MLW Fusion 64
On the back of last weeks train wreck of an episode, I had high hopes that MLW could turn it around easily enough. The promotion has the talent to be able to do so. How did they do this week?
The show starts with a Contra Unit promo with Jacob Fatu and Josef Samael taunting Tom Lawlor. Samael addresses his opponent in Tom Lawlor stating that he couldn’t defend a title if he couldn’t fight. Samael plans were to hurt Lawlor, not win. Fatu speaks with an almost arrogant confidence stating that Lawlor’s time as champion is at an end.
Following Contra Unit, Rich and Jim interview the Von Erichs. Jim has a lot of respect for the Von Erichs, their lineage, and how they came to back up Tom Lawlor. They go on to say that they have nothing to gain from defending Lawlor but if they plan to challenge Lawlor for the title, they plan to go about things the right way.
Match #1: Austin Aries defeats Adam Brooks
This match was a great way to start out the night. Both workers share a brilliant combination of high flying and technical wrestling in their arsenals and the match did not disappoint. The beginning of the match had a lot of trading back and forth of holds and an early attempt to lock in the Horns of Aries for the win, but Brooks managed to roll out of it. After Brooks gains some respect for Aries in the ring, seeing what the hype is all about, he offers his hand. Aries ignores this sign of respect and quickly takes the boots to Brook’s midsection. The middle of the match was a wonderful display of back and forth strikes and holds, with Aries locking in the Horns and almost forcing brooks to tap. At the climax of the match, Aries goes for a 450 splash but is met with the knees of Brooks. Brooks goes for a Swanton, but is met with the knees of Aries. Seeing an opening, Aries uses the ropes for momentum and hits a Discus Fivearm to set up for a Brain Buster, and the win. Casey comes out and goes for an interview in the ring, but Aries cuts her short to allow the fans to continue chanting his name, and shows her out of the ring. Aries then cuts a great promo, showing that he has not lost a step in the ring or on the mic. He addresses and criticizes WWE and their “sports entertainers.” He criticizes other promotions for their “cosplayers.” And he does this without name dropping anyone, but the message is clear. Aries goes on to praise MLW and their adherence to weight restrictions, stating that though he has won heavyweight titles, he is not a heavyweight. Aries calls his shot at Middlewight champion Teddy Hart in what could very well be a dream match.
After the match, we’re met with highlights of last weeks show when Dynasty stole Teddy Hart’s MLW Tag Team Championship belt. This leads into a segment with Dynasty and Aria Blake out in the sun in Martha’s Vineyard. Richard Holliday is reading a Wall Street Journal, Aria is sitting on MJF’s lap, and Alex Hammerstone is sunning himself with his belt. This segment is great for several reasons, the first of which is it’s believable. Dynasty is a group of spoiled rich kids. Of course they would love a place like Martha’s Vineyard. Alex Hammerstone is so vain that it only makes sense that he would use his title as a reflector. On top of that, each of these guys ooze charisma. Every word they speak makes you think that they are the assholes that they portray. Speaking of being an asshole, Holliday brings attention to the title sitting in front of them on a table. Holliday state’s that “possession is nine tenths of the law and by that right, Dynasty are MLW Tag Team champions. We shall see soon enough. When and where will The Hart Foundation retaliate?
Josef Samael comes back and talks about the past assaults on Tom Lawlor. He finishes up with saying that he’s out for blood and next week, Fatu is coming for Lawlor’s title. This promo was completely unnecessary. We already heard this in a much more eloquent fashion way earlier in the show.
Match #2: Jacob Fatu defeats Ariel Dominguez and Sam Black
This wasn’t a match. This was a massacre. Last week, I shot down, Low Ki’s squash match since it served no purpose other than to fill time and make Low Ki look like the killer that we already knew he was. That was not the case with this match. Since the match did go a bit longer than Low Ki’s, Fatu was able to show off his freakish combination of size and agility.Fatu picks up the win by staking the lifeless bodies of both Dominguez and Black on one another and hitting them with a springboard moonsault and a double pin. This match made Fatu look like an absolute killer, and in that, serves the purpose of placing a strong opponent for Tom Lawlor. I can’t wait to see what Lawlor and Fatu give us next week.
Casey interviews Salina De La Renta and boy, she makes it known that she is the boss. Salina looks right at the camera and she addresses the announcers stating that it must be hard for them to see a twenty-two year old in control.
Next we see Ole’ Mancer, drinking a light beer outside, his natural habitat. His plans are to start working through all of Promociones Dorado. He plans on putting down the light beers, flipping his cap around, and then busting open his knuckles on their heads. He’s head hunting, and Promociones Dorado are the targets.
Match #3: Josef Samael defeats Tom Lawlor
This match was boring. I enjoy watching both men work, and after last weeks train wreck of a tag match, I had hope that this match would make up for it, but yet again, the main event fell flat. The only thing of note to take out of this was Samael picking up the win by DQ. Samael took a spike out of his boot to hit Lawlor with it, Lawlor had it scouted. Lawlor managed to get the spike from Samael, the ref went to stop Lawlor from using it, which caused Lawlor to throw the ref across the ring, forcing him to call for the bell. During the final moments of the match, the Von Erichs were out back, fighting with the other members of Contra Unit, living up to their word.
Final Thoughts
This weeks show was a huge step up from last week. While the main event fell flat, at least we were treated to two entertaining matches and the stories fell into place a little better this week. MLW needs to work on their consistency quite a bit. They have shows that are absolute bangers and then have shows that fall flat on their face. Consistency in story telling and match quality will draw crowds. They have the talent there. MLW just needs to use it properly. My fingers are crossed and I have high hopes going into Kings of Colosseum.