Day: June 18, 2016

AAA TV (FRI) 07/08/2016 Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal
1) ?, Faby Apache, Mary Apache vs La Hiedra, Lady Shani, Taya
2) Garza Jr., Niño Hamburguesa, Venum vs ?, Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Súper Fly
3) Fénix vs Daga
4) Aerostar, Bengala, Drago vs Averno, Chessman, Ricky Marvin
5) Monsther Clown, Murder Clown, Psycho Clown vs Damián 666, Nicho el Millionario, Pagano
6) ?, Pentagón Jr., Texano vs El Mesías, Hernandez, Johnny Mundo

Air Date: 07/23 and 07/30

I was skeptical and now I’m surprised: Johnny Mundo is indeed coming back, and in a match opposite of Pentagon. It’s no sure thing AAA will play up the finish of the Lucha World Cup, as they didn’t really on last week’s TV, but it’s at least possible they go somewhere with. The luchador sopresa in this match, among three on the show, fits as Hijo del Fantasma returning to team with his buddy Texano if he’s healthy enough to do so.

Semimain is a rematch from Xalapa back in March, where the Psycho Circus won by countout when the Perros del Mal attacked Los Fronterizos and drove them out of the building. No sign of Halloween wrestling again. Hope he’s OK. Similarly, the fourth match is a rematch from Arena Aficion, where the tecnicos beat the rudos to win a trios title shot. Both results might be reversed this time. The fifth match doesn’t look like one I’d like, and the fourth was disappointing last time out, but maybe it’ll be better here.

This is the first ever Fenix/Daga singles match, which seems really strange. It should be really good and it’d be great if they booked more singles matches between good people. It’s not clear where this fits in with Daga/Suicide and the three way #1 contender’s match on the previous show. (Perhaps there’s an outside possibility of Fantasma relinquishing the championship and this match becoming for the vacant title, but that’s me totally speculating.)

The mystery man in the segunda could be the same mystery person teaming with Los Froterizos in Ecatepec – it’d work OK if it was Bestia 666’s return. There’s no real need to hide an identity that low on the card unless something else sets it up and you don’t want to give that away yet.

The mystery in the opener could be more along the lines of AAA not having figured out who’ll be in that match. The five women listed are the only women working for AAA on TV still with AAA. La Hechicera occasionally shows up on spot shows, but doesn’t quite fit. Maybe the shocking return of Sexy Star? (Nah.) Maybe Lady Apache works another AAA show? Maybe someone from Lucha Underground comes in? Maybe any one of the few dozen indie women but they haven’t quite worked out which one?

Of note: this is not labeled as Verano de Escandalo. It is unlikely they’d use that name for tapings in Toluca or Oaxaca, and more likely we’re just not getting a show of that name this year. That’s fine – they’d lowered expectations enough for that show that it won’t be missed – but it does make you wonder where all the matches set up for that show and beyond are going to take place. If AAA runs a #1 contender’s match on one taping, it’s usually taking place on the next, but not this time. No sign of Texano/Wagner, no sure sign of the cruiserweight title match. Maybe the Apaches tag title challenge gets picked up here. None of those sound like sure bets for TripleMania, but there’s no obvious big show we’re they’re happening.

At the same time, this is the last big Mexico City show before TripleMania. If they’re going to run a big angle to set up a main event, this would be the time to do it.

Next taping is 07/17 in Oaxaca. Next AAA news should be the announcement of the August taping dates, including TripleMania.