Episode three of Collision sees another pair of hot matches on NJPW World

The hot new concept that is Lion’s Break Collision has impressed fans all over the world in its first two weeks! On episode 3, more great action as Karl Fredericks returns to the ring, and a huge debut in the form of UFC alum ‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor!

Watch Lion’s Break Collision Friday nights at 10e/9c/7p on NJPW World!

Starting July 17, Collision also comes to FITE! Episode 1 will be free!

Main event: ‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor vs Rocky Romero

An immense main event and an sees an immense debut this week as ‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor steps in an NJPW ring for the first time. When competing in the UFC, Lawlor was not shy about expressing his love for professional wrestling with his charismatic and colourful presentation, easily backed up with skilfull violence in the cage. When he moved from eight sides to four, Lawlor found quick success in the major League Wrestling promotion, holding its heavyweight championship for five months in 2019. With submission artistry, confident aggression and an intense competitive nature, it should come as no surprise that Lawlor would find his way to New Japan Pro-Wrestling. 

Standing opposite him will be Rocky Romero. One of NJPW’s most decorated junior heavyweights, Romero now has to face heavyweight competition in singles action on Collision; but don’t paint Mr. Azucar as the underdog. Romero is an accomplished jiujitsu artist in his own right, and was originally tempered in the original Antonio Inoki ran L.A. Dojo. There, Romero would recall an environment where one never knew what test was coming next. Trainees were constantly being kept on their toes not just by a rising generation of fellow trainees that became the top wrestling stars of the last two decades, but also by some of the toughest MMA fighters of their own generation. Expect a hard fought mat battle in our main event. 

First match: Misterioso & The DKC vs Karl Fredericks & Clark Connors

Tag team action will kick Collision off this week as Misterioso and The DKC meet Karl Fredericks and Clark Connors. The DKC came up just short in his debut match last week, but nonetheless showed a great deal of competitive fire against Rust Taylor. Now he teams with Misterioso, who has already tasted success in NJPW during the New Beginning USA tour, including in Tampa against one of his opponents tonight. 

Then, Clark Connors was wrestling alone, but now he reforms a proven effective team with Karl Fredericks. Connors and Fredericks gelled tremendously well during last year’s G1 Climax tour and even as Fredericks graduates from the Dojo system, the LA Dojo bonds are strong, and the two will team together again on Friday.  

Fredericks’ last appearance on Collision ended with a victory over Rocky Romero and a post match brawl with Jeff Cobb. Moving with a swagger that walks a fine line between confidence and arrogance, Fredericks will be keen to show the world what he’s made of once again Friday night, and may well send a further message to one Jeff Cobb in the process.