MLW notes: Opera Cup tournament update, new Caribbean Champion

This week’s episode of MLW Fusion: Alpha saw the second semifinalist in the Opera Cup tournament, the date for the final two first round matches, and a new IWA Caribbean Champion crowned.

Calvin Tankman defeated Matt Cross in a hard-fought bout to advance to the semifinals. He will take on the winner of TJP vs. the debuting Alex Shelley which will take place on next week’s edition of Fusion: Alpha.

Next week’s show will also see Lee Moriarty vs. the debuting Bobby Fish in the remaining quarterfinal. The winner of that match will face Davey Richards who advanced with a win over Tom Lawlor.

A new IWA Caribbean Heavyweight Champion was crowned this week as King Muertes defeated Richard Holliday, ending his 164-day reign as champion. This is the first time that Muertes has held gold in MLW.

Following a beatdown from CONTRA Unit at the beginning of the program, Holliday declared that he would still be defending the belt against Muertes in the main event of the show. Following interference from CONTRA’s Ikuro Kwon, Holliday was laid out by Muertes on the outside of the ring and pinned shortly thereafter for the title change. 

The title was first introduced to MLW by Savio Vega and eventually stolen by Holliday. Matchmaker Cesar Duran revealed last week that he has purchased the IWA and wanted to restore its honor.