July 20, 2018 – luchablog

CMLL Viernes: 2018-07-20

July 20, 2018July 21, 2018 thecubsfan

tribute to Super Astro is also a little bit of a tribute to Rayo

Recapped: 07/20/2018

Matches:

Espanto Jr. & Yago beat Príncipe Diamante & Súper Astro Jr.
(12:53 [6:15, 3:12, 3:26], 2/3, ok, VideosOficialesCMLL)

Amapola, Dalys, Reyna Isis beat Lluvia, Marcela, Mistique
(13:05 [6:40, 3:31, 2:54], 2/3, ok, VideosOficialesCMLL)

Esfinge, Titán, Tritón beat Kawato San, Okumura, Pólvora
(14:16 [4:00, 5:23, 4:53], 2/3, ok, VideosOficialesCMLL)

Cuatrero went to a time limit draw against Mephisto in a lightning match
(10:00, ok, VideosOficialesCMLL)

Carístico, Dragón Lee, Mistico beat Cavernario, Negro Casas, Penta El Zero M
(12:17 [5:26, 6:51], 1/2 DQ, good, VideosOficialesCMLL)

Ciber the Main Man, Scharly Rock Star, The Chris beat Euforia, Gran Guerrero, Último Guerrero
(11:26 [4:02, 4:35, 2:49], 1/3, ok, VideosOficialesCMLL)

What happened:

A promo aired, with LA Park saying he’d be at the 85^th Anniversario. The match with Rush was implied but definitely not said.

Cibernético used the ropes (barely) to beat Último Guerrero in the main event.

Barbaro Cavernario fouled Carístico and unmasked him to end the semimain in two falls.

Rayo de Jalisco was remembered before the third match.

Thoughts:

Klan Kaoz versus Los Guerreros didn’t have the Guerreros flying all over the place out of the gate and suffered for it. It had a lot of the Klan Kaoz working together on team moves instead. They are trying – they don’t do the dives and take the big bumps in the third fall if they’re not trying. This was much better than the debut. It’s just also visibly not working and that’s making it a tough watch. Kaoz is not good enough to come off as a threat to the Guerreros, the fans already want to write them off for just being ex-AAA wrestlers, and they’re missing the presence and charisma they had to overcome the work. They’re just coming off as guys who do some moves, nothing special. The Guerreros comeback was fun, UG teasing there might be another match before Ciber made it clear it was the title match was not fun. That feels like it will be it for Kaoz, but maybe CMLL will see the crowd booing afterward as a great rudo reaction and not them rejecting the match.

The semimain didn’t totally fulfill the potential of the people involved, but still was easily the best and most heated match of the night. Fans were excited for Penta versus Dragon Lee and Carístico, and the técnico in-fighting was done well soon. The brawl at the start was superheated, even if CMLL’s cameras didn’t seem to follow Penta into the crowd. The disappointment is CMLL didn’t really take as much advantage of it. They telegraphed it only going two falls from early on and downplayed Penta despite him being the most over character in the match. Maybe Penta’s not coming back for a while, but this should’ve had more than a taste of the Dragon Lee/Penta stuff teased over the last couple months, and Penta instead losing to Mistico was weird. (Perhaps we’ll have to see that match elsewhere.) Negro Casas took some big bumps for any age and Cavernario looked good as always, it was a good match, just not really the match everything leading in suggested. Don’t run your own feuds in CMLL, I guess.

Kawato’s job was to stand in place blankly and that’s his best move.

The Cuatrero/Mephisto match followed the Rayo de Jalisco tribute and had an uphill battle to get the crowd back up. It wasn’t really the right combination for that, and the match they had wasn’t much good. It was generally a professional lightning match, with one cringe moment in the middle where Cuatrero stayed still until Mephisto walked over to whip him. Neither man played técnico and the usual pro-NGD crowd didn’t care much about the generic action they were treated towards. They worked slower to make sure they could go long enough, and that didn’t help either, but neither guy seems like a great singles wrestler on their own in 2018. This was cold and disappointing. Giving it an OK grade is probably a little bit generous.

Tercera really dragged with rudo control in the first two falls and never got solidly beyond that. Titan & Triton had some moments, but not enough to make this worthwhile. Matching up Kawato and Esfinge to end a fall was some special magic, delivering the botched spot we were all expecting. They went back to in the third fall, it didn’t look good, and Esfinge was at least selling an injury after. Maybe don’t do that.

Dalys and Marcela had a good opening exchange, Lluvia looked the best she has since this return (and better than some time before), and the rest was a totally forgettable women’s match. Mystique is shaky and slow. Her blowing her entrance to the match turned the crowd against the tecnicas and it was odd they had her go last in the opening exchanges. The last two falls weren’t much.

Principe Diamante/Super Astros openers are better than Electrico/Astral ones, though this kind of cooled off after the good first fall. Yago’s willing to go along with their offense, which comes off as fresher than the muscle minis. Super Astro Jr.’s reverse tope looked nice. At least Espanto Jr.’s over the top Canadian Destroyer on the floor was a countout this time.

CMLL Martes de Nuevo Valores: 2018-07-17

July 20, 2018July 19, 2018 thecubsfan

Recapped: 07/18/2018

Matches:

Angelito & Fantasy beat Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia
(15:30 [8:10, 3:18, 4:02], 2/3, n/r, viaVideosOficialesCMLL)

Cancerbero, Metálico, Sangre Azteca beat Astral, Eléctrico, Robin
(12:52 [5:54, 2:24, 4:34], 1/3, n/r, viaVideosOficialesCMLL)

El Audaz, Fuego, Pegasso beat Disturbio, Tiger, Universo 2000 Jr.
(14:35 [5:38, 2:36, 6:21], 2/3, ok, viaVideosOficialesCMLL)

Ephesto, Luciferno, Templario beat Black Panther, Blue Panther, Blue Panther Jr.
(16:17 [7:12, 2:54, 6:11], 2/3, ok, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

Niebla Roja © vs Sansón for the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship
(19:33, 1/3, great, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

Niebla Roja reverse campana (4:43)
Sansón backbreaker (2:02)
Niebla Roja super Furia Roja (12:48)

Ángel de Oro, Atlantis, Soberano Jr. vs Cuatrero, Forastero, Rey Bucanero
(8:04 [1:38, 2:55, 3:31], 2/3, ok, VideosOficialesCMLL)

What happened:

Niebla Roja retained his title, the second streaming title defense in two days.

The rudos were awful in the segunda, with Metalico blowing an Eléctrico spot on the floor, and Sangre Azteca just deciding not go for a Robin armdrag. These matches are unpleasant to watch, sand I’m watching as little of it as I can.

Angelito nearly dies in the opener because Pequeño Violencia doesn’t bother to get both his arms up to catch him and cannot catch a man tossed to him with one arm. He limped thru the third fall, eliminated without really getting in offense.

Thoughts:

The main event was the usual rushed post-title match Tuesday main event trios. Though, of now, I’m thinking they prefer to be in this spot than have the title match last so they can get out with a quick match. A lot of this match was Rey Bucanero taking bumps scared of Atlantis, who was not taking bumps but did pull off a huracanrana in the end. Soberano meshed well with the Dinamitas as always, and they did get in some spectacular moves in the short time this match lasted.

Niebla Roja & Sansón had a much superior match to their two brothers on Monday. They seem like they’re much more adept at singles matches. They have deeper reservoirs of offense to pull from, instead of just the same stuff we see in trios matches without their partners. They also can make those moves feel like they’re more important; Sansón freaking out as he was about to be finished was a nice touch a lot of people in CMLL don’t do in general. These two guys got the crowd by building to bigger and bigger moments and keeping the crowd guessing. There’s are parts where they could improve – chop exchanges are probably overdone, but these guys could’ve used some other than an impact move or a dive to mix it up some – but this was a lot of fun and worth going back to watch.

I thought Black Panther did some reversal until Luciferno got the pin

I thought the Panther match had moments but was overall sloppier than usual. Luciferno seemed to mess up his own finishing move among other moments where people had to take sudden left turns to get in position. Blue Panther & Ephesto had a basic mat wrestling over six minutes that didn’t go anywhere interesting, but it was better than Blue anther Jr. looking backward before deciding to bump. It’s not as bad as this is making it sound but it was definitely off a bit.

The tercera was borderline good on the Tuesday sliding scale, with good if unfocused action. Didn’t like one of the finish I like Disturbio. I enjoyed his Neymar comedy spot. I did not like him going to a double pin with Audaz. CMLL has decided Disturbio is not special and I do not want them to do the same to Audaz. This wasn’t Audaz’ most show match, but he still springboarding from angles not many are trying.

Dragon Lee (& Caristico) versus Penta tonight, Klan Kaoz/Guerreros, Rayo de Jalisco

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 thecubsfan

Tonight’s CMLL show a bit of prelude to other events. Penta is back, and finally will be across the ring from both Caristico & Dragon Lee, but whatever singles match they’re setting up is still some weeks off due to scheduling. The main event is an obvious build-up match for a title match to come. And CMLL’s spent the last couple of days highlighting matches from two weeks from today, which makes this show a bit less important.

Klan Kaoz return to face Los Guerreros in the main event. Ciber the Main Man’s crew defeated the CMLL rudos via cane shot two weeks ago, and both sides hinted towards a trios title match. Another win here would set that up on July 27th. Klan Kaoz had a better match the second time out, though that was more Los Guerreros figuring out how to work around them. I’d expect the same here.

After a month or so of social media teases,, Dragon Lee and Penta finally set foot in the same ring for the first time. The semi-main also has the wildcard of Caristico being involved, who isn’t getting along with either man. Mistico, Cavernario, and Negro Casas all being there should make for a fascinating match.

The rest are just matches to fill out a Friday, some better than others. Cuatrero and Mephisto will have their own first ever singles match. The NGD have supplanted Los Hijo del Infierno as a rudo trio, but Mephisto as an individual is still pretty high up in the rudo ranks and a Cuatrero win would be meaningful. The OneAtos trios of Esfinge, Titan, and Triton take on Kawato, Okumura, and Polvora. Dalys is part of a Friday night women’s match, as always, teaming with Amapola & Reina Isis against Marcela, and Lluvia and Mystique. Super Astro Jr. & Principe Diamante are also back on Friday nights, this time facing Yago & Espanto Jr.

The CMLL show starts at 8:30pm. It will stream on Marca (currently regionblocked, but also currently showing women’s soccer) and Facebook. It’ll be available on CMLL’s YouTube channel later on tonight.

Ovaciones and SuperLuchas have Rayo de Jalisco obits. CMLL, Arena Coliseo Guadalajara, AAA, and Hijo del Santo have posted acknowledgments of his death. I’m sure there will be a moment honoring him at every show this weekend, as there was last night in Arena Aficion.

In CMLL’s weekly Facebook video, Caristico announced he will be on this year’s 09/14 CMLL Anniversario show. So that’s only about 31 more people to be announced, and maybe some matches. In an interview with Marca, Caristico claimed he was going to retire young so he wouldn’t retire injured.

Tiffany has reached 25 years of wrestling. She’s still hoping for an apuesta match with Estrellita before she retires, which could be “one day or three years away.”

Atlantis was part of an aquarium inaguaration.

The WON mentioned Fenix/King Phoenix is expected back to Arena Mexico on 08/03, which means it’s possible he’ll be in the match with the Briscoes.

AAA’s posted a video introducing Vanilla (Vargas). They’ve also put up a cleaner version of the Jeff Jarrett promo video from last Friday’s taping; they had some technical difficulties with it live.

La Mascara is frustrated with the losing he’s done since coming to AAA, and wants to form an IngoberAAA to turn it around.

Los Traumas say they’ve never seen since La Parka use a good wrestling hold. They think La Parka was trying to be intimidating when he interrupted the press conference but thought he should better use the go to the gym and train so he’ll have a little chance again them. They also can’t remember an AAA match that started with at least five minutes of mat wrestling and think it would be great.

Meanwhile, the Traidor Clowns posted a video of them cutting up La Parka’s gear before yesterday’s show in Arena Aficion. Allowing Dave the Clown to use scissors was a mistake.

Drago did make it to MLW. Fenix & Pena beat Drago & Horuz to keep the MLW tag titles. Konnan did wrestle in the Battle Riot, did do a Tequila Sunrise. MLW announced LA Park will be on their October show in New York. LA Park was part of the prior version of MLW in the early 2000s; an at the time DVDVR review of the show with him and Shocker is stuck in my head forever because of line along the lines of “hopefully this ticket helps Court Bauer buy a nice tie for the inevitable bankruptcy hearing.” This version of MLW seems better timed and doing better judging from the crowd last night.

Arez & Mr. Iguana will debut in CZW next Saturday, facing Trey Miguel & Myron Reed. That’s part of two matches in the New Jersey area that weekend, as the two face off for NeoFight Pro the day before.

DTU announced Kylie Rae was off their August shows after breaking her collarbone in Japan. Miranda Salinas from Texas will replace her.

Arena Guatemala Mexico has posted a list of upcoming dates with foreigners. The mask match with Atlantis mentioned yesterday is set for September 2nd. Additionally, LA Park (& Hijo de LA Park) will be in Guatemala one day after TripleMania.

An article on AAA’s 11/16 show in Bogota, Colombia says there are plans for a lot more shows in the country in 2019. Psycho Clown & Hijo del Fantasma are on the show.

LuchaWorld has the latest news update.

Segunda Caida reviews NGD vs Soberano, Mistico and Angel de Oro from May 18th.

+LuchaTV has a new edition of Aqui esta la Lucha.

Luchador/serial-killer La Mateviejitas was interviewed by MSN, insisting she’s innocent of the charges and talking about her lucha libre career. The most handsome luchador she ever saw was Charlie Manson. That feels a little bit too on the nose.

Lucha Libre in Japan

Hijo del Pantera & Ricky Marvin lost their opening match of the NOAH Junior tag league back on the 16th, came back with a win on the 17th, another on the 19th. before taking a loss earlier today. That leaves them 2-2, 4 points, middle of the table. This is a single block, top two teams advance. The Mexico team needs to win their final two matches to advance. The last league match is on July 31st, the tournament final is on August 5th, and the winner teaming is possibly getting a title match on NOAH’s 08/18 show.

Rey Wagner & Hijo del Dr. Wagner’s Japanese tour wrapped up with a match in Tokyo Gurentai, a Nosawa led promotion. Wagner & old partner Kendo Kashin beat Nosawa & Hijo de Wagner. Nosawa challenged Rey Wagner to a hair versus hair match in March, and that came off as if it’s actually happening.

CMLL Puebla: 2018-07-16

July 20, 2018July 19, 2018 thecubsfan

Recapped: 07/17/2018

Matches:

Espíritu Maligno, Fuerza Chicana, Rey Apocalipsis beat Millenium, Robin, Tigre Rojo Jr.
(11:32 [5:21, 3:00, 3:11], 1/3, ok, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

Drone, Star Jr., Stigma beat Kawato, Okumura, Policeman
(15:41 [8:18, 2:10, 5:13], 2/3, ok, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

Gif: 4449

Dragón Lee, Stuka Jr., Valiente beat Forastero, Hechicero, Sansón
(15:49 [5:01, 6:07, 4:41], 2/3, ok, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

gif: 6000/610

La Bestia Del Ring, Rush, Terrible beat Atlantis, Carístico, Euforia in a relevos increíbles match
(10:39 [2:43, 7:56], 1/2, n/r, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

gif:

Cuatrero © beat Ángel de Oro for the CMLL World Middleweight Championship
(19:45, 2/3, good, via VideosOficialesCMLL)

Angel de Oro Skayde Special (5:22)
Cuatrero inverted bear hug (1:39)
Cuatrero crucifix powerbomb (12:44)

What happened:

Tirantes slow counted Angel de Oro for no real reason. He seems to do this more often when the técnico is going to lose. Angel de Oro did lose, Cuatrero retained his title.

Rush challenged Atlantis for a light heavyweight title match next week and took his mask too.

Thoughts:

The main event title match was the usual solid if not dynamic performance by Angel de Oro. He hits everything clean, but he doesn’t mix it up much, just getting Dive #1 and Dive #2 out of the way in series so he wouldn’t have to check them off later. The entire show felt unstimulating intellectual and there was nothing particularly deeper about this one. It was some moves until Angel de Oro’s moves failed him once again. At least he didn’t lose to his own move this time and was able to give Cuatrero his own finish, though didn’t last much more. Good enough for a title match.

I couldn’t be bothered to watch the Ingobernables match but it seemed about normal.

The tercera wasn’t as interesting as the names involved. Hechicero is really good, but Dinamtias wasn’t the same without all three of them in there. There were plenty of dives in the third fall, but somehow CMLL wrestlers can do those and still not get out of second gear the rest of the match. Dragon Lee’s NJPW time has caused him to watch for people breaking up a pin instead of standing around celebrating at the final pin like most CMLL luchadors.

The second match was a nothing special midcard Puebla match with a bad finish and a worse stacked up superplex going on. Star Jr. & Kawato continue to work a lot together, and a lot smoother than Drone & Kawato did later on. Drone was doing a lot of movements which were probably meant to be charismatic and came off weird. This was barely ok.

I have nothing much to say about the opener. Rey Apocalipsis having a backward version of his mask was the most interesting thing of the opener. Tigre Rojo breaking up a careta with an armdrag instead of headscissors was mindblowing in CMLL.

lucha TV preview for weekend of July 20th, 2018

July 20, 2018July 20, 2018 thecubsfan

full size

Lucha Underground also promises something with Mariposa & Marty the Moth.

I had a theory that maybe AAA in Queretaro was going to be a Televisa only show, only that would leaving nothing for AAA on Space this week. It’s all very mysterious.

Maybe I should switch IWRG‘s date to the live show, since that’s how we’re getting to see it.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: