MLW debuted a new mini series tonight called MLW Azteca. In the main event, Alex Hammerstone teamed with Pagano against King Muertes and Black Taurus in an Apocalypto match. Additionally, Hammerstone’s Dynasty partner Richard Holliday squared off against Psycho Clown. And Aramis, Black Destiny and Myzteziz Jr. faced Arez, Black Danger and Dinamico in a Trios match. The debut episode of MLW Azteca can be viewed below:
Strong Points of the Show
- I enjoyed the set-up and presentation for tonight’s show. Seeing an MLW show in another arena makes the product feel fresh. Especially since all of the Fusion Alpha episodes were taped in Philadelphia.
- There were a lot of performers on tonight’s show that have not appeared in MLW before, which was awesome to see.
- The video package that highlighted the recent issues between Alex Hammerstone and Cesar Duran was very well done.
- I’m intrigued to see what happens to Richard Holliday after being taken away by a police officer. I get the feeling that Cesar framed Holliday as part of some major plan, including what happened at the end of the show.
Weak Points of the Show
- Once Richard Holliday lost his match, the announcers acted like Holliday was rushing to the backstage area. Yet when Holliday appeared on camera, he looked like he was casually walking to the back. The discrepancy between the announcer’s comments and what was seen on screen came across as kind of silly.
- At one point a guardrail fell down during the main event. Thankfully no fans rushed the ring. However, I believe had the crowd been more rowdy that the situation could have been a lot trickier.
Other Hightlights
- Cesar Duran opened the show and promised to deliver the best lucha libre wrestling in the world.
- Rich Bocchini and Joe Debrowski recapped Alex Hammerstone’s new multi-year contract with MLW.
- Alex Kane stressed to Alicia Atout that he was not afraid of Calvin Tankman. Kane also claimed that he would have no problem defending his championship against Tankman when the time came.
- Aerostar vs. Alex Kane for the National Openweight Championship was announced for next week’s broadcast. Also announced for next week was a Tag Team Championship defense from 5150.
- Karlee Perez told King Muertes that she could not join him at ringside due to an undertaking that had to be tended to.
- Alicia Atout joined Bocchini and Debrowski on commentary for Holliday’s match against Psycho Clown. During the match, Atout criticized Cesar Duran’s leadership. Furthermore, Alicia insisted that nothing was happening between her and Holliday. Towards the end of the match, an Azteca henchman dragged Alicia away from ringside.
- 5150 warned the Von Erichs that they would not win MLW Tag Team Championship.
- Bestia 666’s MLW return was announced on tonight’s show.
- Kerry Von Erich trained Marshall and Ross Von Erich for their upcoming Tag Team Championship match against 5150.
- Following the main event, Cesar Duran appeared on stage. Then, Pagano turned on Alex Hammerstone. Pagano proceeded to help Muertes and Taurus attack Hammerstone. The show ended with Duran’s masked men carrying Hammerstone out of the arena.
Match Results
- Trios Match: Aramis, Black Destiny and Myzteziz Jr. defeated Arez, Black Danger and Dinamico via pinfall.
- Psycho Clown defeated Richard Holliday via pinfall.
- Apocalypto Match: Alex Hammerstone and Pagano defeated King Muertes and Black Taurus via pinfall.
Did you enjoy the first episode of MLW Azteca? Let us know in the comments what you thought of tonight’s show!