Anarchy Rules At MLW Fightland
The escape I needed.
I needed MLW Fightland.
With unrelenting stress at work, prices going up on everything and politicians stripping away our freedom, my mind has been engulfed in this dark cloud for months. Even my outlet, my safe space, if you will, has been a source of frustration as The Wrestling Estate shrinks with only a few of us still on board actually contributing.
All that pressure needs a release, which MLW thankfully provided this past Saturday. It was the first time my brothers and I had gotten together since, well, the last MLW event. There seemed to be so much promise then, as hundreds of unmasked heathens clamored for violence while packed inside the sweltering 2300 Arena. It seemed that the COVID-19 pandemic was in the rear view, but three months later, we’ve hung a Louie and find ourselves masked indoors, even if vaccinated, wondering if the world will ever go back to normal.
MLW Fightland was an oasis, whisking us away from the turmoil of today. We were second row against the guard rail to the left of the entrance ramp – the best seats we’ve ever had. As I mentioned during my Hybrid Wrestling review, sitting up close for wrasslin’ is an enhanced experience. You owe it to yourself to shell out the extra bucks at least once in your life. I’m not suggesting you skip dinner for a week to sit front row at WWE, but for any other promotion, especially the indies, it’s worth it.
You’re able to interact with the wrestlers, fist bumping, slapping their hands or in the case of my brother Dan, snapping a selfie with Warhorse. Sometimes, though, you should stay away, especially if it’s a member of Contra Unit. Two fans on opposite sides of the arena sparked a confrontation with Josef Samael, demonstrating liquid courage and questionable judgment. A grizzled veteran who stabs people and throws fireballs, Samael isn’t one of these softies who rips your sign and then sends a referee to give you a free T-shirt.
He’s a devil! Don’t fuck with him! And whatever you do, don’t spit on him. Not only will you be ejected from the building (as one of those fans learned), but in a COVID world, spitting is downright criminal.
5150 and Los Parks came back out to continue the mayhem!#MLWFightland #MLW pic.twitter.com/Em0hT0qiP2
— The Wrestling Estate (@TheWrestlingEst) October 3, 2021
It’s important to stay alert because the action spills into your lap. The folks behind us found that out the hard way, as a brawl between 5150 and Los Parks whipped into the guard rail, sending a woman and older man crashing to the floor. After they gained their bearings and wiped the beer off their pants, they seemed appreciative to be part of the show.
Of course, MLW prides itself on being more sport than show, and a dangerous one at that. Nicole Savoy suffered a bruised sternum in her victory over Holidead and was taken out on a stretcher. After besting Alex Shelley, TJP was unable to compete in the semi-finals of the Opera Cup, but wasn’t taken to the hospital, Fightful reported. In the main event of MLW Fightland, Alexander Hammerstone dethroned Jacob Fatu for the World Heavyweight Championship, but hurt in his ankle in the process.
It’s unfortunate when these accidents happen, but they’re a reminder that pro wrestling isn’t a joke. These athletes are sacrificing their bodies for the love of the art and the entertainment of the fans. Hopefully, they realize how much we appreciate them.
After all, they’re providing the escape some of us so desperately need.
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