MLW Azteca Review - January 27, 2022

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Arez def. Extreme Tigre

Arez is still carrying around that briefcase full of money he won on Fusion: ALPHA last month. I thought I recognized Tigre, and then I realized he was Tigre Uno in IMPACT several years ago. Of the two, Arez was the right choice to win since he's the MLW guy. This was an enjoyable opener that featured the lucha style that's been prominent on these Azteca shows. We've seen some botches from the lucha guys on other episodes, but Tigre's stuff looked pretty clean and crisp and he worked well with Arez.

AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo def. Aramis

Much like Arez, Aramis is an MLW regular as well, but unlike the opener, he shouldn't have won here, especially considering Vikingo just won the AAA Mega Championship (which Kenny Omega had to vacate right beforehand) a month or two ago. I'm slightly familiar with Vikingo and the guy is clearly talented, but I wish we got a video package introducing MLW viewers to who he is. Nonetheless, this was an excellent match with strong showings from both men.

MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone def. Octagon Jr.

Much like some of the other title matches we've gotten on Azteca this month, there was zero reason to think the world title was actually changing hands here. That said, having it on the line made the match more meaningful than it would have been otherwise. It also played into the story that Cesar Duran wants him to lose the belt. It wasn't on the same level as Vikingo vs. Aramis, but it was a well-worked main event. I could've done without the outside interference, though.

Overall Show

We were in yet another venue this week, though I believe it was the same one from two weeks ago. This was easily the best edition of Azteca yet with three quality matches. Vikingo vs. Aramis was the best of the bunch and the other two were entertaining enough. There were plenty of video packages, backstage segments and other storyline developments to help fill out the hour. These shows from Mexico have been a nice change of pace, but I'm looking forward to MLW returning to the United States and focusing more on their regular roster.

SEE MORE: MLW Reviews