Battle Riot II Recap – April 5, 2019

Live on beIN SPORTS Friday night, Major League Wrestling presented its first-ever 2-hour special, airing Battle Riot II live from the Melrose Ballroom in New York City.

LA Park came away with a shot at the World Championship any time he wants it by virtue of winning the Battle Riot. In addition, World Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor successfully defended his title in a New York Street Fight vs. Jimmy Havoc, Teddy Hart maintained his gold, as well topping Ace Austin in a World Middleweight Championship matchup before ending up going to the hospital at the hands of The Dynasty. Also, in an important middleweight match, Minoru Tanaka defeated Myron Reed.

But it was CONTRA Unit that stole the show, nearly literally. CONTRA almost destroyed the entire Battle Riot match. Then, as our live broadcast went off the air, Simon Gotch, Jacob Fatu and Josef Samael attacked Lawlor, leaving the World Champion laying backstage.

Battle Riot II
LA Park Earns World Title Shot Whenever He Wants It
There were numerous incredible moments in the Battle Riot, including surprise appearances by The Blue Meanie and LAX, who were led to the ring by Konnan. Dan “The Beast” Severn also made an appearance.

At one point, CONTRA Unit hit the ring and destroyed nearly everyone in the ring before attempting to set numerous men on fire. Thank goodness, MLW officials and security stopped that possible tragedy before it could happen.

Maxwell J. Friedman ended up the beneficiary of CONTRA’s carnage, pinning three men consecutively. But MJF, who entered the match first, couldn’t go wire to wire.

In the end, it was LA Park remaining in the ring with Alex Hammerstone, Mance Warner and Sami Callihan. Hammerstone and Ol’ Mancer were battling on the ring apron. Not getting back inside the ropes ended up being their undoing, as both were eliminated, leaving Callihan and LA Park in the ring.

At that point, LA Park went after Callihan and tossed him out of the ring. But the Worldwide Desperado wasn’t eliminated as he landed on the entrance ramp. However, LA Park quickly knocked him to the floor and earned a World Title shot anytime, anywhere as winner of Battle Riot II.

World Championship Match
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor defeated Jimmy Havoc
Havoc, the last man to defeat Lawlor, started out quickly in this New York City Streetfight. Havoc hit Lawlor with an Acid Rainmaker in the opening moments of the match. While he scored big with his signature move, Lawlor wasn’t sufficiently weakened and managed to kick out.

From there, it was an absolute battle. Tables, chairs, staple guns and other various objects were all used throughout the match. Havoc put numerous staples in the head of Lawlor, bloodying the champ. Lawlor may have been bloodied, but he was unbowed.

The champion had Havoc pinned a couple times, but the original official had been laid out by a Havoc Acid Rainmaker earlier in the match. When a new official finally entered the ring, Lawlor was firmly in control. He wedged a chair under Havoc’s jaw twice and twice delivered vicious knee strikes to the chair and Havoc’s face. The second was enough to score the victory.

Lawlor didn’t even have an opportunity to celebrate his victory over Havoc for long. As he was addressing MLW cameras and media backstage following his victory, CONTRA Unit attacked and left him laying. Lawlor has LA Park and Promociones Dorado breathing down his neck and has now been viciously attacked by CONTRA twice.

World Middleweight Championship Match
Teddy Hart defeated Ace Austin
World Middleweight Champion Teddy Hart defended his title successfully vs. up-and-comer Ace Austin. In addition to a title defense, Hart earned a trip to the hospital.

The Dynasty – MJF, Richard Holliday and Alex Hammerstone – were partying at ringside during Hart’s match. Following the contest, Hart got into a verbal altercation with the trio. But then it became something more than verbal as MJF hit Hart over the head with a champagne bottle.

Stay tuned to MLW.com and our social media channels for updates on Hart’s condition.

Minoru Tanaka defeated Myron Reed
In an important middleweight matchup, Japanese superstar Minoru Tanaka squared off with Myron Reed, who was looking to defeat the veteran in an attempt to move up the middleweight rankings.

Reed and his buddy Rich Swann came to the ring with their signature tape over their mouths, still believing they’re being censored and treated unfairly by League officials. While Reed gave a strong accounting of himself in the ring, he couldn’t overcome the experience and skill of Tanaka.

Don’t Miss The Action!
Tune in at 9 p.m. ET every Saturday. Set a reminder in your phone. Set your DVR. But whatever you do … don’t miss any action-packed episode of Major League Wrestling: FUSION.

MLW airs to a nationwide audience every Saturday on beIN SPORTS. Check out www.MLW.com/fusion for more information! beIN SPORTS has a full listing of dish / cable carriers offering beIN SPORTS here. MLW fans can also stream beIN SPORTS using the beIN Connect app for wireless devices.

Of course, if you miss the show on beIN SPORTS, every episode of MLW: FUSION is uploaded to our YouTube channel (youtube.com/majorleaguewrestling) at Noon ET every Sunday. MLW FUSION is also available on Tuesdays via FITE TV.