MLP begins with another phenomenal talent that AEW hasn’t promoted very well, Ace Austin. In TNA, Impact, whichever you want to call it, he had a rocket strapped to him and with good reason. AEW has perhaps more phenomenal talent than any other promotion in the world but they have no substantive plans for them, don’t develop or present that talent well so they have to seek out other opportunities while still on the AEW payroll.
We are talking about Ace Austin, The Motor City Machine Guns, The Acclaimed, Blake Christian, Bryan Keith, Buddy Matthews, Dalton Castle, Johnny TV, Juice Robinson, Jay Lethal, etc. I just hate to see good talent wasted.
Anyhow, to this week’s action.
Ace Austin versus Jonathan Gresham
They shake hands, respecting the code of honor. Both men go back and forth until Austin arm drags Gresham out of the ring. On the floor, Gresham is not pleased at all. Gresham doesn’t fare better in the ring as he is thrown around relentlessly by Austin and his deep arm drags.
Gresham uses his strength to put Austin down on the apron. There is a clean break by Gresham. He even holds the ropes open for Austin. Gresham allows Austin back into the ring…but then shot blocks his knee from behind.
Gresham begins working over the knee he injured. Both men engage in a chop and forearm duel. Gresham unwraps the tape from his hand and wrist. He throws it to the mat. As the official picks it up Gresham gives Austin a low blow chop. Gresham rolls up Austin in a leg lock but Austin turns that into a pin.
Winner: Ace Austin
A segment with the unbalanced Psycho Mike talking to himself in a mirror. His reflection in the mirror does all the talking while he stands listening. Very cool effect that. Mayhem has some awesome production considering they put the show together on a budget of pocket lint and bubble gum wrappers compared to WWE and AEW.
Every time Mike is about to break through something always happens to push him back down. He isn’t going to be a “guy in the background” any more.
Really good segment this.
We visit with Sinner and Saint (Judas Icarus and Travis Williams) once again. They fall asleep in a coffee shop after we hear how Travis Williams likes his fights quick and decisive.
Jody Threat versus Alexia Nicole
A competitive but short match…as it should be. A clothesline, back elbow, kick to the head, German Suplex, her version of the F5 for the pin.
Winner: Jody Threat
In a taped segment, Adam Copeland addresses Steve Maclin. He speaks about Maclin saying all Canadian wrestlers go to the U.S. to become popular.
“I went to the United States, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, Japan, India. I have been all over the world plying my trade and doing what I do,” says Copeland.
Copeland respects the fact that Maclin has been in real-life combat. He challenges him to a match at Northern Rising.
Maclin interrupts the announce team live and takes a headset. He accepts the challenge. “I will see you then…if not before,” he warns.
Michael Allen Richard Clark versus Zach Gowen
MARC toys with Gowen far too much. Gowen ducks out of the way as MARC comes charging in and eats a turnbuckle. Gowen pins him with a One-Legged Moonsault from the top rope.
Winner: Zach Gowen
More from “Ravenous” Rohan Raja who is in Mexico. In Mexico, he had to prove who he was every single night and faced some of the best wrestlers in the world. He is coming back to Canada with a purpose. He issues an open challenge to any luchadore to face him at Northern Rising.
The tag team champs, 1st Faction (Brent Banks and Sheldon Jean) have a segment too. They mock Sinner and Saint and announce that The Good Brothers, Team CMLL, The Grizzled Young Vets and Subculture who will battle in a four-way match to determine who faces them for the belts at Northern Rising.
Andrade will take on TJP next week.
Johnny TV versus Stu Grayson (c) – MLP Interim MLP Canadian Championship
Grayson has proven himself in MLP, has had more of a showing than in AEW, that’s for sure. I am really impressed by this dude. He grounds TV frustrating the high-flier. TV slips and slides through the ropes in a real cool sequence before Grayson splashes him on the apron. Grayson leaps off the steps only to hit the ringside barricade. TV leaps through the ropes knocking Grayson back into the barricade. Back in the ring, Grayson uncorks some right hands.
Grayson backdrops TV over the top rope to the apron. Grayson catches TV on the top rope Superplexing him down to the canvass. A V-Trigger Knee Smash and a Nightfall. Grayson remains champion.
Winner: …and still MLP Interim MLP Canadian Champion, Stu Grayson.
Grayson addresses the MLP Universe. He is pissed off that Josh Alexander returned last week to interrupt his moment when he wasn’t even cleared to wrestle.
The crowd chants…
Overrated! Overrated!
Grayson says: “I am very easy to find. I am the champion in the ring.”
