MLW Fusion: Shane Strickland versus Pentagon Jr delivers
If you have to go back and watch one match from last week, take the time to go back and watch Shane Strickland versus Pentagon Jr at MLW Fusion.
Over in MLW one of the hottest feuds is the continuing program between Pentagon Jr and current MLW Heavyweight champion, Shane Strickland. Strickland and Pentagon finally faced off in the main event of this past Friday’s show and it was a bout that critically delivered. The storyline has created intrigue in the promotion and the characters, and the match lived up to the proverbial hype; elevating both men and MLW as a whole.
If you’re not familiar with either Pentagon or Strickland, this is the perfect match to introduce yourself to them both. Pentagon has been tearing up the circuit as he’s become a bigger name thanks to IMPACT Wrestling and Lucha Underground, while Strickland has become more popular ever since the success he had in Underground as well. The energy from the start of the match was palpable as both guys maneuvered their way around the ring with the crowd cheering them on. When they finally did come to blows that set off a pace that rarely slowed down until the final bell.
Pentagon and Strickland battled through the crowd right from the onset which led into a spot where Pentagon tied Strickland up to the ropes and pummeled him repeatedly. Even though the crowd was behind both men, Pentagon played up to his heel persona; using a variety of dirty tricks to keep Strickland on his heels. Of course, Strickland had his comeback moments, but Pentagon would cut any of those strings before things got out of his grasp.
Strickland would turn the tide momentarily and pursue the use of his grappling to slow down Pentagon, but things went from bad to worse when they ended up back outside – where Pentagon hit a Canadian Destroyer pile driver on the apron. From there, storytelling took over as Pentagon attempted trick after trick to put “Swerve” away. They reversed move after move until Pentagon hit the Fear Factor, his package pile driver for another two-count.
The big spot in the match came when Shane went for what looked like a Thesz press from the top just to be reversed into another package pile driver but Strickland would kick out. Salina de la Renta would then get involved but she would take the spray in the eyes from Pentagon instead of Strickland; setting up the double-foot stomp from the top to get the pinfall and retain his title.
For twenty minutes Strickland and Pentagon Jr put on a match that is worthy of any of the “major” promotions in professional wrestling. The level of storytelling, pacing and diversity of moves used made this a really intriguing match; even for those who may not be familiar with the two wrestlers in the ring. Strickland has less than ten years of experience under his belt but continues to grow into a competitor that can become a major draw on what is considered the independent circuit. Matches like this make will make viewers want to go back and see his performances on Lucha Underground and beyond. The same could be said for Pentagon Jr; even though he’s a bigger star, taking a clean loss doesn’t hurt his place in the industry.
Next: MLW: Matt Riddle vs. Shane Strickland
Elevation is a key term used when performing on the smaller circuits. As names grow with hardcore fans their presence on the independent circuit helps out the brand and the athletes they face. Shane “Swerve” Strickland and Pentagon Jr did just that in their main event slot on Friday. This is certainly a match that wrestling fans should go back to watch. The match is available for free on their official YouTube channel.