Last Thursday, MLW resumed their annual tradition of hosting an episode of Fusion on Thanksgiving. This episode featured a 5-way ladder match for the National Openweight Championship. The match included Alex Shelley, Zenshi, Alex Kane, Myron Reed and a mystery opponent. Additionally, Calvin Tankman faced TJP in a semi-round match for the 2021 Opera Cup Tournament. Furthermore, Gnarls Garvin made his MLW debut against Budd Heavy. The 2021 Thanksgiving edition of Fusion can be viewed below:
Strong Points of the Show
- The opening package perfectly highlighted the recent issues between CONTRA.
- Warhorse and KC Navarro had an entertaining exchange backstage. Both men’s personalities got to shine, which was great to see.
- Alex Kane showed a ton of personality throughout the broadcast. His cool and cocky demeanor adds a really important element to his character.
- I loved the interaction between Cesar Duran, Karlee Perez, Alicia Atout and Emilio Sparks. Duran is trying to get literally everyone in MLW to compete against one another. Duran’s scheming with Atout and Sparks further illustrates how conniving and cut throat Cesar’s character is.
Weak Points of the Show
- Jordan Oliver and King Mo’s absences were briefly touched upon. However, both of their departures seem abrupt, which sucks considering both men were regularly featured since MLW’s return this past fall. I know that releases constantly cause sudden changes in storylines. But I wish that both men would have gotten a more proper farewell.
Other Notes
- King Mo was not with Alex Kane on this episode. However, a new associate appeared alongside Alex Kane throughout the program. Alex stated that this individual’s name was Mr. Thomas. More so, Alex revealed that Mr. Thomas was the newest member of his Bomaye Fight Club.
- TJP and Davey Richards will fight in the finals of the Opera Cup tournament on the next episode of Fusion Alpha. Other matches announced for that broadcast included Warhorse vs. KC Navarro and the Sea Stars vs. Top Dogs.
- A new Open Door Policy was announced. This new initiative will allow unsigned talents to freely appear in MLW. The first wrestler to come to MLW through this new policy is international superstar Ho Ho Lun.
- Emilio Sparks tried interviewing Calvin Tankman following Tankman’s loss to TJP. Calvin shoved Sparks against a wall and let Sparks know that Alex Kane was a dead man. Myron Reed showed up and calmed Calvin down.
- nZo’s debut was announced for the December 8th episode of Fusion Alpha.
- The Von Erich brothers requested a title match against Los Parks. Later on, the announcers reported that Cesar Duran granted the Von Erichs a future title match when MLW returns to Dallas.
- Tajiri will defend the MLW Middleweight Championship against Atsuki Aoyagi at an upcoming AJPW show. This match will air on a future episode of Fusion Alpha.
- Alex Hammerstone and Richard Holliday were offered gold Rolexes by Cesar Duran. Hammerstone turned down the gift despite Holliday wanting a watch.
Match Results
- Semi-Round Opera Cup Tournament Match: TJP defeated Calvin Tankman via pinfall to advance to the finals of the tournament.
- Gnarls Garvin defeated Budd Heavy via pinfall.
- Ladder Match for the vacant National Openweight Championship: Alex Kane (with Mr. Thomas) defeated Alex Shelley, Myron Reed, Zenshi and ACH to win the National Openweight Championship.
Who do you think will win the Opera Cup Tournament? Do you think Alex Kane will make a good National Openweight Champion?