MLW Fusion: Pillman paid price in six-man tables match, Lawlor’s next contender revealed

MLW Fusion returned from the Melrose Ballroom in New York City for episode 55. The feature bouts were Kotto Brazil vs Jordan Oliver, Rey Horus vs Ace Austin, and a tables match between the Hart Foundation and the Dynasty. We also saw the sticky results of the Hart Foundation’s joyride with MJF’s car and learned who will be Tom Lawlor’s next challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship.

On to a recap and review of the show...

Condom car

Richard Holliday showed Alexander Hammerstone the car which was absconded by the Hart Foundation for a joy ride. There were condoms and garbage all over the interior of the automobile. Hammerstone was having a conniption. “First, it was that match with Maxwell (losing to Brian Pillman Jr.), then we get banned from ringside, then Pillman makes me see the brown side of the moon. Now, this?!?!” Holliday called MJF to explain the situation, however, he failed to mention the condoms.

All signs point to the Hart Foundation as the vandals, but I wouldn’t be so quick to assume. If you ask me, it looks like the work of Dirty Mike and the Boys. If you’ve seen The Other Guys with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell, then you will know that homeless crew is down with orgies in cars.

I just noticed that Fusion has a new intro package. Same music but different highlights, such as a Contra Unit fireball and Mr. Velvet.

Jordan Oliver vs Kotto Brazil

Kotto Brazil controlled the pace. After a flying blockbuster and a frog splash by Brazil, Jordan Oliver kicked out at two. Salina de la Renta and Ricky Martinez came down to annoy Brazil. If you don’t recall, Martinez is the reason Brazil wears an eyepatch. Martinez allegedly stabbed Brazil with a champagne glass. Back to the match.

Oliver tried to capitalize with a roll-up and an outside-in jawbreaker, but Brazil kicked out each time. Brazil knocked Oliver out of the ring with a stunner, then Brazil delivered two suicide dives. On a third try, Martinez grabbed Brazil’s foot. Brazil responded with a slingshot flying attack. When Brazil entered back into the ring, he was met with a springboard cutter from Oliver. 1, 2, 3. Oliver scored the victory in his MLW singles debut.

Tom Lawlor’s next title challenger

In an effort to line up global challengers for Tom Lawlor, it was announced on the program that “Avalanche” Robert Dreissker signed a deal for a world title fight.

The Hosstrian from Austria cut a backstage promo saying that he is coming for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. He needs to work on his growl. It sounded more like a pirate yar noise. Maybe that was his intention.

Brian Pillman Jr. attacked

Brian Pillman Jr. was warming up in the trainer’s room when MJF and Richard Holliday used a chair to injure Pillman’s shoulder. “Dynasty, bro.”

A later update by Kaci Lennox queried that it may be 2 vs 3 without Pillman in the main event tables match between the Hart Foundation and the Dynasty.

Rey Horus vs Ace Austin

This bout was teased as a showcase to impress MLW officials for a spot in the newly announced National Openweight title tournament. It was given plenty of time at about fifteen minutes.

The match was heavy with forearm and kick attacks. At one point, Ace Austin tried to remove the mask of Rey Horus and succeeded for a brief moment. Jim Cornette and Rich Bocchini did a good job putting over how despicable that act is.

Highlights include a slingshot corkscrew by Horus to the outside, a standing Spanish Fly by Horus, and a splendid double underhook twisting facebuster by Austin. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen that last maneuver before.

For the finish, Horus climbed the corner to try a move on Austin, who was sitting on the top turnbuckle. Austin countered into a fireman’s carry position, but Horus elbowed his way out. Austin pushed Horus off into a backflip. Horus then charged up the corner for an inverted top rope rolling hurricanrana for victory.

Salina de la Renta too busy for Low Ki

Salina de la Renta was on the phone preparing for her executive producer role for next week’s episode of Fusion. Low Ki desired a conversation about the National Openweight title. De la Renta politely blew him off. This could be a step in a story about Low Ki’s contract running out with Promociones Dorado.

Tom Lawlor promo

With Jimmy Havoc out of the way, Tom Lawlor is focused on defending the world title against all comers. Get used to seeing “Filthy” Tom, because he isn’t backing down from anybody.

Tables Match: Hart Foundation vs Dynasty

Ring announcer Tim Barr crushed it with his delivery of, “Taaag teeeaaam TABLES maaatch.” It set the mood right. The only way to win was to put an opponent through a table.

Mr. Velvet was in the house.

MLW

Even though the Hart Foundation was without Brian Pillman Jr., they still dominated for the first six minutes. In a match full of cool maneuvers, the first was Davey Boy Smith Jr. overhead pressing Teddy Hart onto MJF and Alexander Hammerstone. Hart was caught, so Smith dropkicked everyone to the ground.

Early highlights include a super high moonsault by Hart off the ropes down to the floor, a snap suplex by Hart to Hammerstone on the floor, Smith suplexing Richard Holliday on the floor, a double wristlock cradle DDT by Hart, an assisted rope-hung double DDT by Hart, a super powerslam by Smith, a moonsault by Hart, a flying headbutt by Smith, and a springboard moonsault by Hart.

Smith went to find a table. That’s when the Dynasty had their first offensive strike. Hammerstone blindsided Smith with a pump kick then tossed Smith into the ring post. The numbers game finally caught up to the Hart Foundation. Hart was hit by a Hammerstone flying missile dropkick and a double spike tombstone piledriver.

MJF and Hammerstone wanted to do matching suplexes, but MJF was reversed by Smith. That led to a vertical suplex duel between Hammerstone and Smith for 25 seconds.

Holliday clipped Smith in the knee to end the duel. Holliday set up a table in the corner. Things looked bleak for the Hart Foundation.

Brian Pillman Jr.!!!

An injured Pillman ran down to clean house. Hart executed an assisted Canadian Destroyer on Hammerstone. The next maneuver was stupendous. MJF was sitting up on Smith’s shoulders, and Hammerstone was sitting on the top turnbuckle. Hart stepped on top of a hunched Hammerstone to fly for a Doomsday Canadian Destroyer. So awesome.

Holliday snuck in for a double low blow to Hart and Smith and attacked Pillman’s injured shoulder. That led to Hammerstone powerbombing Pillman through the table for the win.

MLW

Executive producer Salina de la Renta

Kaci Lennox inquired about Salina de la Renta’s plans for next week as executive producer of Fusion. The lineup is stacked. Gringo Loco vs Hijo de LA Park, Daga vs Low Ki, and Pentagon vs LA Park. De la Renta finished by threatening to fire Lennox if she doesn’t work on her Spanish.

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Episode 55 of MLW Fusion was thumbs up. The first two bouts felt like a different pace instead of tons off flying. Yeah, there was plenty of leaping, but those moves were used as high spots instead of standard work. I like how it was switched up in that regard. It makes each episode feel like it has its own flavor.

Commentary with Jim Cornette and Rich Bocchini was especially enjoyable. They provided several chuckles with intended and unintended double meanings.

I’m pumped to see Tom Lawlor defend against “Avalanche” Robert Dreissker. Gutsy fellows battling bigger men is always up my alley. I assume Lawlor will win, and Avalanche will be a nice addition to his championship resume.

Ace Austin seems to be coming into his own as an MLW competitor. His vast array of fancy kicks was impressive. In his previous matches, I felt he was just a cool maneuver guy. He showed more character and grit against Rey Horus to make me look forward to his next bout.

Whoo wee, the tables match was loads of fun. It was satisfying to see Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. stomp those Dynasty weasels for so long to start the match. The top moves were jaw-droppingly dope. That Doomsday Canadian Destroyer is a sight to see. Pillman’s run-in was worthy of a fun pop.

I also like how the Dynasty shocked with an upset. They were getting beaten so bad that they approached Chumpsville territory but then did what needed to be done to secure victory. That winning powerbomb through the table was brutal looking. If the Dynasty had lost, I would have been over the feud. Now that they won, I eagerly await the next chapter.

What did you think of episode 55 of MLW Fusion? Which was your favorite maneuver? Does the idea of Robert Dreissker vs Tom Lawlor get you excited? Any wild conjecture about what went down in MJF’s car?

MLW Fusion airs on beIN SPORTS Saturday nights at 9 pm ET / 6 pm PT. New episodes are posted on YouTube Mondays at 7 pm ET. Fusion is also broadcast in the UK, Ireland, and Israel.