remixing the lucha subset of PWI 500

I figure, if I’m going to criticize ideas, I might as well put my own idea to be equally ripped apart. Since, I had some thoughts about the lucha libre rankings in this year’s PWI (as I do every year), I figured I could do my own.

So the criteria is supposedly:

– Win-loss record
– Technical Ability
– Influence on the sport
– Success against the highest grade of competition
– Success against the most diverse competition
– Activity

Let’s go with that. Why not. I’ll skip the minis and the women, because that seems to be part of the rule as well.

There were 62 wrestlers from the lucha libre sphere of influence on the list, which means I’ve to rank 62 people. THIS IS NOT A LIST OF MY FAVORITE WRESTLERS, though that’s obviously going to be an influence.

What did I say last time?

This list is for entertainment purposes only. If you find yourself being legitimately upset about a ranking, you’re doing it wrong. If you’re mildly amused, you’re doing better.

1 Último Guerrero
2 Cibernetico
3 Dr. Wagner Jr.
4 Místico
5 el Hijo del Perro Aguayo
6 Zorro
7 Mesias
8 Jack Evans
9 Chessman
10 Ricky Marvin
11 Mr. Niebla
12 Marco Corelone
13 Gran Apache
14 Atlantis
15 Averno
16 Aerostar
17 Teddy Hart
18 Alan Stone
19 Sangre Azteca
20 Ozz
21 Billy Boy
22 Héctor Garza
23 Negro Casas
24 La Parka Jr
25 Dos Caras Jr
26 Kenzo Suzuki
27 Intocable
28 Mr. Aguila
29 Mephisto
30 Rey Bucanero
31 Shocker
32 Blue Panther
33 Volador Jr
34 Máximo
35 Heavy Metal
36 Súper Fly
37 LA Park
38 La Sombra
39 Sagrado
40 Abismo Negro
41 Black Warrior
42 Hijo del Fantasma
43 Valiente
44 Konnan
45 Alex Koslov
46 Scorpio Jr
47 Zumbido
48 El Alebrije
49 Misterioso II
50 Grey Shadow
51 Vampiro
52 Brazo de Plata
53 Felino
54 Laredo Kid
55 Texano Jr
56 Cuervo
57 Virus
58 Euforia
59 Super Calo
60 Damián 666
61 El Hijo del Santo
62 Incognito

The biggest issue for me, besides the lack of sanity in making a list, is what to do with Ricky Marvin. He’s undoubtedly top 10 in mexico when he’s in Mexico, and probably higher than that (though booking him as a midcard act may catchup with him.) I didn’t even consider thinking where a Bryan Danielson might fit on this list, because he’s one match and out for all appearances, but Ricky seems like he’s going to be working here in between tours. Silver King is actually #63, punished for not being around much, the same as Ricky, but Ricky’s won matches when he’s been in Mexico and had better matches. Plus, all of Silver King’s work in AAA should be credited to Dr. Wagner Jr. if we’re being honest.

I have no idea where to put the indy guys and changed my mind a few times when writing this. I’m sure Santo is good, but this past 12 months have not been good. Being directly behind Damian 666 is probably harsh on it’s own. I feel like I’m obligated to put Incognito here, because he’d fit in with the AAA and CMLL flyers if he was with one or the other and I know he’s wrestling on the Santo/Demon type indies shows, but that doesn’t help much.

The TNA stuff was a factor. I know Volador didn’t end up high; his involvement was minimal (and not so good) and it did boost him past some similar CMLL tecnicos.

Laredo Kid would probably be higher if he didn’t keep breaking. Stop it.

Jack’s too great in AAA not to be in the top 10.

I hope Marco is happy at 12. I can’t put you top 10 without winning a title!

I will not apologize for Kenzo Suzuki at 26. NEVER.