Minoru Suzuki to make MLW debut at Slaughterhouse

Minoru Suzuki is headed to MLW. 

The news was announced at MLW Fury Road on Saturday night from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena. Suzuki has never wrestled for the promotion. 

MLW announced a partnership with New Japan Pro Wrestling at the end of August. KUSHIDA wrestling on last night’s show kickstarted talent-sharing between the two companies. KUSHIDA defeated Tony Deppen in his first MLW match at Fury Road. 

Salina de la Renta is back in MLW. She was revealed as the mystery guest during Sessions By Saint Laurent on Saturday’s show. The 26-year-old has been gone from the promotion since May 2021 after being written off television in an angle with Dario Cueto. Her Promociones Dorado stable will be starting back up as well. 

“Salina de La Renta is the founder of Promociones Dorado, an organization that acts as a pipeline to the stars of Latin America for sports leagues, TV and film in the United States and abroad,” reads an MLW press release. 

“In 2021, Salina brokered a deal with Cesar Duran. One which costs her dearly. For the past 2 years her whereabouts have been uncertain, but many believe “El Jefe” had something to do with it… until he himself was ruthlessly removed from power by an unknown assailant. Was it Salina? Only time will tell.”

A title change kicked off MLW Fury Road 2023 as well. Rickey Shane Page is the new MLW National Openweight Champion after defeating Jacob Fatu for the belt. RSP becomes the sixth wrestler to win the title since its inception in 2019. Fatu’s reign comes to an end after two successful defenses and 150 days spent with the title. 

Also on the show, Matt Cardona won his promotional debut against Mance Warner. B3CCA has earned a shot at Delmi Exo’s World Featherweight Championship after she defeated Maki Itoh. In Saturday’s main event, the Bomaye Fight Club’s Alex Kane retained his MLW World Heavyweight Championship against Willie Mack. 

MLW Fury Road 2023 results:

  • Rickey Shane Page defeated Jacob Fatu to win the MLW National Openweight Championship
  • B3CCA defeated Maki Itoh to become the #1 Contender to the MLW Featherweight Championship
  • Matt Cardona w/Mister Saint Laurent defeated Mance Warner
  • Ichiban defeated Tracy Williams
  • KUSHIDA defeated Tony Deppen
  • MLW World Heavyweight Champion Alex Kane w/Mr. Thomas defeated Willie Mack to retain his title

MLW held Fusion tapings following the show. Spoilers for the show are below, via Cagematch.net. 

  • The Second Gear Crew (Matthew Justice & 1 Called Manders) defeated The Calling (Talon & Cannonball)
  • Love Doug defeated Little Guido
  • MLW Middleweight Champion AKIRA defeated Jimmy Lloyd in a street fight to retain his title
  • Matt Cardona defeated 1 Called Manders
  • Ichiban defeated Nolo Kitana
  • Alex Kane defeated Snitsky
  • Tiara James defeated Zayda Steel
  • TJ Crawford defeated Alec Price and Kevin Blackwood in a triple-threat match
  • Bomaye Fight Club (J Boujii & Mr. Thomas) defeated The Mane Event (Jay Lyon & Midas Black)
  • AKIRA vs. Matthew Justice went to a no-contest