Peste Negra trimpuhant, CMLL unhappy with Volador’s masks, CMLL training schools, CMLL/NJPW

CMLL (MON) 01/16/2012 Arena Puebla [Porra Fresa]
1) Asturiano & Tigre Rojo b Akron & King Jaguar
Tecnicos take 2/3.
2) Apocalipsis, Hooligan, Nitro b Metálico, Molotov, Starman
Rudos take 2/3.
3) Diamante, Pegasso, Stuka Jr. b Hijo del Signo, Puma King, Raziel
Pegasso replaced Dragon Lee. Tecnicos took 2/3
4) Máscara Dorada, Super Porky, Valiente vs Averno, Rey Bucanero, Último Guerrero
Tecnicos take 1/3.
5) Felino, Mr. Niebla, Negro Casas b Atlantis, Blue Panther, La Sombra
Rudos take 2/3, Niebla powerbombing Atlantis fro the win.

Other News

In an encapsulating CMLL moment, Volador is in trouble for his variety of masks. Volador explains he is a fan of Spider-Man, and has a collection of comic book cartoons he recorded off TV, so he started using those looks as a way to get attention. It’s notable Volador used the phrase “renew or die” to explain it, as that’s been a specific phrase used towards CMLL itself a lot of late. There are quotes from fans (one saying using different looks is not creative, which is not the less sensible thing said here) who prefer the original look. From what I’ve read elsewhere previously, there are other fans who prefer the original look, but they’re a minority. The problem for Volador is some of those people who do not like him wearing different masks each week are the members of the CMLL programming committee. Panico says they’ve told everyone to keep their original look, because fans are ‘confused’ by changes. Blue Panther says he’s never changed his mask and the best wrestlers – Santo, Huracan Ramirez and Mil Mascaras – never changed his mask. (Mil Mascaras never changed his mask!?!) Volador reveals he’s been suspended for a time for changing his gear (his ban from Fridays?), and responds to Panico’s complains by saying the people aren’t stupid – “how can you change the names of a few luchadors and decieve us by saying they’re new talents when they’ve been here a year and everyone knows who they are.” I’m on Team Volador. Not that I wasn’t already.

CMLL Facebook

The other big CMLL controversy is this ad posted on CMLL’s Facebook. The slogan – “to be a luchador, you must be born in CMLL” – rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. A lot of people are fine luchadors without starting in CMLL’s schools; most of CMLL’s top stars got their actual start someplace beside the CMLL gyms (though all are required to train there.) CMLL doesn’t seem to actually believe this themselves; a bunch of people are being taught by Ultimo Guerrero at Ultimo Guerrero’s gym, which goes without mention here. It’s really just typical empty advertising hype, no different than every major card being one of the greatest shows of all time, and seems to be taken more seriously than it should. CMLL thinks CMLL is great.

I am actually thrilled by this ad. CMLL’s never posted it’s training school numbers, and it’s something I’m asked for with great frequency. Now I can actually give out the phone number! Plus, who knew there was an actual official CMLL school in Puebla? I figured the existing guys were just working out together and would take in an indy guy only when someone retired.

El Manana chatted with Comandante and Zeuxis about their tag team and previous trip to Japan. Comandante again says she really didn’t like Japan, feeling like her life was totally upset, and didn’t like the partner REINA teamed her with at all since she acted jealous and not professional. (That would be Dama de Hierro, who hasn’t been seen in months.) She says she was depressed, losing hair and weight, until she started teaming with Zeuxis and turned everything around. The only thing she misses about Japan is the food.

LuchaWorld has KrisZ’s news update, including words from Rey Bucanero about MS-1’s passing. (Also, Terrible has been in Canada?)

A poster for a show next Saturday with Blue Demon got some discussion because it looks like Demon is facing off with musician Claudio Yarto, after being very solidly behind Santo against non-wrestlers being promoted in matches. Demon’s since explained that it’s actually Demon’s promotion (the very quiet NWA Mexico) vs Yarto’s promotion (the previously unheard of IWAS – which might a new version of the Revolution Free Style group) facing off.

DJ Spectro looks back at Enfermero vs Black Gordman’s mask match.

Cibernetico believes this week’s TV taping is the start of a strong period for Los Bizarros.

FantasticMania

NJPW’s website has been doing a lot of interviews with their wrestlers promoting the show.

  • Tanahashi mentions how he and Volador were a (so random) tag team in TNA, but then Volador did not remember him at all when he came back to CMLL many years later. Volador apparently looked Tanahashi up on the internet the next day and figured it out.
  • Nakamura is a big fan of Volador, feels Diamante has a generic look but is a top young talent
  • Taichi talks about his rival Maximo and suggests Rush will be a future IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenger.

In Mexico, Rush says his youth and hunger for victory will allow him to beat Goto. All the NJPW guys mention Rush in some way. Sombra’s surely going to be coming back to NJPW sometime later and Volador has a good chance to make a name for himself with a strong two days, but it’s pretty clear they feel Rush is the guy who has the biggest crossover potential over the long term. He’s got to start well here to make it happen.

6 thoughts to “Peste Negra trimpuhant, CMLL unhappy with Volador’s masks, CMLL training schools, CMLL/NJPW”

  1. Ran into Terrible on the train today! Not sure if it was him though… may have been his evil twin.

    I wonder if anyone actually answers the phone if you call those numbers? I remember when CMLL used to advertise their office number on screen for anyone looking to book CMLL talent but you could only call them from 10am – 2pm. What great business hours! Naturally the two people I know who tried to call never got through to anyone because it’s CMLL.

  2. I do not agree with CMLL’s point about the masks on the whole, but I think they do have a valid point, and I understand their point of view. CMLL is looking at it that they want the wrestler in the ring to resemble the picture on the flyer as closely as possible – which is a logical thought. This is no different than how in the ’80s when WWF started getting merchandise deals they made sure everyone resembled the toys at every event – same trunks, hairdos, etc. I can understand from that perspective why CMLL would want the wrestlers to have a consistent look.

    From Volador’s point of view, the costumes and tribute outfits have really made him stand out as a rudo, and he is known as the outfit guy… much like how it is always interesting to see what kind of outfit Rey Jr. will have for a big WWE PPV. Volador is 100% right that most fans will not be stupid enough to not figure out it is him.

    I think that Volador has at points worn outfits where it is hard to tell that it is a Volador mask if you aren’t already familiar with him – but I do not think it is any more harmful than partner’s wearing the split masks or a guy like Dragon Rojo, who is constantly wearing the Diamante Negro/DRJr combo mask. I do not think that CMLL is saying that (for example) if Volador wore a Venom type outfit, he couldn’t wear a black & white *Volador* mask, but rather that they don’t want him wearing a Venom mask.
    I find it hard to believe that they do not want the wrestlers wearing colorful outfits… guys have won different color schemes for years. Blue Panther even wore different combos of Blue/White, so I think that this is all kind of stupid….

  3. Volador also mentions that CMLL wanted him to wear the black mask for the video game. I guess they are working on something in that area.

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