MLW’s “Never Say Never” event on July 8, 2023, marked a new era for the promotion as Alex Kane emerged victorious, capturing the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Kane defeated Alexander Hammerstone, ending Hammerstone’s impressive 644-day reign as champion. The historic title fight can be exclusively watched on FITE+.
Leading up to the match, there were rumors swirling about the involvement of a mystery money man behind Kane and the Bomaye Fight Club. It was later revealed that the legendary boxing promoter, Don King, was the mastermind behind Kane’s rise to the top. This surprising entry of Don King into the world of pro wrestling was covered by the New York Post.
Despite being technically the heel, Kane received overwhelming support from the Philadelphia fans. They not only cheered for him but also booed Hammerstone during the match. The main event lasted over 20 minutes, with both competitors putting on an impressive display of athleticism and strategy. Hammerstone hit his signature move, the Nightmare Pendulum, but Kane managed to roll out of the ring, preventing the pinfall. Kane resorted to cheap tactics, such as groin kicks and distractions from Mr. Thomas, to gain an advantage. In the climax of the match, Kane surprised Hammerstone with a chokehold, forcing him to tap out and securing the victory.
After the show, Hammerstone hinted at taking a break from wrestling, stating that he had given everything he had in every match. It remains to be seen when he will return to the ring.
In the tag team division, The Calling emerged as the new MLW World Tag Team Champions. They defeated the Samoan Swat Team in a hardcore bout that saw fans bringing various weapons, including trash cans, tables, chairs, barbed wire, a plunger, and even a cactus. Despite interference from Jacob Fatu, The Calling managed to dethrone Lance Anoa’i and Juicy Finau. Rickey Shane Page and Akira sealed the victory with a Meteora through a table and an avalanche DDT through a table, respectively.
Tracy Williams secured a victory over Timothy Thatcher in a grapple session, but the match ended on a somewhat controversial note. Williams executed a flying DDT that seemed to knock Thatcher out, and although Thatcher didn’t kick out of the pin, the referee stopped the match at two. Williams didn’t celebrate the win, as it didn’t feel like a clear-cut victory.
Delmi Exo became a double champion by defeating Ava Everett. The MLW Women’s World Featherweight Championship and the xWx Women’s World Championship from Germany were both on the line. Exo caught Everett’s leg during a superkick attempt and finished her off with a package piledriver.
In the opener, Jacob Fatu successfully defended his MLW National Openweight Championship against Calvin Tankman. The match showcased a display of power and agility, with the highlight being Fatu’s knee tweak on the floor. Despite the injury, Fatu managed to hit a twisting senton to secure the win, showing respect to Tankman afterward.
The event also made waves with the announcement of the upcoming Fite+ live specials. Fury Road is set for September 3, Slaughterhouse for October 14, Fightland for November 18, and One Shot for December 7. Tickets for these events will go on sale on July 14 at 10 a.m.
Overall, “Never Say Never” delivered an action-packed event for MLW fans. The surprises, such as the involvement of Don King and the arrival of Matt Cardona, added an extra layer of excitement. To catch the replay of “Never Say Never,” fans can subscribe to the Fite+ package on Fite TV.
Sources:
– MLW Twitter: https://twitter.com/MLW/status/1677898913959772161
– Cageside Seats: https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/7/10/