MLW Fusion Episode 92
From the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, New York
Available on beIN Sports and YouTube
By Dylan Hager
It is time for another week of MLW Fusion!
We go right to Alicia Atout outside of the arena. She says that Brian Pillman Jr. has been attacked by Injustice. We see the video of Kotto, Oliver, and Reed attacking Pillman as he was going to an autograph signing. Alicia says Pillman might not be able to compete in tonight's main event against Timothy Thatcher.
We take a look back at Filthy Tom vs "Rip Von Erich" from last week. Tom joins Rich and AJ on commentary, and it is time for our first match!
Ross and Marshall Von Erich vs The "Filthy" Squad
Mondo and Doane are going by the "Filthy Squad" instead of the "Spirit Squad" now that they have joined Team Filthy. The champs start off hot, but Mondo interferes from outside the ring, allowing Kenny to gain the advantage. Ross makes the hot tag and quickly takes out both Kenny and Mikey. Marshall and Ross quickly hit their claw/suplex finisher and get the fast win. After the match, Rip comes out and "attacks" the real Von Erich boys from behind, but Marshall and Ross dispose of Rip with ease. Very quick match. Winners: Marshall and Ross Von Erich
We take another look at Injustice taking out Pillman.
Alicia is backstage to interview Ross and Marshall, but Filthy Tom attacks and lays out both men before the interview can start.
We get yet another look at Pillman being layed out by Injustice, just in case you missed the first two times they showed it in the last 15 minutes.
Injustice is backstage. They say they are tired of Court Bauer and MLW management. They want Pillman's spot in the Opera Cup.
We get a hype package recapping the Jimmy Havoc and Mance Warner feud as we build to their barb wire match.
Next up is a control center package for the upcoming "Fightland" show.
Time for another Erick Stevens vignette. I cannot wait to see Stevens in an MLW ring.
We go back to Alicia. She is outside of the Doctors room, and she says that Pillman might not be able to compete in the main event. Pillman comes out and says he has a separated shoulder, but he is cleared to compete tonight. Pillman says he is going to beat Thatcher tonight and deal with Injustice after the Opera Cup.
Next up is a Contra vignette, and we finally go back to the ring.
Konan comes out to the ring. He mentions MLW's new relationship with AAA. He says that Gino Medina is the next big thing to follow guys like Rey Mysterio, Psicosis, and the Lucha Brothers. This brings Gino to the ring. Konan talks about their past, and the past Konan has with Gino's father as a part of Los Gringos Locos. Gino says that his father told him all about Konan, and he says that Konan is just trying to use him. Konan says that Salina is trying to use him, which brings Salina down to the ring. Konan and Salina go back and forth on the mic trying to recruit Gino. The Dynasty makes their way down to the ring, and MJF, Hammerstone, and Holliday all recruit Gino. Gino shakes Konan's hand, but then kicks him in the gut. Gino and the Dynasty all put the boots to Konan, and the four celebrate in the ring. It appears Gino is the newest member of the Dynasty. Solid segment. Konan, Salina, and MJF are so good on the mic.
We take a look at both Pillman and Thatcher's first round matches, and it is main event time!
Opera Cup Semi Final: Brian Pillman Jr. vs Timothy Thatcher
Pillman gets off to a hot start and takes the fight right to Thatcher. Thatcher goes after the hurt shoulder and quickly gains the advantage. Tim systematically breaks down Pillman with a series of holds targeting Pillman's shoulder. Pillman counters a suplex with a cross body. Pillman comes back with a series of kicks and chops, and he catches a charging Thatcher with a snap-powerslam. Pillman comes off the middle rope with a cross body, but Thatcher rolls through. Thatcher suplexes Pillman, but Brian comes right back with a suplex of his own. Pillman lands a knee and goes for a DDT.Thatcher counters the DDT with an armbar, but Pillman rolls up Thatcher for the three count. Short, slow paced main event, but they told a good story centered on Pillman's bad shoulder. Decent match, but I think Pillman and Thatcher could put on a better show. Winner: Brian Pillman Jr.
We take a look at Davey Boy Smith Jr's road to the Opera Cup Final, and hype the final between the two members of the New Hart Foundation before going off the air.
I thought this weeks show was just okay. A ton of talking and not much ring work. Both matches were pretty short. Next week will feature the Opera Cup Final between Pillman and Davey Boy, as well Gino vs Savio Vega. High expectations on my end for next weeks show!