As MLW is hot off their Fightland special for Vice TV, let’s catch up on the weekly news from the wrestling promotion that never sleeps. Alexander Hammerstone toughed out pain to win the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, the Opera Cup tournament kicks off on Fusion: ALPHA, and MLW hired a new commentator.
Alexander Hammerstone rocked the MLW world by winning the world title from Jacob Fatu last week. To make the feat even more impressive, Hammer did it on an injured ankle. That explains why he didn’t use the Nightmare Pendulum to finish Fatu.
I was doing whatever I could after almost tearing my ankle in half earlier in the match. https://t.co/l4aOLfnqof pic.twitter.com/1l8MzB3VeI
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) October 8, 2021
Hammerman posted a clip of the moment in question when he rolled his ankle on a pump kick.
Graphic Content warning kinda... or something pic.twitter.com/TRDwSY69an
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) October 9, 2021
The latest health update revealed no broken bones, but the swelling needs to go down before other tests can proceed.
A lot of people keep asking for an injury update.
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) October 10, 2021
I did get x-rays and nothing was broken.
However the swelling was still too intense to tell if anything completely torn.
That said I am able to walk around and am doing everything I can to accelerate the healing process.
Your Boy Hammer and Your Dog Hunter provided a message thanking fans for their support. Hammerstone would like to defend the MLW World Heavyweight Championship around the world.
Quick message to all the fans out there pic.twitter.com/18RvsLZ9k3
— Hammerstone (@alexhammerstone) October 9, 2021
Richard Holliday played a key role in keeping Contra away from interfering. After Hammerstone was victorious, Holliday was one proud Dynasty bro, bro.
Proud is an understatement. From the moment I met Hammer, we instantly clicked and became brothers. Nobody out works him. This is beyond well deserved. This is an affirmation of how good he is.
— Richard Holliday (@MostMarketable) October 8, 2021
Love you Hammer. https://t.co/L9mwWuKJ0V
If you missed Hammerstone’s triumphant moment on the Fightland special, Vice TV has the episode available on their website for cable subscribers.
Did you miss Thursday's #TitleForTitle? You can now stream the historic event for FREE on @VICETV! Just enter your provider!
— MLW (@MLW) October 11, 2021
: https://t.co/k66zUVI5aT pic.twitter.com/1cYjkAMvBO
On to future business, the Opera Cup kicks off tonight (Oct. 13) on Fusion: ALPHA. The show airs at 7 pm ET on YouTube. Defending champion Tom Lawlor faces perhaps the toughest test in the tournament with a first round match against Davey Richards. In my opinion, the winner of this bout is going the distance to hoist the Opera Cup trophy high above their head.
Also on the card, Lee Moriarty wrestles Calvin Tankman, and Delmi Exo wrestles Brittany Blake. The men’s bout will be a good warm-up for upcoming Opera Cup contests. Tankman is a bit of a wild card with all the superior technicians in the bracket. It will be interesting to see if he relies on Heavyweight Hustle or if he has a few submissions up his sleeve. Tankman is my dark horse pick to win the tournament. In addition, MLW is adding Joe Dombrowski to the announce table. Dombrowski has experience calling with Ring of Honor, AAA Triplemania, and indie promotions.
The most intriguing tidbit teased for Fusion: ALPHA is Hammerstone meeting with Cesar Duran (alias Dario Cueto). Hammerstone better be weary not to let his body be taken over by any gods from Lucha Underground.
Who are you picking to win for the matchups on Fusion: ALPHA?