Alex Hammerstone is excited for wrestling fans to see the very best he can bring to the squared circle when he defends the MLW World Heavyweight Championship against Jacob Fatu on the March 21 episode of MLW Underground on REELZ.
Hammerstone defeated Fatu to capture the MLW World Title over one year ago. The current champion recently spoke with Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp to say he is proud that he and Fatu are synonymous with Major League Wrestling. Hammerstone admits that while there is something to be said for waiting too long for this rematch, he feels the extra time allowed him to grow into his role as champion and build his confidence.
"It’s awesome because we’re so different. But, it’s like you said, somehow we wedged out that thing where I don’t feel egotistical saying if you ask nine out of ten people, ‘Who is synonymous with MLW?’ They’re either going to say me or Fatu," said Hammerstone. "Those are almost the only two answers you’re going to get. So to be in that position where we carved out, ‘We’re the guys.’ The incredible booking that happened to bring us together the first time where it was a build, a build, a build, and then to be in the unique situation where now we’re a year and a half after that match, having the first rematch. We’ve been involved in some stuff in the ring. We had a triple threat match, we had the War Chamber match, things of that nature.
"As far as a straight-up one on one rematch, we’ve taken a year and a half to get here, which is very unique for pro wrestling," Hammerstone continued. "There’s something to be said about waiting too long to do something, but there’s also something to be said for trying to squeeze all the juice out of the fruit, and then you’ve got nothing left. I think this timing has been incredible because I know I needed time to grow into this role, to build my confidence, to really understand what it means to be a champion, and to go out there every night and be the guy for the company. ‘Cause, essentially, I think almost anybody, the first time they’re in that position, the first couple of months, it’s kind of fake it ‘til you make it. You’re kind of understanding what that role is, what that position is, how to carry yourself, how to talk, how to walk, how to wrestle. All these things. So I really needed this time period to grow."
Continuing on, Hammerstone says that this will be his greatest match thus far and says that any fans that are not impressed with his performance after watching this upcoming match will never be won over because this is the absolute best he can provide.
"Fatu speaks for himself. He’s so one of a kind. But he’s had this last year where he’s gone around and had some incredible matches with all kinds of people all over the place. He had that incredible match with Josh Alexander at Ric Flair’s Last Match. Now to be coming back and finally having this rematch, it’s gonna be something really special. I think anybody who has been waiting to watch MLW, watch this match. I have all the confidence in the world to say this is going to be the greatest Hammerstone match you’ve ever seen. So if you think I suck after this one, then I give up. I’m not gonna try to win you over because this is gonna be the absolute best you can get from me," Hammer said.
Fightful will have full coverage of MLW Underground, including the World Championship rematch between Alex Hammerstone and Jacob Fatu on Tuesday, March 21, when MLW Underground airs on REELZ at 10:00 p.m. eastern time.
Fans can find all past MLW Underground results in our results section. Fightful also keeps track of weekly viewership for MLW Underground. Learn more here.