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MLW TV REPORT
AUGUST 31, 2018
TAPED IN ORLANDO, FLA.
AIRED ON BE-IN SPORTS NETWORK
REPORT BY KRIS KARCHER, PWTORCH CORRESPONDENT
Commentators: Tony Schiavone, Rich Bocchini
– The show opened cold with a video package narrated by Filthy Tom Lawler. Lawler said the one thing that has alluded him during his time in MLW was a shot at the title. He said that the Stud Stable were constantly in his way. They showed footage of the Dojo match from two weeks ago where The Stud Stable took out Lawler’s trainer Seth Petruzelli.
– Matt Striker previewed some of the upcoming matches for tonight, including the main event with Lawler vs. Hager, Simon Gotch is starting back up his “Prize Fight” challenge, and former teammates now enemies Jason Cade and Jimmy Yuta will square off for the very first time.
(1) Vandal Ortagun vs. Teddy Hart
Teddy Hart was mouthing off about a conspiracy theory holding him down in MLW. He spit water at the referee. The crowd was very into Hart. Hart stood on the turnbuckle and got the crowd to cheer for him. Ortagun then tried and got booed. Hart hit Ortagun in the back when he was still on the turnbuckle. Hart dominated offense after that. Hart was very mouthy with the ref claiming he cost him his last match. Hart hit an electric chair lung blower that looked fantastic. Hart hit Ortagun with an armor DDT. He went for the cover but then lifted Ortagun back up and then hit a powerbomb into a lung blower for the win.
WINNER: Teddy Hart
(Karcher’s Anlaysis: A total squash match for Hart. This was essentially just a platform to further establish Hart’s issue’s with MLW and the officiating staff. Hart was convincible in his domination and was very intense with his berating of the official. It’s a shame that Ortagun had to take the lopsided loss as he is now essentially locked into that jobber position unless they do something drastic with him. I think he’s a reasonably solid hand that could be a minor contender for the middleweight championship if they ever felt the desire to start pushing him. After a loss like this, however, he will need some work to be rehabilitated.)
– Simon Gotch and team filthy entered the ring. Gotch got on the mic and recapped the rules of the prize fight. You only need to last 5 minutes in the ring against Gotch. Gotch said he would raise the prize from $200 to $500.
(2) Simon Gotch (w/ Tom Lawler, Fred Yehi) vs. Angel Pierce – Prize Fight Challenge
Pierce was supposedly a boxer with a professional record of 23-0 (18 by KO) and came to the ring with boxing gloves on and had a trainer greasing up his face in the corner. Pierce came out and threw some week punches that Gotch shrugged off. Gotch hit a few kicks and then a Gotch Piledriver for the win. Gotch then trapped Pierce’s water bottle and spit in Pierce’s face.
WINNER: Simon Gotch
(Karcher’s Analysis: This was nothing. I’m not sure why they are doing these as it doesn’t seem like they are trying to build up Gotch for anything. I’m assuming that the payoff will eventually be a real competent wrestler taking on Gotch and beating him for the money. In that scenario, I would bet on that wrestler being Barrington Hughes. Whether or not that pay off is worth the 4 or 5 of these ridiculous “matches” we have to suffer before we get to that is not clear at this moment. Hopefully, they end this sooner rather than later.)
– They aired a promo of Abyss talking about the upcoming match at War Games. He said was excited when Callihan called him asking him to be in the match. He said his team is a lethal combination of destruction. He said he loves war and he loves games. He said he is going to teach everyone the meaning of pain and suffering. He called out Dreamer, Strickland, and Hennigan. He said it’s going to be fun and it’s going to be real. He said he is going t show, everyone, just what a monster he is.
– They aired a video package narrated by Low Ki. It began by praising Konnan for being a legend and an all-time great. Low Ki Said even legends can make mistakes. They showed footage of Konnan linking up with Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix. Low Ki said they already belonged to someone else. He said Salina brought them to the dance and set them at the pinnacle of tag team wrestling. He said Salina is not without allies. He said after September 6th Fenix will never rise and Pentagon will never dig himself free from (I honestly could not figure out what he said here it sounded the rain? I listened three times and couldn’t get it I’m sorry. Low Ki has a crazy deep voice and there was background noise.) He said Konnan has sown and now “we will reap”
– Striker ran down the War Games card and recapped the rules for the War Games match.
(3) Jimmy Yuta vs. Jason Cade
They played an interview from earlier during Yuta’s entrance where Yuta said he is excited about this match because he finally gets to shut up Jason Cade and after he finished with Cade he can focus on his singles career and focus on getting the MLW Middleweight Championship. During Cade’s entrance, they played an interview with him as well. Cade said management is forcing him to have this match and the only thing that’s going to be TBD is how badly he beats Yuta. Yuta kicked Cade right as the bell rang and started stomping away at Cade. Cade slipped out of the ring to the outside and Yuta dove through the ropes onto Cade. Yuta threw Cade back onto the ring and then hit an elbow drop from the top for a two count. Yuta continued his aggressive offense inside the ring until Cade used the Ref as a shield to block Yuta’s springboard maneuver. Cade then took over on offense and cockily slapped Yuta around the ring. Cade baseball slid in front of Yuta and then backhand slapped him in the face. Cade applied a headlock and jaw jacked with the crowd a bit. Yuta fought back and the two hit double clotheslines sending both down. Yuta popped back up and fired up hitting a missile dropkick from the middle turnbuckle and followed that up with a sit-down powerbomb for a two count. Yuta transitioned from an arm drag into an STF type submission move. The crowd started chanting “Let’s go Yuta”. Cade hit a nice torture rack slam and got a two count. The crowd chanted “Jason sucks”. Cade went to the top rope but Yuta stopped him. Yuta then hit a high superplex. Both men where down and the ref counted to 8. Both men got up and exchanged punches and elbows. Yuta got the best of the exchange. Cade went down and the ref stopped Yuta from continuing with any offense. The ref backed off Yuta and went to check on Cade. The ref threw up the X and rolled Cade to the edge of the ring. Yuta was complaining but the ref said Cade was knocked out. Rick Giddens? then slid into the ring and hit Yuta with a huge clothesline behind the ref’s back. Cade then sprung right up and covered Yuta for the three count. Giddens? and Cade celebrated together in the ring.
WINNER: Jason Cade
(Karcher’s Analysis: Good match here. They did a nice job of telling a compelling story int he ring. Yuta was believable in his intensity and seemed like he was very eager to get a win over his former partner. Cade played the role of the cocky heel well and very aggravatingly smug when he was in control. The crowd was into the match which is somewhat surprising given the lack of buzz around Yuta but I was glad to see the crowd engaging with the characters. I think the ending was well done except I’m not a fan of the fake use of the X hand signal. I know it’s an inside thing but as someone who has refereed matches before it’s scary to see the signal that is supposed to mean a real injury has occurred used to deceive the audience. I know that is a primary aspect to professional wrestling and there is a point to be made that says any effective way to trick an audience in 2018 is fair game but my heart sunk a bit when I saw the X because I had thought the worst for Cade. At least they used it after an exchange of punches where you had to figure nothing all that terrible could have happened (but then again look at what happened to Shibata) but still I’d err on the side of not using that signal unless you absolutely need to convey a real injury. The inference aspect of the angle I like even though I’m not familiar with this new guy. (I googled Rick Giddens and nothing came up so I might have been mishearing the name.) Having new roster members debut in surprise fashion like this could be a great tool in MLW’s arsenal.)
– They went backstage where Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. where talking backstage to Brian Pillman Jr. before Kevin Sullivan interrupted. Hart was not happy about his interruption. Sullivan tried to give Hart and Smith their props but Hart wasn’t hearing any of it. He shoved Sullivan hard and told Pillman Jr. he had to make a choice. Hart told Sullivan that guys in his day didn’t so sh– in the ring. Pillman told Hart that he’s just an old man and to take it easy on him. He told Hart and Smith they need to leave Sullivan alone and worry about protecting him. Hart said there would be no more protection for him unless picked a side right now. He grabbed Pillman by the shirt. Sullivan slapped Hart’s hand away and Hart told Pillman to get him out of here before he slaps him around. Things then escalated as Hart and Smith took turns beating down Sullivan while Pillman watched and the camera started to lose picture. Sullivan was actually busted open on the floor in the corner. Hart started egging Pillman on telling him he had to pick a side and referenced his dad. Pillman then cracked Sullivan with his cane sending piecing flying everywhere. Pillman leaned down to Sullivan and said he respected him but he never said he liked him. Hart said Sullivan can’t brainwash people like he did 20 years ago. Smith said this was a warning and next time it will be worse.
(Karcher’s Analysis: I usually don’t comment on promos but I can’t help myself here there is so much I want to say. This was really great. This might have been the best promo/backstage segment on Fusion so far. I thought it was brilliantly set up over the last few weeks with Sullivan taking Pillman under his wing and offering advice while Pillman was also seen spending time with Hart and Smith who have been growing more and more discontent with their position in MLW. They have been getting aggressive and violent with anyone who they even think disrespect them this week they didn’t hesitate to take out an old man who they thought was interfering with their plans for Pillman. Putting Pillman in the position where he needed to make a choice was perfect as it created some real tension and drama. I thought they might have Pillman escort Sullivan out of the situation and then finish the angle another time. Just when it seemed like the typical “wrestlers yell at each other as one leaves the scene” you had Hart unexpectedly and extremely violently attack Sullivan. Then Smith joined in and I felt both sympathies for Sullivan, anger at Hart and Smith, and intrigue wonder how Pillman was going to react. I honestly wasn’t sure which side he was going to take. Then when he chose a side and cracked Sullivan with that cane I was heartbroken. They really took you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with this promo. It was a bit muddled at times because so many people were talking at the same time, but I actually prefer that over the heavily scripted promo’s we see on WWE and IMPACT each week that tend to telegraph their destination. This was wild and unpredictable and everything I love about Professional Wrestling. I’m really looking forward to Brian Pillman’s wrestling debut. Hopefully whatever story they can tell with him in the ring will be as compelling as the things he has been doing backstage.)
– Matt Striker reviewed the tale of the tape for our main event
(4) Jake Hager vs. Tom Lawler (w/ Simon Gotch & Fred Yehi)
Colonel Parker was in the ring to introduce “The man who rules the world” Jake Hager. It’s odd that the rest of The Stud Stable wasn’t at ringside for Hager. The Crowd was chanting “Let’s go filthy”. Schiavone said before Lawler cashes in his Battle Riot title match he needs to end his summer-long feud with Hager and it all ends tonight. Thank god. The two started off grappling each other in the center of the ring neither man really gaining the advantage. Lawler attempted to take Hager down but count lift him. Lawler then jumped on Hager’s back and Hager backed up into the turnbuckle to knock him off. Hager then took over on offense and tossed Lawler abound the ring from corner to corner. Lawler was able to fight back and hit a side suplex and then a running heel kick off the ropes for a two count. Lawler mounted Hager in the corner and reigned down punches until Hager threw Lawler over the top rope to the apron and then the floor. Hager then took the fight to the outside and slammed Lawler’s head into the apron. Hager rolled Lawler back inside the ring and then reigned down some punches and kicks on Lawler. Lawler started to fight back but Hager hit him with a big boot and that got him a two count. Hager chocked out Lawler using the middle rope. Lawler fought back and hit Hager with a clothesline that staggered Hager. Lawler then hit a discus clothesline and that sent Hager to the matt. Hager was able to hit a Hager bomb a minute later and got a two count. Hager was frustrated that he didn’t get the win with that. Hager took Lawler to the top rope and attempted to superplex him but Lawler pushed Hager off and when Hager tried again Lawler applied an armor over the ropes. Hager sold his arm after and Lawler applied an armor in the ring next. Hager rolled through and went to the outside. Labeler followed and set Hager up in an empty steel chair. Lawler stepped back and yelled, “THIS IS LAWLER” and gave Hager a boot to the chest sending him to the floor (300 reference) The crowd started chanting “Filthy, Filthy”. Lawler rolled Hager back into the ring and then hit a German Suplex, then an exploder suplex, then a rear naked choke. Hager started to fight out but Lawler hit a pump handle suplex and reapplied the rear naked choke. Lawler tried to transition to an armbar but Hager was able to reverse into an ankle lock. Lawler was able to break the hold by getting to the rope. The crowd loudly chanted “Let’s go Filthy” and Hager told the crowd to shut up. Hager started to reign down blows onto Lawler. Lawler stood up but Hager continued to strike Lawler up against the ropes. When the ref backed off Hager, Hager pushed the ref out of his was and Lawler poked Hager in the eyes and then rolled up Hager into a pinning predicament. Hager rolled through but Lawler used that momentum to transition into a different pinning combination and got the three count.
WINNER: Tom Lawler
(Karcher’s Analysis: Pretty good match. Much better then I expected it to be. I am glad this feud is over (I think). I’m surprised that Lawler didn’t go over clean as I really don’t see the benefit of protecting Hager at this point and Lawler looks to have a title program coming up soon. It’s also weird that Lawler is still wrestling as a heel even though the crowd is fully behind him and the booking over the summer has been set up to get Lawler over as a face. The Stud Stable has been clearly positioned to be the heel’s in this feud and Team Filthy are set up to be the faces with the Stable attacking Petruzelli a few weeks ago. Lawler has been on quite the run lately winning over the crowds and me. His performance in the Battle Riot was really well done and I think MLW should turn their attention into making him a major babyface star instead of having his poke Jake Hager in the eyes to win. But other then the finish I liked the story they told in the ring. Both men had legit MMA skills and they played off those skills in a believable and compelling way. Lawler working over Hager’s arm and Hager working on the ankle of Lawler. The previous matches between these two were too slow and never really kicked into the extra gear needed for a 3 start match but I think this one did. Not saying it blew the roof off the building or anything but this was a decent match between two guys that are right on the cusp of being major talents. I think Lawler is on the rise and Hager’s stock is dwindling each time I see him. Despite Hager’s decent performance here I wouldn’t mind if they gave him a few months off. Bring in someone like Jeff Cobb if you want a physical presence in the ring similar to Hager’s. Cobb has the skills to turn it on in a way Hager never has and probably never will.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: Pretty good show this week. The highlight of the show for me was that incredible altercation backstage with Kevin Sullivan and the Hart Foundation. I’m so excited to see where that storyline goes. I wish MLW had some guys on their staff that could make some compelling youtube content other than the weekly Fusion show. Some interview style extended video packages like the ones NWA and Evolve put out would be really interesting involving this story. They could dive deep into Pillman’s relationship with his father and what that means to the wrestling world. They could remind everyone who Kevin Sullivan is and why we should care about him. And we could get a more clear understanding of why exactly Teddy Hart feels like he is being disrespected in MLW. We also got two decent singles matches on the show with Yuta vs. Cade having the nice surprise treat of a debuting wrestler. The main event was better then it had any right to be considering Jake Hager was in it. The other two matches were squashes. Overall I enjoyed this show a lot as they really heated up the Pillman intrigue, Lawler is getting over and should be on his way to a great program with Low Ki, and the Stud Stable/Team Filthy angle should be coming to a close. I’m very excited to see the matches going down at War Games and I guess since that’s taking place next Thursday, we will see some of those matches in two weeks on Fusion. They haven’t announced any matches for next week.
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REPORT: 8/24 MLW TV REPORT: Dirty Blondes vs. Team Filthy, ACH & Rich Swann vs. Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix, plus Low Ki, Konnan, Tom Lawlor, Tommy Dreamer
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