Disclaimer: I haven't watched MLW in a very long time but the main event drew me in so here I am.
MLW World Middleweight Championship: Myron Reed (c) vs. Tajiri vs. Arez vs. Aramis
The opener of Myron Reed defending the MLW Middleweight Championship against Aramis, Arez & Tajiri was solid. 3 young and great up and comers full of highspots. Don't get me wrong, I've seen better from all, but for a quick little TV opener though, this got the job done. Only complaint is that for some reason MLW put the middleweight title on Tajiri. I guess he's recognizable to a percentage of fans, but other than that, I'm not sure what they're doing.
Some In-Between Stuff
-The Contra segment interruption was awkward and contrived.
-They run down the upcoming shows and Will Osprey is coming in, that's kinda cool.
-Another Contra segment, they're looking for Hammerstone!
-MLW Embedded is a very strange thing to have during your show. They talked about WWE possibly being for sale for way too long. Shortly after they talked about AEW signing Kevin Owens possibly. I mean no disrespect to anyone involved in this segment, but it has no place in a one-hour wrestling show. You're making yourself look very "Minor League Wrestling." Talking about other companies in an ESPN talk show style segment. Alicia at the end of the segment announces Will Ospreay is coming to MLW after the announcers already said it when running down the dates prior to this segment. Really takes the air out of the big reveal. Ospreay is a pretty big get for MLW though and it could be interesting to see how he does. They need to get rid of this segment. It could be a great post-show gimmick on youtube or a preshow gimmick. Too much talk about other promotions and not enough about MLW. Again no disrespect intended to those involved.
-Another-Another Contra segment where they are looking for Hammerstone, but Duran locked them in a room. Tricked them! This was logical enough. Shows me there will be no outside interference in the main event from Contra.
Alexander Hammerstone vs. Jacob Fatu - Title for Title
Both champions have been very protected up until now. This is the biggest match in MLW history. They NEED a hit.
Hammerstone dominated early, showing everyone that Fatu can indeed be beaten. Fatu quickly turned things around and took control for a while. Jacob Fatu hit a big piledriver on the ring apron. That was nice. Fatu also hit ab\ coast to coast with a chair to Hammerstone's shoulder missing his face.
Hammerstone turned things around with about 10 minutes left in the broadcast. Sit-out powerbomb pin for 2 went right into a commercial. Some of the timing on commercials and replays are suspect. We came back to Fatu basically hitting a Swanton immediately. Hammerstone rolled out of the ring where he was met with a TOPE SUICIDA. Hammerstone slingshot himself to the outside and then threw Fatu back in the ring. Hammerstone with a bad knee hit a missile dropkick. The announcers kept selling an injury to Hammerstone's knee, but he seemed fine to me. Hammerstone and Fatu exchanged blows in the middle of the ring. Crowd was pretty split but I believe more behind Fatu. Fatu then headbutts the hell out of Hammerstone. Hammerstone bounced off the ropes when Fatu's manager, Josef Samael, grabbed Hammerstone's foot and nailed him with a spike. I guess Duran forgot to lock Josef Samael in the room with Contra. Fatu grabbed a table. I imagine we're nearing the finish here. Hammerstone laid out on the table, Fatu placed a flag on him and nailed him with a moonsault for a 2 count. Hammerstone hulked up post-pin attempt and nailed a running clothesline followed up with a big power slam and a big neck breaker (TKO) for the win. Confetti rained down to end the show. The finish seemed very abrupt but it wasn't a bad match. The crowd seemed like they may have been in shock. Hammerstone winning didn't get the reaction I had hoped for. I did expect more from such a big match.
MLW needed a home run with the biggest match of their promotion's history. Unfortunately, I don't think they got it here. All hope is not lost but I am concerned and they should be too.
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