UG cheats Volador (again), LU 3×1, Elite, Alberto

6a09[1]
photo by CMLL
CMLL (TUE) 08/30/2016 Arena México [CMLL, CultIcon]
1) Bengala & Flyer b Camorra & Cholo LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
2) Estrellita, La Vaquerita, Skadi b La Comandante, La Seductora, Reyna Isis LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Tecnicas took 1/3.
3) Blue Panther Jr., Pegasso, The Panther b El Cuatrero, Sansón, Skándalo LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Skandalo replaced Forastero on Monday. Straight falls, Skandalo unmasking the Panther in the first fall, then Panther beating him in the second.
4) Blue Panther, Fuego, Rey Cometa b Misterioso Jr., Sagrado, Virus LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Tecnicos took 2/3.
5) Dragón Rojo Jr., Mr. Niebla, Pólvora b Guerrero Maya Jr., Johnny Idol, Máscara Dorada LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Rudos took 1/3, Niebla pinning Dorada in each fall.
6) Último Guerrero DQ Volador Jr. LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Tecnicos took 1/3. UG faked a foul (the same finish as in Puebla.)

I missed this show, but I did not miss this show. I was originally planning on rewatching, then thought about just running through to do times, and then started to wonder why I time things anyway.

Skandalo & The Panther appear to be feuding, but only get booked against each other once every three months. I don’t get it.

No midweek IWRG show this week.

LA Weekly has a long piece on Lucha Underground; the behind the scene pieces must mean Season 3 is really starting soon. The preview for episode 1 next week mentions a wheel to determine destiny and a Rey Mysterio match. LU season debuts include at least one really great match, and Rey Mysterio probably means they’ll continue that tradition.

Wednesday also means it’s really late to announce a card and have it take place this week, if you’re Elite. They announced there’d be no show Thursday last week, maybe we’ll get that again tomorrow. There’s still no hard news on what’s happened. There are plenty of rumors on Facebook that the promotion is moving to Gimnasio Juan de la Barrera. I’ve heard the same thing, but I can’t confirm it. It does make some sense – the people behind Elite are the people behind the old Todos x el Todos promotion, and they taped their television in Gimnasio Juan de la Barrera. They’re going to need some new names if they’re not working with CMLL. TxT was built around Hijo del Santo, and Hijo del Santo (and son) just happens to be back in circulation again. The pieces seem to fit, but again I can’t confirm any of this.

Whatever’s going on, it can’t have been much of a long term plan. It was just a few weeks ago where they brought in all of the Edecanes (and maybe Rey Escorpion since he was added to Liga Elite) to the Azteca studios to shoot footage for going in and out of breaks. There’s no reason to bother with that footage that’s no longer usable if you know you’re leaving soon. Everything is a hasty decision.

The Wrestling Observer says Alberto el Patron and WWE have agreed on a release. Alberto would be available to work in Mexico/internationally immediately, and in the US in a few weeks.  MLW says Alberto gave his notice two months ago (end of June?), noting it’s before his wellness test failure.

It’s easy to connect this one to the last bit: if Elite hasn’t contacted Alberto, they will be soon. They could use someone like him if they’re going out on their own. AAA probably wants him back too. CMLL would gladly take him (but probably not offer as much as the others because that’s they way to go.) The Crash fits too, though I don’t think anyone would’ve thought of Dorada vs Alberto as a dream match. All these deals are going to come down to money, and have probably been brewing for a while too.

Speaking of: Gran Metalik’s quarterfinal CWC match will air tonight.

Pagano says he doesn’t need hair to be Pagano. This is a correct statement.

There’s an outdoor lucha show in Chicago this Saturday.

Cross Armbreaker reviews Sangre Azteca vs Dragon Rojo from 2008, an underseen match.

Segunda Caida reviews Black Terry vs Demus 3:16.

Black Terry Jr. posted the Comando Negro versus El Pollo mask match, which is good because it’s a chicken defending his mask in a bloody mask, and because Comando Negro is quite a bit similar to Canis Lupus putting up his mask this weekend.

SuperLuchas points out Angel o Demonio was also wondering why AAA was allowed to do hardcore spots the indie guys are not allowed to do in Mexico City. (My guess is the commission has decided AAA is the same as WWE, and isn’t bothering.)

Lucha Memes Chairo 5 on 09/25 in Arena Naucalpan.
1: Volador Jr. vs Rey Horuz
2: a Lucha Memes vs IWRG Torneo FILL (8v8 cibernetico).
IWRG: Black Dragon, Kanon, Dragon FlyAtomic Star, Lilith Dark, Arana de Plata, Fireman, Demonio Infernal
Lucha Memes: Astrolux, Garrobo Punk, TekilitaBaby Star Jr., Black Metal, Ciber PunkTonak
3: Keira, Lady Maravilla, Magnifica vs Belial, Impulso, Arez

It looks like filming has wrapped up on Season 1 of the Blue Demon show.

Funcion Estelar has interviews with Hecatombe and Guerrera Isis.

Ciudad Juarez luchadors will be honored this weekend at the local sports Hall of Fame.

Apolo Valdes talks about TripleMania and previews the Anniversario.

Lineup

CMLL (TUE) 09/06/2016 Arena México
1) Fantasy & Último Dragóncito vs Pequeño Olímpico & Pequeño Violencia
2) Flyer, Magnus, Sensei vs Cancerbero, Metálico, Raziel
3) Hombre Bala Jr., Oro Jr., Súper Halcón Jr. vs Disturbio, Puma, Skándalo
4) Star Jr. vs Sagrado [lightning]
5) Blue Panther, Esfinge, Guerrero Maya Jr. vs Bobby Z, Dragón Rojo Jr., Pólvora
6) Atlantis, Stuka Jr., Titán vs Cavernario, Mephisto, Último Guerrero

They managed to team up Bobby Z with the Revolucionarios, so this is a moderately successful card by Tuesday standards.  Star Jr. versus Sagrado could be good. Hope they’re setting up something in the main event.

CMLL (TUE) 09/06/2016 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) El Yaqui & León Blanco vs Demonio Rojo & Thunder Boy
2) Robin, Star Black, Starman vs Hijo del Signo, Maléfico, Sangre Azteca
3) Princesa Sugehit, Silueta, Skadi vs Dalys, Reyna Isis, Zeuxis
4) Ángel de Oro, Dragón Lee, Valiente vs Hechicero, Kráneo, La Máscara
5) Marco Corleone, Máximo Sexy, Volador Jr. vs Rey Bucanero, Shocker, Terrible

Silueta returns to action (maybe). Dragon Lee and La Mascara cross paths again, as they probably will all week.

09/16 AAA TV Lineup (Playa del Carmen)

AAA
AAA

AAA TV (FRI) 09/16/2016 Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
1) Argenis, Dinastía, Faby Apache vs Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Lady Shani, Mini Histeria
2) Aerostar, Australian Suicide, El Elegido vs El Apache, Súper Fly, Taurus
3) Hijo del Fantasma © vs Daga [AAA CRUISER]
Fantasma fifth defense.
4) Dr. Wagner Jr., Rey Misterio Jr., Texano Jr. vs Brian Cage, El Mesías, Johnny Mundo

Garza Jr. & Taya are also listed as appearing. Taya will likely second the rudos in the main event, and I guess Garza Jr. is there either in case someone no-shows and/or to set up a match for Heroes Inmortales.

Air Date: 09/24 & maybe 10/01? This is either a overloaded show where one match will be on YouTube, or an underloaded show to be stretched over two weeks. We’d have more of an idea this weekend, if they announce a second taping in September on TV.

This is the usual Hard Rock resort show. Half the roster is working this show and has a fun weekend. The other half of the roster has two or maybe even three shows to work in outside of Mexico City this same night. That must’ve been interesting deciding who goes where.

Misterio does work another AAA show; maybe part of the deal for working TripleMania was to get this vacation. Dr. Wagner, who tried to cost the lead babyface in the promotion his mask on the last show, is apparently still a good guy.

Daga gets a cruiserweight title match, which makes no sense after TripleMania. Australian Suicide beat him, Australian Suicide is on the show, but wins and losses don’t mean all that much in AAA. What appears to be going on here is Daga is, even though Daga is remaining a rudo, AAA’s setting up him as the guy to get cheered in the mask versus hair match. Daga unfairly lost the Copa TripleMania and now he’s possibly going to unfairly lose the cruiserweight title when Suicide gets involved in some way.  I’m not sure why that’s the idea, but it’s the only reason you’d do thing this way. At least the Daga/Fantasma match should be fun before the ending. (And I think Fenix lost his #1 contendership.)

Next announced taping is 10/02, Heroes Inmortales in Monterrey. That lineup isn’t coming out until after ColiseoMania this weekend at the least.

Astral keeps title, Tuesday preview, CMLL/Elite?, AAA/Japan, loaded Crash card

Pierroth is not good
Pierroth is not good

CMLL (SUN) 08/28/2016 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [CMLL]
1) Micro b Destello
2) Destructor & Gitano b El Alteño & Javier Cruz Jr.
Rudos took 1/3.
3) Sky Kid & Smaker b Relámpago & Thunder Boy
Match came down to Sky Kid beating Relampago with a Spanish Fly
4) Furia Roja, Maléfico, Ráfaga b El Divino, León Blanco, Randy
Rudos took 1/3.
5) Joker, Mosco X Fly, Sádico DQ Frezzer, Mágico, Nautilius
Tecnicos took 2/3, the last when Sadico & Joder unmasked Nautilius & Frezzer.

X-Fly’s first match here since February. The four people involved in the finish have a tag match next week.

CMLL (MON) 08/29/2016 Arena Puebla [CMLL, Culticon, thecubsfan]
1) Artillero, El Malayo, Espíritu Negro b Arkalis, Meyer, Robin LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
14:19. Rudos took 1/3.
2) Black Tiger, Espíritu Maligno, Hombre Bala Jr. vs Ares, King Jaguar, Policeman LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
16:42. Tecnicos took 1/3. Espiritu Maligno replaced Super Halcon (still not back from injury.)
3) Astral © b Demus 3:16 [CMLL MINI] LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
15:20. Astral took 1/3, 6th defense.
4) Kráneo, Olímpico, Ripper b Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
12:00. Invasors took 1/3 and challenged for a trios title match.
5) Pierroth, Rey Escorpión, Rush b Rey Bucanero, Shocker, Terrible LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
15:32. Los Ingobernables took 1/3.
6) Dragón Lee & Volador Jr. DQ La Máscara & Máscara Dorada [Relevos Increíbles] LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE AGOSTO DEL 2016 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
9:09. Team Dragon/Volador took 2/3, the last when Mascara fouled and unmasked Lee.

The title match and the main event is worth seeking out.

Tonight’s Arena Mexico show has a Volador/Ultimo Guerrero singles match, a rematch of a recent bout in Puebla. Both men love matches with two short falls and a long third fall built around big moves and two counts, and I’m sure that’s what will happen here. No title is on the line, no title has ever been on the line when they’ve had a match, which does make the finish less certain. UG won the last match by faking a foul. Volador has won the previous three full length matches.

Volador and Ultimo Guerrero are two of CMLL’s biggest stars, and yet I’d be surprised if this was a bigger than usual. It’s kind of where CMLL is at as far as generating interest, and the Tuesday shows themselves have a negative stigma at this point too, I think. It did seem like it helped in Puebla.

The rest of the show is the usual randomly assembled trios matches. Mascara Dorada, Johnny Idolo and Guerrero Maya Jr. face Mr. Niebla, Dragon Rojo Jr. and Polvora, where Maya & Dragon will keep their issue going even if the programmers aren’t. The fourth match is Blue Panther, Rey Cometa, and Fuego against Virus, Sagrado and Misterioso. Blue Panther matches have unexpected finishes, and Misterioso loses in unexpected ways, so that will be an interesting combination. Pegasso & the Panther kids take on Sanson, Cuatrero, and Skandalo in the third match. It was scheduled to be Forastero to complete the Dinamita trio, but he was swapped back ‘home’ to Guadalajara while Skandalo was moved to Mexico City (so they probably had something else going on and asked for the switch.) It would’ve been a much more appealing match the other way.

The women’s trio is Skadi, Vaquerita and Estrellita against Comandante, Seductora, and Reina Isis, which doesn’t sound good. Flyer & Bengala take on Camorra & Cholo in the opener.

CultIcon reviews the show.

The show will air at 7:30pm on CMLL/YouTube. I think I’m skipping the show live to get other stuff done and watching it later.

Guadalajara tonight has the Dragon Lee versus Negro Casas title match, which should be great (and we’re unlikely to see.)

Apolo Valdes has heard a rumor Elite has broken up with CMLL and may continue on it’s own. There’s no confirmation yet. This would mean Elite would need a new venue to run shows and tape television. If Elite’s the one initiating the breakup, you’d think they would have already worked that out (and aren’t in danger of no longer running shows), but it’s hard to assume anything with Elite. There’s been no sign of a lineup this week so far.

There’s a lot of effects of an Elite/CMLL split – can CMLL wrestlers still work with Elite on their own time? Is Liga Elite officially done? Is Shocker no longer an announcer? Does that mean we have to watch more Shocker matches? – but might as well wait see how/if they’re handling this. Alfredo pointed out that it might be a good idea for Elite to lay low this week anyway. Everything is going to get lost in the shuffle between TripleMania and the Anniversary, maybe wait a week to come back and air a repeat this week.

On today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer said Alberto has been removed from all WWE lineups after his suspension has ended. The safe assumption is Alberto is done with WWE and will be opting out of his deal in the next month. I don’t take it for granted that he’ll be back in AAA or Mexico in general; it’s possible but not as much as a lock as last time. (There had been a rumor of Alberto being in Elite by December, but I guess that’s less likely today.)

In the Figure Four Weekly, Dr. Lucha has the TripleMania attendance as 14,000.

There’s a new Lucha Underground Season 3 preview commercial airing on El Rey, with a little bit of new footage.

An interview with Akebono about the 10/26 Star Battle War show says 20 AAA wrestlers will come from Japan, which is a lot more than I would’ve guessed, and more than CMLL wrestlers at any FantasticaMania show. It’s an Akebono produced AAA show with Japan guests at that point. It also suggests AAA knew Fenix was gone for a while, since he would’ve definitely been going to Japan if they’re bringing that many people and he’s not in the promotional artwork. Tickets will run from 15000 Yen ($146 USD) to 4000 ($39USD).

ROH’s World Champion Adam Cole is teasing some involvement in CMLL.

DTU has a 09/24 show in Arena Coliseo San Ramon. Names announced but no matches.

Lucha Memes Chairo 5 on 09/25 in Arena Naucalpan.
1: Volador Jr. vs Rey Horuz
2: a Lucha Memes vs IWRG Torneo FILL (8v8 cibernetico).
IWRG: Black Dragon, Kanon, Dragon FlyAtomic Star, Lilith Dark, Arana de Plata, Fireman, Demonio Infernal
Lucha Memes: Astrolux, Garrobo Punk, TekilitaBaby Star Jr., Black Metal, Ciber PunkTonak,

Jack Evans & Angelico are teaching a wrestling camp in Spain on September 28 & 29th.

Rey Misterio, MVP and Konnan are advertised for a new lucha promotion in Yakima, Washigton on 10/12.

DTU announced Mascara Dorada for their 10/16 show, so he’s sticking around for quite a while longer.

La Union talks to Cuernavaca’s Alas de Plata, who was the Alas de Plata on the most recent Cara Lucha show. The trio with Alas de Oro & Alas de Acero is going with Escuadron Celestial and they hope to team up more.

LuchaWorld has a fun interview with Los Traumas,  the latest news update and this week’s Poster-Mania

Segunda Caida reviews Kushida/Volador and Flamita/Xtreme Tiger, has the most accurate metaphor for the spread of the backcracker.

Cross Armbreaker reviews Dr. Cerbero vs Hijo del Diablo.

CultIcon has 10 things AAA should do after TripleMania.

Luchas 2000 #838 has a CMLL Anniversary preview. As does Box y Lucha #3249.

An interview with the ring announcer in Los Mochis.

SuperLuchas asks luchadors who they’re picking between La Mascara and Dragon Lee.

Lineups

CMLL (MON) 09/05/2016 Arena Puebla
1) Arkalis & Astro vs Espíritu Maligno & Mini Joker
2) Asturiano & Rey Samuray vs Ares & Policeman
3) Ángel de Oro, Stigma, Stuka Jr. vs Dragón Rojo Jr., Puma, Tiger
4) Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto © vs Kráneo, Olímpico, Ripper [MEX TRIOS]
7th defense
5) Carístico, Máscara Dorada, Mistico vs Cavernario, Mr. Niebla, Negro Casas
6) Dragón Lee vs La Máscara

Three days after CMLL has Dragon Lee vs La Mascara at their biggest (and most expensive) show of the year, and two days after they try to sell the show on VOD on YouTube, they will be doing the same match for free on their YouTube channel. The Anniversary match is going to be bigger and better, but it still seems odd to do the rematch that quick. (Maybe it’s almost reverse trailer – here’s the lesser match, now go pay for the real one?)

It’s a pretty good card otherwise, with the semimain match being a lot of fun depending on which Mr. Niebla get.

The Crash (SAT) 09/24/2016 Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Baja California
1) Arkángel Divino, Danny Limelight, Rayo Star vs Black Danger, Tiago, Último Maldito
2) Mr. Maldito, Tony Casanova, Zarco vs Bárbaro Cavernario, Puma (CMLL), Tiger (CMLL)
3) Bestia 666 vs Titán (CMLL)
4) Dragón Lee (CMLL) vs Laredo Kid vs Willie Mack, ? [Copa The Crash]
5) Máscara Dorada vs ?
6) Extreme Tiger, Rey Mysterio Jr., Rush vs Jeff Cobb, Mr. 450, Teddy Hart

A loaded show for Tijuana, with Misterio teaming with Rush for the first time. (Teddy Hart may be injured and may be back by this.) The poster actually lists “Rey Misterio 619” to separate him from all the rest.

No solid word about the people in those mystery spots, but lots of guesses.

new video releases for weekend of August 27-28th

PROESA and Noches de Coliseo were both repeats. IWRG aired only one new show this week, combing the Wednesday and Sunday shows. (Last Sunday’s show never aired.)

YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYyNnOBGWP7RYgPoKOKQckfiWCtWOWMO8

08/27 WWC & 08/28 WWC:  https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/6L4QqAwT5OECnMBrIcpcuEdefqoiNh5OgBiDyVwHHMr?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy

CMLL on ClaroSports.com: 2016-08-26
taped 2016-08-26 @ Arena México
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/dlkjdeqh5e3QW0KTRMFbCUb1hQoZQ9p0SulAFuryF07?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
1) Sensei & Starman vs Disturbio & Sangre Azteca
2) Blue Panther Jr., Fuego, The Panther vs Fujin, Okumura, Raijin
3) Soberano Jr. vs Hechicero in a lightning match
4) Euforia, Gran Guerrero, Rey Bucanero vs Golden Magic, Sharlie Rockstar, Súper Crazy
5) Pierroth, Rey Escorpión, Rush vs Máximo Sexy, Shocker, Terrible in a relevos increíbles match
6) Carístico, Dragón Lee, Mistico vs La Máscara, Negro Casas, Último Guerrero

AAA on Televisa: 2016-08-27
taped 2016-08-19 @ Auditorio Benito Juárez, Veracruz, Veracruz
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/KXywI5zNHRAGFd3HdvBUcVdWCQtUX39rPkelKzlwiRV?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
1) Big Mami, Mary Apache, Niño Hamburguesa vs El Apache, Lady Shani, Taya
2) Garza Jr. & Hijo del Fantasma vs Aerostar & Drago and Daga & Joe Lider
3) Monsther Clown, Murder Clown, Psycho Clown vs Damián 666, Nicho el Millionario, Pagano in a cage match

CMLL Guerreros del Ring on 52MX: 2016-08-27
taped 2016-08-15 @ Arena Puebla
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/nfzOmRDB0H01AF8bapVlceneElZ57d7p51QoGSMbt3L?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
1) Fuego, Stigma, Stuka Jr. vs Fujin, Okumura, Raijin
2) Black Tiger vs Ares for the mask
3) Atlantis, Máscara Dorada, Mistico vs Cavernario, Felino, Mr. Niebla

CMLL Lucha Azteca: 2016-08-27
taped 2016-07-29 @ Arena México
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/16htVevlSBUNrFpDjvklQIf4j7rnvaZ8GBPgSaBwXkA?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
1) Dragón Lee vs La Máscara
2) Eléctrico & Último Dragóncito vs Mercurio & Pequeño Nitro
3) Marco Corleone, Máximo Sexy, Volador Jr. vs Shocker, Terrible, Último Guerrero

Lucha Azteca7 Elite: 2016-08-27
taped 2016-08-21 @ Arena México
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/4o8yuC8QbLSjKxVwFIQfvW9s4k8X6AqL7hOUd1aHMg3?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
1) Golden Magic & Valiente vs Rey Escorpión & Sharlie Rockstar
2) El Bandido, Emperador Azteca, Metaleón vs Decnnis, Fresero Jr., Zumbido
3) Estrellita & Lluvia vs Keira & Muñeca De Plata
4) Dragón Lee vs Flamita
5) Máximo, Súper Crazy, Xtreme Tiger vs Bárbaro Cavernario, Felino, Mr. Niebla

IWRG Zona XXI: 2016-08-29
taped 2016-08-28 @ Arena Naucalpan
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/JfbqSRhDsYkbMHGE6uOKASVmbgGVFgAkMLR86A8khFZ?ref_=cd_ph_share_link_copy
1) Astro, Rey Piscis, Súper Caló Jr. vs Resplandor, Resplandor Jr., Scorpió 2.0
2) Hijo De Octagon, Hurcan Ramírez Jr., Máscara Sagrada Jr. vs Histeria, Monsther, Scorpió Jr.
taped 2016-08-24 @ Arena Naucalpan
3) Cadilac & Shadow Boy vs Rosario Negro & Viajero Extremo
4) Astro, Black Dragón, Hijo del Alebrije vs Hanaoka, Skanda, Yakuza
5) Hip Hop Man © vs Dragón Fly [AIWA ARGENTINA CRUISER]

08/28 AAA TV Results (TripleMania XXIV)

TripleMania
TripleMania

AAA TV (SUN) 08/28/2016 Arena Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal [411Mania, AAA, Culticon, Kronosport, Medio Tiempo (3), Medio Tiempo (6), Medio Tiempo (7),Publimetro, R de Rudo, Sipse, SuperLuchas, Tape Machines are Rolling, Televisa, thecubsfan, Wrestling With Words, Yucatan]
1) Australian Suicide b La Parka, El Elegido, Taurus, Hernandez, Pimpinela Escarlata, Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Daga, Súper Fly, Zorro, Mamba, Argenis [TripleMania Cup]
21:13. Moved to the first match. Rules were revealed to be the first four starting in the ring, someone new added every minute, over the top eliminations and the last two having a match. Argenis was the surprise luchador (though he wasn’t identified as such, and came off as a replacement for someone.) Mamba, Suicide, Daga & Parka started. Parka was the last one thrown out, with Suicide & Daga lasting the whole way to face each other. Suicide got the three count after his tornillo shooting star press, though Daga’s foot was on the ropes. Daga had dedicated the win to Perro Aguayo Jr. and attacked Suicide after he was given the win. The trophy broke in the process.
2) Faby Apache & Mary Apache NC Averno & Chessman
Around 9:07, no official ending. Moved up a spot. El Apache was referee, helping the rudos early on but stopping them when Averno tried to hit Faby with a beer bottle (as Faby had done to him.) Rudos attacked Apache, preventing him from counting a Faby visual pin on Chessman. Averno hit Faby with a light tube in the back, causing her to bleed heavily from the forehead. El Apache made the save and called for the doctors. Ricky Marvin ran in and hit El Apache with a chair, causing him to bleed as well. The match had no finish or ending, and the best guess is no contest. Averno, Chessman, and Ricky Marvin are now known as OGT.
3) Aerostar & Drago b Angélico & Jack Evans © and Matt Cross & Paul London and Garza Jr. & Hijo del Fantasma [AAA TAG]
11:49. Garza Jr. replaced Fenix, who was never mentioned. Cross & London’s AAA debut. Drago pinned London to win the titles in the best match on the show. Aerostar & Drago are the 17th champions. Angelico & Jack fall on their first defense; this is the second time they’ve lost the titles without being pinned this year.
4) Johnny Mundo b Pentagón Jr. © [AAA LA]
15:05. Mundo defeated Pentagon Jr. when Taya fouled Pentagon. Taya & Mundo are now together in AAA. Mundo is the 7th champion. Pentagon Jr. falls on his first defense.
5) Dragón Azteca Jr., Prince Puma, Rey Misterio Jr. b Marty Martinez, Matanza, Mil Muertes
11:55. Only Vampiro (as special guest announcer) and Misterio were given entrances. Rey wore Perro Aguayo Jr.’s boots, and “Perrito” on the back of his gear. Misterio beat Marty with a frog splash.
6) Texano Jr. © b Dr. Wagner Jr., Cage [AAA HEAVY]
11:16. Moved up a spot. Texano small packaged Cage for the win. First defense. After the match, Hernandez, Mesias, Taya and Mundo helped Cage attack Texano. Mesias posed with the belt. Aerostar, Drago and Garza were all unsuccessful in making the save.
7) Psycho Clown b Pagano [hair, mask]
27:46. Extreme match, with chairs and tables and thumbtacks. Damian & Nicho ran in near the end, Dr. Wagner Jr. made the save, but fouled Psycho Clown. Pagano and Wagner lit a table on fire, then immediately were speared into the table by Psycho Clown. Psycho Clown pinned Pagano for the win. Tirantes was referee, played it fair most of the time, fast counted to help Pagano near the end, then counted the final pinfall without much of an issue. Monster & Murder Clown celebrated with Psycho Clown after the match. Wagner stopped the post match preceedings to challenge Psycho Clown to a mask match in one year’s time, at TripleMania XXV. Psycho Clown accepted, and AAA confirmed it as the plan for next year after the show. Pagano got his head (quickly) shaved in the ring.

Air Date: 09/10 & 09/17.

AAA did the scene at the end of the with the idea they would actually have Dr. Wagner Jr. versus Psycho Clown next year. This time last year, AAA would’ve thought they had Rey Misterio, Myzteziz and Alberto in this year’s main event. This time a year ago, Dr. Wagner was trying to get back into CMLL. A lot can change in a year, and neither AAA or Wagner himself are all that stable. It’s also a very expensive match, and AAA’s seemed to be having financial issues at times. Wagner/Psycho match would be a very big deal match (and one where Wagner would seem likely to finally lose his mask), but it’s a long way from happening.

AAA’s recap only mentions Garza Jr. as running in to save Texano after the title match. It could just be an accidental omission of Drago & Aerostar (the new tag team champions who were mostly laid out off-screen), but AAA’s got a big show in Monterrey in five weeks and it’s the time to do something with him if they’re going to do it. They seemed to point at Mundo/Garza, which justifies the title change in a short sided way.

The building looked full, though we didn’t get a lot of shots of the entire building. (We got lots of close-ups of fans instead.) Joaquin Roldan did say it was a sell out, which is a big success given the lack of star power on the show compared to past years.

Fenix is be done in AAA right now. There was no mention of him on the show, even though they were promoting him on the show as recently as the TV show the night before. He’s already taken dates on Heroes Inmortales weekend. The Pentagon/Fenix match is not happening in AAA. My impression is the problem between Fenix/AAA are not insurmountable (it’s not as bad as Flamita/AAA), but any Mexico lineups currently listed as having Fenix should be treated as false. (The only one I have is the 09/16 show in Ecatepec.) AAA has previously warned there wrestlers that they would lose their role in Lucha Underground if they leave AAA; this hasn’t seemed to apply to Sexy Star and it’ll be worth watching if it happens with Fenix.

(It’s weird that the Fenix & Fantasma team introduction was done in Toluca, the same place the Octagon Jr. character was introduced. Both started great and didn’t last long.)

I had heard Pentagon was also done, but he wrestled as scheduled. This was incorrect info, and I apologize for posting it.

El Cuadrilatero bemoans Wagner stealing the spotlight at the end of the show. If AAA’s going to continue to borrow layout ideas from the WWE model, they should probably take the “RAW after WrestleMania” formula and schedule a TV taping in Mexico City the day after TripleMania every year. There’s logistical reasons to do it – instead of giving away TripleMania on TV two weeks after it airs, it can be the end of the year repeat programming – but it’d also let them set up their new programs without squeezing them all into TripleMania. In this case, it might have flowed better if Wagner to get involved at TripleMania, but the big challenge was saved for the next day as to not overshadow the result of the main event. (Running TripleMania on Sunday makes this harder to do, but I think they could fill Naucalpan on a Monday night.)

Pagano thanked fans for their support. He listed Nicho & Damian as part of his group. Halloween wasn’t at the show, and I’m beginning to wonder if he just invited himself to the pilgrimage and isn’t in AAA any more.

+Lucha has interviews with Pagano and Psycho Clown following the main event.

Joe Lider’s bleeding heavily in the Mundo/Pentagon match was very random. Lider was a surprise wrestler in hardcore promotion NGX Saturday and bled a bunch, so it likely was the wounds from the previous night opening up really easily.

Aerostar & Drago winning the tag team titles was a genuine surprise, as was Daga & Suicide being in the finals of Copa TripleMania. The Aerostar/Drago bit was hurt when they were later used as disposable bodies for Team Trump to beat. My fear is they’re being set up as small guys for Hernandez and Cage to squash while winning the tag titles, my hope is Jack & Angelico get a rematch.

(The Team Trump sure seems like it has an expiration date of November, but AAA also seems to be aiming to carry it thru the rest of the year at least.)

Here’s the three video posts I put up about Matt Striker & Vampiro:

  • Matt Striker referring to a Pentagon tope con giro as “doing it for Bengahzi”
  • Matt Striker going off on either the audience for not liking the above, or on generally on people who question his political views on Twitter
  • Matt Striker & Vampiro entertaining themselves (and pretty much only themselves) during the Lucha Underground match.

The more I think about it, the more I believe Vampiro was kind of forced into doing announcing and didn’t really want any part of it. He absolutely acted like a person who did not want to be out there. (His actual role may have been agenting the Pagano/Psycho match, as it felt like LU matches.)

Matt Striker’s not going to change. The fault lies on AAA on bringing him back time after time. He’s gotten basically the same reviews every time, and AAA doesn’t seem to care all that much. Maybe AAA waiting to the last moment to announce Striker & Hugo was because they couldn’t find anyone else, or maybe it’s because they knew the reaction they’d get. All I know is when I get plenty of people telling me they switched to the Spanish commentators (who are not much better if you understand Spanish), then you’ve really defeated the purpose of having English commentary.

The reality is this is probably a dead issue for, since AAA’s not going to bother with an English feed for Heroes Inmortales and probably not Guerra de Titanes, if they’re even iPPVs.

A while after the show ended (though curiously not during the show), AAA announced participation on a multiple promotion show in Korakuen Hall on 10/26 called Star Battle Japan. It’s a home and home for the Lucha World Cup; many of the Japanese promotions who participated (Noah, Ouduo, Wave, Zero1) are listed on the show. Rey Mysterio, Pentagon Jr., Psycho Clown, Cage and Taya are pictured. In Japan, they’ve mentioned Akebono will wrestle. (He seems to be the entire Ouduo promotion, so he has to if they’re part of it.)

Note that Mysterio is an independent guy, and not an AAA exclusive. He’s working the next The Crash show, which will also have Rush on it. Working the Japan show doesn’t mean necessarily he’s in for more AAA (though it’s always nice to see him.)

The next taping is scheduled to be on 09/16. AAA’s been acting squirrely about that show on TV, but it is listed on the Hard Rock Riveria Maya’s site. The show after that is Heroes Inmortales, and both lineups may be out soon.