hasn’t been on social media doesn’t mean he hasn’t been busy. Since leaving his “former employer,” he has set his sights on the war in professional wrestling. Not sports entertainment or “cosplay pro wrestling” — he called out those who have the costumes but can’t display the magic. He calls himself the last true magician of wrestling and he makes them all believe.
Aries praised MLW for their use of weight limits and divisions and admitted that he has been Heavyweight Champion in places, but he’s never been a heavyweight in his life. He proclaimed he is a middleweight and said that was bad news for Teddy Hart. He said people might think Hart is an asshole — but not compared to this asshole.
– We then had a Dynasty recorded message for the Hart Foundation. There were more subtle hints of Alexander Hammerstone turning against the two rich boys (MJF and Richard Holliday) by giving them looks of disgust and anguish as they bragged about their wealth. They had Hart’s Tag Team title belt in front of them after stealing it last week, saying possession is nine tenths of the law.
– Another Samael promo on Lawlor aired. The Savio Vega hype video from last week was shown as well.
Jacob Fatu defeated Ariel Dominguez & Sam Black (1:23)
Fatu bieled Dominguez across the ring, hit a superkick and handspring moonsault to Black, and landed a huge push-up Samoan drop on Dominguez and a hip attack in the corner on Black.
Fatu then piled his dirty laundry — I mean opponents — in the middle of the ring and squashed them — literally and figuratively — with his triple jump moonsault. The commentators questioned if this would be the fate of Lawlor next week.
After the bell, Simon Gotch and Josef Samael of Contra Unit joined the ring and beat down the two helpless competitors. There was no sign of Lawlor or the Von Erichs.
– Lennox was backstage with Salina de la Renta and asked her if she went too far with the loser leaves town match with Mance Warner and Sami Callihan. De la Renta explained that the ratings went through the roof, so she obviously gave the fans what they wanted.
De la Renta then questioned why they were talking about a “goat f*cker” when they could be talking about her. She finished by saying it must be so hard to see a 22-year-old in control.
– Warner had a recorded message for de la Renta and Promociones Dorado. He warned them that he is going to take all of them out.
Josef Samael defeated MLW World Heavyweight Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor by DQ in a non-title match (7:52)
We were told the Von Erichs were in Lawlor’s locker room and had his back if Contra Unit tried anything. Bocchini also told us that LA Park was backstage and watching on too.
They quickly went to the outside for some brawling. Lawlor — one half of the Chop and Roll Express — chopped Samael against the ring post. Back inside, Samael threw Lawlor chest and throat first into the ropes and took him down for an armbar. We had cut-ins with de la Renta and Ricky Martinez watching on. The commentary team were speculating if LA Park will cash in his title shot tonight or not.
We saw that Contra Unit and the Von Erichs were brawling backstage and keeping each other from ringside. Back in the ring, Samael took his spike from his boot and ran with it at Lawlor, but the champion moved and the Contra Unit maniac stabbed the turnbuckle instead.
After connecting with a spinning heel kick, Lawlor got disqualified for shoving the referee to the mat after he tried to stop Lawlor from going after Samael with the spike.
– Fusion went off the air with Lawlor and Samael brawling at ringside, and the Von Erichs, Fatu, and Gotch fighting backstage.
Next Week —
MLW World Heavyweight Champion Tom Lawlor defends against Jacob Fatu
Myron Reed vs. Rey Horus
“The Jim Cornette Experience” with Salina de la Renta
If you thought last week’s Sami Callihan vs.Mance Warner falls count anywhere match was crazy, wild, and chaotic — you ain’t seen nothing yet. The Von Erichs debuted and looked great, picking up the win for their team against Contra Unit in the main event.
Full Recap —
– We opened with a mock funeral for Sami Callihan and his MLW career, complete with a headstone in the middle of a graveyard. Narrated by Jimmy Havoc, he mocked Callihan for losing last week’s loser leaves MLW match against Mance Warner as we saw clips from the brutal match.
Havoc warned Warner that he will eventually end up the same too. At the end, the camera panned out to show Salina de la Renta and Havoc side by side, dressed in black like some modern version of the Addam’s Family. De la Renta ended with “Rest in peace… you warthog.”
Richard Holliday vs. Teddy Hart ended in a no contest
MJF joined Rich Bocchini and Jim Cornette on commentary for what seemed to be our opening contest. As Hart was making his entrance, he approached the announce table and confronted MJF. This led to Holliday blindsiding Hart and MJF and Holliday beating Hart down.
MJF hit Hart with Hart’s own Middleweight title belt, then MJF and Holliday ran off with said belt.
– We had a video recap of the Warner vs. Callihan match from last week, including the events leading up to the encounter with de la Renta. We then cut to a taped promo from Warner saying he was played like a fool and was used to get Callihan out of MLW.
Warner challenged Ricky Martinez, El Hijo de LA Park, and finally LA Park himself. Warner ended by calling out Jimmy Havoc, saying he has a head like a baseball and he is going to hit a home run and send it back to the UK. One-by-one Warner is going to take Promociones Dorado out.
Jordan Oliver defeated Isaias Velazquez (4:34)
Oliver is now paying homage to 1992 WWF by dressing in a full body orange “Nailz” jumpsuit. Luckily, he was rather more athletic than the Big Bossman’s prison foe and finished off Velazquez with a cutter off the middle rope.
Velazquez had a bright start, evading Oliver’s attacks, hitting a high dropkick, and connecting with a soccer kick off the apron. But Oliver then crotched him on the top rope and hit what initially looked like a springboard DDT, but he spun to make it a cutter — his first of many. Myron Reed appeared in the crowd with his #Justice sign that the commentators mentioned.
Velazquez came close with a springboard takedown out of the corner, but he then missed a double foot stomp from the top. That let Oliver hit a springboard stunner from the apron, then Oliver leapt off the middle rope for a cutter to pick up the win.
– We saw cell phone footage of Dynasty leaving the building, apparently with Teddy Hart’s Middleweight title.
Low Ki defeated Tom Coffey (0:10)
Ki picked up the KO win with the same running elbow to the face that knocked Ricky Martinez out last week.
After the bell, the cameras caught Ki coming through the Gorilla position. He told us that the top level athletes come here to MLW. He called out Contra Unit and told them the Pandora’s box that they opened is now coming for them. Ki said that they are now in the sights of “the professional.”
MLW World Heavyweight Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Marshall Von Erich & Ross Von Erich defeated Contra Unit (Simon Gotch, Josef Samael & Jacob Fatu) in a tornado tag match (7:42)
The Von Erich brothers made an excellent debut and looked outstanding in this wild and mental main event. The action was everywhere and was non-stop from the opening bell.
Contra showed their first signs of vulnerability as Lawlor and the Von Erichs matched them for brawling, brutality, and balls. Weapons were swinging, fists were flying, and Von Erich dropkicks were launching high into the air. Gotch took the pinfall loss after a back suplex assisted Iron Claw slam from the Von Erichs.
Gotch got nose-to-nose with a fan at ringside as Fatu tried to bait others to come over the rail and try their luck. Someone did try their luck, not a fan, but Lawlor as he gave them a taste of their own medicine and blindsided Contra and jumped them from behind. He was closely followed by the Von Erich brothers as the tornado six-man brawl got underway.
The Von Erichs applied the Claw holds to Gotch and Samael before Fatu made the save. Marshall and Fatu then went at it, with the Von Erich brother getting the better of the Samoan. Samael and Gotch joined in — and quickly the numbers game played in Contra’s advantage.
Lawlor had a rear naked choke on Fatu on the outside, but Lawlor ate the guardrail soon after. Fatu entered the ring with a chair, but it was bounced back off his skull with a Von Erich dropkick. Fatu was then sent flying with a double dropkick from the brothers.
The fast and chaotic start slowed down as the six brawled around ringside. Lawlor was suplexed on the apron multiple times and was then duck taped to the ring post.
Samael used a steel chair on the Von Erichs before getting them into the ring. Fatu hit his springboard jump-up moonsault off the top rope onto both Von Erichs as Marshall jumped on top of Ross to try and soften the blow.
A referee cut Lawlor loose and he appeared with a piece of wooden board and obliterated it over Fatu’s head. No hands up, no protection, full on exploding wood straight over the head. Fatu stayed on his feet, so Lawlor went “Filthy” and kicked him between the legs to take him out of the action.
Samael was taken out with wood to the gut from Lawlor and a dropkick from the barefoot Marshall, who sprang to his feet and called for the Claw. He applied the Iron Claw to Gotch, and with the help from his brother Ross hitting a back suplex, they Iron Claw suplexed Gotch down to the mat for the win in their MLW debut, handing Contra Unit their first official pinfall loss.
Contra did not give up after the bell. Officials came out to break up the fighting as Lawlor and the Von Erichs held their own. During the melee, MLW producer Alex Greenfield fell and hit his head. When he eventually made it back to his feet, he was floored again and choked by Gotch to the disgust of Cornette and Bocchini.
Ring announcer Tim Barr also took a right hand from Fatu as the action and brawling was spilling everywhere. Lawlor reappeared and choked Fatu with one of Contra’s spikes. Bocchini made the call of the night to perfectly describe the scene: “This is nuts!”
Fatu put a referee through a table and Samael smacked the ref with a chair. They then went after Bocchini and Cornette on the entrance stage as Lawlor and the Von Erichs celebrated inside the ring.
Filthy Four Daily with Bryan Alvarez and Filthy Tom Lawlor is back today with tons to talk about including Tom’s adventures in Beyond Wrestling, Bryan’s potential return to the ring after a two week retirement, Smackdown from Tuesday night with the build towards Stomping Grounds and tons more. A fun show as always so check it out~!
MLW has announced their next World Heavyweight Championship match.
During this week’s episode of MLW Fusion, it was revealed that Tom Lawlor will defend his World Championship against Jacob Fatu at the promotion’s television tapings in Cicero, Illinois on Saturday, July 6. The tapings are taking place at Cicero Stadium and are being called “Kings of Colosseum.”
Lawlor has been feuding with Contra Unit (Fatu, Josef Samael & Simon Gotch) since the group formed and attacked him in March. On MLW’s Fury Road live special last weekend, there was an angle where Contra Unit attacked Lawlor and abducted him before Lawlor escaped.
Lawlor also teamed with the Von Erichs (Ross & Marshall) in a tornado six-man tag match against Contra Unit at last week’s tapings.
Lawlor has been MLW World Champion since winning the title from Low Ki in February.
Kings of Colosseum will feature a double main event, with Dr. Wagner Jr. & El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. LA Park & El Hijo de LA Park also set.
Contra Unit took out Barrington Hughes, Ace Romero, Rey Fenix, Pentagon Jr., Low Ki and MLW World Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor all in one night.
Show Recap
– A “Filthy” Tom Lawlor video package opened up this week’s Fusion, highlighting his title win against Low Ki, and previewing tonight’s challenge against “Avalanche” Robert Dreissker.
– Rich Bocchini and Jim Cornette hyped next week’s National Openweight title tournament final between Brian Pillman Jr. and Alexander Hammerstone. We cut to a backstage interview with Kaci Lennox, Richard Holliday, and Hammerstone where Holliday explained that MJF was away working out what they are going to do with all the extra money that Hammer will bring in when he wins the title next week.
He said they are the cornerstone of MLW and should be marketed as such. Hammerstone added he has a genetic advantage against Pillman and Pillman wont remember a thing when he is finished with him.
Contra Unit (Josef Samael and Jacob Fatu) defeated Barrington Hughes and Ace Romero (1:14)
This was the usual Contra Unit domination followed by a post-match beatdown. Hughes and Romero were announced as having a combined weight of 872 pounds, but it did not help them as Contra swiftly took them out in this unsanctioned fight. Samael used a spike to the back of the head of Romero to eliminate him from the action. They then doubleteamed Hughes until Fatu hit his triple jump moonsault for the win. Samael assaulted Hughes after the bell with his curl toed boot.
– Footage was aired from earlier on this evening showing Contra Unit attacking and assaulting Rey Fenix and Pentagon Jr. Samael shot a fireball into Fenix’s face and the feed was cut shortly after.
– After a Von Erichs video package, Lennox gave us a live update saying that when doctors attended to Fenix, his flesh came off with his mask after the fireball attack.
– “Filthy” Tom then updated us on his current situation. He said Contra Unit hasn’t rattled him and he is focused on the Avalanche. He said Bocchini should be questioning Robert Dreissker, LA Park, and Contra Unit on how they will get the world title off him.
– They aired a Teddy Hart vs. Jimmy Havoc hype package followed up by Mance Warner picking up his winnings from the pay window, followed by an Austin Aries hype graphic that has aired before.
Low Ki and Ricky Martinez (with Salina de la Renta) defeated Troy Hollywood and “The Hitman For Hire” Mr. Grim (1:34)
There was tension between Low Ki and de la Renta before and after the match as they argued walking down the ramp while the announcers talked up their tension throughout this short match. Hollywood was turned inside out by a Martinez clothesline. A Low Ki crossface, a Martinez knee to the face, and a double foot stomp from Low Ki followed which gave the former MLW Champion the easy pinfall victory for his team.
After the match, the announcers questioned if Low Ki was making a statement to de la Renta with the directness of his offense.
Contra Unit’s music then hit as Jacob Fatu made his way to the ramp. Martinez bailed and left Low Ki in the ring alone with him. They exploded into a brawl, but the rest of Contra Unit joined the attack and beat down Low Ki 3-on-1 as the announcers screamed that Salina and Martinez left him high and dry. Fatu flattened him with a pop-up Samoan drop. The announcers mentioned the mounting body count at the hands of Contra Unit.
– H2tv was next. This week, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Teddy Hart talked up Pillman’s title match next week against Barrington Hughes. They told him to work on his stamina as Hammerstone will eventually blow up and run out of gas. Pillman said it’s not about the size of the dog in the fight, it’s about the size of the fight in the dog and that he’s doing this for his brother’s and his family’s legacy.
MLW World Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeated “Avalanche” Robert Dreissker to retain (7:53)
Dreissker was compared to Otto Wanz by Jim Cornette throughout this hard hitting brawl. Lawlor picked up the win with his rear naked choke, but his war with the Contra Unit has only just got started.
After early fury from Lawlor, the match made its way outside where Dreissker slammed him into the ring post, slowing the champion down. Back inside, Avalanche hit a huge splash for a two count.
Lawlor fought back a few times, but Dreissker’s strength kept him in control each time the champ rallied. Lawlor eventually hit a German after sliding through the bigger man’s legs. He followed up with a forearm smash in the corner, but Dreissker retaliated with an avalanche splash and a Samoan drop.
Avalanche went to finish Lawlor off but missed a Vader bomb which was the opening Lawlor needed. He rammed Dreissker with a knee to the face and locked in the rear naked choke for the tapout win.
After the bout, Contra Unit added to their body count, bringing it up to six on this show alone. They attacked Lawlor 3-on-1 leading to Gotch hitting a piledriver and Fatu hitting his triple jump moonsault. They draped the Contra Unit flag over the fallen Lawlor who was still, just barely, grasping the World title.
– Backstage, Salina de la Renta was instructing LA Park to cash in his world title shot on Lawlor right this second, but out of nowhere, Mance Warner and Sami Callihan jumped him to prevent it. We went off the air with de la Renta furious at Callihan and Warner for ruining the opportunity.
