Fusion #113
Date: December 9, 2020
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared St. Laurent, Rich Bocchini

Last week’s show was the best since the Restart and we’re in for some good stuff if they can keep that up. What matters here is capitalizing on the momentum and the big piece is in place as the Von Erichs defend the Tag Team Titles against Contra. That could go either way so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Contra says MLW hasn’t taken control of anything and promises to bring the heroes to their knees. Look at what they have done to Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Alex Hammerstone. Tonight, they come for the Tag Team Titles.

Opening sequence.

Zenshi vs. Calvin Tankman

Zenshi’s legsweep has no effect to start and a dropkick to the back just annoys Tankman. A hurricanrana sends him into the corner and a kick to the head staggers the monster a bit. That’s about it for the offense though as Tankman plants him with a spinebuster and chops away in the corner. Tankman sends him flying but Zenshi knees his way out of a suplex. A handspring Pele rocks Tankman for a bit but he hits Zenshi in the throat. The Tankman Driver finishes Zenshi at 3:44.

Rating: D+. This was designed to make Tankman look like a cross between a tank and a man, which worked out well enough. Having him shrug off everything Zenshi threw at him made for some good visuals, as Tankman seems to be someone they want to push. Given how many names they have lost/are losing, that is one of the most important things they can do at the moment.

Tankman says that’s just a small taste so line him up some more opponents. Heavyweight Hustle is going to knock them all down.

We look back at Richard Holliday and Low Ki winning their first round Opera Cup matches.

Salina de la Renta is at the Aztec Ruins (labeled as such) where she is looking for a certain man. Salina talks about a man being caught in a horrible earthquake in Mexico City in 1985 (uh oh) but a witch brought him back to life. She whips out a knife, licks it, and says she is summoning Pascal Mendoza. This isn’t going to go well.

Dan Lambert doesn’t like Low Ki moving forward in the tournament while King Mo is sitting on the sidelines.

Violence Is Forever vs. Jason Dugan/Robert Martyr

Violence Is Forever is Team Filthy’s Kevin Ku/Dominic Garrini and the jobbers don’t even get first names to start things off. Garrini takes Dugan over with a quick judo throw but a cross armbreaker attempt sends Dugan bailing to the ropes. Ku comes in to step on Dugan’s arm and a brainbuster/kick to the head combination (better known as Chasing the Dragon but not called that of course) finishes at 1:54.

Low Ki is ready to kick Richard Holliday’s Air Pods out.

Holliday hopes Low Ki’s bravado can handle his rarefied air.

We look at Myron Reed challenging Lio Rush.

Rush says he needs no introduction as he is on the way to the studio to record another hit. He won’t be facing Reed on December 23 because Rush is coming for the title on the first show of the new year. Until then, Reed can eat his off brand cereal and train like never before.

We get a sitdown interview with Alex Hammerstone, who isn’t worried about Mags Krugger. He’s also cleared to wrestle so he’ll be back in the ring next week.

Contra hacks the feed and Krugger wants Hammerstone at Kings of Coliseum on January 6.

Opera Cup Semifinals: Low Ki vs. Richard Holliday

Holliday starts fast by stomping Low Ki down in the corner, followed by a hard elbow to the face. Ki is right back with a running elbow of his own and a hard chop, only to get dropped face first onto the turnbuckle. It’s time to start working on Ki’s leg and a belly to back suplex gets two. Holliday switches gears by moving to the arm….followed by a backbreaker as he is certainly mixing things up.

Ki comes back with a choke out of the corner but Holliday falls down into the ropes for the break. Back up and Holliday hits a quick clothesline and they’re both down for a bit. It’s Holliday back up with a heck of a pop up sitout powerbomb for two, meaning it’s time to yell at the referee. A spinebuster gets the same as commentary is getting way into this. Ki dropkicks him into the corner, setting up the Warrior’s Wrath (top rope double stomp) for the fast pin at 9:19.

Rating: B-. This started picking up the pace at the end and that’s great to see from Holliday. I know he gets most of his attention for the talking but he has surprised me in the ring more than once. Ki has been WAY better in MLW than anywhere else I remember seeing him and that’s a great surprise. Both guys were working here and I could have gone with five more minutes.

Post match Ki grabs the Caribbean Title. Sweet on a possible rematch.

We go to the Kings of Coliseum Control Center with Reed defending the Middleweight Title against Lio Rush confirmed.

Reed says it’s time but Rush isn’t taking the title from him.

Tag Team Titles: Contra Unit vs. Von Erichs

Simon Gotch and Jacob Fatu are challenging for Contra. The brawl starts on the floor with the music still playing and the champs taking over. Ross and Simon get in the ring to officially start with Ross snapping off a fisherman’s suplex. Fatu isn’t having that and comes in with the superkick to take over.

Some kicks to the chest don’t do much as Fatu pulls him back in by the leg. It’s back to Gotch for the chinlock for a bit but Fatu comes back in and gets low bridged to the floor. The hot tag brings in Marshall to clean house as everything breaks down. A hurricanrana sends Fatu outside and Marshall claw slams Gotch through a board at ringside. Cue Jordan Oliver and Violence Is Forever for the brawl and double DQ at 7:14.

Rating: C-. This didn’t have time to get very far and that might be for the best. You absolutely don’t want Contra losing but I can see why you don’t want them to win the titles yet. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rematch at Kings of Coliseum or on a big Fusion, but for now it was just an ok at best match and the ending came when it should have.

Overall Rating: C. The show had more energy this week and hopefully that keeps up because it helped a bit here. The wrestling wasn’t as good as it was last time around but at least they had a nice show for the most part. They still aren’t hitting their stride with the big matches most of the time but at least the show was decent enough as a whole. I want to see where some of these people go and that’s a good sign for the future.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

Fusion #112
Date: December 2, 2020
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared Saint. Laurent, Rich Bocchini

The Opera Cup continues this week with another first round match. Other than that we are going to be seeing more from Contra, whose reign of terror continues over the whole show. I’m not sure what that is going to mean but it could be interesting see where they are heading from here. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with Low Ki and Davey Boy Smith Jr. talking about their rematch from last year’s Opera Cup when Smith escaped with a win.

Opening sequence.

Contra hacks the feed to start and says that they are preparing for their next strike while everyone in American is eating their chemistry infused poultry. We are introduced to Mads Krugger, the masked man who took out Hammerstone two weeks ago. He is the poison that has been injected into MLW and carnage will follow.

Opera Cup First Round: ACH vs. Laredo Kid

Kid’s AAA Cruiserweight Title isn’t on the line. They trade arm control to start until Kid grabs a rollup for two. The quick headlock is broken up and it’s another standoff. Kid shoulders him down and a missile dropkick puts ACH on the floor. That means the big dive to take ACH down again because that’s what a good luchador is going to do.

ACH sends him outside for a change though and it’s a kick from the apron to drop Kid again. There’s a snap suplex on the floor and a backbreaker gives ACH two back inside. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker gets the same and ACH dropkicks him out to the floor. Kid is back in with a neck snap and Three Amigos get two on ACH for a change.

There’s a Michinoku Driver into back to back moonsaults to give Kid two more but ACH is right back with a sunset bomb out of the corner for the same. Kid crotches him on top though and it’s a springboard cutter for the next near fall. ACH is back up to crotch him on top though and the brainbuster finishes Kid at 14:10.

Rating: B-. This was all about having two people go out there and do their flips and dives and cool looking moves for a long time and that’s exactly what they did. I’ve lost a lot of interest in ACH since his crazed tirades against WWE, but at the same time he can do some rather impressive stuff in the ring. Kid is the same, and they had a very entertaining match here.

Post match ACH says he’s the new game and wants his next opponent.

We look at Tom Lawlor advancing to the semifinals last week.

Lawlor says Team Filthy is coming for the Tag Team Titles with Kevin Coo coming next week.

The Von Erichs are still in Hawaii and are going crazy about Contra. Ross thinks he might have clawed a shark to death.

We look at Davey Boy Smith winning the Opera Cup last year.

Salina de la Renta is in Mexico because she has business getting rid of Konnan. She sings in Spanish and it seems to be a threat.

Another clip from Smith vs. Ki.

Mads Krugger vs. Ariel Dominguez

Krugger is wearing exactly the same gear (down to the colors) that Braun Strowman wore in the Wyatt Family. The much smaller Dominguez gets thrown around the ring with ease to start before diving into a one armed chokebreaker. A half nelson facebuster (think a Glam Slam but with a half nelson instead of a double chickenwing) to finish Dominguez at 1:47.

Post match Contra’s Death Squad comes out to put Dominguez in a body bag.

We look at the end of Smith winning the Opera Cup. It wasn’t that memorable of a match.

We look at Richard Holliday arguing with Gino Medina last week.

Holliday dedicates his first round win to Alex Hammerstone and…..yeah let’s dedicate the second round match to him as well.

Next week: Contra vs. the Von Erichs for the Tag Team Titles.

Opera Cup First Round: Low Ki vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Low Ki has Masahiro Chono inspired gear and it’s a feeling out process to start. Smith powers him onto the apron so Ki is right back to take it to the mat. That’s reversed into a headlock on the mat as commentary recaps the history between Low Ki and Dan Lambert and company. The headlock is switched into an armbar but Ki gets to his feet and strikes away. A dragon screw legwhip takes the knee out and Smith seems to be hurt. That works for Ki, who stomps away on the knee, only to get snap suplexed back down.

Ki gets in some elbows to the head in the corner until Smith dumps him outside in a heap. A suplex brings Ki back in for two more and it’s back to Ki’s arm. Smith takes him down by the arm and it’s a seated armbar to keep Ki in trouble. Ki manages to get in a quick victory roll for two so Smith hits a German suplex. The armbar goes on again but Ki escapes another German suplex attempt and hits the double stomp.

A springboard kick to the head connects and it’s something like a Black Widow to send Smith bailing to the rope. Ki dropkicks him into the corner but Smith catches Ki on top. The superplex is broken up but Ki charges into a powerslam. The running powerslam is countered into a dragon sleeper in the ropes. That’s broken up as well, so Ki goes with a victory roll for the pin at 20:13.

Rating: B. This was a heck of a match with both guys doing their thing really well. Smith is a unique mixture of power and submissions while Ki is the striking and submissions. It was a great back and forth match with the two of them looking awesome. Word on the street is that this is it for Smith in MLW, so at least he went out with a good one.

Here are the updated brackets:

ACH

Tom Lawlor

Low Ki

Richard Holliday

Low Ki says his opponents have options: pinfall, submission, go to sleep. It’s all the same to him.

Overall Rating: B+. Now that was a good use of an hour with a pair of awesome matches and the new Contra monster looking awesome. I had a great time with this show and it’s the kind of thing I was hoping for with the whole relaunch. Very good show and hopefully we get more like this going forward.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #111
Date: November 18, 2020
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared Saint Laurent, Rich Bocchini

I’m not sure what to make of things around here. Last week’s show wasn’t the worst but it also didn’t exactly live up to the expectations I was hoping for around here. It’s time to start the Opera Cup again and while it’s a nice idea, it’s not like the first one was a blow away idea. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a quick preview of tonight’s first round Opera Cup matches.

Opening sequence.

We look at the end of last week’s show with a new member of Contra attacking Alex Hammerstone.

Earlier today, Richard Holliday didn’t think much of Contra and promises that Hammerstone will be fine. He runs into Gino Medina, who claims he quit the Dynasty while Holliday insisted he was fired. Medina implies violence by the end of the night.

Opera Cup First Round: TJP vs. Richard Holliday

Holliday has the Caribbean Title held up but makes it clear that this is non-title. The bigger Holliday shoves him down without much effort to start so TJP runs the corner for a headlock takeover. A basement dropkick sends Holliday bailing into the corner for a breather and the threat of the Octopus sends Holliday to the ropes a moment later. We settle down to TJP working on a hammerlock, followed by an armdrag to frustrate Holliday even more.

TJP slips out of a suplex attempt and hits a dropkick to the back. Holliday is knocked outside and that means it’s the Wrecking Ball dropkick to keep him in trouble. Back in and TJP gets crotched on top to finally give Holliday control. Holliday starts stomping away at the leg before switching over to the arm. TJP is right back up and slides through the legs to grab a Sharpshooter. Make that a Muta Lock, followed by a Pentagon arm snap.

Holliday’s arm is fine enough to drop TJP onto the apron but TJP snaps off a top rope hurricanrana. Holliday plants him back down and grabs the chinlock, which is enough to start TJP’s comeback. A not great looking tornado DDT sets up Three Amigos but Holliday hits a spinebuster. The Market Crash finishes TJP at 10:25.

Rating: D+. Not their best showing here as it was just a collection of moves that took up about ten and a half minutes. I’ve seen better from both of them so maybe it was just an off night. Either way, this wasn’t quite the best way to start off the tournament, which isn’t exactly thrilling in the first place.

The Von Erichs wish you a happy Thanksgiving. They’re coming for Team Filthy too.

We look back at Myron Reed retaining the Middleweight Title over Brian Pillman Jr. and calling out Lio Rush as his next challenger.

Lio Rush likes the idea of a big debut with a big title shot.

We look at King Mo knockout out Low Ki (thanks to some interference) earlier this year.

King Mo wants the doctors to keep Low Ki out of the ring because his head is too scrambled.

Dan Lambert wants to know why Low Ki is in the Opera Cup but King Mo isn’t.

Salina de la Renta interrupts the announcers and wants to know who tried to get her contract broken. She is running the January 6 episode and no one is canceling that.

Calvin Tankman vs. Robert Martyr

This is Tankman’s debut and he’s a rather large guy who can move around well. Tankman starts fast with a dropkick and chops Martyr down in the corner. Martyr runs into a backbreaker and the Tankman Driver (Drill Claw) finishes at 1:14. Total destruction.

Tankman dedicates that to his baby and now he wants to beat everyone in his path to the World Title. That was to the point.

Alex Hammerstone has ribs, neck and back injuries.

Hammerstone calls in and says the injuries aren’t even keeping him out of the gym, let alone the ring. Contra hacks the feed though and promises to end Hammerstone.

Opera Cup First Round: Rocky Romero vs. Tom Lawlor

Team Filthy is here with Lawlor and I’ve missed the I HAVE COME TO KILL YOU theme. Romero blocks an early takedown attempt and grabs a headscissors on the mat as the grappling begins. Romero’s rollup gets two and it’s off to a cravate, which Lawlor reverses into one of his own. That doesn’t go anywhere either so Romero grabs a headlock to slow things down.

Lawlor wins a battle of shoulder blocks but Romero dropkicks him to the floor. A running knee off the apron drops Lawlor again and we hit the chinlock back inside. There’s the Octopus to have Lawlor in even more trouble so he slowly walks to the ropes. A headscissors takes Lawlor down but he pulls Romero into a bow and arrow hold. With that broken up, it’s a Hennig necksnap into a sliding clothesline for two on Romero. Lawlor grabs a Fujiwara armbar before switching to a double arm crank.

That’s reversed into something like a crucifix with a Crossface (that’s a new one) with Lawlor making it over to the rope. Lawlor starts cranking on the leg until Romero uses the good one for an enziguri. Romero’s guillotine choke is countered into an exploder suplex but he’s right back with another tornado DDT.

Lawlor gets tied in the ropes for a middle rope stomp to the back. A running Sliced Bread gives Romero two but Lawlor is right back with Lars Sullivan’s Freak Accident. They strike it out until Lawlor gets two off a backslide. With the rear naked choke not working, Lawlor uses his legs to grab a cradle for the pin to advance at 17:43.

Rating: B-. Good back and forth match here which might have gone a bit longer than necessary. The most important part here though was that it felt like an important match with Lawlor hanging in there to win in the end over a game Romero. It wasn’t a classic, but it did what it was supposed to do and worked well enough.

Post match Lawlor says he is coming for the Opera Cup to add his name to the list of winners.

Overall Rating: C. This was almost all about the tournament and Contra, which seems like it could be the case for a long time to come. Much like last week, what we got here was fine though it wasn’t anything memorable. MLW has a tendency to not have the big fight feeling and that has been the case so far. Maybe they need more time, but it isn’t exactly promising so far.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #110
Date: November 18, 2020
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared Saint Laurent, Rich Bocchini

Oh yeah, this show still exists. It has been over six months since we’ve seen a new Fusion and that means the company is going to be hitting the ground running this week. We have Jacob Fatu defending the World Title against Davey Boy Smith Jr., but it should be interesting to see who is still around and how things go around here. Let’s get to it.

We open with a look at the history of the promotion, even back to the Underground days and coming up to the modern stuff to tie things together. I still don’t quite know if they need to talk about the stuff from almost twenty years ago but it’s not the worst idea. Anyway, Contra has completely taken over the promotion, which is the storyline explanation for the last six months. This is the Restart though and things are finally getting back to normal.

Opening sequence.

Alex Hammerstone vs. Dugan

Non-title and the Nightmare Pendulum finished Dugan (who didn’t even get a first name) at 20 seconds.

Post match Hammerstone says he’s been ranked #1 for way too long and wants his World Title shot.

Quick look at Myron Reed vs. Brian Pillman Jr. for Reed’s Middleweight Title, which was set up back in May but we never got to see the match. Reed defends against Pillman tonight.

Middleweight Title: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Myron Reed

Pillman is challenging….or at least he should be as his music plays but he is nowhere to be seen. More on this later.

Lio Rush is coming.

Stephen P. New is now a sponsor of the show. Make your own jokes (Assuming you have any idea who that is. Otherwise, make jokes anyway.).

Middleweight Title: Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Myron Reed

Pillman is actually challenging this time and Jordan Oliver is here with Reed. Pillman charges at the bell and knocks him to the floor but Reed is ready for the slingshot dive. The chop hits the chest protector to hurt Pillman’s hand though and Reed nails the suicide dive to take Pillman down for a change. Back in and Pillman hits a knee to the head into a slingshot hilo. The scoop powerslam gives Pillman two and we hit the bodyscissors to stay on Reed’s ribs.

Make that an abdominal stretch as commentary has to be very careful about a man from Louisville being all about injustice. We continue the selection of submissions with Pillman slapping on a surfboard. Back up and Pillman misses a charge into the ropes, allowing Reed to hit a springboard elbow to the face. Reed even gets a lot more serious by taking off the chest protector but they hit stereo crossbodies to put both of them down.

A big boot and clothesline drop Pillman, followed by a slingshot legdrop for two. Pillman is ready for another springboard though and this time he grabs a backslide for two of his own. A spinebuster gives Pillman two more and there’s a spinning high crossbody for the same. Reed is right back with a cutter for his own two and it’s time for some deep breaths. Pillman chops him in the back though and it’s a fisherman’s driver for the next near fall. A missed charge into the corner bangs up Pillman’s knee though and it’s the Captain Crunch (White Noise) for the pin to retain at 11:17.

Rating: C. This was a bit of a weird one as Pillman was working heel, which is a big change of pace for him. If nothing else it is cool to see him trying to do something different, which you have to do at his age. Pillman has a famous name, but he still doesn’t have a lot of experience. See what works and what doesn’t and you’ll become a bigger star in the long run.

Post match, Myron Reed says he wants Lio Rush so he can prove himself against the best.

It’s time for Los Parks (oh man they were on fire before everything shut down), who say it’s time to get rid of Contra and win some titles.

Speaking of Contra, they warn us of the silence in the shadows. They are ready for the next stage in the war, with Jacob Fatu promising to break Davey Boy Smith Jr.’s back twice.

Konnan reveals that Salina de la Renta was Contra’s inside person who was helping Contra infiltrate MLW. She has had her manager’s license suspended and faced a fine, but she will be back next week with a statement.

Video on the Opera Cup, which is back next week.

Here are the brackets:

Tom Lawlor

Rocky Romero

Laredo Kid

ACH

Low Ki

Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Richard Holliday

TJP

The alternates are Gino Medina, Jordan Oliver, Hijo de LA Park, King Mo, Dominic Garrini and Daga.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. has been training in Los Angeles and Japan because this is the biggest fight of his career. Sixteen years ago, he was an 18 year old high school student doing his chemistry homework on the way to the MLW shows. Now he’s ready to be World Champion.

Richard Holliday is stuck in the Caribbean and blames Alicia Atout for it. He tried to get her stuck at the Canadian border after all.

The Von Erichs are training in Hawaii with their dad Kevin and say it’s time to prepare.

MLW World Title: Jacob Fatu vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Smith is challenging. They shove each other around to start and go into the power lockup. Smith slaps on a headlock and Fatu isn’t sure what to do with this kind of strength. A collision doesn’t go anywhere so Smith gets in a powerslam for two. An exchange of headbutts makes them both shout a lot with Smith knocking him down for another two. There’s the delayed vertical suplex for the same on Fatu but Smith might have hurt his back.

Fatu is smart enough to whip him into the corner a few times and some headbutts to the back make it even worse. We hit the torture rack for a bit but Fatu’s charge into the corner hits knees. A charge hits post to rock Fatu again and Smith drops a leg for two. Fatu is right back with a swinging side slam to bang up the back even more but he takes too long going up. Smith cuts him off but the back gives out again, meaning it’s a Samoan drop into the moonsault to retain the title at 10:22.

Rating: C. It was a good power match, but I never once bought that Fatu was in trouble. Smith can do all of the moves and looks good doing them, but the lack of emotion hurt this a bit. It’s going to take someone special to get the title off of Fatu, and that makes for some interesting moments as we move forward around here. I’m not sure how much more Smith is going to do in MLW, but his challenge here wasn’t quite inspiring.

Post match Fatu says no one can stop Contra and calls out Alex Hammerstone. Cue Hammerstone, but a man in a mask jumps him with a chair and gives him a chokeslam onto the apron to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. It’s nice to have MLW back, but this wasn’t exactly inspiring. It felt like they were just trying to pick up where they left off and that’s kind of hard to do after so many months away. The show wasn’t terrible or even bad though and the matches did feel somewhat big. They just needed to feel bigger, and that could have been done with a few more weeks to get back to normal.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #109
Date: May 9, 2020
Location: Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, AJ Kirsch

We’ll wrap it up here as MLW is out of original content after tonight. I’m not sure what to expect here, but the best thing is that LA Park will be in the ring tonight. I remember him back in WCW over twenty years ago and last week had me laughing more than once. It took some time but he’s one of the best things going at the moment. He just might not be around for awhile. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Psycho Clown is ready to bring the rest of his clowns to take out the Parks.

Opening sequence.

The announcers preview the show.

The Parks want the Tag Team Titles.

Konnan is happy with the Super Series and now they want a rematch on MLW’s court.

Dan Lambert wants Low Ki to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Pagano wants to change lucha libre. Every party needs a clown.

The Dynasty is in Bucksnort, Tennessee and the smell has ruined Richard Holliday’s coffee. Gino Medina brings up meth gators but they realize that Hammerstone is gone. Hammerstone pops up and is AMAZED that there are raccoons over here. Holliday needs out of here now.

Here’s the Top Ten:

10. Dominic Garrini

9. Low Ki

8. Mance Warner

7. King Mo

6. Richard Holliday

5. Tom Lawlor

4. Brian Pillman Jr.

3. Myron Reed

2. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

1. Alexander Hammerstone

We look back at the Dynasty buying Savio Vega’s childhood home and naming himself Richie Two Titles.

Mance Warner has been drinking and thinking about climbing the ladder of success. Not in a ladder match, but there will be ladders involved. It needs to be Warner/Savio Vega vs. the Dynasty with the titles, the house and Gino Medina’s gold watch above the ring. It’s going to be a Triple Tower of Doom match, with a caged ring on the bottom, with a bunch of weapons included. Above that, we have a cage with light tubes and barbed wire because red equals green. Then at the very top is all the gold. It’ll be two on three, but maybe he can call up Big Sexy, Glacier or PN NEWS!

We recap the Super Series, with MLW up 4-3 going into the final match.

Los Parks vs. Nino de Hamburguesa/Nicho El Millionairio/Psycho Clown

The Parks are representing MLW and Nicho is better known as Psicosis. Psycho Clown and Park’s sons are wearing unidentified titles. The Parks start the fight in a hurry and the beating is on. Park Jr. hits Nino in the head as Park and Clown fight into the crowd. Hijo and Nicho are inside as well with the skeletons hammering away with some chairs.

A bar table is thrown in and Nino is knocked through a regular table at ringside. Park and Clown are back and a bar table to Clown’s face puts him down. A middle rope triple bomb has Nino bouncing off the bar table and the skeletons are dominating. We need some more weapons so it’s time for a trashcan and a crate of beer bottles. The Clown gets hit in the head with the crate and Nino gets suplexed onto the trashcan.

Nino loses his shirt and gets whipped with a belt, followed by some chops to the rather large chest and stomach. He finally runs the Parks over with a shoulder and it’s Clown taking LA Park into the crowd for a beating with chairs. The sons are beaten down with chairs inside as well, including a low blow to Park Jr. Clown and company run in a circle around the ring as Park is back in. He stares down all three of them at once and we actually get down into a regular tag format. Sure why not after the ten minute brawl.

A right hand drops Clown but everything breaks down again, with the Parks all being knocked down. Nino hits a big triple splash and Clown grabs a sloppy victory roll for two on Park. Park gets sent head first into Hijo’s crotch and Nicho hits a triple Bronco Buster. Nino adds a triple Cannonball and it’s a triple rollup for two each on the Parks. Nicho is left alone for a Downward Spiral on Hijo for a near fall so Hijo pops back up for a Superman punch. A Codebreaker out of the corner rocks Nicho and Park Jr. superkicks Nino.

Back up and Nino drops a leg on Park Jr. so Park kicks the referee to break up the count. We get another Park vs. Clown showdown so they can chop and clothesline it out. Park gets the better of it until Nicho comes in to chop Park in the back. A spinwheel kick drops Park for two but he pops up and tells Nicho to hit him. There’s another spinwheel kick to put Park outside, setting up a suicide dive.

Clown hits a big flip dive onto Park, Park Jr. and Nicho. Hijo adds an Asai moonsault so Nino dives….onto his own partners by mistake. Back in and a German suplex drops Nicho for a ridiculously delayed two (the referee couldn’t have been more out of position if he tried). Cue Pagano with a chair to take out the Parks but the referee gets rid of him. Park spears Nicho down for the pin at 22:04.

Rating: C. This went on for a long time and while it could have been cut down, I was never bored and there were some entertaining spots. I wouldn’t have bet on Park being someone so fun to watch but he has grown on me a lot in recent months. This felt like a huge match and while it probably felt bigger in Mexico, it worked well here.

MLW – 5

AAA – 3

That’s the final score of the series and I’m sure they’ll do this again.

Contra hacks the feed and we see a bloody Davey Boy Smith Jr. down with a Contra flag draped over him. Tonight, the war is waged. He has promised a reckoning for over a year and tonight it is taking place. Josef Samael is at MLW Headquarters in New York where he is now sitting on the throne. We see wrestlers and executives being attacked and laid out as Samael says the rise of MLW is over. Contra has seized the company and if you try to rise up, the soldiers will have a violent response. So there’s your angle for why there are no more shows for the time being.

Overall Rating: C+. The match itself was fine and then the big angle at the end of the show made it better. This was definitely more like a season finale and I’m not sure when we will be seeing more of the standard MLW shows. It’s a shame that they went out on such an intriguing note, but well done for setting up a cliffhanger for their return.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #108
Date: May 2, 2020
Location: Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, AJ Kirsch

MLW took over the Super Series last week and this time around it’s Injustice’s chance to win some titles. The big main event is for the AAA Trios Titles, which could be a heck of a match as Injustice can do well in the ring. I’m not sure what to expect from this show but it should be rather energized. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Injustice knew they’d get here and they’re ready to win some gold.

Opening sequence.

Black Destiny/Fantastick/Rayo Star vs. Mocho Cota Jr./Tito Santana/Carta Brava Jr.

This is not part of the Super Series. Destiny and company have an unnamed woman with them. And no it’s not that Tito Santana. Cota and company headscissors the other three to the floor setting up the triple dives to put everyone down. Fantastick hurricanranas Brava into the corner as commentary does that annoying thing where they don’t say who is who in a match where a lot of fans aren’t familiar with the wrestlers.

A Code Red gets two on Santana and it’s Cota coming in to dropkick Star. Everything breaks down with Star getting catapulted into a chair shot to the head (well the arms in front of the head so it’s not as bad). Star gets thrown over the barricade and through a bunch of chairs, followed by a double basement dropkick to the masked face.

Back from a break with Brava hitting an Alberto double stomp on Fantastick for two with Star making the save. A crucifix bomb hits Star with Destiny making her own save. Destiny grabs the Lethal Injection for two on Cota as everything breaks down one more time.

A dropkick and Canadian Destroyer give Cota and company a triple near fall, leaving Destiny to put Brava on the barricade. The suicide dive crushes him so Santana and Cota take out Fantastick and Santana with their own suicide dives. The unnamed woman goes up top for a corkscrew dive onto Fantastick and Star. Back in and a frog splash finishes Star at 10:55.

Rating: C+. It was fun and the kind of lucha match that often works but there is only so much that I can get out of six guys I don’t know doing spot after spot. These guys are talented but commentary didn’t seem to know who they were for the most part and that made things even more confusing. Still though, nice opener, as it needed to be.

We recap Richard Holliday taking the Caribbean Title from Savio Vega.

Holliday and Alexander Hammerstone go to Savio Vega’s childhood house (it’s yellow), which Holliday has purchased. He has the Caribbean Title and the title to the house, making him Richie Two Titles. They don’t like the smell around here though so they’re out.

We look at Injustice jumping Brian Pillman Jr.

Pillman wants Jordan Oliver in a hair vs. hair match.

Video on Jinetes del Aire.

And now, more Cooking With LA Park, plus his sons for some bonuses. It’s pork day, and Park wants Psycho Clown to pay attention because Park has the recipe for PAIN. After a promo on Pagano coming to MLW, Park is ready to cook. We start with a hint of blubber but hold on because Park needs to rant about the clowns embarrassing America. With that heating up, it’s time to fry the father of Psycho Clown: Super Porky.

The sons have cut up the “tomatoes, onions and other gimmicks”, allowing Park to yell about Psycho Clown needing to work hard in MLW. We flash forward to the sons talking about how the family eats like champions. Park adds the sausage, bacon and pork, followed by the chopped steak. As that cooks, Park talks about how the Parks want all the MLW titles. Their next target is Konnan, who is bringing the clowns for the Parks to conquer.

Now they add salt, pepper and garlic, the latter is good for the blood pressure of obese wrestlers. Park adds in more sausage, which is WAY better than American sausage you see. Onions and tomatoes are added and, after that cooks a bit, it’s time for tomato juice and water. Finally it’s the seasoning cubes and flour tortillas…..and the feed cuts out. This was over twelve minutes long and hilarious with Park having to stop for one rant about Pagano and Psycho Clown after another. And now I’m hungry.

Video on the Super Series. MLW is up 4-2, meaning AAA can only tie.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. wants Jacob Fatu because the title match is coming. If Fatu can survive a running powerslam, it’s the Crossface to make Smith champion.

Video on Injustice.

We look at the Hammerstone vs. Mance Warner brawl from two weeks ago.

Warner doesn’t like Holliday buying Savio’s house but he’ll deal with him later. As for Hammerstone, he can get all the candy he wants in Mexico but he’s still got knees that can be hit with a baseball bat. He doesn’t care how big Hammerstone is because he has heart. This is for the people at home and he isn’t quitting. They’ll fight soon.

Dan Lambert is suing Low Ki for wrecking the press conference last week.

AAA Trios Titles: Jinetes del Aire vs. Injustice

Jinetes (Myzteziz Jr./Octagon Jr./Vikingo) are defending and Injustice throws tortillas to the crowd. It’s a superkick off to start with Reed and Vikingo being the only ones left standing. Vikingo goes up top for a rope walk hurricanrana but Reed flips to his feet for a nice counter. Vikingo flips out of Reed’s hurricanrana so Oliver is back up to kick Vikingo in the face. Myzteziz is back in for a knee to Oliver’s face and a springboard corkscrew plancha. Octagon and Brazil come in for the flip off until the champs come in to triple team Brazil in the corner.

Vikingo pops Brazil into the air for a heck of a missile dropkick from Octagon (that was awesome) for two as Reed makes the save. A Codebreaker into a wheelbarrow suplex into a shooting star press gets two on Reed with Oliver making the save this time around. That leaves Oliver to get beaten up for a change until Reed and Oliver comes back in to bail him out.

A double spinebuster/German suplex combination plants Myzteziz and it’s a neckbreaker into a backbreaker for two on Vikingo. The champs are sent outside again and a big suicide dive hits Octagon. Myzteziz and Vikingo are back in for their own dives, followed by the springboard corkscrew dive from Octagon for a bigger crash.

Back in and two of the three 450s miss with the third one hitting knees to give Brazil two. Oliver gets an ugly German suplex on Vikingo and Brazil hits a big flip dive to take him out again. Reed hits the great running over the top cutter on Octagon to the floor, leaving Myzteziz to get caught in a double Crossface/Boston crab combination.

Cue Brian Pillman Jr. to spit beer in Brazil’s face so the champs are back up with superkicks. Pillman isn’t done as he takes the chair away from Brazil, leaving Vikingo to hit an Asai moonsault. Myzteziz adds a big dive of his own, followed by Octagon hitting an inverted Swanton for the pin to retain at 13:45.

Rating: B. This was similar to the opener but with more talented people who can work this style a lot better. They didn’t stop for the entire match and that made for a good showcase of everyone. Injustice looked like they could hang with the champs the entire time until the interference (which made perfect sense here) and it was a success for everyone involved. Nice stuff here.

MLW – 4

AAA – 3

Overall Rating: B-. I know it wasn’t a big title defense or anything all that important, but what mattered here was that something in the end felt somewhat important. It also helped that there was some solid action and storyline advancement throughout the night. That and LA Park and company cooking, which was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in MLW since it got started. Nice show here, though getting back to normal will be nice….whenever that is.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #107
Date: April 25, 2020
Location: Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, AJ Kirsch

And then there were two. We’re down to what seems to be the final two shows for Major League Wrestling and I’ve been liking these shows from Mexico. If nothing else, it’s been hilarious watching the Dynasty as they are some of the best things going in this company at the moment. Hopefully the matches can live up to their standards. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of the MLW vs. AAA Super Series, which is currently tied at 2-2. There are two more matches this week.

Opening sequence.

Caribbean Title: Richard Holliday vs. Chessman

Holliday is defending and anything goes. Before we get going, Holiday speaks some broken Spanish to brag about his Air Pods. Cue Chessman with a chair and we’re ready to go. Hold on though as Holliday holds up the title himself and makes sure to use some hand sanitizer. Chessman hits him in the face and dropkicks him to the floor but Holliday blocks a dive with the chair.

More chair shots stagger Chessman and give Holliday a VERY slow two as the referee doesn’t seem to think much of Holliday. Some shots in the corner connect as we hear about MLW officially complaining about the AAA refereeing. So at least there’s a story of some sort there. Holliday stomps away even more but a quick chase lets Chessman stomp him down.

That sends Holliday back to the floor for the big suicide dive into the barricade. Now it’s Chessman’s turn to use the chair and it’s time for a strike off back inside. A double clothesline puts them both down but it’s Holliday up first with a superkick. Holliday grabs 2008 for two so Chessman is right back up with a running boot to the face. The moonsault gives Chessman two but a second attempt misses, meaning the Market Crash can finish Chessman at 6:23, even with the referee not wanting to count the pin.

Rating: C. MJF leaving the company could be the best thing that has ever happened to Holliday as he just wasn’t going to get to shine with Friedman around. Holliday is really talented and could be a player in a lot of places, including around here. Chessman is a name and giving Holliday a win over him means something.

MLW – 3

AAA – 2

We look back at Mance Warner and Alexander Hammerstone fighting last week, with Hammerstone going into the birthday cake.

Warner understands that Alicia Atout is upset at him for messing up the birthday party so he apologizes. She can even have a light beer! Alicia is just glad that the a****** MJF is gone. Warner is glad too and now he needs some gold so how about a title shot at Hammerstone? How about we get Alicia a change of clothes? She probably should have changed at some point in the last week.

Douglas James will be out for at least 180 days unless he can get clearance.

And now, Pillow Talk With LA Park. Park is laid next to his wife, who complains that he is asleep while she says goodnight over and over. The laugh track certainly seems to approve as she yells at him. Technical difficulties take us out.

Pagano thinks you can’t have a party without a clown.

Alexander Hammerstone doesn’t understand how society has been turned upside down. People like him are booed and alcoholics like Mance Warner are cheered. Hammerstone should be rocked to the top but he has to deal with speed bumps like Warner over and over. So now Warner wants a title shot? Well Hammerstone will wreck him.

Colonel Robert Parker has been trying to hold unsanctioned wrestling shows on barges outside of Tampa. This didn’t go well, thanks to the US Coast Guard.

The Von Erichs are ready for Team Filthy and jump off a cliff into a river.

Vikingo will be part of the Super Series.

MLW has complained about the AAA referees.

Low Ki has raided the Team Filthy/American Top Team press conference and took some swings. The press conference is off.

Low Ki staggers around a parking lot but promises to take care of Team Filthy and American Top Team, even if he has to call the King.

Hart Foundation vs. Los Mercenarios

That would be Texano Jr. and Rey Escorpion Jr. Before the match, Texano shouts at the crowd in Spanish and they don’t seem happy. Given my limited Spanish abilities, I can see why. It’s a quick brawl to start until Pillman grabs a wristlock on Texano. Pillman has to spin/flip out of Texano’s wristlock and there’s a running slap in the corner. A poke to the eyes gets on Davey’s nerves, allowing the villains to double team Pillman down. He’s right back up to take Texano into the corner for a double suplex but Pillman lets Davey hit the delayed single instead.

That gets a very delayed two so Davey goes back to the arm. Injustice pops up in the crowd as Escorpion comes in to slam Davey, setting up a double superkick for two. An AA backbreaker gets one on Pillman but the referee stops to yell at Davey some more, allowing some double kicks to the face to keep Pillman in trouble.

Escorpion grabs the chinlock but Pillman gets up for a slugout. That just earns him a pull down by the hair so Davey comes in, earning ANOTHER long rant from the referee. Texano gets two off a slingshot hilo and the bull rope to the knee has Pillman in even more trouble. A powerbomb gets two with Davey making a save so Pillman finally hits a jawbreaker and dropkick.

The referee doesn’t see the blind tag though and the stomping continues. Pillman gets over to the corner and crossbodies both of them and NOW the tag brings in Davey to pound away. Texano gets backdropped onto Escorpion and Pillman hits a big no hands flip dive to the floor. Back in and a springboard Hart Attack finishes Texano at 10:27.

Rating: C+. I’m rapidly getting over this biased referee deal. It’s not something that you can do over and over and we’re on the third week of it now. It helps that you have the Harts out there doing well and Los Mercenarios being rather solid heels. This was a fine match, but they needed a better story. Or at least one that doesn’t drag a match down.

MLW – 4

AAA – 2

We preview next week’s show but Contra pops up to say the war is coming. If this isn’t the same promo from a few weeks ago, it’s close enough that it doesn’t make a difference.

Overall Rating: C. Much like the referee story, the Super Series is starting to lose its charm. It isn’t terrible by any stretch and the wrestling has been fine, but I need some more storylines. Warner vs. Hammerstone is going to be a heck of a fight when they get the chance but other than that, there isn’t much going on here and it’s hurting things a good bit. Not a bad show, but I need some more than that week after week.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #106
Date: April 18, 2020
Location: Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, AJ Kirsch

We’re still in Mexico and that means both that the Super Series continues and that MLW is rapidly running out of canned television. They can’t have more than one or two shows left after this and after that, it could be a long time before we see them again. Last week was a good show though so maybe we can go out on a roll. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of Alexander Hammerstone costing Mance Warner and Savio Vega a tag match last week.

Warner went through fire last week and broke a bunch of other things too. Now he wants Hammerstone and the National Openweight Title in the parking lot.

Opening sequence.

Douglas James is ready to show Averno what he is because he loves contact and will never say die.

Douglas James vs. Averno

They take their time to start before going to the grappling for an early standoff. James pulls him into a choke but Averno is straight over to the rope. A dropkick puts Averno on the floor but he trips James down and onto the apron. James gets sent hard into the barricade and then face first into the apron to make it worse.

Back in and a buckle bomb rocks James for two but he wins a chop off. A hurricanrana sends Averno to the floor for a suicide dive, followed by a Meteora back inside. That’s good for one of the slowest counts I’ve seen in a long time so Averno BLASTS James with a forearm…..and that’s a knockout win for Averno at 6:20.

Rating: C. They were hitting each other pretty hard here until the end, which involved hitting someone even harder than usual. Averno seems like a pretty big star and winning via knockout is always something that can make someone look good. Nice back and forth brawl here with a surprising finish.

AAA – 2

MLW – 1

We look at Injustice attacking Brian Pillman Jr. three weeks ago.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. wishes Alicia Atout a happy birthday and is ready to face Team Filthy. As for Brian Pillman Jr., he’s banged up but cleared for Tijuana.

Injustice can’t wait to become the new AAA Trios Champions. They’re not worried about Pillman being healthy either, because he has to be paying off the doctors to clear him. Jordan Oliver continues to grow on me week after week.

Video on Vikingo, a crazy talented high flier.

The Dynasty snuck across the border and hid from locals. Richard Holliday will be defending the Caribbean Title against some yokel named Chessman. And no, Hammerstone does NOT know anything about going to a pharmacy.

Dan Lambert and Low Ki got in an argument on Busted Open Radio.

Here’s the Top Ten:

10. Dominic Garrini

9. Low Ki

8. Richard Holliday

7. Mance Warner

6. King Mo

5. Tom Lawlor

4. Brian Pillman Jr.

3. Myron Reed

2. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

1. Alexander Hammerstone

Pagano wants Jacob Fatu and the World Title.

Alexander Hammerstone hits on Alicia Atout, offering her a couples tanning session. Mance Warner runs in and jumps him.

Post break the brawl continues but we lose the camera feed in a hurry.

Here’s who else will be involved in the Super Series.

Video on Team Filthy.

Team Filthy wants the Tag Team Titles and start on the road tonight. They don’t like the Von Erichs chilling in Hawaii while the two of them are here working.

Update on Warner and Hammerstone: there is no update. As luck would have it though, they brawl out of a room as the update (there is no update) is announced.

Team Filthy vs. Puma King/Xtreme Tiger

It’s Dominic Garrini/Tom Lawler and yes the Tiger King jokes abound. We get a glitch in the video as Tiger is shown in the ring, followed by his entrance. Lawlor strikes away at Tiger to start but gets taken down. That’s fine with Lawlor, who tells him to bring it on. Another takedown lets Tiger talk trash and a kick to the face drops Lawlor again. Lawlor isn’t happy with the fans yelling at him so it’s off to Garrini instead. Puma comes in as well to work on a wristlock but Garrini runs him over.

That just earns him a powerslam and a backsplash from King as the fans start making a lot more noise. Lawlor gets in a cheap shot from the apron though and it’s a suplex to put King down. The villains take turns beating on King in the corner but a quick roll allows the hot tag to Tiger so house can be cleaned. A top rope legdrop between the legs (that’s a new one) hits Lawlor and King grabs the Rings of Saturn on Garrini.

Lawlor is in with a cross armbreaker on Puma at the same time but Tiger keylocks Lawlor at the same time too. That’s all broken up so Garrini chokes King until Tiger makes the save. Tiger is fine enough to escape a beatdown and hurricanrana Garrini to the floor. Something like a reverse Koji Clutch has Lawlor in trouble until Garrini makes a save of his own. Lawlor is back up with a Superman Punch into another choke from Garrini.

King makes another save (get the complete set) and superkicks Lawlor, followed by the springboard dive onto Garrini. La Majistral gets two on Garrini but Lawlor is back in for a forearm to King’s head. Something close to Chasing the Dragon plants King with Tiger making yet another save. Lawlor has finally had enough and chokes Tiger out at 11:14, with the referee taking FOREVER to call for the bell, despite Tiger tapping.

Rating: B-. They might have had one too many saves here but it was the right way to go with Team Filthy starting their paths to the Tag Team Title match. Lawlor is one of the most successful stars the company has ever had so him going after any title is a good idea. Not a bad match either, with King and Tiger both looking good.

AAA – 2

MLW – 2

We go to the back for Alicia’s birthday party but Warner and Hammerstone fight in. Hammerstone goes into the cake to end the show, because classics never die.

Overall Rating: C+. The wrestling was good enough and they advanced the main feud at the moment, though the promotion vs. promotion stuff can only go so far. They’re coming up on the bigger names though and at least we got some solid action on the way to those matches. Good enough show here and hopefully that can continue.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #105
Date: April 11, 2020
Location: Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Mexico
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, AJ Kirsch

It’s time to head back to Mexico for the Super Series with AAA. The company taped an event in Tijuana consisting of nine matches and for the moment, that’s all they have in the can. That should get them three to four weeks and after that, Fusion could go away for a good while. I’m not sure what that is going to mean but we have a few weeks to get there. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a look at Mexico and how important wrestling is around here. In other words, this is a big deal because they’re working with AAA this time around.

Opening sequence.

We have an opening ceremony, with what I assume is the Mexican National Anthem. It’s certainly coming off as important so well done.

We run down the card.

Mance Warner is proud of getting rid of MJF and now he wants the rest of the Dynasty gone. Apparently the rest of the team went to something called a donkey show and that’s not cool. Savio Vega is ready for the street fight tonight. Mance: “Ole Mancer doesn’t know what Savio said in the middle but it sounds good!”

Mortiz/Pagano vs. Savio Vega/Mance Warner

Street fight and Alexander Hammerstone is on commentary. For some reasons they have to tag to start so it’s Savio and Pagano to get things going. They stare each other down until Savio slaps him in the face and hammers away. Savio knocks Mance off the apron by mistake so Mance throws some blind punches over the barricade. Pagano gets sent outside as well and the fight really gets going with everyone brawling on the floor.

Mance pelts a chair at Mortiz’s head and it’s time for the slow motion brawling that you knew was coming. Some chair shots have Mortiz down as Hammerstone wants to know about Vega’s history of tetanus shots. Mortiz is left on the floor as the other three get inside, meaning it’s time for skewers to Pagano’s head (Hammerstone: “THAT’S NOT HOW YOU DO IT SAVIO!”).

Mortiz gets back up so Savio and Mance go outside, meaning it’s a big flip dive from Pagano, who still has some skewers in his head. Mortiz hits his own dive to send everyone through a board against the barricade for the big knockdown. Back in and Pagano puts the chair in the corner but Warner takes it out and throws the thing at Pagano’s head for two more. Warner and Mortiz trade chair shots to the head (with Mance at least putting an arm up) as the hood of a car is thrown in.

Savio powerbombs Mortiz onto the hood and strikes it out with Pagano. Warner is back up to break a chair over Pagano’s head but Ortiz hits Warner in the head with something made of metal. With that out of the way, it’s time to light a table on fire but Warner chokeslams Mortiz through it instead. Hammerstone has to leave to go get his order from the pharmacy as Pagano throws in some doors. A spear puts Warner through one of the doors in the corner for two so Warner sends him through the other one.

That’s only good for two as this just keeps going. Mance hits a running knee to the head and let’s bring in a table for fun. Before that can be used though, here’s Hammerstone to kick Warner in the face, allowing Mortiz to splash Warner through the table. Savio tries to bring in a chair but opts to punch Pagano down instead, only to dive into a crotching on the chair. Pagano hits a running Blockbuster to pin Vega at 16:00.

Rating: D+. It was entertaining at times but the problem is this going WAY too long. There were long parts that could have been cut out with the same match taking place and that’s not a good sign. Hammerstone costing Warner the win keeps them going but sweet goodness this took a lot longer than it should have.

AAA – 1

MLW – 0

King Mo has been suspended for a month and fined $10,000 for attacking Killer Kross.

Tom Lawlor isn’t happy with Mo being suspended because everyone is against Team Filthy. That’s why he and Dominic Garrini are entering the tag team division to take the Tag Team Titles from those cowards the Von Erichs.

Alexander Hammerstone and Richard Holliday wake up very hungover in the wrong hotel room. Gino Medina is nowhere to be seen because he’s gone off with some girls. And yes, they did go to a donkey show. Hammerstone: “After this, only two, three more donkey shows at the most.” They’re not sure if they can wrestle tonight.

Here’s the Top Ten.

10. Dominic Garrini

9. Low Ki

8. Richard Holliday

7. Mance Warner

6. King Mo

5. Tom Lawlor

4. Brian Pillman Jr.

3. Myron Reed

2. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

1. Alexander Hammerstone

We look back at Injustice attacking Brian Pillman Jr., earning themselves a month’s suspension. Must be going around at the moment.

Injustice isn’t paying any fine and they have no remorse over what they did. They would do it two more times. See, they know where you are but you don’t know where they are. Why does no one ever think of asking the cameraman?

Davey Boy Smith Jr. says Brian Pillman Jr. is injured and eating through a straw but he’ll be back. As for a rumored World Title fight, he’s talking business with the boss.

Contra Unit is preparing for the upcoming war. The infiltration of the infidels is underway.

Konnan is excited about the Laredo Kid vs. Hammerstone match but here’s Injustice (so much for hiding) to interrupt. They want the AAA Six Man Tag Team Titles but Konnan isn’t impressed. The title match is on, because Konnan can reverse MLW suspensions.

Psycho Clown accepts LA Park’s challenge and is on the hunt.

Here’s who else is involved in the Super Series.

Hammerstone doesn’t want to hear about the Dynasty’s losing streak because all he does is win.

National Openweight Title: Alexander Hammerstone vs. Laredo Kid

The Kid is challenging and gets shoved down by some raw power to start. It works so well for Kid that he tries it again but some strikes work a bit better. A headscissors puts Hammerstone on the floor and that means a big dive. Back in and Hammerstone is fine enough for a gorilla press into a swinging Side Effect. A delayed butterfly suplex (the Spinal Countdown for a clever name) gives Hammerstone two and it’s time to head outside.

That means a hard whip over the barricade to send Kid flying but he’s right back in with a missile dropkick. Hammerstone is knocked to the floor this time and there’s a suicide dive to rock him again. Back in and a pair of moonsaults gives Kid two but Hammerstone grabs a reverse AA for his own near fall.

A clothesline turns Kid inside and Hammerstone sits him on top. Kid knocks him right back down and hits an excellent looking 450 for his own two. Hammerstone, with his chin busted, hits a bicycle kick but clotheslines the referee by mistake. Therefore, Kid’s super Spanish Fly gets no count so he has to throw the referee back in. That lets Hammerstone hit a German suplex into a powerbomb into the Nightmare Pendulum to retain at 10:41.

Rating: B-. I got into the power vs. speed match here with Kid trying as hard as he could but coming up short. Hammerstone continues to be a monster and as soon as his deal with MLW is up, he’ll be the subject of quite the bidding war. That being said, what was the point of the hangover deal earlier? It was never mentioned once here and Hammerstone was his usual self.

AAA – 1

MLW – 1

We hear about Mance Warner freaking out in the back to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This show was much better about making the show feel like it was in the regular continuity instead of taking a big side trip into Mexico where nothing matters. The Super Series is a simple concept but it’s enough to keep the show moving and give them something to do. The opener running sixteen minutes didn’t help things, but overall, it was a good enough night and I liked what I saw so well done.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #103
Date: March 28, 2020
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: AJ Kirsch, Rich Bocchini

It’s the final night in Philadelphia and that means things should be hitting a high note this week. The main event features King Mo vs. Low Ki in what should be a rather hard hitting match. Things have been up and down around here lately and with just one TV taping left in the can, they’re running out of time to leave on a good show. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We look at the setup of last week’s eight man tag, plus the match itself. The big post match brawl included King Mo joining Team Filthy in an important addition.

Dan Lambert, Mo’s manger, isn’t worried about a suspension because you’re not getting rid of Mo that easily. Mo will be allowed to wrestle during an appeal and he’ll dominate again.

Opening sequence.

Brian Pillman Jr. isn’t here for some reason so his interview is postponed.

Team Filthy aren’t scared of Killer Kross or Low Ki. Dominic Garrini has his own business tonight, in the form of a $1000 challenge.

Dominic Garrini vs. Dr. Dax

If Dax lasts five minutes, he gets $1000. Garrini gets driven into the corner to start but takes Dax down with a legsweep. A choke knocks Dax out at 1:03 so at least they didn’t waste time.

MJF isn’t falling for Mance Warner’s tricks because Warner has as many brain cells as he has teeth. Warner is trailer park trash who is jealous of the silver spoon MJF was born with. He’s an outlaw mudshow s***** wrestler (he’s been listening to his Cornette) and MJF will **** him up next week in an empty arena match.

Pagano is still coming.

Now Brian Pillman’s match has been canceled.

Video on King Mo.

National Openweight Title: T-Hawk vs. Alexander Hammerstone

Hammerstone is defending. The fans are behind Hawk as they lock up to start and it’s a clean break in the corner. Another clean break goes nowhere so Hammerstone shoulders him down instead. More shoulders in the corner keep Hawk in trouble but he’s fine enough to snap off a suplex. Even Hammerstone has to give him that one and a sitout spinebuster gives Hawk two.

With the wrestling not working, Hammerstone forearms and stomps away in the corner. That earns him a trip to the floor but Hammerstone kicks him in the head for his efforts. A whip into the barricade has Hawk in more trouble and we hit the neck crank back inside. Hawk is back up but charges into a book, only to chop Hammerstone off the top in a surprising power display. They trade knees to the face, followed by Hawk kneeing him in the back of the head for the real knockdown.

Hammerstone comes back with a pump kick into a German suplex, followed by a powerbomb for two. The Boston crab stays on Hawk’s back so it’s time for a quick crawl to the rope. Hammerstone kicks and suplexes him again but Hawk is right back with a belly to back faceplant for two (his back seems fine). Hawk goes up so Hammerstone is right there with a running dropkick into a top rope superplex. Now the Nightmare Pendulum can connect to retain the title at 12:17.

Rating: B-. This was a nice surprise as Hawk looked solid and Hammerstone played up to a higher level this time around. Hammerstone is someone who could be a big star on almost any show and it wouldn’t surprise me to see him in AEW sooner rather than later. Hawk seems like someone who could fit in anywhere and I would expect that to be the case for a long time.

Video on Low Ki.

Here’s the Top Ten:

10. King Mo

9. Low Ki

8. Mance Warner

7. Maxwell Jacob Friedman

6. Richard Holliday

5. Brian Pillman Jr.

4. Tom Lawlor

3. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

2. Myron Reed

1. Alexander Hammerstone

Konnan is excited for the AAA vs. MLW series in Tijuana. The Super Series starts in two weeks, so they’re fine for the time being at least.

Mance Warner says the Dynasty has made him even crazier and he’s ready to get rid of MJF.

We look at the merger of American Top Team and Team Filthy last week. Killer Kross has been injured and is undergoing various tests. Maybe those include some WWE physical tests?

Injustice show Alicia some video on their phones and she doesn’t look pleased. We’ll see it in a minute.

King Mo vs. Low Ki

Dan Lambert and Ross Von Erich are the seconds and Mo has his umbrella. He’s no Jack Gallagher but these days, neither is Gallagher. We get the staredown and referee instructions to make this feel like a major fight. They circle and grapple to the ropes to start so it’s an early break from the referee. The fans are behind Ki as they grapple again, with Mo throwing him over the top this time around. Ki comes up holding his leg and the smiling Mo waits against the ropes.

That doesn’t last long though as Ki shoves him off the apron again as they’re certainly finding a way to get through the match without much contact (not a bad thing). Back in and Mo throws knees in the corner before going after the leg again. A leglock/chinlock combination has Ki in big trouble and Mo sends him outside a third time. Ki gets back in again so Mo beats him down in the corner yet again before stopping for jumping jacks.

A kick to the leg stagger Mo though and Ki’s rolling Liger kick rocks him rather well. Ki grabs a choke and Mo is down but here’s Garrini to go after Ross. Marshall and Erick Stevens are here as well, meaning the referee goes outside as well. The distraction lets Tom Lawlor run in with the umbrella to Ki’s head for the knockout. Lambert throws in Ross’ towel and the referee comes back to call it off at 9:52.

Rating: C+. This took some time to get going and almost felt like a Brock Lesnar match until the ending. What mattered here though was making Mo look like a star and the fact that they protected Ki at the same time made it better. There were a lot of smoke and mirrors but at least they did things the way they should have. It felt big coming in, though I’m not sure how it went on the way out.

Post match Mo and Lambert brag about their win. Mo has some great charisma as he tells the fans to bend the knee.

We see the footage from Injustice, which shows the three of them attacking Brian Pillman Jr. in the parking lot. A curb stomp through a cinder block ends the show.

Overall Rating: B-. Good show overall with angle advancement, stuff being set up for future weeks and some solid action. What matters most at the moment is that they have a few more weeks taped and that should keep them going for the time being. I’m not sure how long that is going to keep things going, but at least they had a rather nice show here.

Results

Dominic Garrini b. Dr. Dax – Choke

Alexander Hammerstone b. T-Hawk – Nightmare Pendulum

King Mo b. Low Ki via referee stoppage

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2004 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2019/08/26/new-book-and-e-book-kbs-complete-2004-monday-night-raw-reviews/

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6