MLW Underground Wrestling Review - February 28, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

MLW World Middleweight Champion Lince Dorado and Microman def. Delirious and Mini Abismo Negro

It feels like Microman is featured on these MLW shows more than anyone else on the roster short of Alexander Hammerstone. He's obviously over with the MLW audience, so my opinion hardly matters, but he's better in smaller doses because most of his matches follow the same formula. Dorado is talented, so having him in there helped, but this was the same Microman match we get all the time. The crowd seemed to enjoy it, if nothing else. I have nothing to say about the post-match angle because the execution of those attacks from the masked men continues to be goofy.

Billie Starkz def. Kayla Kassidy

I've said this in other reviews, but Starkz being as good as she is at only 18-years-old (unless she's since turned 19) is super impressive. I haven't seen enough of her character/promo work, but she definitely doesn't come across as generic and has a bright future ahead of her. MLW is smart for using her before she really blows up, and I really like the dynamic of her feuding with the seasoned veteran heel Taya Valkyrie. This was a solid showcase for Starkz and I like that she's being built up for a championship opportunity instead of Valkyrie vs. Starkz happening out of nowhere.

John Hennigan def. Davey Richards to Win the MLW National Openweight Championship

As expected, this was an entertaining main event. Both guys have been around the block, but it was a cool clash of styles because I never thought we'd see them face off before Hennigan came to MLW. Valkyrie's interference led to Hennigan becoming champion, and although it was a cheap finish, I'm fine with it because they're being positioned as the top heel couple in MLW aligned with Cesar Duran. It gives me Lucha Underground vibes, so I have no complaints.

Overall Show

Bomaye Fight Club brawled briefly with The British Bulldogs at the start of the show, but it was so brief that it wasn't worth devoting an entire paragraph to. It furthered the faction feud, so it served its purpose. This was a thumbs-up episode on the whole with an enjoyable main event and title change, Starkz getting close to a title shot, and the opener being what it was. I also appreciate that multiple matches were announced for next week including Alexander vs. Lance Anoa'i for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and Jacob Fatu vs. the returning Lio Rush. Speaking of Alexander and Fatu, their highly-anticipated title rematch will take place on the March 21st episode.

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