Brian Pillman Jr. to challenge for MLW World title at Zero Hour

Brian Pillman Jr. is getting a World title shot at MLW’s first show of the year.

MLW announced this morning that World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu will defend his title against Pillman at their Zero Hour set of television tapings. The show is taking place at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas on Saturday, January 11.

MLW hyped up the title match:

There is unfinished business between CONTRA Unit and the remaining members of the Hart Foundation. 

CONTRA Unit struck fast and with violence late last year when they took out Teddy Hart. Now young Brian Pillman readies for retribution and his first World title shot as he looks to conquer the seemingly unconquerable in the 300 pound Fatu.

Pillman, who along with Davey Boy Smith Jr., have vowed payback on CONTRA Unit, campaigned for a title match following his breakout performance in the 2019 Opera Cup. Matchmakers agreed that Pillman’s ranking in MLW’s top 10 in Pro Wrestling Illustrated warranted consideration for a championship bout.

Now official, Pillman will look to do what eluded his father: win the World Championship. Can the 2018 Rookie of the Year dethrone the undefeated World Champ?

Fatu has been MLW World Heavyweight Champion since winning the title from Tom Lawlor in July 2019. Fatu defending his title against CIMA has also been announced for MLW’s Fightland tapings in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 1.

Here’s the updated card for Zero Hour:

  • Jimmy Havoc vs. Mance Warner in a no ropes barbed wire match
  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Jacob Fatu defending against Brian Pillman Jr.
  • Ross Von Erich vs. Tom Lawlor
  • National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone defending against Aerostar
  • Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Simon Gotch in a no ropes, no holds barred match
  • Marshall Von Erich vs. MJF (If MJF wins, The Dynasty will get a Tag Team title shot against The Von Erichs. If Marshall wins, MJF can’t challenge The Von Erichs for the titles again.)
  • Savio Vega vs. Richard Holliday
  • Drago & Puma King vs. Taurus & El Hijo de LA Park vs. Injustice (Jordan Oliver & Kotto Brazil)
  • Gino “El Intocable” Medina vs. Septimo Dragon
  • Dominic Garrini vs. Zenshi
  • Erick Stevens debuts