Good evening!
Austin Aries vs. Tracy Williams – Round One Opera Cup match
I’ve missed Tracy Williams’ amazing technical ability, knowing where and how to manipulate a person’s body. Aries likes to believe that no one can keep up with him, yet Tracy demonstrated that very well by applying pressure onto his opponent’s arm. Williams repeatedly delivered knee strikes to Austin’s abdomen, then followed that with a driver.
Tracy had a temporary upper hand, and Aries spoiled it by slapping Williams’ head from both sides, then proceeded with an elbow drop. Austin continued with his malice by driving his knee into Tracy’s throat. Another elbow drop to the back of Tracy’s shoulder blades momentarily stumped him.
Aries’ arrogance revealed a much angrier version of Williams as Austin fell victim to a suplex from the second rope. Later on, Austin was able to apply the Last Chance submission, hoping that would be enough, however, Williams succeeded in latching the bottom rope with his foot to force a break. Williams fought back by dropping Austin face first in the corner.
Since that failed to get Tracy the three count, he quickly transitioned into the STF. Aries clearly couldn’t stop this the conventional way, so he bit Tracy’s forearm like a rabid animal… Tracy was thrown over the ropes, then he endured a neckbreaker and finally, the brainbuster.
Winner: Austin Aries
Okumura vs. Odyssey – Round One Opera Cup match
The big O abruptly shoved Okumura to the mat after his kind gesture was rejected. Okumura attempted to takedown his massive opponent numerous times, but the size difference didn’t help in his favour. It was obvious that Odyssey was a much joyful presence to have onscreen compared to CONTRA Unit’s solemn approach.
Most the match has been Okumura stooping to conniving tactics to land anything meaningful, while Odyssey was more dominant. That strange Cozy Cutter execution laid the big guy out. He was like a boulder that won’t stop rolling towards you, and Okumura felt that in lariat form. Our newcomer advanced in the tournament after body splashing Okumura to oblivion.
Winner: Odyssey
During an interview with Shotzi Blackheart, two female Japanese wrestlers highjack the proceedings by whipping Blackheart. They’re known as H.A.T.E., Rina and Kamatani, out here to introduce themselves as more women arrive on the scene. I love it! Until the women’s division grows with a permanent roster, there won’t be Tag Team Championships and so forth.
Oh, I just remembered something that surprised me and also got a chuckle out. Fusion is going to appear on Tubi soon. That was random. Ha!
Trevor Lee vs. Mistico – Round One Opera Cup match
Trevor Lee was the first to knock the other out by sending Mistico outside with a Huricane Rana. The Luchador kept asking for more as Lee complied with a suplex over his shoulder. For now, Mistico was at Trevor’s mercy, momentarily got momentum, only to lose it again with a backbreaker.
Mistico has been vulnerable as Lee targeted certain limbs of the Luchador’s body. Mistico seemed to prefer absorbing the attacks and exhaust Trevor, which he has with multiple counters that Lee received whiplash from. Just as Mistico was getting ready, Austin Aries came out wearing the mask he stole from the Luchador.
Lee nearly pinned him because of that distraction. Aries had no desire to be in a ring with Mistico when he lost to him last year. Back inside the ring, both men caused a double knockout strike. They kept my attention with those ear-ringing assaults. It didn’t end the match yet, though. However, Mistico shocked Lee with a mid-air reversal.
Mistico missed with the Moonsault. Trevor was late in putting his legs up. But Mistico countered with a power slam. A thrust kick wobbled Lee, as retaliation, Mistico suffered a German suplex and collided with the turnbuckles. Everything would have concluded well for Mistico, and Aries couldn’t have that, so he yanked the referee out.
Mistico went after him and landed on the official. Aries took this opportunity to inflict more harm. Trevor didn’t want to win this way, so he ventured out to do something only to crash on the apron. Austin dropped Mistico on his head and suggested that the referee start the count. It’s 20 here on MLW. Ha!
It’s sufficient for anyone to make it back in time, yet Mistico opted out… unwillingly. Despite being unhappy with the results, Lee and Aries are going to the semifinals.
Winner: Trevor Lee
TOP PHOTO: Stardom H.A.T.E. debut. Courtesy of MLW
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