With less than a week before the huge War Games card at Fort Lauderdale’s War Memorial Auditorium on Thursday, MLW.com previews the matches that have been announced so far.
Less than 30 reserved seats remain for this huge show. Get yours now at MLWGo.com. General admission seats start at just $10.
War Games
Shane Strickland, John Hennigan, Barrington Hughes, Kotto Brazil, Tommy Dreamer
vs.
Sami Callihan, Jimmy Havoc, Leon Scott, Fulton, Abyss
MLW fans know the history here. Former World Heavyweight Champion Shane Strickland was attacked by Sami Callihan prior to his title defense against Low Ki. The injuries sustained in that match helped lead to The Professional’s current title reign. Of course, there’s the specter of Salina de la Renta here. The impresaria of Promociones Dorado has spent the better part of 2018 focused on taking the gold off Strickland. Her “business arrangement” with Callihan and the combined forces of Low Ki, Black Friday Management and Promociones Dorado eventually brought that to fruition.
In addition to the issues between Low Ki, de la Renta and Strickland, it seems Callihan and his group have upped the ante. The Death Machines – Leon Scott and Fulton – have had battles with Barrington Hughes and Kotto Brazil. Meanwhile, Callihan played into the twisted mind of Jimmy Havoc (who also has history with Strickland) to entice him to take part in War Games. Callihan then pulled off one of the biggest surprises in War Games history by securing the services of the monstrous Abyss.
On the other side of the match, John Hennigan was recruited to the squad to add more firepower and versatility. Then, the Innovator of Violence Tommy Dreamer became involved. Dreamer knows Abyss. He knows Callihan. He may be the X-factor in this match, as he brings his unique mind and skillset to what is sure to be a brutal match.
World Heavyweight Championship Title Fight
World Champion Low Ki (with Salina de la Renta)
vs.
Rey Fenix with Konnan
In the first big event since the World Tag Team Champion Lucha Bros. (Pentagon Jr. and Rey Fenix) tore up their Promociones Dorado contracts, Fenix gets an opportunity to get even more payback against de la Renta. After Konnan pointed out some issues Fenix and his brother Pentagon Jr. should have with their Promociones Dorado agreements, Fenix and Penta are no longer represented by de la Renta and are now being mentored by Konnan.
In addition to the personal motivation, Fenix now has an opportunity to be a double champion. He has been a regular fixture in the MLW Heavyweight Top 10 for months and is already one half of the World Tag Team Champions. But this match will be the biggest singles opportunity in Fenix’s MLW career. For Low Ki, the title defense gives him an opportunity to showcase his skills against one of the top luchadores in the world, while putting the rest of the world on notice that he plans to have a long reign as World Champ.
Rich Swann vs. Teddy Hart
Since his return to Major League Wrestling, Teddy Hart has seemingly had issues with Rich Swann and ACH. Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. (with Brian Pillman Jr. in their corner) teamed up against Swann and ACH a few weeks ago. The new era Hart Foundation came out on top in that matchup with a little outside assistance from Pillman. Now, Swann has the opportunity at some redemption from that matchup. This one could be a show-stealer as two of the most athletic, most innovative and most daring wrestlers in MLW square off.
ACH vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
In an extension of the rivalry that is developing between the new era Hart Foundation and Swann and ACH, this is another very intriguing matchup. Smith, much like his father before him, is pound-for-pound one of the strongest, most powerful men in professional wrestling. Meanwhile, ACH combines incredible striking ability with agility and the ability to hit numerous high-flying maneuvers as well. If Swann-Hart has the possibility to be a show-stealer, so does ACH-Smith.
In both the Swann-Hart matchup and the ACH-Smith contest, the key may be the numbers game. One must assume the entire Hart Foundation will be there, giving their men in these key singles matches a numbers advantage, which will likely also keep the officials on their toes.
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. “Bad Boy” Joey Janela
Tom Lawlor is on a roll. He won the first-ever Battle Riot and still holds the contract allowing him a World Heavyweight Championship shot whenever and wherever he wants it. Lawlor also defeated Jake Hager on MLW: FUSION last week, giving him and Team Filthy the upper hand in what has been a months-long rivalry with Col. Robert Parker’s Stud Stable. Now, he squares off with one of the most unpredictable fighters in MLW.
“Bad Boy” Joey Janela may be even more unpredictable than usual in this matchup. Janela recently lost a World Milddleweight Championship match to Maxwell J. Friedman. He also lost girlfriend Aria Blake in that matchup. This will be his first match in MLW without Blake in his corner. How will Janela react? A victory over the No. 1-ranked wrestler in MLW could put Janela back on the right track in MLW, while a loss could send him over the edge.
Mexican Massacre Match
Pentagon Jr. (with Konnan) vs. LA Park (with Salina de la Renta)
MLW officials clearly understand the bad blood between de la Renta on one side and the Lucha Bros. and Konnan on the other side. It may sound surprising, considering this fight is on a card with a War Games match, but it’s not a stretch to think that this could be the most brutal match of the night. In what’s being billed as a Mexican Massacre Match, this anything goes contest is a must-see match.
One half of the World Tag Team Champions, Pentagon Jr. is one of the top-ranked wrestlers in MLW and one of the most talented wrestlers in the world. Meanwhile, de la Renta vowed to make Penta and Fenix pay for leaving Promociones Dorado. Signing the legendary “Chairman” LA Park and immediately getting a match of this magnitude made certainly makes it seem that de la Renta is following through with her threat. Known as one of the most violent brawlers in Mexico, LA Park has a storied past in MLW including his bloody rivalry with Sabu from 2002-2003.
Brian Pillman Jr. vs. Vandal Ortagun
The new era Hart Foundation is all over the War Games card. While Pillman has been seen numerous times on MLW: FUSION, this will be his highly-anticipated in-ring debut. He’ll be squaring off against Turkey’s most popular professional wrestler, Vandal Ortagun. Will Pillman pick up his first victory or will the veteran Ortagun show the youngster he has more work to do to be successful in MLW?
Mixed Tag Team Match
Joey Ryan & Taya Valkyrie vs. Maxwell J. Friedman & Aria Blake
There’s a LOT going on in this match.
World Middleweight Champion Maxwell J. Friedman defeated Joey Ryan for that title two months ago in New York. While the title is not on the line, Ryan could put himself in line for another title shot if he could score the pinfall in this match.
MJF will be teaming with new love interest Aria Blake, who will be making her first wrestling appearance, after beginning her MLW career as a broadcaster and later as a manager/second for ex-boyfriend Joey Janela. Meanwhile, luchadora Taya Valkyrie is making her MLW debut. There are implications for the Middleweight Title, the women’s division and possible redemption for Ryan … all making this an intriguing matchup.
PCO vs. Brody King
This one should be a slobberknocker (copyright Good Ol’ JR). Two of the biggest, baddest guys in professional wrestling face off. Now well into his third decade in the sport, PCO and his career have literally been resurrected in a Quebec basement where he has undergone some interesting methods of preparation and training. Those methods have been successful, as PCO is back and stronger than ever. But Brody King will not be intimidated. A self-professed believer in violence, King has been described by media personalities as an intelligent monster. His blend of brawling, power and the occasional opportunity to take flight may all be needed in what should be a hellacious fight.
Myron Reed vs. Jason Cade (with Rhett Giddins)
The Middleweight division will be featured in this contest. “Hot Fire” Myron Reed has been tearing up the Midwest circuit and recently debuted with a great match vs. Kotto Brazil in MLW. Cade will be starting a new chapter in his MLW life, following the breakup of Team TBD as he parted ways with former tag team partner Jimmy Yuta. Cade will bring buddy Rhett Giddins. How will Giddins’ backup of Cade impact this match? Both men are looking to make noise and position themselves in the Middleweight division.
El Hijo de LA PARK vs. Jimmy Yuta
The son of legendary grappler LA Park will step into an MLW ring for the first time in Ft. Lauderdale. He will square off with Jimmy Yuta in a contest that could have long-term impact on the MLW Middleweight division.
More To Come!
Even more matches will be announced in the coming days. Stay tuned to MLW.com and the MLW social media channels for more information!
Tickets Are Going Fast
There is a very limited number of reserved seats remaining for War Games Sept. 6 at the War Memorial Auditorium in Ft. Lauderdale. Get your seats now at MLWGo.com!
