Tonight marked the official return of MLW Fusion. #TheRestart featured a world championship match between Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Jacob Fatu as well as a world middleweight championship match between Myron Reed and Brian Pillman Jr. Catch this week’s episode by watching the video below:
Strong Points of the Show
- The cold open that aired at the start of the show was well done. As a relative newcomer to MLW, having that quick history lesson of the company was super useful.
- In addition to the cold open, I appreciate that MLW has continued airing a short highlight reel of past MLW world champions before a title match. That short package adds to the big fight feel of championship contests.
- I appreciated the header that was displayed during the matches. That graphic fondly reminded me of the ways that Impact used to show the time of matches when they that show aired on FS1. Displaying who is wrestling and how long they have been wrestling is one small detail that sets Fusion apart from other broadcasts.
- Seeing that there are alternates for this year’s Opera Cup was another unique detail that I enjoyed. I have not seen too many promotions announce alternate competitors for a tournament. Having those specific members of the roster wait on the sidelines is a unique way to promote an upcoming tournament.
- Jacob Fatu’s post match promo was concise yet impactful. Fatu comes across as a genuine tough guy, and this specific promo didn’t feel forced which I loved.
Weak Points of the Show
- Jared St. Laurent’s commentary came across as flat on this episode. I believe this was his first time calling MLW Fusion. I believe he has the opportunity to improve and sound more authentic and genuine. On this particular edition of Fusion he just came across as forced and slightly uninterested.
- I’m not sure why they didn’t have Brian Pillman Jr. come out for his first entrance. I feel like there might be some backstory that I am missing. However, the presentation of the whole thing came across as awkward during tonight’s broadcast.
- Davey Boy Smith Jr’s pre-match promo did not have as much passion as I would have anticipated. He was fighting for the world championship tonight. Davey was also looking to gain some revenge on Jacob Fatu who had broken his back before tonight’s match up. However, the tone of Davey’s promo didn’t match the intensity I was expecting. Especially based off the build-up to the main event.
- Another interview that fell short this week for me was the Von Erich promo. Simply because I could not hear what Kevin Von Erich was saying. Kevin might have delivered a decent promo. But from watching the episode I had no way of knowing that because the audio was too quiet.
Match Results
- National Openweight Championship Match: Alexander Hammerstone (c) defeated Jacob Dugan by pinfall.
- World Middleweight Championship Match: Myron Reed (c) defeated Brian Pillman Jr. by pinfall.
- World Heavyweight Championship Match: Jacob Fatu (c) defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr. by pinfall.
What did you think of tonight’s episode of Fusion? Let us know in the comments below!