Major League Wrestling ( MLW ) officials announced today the competitors and brackets for their National Openweight Championship tournament to crown their inaugural champion.
The National Championship is an Openweight division, where there is no weight limit at all. Wrestlers of all shapes and sizes can compete against each other, much like the NEVER Openweight Championship in NJPW.
Over the next two weeks on their weekly TV show MLW Fusion, the four wrestlers will compete with the two winners advancing to the Openweight Championship Tournament Final at MLW: Fury Road 2019 on Saturday June 1.
National Openweight Championship Tournament Set; starts this week on FUSION https://t.co/rfhBlt0y3z pic.twitter.com/BZUEvGhEZO
— Major League Wrestling (@MLW) May 6, 2019
The first match will take place this Saturday (11 May) and features Alexander Hammerstone versus Gringo Loco. The second match will take place next Saturday (18 May) and will see Brian Pillman Jr taking on Rich Swann.
Here is some background on the four men taking part –
Alexander Hammerstone: He enters the tournament with an undefeated record in MLW. He is a member of The Dynasty since he debuted in Philadelphia earlier this year
Gringo Loco: Loco has looked great in matches against LA Park and wins against Puma King and Myron Reed. With all that acclaim under his belt, he now looks forward to claiming his first major championship.
Brian Pillman Jr: With an outstanding victory over MJF, Brian would like nothing more than to bring yet another championship back to his Hart Foundation.
Rich Swann: After a great showing at MLW Battle Riot and a huge victory over Lance Anoa’i, Swann looks to add to his many championship winds from across the globe.
Also at this years MLW Fury Road, you’ll see current MLW Champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and a partner of his choosing, take on CONTRA Unit. Also appearing will be LA Park, Low Ki, MJF, Rey Horus, Daga, and many more MLW regulars.
Blake’s Take: That is a great semi-final bracket there. My eyes are instantly drawn to the Pillman Jr vs Swann match. That’s going to be one hell of a matchup with two guys whose styles mesh perfectly. Then there’s Hammerstone vs Loco, where the rookie Alex will want to show the world he’s no slouch and Gringo whose lucha style will light up the match no end.
MLW is hotting up on the road to Fury Road for sure. If you miss the action then get to reading our very own MLW correspondent Brandi, as she will keep you all up to date with all the happenings over at Major League Wrestling (MLW) and their National Openweight Championship.
