Month: May 2016

CMLL (FRI) 05/27/2016 Arena México [CMLL, thecubsfan]
1) Cancerbero & Raziel b Oro Jr. & Soberano Jr.
14:25. Cancerberos took 2/3.
2) Amapola, Dalys, Zeuxis b Marcela, Princesa Sugehit, Silueta
17:41. Rudas took 2/3.
3) Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto b Blue Panther, Blue Panther Jr., The Panther
16:41. Hijos del Infierno took 1/3, Mephisto beating Panther with his own sudden Fujiwara armbar.
4) Felino b Guerrero Maya Jr. [lightning]
6:36. Superbomb by Felino.
5) Diamante Azul, Marco Corleone, Titán b Kráneo, Rey Bucanero, Ripper
13:37. Tencicos took 21/3.
6) La Máscara, Shocker, Terrible b Máximo Sexy, Mistico, Stuka Jr. [Relevos Increíbles]
9:21. Stuka replaced Dragon Lee on Tuesday, but Dragon Lee came out to talk about his injury and apologize for not wrestling. La Mascara interrupted him, insulted Lee, and kicked him in the bad leg. Pierroth ran out to make the save, declaring himself still a rudo but also the father of Rush, Dragon Lee and Mistico, and demanded a mask match with La Mascara. Mascara seemed OK with the idea, but nothing was officially agreed to. Mistico dove off the stage onto Mascara to start the match. Mascara won in straight falls cleanly, including escaping the Mistica to beat Mistico with a casita. Mascara unmasked Mistico after the match, humiliating two of the brothers in one night.

Some matches were OK, something matches were good, nothing stood out as must see.

Pierroth vs La Mascara seems to be the next ‘big’ match they’re doing, with La Mascara vs Rush following that at some point. Nothing about Pierroth vs La Mascara sounds like a good match. In theory, this might mean the end for Pierroth, but there’s plenty of ways they could keep him around if they wanted. It might be the end of the name Pierroth being used.

CMLL posted a video spotlighting the 2008 Gran Prix. They kind of make it look like Ultimo Guerrero won. (He did not win. Alex Shelley still has the trophy.)

CMLL could put together a big card with Pierroth/La Mascara, the Gran Prix, and perhaps even Cavernario/Cometa underneath. CMLL said they’ll have a press conference to talk about the Gran Prix on Wednesday, and that’d also work as the place for Pierroth & La Mascara to be made official.

AAA CONTRERAS (FRI) 05/27/2016 Arena San Juan Pantitlan, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México [+LuchaTV, Estrellas del Ring, Kronosport]
1) Boricua, Colombiano, Miserbale b Fishman Jr., Ice Killer, Mohicano I, M1, Súper Tarin, Súper Muñeco, Rayo Tapatío I, Rayo Tapatío II, Bronco González, Fantasma Blanca, Lady González, Máscara Divina, Fantasma Del Ring, David Rockert, Bronco González Jr., Regge Boy I,Regge Boy II, Nova, Papa Chango, Minino, Diva Virtual, Lady Sensación, Sniper, Asbel, Jaque Mate III, Goskart, Xibalba, Pandemónium, Pandemónium Jr., Súper Chiva, Príncipe Kronoz, La Chona, Caricia, Infinito, Dan El Inenso, Bryan El Striper, Bestia Metálica, Spectro, La Hielera, Chuponcito, Furia Nocturna, Pantera Especial, Mr. Halcón, Ángel Divino, Desorden, Sexy Petus, Dragón Yuki, Ángel Suicida, Súper Brazo [PCM Latinoamericano]
2) Lokillo b Ángel Jr. [Copa José Contreras]
3) Faby Apache & Halcón 78 b Mamba & Taya
Falcon 78 replaced Nino Hamburguesa
4) Daga, Joe Lider, Pentagón Jr. b Garza Jr., Ludxor, Niño Hamburguesa
Daga replaced Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Hamburguesa & Garza Jr. replaced Fenix & Octagon Jr. Lider was injured.
5) La Parka, Monsther Clown, Murder Clown b Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Máscara Año 2000 Jr., Taurus
Hijo del Pirata Morgan replaced Hijo del Fantasma
6) Dr. Wagner Jr. b Psycho Clown, Pagano, Texano Jr.
Pagano replaced Mesias. Order of elimination went Pagano, Texano Jr., Psycho. Wagner challenged Psycho to a mask match.

This was the 20th Anniversary show for the promotion, and the final show for the current promoter. They packed the building (better than what CaraLucha does.) There were about 60 names announced for that main event.

Lots of missing AAA people on this show. Lucha Underground has been taping vignettes this week, and most of the missing people were in Los Angeles. (That includes Hijo del Fantasma, who hadn’t been around the Temple for Season 3 so far; guess his back is getting better.) AAA is low on available wrestlers – Halcon 78 is a very much a ‘break glass in emergency’ type selection. They’re losing wrestlers, they’re not replacing them with anyone even on the smallest level, and it’s there’s plenty of people out there if they just need bodies. (See that opener.) I’m sure there’s a story, but I’m not sure what it is.

CMLL’s Sabado Retros show has Titan, Mascara Dorada and Mistico against La Mascara, Shocker and Felino in the main event. The Panther & Guerrero Maya Jr. versus Hechicero & Vangellys for the Arena Coliseo Tag Team championship, in what figures to be a successful title defense. It’s one of the better cards they’ve run.

The Lucha World Cup iPPV site up went yesterday. The new price for both shows is $19, not the $25 USD that had been advertised earlier. It’s still cheaper in Mexico Pesos, but not really by that much if you figure currency change fees and the like. There is currently no option to buy just the finals; you’re getting both shows or nothing. They’re using the same provider as before.

AAA’s TV preview is up. Matches airing

• Cuervo, Scoria, Taurus versus Elegido, Garza and Nino Hamburguesa
• Averno & Chessman vs Australian Suicide & Argenis for the tag titles
• Hernandez & Zorro vs La Parka & Texano Jr.

That means they will not be airing Psycho Clown winning a shot in the Lucha World Cup until after the Lucha World Cup is started – he could be eliminated before he’s shown to actually be in. That seems a very strange and unproductive way of promoting your show, but that’s consistent with AAA this year. (I guess it means Psycho Clown has a better chance of advancing this time around, but who knows.)

AAA announced Dario Cueto and Melissa Santos will appear on the Lucha World Cup.

AAA’s promoting Tuesday’s taping with Arena Aficion listed on the poster. I don’t understand if that means they moved it again, or if they never moved it, or what. If you are in Pachuca and reading this, a) your city seemed nice when I was there, good job and b) go to Arena Aficion, try to buy tickets and then go to the other place if it doesn’t work.

Chessman says the Apache sisters stand no chance against him and Averno and should stop asking for a tag title match.

Rocky Santana wants more challengers for his trios titles.

Wrestling With Words has a review of Maximo vs Golden Boy vs Dulce Kanela vs Ultimo Ninja from ACM

Lineup

ELITE (THU) 06/02/2016 Arena México
1) Ciclón Ramírez Jr. & Robin (CMLL) vs Luzbel & Tanque Infernal
2) El Hijo del Medico Asesino, Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., Karonte Jr. vs ?, Hombre Bala Jr., Jinzo
3) Ángel de Oro, Golden Magic, Último Ninja vs Argos, Magnus, Rey Escorpión
4) Bobby Lashley vs Xtreme Tiger [Liga Elite]
5) Atlantis & Octagón vs Fuerza Guerrera & Último Guerrero
6) Carístico vs Máscara Dorada [Liga Elite]

From Sunday to Wednesday to Saturday to Thursday! They’re going to run out of days soon. Elite was saying they’d be back on Wednesday after the Saturday show, so plans changed again. I’m not sure it makes any difference.

Both Liga Elite matches are first time ever matches. They’re getting way out of sync on these matches: Tiger, Caristico & Dorada will have 4 matches while Cibernetico & Casas have 1.

Atlantis & Octagon is playing off the over 25 year old movie. Hijo del Octagon figures to be mystery man, but I don’t think they’d be afraid to advertise him if he was – maybe something else is going on. (Elite hasn’t caught onto Jinzo changing his name.)

Luzbel & Tanque Infernal are FULL luchadors who were on a Sunday Elite show back in March.

CMLL (FRI) 06/03/2016 Arena México
1) Shockercito & Último Dragóncito vs Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia
2) Fuego, Pegasso, Tritón vs Fujin, Okumura, Raijin
3) Estrellita, Marcela, Princesa Sugehit vs Amapola, Dalys, Zeuxis
4) Rey Cometa, Stuka Jr., Titán vs Cavernario, Felino, Mr. Niebla
5) La Máscara vs Pierroth
6) Atlantis, Marco Corleone, Valiente vs Negro Casas, Shocker, Último Guerrero

This will be going heads up with the Lucha World Cup on internet streams, but that really only matters for the couple hundred of us watching either or both. (I’m going to try and record it, but it’s going to be tricky.)

La Mascara & Pierroth is really happening. It’s probably not going to be good.

Cometa/Cavernario back in the fourth match. Fujin & Rajin make a Friday night appearance in the second match. Negro Casas & Shocker, the actual tag team champions, actually team together in the main event.

MDA ELITE (SUN) 06/05/2016 Arena Coliseo Monterrey
1) Erika Sotelo & Mini Bengalí vs La Chocolata & Tekilita
2) Extreme Boy & Última Sombra vs Gato Fantasma & Gemelo Muerte
3) Epydemius, Galactar, Obsesión vs Gallardo, Lince, Tormento
4) Princesa Sugehit & Sanely vs Rossy Moreno & Tiffany
5) Ninja Jr. & Último Ninja vs Golden Magic & Metaleón
6) Rush & Silver King vs Fuerza Guerrera & LA Park

Elite back in Arena Coliseo Monterrey, continuning to tease the Rush/LA Park match. Semimain is a rematch from the last show, minus Flamita & Laredo Kid.

CARA LUCHA (SAT) 06/11/2016 Arena San Juan Pantitlan, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México
1) ? vs ??
2) India Sioux & La Jarochita vs Demasiado & Diva Salvaje
3) Estrellita & Lady Maravilla vs Dallys la Caribeña & Zeuxis
4) Toro Negro II, Toro Negro III, Toro Negro Jr. vs Centvrión, Fly Warrior, Látigo
5) Canis Lupus, Dr. Cerebro, Eterno vs Andy Boy, Danger, Guerrero Mixtico
6) Cavernario vs Black Terry

Cara Lucha back on a regular schedule, with Cavernario/Terry as the main event. Third match spills out of the mask match.

It’s not exactly Flamita’s schedule, but Lady Maravilla seems to be having no problem finding work outside of AAA.

(yea, the bit I do for headlines doesn’t work well there.)

Tonight’s CMLL card is headlined by Mistico, Maximo Sexy and Stuka Jr. versus La Mascara, Shocker and Terrible. There’s no storyline to it – there might have been one with Mascara & Dragon Lee, but he’s out due to injury and Stuka is in.

There’s really no obvious ongoing storylines on the show as a result, just five random trios matches and a lightning match. Marco, Diamante and Titan team against two of the Invasors (Ripper & Kraneo) & Rey Bucanero, which also keeps supposed tag partners Maximo & Marco in separate matches. Current trios champions Hijos del Infierno are teamed up again the Panthers, though it’d be hard to have them on the card without putting them together. (It’s got a good chance of being the best match of the show.) There’s a woman’s trios with the return of Sileuta, and an opener with Oro & Soberano probably not doing much against Raziel & Cancerbero. The lightning match is Guerrero Maya versus Felino.

The show will air on ClaroSports at 8:30pm.

Tonight’s also the Contreras retirement show.

The latest edition of Podcast Boom was up yesterday, though it appears to be down now. (It might be due to the sound quality rather than the content.)  Alfredo translated it and put a lot of notes in the Lucha Report. Konnan outed Copetes as a serial sexual harasser. Copetes is one of the people who decide the luchadors working each show, and Lady Maravilla said Copetes demanded sex to get booked more. This was told to Marisela Pena, who said she’d look into it, but simply asked Copetes and was satisfied by him denying. Konnan obviously didn’t believe the denial, saying Copetes had stalked Teddy Hart’s girlfriend, X-Pac’s girlfriend, Christina Von Eerie (who ended up leaving for that reason) and was interested in Goya Kong.

These are really serious charges. If true, it’s terrible behavior – both both Copetes and the Roldan’s seemingly turning a blind eye to it. Konnan’s comments on this podcast have been getting some traction in Mexican lucha media, and this could be significant trouble for AAA if it gets picked up beyond that. (It’d probably take one of the women speaking about it, and you’d understand why they would prefer to stay to far away from it.)

Konnan also said he had tried to book Sexy Star/Pentagon Jr. mixed tag matches in the past, but the cards had been changed every time (by the Roldans.) He mentioned Faby thinks little over the other women, feeling they’re not any good, and would be rough with them in matches. And Konnan said Jennifer Blake was kept around longer because Dorian Roldan liked her.

Yesterday was Lucha World Cup press day for the Mexico based luchadors. Lady Apache, Psycho Clown, Canek and Mary Apache were there. Lady Apache seems to have made the most news: she said was retiring soon, and wanted to win the LWC before doing so. It’s a retirement in lucha, so it can’t be too serious, but Lady Apache says she’ll reach 30 years of wrestling on June 30th and it’s time to give way for the younger generations. She says only contracted to work with AAA for this show and will return to indies after.

Psycho Clown told the story of how he ended up qualifying despite not being scheduled in a match. Interviews with the others haven’t surfaced. Canek, talking to El Pancracio, noted the final will be held in the same place he debuted (41 years ago) and reminded people how he’d faced Antonio Inoki, Andre the Giant and Hulk Hogan, so he has much experience taking on international stars for this competition. Canek felt his team was the best, and vowed to bring all the flying guys down to the mat and see how they respond. I haven’t read a Mary Apache interview yet but the Gladiatores have a short video one with her, along with Canek, La Parka, Taya, Psycho Clown and Lady Apache

Winners Black passed away. He’s one of the luchadors who’ve used the name Black Shadow Jr., but is not the most well known one (the one also know as Pequeno Solin.)

AAA writes about Hector Garza, who passed away three years ago yesterday.

Chairo 4 on 06/19 in Arena Naucalpan
1: Impulso vs Freelance, hair vs hair
2: Keria, Aeroboy, Demasiado vs Mini Multifacetico, Brole, Prayer
3: Alas de Acero, Aramis, Iron Kid vs Soberano Jr., Hombre Bala Jr., Star Jr.
4: Black Terry & Dr. Cerebro vs Guerrero Maya Jr. & Virus

That’s already a really good card.

TKD reviews the CaraLucha anniversary show.

The Gladiatores have reached 10 years of publishing. They say they’re going for 20.

Eric reviews this week’s Lucha Underground.

LuchaWorld has this week’s top 10 rankings, wonders if anyone in charge of CMLL actually watches lucha libre.

Mr. Electro replaces Dragon Lee on ILLM’s show on 06/04, part of a four way main event with Metaleon, Corsario Negro Jr., Metaleon and Fly Warrior. That’s a bit of a change.

Kronosport writes about the mixed success of women’s promotion WWS, who has their third anniversary this Sunday.

An interview with the Cisneros lucha family of Oaxaca.

Ronie Mendoza, ex-Jinzo, has been listed on upcoming DTU posters as “#GoldGeneration”, and he (sort of) explains what that means in a promo – like a new era for DTU.

Joaquin Roldan paid off a soccer bet by bringing luchadors to Magia de un Deseo.

Lucha Libre in Japan

05/27 NJPW: Volador Jr. [4] defeated Jushin Liger [4] in the BOSJ. Volador joins a big tie at 4, right in front of an equally big tie at 2. There’s little separation; the playoff odds give him 27.1% chance of winning his block, but it’s smaller than that in wrestling reality.

 

CMLL (TUE) 05/24/2016 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [Martes de Glamour]
1) Frezzer & Neutrón b Demonio Rojo & Mr. Apolo
Mr. Apolo replaced Chakal. Tecnicos took 1/3.
2) Canelo Casas, Hijo del Signo, Metálico b Flyer, Hombre Bala Jr., Starman
Rudos took 1/3.
3) Blue Panther Jr., The Panther, Vaquero Jr. b El Cuatrero, Sansón, Skándalo
Vaquero replaced Gallo. Tecnicos took 2/3.
4) Blue Panther, Diamante Azul, Guerrero Maya Jr. b Bobby Z, Hechicero, Vangellys
Diamante Azul replaced Super Porky. Tecnicos took 2/3. Money thrown in.
5) La Máscara, Shocker, Terrible DQ Máscara Dorada, Rush, Titán
Rudos took 1/3. Rush & Mascara feuded, Rush unmasked Mascara for the DQ.

Rush as a tecnico makes no sense, but Rush hanging out with an oddly rudo-ish Dorada & Titan would be interesting. Too bad it’s only happening Guadalajara.

IWRG (WED) 05/25/2016 Arena Naucalpan [+LuchaTV, The Gladiatores]
1) Aramis b Adrenalina
2) Dragón Fly & Omega b Enigma & Rocket
First Enigma match since November.
3) Factor, Spartan, Spector b Astro, Geo, Zatura
Debut for Geo.
4) Emperador Azteca, Freelance, Hijo del Alebrije b Apolo Estrada Jr., Eterno, Rayan
Apolo & Eterno attacked Rayan after the loss, which caused the other three Comando Elite to rush out of the save. Insoportables said they’d have a new member to have a 4v4 match.
5) Cerebro Negro © b Trauma II [IWRG IC WELTER]
first defense

Main event sounds like it went well.

AAA announced details of the Lucha World Cup iPPV: both shows will be offered in a package for 250 Mexican Pesos or $25 USD. ($25 is a fair price for two shows, but it’s nearly twice as much as the peso price.) There will be English and Spanish announcing. The show will start to be available for sale tomorrow on AAA’s website. It’s not clear if you’ll be able to just buy one show for a lower price, but we’ll probably know that tomorrow

AAA’s schedule next week is going to be strenuous. Postponing the taping Pachuca taping two days makes sense (and Pachuca did make the final so they would’ve got killed), but it also means AAA is running three tapings in six days plus probably doing a lot of press and just general herding around foreigners from place to place.

CMLL says their World Cup International Gran Prix will take place in July, with representatives from Japan, Canada, the Isla of Tonga, New Zealand and the US. In NJPW, Tama Tonga & his brother Tanga Roa (ex-WWE Camacho) are billed from Tonga. Bad Luck Fale is also billed from Tonga, but is originally from New Zealand, as is Jay White. Canada, US and Japan could be anyone, including Raijin & Fujin. What’s strange is the title of the piece says Italy is involved (Marco), but the body of it does not mention Italy.

Diamante Azul was interviewed on CMLL Informa, and said to be the first member of the Mexico team. There will be a press conference to announce more about this tournament on Wednesday, within a day of when AAA is doing press for the Lucha World Cup. (This could not be more obvious.)

Azul also said he’d be around for five before going back to France, and plans on becoming a French citizen. Diamante Azul always says he’s wrestling and training people in France, but I’m never able to find any results of him wrestling there.

LuchaWorld has the latest Lucha Report news update.

AAW announced Aerostar will face AR Fox on their 06/17 show. That joins the Drago versus Chris Hero match on that show. It should be a pretty good show.

AULL announced everyone has mandatory practice every other Saturday. That’s a hard day for mandatory practice.

Quick AyTV interview with Mascara Dorada.

Next Saturday in Houston has a Martinez show with Aerostar & Laredo Kid vs Flamtia & Ultimo Ninja.

Lineups

IWRG (SUN) 05/29/2016 Arena Naucalpan
1) Dragón Fly vs Galaxy
2) Enigma & Hip Hop Man vs Astro & Geo
Hip Hop Man & Enigma were listed on both sides of the match in the poster. Box y Lucha has Astro & Geo.
3) Freelance & Pantera I vs Diablo Jr. & Imposible and Apolo Estrada Jr. & Eterno and Cerebro Negro & Dr. Cerebro
4) Dinamic Black, Hijo De Dos Caras, Ultramán Jr. vs Fuerza Guerrera, Golden Magic, Trauma I
5) Danny Casas, Demon Clown, Trauma I vs Canis Lupus, Mr. Electro, Toscano

This isn’t the Demon Clown/Mr. Electro match threatened in the Box Y Lucha listing, but it’s still a challenging main event. Demon Clown was around for a week back in January. Assuming IWRG has a direction, always a bad assumption, it feels like there’s a cage match coming.