MLW's WTF faction

[Vegas]

SPOILER warning of informnation below for those still looking to see the replay of MLW's Fightland show from this past weekend






















in MLW, WTF now as


Alexander Hammerstone
Matt Cardona
"Filthy" Tom Lawlor
Joshua Bishop
Steph de Lander

On FITE+, I saw the replay of this past weekend's MLW Fightland show (I did not watch it live because I attended AEW's Full Gear) and at the end Hammerstone turned heel and joined WTF. On the show, Joshua Bishop and Steph de Lander also made their MLW debuts as new WTF members. Steph de Lander debuted during the loser leave town match between Matt Cardona and Mance Warner and she speared her real life fiance Mance Warner through a table to help Cardona get the victory and force Mance Warner to leave MLW.

A very good show overall, I recommend checking it out if you have FITE+.

[db1091]

I haven't watched the show yet, as I spent yesterday catching up on AEW shows, however, I have seen this all on social media. I have to say, they really worked everyone with the Hammerstone angle, and I absolutely love that! How often can we actually say something is a true surprise now, so often plans get spoiled, but the whole release angle with Hammerstone was brilliant

[aceldamas]

Now that’s a faction!

For once, MLW working the wrestling media was successful. A couple of days before the show it dawned on me that MLW does this kind of thing. At that point I realized it was an obvious work. Well done though. Everyone bought it.

[Vegas]

It turns out Hammerstone wanting out of MLW was indeed legit but he has reportedly agreed to stay and do this WTF storyline in return for a January 2024 contract release:

Report: Alex Hammerstone Agreed To Finish Up 2023 With MLW

Alex Hammerstone is back in Major League Wrestling, at least for the time being. A new report shines some light on the situation.

After previously asking for his release, Alex Hammerstone returned to MLW at MLW Fightland on November 18. He joined the World Titan Federation, and it was noted that he “secured his release” from MLW.

The outcome led fans to assume that Hammerstone’s requested release was a work, given the circumstances. Hammerstone took to Twitter to note that he obtained his MLW release under the condition that he joined WTF for the rest of 2023.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reports that Hammerstone’s tweet was true. The former champion and MLW reached an agreement that will see Hammerstone work the angle and finish up art the end of the year. The agreement was made days ahead of MLW Fightland. Sapp writes that Hammerstone was kept under wraps throughout MLW Fightland, and he entered the building once the main event started.

Per Sapp, assuming the two sides do not reach another deal, Hammerstone will be a free agent in January 2024. As previously reported, he had been planned for the WTF stable earlier in 2023.

www.wrestlezone.com/news/1424038-report-alex-hammerstone-agreed-to-finish-up-2023-with-mlw

[aceldamas]

To be honest, I’m surprised the wrestling media bit on this story considering how many times MLW has cried wolf in the past. Many outlets called them out for this practice. The irony of a wrestling promotion keeping kayfabe and being criticized for it.

As for Hammer, I’m sure having freedom from a contract will really open up his options on the indy scene. In the past he has expressed liking the lighter schedule than if he went to WWE. I wonder if he’s changed his thoughts on that. Or he could go the AEW route. (As if they need to sign yet another talent that will be under utilized.). TNA maybe? It was probably time for him to move on one way or the other and I’ll be interested to see where he lands.

[TTX]

I think TNA is quite likely for Hammerstone. He'd be a good fit there.

[Justin Case]

I suppose Davey Boy Smith Jr. would still be in the WTF too? Or is he done with MLW?

[Vegas]

Nov 22, 2023 20:24:44 GMT -5 Justin Case said:

I suppose Davey Boy Smith Jr. would still be in the WTF too? Or is he done with MLW?

Great point!

After winning the Opera Cup again, Davey Boy Smith Jr. was supposed to challenge Alex Kane for the title at Slaughterhouse but he had to undergo emergency surgery and was replaced by a returning “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. Since he was being managed by MSL, I assume Davey Boy Smith Jr. will be part of WTF when he returns.

I wonder if Snisky is part of the group too since he was also being managed by MSL but has not been seen recently in MLW?

[on_the_edge]

From what I see you guys saying about Hammerstone it would seem TNA might be best right now. Some exposure from TV and PPV that has led to bigger things for many wrestlers. A semi set schedule without having to wrestle for them on a weekly basis. Freedom to wrestle for indies. A one- or two-year contract at most and maybe not even a contract. Matt Cardona wrestled under a handshake deal for at least the end of his Impact run where he was free to walk anytime he wanted. Not the best place to work but not as bad as a few years ago. I think he and Moose could have some good matches along with Josh and others.

[Justin Case]

I forgot about Snitsky! One of the bad things about MLW, is sometimes the talent they bring in disappear before getting any real traction!