We’re catching up on MLW Fusion with episode 118. In this episode, Jacob Fatu of CONTRA Unit defends his MLW World Heavyweight title against ACH!
Storylines on This Episode
First, ACH has a scheduled title shot against the World Heavyweight champion, Jacob Fatu. However, he was attacked during training.
ACH decided to take the opportunity despite having injured ribs. Suspects range from CONTRA Unit to “Filthy” Tom Lawlor.
Speaking Lawlor, the 2021 Opera Cup winner was promoting his big Filthy Island event. His recent acts in costing sworn enemies the Von Erichs their Tag Team belts and possibly being linked to the ACH attack has spooked his investors.
MLW interviewer Alicia Atout tried to get from Salina de la Renta on Promociones Dorado being sold but was shot down.
Speaking of Atout, Richard Holliday accepted Savio Vega’s Caribbean Strap Match challenge. Vega even said he’d bring the same strap used in his 1996 match against Steve Austin at WWE In Your House 8.
The 35-year veteran seems to have the advantage as the Caribbean Strap Match is his specialty. Speaking of Hammerstone, he’s looking forward to facing Mads Krugger again early next month.
After the main event, Jacob Fatu and Daivari talked about CONTRA Unit’s dominance. That was cut short when two of the group’s masked flag bearers attacked.
They were routed by other CONTRA members only to unmask and reveal Myron Reed and Jordan Oliver of Injustice! This is the first major blow that the faction has suffered since Major League Wrestling took MLW HQ back from them.
MLW Fusion #118 Card
–Daivari Debut Match: Daivari vs. Zenshi
–Grudge Match: Jordan Oliver vs. Simon Gotch
–MLW World Heavyweight Title: Jacob Fatu [c] vs. ACH
Low-Tier
CONTRA Unit’s newest soldier Daivari facing Zenshi was an exhibition of his talents to the MLW Fusion audience as he dominated most of the bout.
Young Zenshi did manage a comeback towards the end but the veteran Daivari was able to secure after Zenshi ate his hammerlock into the clothesline at 6:11.
It wasn’t that exciting of a match but it was decent and clean—which I like in anything but a brawl or spotfest. I’m also digging this finish by Daivari.
It’ll make him a menace in the MLW World Middleweight title picture if things materialize for him in the company.
Mid-Tier
The re-scheduled grudge match between Injustice’s Jordan Oliver and CONTRA Unit’s Simon Gotch was actually better than expected.
Gotch has been hard to grow on me while Oliver grew on me back when Injustice was a trio. CONTRA’s limb collector utilized his mat and submission game to slow down Oliver but didn’t totally take out the youngster’s striking offense.
Oliver is an odd case in that he’s at the heavier end of a junior heavyweight but has the height and reach of a heavier wrestler.
His long limbs should’ve been easier pickings for Gotch. The shooter for CONTRA Unit picks up the victory at 7:28 after choking him out.
After the match, he spiked the unconscious Jordan Oliver with the Gotch Driver.
Daivari accompanied MLW World Heavyweight champion Jacob Fatu in his defense against ACH. Because of his injuries, ACH was at a severe disadvantage resulting in Fatu dominating most of the bout.
An A-tier competitor, ACH was in no shape to handle the Samoan Werewolf but gave what he could. He did get some offense in and managed to utilize his quickness to do so, he would fall to the Moonsault from Fatu at 9:52.
This marks Fatu’s seventh defense.
MLW Fusion #118 Verdict: Mid-Tier (6.3/10)
This episode picked it up from the Promociones Dorado presentation of MLW Fusion #117. The pacing was the same which got it a bonus point but the story work was right in the middle.
It wasn’t bad but the only things that actually moved forward were Injustice vs. CONTRA and Holliday vs. Vega. The Hammerstone vs. Krugger chapter of “The Contra Hunter” storyline was nudged forward a little.
The Match of the Episode honors belongs to Fatu vs. ACH for the World title.
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