MLW Underground Wrestling Review - February 7, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Real1 Interrupted Matt Striker's Interview with Jacob Fatu; Mance Warner def. Real1

Fatu didn't speak with Striker for long before Real1 showed up. I know he and Fatu have established issues, but I didn't need to hear Real1 cutting a promo for as long as he did. It felt like he was wasting his time more than anything else. I'd say his subsequent match with Warner was a waste of time, but it literally lasted less than 30 seconds. It was a straight-up squash. Warner got to shut Real1 up (temporarily), but most stuff involving Real1 loses my interest and this was no exception.

Alex Kane def. The Marvelous Jafar by Referee Stoppage in a Peach State Prize Fight

This was one of Kane's signature open challenges. I had no idea who Jafar was and it didn't matter because he was quickly killed by Kane. This was effective in giving Kane his edge back. Before he could continue his beatdown of Jafar, Davey Boy Smith Jr. showed up with The Billington Bulldogs and they brawled with The Bomaye Fight Club. I'm looking forward to Kane vs. Smith one-on-one.

MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone def. MLW World Tag Team Champion EJ Nduka in a Last Man Standing Match

This match was originally supposed to air several weeks ago, but it ended up being a cool attraction for the premiere edition of Underground. It was worth the wait as they made the most of the stipulation and had a fun main event, even though it didn't last too long. If this was indeed Nduka's swan song from MLW, then he went out on a high note. I liked the post-match tease for Hammerstone vs. Fatu. Hopefully that will be airing soon.

Overall Show

First of all, congrats to MLW for landing a deal with REELZ. From what I understand, it's a bigger platform than where Fusion currently airs, so that's a positive. Unfortunately, this wasn't the most impressive premiere. The main event delivered and is worth checking out, but the rest of the show is not. You can also tell this came together on short notice because this was clearly from a Fusion taping. They couldn't change the screen to say Underground Wrestling? It was basically an extension of Fusion, and if that's what this show is going to be, then that's not good, but I'll give it more time. Calvin Tankman vs. Willie Mack was advertised for next week along with Warner vs. Real1 in a a Street Fight.

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