CMLL
CMLL (FRI) 05/19/2023 Arena México [AS, CMLL, Excelsior, Kaiser Sports, R de Rudo, The Gladiatores, thecubsfan]
1) Difunto, Dr. Karonte I, Zandokan Jr. b Robin, Sangre Imperial, Valiente Jr.
2) Magia Blanca © b Fugaz [MEX WELTER]
third defense
3) Dark Panther, Guerrero Maya Jr., Star Jr. b Espanto Jr., Felino Jr., Misterioso Jr.
4) Euforia b Stuka Jr. [lightning]
8:44.
5) Dragón Rojo Jr. & Soberano Jr. b Místico, Volador Jr., Atlantis Jr., Averno, Panterita del Ring Jr., Hijo del Villano III [Copa Jr. VIP, semifinal]
Cibernetico rules, final two advance to final next week. Order of elimination; Villano (Panterita), Averno (Mistico), Panterita (Atlantis), Mistico (Atlantis), Atlantis (Soberano), Volador (Dragon Rojo) leaving Soberano and Dragon Rojo as the finalists. Rocky Romero jumped out of the crowd and attacked Dragon Rojo in an attempt to help Volador win, but Volador refused to win that way. Dragon Rojo took advantage of the argument to foul Volador for the victory. Volador still wants his title match with Rocky, who stalled on answering.
Rocky attacked Dragon Rojo right in front of the referee, who did not call a DQ. Can’t imagine another person who’d be allowed to get away with that, or even just jumping the rail to do a surprise attack. (Security didn’t seem completely briefed on that part of the bit.) The main event never found a high level; all these matches built around Dragon Rojo are just not going to do that.
Rocky Romero pushed for his title versus Volador’s hair, though no one committed to it happening (or when or where.) Volador already won a title shot and so it doesn’t exactly make sense for him to put up his hair. I wonder if this is sort of a retry on the 1v1 hair match that happened but really didn’t happen in the way it was planned.
Back on Informa, Soberano brought up how he still wants Templario’s mask and CMLL shouldn’t be hasty to make the Dragon Rojo/Templario match. Soberano and Dragon Rojo next week may move more in a three way mask match direction.
Euforia/Stuka Jr. was the best match of the night, just a professional wrestling match between two pros. Fugaz is so one dimensional that he has to be exceptional at his flying to stand out, and he was merely good on this night. Nothing else really stood out.
CMLL (SAT) 05/20/2023 Arena Coliseo [CMLL]
1) Fantasy, Shockercito, Último Dragóncito b Full Metal, Pequeño Polvora, Pequeño Violencia
2) Apocalipsis, Cholo, Disturbio b Astral, Diamond, Fugaz 
Fugaz replaced Electrico. Los Indestrucibles took 1/3.
3) Crixus DRAW Okumura [lightning]
double pin
4) Esfinge, Kráneo, Star Black b Magnus, Rugido, Volcano [Relevos Increíbles]
Team Kraneo took 1/3.
5) Euforia, Mephisto, Niebla Roja b Dragón Rojo Jr., Hijo del Villano III, Yota
Hijo del Villano III replaced Stuka Jr. Team Euforia took 1/3, Euforia sneaking in a foul on Yota.
6) Soberano Jr. b Ángel de Oro
Soberano beat Angel de Oro with a martillo negro, Angel de Oro was strechered out (which always is how that move is sold in singles matches.)
Yota beating Euforia on his way out, which seems to be the result set up by the finish, is a bit unusual. Maybe a make good for the Gran Guerrero finish.
CMLL (SUN) 05/21/2023 Arena México [CMLL]
1) Pierrothito b Aéreo [lightning]
2) Cachorro, Neón, Oro Jr. b Grako, Nitro, Raider
3) Capitán Suicida, Fuego, Hombre Bala Jr. b Explosivo, Fantástico, Gallero
Tecnicos took 2/3 against the visiting GDL trio
4) Magnus, Rugido, Zandokan Jr. b Espíritu Negro, Fugaz, Rey Cometa
Fugaz replaced Dulce Gardenia. Tecnicos took 2/3.
5) Blue Panther, Panterita del Ring, Valiente b Cancerbero, Kráneo, Rey Bucanero
6) Místico, Panterita del Ring Jr., Star Jr. b Ángel de Oro, Euforia, Niebla Roja
El Sol de Leon has an interview with Gallero. He’s originally from Leon (and was already on the luchawiki, as pointed out in the comments.) He was trained by Prisonero 13 and Universo 2000. Over on Instagram, Adrenalina revealed he’s dealing with an injury.
Stephanie Vaquer, Virus, and Barbaro Cavernario also appeared on the NJPW Strong show on Sunday, which is available as a PPV via NJPW World. Virus & Barbaro Cavernario defeated Bad Dude Tito & Zack Sabre Jr. in the PPV opener (Cavernario submitted ZSJ), while Vaquer lost to Mercedes Mone in the semifinals of the NJPW Strong Women’s championship. Both matches went very well. Virus and ZSJ battled for holds just as everyone hope, and there was a definite tease of a singles match between them at some point.
Vaquer put herself on the mat with a strong performance. A lot of credit has to go Mercedes Mone, who is a big enough star that she could play these matches out like another double MM (Mil Mascaras), refusing to sell for anything and instead going through routine spots to general approval. Mone instead seems intent on bringing out the best of her opponents, resulting in great matches and those opponents coming out of the match as bigger names. (Mone appeared to suffer a leg injury in the final, which would be disappointing at any point and especially so given how that night was going for her.) Vaquer was able to show what she could do and made the most of it. I am sure she’ll be back in NJPW Strong again. I know Twitter people were hoping to see her in AEW or ROH after that match, but those seem unlikely due to AAA involvement. WWE giving Vaquer a call might be a possibility.
Maybe Cavernario would’ve been on these NJPW Strong shows if Rocky Romero didn’t come to CMLL this year. He gets used on FantasticaMania likely, someone in NJPW might’ve suggested the name. Virus coming to NJPW Strong absolutely feels like Rocky Romero seeing his old rival still has it and wanting to use him. It’s hard to imagine Stephanie Vaquer would’ve gotten this spot if Rocky Romero wasn’t on the CMLL shows here. Romero also mentioned Panterita del Ring Jr. among those possible for the upcoming All Star Junior festival. In a more equitable world, it wouldn’t take people being booked on in CMLL to notice the good wrestlers there. But it does seem to have helped CMLL (and more so their wrestlers) to have Rocky Romero around.
Stephanie Vaquer and Mercedes Mone both brought up the idea of a rematch in Arena Mexico. That seemed unlikely even before the injury, but I guess not impossible. Virus/ZSJ definitely teased a singles match in-ring. I heard, earlier this year, there are plans for some sort of bigger NJPW participation in CMLL this year, and Romero said he “heard rumors” of something like that on Wrestling Observer Live this past Friday. CMLL has said nothing so far.
(Regular NJPW fans seemed underwhelmed by the NJPW Strong production. The picture wasn’t great, but they caught all the moves and the stream never went out, it’s better the low bar we have around here.)
Titan also won his Best of Super Juniors match on Sunday, defeating DOUKI to reach a personal record of 10 points. Titan amazingly still has a shot to advance to the semi-finals. On Tuesday, Titan needs Mike Bailey to beat Lio Rush and he himself has to beat Hirmou Takahashi. It’s unlikely for him to advance, but Titan has definitely been booked stronger in this tournament than he has ever before. Titan defeating Takahashi to stop him from advancing to those playoff rounds is definitely in play.
CMLL (TUE) 05/23/2023 Arena México
1) Leono vs Inquisidor [lightning]
2) La Maligna & Sanely vs Amapola & Tiffany
3) El Perverso, Pegasso, Stigma vs El Coyote, Okumura, Pólvora
4) Dark Panther, Fugaz, Star Black vs Hijo del Villano III, Misterioso Jr., Sagrado
5) Ángel de Oro © vs Esfinge [MEX LH]
fourth defense
6) Atlantis, Místico, Panterita del Ring vs Gran Guerrero, Niebla Roja, Stuka Jr.
These used to be called Nuevo Valores shows. They don’t appear to be using the name on the poster this week, and for good reason.
CMLL (TUE) 05/23/2023 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) Avispón Negro Jr., Celeste, Cosmos vs Calavera Jr. I, Calavera Jr. II, Infierno
2) Flash & Pepe Aguayo vs Hijo del Calavera & León Blanco and Exterminador & Maléfico and Bobby Black & Neutrón
3) Vaquero Jr. vs Brillante Jr.
4) Stephanie Vaquer & Zeuxis vs Hera & Olympia
5) Panterita del Ring Jr. vs Soberano Jr.
6) Adrenalina, Explosivo, Fantástico © vs Akuma, Dark Magic, Espanto Jr. [OCCIDENTE TRIOS]
first defense
Matches 3, 5, and 6 have been set up by recent feuds. Soberano/Panterita sounds good on paper but Guadalajara Soberano is never locked in. Pepe Aguayo goes back to the 90s in this arena but hasn’t been around much in recent years; his last appearance was 2019, and it was 2015 before that. He’s billed as Perro Aguayo Sr.’s nephew.
CMLL Informa clarified that the upcoming June return to Sunday Arena Coliseo Guadalajara shows is meant to be full-time.
CMLL (FRI) 05/26/2023 Arena México
1) Angelito vs Galaxy [lightning]
2) Capitán Suicida, Fuego, Volcano vs Crixus, Kráneo, Raider
3) La Jarochita vs La Catalina [lightning]
4) El Audaz vs Rugido, Guerrero Maya Jr., El Coyote, Hombre Bala Jr., Felino Jr., Rey Samuray, Zandokan Jr. [MEX MIDDLE, #1 Contenders]
vacant title (Templario won CMLL MIDDLE)
5) Atlantis Jr., Star Jr., Volador Jr. vs Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto
6) Soberano Jr. vs Dragón Rojo Jr. [Copa Jr. VIP, final]
Soberano and Dragon Rojo will tell a bit about September plans. Star Jr. seems to be in a good spot on his return from injury. Guerrero Maya, Felino Jr., and Rugido seem like the best bets to win the vacant title. (Like the Copa Junior VIP, this appears to be top 2 advancing to a final.) Both lightning matches are tests for wrestlers with relatively little CMLL experience (Galaxy & Catalina) versus people who are among the best in their division (Angelito & Jarochita.) They could be exciting in different ways. It’s rare to see three singles matches on a CMLL show without them all being part of the same tournament.
A pickleball court was named in Atlantis’ honor on Friday.
Porra Fresa has a profile of Amnesia. He didn’t have a name when he was about to get his license, grabbed a dictionary and picked out a word. Only in Mexican wrestling. Amnesia’s been in wrestling (including pre-debut training) for 16 years. He’s trained under Pegaso since 2017 and in the official Arena Puebla sessions with Black Tiger since 2018. He found out he was booked on this card when he saw the poster on social media.
AAA
AAA TV (SAT) 05/20/2023 Palacio del Arte, Morelia, Michoacán [AAA]
1) Dulce Kanela, Estrellita, Mini Vikingo b Demus, Látigo, Toxin
2) Flamita & Villano III Jr. b Brazo De Oro Jr. & Sexy Star
3) Chik Tormenta b Lady Shani [hardcore]
Konnan and Tirantes got involved.
4) Arez & Komander b Octagón Jr. & Rey Horus and Jack Evans & Myzteziz [AAA TAG]
vacant titles (Dragon Lee to WWE)
5) Bestia 666 & Mecha Wolf b Aramis & Negro Casas
Estrellita accompanied La Rebelion.
6) Dralistico & Gringo Loco b Hijo Del Vikingo & Pentagón Jr.
Gringo Loco powerbombed Vikingo through a table for the win. Gringo also attacked Vikingo earlier in the night.
Couldn’t find a non-AAA source on this so might be missing some details. I did see some videos the promoter put up and turnout seemed weak. I assume some of those matches were good but I don’t have enough info. I believe this is the first taping since TripleMania Mexico City where there was no card change.
Arez/Komander could be fun as a team. Komander is another AAA champ signed to AEW and that may affect getting dates on matches. AAA not doing much with titles may be a bigger issue.
On Konnan & Disco’s Keepin’ it 100, Konnan explained the tag title situation as him working under a budget now, and wasn’t working under a budget previously. (The implication is bigger names were meant to be involved.) He acknowledged it was all new teams but AAA would handle that before theshow. (So probably quick promos.) La Rebelion weren’t involved because their feud is with Vampiro, but would be involved with the tag titles later.
In other notes from that podcast, Konnan mentioned the mystery flying woman soon to debut in AAA is originally from Torreon. I got a suggestion of that woman being Sussy Love, who is on Luchatitlan duty at the moment. Suzzy Love is originally from Zacatecas, but (last I knew) she’s dating Gravity and he’s from Torreon, so it’s possible. Estrellita is officially part of Pagano’s group. Konnan chided Larry Dallas for not seeing it on TV, but Esterllita and Pagano haven’t been seen onscreen together. There was a segment (back on the military show) where Estrellita got a phone call from Pagano and considered joining his group, but that’s it. AAA TV is so lagged that maybe something was taped, hasn’t aired yet, and Konnan just wasn’t aware. Konnan also was asked if Bandido working 06/02 The Crash show means he’s done in AAA, and Konnan said Bandido would be if he did work it. Bandido’s booked opposite of Flamtia, so I guess Flamita would be done too – but he just worked this taping, so maybe they’re all still figuring it out.
Only the main event was worth watching from this week’s Space show. Vikingo, Laredo Kid, Dralistico versus Antifaz del Norte, Dinamico, Gringo Loco had good action and Vikingo doing Vikingo stuff. Antifaz/Laredo was the actual focus. It’s possible Antifaz’s injury may have come from taking a Laredo Kid tope – he didn’t do much the rest of the way and the finish felt improvised – but I’m far from certain. There was a Gringo Loco promo where he seemed to talk about the Vikingo match happening in three weeks. That obviously hasn’t happened and it’s still unclear when it might.
Watching this show and seeing Argenis in a Perros del Mal mask was strange. This show was taped before Argenis lost his mask at TripleMania Monterrey so he should’ve been wearing a mask. I’m not sure how many people knew that, and it may have been better just not to put Argenis on this taping if AAA knew that his unmasking was the plan.
Puma King/Mr. Iguana was a lumberjack/heel referee bit that didn’t work for me at all. It may be notable that this show had Konnan overturning a finish to help a rudo, just like on that TV taping in Morelia. Konnan seems like one of those guys who wants to be a heel at all times and maybe we’ll look back at these bits as him setting it up again. It doesn’t feel like he’s been a good guy long enough to make another turn effective, but it’s what they know and are comfortable with.
Chessman said a bad word to a Multimedios reporter who was interviewing ringside fans before a match. I think he was being a rudo but also was annoyed with her. I also think most people assume this was a work because it’s Chessman and a Multimedos person again.
Dave the Clown inexplicably appeared on NOAH’s show on Sunday, even getting the pinfall win. Dave used a package piledriver as a finish; I’m not sure he’s used that on AAA TV because I don’t know of a time when he got a pinfall win on AAA TV. This was not announced beforehand, though Dave mentioned he (and his wife) were in Japan on his Instagram earlier in the week. NOSAWA appears to be the person booking in Mexican wrestlers to NOAH; whomever is very chaotic. It looks like Negro Casas is trying to get in on this.
IWRG
IWRG (SUN) 05/21/2023 Arena Naucalpan [IWRG, Zona Ruda]
1) Águila Roja b Jhon Tito
2) Aeroqueen, Danessa, Demasiado b Bugambilia, Sagitarius, Satania
3) Gran Pandemónium, Hijo de Pandemónium, Pandemónium Jr. b Fussion, Noisy Boy, Spider Fly
4) Cerebro Negro & Cerebro Negro Jr. b León Dorado & Mr. Leo [super libre]
both teams want IWRG IC TAG shots (Hijo de Canis Lupus & Rey Leon)
5) Imposible, Nozaki, Shocko b Aster Boy, Puma de Oro, Relámpago
6) Heavy Metal, Hijo del Fishman, Rocky Casas b Hell Boy, Hijo de Canis Lupus, Tonalli
win via unseen foul
I was caught up in the NJPW Strong show and didn’t see much about the show. I didn’t notice until later that was because Mas Lucha streamed the shows but didn’t post any results from it. That’s unusual for them. The main event continued the Heavy Metal & Rocky Casas vs Hell Boy feud, no idea when that’s wrapping up.
Rey Leon is in Mexico City Friday for the RGR show, maybe he’s coming in a day early for a tag title defense.
IWRG (TUE) 05/23/2023 Arena Naucalpan
1) Cosmic & Último Caballero vs Rey Gatto & Steel Dragón
2) Candy Swing & Danessa vs Dehyna & Kali
3) Arceus & Chef Benito vs Milagro & Skanda
4) Noisy Boy & Spider Fly vs Torito Negro & X-Devil
5) Águila Oriental, Águila Roja, Baby Star, Jhon Tito, Kenji, Legado, Rey Aztaroth, Superboy vs Black Sturman, Cristal De Acero, Dinamic Fly, Gimm Boy, Mala Fama, Príncipe Barush, Sexy Makumba, Tadek [Copa Higher Power]
Special trainee show on Tuesday. These haven’t been streaming live of late.
Other News
Mexico held elections on Sunday. In Durango city, there was a vote to fund a city owned lucha libre gym.
GCW announced they’re running a show in Tijuana on 08/13. Los Macizos were working with a group in Tijuana for a couple of years that hasn’t been active lately, I wonder if that’s part of it. August 13th is the day after TripleMania Mexico City, so it’s possible they’ll be around and do another backstage angle.
El Destape writes about 1940s/50s EMLL luchador Kid Vanegas’ link to the Cuban revolution. He trained Castro’s soldiers and was willing to go with him in 1956, but Castro told him to stay in Mexico. This comes up from time to time.
Criterio Hidalgo talks to Pachuca luchador Campesino del Valle.