Andrade has some AAA thoughts, CMLL early week results, Mas Lucha Supremo bracket

CMLL

CMLL (MON) 10/03/2022 Arena Puebla [Tribuna Deportes]
1) Hijo de Centella Roja vs Black Tiger
2) Asturiano & Millenium b Espíritu Maligno & Fuerza Chicana
3) Amapola, Dark Silueta, Olympia, Reyna Isis, Tiffany b La Jarochita, La Magnifica, La Vaquerita, Lluvia, Princesa Sugehit [cibernetico]
Reyna Isis got the win
4) Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado b Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Terrible
5) Magia Blanca, Rugido, Stuka Jr. b Euforia, Soberano Jr., Stigma [Relevos IncreíblesFacebook video (posted by )
Stuka pulled Euforia’s mask and pinned him

Looks like we’re getting a Stuka/Euforia singles match out of all of this.

CMLL (TUE) 10/04/2022 Arena México [CMLL]
1) Kaligua & Shockercito b Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia 20221004cmll_match1Kaligua & Shockercito vs Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
2) Diamond, Robin, Valiente Jr. b Cholo, Inquisidor, Raider 20221004cmll_match2Diamond, Robin, Valiente Jr. vs Cholo, Inquisidor, Raider.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
tecnicos took 2/3
3) Disturbio, Kráneo, Okumura b Flyer, Hombre Bala Jr., Magia Blanca 20221004cmll_match3Flyer, Hombre Bala Jr., Magia Blanca vs Disturbio, Kráneo, Okumura.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
Rudos took 1/3
4) Felino, Felino Jr., Rey Bucanero b Blue Panther, Dark Panther, El Audaz 20221004cmll_match4Blue Panther, Dark Panther, El Audaz vs Felino, Felino Jr., Rey Bucanero.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
Felino Jr.’s first match in six months. Rudos took 1/3.
5) Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Terrible b Esfinge, Fugaz, Volador Jr. 20221004cmll_match5Esfinge, Fugaz, Volador Jr. vs Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Terrible.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))

The feed is completely messed up for the last half of this show. There’s nothing that can be done (beyond CMLL dumping Marca, I guess.) Felino Jr. said he’d explain what happened to cause him to miss the last six months on Informa today, but implied it was health issues.  (Felino Jr. isn’t actually listed on Informa.)

CMLL (TUE) 10/04/2022 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [Arena Coliseo Guadalajara, thecubsfan]
1) Optimus & Trono b Omar Brunetti & Vaquero Jr. 20221004cmll_match1Optimus & Trono vs Omar Brunetti & Vaquero Jr..mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
2) Micro Gemelo Diablo I & Micro Gemelo Diablo II b Chamuel & Perico Zacarías 20221004cmll_match2Micro Gemelo Diablo I & Micro Gemelo Diablo II vs Chamuel & Perico Zacarías.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
3) Dark Silueta, La Jarochita, Lluvia b La Magnifica, Reyna Isis, Sexy Sol [Relevos Increíbles20221004cmll_match3Dark Silueta, La Jarochita, Lluvia vs La Magnifica, Reyna Isis, Sexy Sol.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
4) Bestia Negra, Difunto, Zandokan Jr. b Adrenalina, Explosivo, Fantástico 20221004cmll_match4Adrenalina, Explosivo, Fantástico vs Bestia Negra, Difunto, Zandokan Jr..mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
5) Crixus, Mano Negra Jr., Rebel Warrior b Ángel Rebelde, Halcón Negro Jr., Joker 20221004cmll_match5Crixus, Mano Negra Jr., Rebel Warrior vs Ángel Rebelde, Halcón Negro Jr., Joker.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))
Mano Negra was honored after the match. Sanely appeared as part of the ceremony (on crutches, seeming to have a minor left leg injury.)
6) Hijo del Villano III, Rokambole Jr., Villano V Jr. b Furia Roja, Guerrero de la Muerte, Ráfaga 20221004cmll_match6Hijo del Villano III, Rokambole Jr., Villano V Jr. vs Furia Roja, Guerrero de la Muerte, Ráfaga.mp4 (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))

There were some social media comments that the women should’ve main evented, since that was the match with the most CMLL CDMX wrestlers. The Villanos did instead. The show did not draw particularly well. The Mano Negra ceremony was unannounced.

Sanely appeared at the Dia de Luchadors show but she was seated there. On this show, was using the crutches but the injury was minor enough that she was able to stand and move in the ring without them. She has not wrestled since June 2021.

CMLL (FRI) 10/07/2022 Arena México
1) Angelito, Pequeño Magía, Último Dragóncito vs Full Metal, Minos, Pierrothito
2) La Jarochita, La Magnifica, Princesa Sugehit vs Dalys, La Metálica, Reyna Isis
3) Atlantis, Místico, Titán vs Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto
4) Marcela vs LluviaLa VaqueritaLa Guerrera, NáuticaAmapolaStephanie VaquerDark Silueta, Avispa Dorada, Hera [CMLL Universal de Amazonas, semifinal]

CMLL is booking 16 women on a Friday, which doesn’t usually happen outside of a cibernetico (and didn’t happen with the last women’s Gran Prix.) They’re going strong on women’s wrestling for the month of October in a way they haven’t really done before. Dalys & Vaquer are returning from Japan. Avispa stopped by in Mexico for October last year. CMLL’s poster has her grouped in with the rudas and Guadalajara’s Nautica with the tecnicas, for what it’s worth.

Dalys won the first women’s Universal tournament, La Jarochita won the second and most recent. All women are eligible for the tournament; there are not enough women’s champions to make it exclusive like the men’s version. (And we’re glad there are not that many titles.) Reyna Isis recovering from her big mask loss to win the tournament is the logical story on paper, though that would imply a tecnica finalist from this block and no one pops up. Maybe it’s just Marcela, who’s also a reasonable candidate to get her name in the record books with this title at some point. Maybe Lluvia, so Isis faces the Jarochita’s tag partner in the final.

The October 14th block should have the six women in the trios, but I’m struggling to get all four more to round out the match. Olympia, Tiffany and Seductora is three. Maybe I’m blanking on someone or it’s another person from Guadalajara. Maybe Faby but it sounded like Faby wasn’t coming in until the Gran Prix. Maybe Sanely; it seemed possible she could be fine in ten days if she was already training for a return.

Atlantis seems like he’s in a spot better suited for his son, but we haven’t seen his son much lately. Atlantis Jr. hasn’t appeared in Arena Mexico since his mask match, though he’s wrestling a normal schedule elsewhere (including wrestling in Arena Coliseo, so it’s not a Mexico City issue). Atlantis Jr. was wrestling about once a month in Arena Mexico before the mask match.

CMLL (SAT) 10/08/2022 Arena Coliseo
1) Angelito & Último Dragóncito vs Mercurio & Pequeño Violencia
2) Leono, Neón, Retro vs Apocalipsis, Cholo, Príncipe Odín Jr.
3) Arkalis, Hombre Bala Jr., Robin vs Misterioso, Nitro, Okumura
4) Espíritu Negro, Rey Cometa, Volcano vs FelinoFelino Jr., Pólvora
5) Soberano Jr., Star Jr., Volador Jr. vs Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado

A show.

CMLL (SUN) 10/09/2022 Arena México
1) Acero, Aéreo, Fantasy vs Mercurio, Pequeño Olímpico, Pequeño Polvora
2) Cachorro, Oro Jr., Sangre Imperial vs Dr. Karonte I, Dr. Karonte I, Enfermero Jr.
3) Astral, El Suicida, Panterita del Ring Jr. vs Akuma, Dark Magic, Espanto Jr.
4) Panterita del Ring, Star Black, Star Jr. vs El Coyote, Hijo del Villano III, Misterioso Jr.
5) Místico, Negro Casas, Stuka Jr. vs Dragón Rojo Jr., Gran Guerrero, Último Guerrero

Dragon Rojo back with the Guerreros is nostaligic.

CMLL Informa has Dalys, Stephanie Vaqur, La Vaquerita, Hera, La Guerrera (CMLL Universal) and Hijo del Villano III and Coyote. Not sure what the guys are there to talk about.

CMLL has put up PPV links for the first three shows of the month (10/07, 10/14 and 10/21) but not the Gran Prix.  They’ve done it in the past when they’re waiting to announce a 200 peso/10 show so figure on that. CMLL should put the Gran Prix show on a service that allows for VOD and is costing themselves purchases every time they don’t offer that.

Fuerza Guerrera says he wants 100 to 150K pesos (5 to 7.5K USD) to fight El Hijo del Santo in, claiming Santo would ask for that match and he wants the same. Guerrera believes Santo is quoting a high number to get out of fighting him and that Santo faces young guys because he’s scared the old guys will beat him up and make him look bad. The old guys will definitely make Santo look bad but not in the way Fuerza Guerrera means.

Andrade 

Andrade did an extended interview with Bernardo Guzman of Mas Lucha this past week. You should watch the whole interview, I’m not going to summarize it all. In fact, I’m going to skip the most covered portion – Andrade saying Sammy Guevera complained “like a little girl” about getting hit hard – because it is the most covered already. The two got into a back and forth on Twitter about it, one that Andrade had to know was going to happen when he brought it up in the interview. The interview seems to have been filmed recently (so recently that neither man was aware AEW is off of Space.) They made reference to filming this (in a hotel room) just a few blocks away from Arena Mexico.

Andrade’s main point in doing this interview was to air his grievances with AAA, specifically Dorian Roldan. Andrade made sure to note he respected Konnan and had no problem with him. He also made sure to note he did not respect Roldan. Andrade feels Roldan owes him twice over. He’s owed first for bringing Ric Flair to last year’s Triplemania. Konnan had the idea to do it, but Flair only did it for Andrade, AAA benefited from it and Andrade seems to feel he was not properly thanked. Andrade also feels Roldan owes him for treating him and his fellow wrestlers poorly.

Andrade says he and Dorian Roldan talked about a 2022 contract back in November, but Roldan never got back to him. Andrade later went to Konnan, and they agreed on Andrade working the three TripleManias this year. The first one is Monerrety. Andrade got in at midnight before the show and was told he had to be at the arena at 11 AM. Andrade found this absurd – AEW & WWE never asked him to come that early, and they at least had some great food for the wrestlers to eat while they were waiting. Andrade said AAA had almost nothing to eat and he didn’t see the point in being there that early. Andrade instead went out to get himself food and arrived at 4 pm instead.

(Larry Dallas, also at the TripleMania Monterrey show, says AAA did have good catering.)

The most controversial part of the interview is Andrade saying his treatment at TripleMania was part of a pattern of how poorly AAA treats all their wrestlers, and they shouldn’t stand for it. He talks directly to Hijo de Vikingo, telling him to open his eyes and go to the US where they’re not going to pay him just 200 or 100 dollars a match. Andrade admits he doesn’t know exactly how much Vikingo is being paid and is throwing out numbers in a semi-joking fashion, but insists he’s heard amounts suggesting the CMLL prelim guys get paid better than some of the AAA main eventers. Andrade says he respected Paco Alonso when working for him and Vince McMahon for how they treated the wrestlers and doesn’t respect Dorian Roldan because he doesn’t believe he takes care of his wrestlers like a major promotion.

Andrade mentions he’s talked to CMLL about returning – once right after the left WWE, and again after last year’s TripleMania. He’s still open to going, but it comes off as they’re not coming close enough to the price he wants. He’d like to face Volador or Mistico again. (Andrade rejects the idea of facing Ultimo Guerrero, though he does give him credit for teaching him a lot.) He was to wrestle Vikingo in Tijuana at one point and would still like to wrestle Psycho Clown also, but doesn’t see it happening soon. He’s faced  Hijo del Santo since leaving WWE and would like to do it again. Volador, Psycho and Santo are his three dream apuesta matches.

Andrade’s been teasing unhappiness and leaving AEW on his Twitter, likely part of an angle. He seemed calmer about that situation on Twitter. He’s happy with the deal, and happy with not having to deal with the WWE schedule. Andrade just feels he could and would like to do more than he’s getting right now in AEW. Andrade felt the fans got to know him in the first year and now he wants to be competing for championships, which hasn’t really done. A downside to his current AEW deal is he and his wife have opposite schedules. She’s gone from Thursdays to Tuesdays, he’s gone from Tuesdays to Thursdays. They travel together sometimes just to have time together.

Andrade also is still frustrated with how the NJPW/Forbidden Door situation played out. He still wants that match to go back to Japan and feels Tony Khan should’ve been able to book whatever he wanted on the show Tony Khan was running, but he understood the situation and respected NJPW’s ethics in maintaining their relationship with CMLL. What he didn’t understand is how the Lucha Brothers & Pac were able to wrestle Ospreay and Aussie Open a month later, no problem. He hopes that means it still might work for him. Andrade carefully mentions he almost went to NOAH just to go back to Japan, but they didn’t come to terms.

Andrade praises Stuka Jr. for helping him get into CMLL and notes Stuka’s brothers helped train him. He’s complimentary as usual to Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja, noting they stayed with him when they first came to Mexico City. He likes that Soberano is getting more chances and would like more for his cousin Espanto Jr. as well. He’s happy Rush has gotten an AEW contract and thinks he’s done well in AEW so far. Andrade says being in Ric Flair’s retirement match was a cool honor but one that left him a little scared – who knows what’s going to happen with a 75 year old man wrestling – and all the legends in the front row made him a little nervous. It was an experience he’ll never forget.

This interview caught fire in English language places for Andrade’s comments about Guevera (and the two choosing to go back and forth over in public when it probably would’ve blown over in a day if they had kept it private.) There’s some sentiment that’s a work, which is fair because both have played games on social media recently. I tend to think it’s real because a Guevera/Andrade feud wouldn’t make much sense in AEW at the moment.

The negative comments about Dorian Roldan and AAA seemed to be Andrade’s actual point. Telling AAA’s champion and young hope to leave the promotion is a real thumb to the eye. I suspect Vikingo is dealing with a lot of people like Andrade right now, maybe less publically but just as forcefully telling him what he should or shouldn’t do right now. Which ones he ends up listening to will probably shape 2023 in a big fashion.

It shouldn’t be ignored that this specifically anti-AAA interview came on Mas Lucha’s platform. Jose Manuel Guillen is both the AAA play-by-play lead and also one of the people running Mas Lucha. It was likely not an accident Bernardo Guzman handled the interview. The Mexican wrestling world is small and with many strange relationships. Including this one; no matter what Andrade said about Dorian Roldan here, they’ll probably work together again someday.

AAA

Delayed Guadalajara results!

AAA TV (SUN) 10/02/2022 Auditorio Benito Juárez, Zapopan, Jalisco
1) Toxin vs Drago Kid
2) Dinámico, Emperador Azteca, Sb Kento b Mini Vikingo, Mr. Iguana, Niño Hamburguesa Lucha Libre Triple AAA, Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2022. 02/Octubre/2022. (posted by Adolfo Romo)
SB Kento replaced Toxin, snuck in a foul on Hamburguesa.
3) Aramis, Arez, Komander b Abismo Negro Jr., Flamita, Látigo Lucha Libre Triple AAA, Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2022. 02/Octubre/2022. (posted by Adolfo Romo)
4) Dave The Clown, Murder Clown, Panic Clown b Carta Brava Jr., Chessman, Puma King [lumberjackLucha Libre Triple AAA, Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2022. 02/Octubre/2022. (posted by Adolfo Romo)
5) Hijo Del Vikingo b Laredo KidTaurus Lucha Libre Triple AAA, Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2022. 02/Octubre/2022. (posted by Adolfo Romo)
6) Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón b Aramis, Charly Manson, Zorro Lucha Libre Triple AAA, Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2022. 02/Octubre/2022. (posted by Adolfo Romo)
Aramis, working twice, replaced Heavy Metal
7) Pagano, Psycho Clown, Sexy Star b Chik Tormenta, Cibernético, Sam Adonis Lucha Libre Triple AAA, Fiestas de Octubre Guadalajara 2022. 02/Octubre/2022. (posted by Adolfo Romo)
the Vipers and La Empresa beat up Pagano & Psycho earlier in the show. Estrellita seconded Sam Adonis. Vamprio worked as referee again. Pagano got stretchered out on his dive again. Adonis pulled Psycho’s mask to pin him.

Vampiro keeps turning up as a referee and was announced for a meet and greet as part of TripleMania Mexico City so figure him showing up during the card, maybe again as a referee. The videos are incomplete; I’d say you’re better off waiting for Saturday to see the matches on TV. There’s no video of the opener so I’m not sure the finish.

AAA said Vikingo vs Laredo Kid vs Taurus will air this Saturday and will go up on YouTube. The main event exists totally to build up matches on TripleMania so it should also air on TV this week. You never know with AAA though.

AAA has their Antonio Pena mass tonight at 5:30 pm. It’s possible someone might ask Dorian Roldan about Andrade’s comments if AAA talks to the press.

Space’s schedule more than a few days out can’t be totally trusted, but it currently lists their TripleMania broadcast starting a 7:30 pm CT. AAA has been talking about the show starting at 8 pm, and that’s what it says on FITE. Space will be airing a marathon of the other two TripleManias leading into their live broadcast.

Azteca will air TripleMania in their usual post-boxing, after-midnight slot on TV.

Lady Shani has no problem with the Taya vs Kamille Reina de Reinas match, saying she and other Mexicans will get a chance eventually and foreigner lucahdoras should have chances for the title too. Shani would be interested in a chance for the mixed tag team titles. She wants to win Copa Bardahl, and is looking forward to as a chance to wrestle a lot of people she doesn’t face much in AAA. Shani is picking Villano over Penta in the mask match, figuring experience will hold out.

AAA sent a press release Monday night to inform me they were running a show in Tempe. I had heard. A poster included has Laredo Kid pictured, so I guess Laredo Kid is booked as well. Tickets remain on sale.

Rey Fenix took a shot at Juventud Guerrera on Twitter, facetiously asking CMLL or AAA to book Fenix vs Guerrera, then noting that it won’t happen because no one wanted to work with Guerrera and offering to do it on Guerrera’s own shows if he’ll pay Fenix. I have no idea what Juventud Guerrera said.

A recent Konnan podcast mentioned he tried to book Saraya (ex-WWE Paige) for TripleMania in a non-wrestling capacity. She had a booking in England for her family’s promotion. Konnan mentioned he’d been looking at bringing in Kamille (and Nick Aldis) for “a couple of years” and was looking for the right time to bring them in. Nick Aldis, as Magnus, was in AAA in 2011, 2012 and 2015. The only reason I remember that is when the CMLL Magnus got tagged on Twitter for an AAA Magnus appearance and was very angry about it. I don’t remember any matches Aldis Magnus actually had.

IWRG/Naucalpan

Mas Lucha (THU) 10/06/2022 Arena Naucalpan
1) John Tito & Spider Fly vs Rey Halcón & Súper Boy
2) Radioactivo vs Hannya [mask]
3) Caballero de Plata, Cerebro Negro, Cerebro Negro Jr. vs Hell Boy, Oficial 911, Oficial Fierro
4) Charly Manson vs Puma King [Mas Lucha Supremo, quarterfinal]
5) Aeroboy vs Komander [Mas Lucha Supremo, quarterfinal]
6) Jack Evans vs Shun Skywalker [Mas Lucha Supremo, quarterfinal]
7) Tonalli vs Dragón Lee [Mas Lucha Supremo, quarterfinal]
8) ? vs ??? [Mas Lucha Supremo, semifinal]
9) ? vs ??? [Mas Lucha Supremo, semifinal]
10) ? vs ??? [Mas Lucha Supremo, final]

This is a premium show, though probably the first half will air for free. Mas Lucha did a live drawing for the tournament bracket on Monday night. It appeared like it was a legit unplanned draw, with the match ups working out well enough. Dragon Lee remains the heavy favorite and the chance of a one-time-ever singles match between him and Shun Skywalker is a pretty good tease. Aeroboy is probably the best bet to get on the top half. Last year’s tournament had lot of interference and “surprises” that allowed them to get out of a few matches without decisive winners. I don’t know if that’ll be the same this year but it’s enough to keep expectations in check.

Mas Lucha is doing preview interviews with each of the first round match ups. I haven’t seen Komander/Aeroboy but I’m sure they were polite gentlemen. Shun Skywalker and Jack Evans are trash-talking goofballs trying to speak a second language and the bit I’ve watched of that is very fun.

IWRG’s annual Castillo del Terror cage match will take place 10/30. Assume that’s a Mas Lucha premium show.

Big Lucha 

Big Lucha World (FRI) 10/07/2022 Bandidos Gym, Iztapalapa, Distrito Federal
1) La Catalina vs Sussy Love
2) Éxtasis, King, Kong vs Action Jackson, Bendito, Elemental
3) Gravity & Viajero vs Flamita & Yutani

Big Lucha World will return on Friday at 9 pm. That’s bad news to me, the one person buying all the CMLL iPPVs, but a Wednesday late night show was probably tough for normal people. Yutani faces Bandido next Friday for the title so the main event will likely go his way.

Mr. Win will replace Carito on that 10/14 Big Lucha show, though there’s a secret condition to it. I suspect Mr. Win will have to dress up an exotico based on everyone’s involvement and reaction.

I have no news on the Bandido/AEW/WWE contract situation to report except to echo that he’s been contacted by both gorups. I’m led to believe this will all be resolved shortly. (I don’t expect to be breaking it this time.)

Other News

10/23 GALLI has Aeroboy, Ricky Banderas, Bandido, Arez, Shun Skywalker, Emperador Azteca, Flamtia, Yutani, Gravity, Latigo and Toxin advertised. This is GALLIMania, so they’re running it Melrose Park instead of the usual GALLI arena.

KAOZ, the Monterrey promotion that makes news for firing and hiring people and runs angles without actually ever holding a wrestling show, is holding a wrestling show. Exciting news. KAOZ’s last show took place on May 8th in Arena Coliseo Monterrey, billed as the final show ever in the building. KAOZ’s November 6th show will take place in the Arena Coliseo Monterrey. They ran a Facebook angle where Konnan Big declared he will retire on the show and demanded they run the arena one more time. Konnan Big has retired previously and likely will wrestle again after November

Of more permanent value, KAOZ announced the Tiger vs Emperador Azteca in a mask vs mask match for that 11/06 show, as teased on the last Big Lucha show. This seems like an Emperador Azteca win on paper, since he’s the guy who’s on AAA TV, but the Tiger is fairly active in northern Mexico. (The Tiger also did appear at TripleMania Tijuana seconding his spouse Flammer.) Rayman vs Gallo was a bigger deal regional mask match but this one is similar when it’s a surprise either man would agree to lose their mask.

SuperLuchas points out a podcast interview claiming AEW and ESPN (Mexico) have had talks about picking up AEW’s broadcasts for their channel. It’s noted that ESPN would likely provide their own broadcasters, a hot button issue.

Antonio Inoki is on the cover of Box y Lucha 3521.

Thuderman Jr. unmasked Payasito Krosty in Villahermosa on Sunday. Payasito Krosty is Sergio de la Cruz, who used the Krosy name for 16 years.

Los Infernales new champions at Noche de Campeones, AAA in GDL, Rayman unmasked

CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 09/30/2022 Arena México [CMLL, Estrellas del RingR de RudoThe GladiatoresThe Gladiatores (videos), thecubsfan, Yahoo! Deportes]
1) Mercurio © b Pierrothito [CMLL MINICMLL Noche de Campeones | Campeonato de los Pequeños Estrellas: Mercurio (C) VS Pequeño Pierroth (R) (posted by mluchatv) Mercurio retiene su titulo ante Pequeño Pierroth en gran batalla en la Noche de Campeones (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
3rd defense. 17:00
2) Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto b Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado © [CMLL TRIOS¡Los Infernales son nuevos Campeones Mundiales de Tríos del CMLL! (posted by mluchatv) CMLL - GEMELOS DIABLO I Y II - SAGRADO VS EUFORIA - HECHICERO - MEPHISTO /ARENA MEXICO / 30-09-22 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) Los Infernales destronan a Los Malditos y son nuevos campeones de tríos del CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
16:38. Malditos fall in their 2nd defense. Infernales are the 33rd champions.
3) La Jarochita & Lluvia © b Amapola & Silueta [MEX WOMEN TAG] CMLL | ¡Las Chicas Indomables siguen como Campeonas Nacionales de Parejas! (posted by mluchatv) Lluvia y Jarochita campeonas invencibles, retienen ante Dark Silueta y Amapola en el CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
12:08. 10th defense (8th on CMLL shows)
4) Ángel de Oro & Niebla Roja © b Dulce Gardenia & Espíritu Negro [CMLL TAGCMLL | Ángel de Oro y Niebla Roja derrotan a Los Dulces Atrapasueños en la Noche de Campeones (posted by mluchatv) Ingobernables campeones, derrotan a los Atrapasueños en gran duelo en la Arena México (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
12:59. 5th defense. Gardenia went into a convulsions selling Angel de Oro’s super Canadian Destroyer
5) Titán © b Suicida [CMLL WELTERCMLL - TITÁN (C) VS SUICIDA (R) /ARENA MEXICO / 30-09-22 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) CMLL | ¡El Inmortal sigue con su corona! Titán retiene el Campeonato Mundial Welter ante Suicida (posted by mluchatv) Titán aún campeón derrotando a Suicida en Noche de Campeones en la Arena México (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
15:41. 5th defense
6) Místico © b Rugido [NWA MIDDLE¡Místico sigue siendo el REY! Derrota a Rugido y retiene su Campeonato Histórico: (posted by mluchatv) CMLL - MÍSTICO (C) VS RUGIDO (R) /ARENA MEXICO / 30-09-22 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) Místico Vs Rugido en Noche de Campeones, el Rey de plata y oro sigue reinando (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
15:03. 5th defense

Dulce Gardenia is fine; he’s said so himself in a (private) Facebook post and CMLL sent out a proof of life photo to the media while noting he’s in perfect health. Dulce Gardenia was probably always fine. Gardenia went into spasms after taking a super Canadian Destroyer to end the tag title match, medical personnel rushed in to put him on a stretcher and take him to the back, and the fan shot video of the incident went viral. It was almost universally reported on as real.

My impression from the moment I saw it was a weird angle to sell the Destroyer as a big move. CMLL does injury off angles Destroyers every few months, including as recently as putting Angel de Oro & Volador in neck braces when they did them a month ago. There are people in CMLL who see it as an easy way to get a pop off a hot move and others who believe it should be treated with the gravity and seriousness of a martinete. There’s also one who’s been able to get every on the same page about it so it’s been handled inconsistently. Dulce going into convulsions came one day after an NFL quarterback went into convulsions after a head injury. Maybe that prompted the idea to do it on this show, maybe that promoted the media reaction to plaster the video everywhere after it happened. Gardenia was also not listed on shows this week, which means he can sell the injury longer than others. CMLL itself didn’t seem to expect it would be beyond a wrestling angle and seemed to have no plans to talk about until social media people started to speculate/make up stories about Gardenia being in serious condition. CMLL sent out information saying Gardenia was doing fine without exposing the angle.

(There’s no shame in getting fooled sometimes, I think. Or maybe I just feel that way today because I’ve gone from believing the “Andrade wants out of AEW” story was probably true last week to probably a work this week.)

The show itself was good. Titan/Suicida was the best match, a tightly competitive match. Suicida’s looked good in spurts in trios matches and put it together with Titan in a really long singles match. It helped that Titan is very good, but Suicida played his part and did better than we’ve seen with Fugaz in a similar spot. Rugido looked fine in the main event but it wasn’t a main event to make him look like a special guy. It was the touring Mistico singles match with Rugido plugged in as the villain of the month. He got to do enough offense so Mistico could set up his comeback and fed for Mistico fine, but never came off as a threat to win the match. If Rugido proved anything, it’s that he can be plugged in match four and do fine, similarly to how Coyote’s been used since winning the Gran Alternativa.

The other title matches were fine. Los Infernales were the one title change everyone seemed to guess and the fans would’ve been unhappy if they didn’t win; Los Inferanles and Hechicero in particular are a definite favorite among the fans who show up weekly. CMLL’s cooled off a little bit on Los Gemelos Diablos and they may need to show improvement to get another title run. Both the men’s and women’s tag title defenses fit into the “good, just not as good as their best stuff” category. Mercurio seemed a bit off in his title match but Pierrothito worked very hard and it got good by the end.

CMLL commentary mentioned the passing of Antonio Inoki on commentary, which was nice of them. It also struck it odder how Starman wasn’t mentioned last week. Mephisto wore a Starman tribute mask this week and the announcers didn’t note it.

The Dr. Karontes seconded Mistico for his title match to counter Los Depredadores with Rugido. It didn’t play into the match. It’s clear Mistico would like to do more with his Karonte brothers if given the chance.

CMLL (SAT) 10/01/2022 Arena Coliseo
1) Micro Ángel, Micro Gemelo Diablo I, Micro Gemelo Diablo II b Átomo, Chamuel, Periquito Sacaryas
Team Diablos took 1/3.
2) Astral, Oro Jr., Valiente Jr. b Dr. Karonte I, Dr. Karonte II, Enfermero Jr.
tecnicos took 2/3
3) Flyer, Hombre Bala Jr., Robin b Disturbio, Okumura, Raider
tecnicos took 2/3
4) Guerrero Maya Jr., Pegasso, Stigma b Cancerbero, Luciferno, Virus
tecnicos took 2/3
5) Fugaz, Místico, Soberano Jr. b Dragón Rojo Jr., Niebla Roja, Terrible
tecnicos took 2/3

Four straight matches with the same sequence, unless I misunderstood something. They announced a tie-up with Mexica

CMLL (SUN) 10/02/2022 Arena México [CMLL]
1) Acero & Aéreo b Minos & Pequeño Violencia
Kemomito and Sacarays worked the opener and a minis match, both unusual for them.
2) Cachorro, Leono, Sangre Imperial b Cholo, Inquisidor, Nitro
tecnicos took 2/3
3) Arkalis, Panterita del Ring Jr., Suicida b Kráneo, Okumura, Raider
4) El Coyote, Pólvora, Virus b Diamond, Magia Blanca, Volcano
5) Atlantis, Dragón Rojo Jr., Titán DQ Ángel de Oro, Stuka Jr., Terrible [Relevos Increíbles]
Angel de Oro fouled Atlantis

That reads as a little bit of strange main event finish, maybe something went wrong, maybe it’s nothing.

Today’s Arena Puebla show has Euforia, Sobreano and Stigma against Magia Blanca, Rugido and Stuka Jr., which seemed to be setting up a Stigma/Blanca match last week. There’s also a women’s cibernetico that might be setting up something.

CMLL (TUE) 10/04/2022 Arena México
1) Kaligua & Shockercito vs Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia
2) Diamond, Robin, Valiente Jr. vs Cholo, Inquisidor, Raider
3) Flyer, Hombre Bala Jr., Magia Blanca vs Disturbio, Kráneo, Okumura
4) Blue Panther, Dark Panther, El Audaz vs Felino, Felino Jr., Rey Bucanero
5) Esfinge, Fugaz, Volador Jr. vs Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Terrible

Felino Jr. returns after six months away. He definitely was injured when he disappeared after the Mexican national title match back in March. I’m not sure if it was a six-month recovery or if there were other things going on. He’s back in the same spot as always, teaming with his father against the Panthers.

CMLL’s month of women’s tournaments is timed with breast cancer awareness month. They announced a partnership with cancer charity FUCAM and posted a PSA.

An interview with Puebla’s Asturiano, who also teaches at the local university.

AAA

AAA taped in Guadalajara (Zapopan) on Sunday afternoon. I don’t have full results if you’re reading this; I’ve seen a bunch of clips on Instagram but haven’t been able to put complete info together. There was an angle where Los Vipers and La Empresa beat up Pagano and Psycho, Heavy Metal missed the taping (and Aramis worked twice) and the matches that looked like they’d be good on paper worked out as expected. The first week of the taping should air this Saturday.

The attendance was outstanding for the Guadalajara show. It’s a 13,000 seat building and it looked like AAA filled the building except for a slice cut off behind the entrance. WrestleTix reported 9,000 attendance, which must be coming from AAA; I’m not sure who else would have that number. It’s also a slight mirage. Jalisco is running a month of events in around the building as part of a fair, and general admission is free for all events with admission to the fair. The fair admission was 40 pesos for adults, 20 for kids. At least 6,000 of the 9,000 seats were given away for free. Floor seats ran between 150 and 350 pesos, which is only a little cheaper than usual. AAA probably was getting a flat fee no matter how many people turned up and obviously looks a lot better full.

TripleMania is available on Pro Wrestling TV for $20, $3 cheaper than FITE. This may be a mistake – the other shows have been $20, the price just went up on this one – but you could save a few dollars if you buy it now. FITE and ProWrestlingTV are using the same feeds and it should be the same broadcast either way, though I’ve never heard from someone who’s actually bought the Pro Wrestling TV instead of FITE. (That may be a good thing; people tend to be louder if the service doesn’t work.)

AAA has tickets on sale for a show in Phoenix (Tempe) on 12/03. Vampiro is advertised for the show. Vampiro is advertised for a meet & greet in Wisconsin on 12/03. People close to Vampiro say he’s expecting to be at the Wisconsin show. Tijuana EMW announced their next show on 12/03 with Hijo del Vikingo, who’s also advertised for that Phoenix show. EMW is booked by Konnan and he’d seem to know when and if AAA is running elsewhere that day. AAA made have told their wrestlers they’re working both Tijuana and Phoenix that day, but that seems impossible outside a charter plane or one very delayed start time.

My belief is tickets are on sale for a 12/03 show in Phoenix but AAA hasn’t committed to running a show in Phoenix on this day. AAA’s totally willing to ghost their US audience, as fans in Los Angeles know. I recommend waiting on buying tickets (or any related expenses) for Phoenix until AAA shows more about it. The tickets aren’t going anywhere anyway, you can safely wait.

NGD also appear to be getting US work visas based on RGR teasing them coming in.

AEW announced they and Space (except for Brasil) were done as of 10/01. Space moved AEW off their channel and onto their YouTube channel many months ago, which seemed a bad sign for their relationship. AEW’s side is they had an offer to stay on Space but they felt they could make more money selling AEW+ subscriptions to Latin American fans. That implies Space was paying a small or non-existent rights fee to AEW for carrying the show. Wrestling Observer Radio went over this in more detail this morning: Meltzer noted that AEW believes they’ll eventually be back on TV a new/better TV deal in Latin America. He also said he doesn’t believe AEW will run a show in Mexico or Latin America any time in the next few years so being on a widely viewed network isn’t a top priority.

This AEW/Space is in the AAA section because it’s would be a problem for AAA if Space is cutting back what they’re spending on content. AAA/Space’s relationship does seem stronger than the AEW. AEW got bumped to YouTube for reruns of old movies, while AAA is on the actual channel even if it gets moved around. Space also seems very excited whenever TripleMania or major event is coming up; those get more promotion than anything else on that channel, so they’ve got some investment there. AEW not getting the money they want does suggest that AAA might not be getting a raise in rights fee if they were hoping for one next time they’re up, but it also says AAA will only be leaving Space if they also find a better deal elsewhere.

IWRG

IWRG (SUN) 10/02/2022 Arena Naucalpan [IWRG, Mas Lucha]
1) John Tito b Feroz LIVE 🔴 | El debut del Hijo de Cannis Lupus + Las Shotas VS La Pandemia (posted by mluchatv)
2) Lolita & Satania b Sagitarius & Therius
3) Noisy Boy, Paymon, Spider Fly b Crazy King, Garra Mortal, Limbo LIVE 🔴 | El debut del Hijo de Cannis Lupus + Las Shotas VS La Pandemia (posted by mluchatv)
4) Aster Boy, Hijo del Alebrije, Tonalli b Dick Angelo 3G, Mc-360, Puma de Oro LIVE 🔴 | El debut del Hijo de Cannis Lupus + Las Shotas VS La Pandemia (posted by mluchatv)
Tonalli changed Puma de Oro to a title match
5) Hijo De Canis Lupus & Hijo del Pirata Morgan b Rey León & VIP LIVE 🔴 | El debut del Hijo de Cannis Lupus + Las Shotas VS La Pandemia (posted by mluchatv) RGR VS IWRG | Rey León y Coronel V.I.P VS Hijo de Canis Lupus | Lucha completa (posted by mluchatv)
Lupus did a dive off the upper level.
6) Caballero de Plata, Diva Salvaje, Jessy Ventura DQ Gran Pandemónium, Hijo de Pandemónium, Pandemónium Jr. ¡Las Shotas y Caballero de Plata VS La Pandemia! | Lucha completa (posted by mluchatv) LIVE 🔴 | El debut del Hijo de Cannis Lupus + Las Shotas VS La Pandemia (posted by mluchatv)
sets up a trios title

IWRG giving a big intro to the new Hijo de Canis Lupus (again, believed to be a current IWRG veteran getting a new gimmick) is the only thing that comes through as notable in the results.

They’re off on Thursday for the Mas Lucha show, so maybe another IWRG Retro episode that day.

Mas Lucha (THU) 10/06/2022 Arena Naucalpan
1) John Tito & Spider Fly vs Rey Halcón & Súper Boy
2) Radioactivo vs Hannya [mask]
3) Caballero de Plata, Cerebro Negro, Cerebro Negro Jr. vs Hell Boy, Oficial 911, Oficial Fierro
4) Aero Boy, Charly MansonDragón LeeJack EvansKomanderPuma KingShun SkywalkerTonalli [Mas Lucha Supremo]

I’m happy there is only 3 other matches on this show. The tournament is plenty enough. Dragon Lee rarely loses matches and is the strong favorite here. Last time around show they’re willing to book strange finishes to accommodate people’s unwillingness to lose, so it not a foregone conclusion. I hope Puma King has a good night because the last couple of years seem to have done a number on his buzz.

There’s no build to the mask match (and also little drama to the outcome) but it should be good.

Other News

El Gallo defeated Rayman on Saturday night (or really very early Sunday morning) in Arena GDL in Guadalajara. The show streamed on Mas Lucha for subscribers. Both are ex-CMLL wrestlers and it was a big deal locally; both guys seemed like of the type and stature of wrestlers who wouldn’t lose their mask until they were old and gray, or at least in a bigger building. Gallo may have some part in running Arena GDL and that’s why the match was run there, but Arena GDL was also visibly didn’t have the capacity for everyone who wanted to see the match. It looks like a place that can comfortable seat 400 and had about 650 crammed in. Rayman and Gallo tried to do some crowd brawling early and there was very little space to maneuver (and not enough space for the cameras to follow them.) It was a great illustration of how there are many different types of wrestling fans. That AAA taping probably drew 15x fans, and it was just a fun night out to most of the people in attendance. This much smaller show felt 15x more important to the fans who were in Arnea GDL, like one of the most important things they will see this year.

We would’ve expected a different outcome for Rayman back when he was a rising star around 2001. He was a sensation for a brief moment in time. Rayman is the grandson of legend Rayo de Jalisco. He wrestled well in undercard matches and started to get a push when they switched his name to “El Hijo de Rayo de Jalisco Jr.” He was a young high flyer at a time when CMLL had an older roster and he did well in main events for a while. The old story goes that “El Hijo de Rayo de Jalisco Jr.” got so hot that promoters started to ask for him over his father, Rayo de Jalisco Jr., and a jealous father took the name away from his son. No one much likes Rayo de Jalisco Jr. so it’s easy story to believe and Rayman’s push did disappear after his name went away, but it’s such a wrestling story with an obvious villain so there’s probably also something more to it. (Rayman has obliquely referred to having personal issues around that time.) Rayman migrated to AAA for a few unmemorable months and has bounced around the indies since then, never showing the same spark as he did for those few months. CMLL would iterate on the “masked exciting young high flyer” formula that produced Rayman a few times in the following years, first trying with Sagrado and eventually having everything click into place with Mistico, and Rayman is a historical footnote for being part of that lineage.

Rayman’s remained a big name in Guadalajara, both for his national run and that he is part of that royal Rayo de Jalisco family, and he and his father seemed to make amends at one point. He could’ve coasted on being Rayman forever and I’m still unsure why he choose to do this mask match. His sister was in tears about it, and a depressed Rayman stormed off refusing to do a post-match interview until later consenting backstage. Rayman gave his name as Cesar Linares Tapia after he unmasked, 43 years old, 28 years a wrestler and later apologized to his deceased grandfather for losing his mask. The match itself was nothing out of the ordinary – I was a little disappointed they did the usual indie version of an 00s AAA match, with chairs shots for heat and a lot built around a heel referee instead of something with more thought – but the people in the building cared an awful lot about it.

An article about a Dr. Wagner Jr. wanting to wrestle in Puerto Rico mentions that the current Nacion Lucha Libre creative team is Alberto, co-owner Daniel Leal, Eddie Colon, Carlito Colon, Cinta de Oro, and Lucha Libre Online’s Michael Morales Torres. (Torres is noted as setting up the interview with Wagner for the article.) It’s a lot of people who don’t wrestle or promote in Mexico much outside of Nacion Lucha Libre, which surely informs some of the choices they’ve made. Nacion Lucha Libre is supposed to start airing on ImagenTV this month, still haven’t heard anything about it.

10/08 Riot (Nuesta Raza, Nueva Lucha)

DTU’s show had a moment of remembrance for Antonio Inoki. I think they might have been the only Mexican promotion to do so. Inoki’s death got written up in many Mexican sports news outlets. SuperLuchas has the best piece on Inoki’s matches in Mexico.

NOAH posted Xtreme Tiger’s match against Hayata for the GHC Junior Championship from May 21st for free on YouTube.

A bio of Xalapa’s Poseidon.