Alexander Hammerstone wins MLW Battle Riot III to earn title shot
The long-awaited MLW World title match between champion Jacob Fatu and National Openweight Champion Alexander Hammerstone is now a reality as Hammerstone won Battle Riot III Saturday to earn his opportunity.
Much like WWE’s Money in the Bank briefcases, Hammerstone can cash in whenever he wants.
Hammerstone has been on the hunt for Fatu for nearly two years, prior to the pandemic and then in the season that began this spring. Fatu’s CONTRA Unit faction has been avoiding the challenge, throwing then-new recruit Mads Krugger at Hammerstone last season.
Hammerstone, clad in Hulk Hogan-esque red and yellow, and Krugger were the last two men in the 40-man battle royal with Krugger attempting to use a spike that stablemate Josef Samael had left. Hammerstone got the spike and used it on Krugger three times before eliminating him over the top rope.
Fatu came to ringside at the end of the match but Samael kept him away from Hammerstone.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.