MWF Noche Buena: Full card preview

Manila Wrestling Federation (MWF) aims to fill every Filipino wrestling fan's stockings this Saturday with a stacked card and a main event featuring a former WWE superstar and pioneer of Southeast Asian wrestling.

Main Event: Robin Sane vs. Ho Ho Lun

Lun's announcement during the intermission of November's Balikbayan was met with shock and anticipation: After all, the founder of Hong Kong wrestling's still fresh from his stint as the first wrestler from Southeast Asia to compete in the WWE.

Having Lun wrestle in the Philippines is a milestone for the local scene; that much was given. What was left was a matter of who will face the ex-WWE talent — though Sane didn't leave much time for speculation as he snapped up the spot before anyone else could.

Lun responded to his challenge handily, and with his recent heel turn, he's sure to ground Sane with his bridging German suplex or shining wizard before the MWF talent can muster the strength for his signature high-risk moves.

Frankie Thurteen vs. Aldrin Richards vs. Morgan Vaughn vs. Hanzello Shilva

No, that isn't a typo, and that isn't GMA's Tisoy.

This Richards did, however, put on an electrifying performance with Shilva in last month's Balikbayan. On that night, the Bae and the Wolf kept the crowd on their feet and presented, maybe with more false finishes than appropriate, a sliver of the absolute viciousness they can conjure if they continue to work with each other.

But they face a threat in Thurteen, who triumphed against Moises Liwanag in a Balikbayan Box hardcore match. Ending his feud with Moises Liwanag frees Thurteen up for a new program, and it will be interesting to see him rough it up with fighters as vicious as he is.

Vaughn can be considered the underdog of this match as his lone win came from beating an already-injured Sane. Outlasting Shilva and Thurteen would mean redemption for his previous losses, and sealing a win against Richards can give him the boost he needs.

On its own, this kick-off match already has potential for match of the night. The only thing that could push this to the edge is giving it true stakes — perhaps a shot at an MWF Championship that has yet to manifest five shows in.

Fabio Makisig vs. Gigz Stryker

This match was inevitable after Stryker came to Sane's aid when the latter suffered a beat down from Rex Lawin, Makisig, and Gus Queens after Balikbayan's main event.

Surprisingly enough, Makisig — definitely not the definition of honorable — felt betrayed that the 90's Action Star would do as his predecessors did and come to the rescue of the abused instead of honoring their friendship.

Stryker, acknowledging his debt to Makisig, vowed to settle the score with his friend this Saturday, and given their clashing styles, this can prove to be an entertaining fight.

Ninja Ryujin vs. Rex Lawin

Given that Ryujin was a no-show in Balikbayan, his match with Lawin will hopefully prove that he's still in fighting shape.

However, it's a little unfortunate that he has to prove his mettle yet again against Lawin. The bruiser manhandled Sane for most of their lengthy bout last November and dealt crushing offense that can put Ryujin out of commission, if the ninja doesn't get it right.

Surprises, surprises

It's still a mystery if Ashura will have a match in this card, but seeing as her mentor Mr. Lucha seems keen on testing audience-turned-wrestler Kyle Sison, the masked warrior may show off the fruits of her pilgrimage soon.

On the other hand, the return of the preacher Moises Liwanag could not have been more timely.

Another Oras ng Liwanag with his disciple Brother Jomar can give the holiday-themed event that extra kick of festiveness, and perhaps give another newbie a chance to get their feet wet. —KG, GMA News

MWF Noche Buena will take place at Makati Cinema Square on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door for P350 and P900 for three tickets.

Meet & Greet passes for Ho Ho Lun will run for P500 inclusive of show ticket and will be limited to 25 slots.