MLW Roundup: Von Erichs sign, Fury Road matches, Championship tournament on Fusion, more!

Let’s catch up on this week’s news in MLW and preview Saturday night’s episode of Fusion. They were some major legacy signings, the Fury Road card is coming into shape, Teddy Hart added a new feline to the Cat Foundation, and the National Openweight Championship tournament begins.

Ross and Marshall Von Erich sign with MLW

MLW closed the deal to sign Ross and Marshall Von Erich to multi-year contracts. They are the sons of Kevin Von Erich. The press release states that they have competed, “Around the world including for Pro Wrestling NOAH in Japan, Israel, Australia, the United Kingdom as well as in their home state of Texas.”

Justin Barrasso from Sports Illustrated reported that the Von Erichs passed on a WWE tryout to sign with MLW, so they could be have more time to be at home close to their dad. Under their MLW deal, they can still work in Israel and for Pro Wrestling NOAH. I recommend reading the full article (here). It provides a nice in-depth introduction to the two brothers.

Also check out MLW’s profiles for Marshall and Ross. I didn’t really see much of the Von Erichs when I was growing up, but I am excited for their debut based on what was written with lines like, “Marshall Von Erich loves three things: surfing, fishing and fighting,” and, “A strategist inside the ring, Ross wastes no movement, systematically focusing on his opponents’ weaknesses until they are too tired to endure his blitzing offense.” Plus, they both use the Iron Claw.

Thankfully, the wait won’t be long. Ross and Marshall Von Erich are set to debut for MLW on June 1 at Fury Road in Milwaukee.

On the topic of talent signings, the Von Erichs weren’t the only ones in talks with MLW. Unnamed sources reported to MLW.com that two or three more wrestlers are in on going talks. Considering MLW.com has easy access to MLW officials, I would imagine the information is accurate. Hints have been a, “Decorated multi-time champion in several promotions,” and, “The athlete in question fits in with MLW’s ‘rise of the renegades’ era.” I can’t help but wonder if Dean Ambrose could make a major league move. He is pretty much as renegade as it gets. Whoever they are, MLW teased that one will be discussed on this week’s Fusion. The newsletter (sign up here) mentioned Tristen Thai from the northeast wrestling circuit, so perhaps we will learn more about him.

New matches for Fury Road

Fury Road is scheduled for June 1 in Milwaukee. The first few matches have been announced.

• Tom Lawlor & friends vs Contra Unit
• Fall Count Anywhere: Sami Callihan vs Mance Warner
• Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs MJF
• National Openweight Championship Finals

Callihan vs Warner seems odd given their newfound friendship. MLW is explaining it as Salina de la Renta making the match during her final minutes as executive producer last week after Callihan broke into the building and Warner popped out of a box to brawl with LA Park.

In other Mancer news:

I imagine he grabbed some light beers to celebrate being called a trashbagger. The newsletter also mentioned that Warner has an uncle named Grits. The Warner family tree must be a sight to see with Uncle Grits and Granddaddy Mad Dog. I sure hope we get a Warner family reunion one day on MLW Fusion.

Teddy Hart’s new cat

Teddy Hart added another member to his stable of cat companions. Loyalty was already getting ring work at nine weeks of age.

I look forward to seeing Loyalty with Mr. Velvet and Sir Caspian on an episode of H2tv.

National Openweight Championship tournament begins on Fusion

Last week, Salina de la Renta announced the four competitors vying to win MLW’s new National Openweight Championship.

In the Fusion review, I mentioned curiosity over why those four were picked. MLW provided some answers. Alexander Hammerstone is undefeated. Gringo Loco was impressive in defeat to LA Park and in wins over Myron Reed and Puma King. Rich Swann is a globally decorated wrestler. It wasn’t mentioned, but I bet MLW gave him a spot to avoid any legal costs in a potential lawsuit over biased treatment (in storyline, not real life) from referees. Brian Pillman Jr.’s win over MJF looks to have been the boost he needed to be included.

This week, the semi-finals begin with Gringo Loco versus Alexander Hammerstone. The bout should be good, but I view Hammerstone as a heavy favorite. Jim Cornette called Hammerstone a future champion, and this may be his moment to shine. He’s already got a new t-shirt available as part of the Dynasty.

Also on the card will be a battle of undefeated big men in Barrington Hughes and Jacob Fatu. Hughes got involved with the Contra Unit when they were beating up his beefy buddy, Ace Romero. Anytime we get to see Fatu in the ring, I’m excited.

Fenix vs Air Wolf rounds out the action. In addition, we’ll have a new episode of H2tv, Salina de la Renta desiring retribution after last week’s intrusions from Sami Callihan and Mance Warner, and possibly more teases of dissension between de la Renta and Low Ki.

It looks like a very good show. Which bout are you looking forward to most?

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.