Let’s dig into some MLW Fusion action as the show returned from Philadelphia for episode 45. Rich Swann lost his cool, Alex Hammerstone debuted, and a middleweight title fight took place between Teddy Hart and MJF.
To avoid confusion, I’m getting caught up on MLW Fusion after moving the past week. If you want to watch the newest offering, episode 46 is already available on YouTube and be on the look out for the review on Tuesday.
Back to episode 45.
On to a recap and review of the show...
The program opened with a fantastic fan-made rap track by Righteous Reg for the Hart Foundation followed by H2tv with Davey Smith Jr. and Mr. Velvet. Japanese culture was the topic of discussion.
Salina de la Renta cut a promo via Instagram video. She made fun of marks asking dumb questions about the future of Promociones Dorado after Low Ki lost the heavyweight championship to Tom Lawlor. “Because now I don’t have the gold, you think I don’t have the power? What show have you been watching?”
De la Renta revealed that the fight contract had an automatic rematch clause. She then threatened Lawlor that they can do to him what they did to Kotto Brazil. De la Renta pulled her hat down to mock the eye injury sustained by Brazil and cackled with laughter.
The championship rematch between Low Ki and Tom Lawlor will take place inside a steel cage at Intimidation Games in Chicago on March 2.
Ace Austin vs Rich Swann
Rich Swann had a picture in picture mini promo. “You see the sparkly jacket. You see the goggles. And when Rich Swann enters a room, everybody knows that the party goes. Everybody knows that the party flows. Everybody knows that when Rich Swann steps into the arena, there is nothing but electricity going through your body. So, get ready to party all night long.”
Hmm, I always wondered why Swann dressed with his jacket and goggles. Now I know he’s a rocking party boy. Maybe he’s trying to feel The Glow. All the masters know that you need the glow, you need the glow, the glow to grow. Shine on. Sho’nuff!
Before we get to the match itself, there is something that must be addressed. During the early going of the duel, a symbol flashed onto the screen.
I don’t know what Contra is supposed to refer to. While writing the MLW Roundup, I happened to come across its members. Click here if you want the information. I’m not sure if it is a spoiler, so I’ll save the surprise just in case.
On to the match. The majority of the bout was close back and forth with the lucha libre mirroring style. There were lots of kicks, strikes, and rope bouncing. The finish felt abrupt as Austin connected on a sweet reverse splash.
Springboard knee strike into a reverse splash for @The_Ace_Austin on @GottaGetSwann!
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) February 17, 2019
Is that enough for the youngster?
You should be watching #MLWFusion on @beINSPORTSUSA. If you're not, watch the replay on https://t.co/UOLeGuTpvo beginning at Noon ET Sunday! pic.twitter.com/R6drJEpZHw
The referee counted oddly. He halted on mat tap three expecting Swann to kick out. Swann remained still, so the ref did a fourth hand slap to the mat signifying an official three count. Credit to Matt Striker for the coverup on commentary. He observed that Austin had his elbow into Swann’s bicep, which prevented Swann from shifting weight for a kick out. I don’t know if that is a legit reason, but it sounded good.
After the match, Swann lost his marbles and attacked the referee and Rich Bocchini, who was attempting a post-match interview.
Our own @RichBocchini looking to get a word with @GottaGetSwann and ...
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) February 17, 2019
What the hell is wrong with Rich Swann? He just attacked one of our officials!
What is going on with Swann lately? pic.twitter.com/NyKSxP1cBz
Later in the week, Swann would be suspended and fined $3,000 by MLW.
Ariel Dominguez vs Alex Hammerstone
Alex Hammerstone was making his MLW debut. He dressed like Tyler Durden from Fight Club. Poor Ariel Dominguez. 251 pounds vs 140 pounds. Ariel does get an A for effort though. He fought hard. Are we sure we saw an actual match between two different people and not just Hammerstone being Dominguez’s alter-ego? Could the Fight Club gimmick be pulled off in wrestling?
Hammerstone had a picture in picture promo prior to the opening bell. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve seen before here in MLW, because the future just arrived.” Hammerstone is a large fellow, but he lacks shoulder mobility. He needed help from the referee to remove his tight jacket. I bet that jacket was the proper size for Dominguez. Hmm.
Hammerstone controlled the action with strength. Dominguez did his best, but the result was never in doubt for Hammerstone. The top highlight was an inside-out German suplex by the big man.
Elbows flying from @Official_ArielD ... but that seems to have done nothing but piss @alexhammerstone off!
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) February 17, 2019
Holy ❗#MLWFusion on @beINSPORTSUSA pic.twitter.com/aq5kAgakfr
Hammerstone’s finisher is unique. He had Dominguez up in a vertical suplex position then lowered him for a pendulum slam. 1, 2, 3. I’d be curious if Hammerstone can execute that maneuver against super heavies. If not, then I wonder what his backup finisher would be.
Mance Warner promo
Mance Warner rented a front truck for big rigs. My vehicle vernacular is lacking. I guess the idea was that Warner drove it to Philadelphia for the show as a rental car. Warner rattled off a bunch of catchphrases without actually saying anything of meaning. It was a nice tease and showed Warner’s charisma. He’ll be debuting for MLW on the next episode of Fusion.
Middleweight championship: Teddy Hart vs MJF
MJF entered first and ridiculed the Philly crowd with a promo. “Oh, you guys like ECW? That makes sense. If you like ECW, then you are white trash.” MJF proceeded to bash Teddy Hart with delusional heeling. Hart entered with his cat, Mr. Velvet.
Hart began the match trying to show respect to MJF. When denied, Hart treated MJF like a jabroni by giving him a wedgie and using curse words to work up the crowd. MJF seized the opportunity by attacking Hart from behind and grounding him into the mat.
Once the pace picked up, highlights included a Code Red by Hart, a powerbomb into a lungblower by Hart, a soaring springboard moonsault by Hart, and a sort of catapult DDT by MJF using the ropes.
For the finishing sequence, Hart gave MJF a super wedgie. Rich Bocchini exclaimed at the site of MJF’s butt cheeks, “Oh, that’s too much. Avert your eyes.” Hart then jumped off the corner into a flipping DDT.
Wedgie-Destroyer!
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) February 17, 2019
Second time in this matchup that @TeddyHartIsBACK has given @The_MJF a wedgie! And this one ends up in a Canadian Destroyer!
The champ is rolling in this World MIddleweight Title bout!#MLWFusion on @beINSPORTSUSA! pic.twitter.com/hJOn2O4FO0
Unfortunately, MJF’s momentum carried him into the referee. Ref down!
Hart spanked MJF then delivered a hammerlock DDT, however, the ref was still unconscious. No count on the pin attempt. As Hart tried to wake the referee, MJF rolled out of the ring and grabbed a steel chair from under the apron. Hart anticipated MJF’s cheating ways and met him with a low blow kick. Hart hit MJF in the midsection with the chair. Electric chair into a lungblower by Hart. Hart revived the ref, connected on a springboard corkscrew moonsault, and claimed victory to retain his championship.
Surprise attack
After the match, Kaci Lennox attempted to interview Teddy Hart backstage. Hart was ambushed by MJF’s cohort, Richard Holliday. Hart couldn’t overcome the numbers disadvantage. The two rich boys beat Hart from pillar to post and left him rolling on the ground with a broken rib.
Episode 45 of MLW Fusion was yet another quality display of professional wrestling programming. The stories made me curious to tune in next week and the action was rock solid. It is a simple formula but not always easy to accomplish. MLW did just that.
Color me intrigued by Rich Swann’s outbursts of violence toward the referee and Rich Bocchini. I have no clue what the end game for the storyline will be. If Swann is suffering from head trauma as Matt Striker suggested, then where would that lead? I can’t even hypothesize about any potential twists or turns.
Alex Hammerstone was impressive in victory. I really want to see how he stacks up against Ace Romero and Barrington Hughes. It’s one thing to look large opposite a 140 pound competitor. Seeing Hammerstone against the super heavies will put his size in perspective. I’m also wondering if the Tyler Durden homage is look only or if Hammerstone will be influenced by some of Durden’s character traits.
I have to tip my hat to MJF. A couple of weeks ago, I wrote how MJF was made to look inferior after a Teddy Hart verbal bashing. I questioned if MJF could recover. Look at how he scurried away from a champagne bath.
2️⃣ hours from now!#MLWFusion on @beINSPORTSUSA features Teddy Hart vs. MJF in a World Middleweight Championship Match!
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) February 17, 2019
For fun ... let's take a look at the last time Teddy and Maxwell interacted! pic.twitter.com/l027CJ1H3E
MJF won me back over with his aggressive mat work and finger biting. He showed that he is no chump. Even though MJF lost, it was a respectable defeat. His stock actually went up in my book afterward with the help of his buddy, Richard Holliday, as they beat up Hart. MJF and Holliday are now calling themselves a dynasty.
I’m eager to see their feud with the Hart Foundation play out. MJF and Holliday have plenty of money, but do they have custom-made Egyptian silk shirts? Chalk one up for the Hart Foundation on the scorecard.
If you were wondering why Davey Smith Jr. and Brian Pillman Jr. didn’t help Hart, MLW posted a story to explain their absence. The juniors were in Calgary at a pro wrestling celebration. That is a good job of covering the bases. Those little details really do matter.
How do you think the Rich Swann story will end? What was your impression of Alex Hammerstone after his debut? Are you excited to see the Hart Foundation feud with MJF and Richard Holliday?
MLW Fusion airs on beIN SPORTS Saturday nights at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT. New episodes are posted on YouTube Sundays at noon ET.