MLW Fusion Episode 89
From the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York
Available on beIN Sports and YouTube
By Dylan Hager
Time for another episode of MLW Fusion! The show starts with The Dynasty walking in the back. They say that the MJF vs Hammerstone match will not be happening tonight. The Dynasty always has a plan.
Rich and AJ are on commentary tonight. They advertise the last two Opera Cup first round matches between Hammerstone and MJF and Davey Boy Smith Jr and Low Ki for later tonight. Also tonight, Filthy Tom has a special announcement.
Prince of Darkness Match: Jimmy Havoc vs Mance Warner
Time for the first match and the continuation of the Jimmy and Mancer feud. It looks like a "Prince of Darkness" match is just a blindfold match. The two start out by arguing over who is going to put their hood on first. The hoods finally go on, and we are treated to the classic blindfold match tactics of searching for the opponent, and listening to the crowd for help. Jimmy takes off his hood to gain the advantage. Kind of feels like that should be a DQ, but whatever. Jimmy works over Mance, but misses a top rope elbow. Mancer takes the advantage and hits some Dusty elbows. Jimmy removes his hood again. Now it really feels like it should be a DQ. While the referee is distracted by Jimmy, Priscilla Kelly comes in and hits Mancer low. Jimmy puts the hood on and hits the Acid Rainmaker for the win. Pretty short match. Decent enough, but Mancer and Jimmy are capable of much more. This feud will continue, and I'm sure Mance and Jimmy will deliver a great match. Winner: Jimmy Havoc
We go to Filthy Tom outside. Tom says that the Filthy Dojo is back open for business. He is interrupted by Ross Von Erich, and the two start to brawl. Tom tries to run away, and it looks like the camera will follow them.
We're back with Alicia Atout interviewing Hammerstone. She wants to know if everything is okay with The Dynasty. Hammerstone says The Dynasty is like brothers. Max and Holliday come out of their dressing room. The trio makes fun of Alicia and Canada. They say The Dynasty is fine.
Mance Warner is backstage for a promo. Jimmy and Priscilla attack Mancer. Jimmy uses a pair of scissors to open up Mancer's head.
Gino Medina is walking backstage. He has no comment for all of the camera man's questions. Salina pulls him into a side room and closes the door behind them. Is Gino the newest member of Salina's stable?
We go back to MJF and Hammerstone backstage. MJF says that he loves Hammer. He says Hammer already has a title, and that nobody but MJF really cares about the Opera Cup anyway. Holliday is on the phone with his lawyer/father. He threatens to fire him. Holliday is trying to get the match canceled.
Strongheart's are being interviewed backstage. They're quickly attacked by Contra.
Opera Cup 1st Round Match: Alexander Hammerstone vs Maxwell Jacob Freeman.
Well it looks like the lawyer/father didn't get the job done, and we are going to have a match. Both guys go for the "fingerpoke of doom" spot at the bell, but neither one goes down. They argue over who is taking the fall. MJF shoves Hammerstone, and Hammer responds with a standing dropkick and a dive to the outside. Holliday begs for Hammerstone to stop. The distraction allows MJF to gain the advantage. He goes for the abdominal stretch with a rope advantage. The ref breaks the hold, and Hammerstone makes a comeback. Hammer hits two big boots. MJF lands a superkick, but Hammer comes back with a huge lariat. Holliday begs for the ref to stop the match. While the ref is with Holliday, MJF hits a low blow and rolls up Hammer, but Hammer kicks out at two. MJF sets up the Crossroads, but Hammer counters and hits a huge powerbomb for the three count. After the match, Hammerstone and Max shake hands. I really enjoyed this match. Hammerstone showed a lot of babyface potential. Is the Dynasty okay? I guess we'll find out. Winner: Alexander Hammerstone
Commentary says that Injustice has been named alternates for the Opera Cup, and we go backstage for a promo. Myron, Jordan, and Kotto complain about not already being in the tournament. They say that somebody isn't going to make it to the Opera Cup. Kotto says he will bring justice.
The camera has caught up to Ross and Tom. They are still fighting on the streets of New York. We see them fighting outside a gas station.
Alicia is interviewing Davey Boy Smith Jr. before his main event match.Smith says that Low Ki is dangerous, but his family pride is going to lead Davey Boy to victory. Smith says that the Opera Cup is staying in his family, and after winning the Cup, Smith is going for the World Title.
Opera Cup 1st Round: Low Ki vs Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Main event time, and I have been looking forward to this one! The match starts out with a feeling out process. Both men look for some chain holds and strikes without much success. Davey Boy finds some success on the ground before the fight goes to the outside. They go back and forth, and Ki eventually hits a double stomp to the back of Smith. Ki goes for a slam, but he can't get Davey up. Ki lands a kick that sends Davey to the outside, and Ki follows up with a dropkick through the ropes. Smith sends Ki back into the ring, but Ki lands a rolling kick as Davey is getting back into the ring. Ki misses another double stomp, and Davey hits a snap powerslam. Davey Boy hits a powerbomb, but Ki kicks out at two. Ki again attempts to slam Smith and is successful this time. Ki goes up top, but is cut off by Davey. Ki takes Davey's back and locks in a choke. Davey rolls over and puts Ki's shoulders to the mat for the three count. Solid match between two great technical wrestlers. The two fighters shake hands after the match. Winner: Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Before the show goes off the air, we get one more look at Tom and Ross. Tom makes it onto the subway right before it takes off, and he is able to escape Ross.
That is the show for the week! The semi-finals of the Opera Cup will be Pillman Jr. vs Timothy Thatcher and Davey Boy vs Hammerstone. I really enjoyed both tournament matches, and the addition of Priscilla Kelly into the Mancer and Jimmy feud. What is next for The Dynasty? What is next for Filthy Tom and the Von Erich brothers? I can't wait to find out!