It seems there are more questions than answers after Wednesday’s backstage altercation prior to a press conference in Chicago to promote MLW Fightland.
One thing is clear, MLW officials are not happy about this incident.
In exclusive video, seen above, “Filthy” Tom Lawlor was viciously attacked by Sami Callihan. Meanwhile, World Heavyweight Champion Low Ki, Salina de la Renta of Promociones Dorado her new Sicario Ricky Martinez were all witnesses and even seemed to take delight in the attack.
Cameras were looking to catch up to the World Champ backstage prior to the meeting with the media. Meanwhile, Lawlor was clearly looking for Low Ki. Lawlor mentioned recently on MLW: FUSION that Low Ki has been great at ducking him and it seemed as though he was ready to confront the champion, saying “Finally …”
But that was all he could get out of his mouth before Callihan and his ever-present baseball bat did their damage.
During the attack, Low Ki laughed at half-conscious Lawlor before looking him in the eyes, holding up the World Title and stating: “It’s amazing what comes with this territory. But you don’t stand a chance.”
MLW.com is exploring a pattern that looks damning for Low Ki, Promociones Dorado, Salina de la Renta and Sami Callihan with regard to Wednesday’s attack on Lawlor.
Earlier this year, Low Ki and MVP had issues. As the issues between the two escalated, Low Ki cut a deal with Callihan to do his dirty work: rid MLW of MVP.
Soon thereafter, Low Ki baited MVP into a trap, where Sami Callihan attacked MVP and choked him out on an episode of MLW FUSION. That led to the Boiler Room Brawl match between Callihan and MVP in June where Callihan defeated MVP. MVP has not been seen in MLW since.
Then, just a few short weeks later, Shane “Swerve” Strickland was attacked before he put the World Heavyweight Championship on the line against Low Ki. An injured Strickland fought valiantly, but ultimately dropped the title to Low Ki. Who attacked Strickland? Callihan.
Callihan always seems to show up when Low Ki needs some dirty work done.
Now, Callihan attacks Lawlor just weeks after Lawlor announces he’ll be taking advantage of the title shot against Low Ki that he earned by wining Battle Riot at MLW SUPERFIGHT. It certainly looks like Callihan is once again being utilized by Low Ki (and de la Renta’s Promociones Dorado) to weaken or take out competition for Low Ki.
Will this make it 3-for-3 on high-value targets taken out by Callihan for the Champ? Is there a working relationship between the Worldwide Desperado and Promociones Dorado?
League officials have confirmed fines have been levied. Details on those fines have not been announced publicly, however. Many believe Low Ki and de la Renta may have been involved in this attack. Meanwhile, Lawlor is demanding MLW fast-track a match with Callihan.
Sources indicate MLW CEO Court Bauer was in Monaco Wednesday meeting with potential international television partners and cut his trip short to fly back to the States. Bauer held meetings via video conference into the wee hours Wednesday night/Thursday morning in an effort to finalize disciplinary actions.
Other sources say Bauer is embarrassed and furious over the situation at the Fightland media day and was overheard to say “heads will roll.”
Stay tuned to MLW.com and our social media channels for more on this breaking story.
And be there in Chicago on Nov. 8 where many, if not all, these questions could be answered.
Visit MLWTickets.com to join us at Cicero Stadium for MLW Fightland.
