Fusion #125
Date: March 17, 2021
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, Jared St. Laurent

We’re almost to Never Say Never with a pair of shows left before the big event. It’s also another double title show this week as Lio Rush defends the Middleweight Title and Los Parks defend the Tag Team Titles. Hopefully things can pick up a bit around here but I’m not sure if I would get my hopes up. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with Injustice and Contra fighting in the back. Los Parks get involved too and referees try to break it up.

Opening sequence.

Middleweight Title: Lio Rush vs. Brian Pillman Jr.

Pillman Jr. answered an open contract for the shot and does not look thrilled to be here. Feeling out process to start with Pillman shoving him down. A shoulder doesn’t do much for Pillman (who seems to be in his dad’s Four Horsemen tights) so he catches a charging Rush with a dropkick to better avail. Rush snaps off a headscissors to the floor and Pillman is in trouble for the first time. An uppercut to the back of the head gives Rush two and he elbows Pillman in the face for the same.

We hit a waistlock on the mat until Pillman elbows his way to freedom. Pillman gets in a few kicks of his own and snaps off a powerslam for two. A suplex takes a bit too long though and Rush kicks him in the face to send him outside. Back in and a kick to the head looks to set up the Final Hour but Pillman catches him on top. Pillman manages the superplex though and they’re both down. Rush is back up with the springboard Stunner into the Final Hour to retain at 9:17.

Rating: C+. Pillman got in more than I was expecting here but there was far from any real drama. The match did work well though, mainly because Rush defending the title makes it feel important. AEW has done a nice job at making the Middleweight Title feel important and that is not something easy to pull off. Nice match here.

Injustice’s Tag Team Title shot will now be a triple threat, also including Contra.

Alex Hammerstone doesn’t like Mil Muertes stealing his title last week. He knows Salina de la Renta is about as evil as you can get but she is most dangerous around old men with big bank accounts. Anyway, Mil Muertes holding a title doesn’t make him a champion so if he has the guts, let Hammerstone make him the main of 1001 deaths.

The Von Erichs want Team Filthy in any way they can get them.

Salina de la Renta, holding the National Openweight Title, says El Jefe wants violence.

Here’s the Top 10:

10. Jordan Oliver

9. Gino Medina

8. Myron Reed

7. Richard Holliday

6. Mads Krugger

5. Calvin Tankman

4. Mil Muertes

3. Low Ki

2. Tom Lawlor

1. Alex Hammerstone

Mil Muertes vs. Parrow

Salina de la Renta is here with Muertes. Neither goes anywhere off an exchange of shoulders so Muertes kicks him in the knee and grabs a low DDT. Muertes chops away in the corner and drops Parrow with a clothesline as we see Bu Ku Dao down in the back. They head outside with Parrow being driven back first into the apron but he drops Muertes back inside. There’s a backsplash for two on Muertes, who is right back with a powerslam for two. The Downward Spiral finishes Parrow at 4:19.

Rating: C-. It was a power match with two big men hitting each other rather hard for a few minutes. Muertes is on his way to a big feud with Alex Hammerstone and it wouldn’t shock me to see him win the title given where they might be going with the Aztec Underground. The match wasn’t great but it did what it was supposed to do so well done on that front.

Bu Ku Dao is still down and his match with TJP might be off.

Video on Calvin Tankman, who is coming for the World Title.

It’s off to the Never Say Never Control Center, with Jordan Oliver vs. Richard Holliday and Myron Reed vs. Daivari being added.

Mads Krugger promises to end Alex Hammerstone. I think he does at least as the audio was hard to understand.

Tom Lawlor is ready to beat up the Von Erichs and ACH in a chain match next week. Simple and to the point here.

Tag Team Titles: Injustice vs. Los Parks vs. Contra

Los Parks are defending, anything goes and it’s Daivari/Simon Gotch for Contra. The fight is on before the champs get to the ring but LA Park is out in a hurry to swing the chair. The violence is on fast with all of the usual greatest hits of weapons making appearances. We settle down to Reed kicking Daivari in the face for two but Hijo chairs Reed in the head. The champs lay Oliver out but everyone is pulled outside to keep up the violence.

The Parks get to double team Gotch this time though, including Park hammering away at Gotch’s head. Back up and Park wins a slugout with Gotch with a kick to the face and a poke to the eye. Park’s dance sets up the Octopus but Oliver wastes no time in making a save. Oliver hits the big dive onto the Parks but Hijo is back up with a dive onto Daivari. Park spears Gotch to retain the titles at 6:45.

Rating: C. It was another crazy brawl, which is probably designed to protect the Parks. They didn’t stop with the action, but the match felt completely thrown together, which is not the best way to go. There were some nice dives but this didn’t feel special in any way as it came off more like putting a title match on the show for the sake of having a title match.

Overall Rating: C. That’s your standard Fusion: nothing too bad, nothing too good, nothing too memorable. The only difference is this one was about ten minutes shorter, which is hardly the highest level of praise. Never Say Never needs to be good or at least have something big go down, because the promotion feels so lifeless these days and it is showing badly.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Fusion #121
Date: February 10, 2021
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared St. Laurent, Rich Bocchini

It’s time for a big night as we have a title vs. title match. This time around it’s the AAA Cruiserweight Champion Laredo Kid vs. MLW Middleweight Champion Lio Rush with both championships on the line. I’m not sure how that is going to go but at least it feels like a big deal. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening video sets up the title match. As it should.

Opening sequence.

ACH vs. Brian Pillman Jr.

For the second time in a row, Pillman doesn’t get an entrance, which doesn’t bode well for his future around here. ACH’s ribs are still banged up but here’s Team Filthy to watch on the stage. Pillman is smart enough to go for the ribs but ACH chops him into the corner without much effort. A dropkick sends Pillman outside as Team Filthy gets a little bit closer. Back in and Pillman elbows him down, setting up a bodyscissors to keep ACH’s ribs in trouble.

ACH slips out and tries a surfboard, sending Pillman straight over to the ropes. More knees to the ribs cut off ACH again but he kicks the knee out for a breather. Team Filthy is at ringside now as ACH wins a slugout but gets backdropped down. Pillman heads up top but ACH runs the corner and kicks him down. The brainbuster finishes Pillman at 5:53.

Rating: C. The wrestling was perfectly fine but you can pretty much tell that Pillman is either done trying here or checked out mentally as he wasn’t exactly on fire here. At the same time, he might as well have been any warm body given how commentary sounded, as there was no reference to his history with the company or much about how good he is in the ring. ACH going over is fine, but Pillman feels like an MLW zombie at the moment.

Post match Team Filthy comes in to jump ACH but the Von Erichs run in for the save. After the ring is cleared, ACH and the Von Erichs say don’t mess with Texas.

We hear Salina de la Renta talking about the owner of Azteca Underground wanting to buy the IWA in Puerto Rico.

Savio Vega says IWA isn’t for sale because the company is for the fans.

We look back at Los Parks retaining the Tag Team Titles last week through some shenanigans.

Zenshi vs. Calvin Tankman

Zenshi’s legsweeps just make Tankman glare at him and a kick to the head doesn’t do much more. Tankman shows him how to do a dropkick and there’s a spinebuster for two on Zenshi. A big toss sends Zenshi flying for two but he avoids a running shooting star press. Zenshi’s running shooting star connects for two and he kicks Tankman to the apron.

Tankman blocks a posionrana to the floor (because no) and a flying shoulder drops Zenshi with ease. One heck of a clothesline gets two on Zenshi but he slips out of the Tankman Driver. Some kicks to the head put Tankman on the ropes and there’s a 619. Zenshi goes up top but Tankman pulls him out of the air and hits the Tankman Driver for the pin at 5:52.

Rating: C-. Above all else, Tankman beating someone with a bit of stature is going to mean more for him. Zenshi might not be the biggest star around here but he’s a name, and that’s the kind of win Tankman can use. This helped him out a bit and while he needs a lot more ring time and polish, he’s something worth keeping an eye on and that’s a good sign.

We look back at Alex Hammerstone beating up a fake Mads Krugger last week and then getting beaten down by the real one.

Josef Samael says Mads Krugger is training for his next mission and promises to destroy Injustice.

Video on Contra vs. Injustice.

Earlier today, Lio Rush was ready for the big main event title vs. title match. He pays the cameraman to get his bag.

We get a sitdown interview with Richards Holliday over the recent referee issues. Holliday insists that there is nothing to the fact that the referee is disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy or that there was a lot of money placed on the match. People like gambling you see. A lot of arguing ensues and we’re done.

Here’s the Top Ten:

10. Laredo Kid

9. Daivari

8. Myron Reed

7. Mil Muertes

6. Richard Holliday

5. Mads Krugger

4. Lio Rush

3. Low Ki

2. Tom Lawlor

1. Alex Hammerstone

Contra vs. Injustice

It’s Simon Gotch/Daivari for Contra but hold on as here’s Jacob Fatu to jump Injustice from behind. Myron Reed fights back and it’s a superkick into a middle rope cutter to put Fatu down. Believe it or not, Injustice stands tall.

It’s time for the Filthy Island Control Center.

Rocky Romero will be on the show.

Dominic Garrini will face Mauna Loa (who doesn’t have a photo).

Salina de la Renta doesn’t like the idea that Savio Vega thought the offer was optional, so next week it’s Savio vs. Mil Muertes in a Jungle Fight.

Also, it’s Low Ki vs. King Mo in what sounds like the main event.

Jacob Fatu gets a World Title shot on March 3. Oh that’s going to hurt.

AAA Cruiserweight Title/MLW Middleweight Title: Laredo Kid vs. Lio Rush

Winner take all (though the ring announcer makes it sound like it’s just Rush defending, despite everything else saying it’s title for title). Feeling out process to start with Rush being sent outside in a hurry. Back in and Rush does his always cool running of the ropes while sliding to Kid’s side over and over. Rush heads outside again but this time Kid kicks him down to take over. A side slam gets two and a running kick to the head puts Rush on the floor again.

Back in and Rush fires off some right hands to the head, followed by an uppercut to the back gets two. There’s a suplex for the same and we hit the chinlock. That’s broken up but Laredo misses a spinning middle rope crossbody. The double arm crank goes on for a bit but Kid is back up with a Michinoku Driver into a moonsault for two. Kid slaps on a nasty leglock, followed by a running neckbreaker to drop Rush again. Rush is right back with a springboard Stunner and the Final Hour connects for the pin and both titles at 10:25.

Rating: C. This didn’t exactly live up to the hype as they just had a match and then Rush hit his finisher to win. I’m not sure how big of a deal this is as the AAA Title doesn’t have a ton of meaning up here. It’s a cool thing to be able to say for MLW and does make the partnership feel more important, but the match wasn’t exactly thrilling.

Rush brags to end the show. Given the lack of the AAA Title being announced at the beginning or at the end, I wonder if this is one of those phantom title changes that won’t be acknowledged in Mexico.

Overall Rating: C. I’m getting rather bored by MLW as they have completely lost the ability to stick the landing. I don’t remember the last time they had a huge match that felt like it ended on a big note. Everything feels like it just ends with as little fanfare as possible and that gets a little tiring. I’m not sure what MLW can do to fix things, but they need to do something sooner or later because it’s not quite working all that well these days.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Fusion #120
Date: February 3, 2021
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared St. Laurent, Rich Bocchini

Things have been up and down around here and that isn’t the best news. MLW has the potential to be one of the most entertaining promotions around but that has not exactly been the case as of late. Hopefully things can pick up a bit, because this show has lost a good bit of the charm that it has had. Let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of Alex Hammerstone’s issues with Contra, setting up tonight’s Baklei Brawl with Mads Krugger.

Opening sequence.

Here’s what’s coming tonight.

Sentai Death Squad vs. Jordan Oliver

That would be one member of the Squad, with Daivari and Myron Reed at ringside as well. Oliver runs the ropes to start and kicks the Squad in the head for two. Some forearms in the corner set up a running dropkick, though Oliver seems to have banged up his knee. A middle rope cutter gives Oliver the pin at 2:15. I’m wondering if they cut that due to the knee.

Post match, Oliver says he’s a heavyweight and is coming for the World Title. I don’t see that ending well. Like, at all.

Salina de la Renta doesn’t think much of Savio Vega losing last week and the new owner of Promociones Dorado has offered Vega a rather lucrative deal. Salina is great at this smarmy condescending heel stuff.

We look back at the end of last week’s main event, featuring a seemingly crooked referee costing Savio Vega the Caribbean Title against Richard Holliday.

It turns out that the referee is Tim Donaghy, a former NBA referee who fixed games.

The Von Erichs want Team Filthy on Filthy Island. They’re showing up no matter what.

Tag Team Titles: Bu Ku Dao/TJP vs. Los Parks

Los Parks are defending and Salina de la Renta is in their corner. Park jumps TJP to start and it’s Dao vs. Hijo to start. A headlock takeover doesn’t get Hijo anywhere and TJP chases after Park. We settle down to Park getting in a cheap shot from the apron to put Dao down but Dao is back up with a clothesline. Some shots from the illegal TJP let Dao get two but Hijo sends him to the floor so Park can hammer away.

Back in and TJP gets knocked down again, leaving Dao to be sent into a boot in the corner. Everything breaks down and TJP snaps off a middle rope hurricanrana to Park, setting up the suicide dive to the floor. Everyone comes back in and the champs are caught in stereo submissions, both of which are broken up in a hurry.

With TJP and Park on the floor, Dao hits a swinging Downward Spiral to Hijo (it looked like a Boss Man Slam to Dao so nice job on the counter….I think) for two. Stereo clotheslines put Dao and Hijo down but here’s LA Park Jr. (in red, as opposed to Park’s white and Hijo’s orange) to hit a shoulder breaker on Dao to retain the titles at 8:20.

Rating: C. The match was rather energetic for the most part but dang that ending was dumb. Either they’re continuing the crooked referee deal here or this one is supposed to be especially stupid. It didn’t help that there was almost no drama about who was leaving with the titles here, but at least TJP didn’t take the fall. He comes off as a bigger star than most people in the promotion so it’s smart to keep him strong.

Post match TJP shoves Dao down, signaling the end of a partnership that lasted….three matches?

Contra hacks the feed so Mads Krugger says he’ll beat Alex Hammerstone on his own turf.

We look at Laredo Kid calling out Lio Rush for a champion vs. champion match.

Lio Rush doesn’t know who Laredo Kid is but he’s up for the match next week, title for title.

Filthy Island is in two weeks.

Calvin Tankman is back next week.

Never Say Never is on March 24.

We get the Filthy Island Control Center, which has no sponsors. As for who will be there, Tom Lawlor promises that Team Filthy will be there. We’ll also see King Mo vs. Low Ki….and that’s it so far! We do get a disclaimer that says MLW has nothing to do with this and makes no guarantees. This is going to be another Fyre Fest deal isn’t it?

Alex Hammerstone is ready to fight Mads Krugger because he’s just a road block in front of Jacob Fatu and the World Title.

We look at Gino Medina and Richard Holliday yelling at each other after Medina quit/was fired from The Dynasty.

Gino Medina vs. Gringo Loco

They trade some rapid paced armdrags to start until it’s a standoff, with Medina kicking the offered handshake away. A rather casual snapmare puts Loco down but he’s up with a springboard spinning armdrag to send Medina outside. What looked like an Asai moonsault is broken up and Medina chops away on the floor.

Back in and we hit the chinlock as we hear about the Azteca Underground executives in the private boxes. Loco fights back up and trips Medina to set up a low superkick. An enziguri puts Medina down again but he gets his feet up to block a moonsault. Loco gets launched into the corner but grabs a rollup, only to have Medina reverse into one of his own for the pin at 5:28.

Rating: C. I still don’t get it with Medina, who kind of comes and goes without doing much most weeks. Most of the time I forget that he’s even around here, which isn’t a good sign for his future. He does well enough in the ring, but there are only so many things that you can do when you’re barely around and don’t exactly stand out very often.

Gino Medina talks about being untouchable and doesn’t speak very highly of Loco. Cue Loco to jump him and start a brawl.

Here’s what’s coming next week.

Alex Hammerstone shows up at some place with some mechanical equipment (and very little light as you can barely see anything) for the Baklei Brawl with Mads Krugger. Hammerstone and the referee can’t find anyone until a guy who does not exactly look like Krugger (either that or Krugger has shrunk) shows up. The brawl is on with Krugger slamming a gate on Hammerstone’s hand but a tossed pallet misses Hammerstone. Krugger gets sent into the side of a dumpster and a ram into it again is good for the pin. There was no bell and this was a brawl instead of a match.

Post match Hammerstone realizes that’s not the real Krugger and someone (presumably the cameraman) says they need to get the f*** out of there. The real Krugger shows up and hits Hammerstone to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. This show is getting weaker and weaker as time goes by and the main event, assuming you can call it one, was a good example. The brawl lasted about three minutes max and ended with a bait and switch. I know they need to keep stringing things along, but why bother having the thing if this is what you’re going to deliver? There is no spark to this show anymore and it’s not the easiest show to watch these days, even with it barely being an hour most weeks. Pick things up already, because it really needs the boost.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs.

Fusion #118
Date: January 20, 2021
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Rich Bocchini, Jared St. Laurent

We’re back to normal this week after Salina de la Renta was in charge last week, but the interesting note came at the end of last week’s show. De la Renta’s Promociones Dorado seems to have been bought out by some group called Azteca Underground, which seems to be some continuation of Lucha Underground. That certainly gets my interest so let’s get to it.

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

ACH is challenging for the World Title tonight but has been attacked outside of the gym. The match is still on.

Opening sequence.

Zenshi vs. Daivari

Daivari is the newest Contra soldier and is in outstanding shape. Feeling out process to start until Daivari nails a running clothesline for an early two. There’s a backdrop out of the corner for the same and the armbar has Zenshi in more trouble. A hammerlock slam gets two more and the armbar goes on. Zenshi is sent outside but comes back in with some rams into the buckles. A slingshot neckbreaker gets two (with one arm) but a bottom rope 450 hits knees. Daivari grabs a hammerlock lariat for the pin at 6:11.

Rating: C-. This was designed to make Daivari look good and it did that well enough. Taking apart the arm was a bit of a twist on the normal setup but it went as well as could have been expected. I haven’t been much of a Daivari fan over the years but he looked crisp here and the physique is a marked changed from his WWE days, so well done on putting in a lot of work.

Myron Reed isn’t scared of Contra and wants some of Daivari.

Savio Vega looks at a picture of himself and promises to get the Caribbean belt back from Richard Holliday in a strap match. Vega will even provide the strap, which is the same one he used on Steve Austin. The contract is in the mail.

Jordan Oliver vs. Simon Gotch

Gotch wins an early slugout without too much trouble but Oliver is right back with more forearms of his own. That earns him a Saito suplex so Oliver grabs a waistlock into a snap suplex. They head outside with Contra hitting a kick to the back and adds an elbow drop from the apron.

Back in and some chops in the corner put Oliver on the floor, followed by an enziguri for two back inside. An armbar sends Oliver straight to the rope as Gotch seems to be toying with him. Oliver finally gets in a running knee to the chest for two and a big boot gets the same. That’s about it for Oliver though as his springboard is pulled into a sleeper to give Gotch the win at 7:28.

Rating: C. This wasn’t much of a competitive match but it told a story. The big appeal here was that Oliver was angry at Gotch for what he did to his friend and Gotch, being the more trained and experienced fighter, knew how to keep his cool and reel the overzealous Oliver in. That’s a simple story but it was all you needed here and Gotch played it as well as could be asked.

Post match Gotch lays him out with a piledriver for a bonus. Myron Reed runs in for the save.

We look back at Los Parks winning the Tag Team Titles last week.

Tom Lawlor and Team Filthy denies all allegations against them from last week’s title change. They don’t have any idea who attacked ACH this morning either, though pronouncing his name like a sound instead of the letters is funny.

Video on ACH.

Salina de la Renta isn’t having any of these questions about Promociones Dorado so Alicia Atout goes on a mini rant about how ridiculous Salina is for never answering anything. Alicia is going to find out what’s going on.

Mads Krugger knows that he will end Alex Hammerstone when they meet again in two week.

ACH has said that Team Filthy’s Dominic Garrini attacked him this morning.

Richard Holliday joins us from Martha’s Vineyard and says he has signed the contract to face Savio Vega against his lawyer/father’s advice because he is 12 steps ahead of Vega.

MLW World Title: ACH vs. Jacob Fatu

ACH is challenging and is rather banged up coming in. Daivari is here with Fatu to keep things unfair. ACH charges at him to start and gets knocked into the corner with ease. Some backflips allow ACH to dropkick the champ outside but the dive is knocked out of the air. There’s a ribs first drop onto the apron and Fatu sits down on the ribs back inside. Another drop misses though and ACH strikes away, only to get pulled into a Samoan drop.

Fatu drops down onto the ribs again as the game plan isn’t exactly complicated here (as it shouldn’t be). The running hip attack misses but ACH’s rather dumb slam attempt comes crashing down. Fatu grabs a neck crank and there’s a headbutt to put ACH back down. A missed charge into the corner puts Fatu down for a bit though and ACH gets to strike away.

ACH dropkicks the knee out and hits a basement dropkick to the side of the head (which shouldn’t work on a Samoan). There’s a slingshot cutter (which Fatu sells like a DDT) for two and a hurricanrana sets up an enziguri. For some reason ACH tries the slam again, this time earning himself a pop up Samoan drop. The moonsault finishes ACH at 9:52.

Rating: C+. They didn’t bother making Fatu sweat here and they shouldn’t have. ACH is a bigger star outside of MLW but it isn’t like he has done much of anything around here in the first place. Fatu is an absolute monster and doesn’t need to be in anything resembling danger outside of a major challenger. ACH is good, but he isn’t that good, at least around here.

Post match Fatu and Daivari proclaim Contra’s dominance but the flag bearers jump them, revealing themselves to be Injustice to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. The main event was the best part of the show but the main thing about this week continues to be how much they can do with so little. There were very few people on this show who feel like stars but they managed to make a decent show out of an episode featuring Simon Gotch, Daivari and ACH. As usual, it’s all about the presentation and now they are making it work.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and head over to my Amazon author page with 30 different cheap wrestling books at:

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

AND

Remember to check out Wrestlingrumors.net for all of your wrestling headline needs

Kings of Colosseum 2021
Date: January 6, 2021
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared St. Laurent, Rich Bocchini

It’s a special show this time around as we’re getting to look at one of the company’s big events for free. There are three title matches tonight as things are indeed feeling stacked. The Tag Team, Middleweight and National Openweight Titles are all on the line, meaning this is going to be a big show. Let’s get to it.

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

The opening video looks at Alexander Hammerstone wanting the World Title and needing to go through Mads Krugger to get there. Krugger is ready for him.

Tag Team Titles: Von Erichs vs. Dirty Blondes

The Blondes, with Ariya Blake, are challenging and this is a Bunkhouse (country themed street fight) match. It’s a brawl to start (as it should be) with Marshall Von Erich being sent outside in a hurry. Ross Von Erich hits a quick dropkick though and everyone heads to the floor for the brawl. They waste no time in brawling to the back and then outside with Marshall being sent into a plastic table. Back inside and a cowbell to the head drops Leo Brien. Blake gets in a cheap shot and chokes Ross a bit, which has absolutely no effect. The Claw/belly to back suplex combination finishes Brien at 3:53.

Rating: C-. Where’s the other ten minutes of this? They had no time here and when you spend so much time brawling outside on the floor/outside, there isn’t exactly much time to set up your finish. What we got was good enough but they needed way more time for this to go anywhere.

The Von Erichs say anyone can come get a shot.

Simon Gotch isn’t here to face Jordan Oliver for some reason.

We look at Tom Lawlor defeating Low Ki to win the Opera Cup.

Lawlor talks about taking the cup everywhere, from the bathroom to the filthiest clubs in Vegas. He’s so proud that he has even had another cup made. This is the first time that he has been sober since winning the tournament and now they’re heading to FILTHY ISLAND.

Lio Rush has heard Myron Reed call himself Mr. Hot Fire but no one is hotter than him.

Reed is ready to show Rush what he’s all about.

Here’s the top ten:

10. Mads Krugger

9. Calvin Tankman

8. Laredo Kid

7. ACH

6. Richard Holliday

5. Myron Reed

4. LA Park

3. Low Ki

2. Tom Lawlor

1. Alex Hammerstone

Gotch vs. Oliver is officially postponed.

Middleweight Title: Lio Rush vs. Myron Reed

Reed is defending and has Jordan Oliver with him. Rush goes for the ankle to start but gets caught in a wristlock. That’s broken up in a hurry too and it’s time to run the ropes, with Reed hitting a slingshot belly to back drop. A legdrop gets two on Rush, who is right back with an elbow to the face. Rush starts doing his running dodges (those are always great) and Reed is sent to the floor for a suicide dive.

Back in and Rush takes his back with a chinlock to keep Reed in trouble. That’s broken up and Reed’s springboard cutter is blocked. A 540 kick to the face drops Reed again and Rush kicks at the chest. We’re back to the chinlock for a bit more but this time Reed fights up with a clothesline. That sends Rush outside so Reed hits a big running dive over the top. Back in and a springboard uppercut connects as commentary puts over Reed’s comeback skills. A fireman’s carry slam into a low superkick gets two on Rush so he rolls outside.

That’s enough for Rush to pop up and switch places with Reed, setting up a bottom rope Asai moonsault from Rush. A twisting Unprettier gives Rush two back inside and a clothesline cuts off the crisscross attempt. Reed gets in some shots to the face and they slug it out until Reed enziguris him to the apron. The always cool looking running over the top cutter takes Rush down to the floor but the frog splash misses back inside. Rush’s springboard Stunner connects, setting up the Final Hour for the pin and the title at 14:19.

Rating: B. Rush winning here is the right move as he’s a far bigger star than a good chunk of the entire roster, but they did a good job of keeping Reed from looking like a loser. You can’t have Rush win without breaking a sweat and what you got here was a solid back and forth match. Rush can hold the title for a good while and put someone over whenever he loses the title.

Rush says he’s awesome and no one is stopping him.

Alex Hammerstone is asked about his title match but Contra hacks the feed and promises a new soldier.

Tom Lawlor’s Filthy Island is coming soon.

Salina de la Renta promises her own show next week and the main event will be Los Parks challenging for the Tag Team Titles, in exchange for rejoining Promociones Dorado. Tom Lawlor will be the guest referee to make it completely fair.

Myron Reed says Lio Rush was the better man tonight but he’ll get the title back. Contra jumps Reed and Jordan Oliver, with Daivari joining in as the new soldier.

National Openweight Title: Alex Hammerstone vs. Mads Krugger

Krugger is challenging. They don’t waste time and start the brawl on the floor, with Hammerstone getting in a belt shot to the head. Hammerstone’s clothesline out of the corner doesn’t do much good inside and a big boot puts him on the floor. Krugger drops him face first onto the apron and they’re back inside with Hammerstone managing a belly to belly.

A running clothesline takes Krugger down this time and there’s a pump kick to the face in the corner. Another suplex gives Hammerstone one but it’s way too early for the Nightmare Pendulum. They take turns hammering away in the corner and brawl to the floor again for the double countout at 6:24.

Rating: C. This was just the teaser as it seems that they are going to have some kind of gimmick rematch, which makes sense given the nature of this one. Krugger should be winning the title soon so Hammerstone can move onto the World Title, which could make for an interesting showdown. Good stuff here, with Krugger dominating but not destroying Hammerstone, meaning there is enough of a reason to do this again.

Overall Rating: C+. The Middleweight Title match carried this show as there was almost nothing else worth seeing on the whole thing. It was the only match that got any significant kind of time and while it was good, it was barely enough to make the show worthwhile. I was expecting something a little longer overall here, but this was shorter than most regular episodes of Fusion. It’s fine enough because of Rush vs. Reed, but that’s all that’s here.

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 #114
Date: December 16, 2020
Location: Gilt Nightclub, Orlando, Florida
Commentators: Jared St. Laurent, Rich Bocchini

We’re back to the club and that means the Opera Cup is continuing. I’m not sure what we’re going to get here other than the second semifinal, but Alex Hammerstone is back after a few weeks off due to Contra. That seems to be your next big showdown and it needs more building, so let’s get to it.

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

Richard Holliday and Alex Hammerstone arrive and aren’t happy with being interviewed as soon as they get to the show. Some masked goons jump them but don’t get very far. Hammerstone is about to ram one of them into the car but Holliday stops Hammerstone because the car is in Holliday’s name. Hammerstone elbows him in the face instead as I get a hearty laugh.

Opening sequence.

LA Park Jr. vs. Bu Ku Dao

Dao is TJP’s protege so TJP, along with LA Park, is here. Park points to the ropes to distract Dao (barely five feet tall) and kicks him to the rope, allowing Park Sr. to get in some cheap shots. A forearm doesn’t get Dao very far as Park hits what might have been a low blow. Dao is sent outside for the dive but Park charges into a boot back inside. A high crossbody gives Dao two, only to have Park hit an enziguri for the same. An Alabama Slam gives Park two, followed by a spinning Downward Spiral to give Dao the same. Park looks to load up a suplex but Dao reverses into a small package for the fast pin at 4:45.

Rating: C-. They didn’t have time to do anything of note but this was more of a get to know you match anyway. Both of them were making their singles debut and that’s going to make for an awkward situation no matter who is in there. Park looks to be more of a complete package but Dao’s size is enough to make him a unique star most of the time.

We look at Low Ki advancing to the finals of the Opera Cup.

Tom Lawlor and ACH are ready for each other. Lawlor knows ACH is a great athlete while ACH knows Lawlor is a better grappler and traditional wrestler.

Simon Gotch has attacked Koto Brazil and forced him to retire.

Jordan Oliver wants to face Gotch to get some revenge, because Gotch isn’t going to outlast him.

Mads Krugger vs. Ben Heavy/Daniel Starling

Krugger runs them over to start as we hear that Hammerstone is being held back from rushing the ring. A running powerslam sends Starling into Heavy and a full nelson slam gives Krugger the double pin at 58 seconds. Total destruction.

Post match the Sentai Death Squad comes out to put Heavy and Starling in the body bags.

Here’s the Top 10:

10. Mads Krugger

9. Calvin Tankman

8. Richard Holliday

7. Laredo Kid

6. ACH

5. Myron Reed

4. LA Park

3. Tom Lawlor

2. Low Ki

1. Alexander Hammerstone

As the countdown ends, we hear that Hammerstone and Krugger are fighting in the back but we don’t have a camera on them.

Alicia Atout is being told to move because of the Hammerstone vs. Krugger fight to bring us the Kings Of Coliseum Control Center, including Hammerstone vs. Krugger for the National Openweight Title.

We go to the Aztec Ruins where Salina de la Renta doesn’t understand how anyone could see her as a traitor. She is very powerful and has stared evil in the face. Every temple and arena have burned to the ground but MIL MUERTES is coming.

The Von Erichs want ACH to bring the Opera Cup home to Texas.

Opera Cup Semifinals: Tom Lawlor vs. ACH

Team Filthy is here with Lawlor. ACH teases the striking to start before pulling him into the early grappling. A bodyscissors has ACH in trouble but he reverses into a waistlock. That is broken up as well so it’s a quick standoff until Lawlor takes him up against the ropes. ACH’s headlock on the mat is broken up in a hurry as Lawlor slaps on a headscissors, which is reversed back into the headlock.

Back up and Lawlor goes with the forearms to the face into the cravate with knees. Lawlor tries to go after the arm but settles for some elbows to the head instead. ACH gets two off a rollup and manages to get away for a rather needed breather. A backbreaker gives ACH two and he starts kicking away, which makes a bit of sense. Lawlor is right back with a suplex for two and it’s off to the armbar.

ACH gets caught in the ropes for some shots to the face but he’s right back up with some of his own. The slugout goes to Lawlor though as he tries a few rear naked choke attempts but some a few rapid fire kicks into a tiger driver gives ACH two two put them both down. It’s ACH up first for a frog splash but Lawlor gets the knees up and rolls ACH up for the pin at 12:29.

Rating: B-. I was starting to get into this one and then it just ended when it felt like they had another five to ten minutes left. Lawlor is a heck of a star for a promotion like MLW as he has the amateur/MMA stuff and it’s great to see him getting the chance to shine like this. The same is true of ACH, who has always been talented but then went a bit insane in WWE. This seems more his speed and it is working well enough in the early going.

Lawlor says he is one win away from being on the list of Opera Cup winners. The first round was rocky, the semifinals were super, and now he’s ready to go undefeated against Low Ki to become king of the mat.

Overall Rating: C+. I liked this was a good bit as it was focused on the main event, but they also did a nice job of building up Hammerstone vs. Krugger. There is something great about the small stuff like having Hammerstone and Krugger’s brawl (which you never saw save for a quick flash) mess with stuff in the back. You don’t have to have something going on when you can SAY it is going on, which WWE could stand to learn. Nice show here, and it felt more like an MLW show than anything since they have been back.

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

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

Fusion #101
Date: March 14, 2020
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: AJ Kirsch, Rich Bocchini

Things have suddenly changed around here as the wrestling world has all but shut down outside of WWE and AEW. That doesn’t leave much for MLW, but if my math is right, they should have about two weeks left after this. Once those shows are done, we could be in for some lighter shows, if there are any shows at all. We have one here though so let’s get to it.

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

We open with a recap of last week’s World Title match with Jacob Fatu retaining and Cima being taken away in a body bag.

Opening sequence.

No one has seen Cima since last week and his whereabouts are unknown.

Killer Kross is facing Tom Lawlor tonight, though commentary does acknowledge that Kross has signed with WWE.

Earlier today, Injustice interrupted a Konnan interview to talk trash about Laredo Kid. Konnan called Reed talented but said he’s always taking shortcuts to win.

Middleweight Title: Myron Reed vs. Laredo Kid

Reed is defending and has the rest of Injustice with him while Kid has Konnan. Feeling out process to start until neither can get two off quick covers. That means a standoff as Jordan Oliver is still talking trash. Kid snaps off a hurricanrana and takes him to the floor, only to chop the chest protector. That doesn’t work, but a double chop staggers Reed, followed by a slap to the face to really knock him around. Reed is right back up with a reverse fireman’s carry slam into a low superkick for two.

A slingshot legdrop gets two but Kid snaps off a Michinoku Driver. The moonsault gives Kid two but Reed snaps off a springboard cutter (that looked good). Reed gets caught on top for a dragon superplex, with Kid flipping over as well to land on Reed’s back for the nearer fall. A belly to back faceplant drops Reed again but Kotto Brazil has to be suplexed for interfering. Oliver gets superkicked off the apron and it’s a suicide dive to drop Brazil again. The distraction lets Reed hit a slingshot cutter to the floor though, setting up the springboard 450 to retain at 8:45.

Rating: C+. I liked this as Kid was trying to overcome the odds but just couldn’t get there. They’ve done a good job of making Injustice into an annoying stable that you want to see get what’s coming to them, but at the same time, Reed has turned into a heck of a performer. He can hit those cutters from anywhere and he had a solid performance here against a talented challenger.

The Dynasty is working on getting an injunction against Mance Warner because they have more important things right now. What matters though is marketing, so it’s time to rebrand Gino Medina as Gino The Untouchable. Tonight, Gino is going to send Mance back to the swamp to beat up more alligators. The team being out of touch on who they’re fighting is amusing, even without MJF.

Pagano is coming.

Mance Warner vs. Gino Medina

Richard Holliday is here with Warner as this is fallout from the Dynasty attacking Mance’s uncle. Gino jumps him to start and stomps away in the corner but Warner chops his way to freedom in a hurry. They head outside for more chopping with Warner getting the better of it and sending him into the barricade.

Back in and Gino gets in some choking in the corner to set up the chinlock, which works as well as your average chinlock. A running knee in the corner into a low superkick drops Warner again. Warner pops back up and hits a running knee to the head for two so Gino grabs a rollup with jeans for two. You don’t do that to Warner though, who rolls Gino up with tights for the win at 4:58.

Rating: C. This was a quick one to give Warner some revenge on the Dynasty, but I’m not sure how much there is to Medina. I keep saying it isn’t clicking yet but that has been the same feeling I have every single time he is out there. It’s not that he’s terrible or anything, but he’s just kind of there and not living up to all of the hype that they give him.

Post match Warner is very pleased and it’s time to drink. Gino slaps the referee and Holliday approves.

Colonel Robert Parker is coming back. Good as I liked him well enough in his first run.

The Von Erichs went to their father’s house in Hawaii to ask for some advice about Team Filthy. They want a fight in Texas, with Ross saying they have to stand up to these people. As long as it’s on friendly ground right?

The Top Ten is back:

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

We get a special award presentation as Brian Pillman Jr. has won Pro Wrestling Illustrated Rookie of the Year….for the second year in a row! Pillman is proud to join the list of wrestlers to win the award and now he’s hungry for a shot at the Middleweight Title. And a third straight rookie of the year! And some cheesesteaks!

Myron Reed wants to know why he didn’t win the award because he can wrestle circles around Brian Pillman Jr. As for Konnan, he can keep sending his men at him and he’ll keep knocking them down.

Erick Stevens says it didn’t go well last week and he wants revenge. Tom Lawlor doesn’t think much of Killer Kross (“If that is your real name.”) and is ready to show him what a real fighter is.

The Dynasty is upset about the Warner loss but the lawyer/father is going to get involved.

We look at Cima being taken out in a body bag again last week.

The body bag is loaded into a van and Josef Samael says take it to Ikuro Kwon at the Gashel (I think?) house.

Killer Kross vs. Tom Lawlor

Lawlor has Team Filthy with him. The fans seem into Kross and he can do that evil smile rather well. Kross kicks him in the chest to start and pounds away in the corner as the dominance begins early. They head outside with Kross hammering away even more, including a belly to back drop onto the apron. Back in and Lawlor hits a spinwheel kick to rock Kross for the first time Lawlor starts working on the arm. That includes a Pentagon Jr. arm snap, meaning Lawlor can throw in some shadow boxing.

Kross’ comeback is cut off with a kick to the back and the arm gets crunched again. A guillotine goes on but Kross suplexes his way out without much effort. Kross gets in a t-bone suplex but Lawlor is back with a bunch of strikes of his own. A high angle suplex doesn’t do much to Kross and knees to the head just make him smile. The Krossjacket Choke goes on with Lawlor flailing out to the floor into a double heap. Team Filthy jumps Kross for the DQ at 10:27.

Rating: C-. Kross is someone who has everything he needs, at least until the bell rings. I’m not sure what it is but there’s something I don’t care for about his matches. He’s better off as a bodyguard/muscle of someone who wrestles the occasional match. His facial expressions are outstanding and he looks great, but a full match isn’t his strong suit.

Post match the beatdown is on but Davey Boy Smith Jr. and the Von Erichs run in for the save. Smith challenges them to an eight man tag next week and Lawlor accepts to end the show.

Overall Rating: C. This company can have some weird shows at times and this was one of them. They have so many things going on at once and they don’t do the best job in the world of focusing on things. It’s like there isn’t a top story and while that can be one thing, it can make for some weak shows at times. The wrestling was fine enough, but it’s a show that moved stories forward rather than doing anything on its own, making this a mostly skippable 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 Wreslting

Fusion #99
Date: February 29, 2020
Location: 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Commentators: AJ Kirsch, Rich Bocchini

We’re off to a new taping cycle and that means some big things are in store. This time around that means we have the return of LA Park, who is teaming up with his son to face Contra. I know Park isn’t the biggest deal to a lot of fans but he has a strong reputation around here and that could help things. Let’s get to it.

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

Contra is ready to take things worldwide and tonight they’re conquering the Parks.

Opening sequence.

AJ Kirsch tries to bring Mance Warner to the ring but it’s the Dynasty (minus Maxwell Jacob Friedman) instead. Richard Holliday, with the Caribbean Title, says that Kirsch failed to entertain the fans but they need to be educated instead. Therefore, it’s time for Rich Talk, so Holliday makes it clear that the fans are breathing rarefied air. He puts over Alexander Hammerstone as the most dominant champion in MLW, allowing Hammerstone to call the fans fat.

Hammerstone brags about Gino Medina and says he’s ready to crush Konnan, who comes out to interrupt. Konnan talks about how great the fans are in Philadelphia before starting with the insults. He only offered Gino a spot because of Gino’s father so violence is threatened, only to have Mance Warner, Savio Vega and Logan Creed cut them off. Warner sees a problem in the Dynasty stepping to Konnan like this so let’s have a six man tag instead. The fight is on and ring the bell.

Savio Vega/Mance Warner/Logan Creed vs. Dynasty

Konnan is on commentary and it’s a big brawl to start. With everyone else on the floor, Creed chokes on Holliday, who manages to knock him down to one knee. Hammerstone and Medina take Holliday’s place but can’t beat him down. We settle down to Hammerstone and Creed starting things off, with Creed getting choked in the corner to slow him down for the first time. Hammerstone pulls him into the corner again so Medina can choke this time.

A heck of a release German suplex drops Creed but he pops back up with a clothesline. The hotish tag brings in Vega for the spinwheel kick but the Dynasty is back in to take over. Everything breaks down and Creed hits a double chokeslam on Hammerstone and Medina. Vega is sent into the post but Creed dives onto Medina and Hammerstone, with Warner being smart enough to step to the side. In the melee, Holliday hits Vega with the Caribbean Title and steals the pin at 5:59.

Rating: D+. I’m not sure what they were going for here as Warner would seem to be the one that they wanted to push, but this was far more about Creed than anyone else. It wasn’t much of a match either, but the Dynasty winning is fine, especially with Vega taking the fall. The Dynasty vs. Warner/Creed is good, though they’re going to need someone other than Vega if they want it to work.

Post match Konnan sneaks in and hits Medina with the slap jack. The losers and Konnan consume beer.

Post break Konnan is still in the ring but here’s Injustice to interrupt him. Jordan Oliver says it’s awesome that Konnan is almost as old as the building and you can see the dust falling off of his face. These people like Konnan but they like trash too so that doesn’t mean much. Konnan laughs it off and says Oliver would be traded around prison for some Cinnabons. Cue Brian Pillman Jr. with a chair to chase off Injustice.

Injustice vs. Zenshi/Laredo Kid

Pillman is on commentary and it’s Oliver/Kotto Brazil for Injustice with Myron Reed at ringside. Hold on though as Injustice has to undergo an extensive check for weapons. Kid and Zenshi jump them to start with Zenshi and Oliver officially starting. Oliver gets launched over the top so Zenshi can dive onto both Oliver and Myron Reed. Back in and Kid hits a Michinoku Driver for two but Reed pulls Kid down for a crotching against the post. Kid gets taken into the corner and sent head first into the middle buckle.

A German suplex out of the corner gets two but Kid pops Oliver upside the head so Zenshi can come in with a backflip kick to Brazil’s head. Kotto is right back with a Code Red out of the corner with Zenshi having to make a save. Zenshi tornado DDTs Oliver to the floor but Brazil is right back with a baseball slide to Zenshi’s face. Back in and a slingshot Stunner sets up a crucifix bomb to finish Kid at 6:38 (with a double pin, which the referee doesn’t mind).

Rating: C+. It was rather fast paced throughout and that’s what you want out of something like this. Jordan is one of the most unintentionally entertaining performers outside of the ring but he can back it up in the ring. They didn’t bother with anything but flying around the ring like crazy here and that’s what they should have done.

Post match Injustice goes after Pillman but Kid and Zenshi get up for the save without Pillman having to do a thing. Kid even counts the pin on Reed and holds up the title.

Tom Lawlor and Team Filthy can’t believe that people in Texas are so annoyed at the Texas flag being used in various ways. They don’t like anything Texas related, including Texas toast or Walker Texas Ranger. If the Von Erichs love Texas so much, why do they have Hawaii on their trunks? Lawlor agrees that Erick Stevens is a mercenary but they have formed a bond. The Von Erichs are more hat than cattle so Team Filthy is taking them out.

Video on LA Park vs. Jacob Fatu from Superfight.

Killer Kross is still coming. The interesting thing at this point is which promotion he debuts for first.

Injustice isn’t happy with Pillman interfering when he can’t even make 205 Live. Reed: “You’re fat bro.” They have their own crazy white boy and they’ll be watching Pillman vs. Jimmy Havoc next week.

Jimmy Havoc is ready to give Pillman a lethal dose of acid rain.

The Von Erichs swear revenge against Team Filthy.

Intimidation Games is coming, with AAA’s Pagano making his debut.

King Mo doesn’t like Low Ki.

Los Parks vs. Contra Unit

Lumberjack match and it’s Simon Gotch/Josef Samael for Contra. The Parks do their chair dance but Contra jumps them from behind to start. Some chair shots to the back keep the Parks down and it’s time to choke in the corner. The Parks are back with a double dropkick to the floor so the lumberjacks can blow off some steam. Back in and the Parks use the chairs to take over but Samael and Park clothesline each other down. Hijo tells Gotch to hit him so the slugout is on.

A hurricanrana puts Gotch into the corner and it’s a charge from Park. That lets Hijo swivel his hips a bit but Samael pulls out the spike to stab Hijo down. Now they bother to settle down to a regular tag match with Samael stomping at Hijo and yelling at Park. Hijo is sent outside and this time the lumberjacks just throw him back inside. A Backstabber gets Hijo out of trouble and the hot tag brings in Park to beat up both of them. The spear hits Samael and Hijo gets Gotch’s spike. Gotch is knocked cold and Hijo moonsaults onto the lumberjacks, leaving Park to flip dive onto Gotch for the pin at 9:04.

Rating: C. The lumberjacks didn’t change much here and that’s always a possibility in a match like this. The Parks still don’t keep my attention most of the time but they kept it short and chaotic enough to make it better. It’s fine to have them back, but they’re not exactly a thrilling team in the first place.

Overall Rating: C+. They’re setting up some things for the future and I’m looking forward to seeing what that is going to mean in the future. The wrestling was hit and miss here and as can be the case, that’s not the most important thing on an MLW show. I’m curious to see where things go from here and Intimidation Games could be good, depending on what they put together for it.

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