CMLL Tuesdays results, H2L press conference next week, Rey de Reyes

maybe a little safer next time

CMLL (TUE) 01/30/2018 Arena México [CMLL, CulticonNotimex]
1) Shockercito & Stukita b Mercurio & Pequeño Nitro LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE ENERO DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
tecnicos took 2/3.
2) Espanto Jr., Hijo del Signo, Sangre Azteca b Flyer, Magia Blanca, Magnus LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE ENERO DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
rudos took 1/3
3) Audaz, Fuego, Tritón b Cancerbero, Nitro, Raziel LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE ENERO DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Nitro replaced Kawato (immigration) on Saturday
4) Tiger b Disturbio [lightningLUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE ENERO DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Tiger beat Disturbio with a casita in five minutes.
5) Ephesto, Luciferno, Pólvora b Blue Panther Jr., Guerrero Maya Jr., Stuka Jr. LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE ENERO DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
rudos took 1/3.
6) Ángel de Oro, Dragón Lee, Rush DQ Cuatrero, Shocker, Terrible LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES EN LA ARENA MEXICO 30 DE ENERO DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
tecnicos took straight falls, the last when Cuatrero unmasked Angel de Oro

This was a show. Audaz is pretty good. They’re very focused on the Angel de Oro/Cuatrero thing and not much else.

CMLL (TUE) 01/30/2018 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [CMLL]
1) El Rielero & Magnum b Frezzer & Furia Roja
straight falls
2) Kaho Kobayshi, La Jarochita, Princesa Sugehit vs Dalys, Metálica, Reyna Isis
Kobayshi’s CMLL debut. Kaho took falls 1/3.
3) Difunto, Misterioso Jr., Virus b Esfinge, Rey Cometa, Star Jr.
Star Jr. replaced Drone on Saturday. Difunto replaced Sagrado on Tuesday. Rudos took 1/3.
4) Forastero, Sansón, Universo 2000 Jr. b Niebla Roja, Soberano Jr., Titán
5) Johnny Idol, Okumura, Sam Adonis DQ Blue Panther, Carístico, Valiente
Okumura fouled Blue Panther.

Kobayashi’s match airing depends on one of the later matches not airing. That tends to happen when Mr. Niebla is involved in one of that matches and doesn’t seem as likely this week. It’s CMLL, she’ll eventually make YouTube so much that you’ll get a little bored of seeing her. (Though Maligna’s pretty much disappeared since her debut.)

CMLL will hold a press conference a week from today to announce details for this year’s Homenaje a Dos Leyendas. CMLL hasn’t really begun to hint at a match that’ll be the main event of the second biggest show on CMLL’s calendar, unless the Angel de Oro/Cuatrero feud is meant to be a much bigger deal than anyone understand at the moment. This is much earlier than usual to announce these things, so perhaps the announcement will be limited just to the date and to the identity of the luchador who will be honored along side of CMLL founder Salvador Lutteroth, with no matches announced yet. There’s no real hint about who might be honored this year either.

(CMLL doesn’t usually announce they’re holding press conferences publicly; the official press finds out and everyone else has to see if they’re saying anything. This is another change, though small.)

CMLL announced a new TV deal yesterday. First thing first: if you’re reading this, you probably don’t need to go out of your way to see CMLL’s TV in general. Anything CMLL is recording for TV is also streamed online and ends up on their YouTube channel at this point. TV has names under the wrestlers which makes it easier to get up to speed and may have extra interviews, but you’re already getting the same matches. This is more of the people who, for some reason, have better things to do than go on YouTube looking thru two hour video streams for the one match they actually want to see.

Anyway, CMLL announced they’ll be back on Teleformula starting on February 11th. They’ll air Sundays at 1pm. There’s no mention of which matches will end up airing. Teleformula is a cable channel in both Mexico and the US, though it’s not carried by every cable/satellite system in the US and usually locked away on a Spanish-language only package. Teleformula is on most systems in Mexico, so this gives CMLL something along the same level of visibility as AAA’s shows on the TDN cable channel (though TDN also repeats AAA’s show multiples as week and airs Zona Ruda.) It’s an improvement to CMLL’s TV picture but shouldn’t be expected to have a big affect on their business.

(As with AAA on Space, this is not yet listed on Teleformula’s schedule.)

Teleformula previously aired CMLL matches from Guadalajara from 2010-2011, and matches from IWRG the year before that. The IWRG shows were notorious for showing the same episodes over and over again. It was a bit better when CMLL had the slot. That’s a long time ago now so maybe it won’t feel like the network has lucha libre on just to occupy a time slot this time around.

AAA held a press conference in Puebla to promote the Rey de Reyes show. The key message was Fantasma/Texano was going to be big, and AAA running in the new Acropolis building means it’ll be their biggest show in the city ever. They’re suggested they might reach 10,000 for this showVampiro says he’s to be booked in the undercard. There will be a Rey de Reyes tournament on the show, though they didn’t offer any specifics on how it’ll work this year. They’re trying to push this as the best AAA show ever outside of Mexico City. That’s debatable at best, but makes sense as a marketing concept when you’er trying to get more people coming to your show in this town then you’ve ever had before.

FREEDOMS announced Kenji Fukimoto will be coming to DTU from March 15th-17th. He’ll challenge Violento Jack for the FREEDOMS title on the 17th in Tulancingo, and also be part of not yet announced shows in Xalapa & Cuernavaca on the other two days.

+LuchaTV’s podcast has Los Reyes del Biutiful as guests.

It looks like there’s a show in Morelia focused on hearing impaired wrestlers this weekend. It looks like Cruz del Silencio is running it, in part to celebrate 10 years of being a luchador.

Lineups

CMLL (SUN) 02/04/2018 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) Micro vs Destructor
2) Capitán Cobra & Cosmos vs Mr. Apolo & Relámpago Azul
3) El Alteño, Mágico, Tigre Blanco vs Linterna, Mr. Brisa, Thunder Boy
4) Black Sugar & Neutrón vs Gran Kenut & León Blanco
5) Esfinge, Kempo Dragón, Tritón vs Exterminador, Maléfico, Príncipe Kisho

It’s peculiar for Esfinge & Triton to be working this show, and the Sinaloa guys being in means they’re setting up something.

CMLL (MON) 02/05/2018 Arena Puebla
1) París & Vega vs Policeman & Saurón
2) Astro & Último Dragóncito vs Joker & Pierrothito
3) Lestat, Starman, Tigre Rojo Jr. vs El Perverso, Hijo del Signo, Rey Apocalipsis
4) Stigma vs Tiger [lightning]
5) Dragón Lee, Soberano Jr., Titán vs Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto
6) Atlantis, Pierroth, Rush vs Gran Guerrero, Marco Corleone, Último Guerrero [Relevos Increíbles]

Main event should be more Atlantis/UG, with incredible sides to avoid Rush & Pierroth being opponents.

Astro is fun when he turns up here. The opener is Sauron’s first known match since December 2016.

UG goes after Atlantis’ mask (again), next The Crash Tijuana card

I hope you have something that makes you as happy as Ultimo Guerrero is when he steals Atlantis’ mask.

CMLL (MON) 01/29/2018 Arena Puebla [CMLL, Incidencia]
1) El Hijo De Centella Roja & Millenium b Ares & Sombra Diabólika LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE ENERO DEL 2018 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
tecnicos took 2/3.
2) Asturiano, Lestat, Príncipe Diamante b Espíritu Maligno, Guerrero Espacial, Rey Apocalipsis LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE ENERO DEL 2018 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
tecnicos took 1/3, the middle fall being Dqed for crotching a rudo around the post.
3) Misterioso Jr., Sagrado, Tiger DQ Blue Panther Jr., Stigma, The Panther LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE ENERO DEL 2018 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
rudos took 2/3, the last when Tiger hit Tirantes from behind, faked a foul, and successfully blamed it all on Stigma.
4) Rey Bucanero, Shocker, Terrible b Ángel de Oro, Diamante Azul, Niebla Roja LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE ENERO DEL 2018 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
rudos took 1/3.
5) Atlantis, Dragón Lee, Rush DQ Euforia, Gran Guerrero, Último Guerrero LA MEJOR LUCHA LIBRE EN VIVO DESDE LA ARENA PUEBLA 29 DE ENERO DEL 2018 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
tecnicos took 2/3, the last with UG unmasking Atlantis and demanding the mask/hair match.

A skippable show. Tiger & Misterioso seem to have worked out (or forgotten) their problems, I guess that’s nice.

Tonight’s Arena Mexico show doesn’t look much better. The big interest was going to be Kawato’s debut. That’s pushed out three days now. The main event is Rush, Dragon Lee, Angel de Oro versus Shocker, Terrible, Cuatrero, which is almost a good match. The lightning match is Disturbio versus Tiger. There is no Kawato, but there is a tecnico side of Fuego, Triton, and Audaz dealing with Nitro, Raziel and Cancerbero in a mismatch. The show will air on YouTube at 7:30pm as normal.

Battle-News caught up with Okumura & Kaho Kobayshi before they came to Mexico. Okumura stayed in Japan a little longer to get a check up on his neck, which went well. They both noted they’re going right from the plane to the road, both wrestling in Guadalajara tonight. The Axis of Evil face Blue Panther, Caristico and Valiente. Kobayshi teams with Jarochita & Princesa Sugehit against Dalys, Metalica and Reyna Isis. This show does not air live. The top matches will air on a stream on Saturday night. Kobayashi’s match usually does not air.

Beside Star Jr. replacing Drone tonight in Guadalajara, Difunto will also be in for Sagrado.

AAA posted footage of a pre-show training sessions in Cuernavaca with popular YouTuber Escorpion Dorado.

On his Facebook, Vampiro says AAA brought in “professional coaches to help people deal with the pressures of the entertainment industry.”

Arena Aficion turns 66 tomorrow.

X-Peria took Fantastik’s hair in AKE’s Tijuana promotion on Saturday.

LuchaWorld has this week’s Poster-Mania.

+LuchaTV has a sit down interview with Rey Bucanero.

Luchador Angel del Puebla passed away.

Rayo de Jalisco, Mascara Sagrada Jr., Cien Caras Jr. and Espectro Jr. are headed to New York on 02/18. This is more sort of a warning than an advertisement.

I don’t know what J@st is, but they and others hashtagging their posts with CMLL today. Some Google Translate magic seems to tell me it’s a new Japanese women’s promotion debuting in Tokyo on 02/27 and they’re advertising some unspecific CMLL involvement.

Lineup

The Crash (FRI) 02/16/2018 Auditorio de Tijuana, Tijuana, Baja California
1) Cardenal Jr., Rayo Star, Súper Caló Jr. vs Búfalo Ayala, Jonathan, Último Maldito
2) Bestia 666, Garza Jr., Mr. 450 vs Arkángel Divino, Astrolux, Black Boy
3) Black Danger & Lacey Lane vs Diosa Atenea & Douglas James and Danny Limelight & Lady Flammer
4) Willie Mack vs Black Taurus vs Hijo de Pirata Morgan vs Sharlie Rockstar [The Crash HEAVY, torneo]
5) Daga & Masada vs Aeroboy & Violento Jack [TLC]
6) CIMA, Extreme Tiger, Rey Horus vs Penta Zero M, Rey Mysterio Jr., The King

The poster says the fourth match is elimination match for the heavyweight title. Rey Mysterio Jr. won the heavyweight title in December. There’s no explanation of what’s meant to be going on here, as always. It could just be winner gets the title shot (in which case Taurus vs Rey needs to happen.) It could be that Rey is going back to WWE and they’re moving the title onto someone else, but that hasn’t been at all a concern with the tag team titles so I don’t know why they would care. Plus, it’s hard to believe The Crash going from the last people to know Riddle wasn’t coming to the first person knowing Rey is signing full time with WWE. (Then again, the only difference would be Rey actually telling someone.)

I would assume this won’t be explained unless we all get annoying about it and I don’t care enough about his one – if Rey really is going back to WWE, we’ll know well in advance of 02/16. I still don’t think Rey’s going unless he gets a superb part time deal and I don’t know WWE is any more willing to do that. But we’ll see, and it obviously has a big impact here and with Arolucha, along with any other group’s that’s already announced Rey this year.

Rebelion Amarilla working a second match and not the opener is just wrong. Go all the way with the bit.

new lucha videos for the weekend of January 26, 2018

CMLL Guadalajara: 2018-01-27
taped 2018-01-23 @ Arena Coliseo Guadalajara – Mega/YouTube
1) Eléctrico, Mágico, Magnus vs Arkángel de la Muerte, Freezer, Metálico
2) Blue Panther Jr., Starman, The Panther vs Hijo del Signo, Misterioso Jr., Sagrado
3) Diamante Azul vs Terrible

CMLL Lucha Azteca: 2018-01-28
taped 2018-01-19 @ Arena México – Mega
1) Lady Maravilla, Marcela, Princesa Sugehit vs Amapola, Tiffany, Zeuxis
2) Kráneo vs Hechicero in a lightning match
3) Carístico, Diamante Azul, Marco Corleone vs Rey Bucanero, Terrible, Vangellys

IWRG Zona XXI: 2018-01-29
taped 2018-01-28 @ Arena Naucalpan – Mega/YouTube
1) Celestial Boy vs OdínShadow BoyAlas de AceroSúper Brazo Jr.
2) Liderk, Spartan, Spector vs Black Dragón, Dinamic Black, Dragón Fly
3) Trauma I & Trauma II vs Hijo del Pantera & Internacional Pantera in a super libre match
4) Lunatic Xtreme vs Demonio Infernal for the hair
5) Bombero Infernal © vs Dr. Cerebro for the IWRG Intercontinental Middleweight Championship

Lunatik Extreme shaves Demonio Infernal, Artillero becomes Príncipe Odín Jr.

photo by Black Terry Jr.

IWRG (SUN) 01/28/2018 Arena Naucalpan [Black Terry Jr.The Gladiatores]
1) Haziel b Black Puma
2) Odín b Celestial BoyShadow BoyAlas de AceroSúper Brazo Jr.
Odin pinned Alas de Acero
3) Cerebro Negro, Eterno, Leroy b Aramis, Emperador Azteca, Hijo del Alebrije
Cerebro Negro wants a title shot at Emperador Azteca
4) Liderk, Spartan, Spector b Black Dragón, Dinamic Black, Dragón Fly
Announced as a EDM TRIOS title match, but Spector replaced Rayan (injury). They cheated to win. Spartan and Black Dragon challenged for a a hair match.
5) Hijo del Pantera & Internacional Pantera b Trauma I & Trauma II [super libre]
Ovett got involved, taking out referee Reyes Rosas after a dive. Babe Richard, who had just been sitting in the crowd with the commissioner, came into the ring as a replacement referee, and gave the win to the Traumas. Post match set up all three Panteras vs Los Traumas and Ovett (as a third Trauma!)
6) Lunatic Xtreme b Demonio Infernal [hair]
Bloody match. Lunatik Xtreme was awarded the win originally, but it sounds like the referee mistakenly counted three even though Demonio had his shoulder up. The commission ordered the match restarted and Lunatik beat Demonio quickly with an brutal piledriver.
7) Dr. Cerebro b Bombero Infernal © [IWRG IC MIDDLE]
Dr. Cerebro wins the title for the first time, and is the 40th champion. Bombero loses on his first defense. Bombero hit Cerbero with a chair after the match, cutting open Cerebro’s head.

Black Terry Jr. posted live video of Xtreme & Infernal on Facebook live. That piledriver was so brutal. This may air on AYM tonight.

With last week’s Puebla show having a singles back, they’re back to square one on tonight’s show. It’s another card mostly about FantasticaMania guys returning after a couple weeks: Atlantis, Dragon Lee and a tecnico Rush take on the Guerreros in the main event. The tercera includes Misterioso & Tiger on the rudo side, where Tiger is at least trying to feud with Misterioso even if no one else notices. Asturiano is among the locals on tonight’s show, which starts at the usual 9pm start on YouTube.

There’s also a CMLL heavy Generacion XXI show tonight in Irapuato, with Caristico & Mistico against Mr. Niebla & Volador Jr., and Los Traumas vs Hechicero & Virus. Clips and occasional full matches turn up on +LuchaTV’s channel after a while.

CMLL’s Artillero is now known as Príncipe Odín Junior. One of his brothers – not Super Comando or Bengala – used the name in the indies before passing away last summer. Artillero wants to honor him and his father, the original Príncipe Odín. It’s unlikely Artillero will progress out of the early matches after being in them since 2001 even with a new name, but it doesn’t seem like it’s that kind of character change. You can file this under ‘CMLL changes in 2018’ though.

LuchaWorld has the latest news update, including a recap of the post-show interviews from Fridays.

Terrible says Vangellys will be out 6-9 months after his knee injury last Monday in Puebla.

Segunda Caida writes about Tigre Rojo vs Barbaro I

Lineups

IWRG (WED) 01/31/2018 Arena Naucalpan
1) Ángel Dorado I, Keiser Drago, Puma de Oro vs Biosfera, Charly Boy, Kraken
2) Dragón Orus, Fireman, Rayado vs Black Puma, Guerrero 2000, Voltar
3) Dranzer, Full Contact, Hausser vs Chicanito, Dragón Infernal, Power Bull
4) Celestial Boy, Haziel, Príncipe Omni vs Adrenalina, Dragón Bane, Voltan
5) Chico Che, Mike, Súper Brazo Jr. vs Hijo Del Bombero, Ovett, Skanda
6) Alas de Acero, Aramis, Black Dragón, Demonio Infernal, Diablo Jr., Lunatic Xtreme, Odín, Shadow Boy vs Admanantium, Balak, Energia, La Mosca, Moto Cross, Orión, Príncipe Negro, Rey Lagarto [Copa Higher Power]

Wednesday IWRG trainee shows are back. The main event includes Dr. Cerebro trainees, who do not seem to have a home base (but do include a lot of people who seem to have been Neza trainees before.)

CMLL (SAT) 02/03/2018 Arena Coliseo
1) Acero & Aéreo vs Pequeño Universo 2000 & Pequeño Violencia
2) Lady Maravilla, Maligna, Sanely vs Amapola, La Seductora, Tiffany
3) Starman vs Oro Jr. [lightning]
4) Fuego, Pegasso, Star Jr. vs Olímpico, Sangre Azteca, Universo 2000 Jr.
5) Blue Panther, Guerrero Maya Jr., Stuka Jr. vs Felino, Kráneo, Mr. Niebla
6) Ángel de Oro, Atlantis, Dragón Lee vs Cuatrero, Máscara Año 2000, Sansón

Olimpico’s first match in about three months.

CMLL (SUN) 02/04/2018 Arena México
1) Fantasy & Último Dragóncito vs Pequeño Olímpico & Pierrothito
2) Retro, Robin, Sensei vs Arkángel de la Muerte, Metálico, Príncipe Odín Jr.
3) Blue Panther Jr., Fuego, The Panther vs Disturbio, Kawato San, Pólvora
4) Diamante Azul, Marco Corleone, Niebla Roja vs Johnny Idol, Okumura, Sam Adonis
5) Atlantis, Mistico, Volador Jr. vs Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto

Principe Odin’s debut in the second match.

AAA big crowd, CMLL weekend results, Mexa Wrestling

photo by Black Terry Jr.

CMLL (SAT) 01/27/2018 Arena Coliseo [CMLL]
1) Apocalipsis & Yago b Bengala & Sensei
2) Pequeño Olímpico, Pequeño Violencia, Pierrothito b Angelito, Fantasy, Último Dragóncito
Angelito’s first match since October.
3) Tiger, Universo 2000 Jr., Virus b Audaz, Pegasso, Stigma
rudos took 2/3
4) Guerrero Maya Jr. DQ Fuego [lightning]
Fuego lost his head and unmasked Guerrero Maya for the DQ.
5) Cuatrero, Felino, Rey Bucanero b Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Soberano Jr.
Rudos took 1/3. Cuatrero & Angel de Oro swapped the first two falls, weren’t involved in the last.
6) Atlantis, Marco Corleone, Volador Jr. b Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto
tecnicos took 1/3.

Rudo Fuego is probably just randomness. I guess we’ll see.

MEXA WRESTLING (SAT) 01/27/2018 Arena San Juan Pantitlan, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México [+LuchaTV, Black Terry Jr. (Flickr)CarxyusEstrellas del Ring, The Gladiatores]
1) Sobrdosis b Atomic StarLunatik Fly
2) Leo, Mike, Rafy, Teelo b Astrolux, Hijo De Panther, Pumita, Torito
3) Keyra b Lady Flammer
4) Trauma I & Trauma II b Arez & Eterno
5) Corsario Negro Jr. & Drako b Freelance & Mike Segura
6) Ricky Marvin b AramisToxin
After the match, Indy Nation sang happy birthday to Toxin and invited him to join. He said no and got beat up.
7) Centvrión b Metaleón Centurión vs Metaleón | Mexa Wrestling | 27-01-18 (posted by TVLuchaMundial)
said to be a great match

Centvrion and Metaleon are probably headed to a mask match sometime in 2018; they made the challenges again after this match, as they did in XMW. I’m not sure it’ll happen in this promotion. They drew badly once again. The way people are promoting these action matches cards in Arena San Juan is clearly not working, they draw less than hope for every time, someone really needs to try a something different to make people care. It’s been this way for a while and no one’s tried a something different, so I don’t suspect it’ll change.

The Ninja Turtles, inspired by WWE RAW 25, started doing WWE tribute spots during their match.

AAA (SAT) 01/27/2018 Plaza de Arams General Emiliano Zapata, Cuernavaca, Morelos [AAAEl Sol de CuautlaLa Union]
1) Angelikal, Hijo Del Vikingo, Solaris b Ángel Mortal Jr., Tigger Boy, Villano III Jr.
2) Australian Suicide, Dave The Clown, Estrella Divina b Dark Cuervo, Dark Scoria, Niño Hamburguesa
3) Averno, Chessman, Súper Fly b Aerostar, Bengala, Drago
4) Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., Psycho Clown, Vampiro Canadiense b Dr. Wagner Jr., Hernandez, Rey Escorpión

This was a free show, sponsored by the government to give a city affected by the September earthquakes something to get together. El Sol de Cuautla lists the turnout as 6000 (and that’s the number AAA went with), La Union says 7,500. Both of them also disagree on who’s on which side in the main event, only being sure Psycho beat Wagner.

Matt B pointed out this lineup last week, wondering if this meant Hijo del Wagner was turning on his dad. I didn’t even respond because of course AAA house show lineups have nothing to do with reality! I was very wrong.

In conjunction with this show, AAA announced they’re taping TV in Cuernavaca on 03/17. By my math, that should be the day of Ultima Lucha 4 tapings in Los Angeles. Maybe my math is off. Maybe the LU guys just skip that taping. I dunno and it feels like not worth speculating, we’ll know soon enough. In the past, Lucha Underground announced their tapings close to three weeks in advance. This upcoming Friday is three weeks away from the first show, so it could come any time this week.

(Mil Machetes, who knows things, says LU will be taping in a new location. LU previously said someone else has leased the Temple during the period they wanted it and were attempting to get it back. It’s not a surprise if they could not.)

Next Friday’s AAA TV in Toluca didn’t have a main event. It does now: it’ll be Dr. Wagner Jr. vs Psycho Clown vs Vampiro. Vampiro making himself in a star attraction is so old school, no bookers even bother to use their power that way any more, it would almost be ironically cool if he wasn’t so terrible as wrestler. He appeared winded just playing a referee on Friday night. I want to say the Cero Miedo match was the worst thing to happen, because it convinced Vampiro he’s got enough to have another run , but Vampiro would’ve been convinced of that anyway. He’s Vampiro.

EMW, who hasn’t been seen in a while, says they’re also hosting an AAA TV taping in Tijuana in the near future.

CMLL (SUN) 01/28/2018 Arena México [CMLL]
1) Mercurio & Pequeño Nitro b Acero & Aéreo
2) Hijo del Signo, Metálico, Templario b Magnus, Oro Jr., Príncipe Diamante
3) Dalys, La Seductora, Zeuxis b Lady Maravilla, Marcela, Princesa Sugehit
4) Blue Panther, Blue Panther Jr., The Panther DQ Johnny Idol, Sam Adonis, Shocker
Shocker replaced Okumura (still in Japan) on Thursday. Tecnicos took 2/3. Adonis fouled Panther.
5) Cavernario, Mr. Niebla, Último Guerrero b Carístico, Dragón Lee, Valiente
rudos took 1/3.

Okumura wasn’t at the show because he was still in Japan, and is apparently flying back with Kaho Kobayashi. She starts on Tuesday.

Rey Mysterio Jr. made a surprise appearance today on WWE’s Royal Rumble. PWInsider says it’s currently a one night deal. Rey did well, and both sides always have the option to go for a longer deal if they want to – it doesn’t seem like he’s bound by a contract to anyone at this point. He was so over that I kind of expect him to be on their show tomorrow, but that still may not mean anything long term. As far as I know, shows he’s booked on still are under the impression Rey’s working those shows at this point.

This week’s AAA TV is up, with a main event of Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs Hernandez where the winner gets to choose a stipulation for Dr. Wagner Jr. vs Johnny Mundo at Guerra de Titanes. I wonder what will be chosen!

Mr. Iguana introduces himself to the Lucha Memes fan. This is a very good idea, don’t assume everyone knows everyone.

SuperLuchas has an interview with Violento Jack. Jack names his favorite wrestlers as Canek, Mick Foley and Kenta Kobashi, which is a three not many people have together. His answer for what company he’d like to work for is pretty good.

A lucha libre exhibition opened in Queretaro.

I don’t yet know how Puma did on the LuchaMania show today, but these pictures look cool:

 

Fantasma/Texano apuesta match at Rey de Reyes, 4 titles change hands at Guerra de Titanes, Terrible still champion

women’s match felt very real

AAA TV (FRI) 01/26/2018 Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal [AAACultIconEstrellas del Ringthecubsfan]
Guerra de Titanes, 2018
1) Australian Suicide b Lanzelot © [AAA CRUISER]
11:47. Austrailan twisted around Lanzelot’s mask to blind him before beating him. Lanzelot falsl on his second defense. Suicide is the 11th champion.
2) Faby Apache b Lady Shani © [Reina De Reinas]
8:24. Faby won the title cleanly with a German suplex. Faby Apache wrestled more rudas, though was still heavily cheered upon winning. Shani falls on her third defense, second defense on TV. Faby is the 24th Champion.
4) Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr., Tito Santana b Aerostar, Drago, Raptor and Argenis, Bengala, Máscara de Bronce and Averno, Chessman, Súper Fly © [AAA TRIOS]
16:18. Elimination rules, with Chessman beat to eliminate the OGTs, Raptor to eliminate his team, and Bengala after a foul pinned to give the Poder del Norte the win. They’re 11th champions, this is their second reign. OGT fall on their first defense. They attacked Poder del Norte after the win.
5) Psycho Clown NF Rey Escorpión [bull terrier]
18:06. Psycho appeared to win by DQ when Murder & Monster ran in. AAA’s recap says the match ended with no decision. Two masked man made the save, and revealed themselves to be La Mascara & Maximo, reuniting the Brazos.
5) Dark Cuervo, Dark Scoria, La Parka b Dave The Clown, Monsther Clown, Murder Clown [street]
13:45. La Parka pinned Dave with a urange.
6) Dr. Wagner Jr. b Johnny Mundo © [AAA HEAVY]
19:05. Seconds were Hernandez & Hijo de Dr. Wagner. Vampiro was special referee. The younger Wagner betrayed his father, attacking him and Vampiro from behind with chair shots, then passing the blame to Hernandez. Wagner turned again more obviously later on. It did not affect the outcome of the match. Vampiro beat up the rudos, give Mundo a chokeslam, waited for Wagner to crawl on top, and made replacement referee Copetes count the pin. Mundo faills on his seventh defense (and this appears as though it’s his final match in AAA.) Wagner is 15th champion.
7) Hijo del Fantasma © DQ Texano Jr. [cage, AAA LA]
13:06. Hijo del Tirantes helped Texano three times during the match. Bengala (acknowledged as Texano’s brother) came out to counter, spitting water in his brother’s face. The match was suddenly stopped by Vampiro and the commission. AAA’s explanation is Texano was DQed for Bengala and Tirantes interference. Both men (and Bengala & Tirantes) brawled post match, which included Vampiro making their hair/mask match for Rey de Reyes on 03/04.

Rey Wagner told the press he had no idea why his son turned. There’s no great explanation of the main event finish to be found. AAA’s recap is insistent Faby is 100% ruda now; it didn’t come across that way in the match. Faby was 100% a ruda in her backstage inteview, telling the press she’d accept a hair versus match with Lady Shani because Shani is years away from being anything beyond a rookie.

I could’ve sworn Psycho got his hand raised, I just do not care enough to go back enough to look. Vampiro, responding to criticism about getting involved as a referee, said he can do what he wants. That appears to be true! He also said it’s a one time thing. That appears to be a total lie; he’s already forgotten he did this multiple times last year. And he’ll be doing it again.

This was a fun show until the last two matches, which over shadowed the rest. The Wagner/Mundo match not only featured Vampiro putting Vampiro over as expect, but Hijo del Wagner turning on his father and interfering frequently in a title match. There was no DQ. The final match was Fantasma & Texano in a cage, with Hijo del Tirantes interfering frequently and Bengala interfering once. That was enough to call a DQ, even though cage matches are typically no DQ matches. The end of the match was about as cold as it could be and I have trouble believing anyone thought that was a really good way to send people home or to build up Fantasma & Texano for Rey de Reyes.

We didn’t get a good match out of that main event, but we did get some big questions. Fantasma & Texano is now definitely not the TripleMania apuesta match, and there’s no clear answer on what will be that match. Vampiro & Mundo still were feuding, but Taya said Mundo was done with AAA now. Wagner/Wagner would be strange. There are still a lot of fans who love La Parka, and yet there’s no way Dave/Parka would be an acceptable big show main event. They have plenty of time to figure this out; Wagner/Psycho was announced a year in advance, Pagano/Psycho wasn’t really clear until March. (Psycho also seems the pattern here, and all three Brazos taking on Escorpion/Murder/Monster in a triple apuesta match, or something similar, does not seem out of the question.)

The other big question is what does a Texano hair versus Fantasma mask match taking place on March 4th mean for their roles in Lucha Underground? The safe bet is Texano is losing, yet it’d really be weird if he was just suddenly bald one week. Maybe that means Fantasma and King Cuerno are losing, which would be odd to choose to lose one of Lucha Underground characters right after also losing another one in Prince Puma. (Though that visual of his ending still makes me think there will be a new Prince Puma at some point.) Maybe LU can cleverly write around this issue, it just seems like the results in one of these two promotions are going to spoil the other one.

The attendance looked good, though there were noticeable empty sections in the upper levels. The fans did seem to be arriving late and leaving early – the main event going on past midnight probably was too much for a heavy family crowd. You could see that in the Twitch viewership numbers too; peaking at around 7500 for the Wagner/Mundo match and dropping after that finish and thru the main event (and really dropping the rest of the way.)

If you watched on Twitch, you heard Hugo Savinovich & Jose Manuel Guillen call the show, not the the usual Televisa announcers. There is a reason for this beyond being on Twitch. AAA’s recap of the event mentions their shows will also start airing on Space channel starting on February 3rd. Space is owned by Turner and looks like it focuses on modern action/fantasy/sci-fi movies. The same channel airs in Mexico and in many Latin American countries, and I do not believe Televisa’s airing elsewhere, so this would gain the promotion visibility in countries they’re hoping to get into in the near future. It’s also possible Space is paying them for the show, which Televisa is believed not too. I don’t think this would mean AAA is giving up the Televisa show any time soon – the visibility of being on a free over the air channel is something they’d be unlikely to give up – but I’d guess Televisa doesn’t want people associated with them to appear on another network and so there will be two different crews for the time being.

Should be noted that Space’s programming guide doesn’t actually list AAA as airing on February 3rd at this point. AAA’s site says the show will air on the channel on Saturdays at 6:30 in Mexico and noon in the rest of the world.

This is also the same network which is working on the Ultima Caida TV show, which will be a fictional luchador series that crosses over into AAA. It makes sense they’d want to air AAA alongside of it to take advantage of what they’re building up. I’d assume this deal goes on as long as Ultima Caida works out.

This was AAA’s first of three straight Friday night tapings, building up TV for the Lucha Underground break. They’re in Toluca for a surprise main event, which will possible now involve La Mascara & Maximo. I’m not sure if they’ll air the show on Twitch as well.

It’s strange AAA is using Maximo and La Mascara by those names given how much time they’ve spent hounding their own former wrestlers for using the names they own. It’s come up before and maybe it’ll be back to being M-ximo once it shows up on posters and on TV. It does make it clear AAA’s not as concerned about the importance of trademark law as much as they are gaining control over people.

CMLL (FRI) 01/26/2018 Arena México [CMLL, CulticonOvaciones]
1) Akuma & Espanto Jr. b Flyer & Robin LUCHA LIBRE VIERNES ESPECTACULAR DE ARENA MEXICO 26 DE ENERO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Rudos took 1/3.
2) Cancerbero, Nitro, Raziel b Astral, Eléctrico, Star Jr. LUCHA LIBRE VIERNES ESPECTACULAR DE ARENA MEXICO 26 DE ENERO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Rudos took 2/3.
3) Audaz, Soberano Jr., Starman b Disturbio, Misterioso Jr., Virus LUCHA LIBRE VIERNES ESPECTACULAR DE ARENA MEXICO 26 DE ENERO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
rudos took 1/3, Virus pinning Audaz with a hand on the ropes in what appears to be a regular matchup going forward. Soberano replaced Drone, who appears to be suspended.
4) Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Stuka Jr. DQ Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón LUCHA LIBRE VIERNES ESPECTACULAR DE ARENA MEXICO 26 DE ENERO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
There was a moment of remembrance for Sahori before this match. Staright falls, Cuatrero DQed for unmasking Angel de Oro.
5) Terrible © b Diamante Azul [MEX HEAVYLUCHA LIBRE VIERNES ESPECTACULAR DE ARENA MEXICO 26 DE ENERO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Azul weighed in at 110.5 KG, Terrible at 105. Terrible took falls 2/3, the last turning Azul’s ramp leaping clothesline into an armabr for the submission. Second defense, second time versus Diamante Azul. Diamante Azul goes 1-3 in his seris of singles matches.
6) Atlantis, Dragón Lee, Volador Jr. b Euforia, Gran Guerrero, Último Guerrero LUCHA LIBRE VIERNES ESPECTACULAR DE ARENA MEXICO 26 DE ENERO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)

I only really watched the opener and parts of the second match, which were boring. The rest of the show was said to be pretty good. I feel cheated. (I’ll recap it later.)

Star Jr. replaced Drone on this show, and will also replace him Tuesday in Guadalajara. Drone’s now not listed on any poster. I do not believe CMLL would’ve pulled Drone from their show if they believed it was a simple medicine issue. CMLL normal policy for showing up in no condition to work is a quiet three week suspension. They’ve not at all publicly addressed the situation, but that seems likely what they’ve decided to do here. It also looks like Drone’s Facebook page has been deleted. (An older one is still out there.)

I don’t have full results from The Crash show yet. I do know they’re calling their new facility CARTC (Centro de Alto Rendimiento The Crash) and they drew a lot of people for their free show. They’re opening the center for business on Monday. Maximo & La Mascara did wrestle in the main event before showing up in AAA, and have to be assumed as being done with The Crash going forward. That means Los Ingobernables are back down to Rush & Pierroth everywhere. I have no idea what it means for Arolucha.

The Crash announced Diosa Atenea would get a match on their 02/16 show after impressing them on their tryout.

Times Herald Online has a bio on Payaso del Rodeo.

Lineups

Toryumon Mexico (SUN) 01/28/2018 Gimnasio Cuauhtemoc, Domo del Deportivo Plan Sexenal, Miguel Hidalgo, Distrito Federal
1) Notorius vs Pequeño Olímpico
2) Tortuguillo Karateka I & Tortuguillo Karateka II vs Fiero & Fireman
3) Lluvia & Princesa Sugehit vs Reina Isis & Tiffany
4) Argos, Oro Jr., Súper Ciudadano vs Arkángel de la Muerte, Karonte Jr., Patán
5) Magnus & Último Dragón vs Diamante & Sam Adonis

This is listed on the poster as Nipro Copa. I know a Toryumon Mexico card when I see it. Ultimo Dragon isn’t up to date on Audaz’s new character.

CMLL (FRI) 02/02/2018 Arena México
1) Astral & Eléctrico vs El Coyote & Templario
2) Audaz, Pegasso, Rey Cometa vs Kawato San, Misterioso Jr., Virus
3) Último Guerrero & Volador Jr. vs Gran Guerrero & Niebla Roja and Blue Panther & Sam Adonis and Hechicero & Soberano Jr. and Mephisto & Mistico and Diamante Azul & Pierroth and Cavernario & Titán and Rey Bucanero & Valiente [natl pi, battle royal]
4) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, 8f]
5) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, 8f]
6) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, 8f]
7) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, 8f]
8) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, quarterfinal]
9) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, quarterfinal]
10) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [natl pi, semifinal]
11) Atlantis, Carístico, Marco Corleone vs Euforia, Shocker, Terrible

First block of the annual tecnico/rudo tournament. UG & Volador, Niebla Roja & Gran Guerero and Mephisto & Mistico stand out as the favorites in this block. Really, it’s tough to figure who would be a challenge to Volador & Ultimo Guerrero in either block given how much those two guys win.

Kawato makes his debut, a few days later than scheduled. (Nitro replaces him on Tuesday. I yelled OH NO at my computer when I noticed that change.) Since Audaz & Virus are a pair, I’m guessing he’ll probably be matched up with Rey Cometa.

Astral & Electrico have much better opponents this week, hopefully they can do something with it.