05/26 news: IWRG, Sangre vs the World

IWRG (SUN) 05/21 Arena Naucalpan Results
1) Comando Gama b Rock Star
2) Bacteria, Macho II b Gran Cuchillo Jr., Kid Tiger
3) Black Jaguar, Fantasma de la Ópera, Xibalva b Avisman, Panterita, Star Boy
4) Cerebro Negro, Dr. Cerebro, Veneno b Ave Fenix, Puma, Vertigo
Veneno pinned Puma with his feet on the ropes, so Puma wants an IWRG IC Middle championship
5) Pantera, Rayo de Jalisco Jr., Sicodelico Jr. DQ Canek, Gran Markus Jr., Pierroth

Ovaciones has the usual Friday preview. They note that last week, Mima Shimoda and Dark Angel were feuding, and now suddenly they’re on the same side. Speculation about Wagner/Atlantis being this year’s Anniversary main event (nah) and Bucanero not getting along with his partners (yeah.)

In Japan, Sangre Azteca (yay he made it), Black Tiger IV and Fuego had a joint practice session and talked to the press earlier today. They all want to win and all the titles, which is the way to go. Sangre used a move he called “Azteca de Oro”, which appears to be an over the shoulder backbreaker move of some sort. (Thanks to Strong Style Spirit for some info.)

The Super J tournament starts tommorow. I’m going to be charting it over on the main blog, because it’s fun, but let’s look over Sangre’s schedule one more time.

05-27 vs Ryusuke Taguchi – This is probably the most pivotal matchup he’s got; if Sangre gets a win here, he could be in the hunt for a top two position till the end. If not, he’s likely going to be scrapping for points. Up till recently, I’d guess Sangre and Taguchi were about on the same level, but Taguchi seems like he’s been coming on off late. Wouldn’t be crazy to see a draw here.
05-29 vs Fuego – Gotta figure Fuego’s the last man here. If Sangre doesn’t win this, he’s the last man.
06-01 vs Minoru – tough matchup for Sangre. I figure Minoru’s a top 2 favorite (with Lyger).
06-04 vs El Samurai – in past years, Sangre picking up a win here would have seem a possiblity, but Samurai’s moved back up with his Junior Tag reign and should win here
06-09 vs Jushin Liger – this is much more about how long Sangre can take him
06-14 vs Jado – Sangre could sneak a win out here. It’s a second-to-last day match, and those often turn on what will set up the most climatic final first round match, but don’t expect either guy to be in the running.
(He’ll get non-tournament matches on many of the off days.)

Expectations
– under 4 points (2 points = 1 win) is a disappiontment
– 4 points for Sangre is about average.
– 6 points is a success, even though it won’t advance him
– 8 points is cause for dancing in streets

Santo’s scheduled to work Tuesday’s Arena Juba de Reynosa card.

In Arena Solidaridad on Sunday, Princesa Sueji and Diana La Cazadora have a singles match. It’s listed as “WWE style”, and there’s so many jokes there I can’t even start. I’m guessing it’s supposed to mean “strip your opponent”, but it could mean “everyone not named Trish will look quite bad at least twice during this match.” (Couldn’t help myself.)

Some additional lineups, which I’ll repeat next week:

Read More