Welcome back to MLW and to another high-stakes episode in Cesar Duran’s playhouse. There was so much to do and so little time as the environment heated up with grudges, opportunities, and the red-hot pace of Lucha. Across tonight’s episode, we had Cashflow Ken Broadway making his grand debut for MLW against Ikuro Kwon, another maddening Lucha six-man as Microman is joined by Octagon Jr and Puma King against the combined might of Arez, Gino Medina, and Mini Abismo Negro and in the main event, the MLW World Tag Team Titles were on the line as 5150 defended against EJ Nduka and his mystery partner. Not to mention, we could never quite know what could happen at any moment in this most dangerous of game. Let’s get into the action.

Microman, Puma King & Octagon Jr defeated Arez, Gino Medina & Mini Abismo Negro via Victory Roll-up on Negro

There was no flashy introduction to the show this week, we were thrown right into the action with a six-man Lucha tag showcase. It was the Rudos team of Arez, Gino Medina and Mini Abismo Negro taking on the world’s greatest wonder, Microman, Puma King, and Octagon Jr. Gravity was about to be thrown out of the window as these six were going to fly, scrap and technique their way to victory. Goddamn, what can I say here? This was bloody exceptional. It was fast, furious, and had all six men working their asses off to keep up a frenetic pace and high-impact style. Both Rudos and Technicos had their time to shine with everyone getting their moves in. Puma King made full use of his time back, Octagon Jr got to relish his US debut and Microman continues to shine as a high-calibre athlete and tactician, directing traffic. On the opposing side, we got to see some more amazing work from Medina and Negro whilst Arez kept the nuts and bolts of the match together. It was a gloriously paced spot-fest with car crash action, excellent technicality, and a lot of mind-blowing moments. Microman has racked up two victories in the League now, a fact that must be eating his rivals alive. This type of match is kicking MLW into another gear and has become one of the standout styles under Duran’s reign. It’s really hard not to just sit back and enjoy a match like this. it was just non-stop action from the get-go. Even after the match, when the Rudos attacked again, Microman was able to kick ass.

Ikuro Kwon defeated Cashflow Ken Broadway via Neck Snap

Next up was the debut of Cashflow Ken Broadway. The indie standout was stepping into Duran’s dome of violence and the man to welcome him, CONTRA Unit’s Ikuro Kwon. The CONTRA Assassin doesn’t get to show his skills too often, this would be a nice showcase for him. Hell, they both showed out here. Broadway was able to survive an early onslaught to deliver some high-dollar offence. He got to show off his strength, agility and striking before Kwon dodged his Making it Rain-Sault and ended him with the Scalp Peeler and a running neck snap. Kwon won with an absolutely devastating move and post-match, demanded Fatu give him answers. He still wasn’t satisfied with Fatu leaving. So, Fatu came out and answered his questions with a beating, taking their brawl backstage as Mads Krügger appeared to enter the fray too. The CONTRA corps had gotten another one over on the Samoan Werewolf. Broadway had been overshadowed somewhat by the aftermath of his match but it should be noted, MLW are missing a beat not bringing him back. He’s an all-star wrestler.

Between the matches:

• Alex Kane has been putting all the work in to keep himself in top form. He talked of all his MLW accomplishments so far and the fact that the champ is still here, BOMAYE.
• The Von Erichs and Ricky and Kerry Morton were still hanging out. The Von Erichs were motivated to see Duran and wanted to sort their title match. They needed vengeance on 5150. Instead, though, Duran booked them against the Mortons.
• Emilio Sparks tried to get the scoop on EJ Nduka’s partner before the match but the Judge was remaining tight-lipped on it. He’d find out when the world did.
• Richard Holliday burst into Duran’s office demanding security be increased after Hammerstone attacked him last week. With Alicia Atout by his side, the Clout Couple ordered Duran to get his house in order or else they would.
• The Dallas Azteca card was run down again confirming all the matches we already knew.
• Alex Hammerstone continued his in-depth story about his career and journey into wrestling. This time was about being cut from a WWE opportunity and how he rebounded from it. He soon found MLW and the rest is history.
• After losing again, Arez had approached Cesar Duran. El Jefe was willing to make him an offer but sacrifices needed to be made. Duran left him with gold and a path to follow. Just what is next for the King of Strange Style?

MLW Tag Team Titles: EJ Nduka & Calvin Tankman defeated 5150 (Slice Boogie & Danny “Rivera” Limelight w/Dr Julius Smokes) via Running Shooting Star Press on Limelight

Last but not least, the main event. It was tag title time and the champs thought they were at a massive advantage here. EJ Nduka might be a giant but if he was coming alone then they had a multitude of ways to hurt him. They’d already pissed off the crowd with a scathing attack on North Carolina before letting Nduka make his big announcement. Just who had the Judge gotten as a partner, everyone was waiting to know. Oh, the air in the room changed once it was revealed to be Calvin Tankman. The indestructible one was coming for a different title and now, 5150 had two super-sized monsters to deal with. It was a rough start for the champs as their ambush failed and the Judge threw them around like ragdolls. Tankman kept on the pressure but the other members of 5150 caused a distraction and Rivera crushed his windpipe on the ropes. Tankman felt the wrath of concrete justice but an impromptu striking match with Boogie almost got him back into it. Instead, 5150 went to the eyes and the throat, making sure the big man was kept down. They got too complacent, allowing Tankman to blast Rivera with a pop-up elbow and make the tag. Nduka went on a rampage and 5150 ended up taking each other out. Rivera was alone and got smashed in by a buckle stampede into a running powerslam. Tankman followed up with a running Shooting Star Press and we had new champs. 5150 had made too many enemies and by pissing off Nduka, had signed their fate. They’d been hammered by the Judge and found guilty. The sentence, losing their titles. It had been a good run but it looks like 5150 will have to slink off back to the drawing board. The era of Power and Hustle is here.

All images courtesy of MLW, Video courtesy of MLW YouTube