MLW Fusion Alpha episode #8 featured Los Parks against 5150 in a Trios match. Additionally, EJ Nduka, Richard Holliday, Savio Vega, The Blue Meanie, Warhose and Zenshi squared off with Ikuro Kwon, KC Navarro, King Mo, Gino Medina, Kevin Ku and The Beastman in a 12 man tag team survival match. The main event of this episode saw Davey Richards take on Bobby Fish in a semi-final match for the 2021 Opera Cup Tournament. Fusion Alpha episode #8 can be viewed below:
Strong Points of the Show
- Josef Samael cut a great promo tonight. I particularly appreciated how Samael took time to insult the people of Philadelphia.
- Seeing Richard Holliday being flipped off by a fan that he was trying to be friendly with was great. Holliday took the fan’s one finger salute like a champ.
- Zenshi and KC Navarro had an entertaining interaction during the 12 man match. I would love to watch those two wrestle one-on-one at some point.
- Cesar Duran and Jacob Fatu’s backstage interaction was super intriguing. Hearing Duran explain to Fatu that Samael had not approved of Fatu getting a rematch is interesting, especially since Fatu and Samael have always been so close. I think Duran’s comments towards Fatu serve as a way for Cesar to continue creating dissension among CONTRA. I’m excited to see how the storyline between Duran and CONTRA progresses after the War Chamber match airs.
Weak Points of the Show
- Over the last couple of weeks, there have been numerous inconsistencies regarding the amount of competitors announced for the War Chamber match. The match was initially announced as a 4-on-4 contest. Then, a few weeks ago it was announced that the War Chamber match would be 5-on-5. Then tonight, Cesar Duran stated that the match would be 4-on-4, only for the announcers to state later on that the match would be 5-on-5. The back and forth information regarding how many participants will be in the War Chamber has been really confusing to follow.
- Despite some entertaining moments, the 12 man tag team match felt rushed. It felt like they tried to cram too much into the match in too short of time, and that took away from everyone getting the chance to shine. I wish the match would have lasted longer so that everyone involved could have gotten the opportunity to look strong.
- I’m confused as to why Savio Vega was one of the competitors put into War Chamber. Considering Vega’s history with Richard Holliday, it doesn’t make sense why Savio would want to be on Alexander’s team. Perhaps Duran put Vega on Hammerstone’s team to create dissension. However, that wasn’t really explained during tonight’s closing segment.
Other Highlights
- Homicide appeared on tonight’s Fusion to team with Rivera and Slice Boogie against Los Parks.
- Another vignette aired for Gnarls Garvin, who will debut with MLW soon.
- After the opening contest, 5150 continued to brawl with Los Parks backstage. 5150 ended up taking El Hijo de L.A. Park’s mask and laying him out.
- Willow Nightingale promised Cesar Duran that despite being her friendly nature, she would become the first MLW Women’s Featherweight Champion.
- A vignette aired to promote nZo’s upcoming MLW debut.
- Savio Vega was announced for Alexander Hammerstone’s War Chamber team. EJ Nduka then speculated that Cesar Duran’s brother would be the fifth member of their team for War Chamber. Alicia Atout also announced that Richard Holliday would receive a World Heavyweight Championship match against Alex Hammerstone.
Match Results
- Los Parks vs. 5150 (Slice Boogie, Rivera and Homicide) (with Julius Smokes and Konnan) ended in a no contest.
- 12 Man Tag Team Elimination Match: Zenshi, Warhorse, Savio Vega, Blue Meanie, Richard Holliday and EJ Nduka defeated The Beastman (with Kimchee), Kevin Ku, Gino Medina, KC Navarro, Ikuro Kwon and King Mo. EJ Nduka was the sole survivor for his team.
- Semi-Final Opera Cup Tournament Match: Davey Richards defeated Bobby Fish via submission to advance in the Opera Cup tournament.
Did you enjoy tonight’s program? What did you think of the elimination tag team match?