Mistico/Averno and Gran Alternativa final tomorrow, Best of 2021 CMLL lineup, LB/FTR

CMLL

CMLL (SAT) 12/25/2021 Arena México
1) El Gallito, Micro Gemelo Diablo I, Micro Gemelo Diablo II vs Átomo, Chamuel, Perico Zacarías
2) Dalys, Princesa Sugehit, Stephanie Vaquer vs La Jarochita, Marcela, Reyna Isis [Relevos Increíbles]
3) Fugaz, Soberano Jr., Volador Jr. vs Cavernario, Negro Casas, Templario
4) El Coyote & Euforia vs Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial [Gran Alternativa]
5) Místico © vs Averno [NWA MIDDLE]

In media interviews leading into Saturday’s show, Gran Alternativa finalist Sangre Imperial said he believed he might not be in the tournament at all this year after he wasn’t included in the first bracket. It was a realistic impression; Sangre Imperial just never has been important until this year’s tournament, would’ve been an easy name to skip over if CMLL had more “young guys” to choose from. He’ll be just as easy to ignore if this final doesn’t work out for him. Same for Coyote. This is one of dozens of tournaments Eufora & Atlantis Jr. will be in, but it’s also definitely the most important match in both Coyote and Sangre Imperial’s life. I don’t think they should be in this match and it doesn’t say much for CMLL to put them there, but these guys are unknown to most of CMLL’s audience. They’ve got a chance to make a big impression if they can find something we haven’t seen from them so far.

A very narrow change: CMLL’s poster removed the “NWA” name from Averno/Mistico match. It’s just the Historic Middleweight Championship on the poster as of Wednesday afternoon. Over in Arena Neza, “NWA Mexico” is starting their tag team title tournament on Christmas, and maybe there’s a new round of arguing about who owns the NWA name in Mexico.

CMLL’s big Christmas Eve surprise is a KeMonito video. I still suspect the Christmas Day show will be a surprise stream, though I would plan your day around it. If they’re not airing it for free and they’re not doing it on PPV, CMLL’s giving away money. Can’t put it past them.

CMLL (MON) 12/27/2021 Arena Puebla
1) Astro vs Rencor
2) Asturiano & Oro Jr. vs Espíritu Maligno & Toro Bill Jr.
3) Pegasso & Valiente Jr. vs Dark Magic & Okumura
4) Espíritu Negro, Rey Cometa, Stigma vs Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado
5) Místico, Negro Casas, Volador Jr. vs Atlantis Jr., Soberano Jr., Templario [Relevos Increíbles]

An “old” versus young feud is not the worst idea – it’s better than the constant nostalgia. But that’s probably not what it is.

Valiente hasn’t wrestled since getting hurt on a missed armdrag to the floor back in November. He underwent surgery late Wednesday according to his daughter. I didn’t find words as to his exact injury. Valiente Jr. showing up on CMLL cards may be connected; not exactly getting his father’s bookings but getting some work to help out the family.

CMLL (FRI) 01/07/2022 Arena México
1) Panterita del Ring Jr. vs Eléctrico
2) Dalys, La Jarochita, Lluvia vs Dark Silueta, Marcela, Stephanie Vaquer [Relevos Increíbles]
3) Hechicero vs Bárbaro Cavernario
4) Atlantis Jr. vs Terrible
5) Místico, Titán, Volador Jr. vs Gran Guerrero, Templario, Último Guerrero

This is the best of 2021 show. Panteitra/Electrico look good in the highlights but no one’s seen it unless they were there. Hechicero/Cavernario might be the best CMLL singles match among the people who are still working in CMLL. Atlantis/Terrible was good but not particularly memorable, that and the trios are what they have to reach for this year. It should be a good card. It’ll also be the fourth of five straight Friday/Saturdays as a Ticketmaster Live PPV.

CMLL Guadalajara Facebook page advertised Travis Banks for next Tuesday’s card on Friday morning around 10 CT central. The post was up for a few hours, deleted, and then reposted with Black Warrior in Banks’ spot. (You can see both posters here.) There’s no explanation as to the change.

There’s a hard-to-explain nuance here: it doesn’t mean CMLL’s main office is booking Banks at this point. The Guadalajara group seems to have the freedom to bring in a few indie wrestlers each show, maybe to make up for fewer being sent from Mexico City. It’s how Averno was working in Guadalajara for months before he came back on the main roster, and Warrior replacing Banks suggests it’s that sort of spot. It does seem like CMLL Mexico City may have some veto power over which indie wrestlers are allowed to work, and perhaps that’s why Banks isn’t on the show, though it could be plenty of other reasons. Warrior’s going to mean a lot more to that match, even if he’s basically a retired wrestler right now.

It didn’t feel shocking to see Banks listed on the Guadalajara show, it felt like a thing that inevitably was going to happen. I think that if we get through 2022 with no Travis Banks on a AAA or CMLL card, it would be a pleasant surprise.

Felino Jr. & Polvora retained the Mexican National Tag Team championships in Puebla on Monday. It remains incredible that CMLL doesn’t care about reporting the results of their title matches.

CMLL is selling some match worn masks through the MatchWornShirt website. Masks were worn in the first couple of Fridays of December. I’ve never bought worn masks. People have definitely told me how much they have paid and I’ve been unable to retain any of the information, but my impression is that’s a little bit on the high side. The idea of the site is this merchandise is being sold for charity; CMLL’s pages don’t list a charity.

Heraldo Mexico has an interview with the Atlantis family. Atlantis Sr. noted he got simple gifts while his son was asking for presents from the US and Japan. Atlantis Jr. finished his digital art degree during the pandemic and wants to launch comics or photos in 2022.

AAA

AAA (SUN) 01/30/2022 Polifrum Zamna, Mérida, Yucatan
1) Drago Kid & Komander vs Chik Tormenta & Látigo
2) Big Mami, Lady Shani, Sexy Star vs Flammer, La Hiedra, Maravilla
3) Mr. Iguana, Niño Hamburguesa, Octagón Jr. vs DMT Azul, Puma King, Sam Adonis
4) Dulce Canela, Faby Apache, Pimpinela Escarlata vs Diva Salvaje, Jessy, Mamba
5) Laredo Kid © vs Willie MackAramisDragón Lee [AAA CRUISER]
11th defense, first since May
6) Rey Escorpión, Taurus, Villano III Jr. © vs Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón and Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr., Tito Santana [AAA TRIOS]
third defense
7) Fénix & Pentagón Jr. vs Cash Wheeler & Dax Hardwood © [AAA TAG]

This is not officially announced; Sam Adonis posted it on his Twitter and others have mentioned they’re on the show. This is probably going to be a busy show; all three titles could change hands.

My guess is the Lucha Brothers win the tag titles back here and the Rey de Reyes match with Dragon Lee & Dralistico is made a tag title match. This is mostly fueled by my belief there’s nothing else to do with the FTR in AAA beyond face the Lucha Brothers, and I may be mistaken since AAA seems much higher on the idea.

NGD won a trios title shot back at TripleMania Regia. Poder del Norte did not, but it’s AAA so they’re getting a match anyway. NGD should win the trios titles at this point, Los Mercenarios barely exist as a unit and haven’t done much since TripleMania, and NGD are completely treated like the unbeatable team in the booking. It’s possible this leads to their trios match at Rey de Reyes also being for the trios titles.

There’s not as a great reason for Laredo Kid to lose, but every promotion likes loading Dragon Lee up with belts and that fourway is ripe for Aramis or Mack to get pinned to set up the one-on-one between Dragon Lee & Laredo Kid later on. AAA actually booking a 1v1 match is a risky proposition but they do like acting as if one might happen.

Mamba’s team may be a re-working of the dropped El Imperio stable idea, using Las Shotas this time since they got over in Naucalpan. Empresa probably pick up another win, the destination remains unknown. AAA previously mentioned the surprise woman in the Rey de Reyes match will appear here, so that’s likely the climax of the women’s match. There’s a good chance Drago Kid getting over in GCW got him brought back to AAA TV after not being used for a while, though that’s a strange thing to think about.

It’s possible this is the first AAA TV taping of the year; AAA would normally have a show around the 16th, but we’d should’ve heard about it by now. It’s unclear if AAA will return to airing these shows live in 2022 or keep these as taped. AAA airs three matches a week so something’s getting left out if it’s just TV, though it could turn up on YouTube as a bonus. That’s the same situation as Rey de Reyes. I’m not entirely confident AAA’s thought about that yet.

Other Notes

The 01/16 Terminus (Atlanta) debut show will include Baron Black vs Bandido for the ROH World Championship. Black and Jonathan Gresham are running Terminus, Gresham’s apparently calling his version of the ROH World Pure Championship but he’s obviously ok with Bandido still calling himself champion too since it’s happening on his show. (Bandido had teased this on Twitter the day before.) Everyone assumed there’d be a big Bandido/Gresham match to make up for Bandido missing Final Battle at some point and this seemed like the logical place, but I guess it’s not happening quite yet.

RIOT’s 02/11-12 La Rina participants

  1. Blake Christian
  2. Demonio del Aire
  3. El Mago
  4. Jimmy
  5. Mr. Iguana
  6. Erik Ortiz
  7. Aeroboy
  8. King Rex
  9. Komander
  10. Tromba – new

Rey Horus was announced for the Battle of Los Angeles.

Tijuana’s EMW says they’ll return in February.

LuchaWorld has the latest Lucha Report.

CMLL X-Mas Day lineup, AAA Rey de Reyes card, Aro Lucha

CMLL

CMLL (TUE) 12/21/2021 Arena México [CMLL, Cronica, De Lucha TV, Estrellas del RingKasier SportsMas Lucha]
1) Mercurio, Pequeño Olímpico, Pequeño Violencia b Acero, Aéreo, Último Dragóncito  (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive)) CMLL | Último Dragoncito, Aéreo y Acero VS Pequeño Violencia, Pequeño Olímpico y Mercurio (posted by mluchatv) Pequeño Olímpico, Mercurio y Pequeño Violenc1a Vs Último Dragoncito, Aéreo y Acero (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
2) Halcón Suriano Jr., Inquisidor, Robin b Arkalis, Grako, Oro Jr. [Relevos Increíbles (posted by ) CMLL | Halcón Suriano Jr, Robin e Inquisidor VS Grako, Arkalis y Oro Jr (posted by mluchatv)
Oro Jr. replaced Electrico. Team Inquisidor took 1/3.
3) Dark Magic, Misterioso Jr., Okumura b Diamond, Guerrero Maya Jr., Magia Blanca  (posted by ) CMLL | Magia Blanca, Diamond y Guerrero Maya Jr VS Okumura, Dark Magic y Misterioso Jr (posted by mluchatv)
Rudos took 1/3
4) Dark Panther, Místico, Titán b Ángel de Oro, Hechicero, Terrible [Relevos Increíbles (posted by ) CMLL | Místico, Titán y Dark Panther VS Ángel de Oro, Terrible y Hechicero (posted by mluchatv) Místico, Titán y Dark Panther Vs Terrible, Hechicero y Ángel de Oro en Arena México del CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
Tecnicos took 2/3.
5) Stuka Jr. © b Mephisto [NWA LH (posted by ) CMLL | Stuka Jr (C) VS Mephisto (R) Por el Campeonato Mundial Histórico NWA de Peso Medio (posted by mluchatv) Mephisto (Kahoz) Vs Stuka Jr (Dark Panther) campeonato histórico NWA de peso semicompleto (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
6th defense

Cronica’s recap puts the attendance at “over 600” people. That sounds about normal for a Tuesday Arena Mexico show, unfortunately.

I haven’t watched this show, just flipped through a little bit to see if my recording came out OK. It seems like MarcaClaro has mostly finished the audio lag issue. The new bit is the announcers only coming through on the right side of the audio; if you watch this show with just a left earbud plugged in, it’s just the crowd/ring sound.

CMLL (TUE) 12/21/2021 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [Arena Coliseo Guadalajara, Fuego en el Ring, Mas Lucha]
1) Destello, Persa, Ponzoña Jr. b Estrella Del Jalisco I, Estrella Del Jalisco II, Obelisk  (posted by )
2) Crixus, Optimus, Trono b Ángel Rebelde, Estrella Oriental, Halcón Negro Jr.  (posted by )
Halcon Negro & Crixus continue to feud.
3) Adrenalina, Omega, Valiente Jr. b Bestia Negra, Difunto, Zandokan Jr.  (posted by )
debut of Valinete Jr. here. Zandokan ended up hurt, left the match early.
4) Explosivo, Fantástico, Gallo b Bárbaro Cavernario, Demonio Maya, Principe Daniel  (posted by )
5) Atlantis, Felino, Negro Casas b Al Carrillo, Rey Bucanero, Satánico  (posted by luchablog vault (Google Drive))

The semimain got money thrown in. Al (“All”) Carrillo is a long time Jalisco indie luchador; a local legend counterpoint to the CMLL names. The luchadb has matches for Carrillo back to 2013 but he’s clearly been along for decades prior. This is the only time we have him as wrestling in Arena Coliseo Guadalajara but again I think we’re just missing information.

CMLL (SAT) 12/25/2021 Arena México
1) El Gallito, Micro Gemelo Diablo I, Micro Gemelo Diablo II vs Átomo, Chamuel, Perico Zacarías
2) Dalys, Princesa Sugehit, Stephanie Vaquer vs La Jarochita, Marcela, Reyna Isis [Relevos Increíbles]
3) Fugaz, Soberano Jr., Volador Jr. vs Cavernario, Negro Casas, Templario
4) El Coyote & Euforia vs Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial [Gran Alternativa]
5) Místico © vs Averno [NWA MIDDLE]

This show should be OK. This is the first Mistico/Averno match in Arena Mexico since 2010, since before Mistico left to WWE. Averno’s actually won the last two. It would be a good idea for Averno to win if they’ve got long-term plans; CMLL usually does not.

CMLL isn’t advertising this show for TicketmasterLive streaming. Maybe it’s an oversight that’ll be fixed later. It’s possible they’re streaming this on YouTube or Twitch as a Christmas surprise, but then they will probably not mention that fact until the stream starts. It’s also possible CMLL is bizarrely not streaming this at all while choosing not to tell anyone so people won’t get angry with them. They’ve done both before. It’ll turn up on TV on 01/08 at any rate.

CMLL (SUN) 12/26/2021 Arena México
1) Disturbio, Pegasso, Stigma vs Espíritu Negro, Nitro, Sangre Imperial [Relevos Increíbles]
2) Dulce Gardenia, El Audaz, Hombre Bala Jr. vs Okumura, Pólvora, Virus
3) Esfinge, Fugaz, Star Jr. vs Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado
4) Titán vs Negro Casas
5) Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto vs Atlantis Jr., Místico, Volador Jr.

Sangre Imperial is in the opener because that’s part of the cage build, but it isn’t a good sign if he’s in the opener the day after he’s in the Gran Alternativa final.

I hope Titan/Casas is one fall, Casas works better that way.

CMLL Informa only has Averno and the two Gran Alternativa finalists as guests. That probably means there’s a surprise coming. CMLL is teasing a surprise on Thursday Friday, though it comes off as a humble offering, not some big news.

AAA

In a surprise, AAA announced the full lineup for Rey de Reyes at a press conference Wednesday.

AAA TV (SAT) 02/19/2022 Estadio Universitario Beto Ávila, Veracruz, Veracruz
1) La Hiedra & Villano III Jr. vs Octagón Jr. & Sexy Star II and Arez & Chik Tormenta
2) Abismo Negro Jr., Látigo, Psicosis II vs Mr. Iguana, Niño Hamburguesa, Willie Mack
3) Maravilla vs Lady ShaniFlammer? [#1 Contenders, Reina de Reina]
4) Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón vs Hijo de LA Park, LA Park, LA Park Jr. and DMT Azul, Puma King, Sam Adonis
5) Laredo Kid vs BandidoCibernético?Psycho Clown [Rey de Reyes]
6) Dragón Lee & Dralistico vs Fénix & Pentagón Jr.
7) John Hennigan vs Hijo Del Vikingo © [AAA MEGA]
first defense

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, so that’s why this was announced today. LA Park & Hijo del Vikingo were in attendance. Veracruz is the site of AAA first show, so it made sense AAA would run a major show on their 30th Anniversary; it’s more surprising they’d run it in February, but that avoids baseball conflicts. AAA rarely has big shows in February, so that may be about spacing out events. As always, the events of the TV show have little to nothing to do with the big shows.

John Hennigan was called Johnny Mundo at the press conference and set in a promo with the idea that Vikingo is a prodigy who’s done well but not on former champion Mundo’s level. I wouldn’t read too much into the name bit; it could just be AAA being weird. Kenny Omega came up during the press conference so they’re still keeping the carrot of that match with Vikingo still happening sometime down the road.

Dragon Lee & Dralistico posted a promo a few days ago teasing the match with the Lucha Brothers happening soon, so the surprise is it happens in AAA and not an indie show. (That promo has since disappeared.) I think the chances of a clean pin in that match are close to zero.

Cibernetico is an odd fit in the fifth match but he’s going to be in a top position as long as he’s booked. He actually should win if he’s going to be pushed in a major way. Given who else is coming back on this show, there’s a decent chance the mystery person is Killer Kross, who would also be a favorite to win.

I guess NGD and La Empresa aren’t friends now? Who can say.

Dorian Roldan explained no Deonna Purrazzo because of travels issues with Canada, which doesn’t seem to make sense because she’s American and I think she lives in the US. Maybe she’s working a show in Canada and can’t make it to Mexico? Something wasn’t explained clearly or doesn’t make sense. At any rate, the fourway is for a future title match. Roldan says the mystery woman will appear on a 01/30 taping in Merida. That’s the first we’ve heard of any other taping in 2022. Everyone assumes the mystery person is Taya, and she’ll probably win if she’s the person.

No one seemed to ask why FTR weren’t appearing.

Willie Mack is back after doing well at TripleMania Regia. The opener includes the current mixed tag title champs (Chik Tormenta & Arez) but wasn’t said to be a title match.

I presume this will be a FITE PPV show. It would be foolish to believe the problems from the past show will be addressed. They never are. I think this is an overall better card than TripleMania Regia, and one where there are more matches which are intended to be good rather than just be setups for other stories (that still haven’t really been told.)

Parka Negra says he’s doing fine after appearing knocked out two weekends ago, says the doctors called it a head injury.

Other

Aramis was announced for PWG’s Battle of Los Angeles.

RIOT’s 02/11-12 La Rina participants

  1. Blake Christian
  2. Demonio del Aire
  3. El Mago
  4. Jimmy
  5. Mr. Iguana
  6. Erik Ortiz
  7. Aeroboy – new
  8. King Rex – new
  9. Komander – new

I believe there are 12 spots.

Aro Lucha announced Starlight Runner would be another new partner for the promotion, following announcing Pencilish Animation back on December 9th. AroLucha mentions Starlight Runner working on many projects, including Lucha Underground. This blog is older than dirt, which is only good in that I can easily find and point you back to a 2013 Los Angeles Times article about AAA & Starlight Runner working together. That story had Starlight Runner creating a show bible for AAA, but what it actually turned to be were the concepts for Lucha Underground – coming up with the new characters and general show ideas, including doing research to make it feel authentic. It’s a safe guess that many of those ideas eventually ended modified as more people got involved in the process of getting them to screen, but what this announcement is really saying is AroLucha is investing money in developing a concept. The previous AroLucha concept just seemed to be “here’s an indie lucha show with whichever Mexican wrestlers could get themselves across the border”, this is a bit more developed than that.

I suspect the end result of all these AroLucha announcements is another round of crowd-funding, with the idea of building up credibility by announcing these working agreements first. Arolucha hasn’t hinted in that direction yet, but there’s no real point in doing periodic announcements unless you’re trying to build buzz for something, and these aren’t the sort of announcements to make if they’re just running another TV taping. (They’re also not teasing a next show date.) They’re selling themselves to someone and since it keeps going to their fan mailing list, they’re hoping those fans contribute something.

Alberto el Patron claimed Nacion Lucha Libre will tape their TV shows at the Pepsi Center as well as run shows every other week at the Carpa Astro venue. He also says they’re planning to run the interior of Mexico (outside of Mexico City) in February and they’ll have a full calendar of events in January. The track record is some of these things will start off this way but then quietly get dropped. La Mascara says Nacion Lucha Libre and Robles Promotions are friendsworking for the common benefit of lucha libre. I think we’re going to find out if that’s true if/when they both start promoting shows at the same time.

LuchaWorld has the latest Lucha Report and this week’s Poster-Mania.

Sangre Imperial makes it to the Gran Alternativa final for some reason, AAA taping in CDMX, Monterrey show shut down

CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 12/17/2021 Arena México [CMLLEstrellas del RingPublimetroR de RudoThe Gladiatores, thecubsfan]
1) Grako & Nitro b Oro Jr. & Robin Nitro y Grako Vs Robin y Oro Jr en la majestuosa Arena México del CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
10:34.
2) Dulce Gardenia, Espíritu Negro, Rey Cometa b Cancerbero, Hijo del Villano III, Okumura Dulce Gardenia, Rey Cometa y Espíritu Negro Vs Okumura, Cancerbero y Raziel Arena México del CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
15:01. Tecnicos took 2/3. Dulce pinned Okumura with a distraction from Espiritu, build to the cage match.
3) Diamond & Espanto Jr. b Disturbio, Eléctrico, Halcón Suriano Jr., Inquisidor, Magnus, Sangre Imperial [Gran Alternativa, seeding battle royal]
2:31
4) Magnus & Terrible b Dragón Rojo Jr. & Inquisidor [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
6:17
5) Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial b Ángel de Oro & Halcón Suriano Jr. [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
6:25
6) Disturbio & Último Guerrero b Atlantis & Eléctrico [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
6:46. UG blatantly unmasked Atlantis but the referee missed it somehow
7) Espanto Jr. & Hechicero b Diamond & Titán [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
3:12
8) Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial b Magnus & Terrible [Gran Alternativa, quarterfinal]
4:11
9) Disturbio & Último Guerrero b Espanto Jr. & Hechicero [Gran Alternativa, quarterfinal]
4:14
10) Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial b Disturbio & Último Guerrero [Gran Alternativa, semifinalCMLL - 2a. FASE DEL TORNEO LA GRAN ALTERNATIVA /ARENA MEXICO 17/12/ 2021 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) Final Gran Alternativa: Último Guerrero y Disturbio Vs Atlantis Jr y Sangre Imperial CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
8:00
11) Averno, Cavernario, Templario b Místico, Soberano Jr., Volador Jr. Averno, Bárbaro Cavernario y Templario Vs Místico, Volador Jr y Soberano Jr en la Arena México CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre) CMLL - SOBERANO JR.-VOLADOR JR.- MÍSTICO VS TEMPLARIO - CAVERNARIO-AVERNO / ARENA MEXICO 17/12/ 2021 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
15:44. Rudos took 1/3, Averno cleanly submitting Mistico to set up a title match next week.

Sangre Imperial advancing to the finals of the Gran Alternativa is an indictment of CMLL. There’s no point where Sangre Imperial has looked like a future star; he’s instead looked like someone who barely belongs in the promotion, and likely wouldn’t if he wasn’t Sangre Chicana’s son. That’s also probably the reason he won – the idea of an Atlantis and a Sangre Chicana teaming is too tempting to a promotion focusing on its past – but there was no moment in this run where Imperial looked better than the below-average wrestler he’s always been. No one in this group really demanded to be in the final, that was a problem with both the design of this block and the idea to this tournament, but CMLL putting a guy they’ve never pushed and never looked deserving a push into a final is a sign the cupboard is empty. Either Imperial or Coyote is going to have quickly improve or this is going to go down as one of the least impressive Gran Alternativa winners.

The main event may be worth a look when it turns up on YouTube but there’s nothing important otherwise. Next Friday’s show is a Saturday show at 5 pm. The 01/01 show remains listed as a PPV, the 12/25 show is not.

I don’t have full results for the Lucha Memes show, but results don’t really matter with Lucha Memes. Aeroboy/Negro Casas and Volador/Ricky Marvin were said to be the best two matches. Negro Navarro/Mistico was short and Mistico got thoroughly booed even as he won the match. The photos show the first few rows full on both levels, though it appears to be very empty past that. That still seems better than Memes has done in Coacalco in the recent past. I’d say we would know if Memes considered it a success if they run it again, but it is CMLL and they could just decide not to allow anyone to run again for mystery reasons.

The Memes show may be the final Arena Coliseo show until 01/08, since CMLL is running Saturday Arena Mexico shows the next two weekends.

CMLL (SUN) 12/19/2021 Arena México [CMLLKaiser Sports]
1) Leono & Retro b Apocalipsis & Cholo
2) Arkalis & Panterita del Ring Jr. b Eléctrico & Halcón Suriano Jr.
Team Panterita took 2/3
3) Luciferno, Misterioso Jr., Okumura b Cachorro, Espíritu Negro, Hombre Bala Jr.
Rudos took 2/3, more cage match set challenges followed
4) Felino Jr., Pólvora, Rey Bucanero b Guerrero Maya Jr., Panterita del Ring, Volcano
Rudos took 1/3
5) Dragón Rojo Jr., Felino, Negro Casas b Ángel de Oro, Soberano Jr., Titán
Rudos took 2/3, Negro Casas beating Titan and challenging him to a match

CMLL didn’t phrase it as a title match – Titan is CMLL Welterweight Champion – but that also doesn’t matter much. Titan/Casas usually is good, and a match that may benefit from the one fall focus.

Today’s Arena Puebla show has Felino Jr. & Polvora defending the Mexican National Tag Team titles against Audaz & Esfinge.

CMLL (TUE) 12/21/2021 Arena México
1) Acero, Aéreo, Último Dragóncito vs Mercurio, Pequeño Olímpico, Pequeño Violencia
2) Arkalis, Eléctrico, Grako vs Halcón Suriano Jr., Inquisidor, Robin [Relevos Increíbles]
3) Diamond, Guerrero Maya Jr., Magia Blanca vs Dark Magic, Misterioso Jr., Okumura
4) Dark Panther, Místico, Titán vs Ángel de Oro, Hechicero, Terrible [Relevos Increíbles]
5) Stuka Jr. © vs Mephisto [NWA LH]
6th defense

If Mephisto won, he might become the oldest person to ever hold this belt (but I’m not doing the research.) It seems unlikely he’ll win but this title isn’t all that important.

CMLL (TUE) 12/21/2021 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) Estrella Del Jalisco I, Estrella Del Jalisco II, Obelisk vs Destello, Persa, Ponzoña Jr.
2) Crixus, Optimus, Trono vs Ángel Rebelde, Estrella Oriental, Halcón Negro Jr.
3) Adrenalina, Omega, Valiente Jr. vs Bestia Negra, Difunto, Zandokan Jr.
4) Explosivo, Fantástico, Gallo vs Bárbaro Cavernario, Demonio Maya, Principe Daniel
5) Atlantis, Felino, Negro Casas vs Al Carrillo, Rey Bucanero, Satánico

That’s a very old main event. I presume Blue Panther is already back home for the holidays so Rey Bucanero has to fill is a young spry 40+ year old.

CMLL announced they’d start carrying some NJPW merchandise in their store. It’d been notable lately how few interactions CMLL gets on Twitter nowadays; the Gran Alternativa final results tweet got 40 likes and 6 RTs. This Friday’s lineup got 70 likes and 16 RTs, which is pretty high for them. The CMLL Twitter post announcing NJPW merchandise had 203 likes and 43 RT when I checked this morning.

AAA

the bonus TV taping aired on the 19th.

AAA TV (SUN) 12/19/2021 Pepsi Center WTC, Benito Juárez, Distrito Federal [@DONDEIRweb, ESTO, Record]
1) La Parkita & Octagoncito b La Parkita Negra & Mini Gronda
Empresa beat up the tecnicos, Dave & Murder made the save
2) Goya Kong & Pimpinela Escarlata b Big Mami & Faby Apache and Keyra & Lady Maravilla
Pimpinela beat Goya
3) Argenis b Myzteziz Jr.
Keyra helped Argenis win
4) DMT Azul & Puma King b Dave The Clown & Murder Clown
Empresa took the Clowns masks
5) Aramis & Laredo Kid b Arez & Látigo
Arez replaced Toxin (injury)
6) Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón b Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr., Tito Santana
La Empresa and the tecnicos ran in after

Just a generic taping: some tecnicos get beat up, other tecnicos make the save, those tecnicos lose as well. Keyra betraying her significant other is also standard AAA bits. Fith match was said to be very good. I think Goya Kong might actually be a tencico if she’s teaming with Pimpinela and Poder del Norte are tecnicos, but I dunno for sure. This taping probably won’t air before January 8th and it may be even longer; there’s no point in restarting new shows until they have a next taping scheduled, and there’s no sign of one of those yet.

Pimpinela apparently got busted open trying to kiss someone, wrestled the match with a bandage on.

There’s footage of an injury Parka Negra suffered back on 12/10 in Xalapa on Facebook and it’s a freak-looking thing. Parka Negra was doing a routine backward leap out of the corner over a charging opponent, where he intended to backward roll on the mat into the next spot. Parka Negra falls on his back for the roll and just doesn’t get up, like he’s knocked out. Maybe he banged his head, maybe something else was going on. He’s wrestled since. Hopefully he’s fine.

Other News

IWRG (SUN) 12/19/2021 Arena Naucalpan [Cronista del Ring, Mas Lucha]
1) Shalom b Spider Fly EN VIVO: Última función del año - Jessy Ventura vs Cerebro Negro (posted by mluchatv)
2) Artemiz & Sagitarius b Hija Del Vikingo & Satania EN VIVO: Última función del año - Jessy Ventura vs Cerebro Negro (posted by mluchatv)
3) Hell Boy, Legendario, Rasputín b Black Dragón, Fly Warrior, Fulgor I EN VIVO: Última función del año - Jessy Ventura vs Cerebro Negro (posted by mluchatv)
Hell Boy & Black Dragon continue to feud
4) Akbal, Diva Salvaje, Hijo De Dos Caras b Heddi Karaoui, Kb6, Sweet Daddy Soul EN VIVO: Última función del año - Jessy Ventura vs Cerebro Negro (posted by mluchatv)
5) Alpha Wolf, Dragón Bane, Freelance b Gran Pandemónium, Hijo Del Pandemónium, Pandemónium Jr. EN VIVO: Última función del año - Jessy Ventura vs Cerebro Negro (posted by mluchatv)
6) Jessy Ventura b Cerebro Negro [IWRG IC WELTER] EN VIVO: Última función del año - Jessy Ventura vs Cerebro Negro (posted by mluchatv)
advertised as Ventura challenging Toxin for the IWRG MEXICO, but Toxin was already listed for the AAA taping the same day by the time this show was announced (and didn’t wrestle in either)

The IWRG description for the live stream had Toxin/Jessy Ventura on it, so someone thought that match was still happening when the show started. My understanding is Toxin was injured after his appearance on Thursday’s show and it may have been a late decision if he was going to be able to wrestle on this show. Cerebro Negro would’ve been around to watch his son (Shalom) wrestlers he’s an easy sub. Maybe they’ll do Toxin/Ventura in January.

It’s weird to announce on Friday that the last show of the year is Sunday but that’s how IWRG seems to work right now. There’s a AAA spot show on Christmas Day in Arena Naucalpan. IWRG will be running another Tryout series of shows in early 2022.

Alberto held a press conference in Mexico City Monday afternoon claiming an investigation proved he was totally innocent of all charges filed by his ex-fiance in the recently concluded kidnapped case. To be clear, he didn’t provide an investigation, his story appears to be that the government investigated it. (If the government had such an investigation, they probably wouldn’t have charged him.) This part of his latest image rehab campaign; his appearance on Lucha Libre Online included Alberto again threatening to release footage that would get other ex-significant other WWE Paige fired if she talked about him again. Again, either Alberto has incredibly poor luck in relationships or is actually the cause of those issues; everyone probably knows where they stands on that already, and press conferences like this just exist to give a shield for those who are already committed to booking him.

Alberto also claimed he would work for one of the three biggest promotions in the US in 2022. A popular twitter discussion topic is “what’s the third biggest US promotion now?” (or “is GCW the third biggest US promotion”.) The reality is there is one giant promotion, one strong secondary group, and everyone else is so far behind that they’re not a competition to the first two and arguing the third is fun meaningless game.  That’s the game here too; if Alberto was going to WWE or AEW, he wouldn’t be talking about a third group. People in my mentions guessed MLW as Alberto’s destination quite often, which I would be offended about if i was MLW, but also seems like a good guess. It’s Alberto, so he could just as easily spin Robles or no one else at all; he’s about keeping his name in the news above all else. In slightly more grounded news, Alberto claimed Nacion Lucha Libre would be returning in March.

The last show at Monterrey’s Arena Feminil got attention for not having adequate medical personal at the show after the fact. It should’ve been no surprise that the next show at the arena was going to get a visit from the commission, no matter who was promoting it, and indeed it did. Home promotion’s Lucha Libre Femenil show on Friday was shut down by the Monterrey lucha libre commission after it too had no ambulance or medical personal. The promoter said they’d never been asked for a doctor and an ambulance by a commission in the 20 years of running LLF, and the nurse they scheduled to have on hand was running late. LLF also criticized the commissioner for going into the women’s locker room while they were training, on the auspicious of checking the wrestler’s licenses. LLF feels they should’ve been fined and allowed to continue the show, not shut down, and SuperLuchas makes the case the show should’ve been allowed to go on. Still, it should’ve been obvious that the next people in that venue were going to going to be examed closely for the mistakes Rompiendo Madre’s made so the commission could show they have a reason to exist – they were going to show up if only to check there was an ambulance and a doctor and they were going to shut LLF down if they didn’t have one.

International Mara defeated Payaso Purasanta in a mask match to close out Welcome to Mi Barrio’s year. Payaso Purasanta is Alejandro García, 39, 22 years a wrestler.

Sunday’s Big Lucha show ended with the Demonic Flamita team defeating the tecnicos in a main event cage match. Gravity seems to have replaced Bandido in the match, but Bandido made a run-in to save his brother at some point. (Bandido announced earlier in the weekend that he had tested negative for COVID.) The rudos – Demonic Flamita, Emperador Azteca, Yutani, Elemental, and Bendito – destroyed Bandido and declared they were taking over the Big Lucha Gym under the name “Black Generacion.”

Septimo Dragon, who suffered a life-threatening motorcycle accident, says he plans to return to wrestling in January 2022 though he doesn’t have an exact date yet.

90/00/10ss Mexico City area Super Colt passed away on Friday. He’d been sick for a while; there were recent benefit shows. Super Colt’s highest-profile work came in mid-00s IWRG, and he worked at least one CMLL show (2008-07-20 at Arena Coliseo.) He’d worked as a trainer as well in more recent times.

Box y Lucha reports Baja California luchador Fily Nava (Fernando Nava Alferez, 73) passed away on Friday. He also worked in the Mexicali Box y Lucha commission.

Kurt Brown put up found public domain footage of a 1953 lucha libre match.

Box y Lucha 3496 has Silueta 7 Mephisto on the cover amongst many other issues.

Segunda Caida review some Panamanian lucha libre.

Moreno 59th Anniversary show, Gran Alternativa Block B tonight, Lucha Memes Sunday

CMLL

Last week’s CMLL Friday night Ticketmaster Live show was a great value: Averno’s return and a title match. The show costs exactly the same tonight, with none of that novelty. It’s really only for completists only. If this show was free, it probably still wouldn’t be worth most people’s time.

The only bit of interest is the Gran Alternativa block, but even that’s not that interesting. It’s not a great group of names and the matchups are restricted. CMLL secret rules prevent fathers and sons from wrestling. They’ve also seemed to stay away from the Deperadores facing each other in matches. That limits the possibilities in this tournament. I’ll take a guess, with the idea Ultimo Guerrero will want to last to the end. An early DQ to get out of there is probably just as likely.

Diamond & Titán b Dragón Rojo Jr. & Inquisidor
Espanto Jr. & Hechicero b Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial
Ángel de Oro & Halcón Suriano Jr b Magnus & Terrible
Disturbio & Último Guerrero b Atlantis & Eléctrico

Diamond & Titán b Espanto Jr. & Hechicero
Disturbio & Último Guerrero b Ángel de Oro & Halcón Suriano

Diamond & Titán b Disturbio & Último Guerrero

A Coliseo Coacalco show with Averno versus Mistico in a singles match scheduled for this Sunday was bumped back to 12/26. Perhaps that change was made to make sure Arena Mexico would get to run that show first on Christmas Day; that seems to be the likely outcome from tonight’s trios main event.

Lucha Memes (SAT) 12/18/2021 Arena Coliseo
1) Rey Apocalipsis & Toro Bill Jr. vs Astrolux & Jack Cartwheel and Alas de Acero & Iron Kid and Calibus & Miike and Corsario Negro Jr. & Drako [rumble]
2) Cancerbero & Raziel vs Avisman & Black Terry
3) Makabre vs Templario
4) Solar I vs Okumura
5) Perro de Guerra Jr. vs Freelance [hair]
6) Negro Casas vs Aeroboy
7) Último Guerrero vs Virus
8) Ricky Marvin vs Volador Jr.
9) Negro Navarro vs Místico

Lucha Memes will hold their Universal event Saturday night in Arena Coliseo. Other promotions have run Arena Coliseo in the past, Ultimo Dragon’s Toryumon Mexico most often. It’s a big achievement for Memes to reach that venue, one they should be proud of accomplishing. The challenge now is selling enough tickets to make it worthwhile; Memes hasn’t been a strong draw in Coliseo Coacalco and this is a bigger venue at much higher prices. It’s also a far more loaded card than some of the recent shows and CMLL’s given it some nice support. Lucha Memes also may just be happy to reach this bucket list goal no matter how many people show up to witness it. Recent Lucha Memes shows have turned up on IWTV in about three weeks time, so this may be available to watch early next year.

CMLL (SUN) 12/19/2021 Arena Coliseo
1) Leono & Retro vs Apocalipsis & Cholo
2) Arkalis & Panterita del Ring Jr. vs Eléctrico & Halcón Suriano Jr.
3) Cachorro, Espíritu Negro, Hombre Bala Jr. vs Luciferno, Misterioso Jr., Okumura
4) Guerrero Maya Jr., Panterita del Ring, Volcano vs Felino Jr., Pólvora, Rey Bucanero
5) Ángel de Oro, Soberano Jr., Titán vs Dragón Rojo Jr., Felino, Negro Casas

Now that Niebla Roja is back, he’ll never team with Angel de Oro.

CMLL (MON) 12/20/2021 Arena Puebla
1) Asturiano & Fénix So vs Espíritu Maligno & Sombra Diabólica
2) Chamuel & Micro Ángel vs Micro Gemelo Diablo I & Micro Gemelo Diablo II
3) Halcón Suriano Jr. & Stigma vs Misterioso Jr. & Okumura
4) Felino Jr. & Pólvora © vs El Audaz & Esfinge [MEX TAG]
first defense
5) Ángel de Oro, Místico, Terrible vs Atlantis Jr., Templario, Último Guerrero [Relevos Increíbles]

Both 2/4 are rematches from last week. Felino & Polvora seemto get booked here a lot.

CMLL aired highlights of Panterita del Ring Jr. winning the lightweight title from Electrico on CMLL Informa. It’s about three minutes of single-camera clips. The match looks interesting, more technical than usual.

CMLL announced the 01/01 show will be a TicketMaster Live streaming show. No price yet. I presume the Christmas Day show will also be streaming but it’s not advertised yet.

Atlantis has been added to the Jalisco sports hall of fame, one of 9 selected from a list of 17. The induction ceremony is scheduled for February.

AAA

An AAA Twitter post noted the promotion’s first show was in Veracruz and they plan to start a new chapter in Veracruz again. The post was quote tweeted by Veracruz’s baseball team, who have about an 8,000 seat stadium. Dorian Roldan had previously talked about running an important show on the anniversary of AAA’s founding, May 15th, which lines up on a Sunday this year. Best guess this is a setup for a Veracruz baseball stadium show on that day.

The next defense of the AAA Reina de Reinas championship looks to be January 8th. Thursday’s Impact TV show mentioned the Deonna Purrazzo versus Rok-C AAA vs ROH title match set up last weekend at Final Battle will air their television show after their 01/07 Hard to Kill PPV. Those tapings are Dallas, so that’s a logical time to do it. Purrzzo is likely to keep the AAA title and win the ROH title if there’s an actual title change hands; a draw where both women walk away with their titles is plausible. Purrazzo hasn’t defended the AAA title since winning it at August’s TripleMania. Taya challenged her in a video airing on TripleMania Regia, though we have no idea if/when that match will happen.

Laredo Kid lost to Chris Bey earlier on the show. It was a good match. It was also an AAA vs NJPW match, a true rarity. I think it’s the first time it’s happened in Impact; Taurus has teamed with Bey and faced the Good Brothers, though it was before they were officially associated with NJPW, and neither Taurus nor Laredo Kid have wrestled Juice Robinson or David Finlay. Chris Bey’s been added to the Bullet Club on Impact and has appeared on NJPW US shows since, though he’s not appeared in Japan for the promotion. Still, it’s usually something NJPW asks to avoid in deference to CMLL and I was surprised it slipped through when I realized it happened. Impact didn’t emphasize that multiple promotion bit in the commentary.

AAA’s show on Space is still airing. I have no idea what they’ll air this week; it’s probably repeats and I probably won’t stream it. It’s scheduled to air at 5:30 this week, an hour early than usual.

AAA has a taping in Mexico City on Sunday. Every taping in front of fans has streamed live this year, though I don’t think that’ll be the case for this one. AAA’s made no announcement and the plans for this show came together at the last minute. I do expect it to be on all the usual YouTube channels by Monday unless AAA explicitly tells people not to film it, and those YouTube channels are not geoblocked.

Other News

IWRG (THU) 12/16/2021 Arena Naucalpan [IWRG, Lucha CentralMas Lucha]
Moreno Family 59th Anniversary show
1) Limbo & Shalom b Hell Boy & Rey Halcón
2) Benga Lee, Diosa Quetzal, Noisy Boy b Fly Warrior, Lolita, Satania
Bengalee, recently back from injury, dove off the first floor during the match
3) Gran Pandemónium, Hijo Del Pandemónium, Pandemónium b Aster Boy, Rasputín, Sick Boy
Freelance had a bad scare on a head injury, but appeared fine later. Sick Boy finished up his IWRG run with this match.
4) Arez, Látigo, Toxin b Oficial 911, Oficial AK47, Oficial Fierro
Jessy Ventura challenged Toxin to another IWRG Mexico title match, got attacked by the Vipers.
5) Big Mami, Hijo del Alebrije, Niño Hamburguesa b Big Boy, Big Chico Che, Big Mike
Black Terry was honored after the match.
6) Alpha Wolf & Dragón Bane b Aster Boy & Demonic Flamita
Return of Los Golepadors to IWRG
7) Hijo de LA Park, LA Park, LA Park Jr. b Hijo del Espectro Jr., Jessy Ventura, Psycho Clown

Wolf/Bane vs Aster/Flamita was said to be great, maybe worth the price of the subscription alone. I’d guess Los Golepadors are around for at least the holidays, but they didn’t say anything for sure. No mention of a Sunday show; this might have been a Thursday one to make sure everyone was available, but moving away from that AAA TV taping probably helped. It looked like a good turnout. Toxin/Ventura is probably happening before the end of the year.

RIOT’s 02/11-12 La Rina participants

  1. Blake Christian
  2. Demonio del Aire
  3. El Mago
  4. Jimmy
  5. Mr. Iguana
  6. Erik Ortiz – new

Ricky Marvin held a press conference Thursday for a Cueva del Dragon show he’s holding in his home town of Veracruz on Friday. As part of the press conference, Mini Histeria unmasked himself as Rocky Marvin, one of Ricky’s brothers. It was previously known that Rocky was playing the AAA mini character, which has barely appeared in AAA since 2018. It was a little more surprising that he was also the Mini Clown mascot who accompanied the Psycho Clown for a few years.

That show has a Ricky Marvin/Virus main event, playing off their old rivalry. It also includes Travis Banks, who Marvin has books regularly.

Super Crazy wrestling for AJPW this last few seemed notable mostly for a new foreigner making into Japan, which has been infamously difficult since the start of the pandemic. It became more notable Thursday when Super Crazy surprisingly won AJPW’s World Junior Championship, defeating Izanagi. Super Crazy has not wrestled in Mexico this year, but he’ll be wrestling a bit more in Japan. He’ll defend his newly won title against SUGI on 01/03, a challenger picked by Super Crazy. I’m not sure how long Crazy is going to be champion, but AJPW has a relationship with MLW and Super Crazy seems to tick a few of MLW’s boxes (ex-ECW name, lucha talent.)

GCW announced Arez vs Gringo Loco vs Ninja Mack vs Jimmy Lloyd vs Jack Cartwheel vs Matt Vandagriff for their show tonight, airing on FITE. The promotion says Negro Casas would’ve faced Jonathan Gresham on the show; that might have been for the ROH Championship since the replacement match will have it on the line.

PWG announced Bandido for the Battle of Los Angeles tournament.

Blue Demon Jr. put up another video disavowing all family members and anyone who sells Blue Demon merchandise except for him personally. I don’t know what’s going on there but it doesn’t seem good. In lighter (?) Blue Demon Jr. news, he talked to Record about how he hasn’t put up a Christmas tree for years because it reminds him of his father passing away. It reads like he’s put up a tree recently.

Hidalgo luchador El Exotico was awards a Hidalgo sports award.

LuchaWorld has the latest Lucha Report.

added AAA TV taping Sunday, Gran Alternativa Block B, Robles 12/25 show

CMLL

CMLL (TUE) 12/14/2021 Arena México [CMLL, Estrellas del RingKaiser SportsMarcaMas Lucha]
1) Acero & Aéreo b Angelito & Kaligua  (posted by Google Drive) CMLL | Acero y Aéreo VS Angelito y Kaligua (posted by Más Lucha)
2) Magia Blanca, Pegasso, Stigma b Akuma, Dark Magic, Enfermero Jr.  (posted by ) CMLL | Pegasso, Stigma y Magia Blanca VS Enfermero Jr, Akuma y Dark Magic (posted by mluchatv)
Tecnicos took 2/3. Cage match challenges followed.
3) La Jarochita, Marcela, Princesa Sugehit b Amapola, Dalys, Stephanie Vaquer  (posted by ) CMLL | Jarochita, Marcela y Princesa Sugehit VS Dalys, Amapola y Stephanie Vaquer (posted by mluchatv)
Tecnicas took 1/3
4) Dark Panther, Esfinge, Fugaz b Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado  (posted by ) CMLL | Esfinge, Fugaz y Black Panther VS Sagrado y Los Gemelos Diablo I y II (posted by mluchatv)
Tecnicos took 2/3. Esfinge & Fugaz pushed the idea of becoming a regular team
5) Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto b Blue Panther, Niebla Roja, Stuka Jr.  (posted by ) CMLL | Mephisto, Hechicero y Euforia VS Stuka Jr, Blue Panther y Niebla Roja (posted by mluchatv)
Mephisto challenged Stuka to a NWA LH title match, rudos unmasked the tecnicos. Return of Niebla Roja to Arena Mexico.

Marca did not have this show listed as streaming, then streamed it anyway. I put up the video but haven’t watched it. Mephisto has challenged for a lot of titles but surprisingly not for this one.

CMLL (TUE) 12/14/2021 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [Arena Coliseo Guadalaajra, Fuego en El Ring]
1) Bello Antuan, Capitán Cobra, Temerario b Jabalí, Relámpago Azul, Rumbero
2) Adrenalina, Estrella Oriental, Minotauro b Anteuz, El Enviado, Príncipe Quetzal
3) Gallito Tapatío, Micro Gemelo Diablo I, Micro Gemelo Diablo II b Átomo, Chamuel, Perico Zacarías
4) Furia Roja, Omega, Zandokan b Gallo, Ráfaga, Star Black [Relevos Increíbles]
referee seemed to fast count for Gallo. Omega return match.
5) Carlo Roggi L DifuntoBestia NegraFúnebreJokerOmar BrunettiVaquero Jr.Cris Skin [cage, hair, mask]
order of escape: Difunto, Vaquero, Brunetti, Bestia Negra, Cris Skin, Funebre, leaving Joker to beat Carlo Roggi for his hair.

Roggi looks like he got a haircut but not his head shaved.

CMLL (FRI) 12/17/2021 Arena México
1) Oro Jr. & Robin vs Grako & Nitro
2) Dulce Gardenia, Espíritu Negro, Rey Cometa vs Cancerbero, Hijo del Villano III, Okumura
3) Atlantis & Eléctrico vs Diamond & Titán and Atlantis Jr. & Sangre Imperial and Ángel de Oro & Halcón Suriano Jr. and Espanto Jr. & Hechicero and Magnus & Terrible and Disturbio & Último Guerrero and Dragón Rojo Jr. & Inquisidor [Gran Alternativa, seeding battle royal]
4) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
5) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
6) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
7) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
8) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, quarterfinal]
9) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, quarterfinal]
10) ? & ?? vs ??? & ???? [Gran Alternativa, semifinal]
11) Místico, Soberano Jr., Volador Jr. vs Averno, Cavernario, Templario

This is a 99 pesos Ticketmaster show. Last week’s show was a good value. This one’s only for the completists or the people who love tournament blocks, who I don’t believe actually exist. The main event is a setup to a probable singles match on 12/25, the first two matches are setting up the 01/01 cage match and the rest is an unappealing group of teams.

Gran Alternativa Block B

Name               CMLL Debut    Past Gran Alternativas
Sangre Imperial    2016          debut
Diamond            2015          2018 
Espanto Jr.        2012          2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019
Halcon Suriano Jr. 2012          debut
Magnus             2011          2011
Disturbio          2009          2010, 2013
Electrico          2006          2010, 2013
Inquisidor         1998          2010

Inquisidor switched from Vaquerito/Vaquero to his current character in 2008. There’s a Vaquerito match in 1995, not sure if it’s this same guy, but it’s possible he’s been wrestling longer than veteran Atlantis Jr. has been alive. These guys, especially the last four guys on that list, are guys who debuted a decade ago, settled into a first/second match position without being pushed, and have fallen back into “novato” range because CMLL hasn’t debuted many new people and weirdly decided to run a 16 team tournament. It surprised me that Magnus hadn’t been in one of these since 2011, but that’s the irrelevant limbo he’s been in for most of his career. I’m confused why Enfermero Jr./Yago isn’t in this tournament among other names; maybe CMLL doesn’t realize they never aired him winning the secret Gran Alternativa last year.

Diamond & Titan seem like the best match for Euforia & Terrible. I have no problem with Titan in a final but I can’t see Diamond or Coyote getting pushed past the 3rd match, outside of more people disappearing or the winner suddenly getting much better. I rate Diamond the better of the two but there’s a lot of guys like Diamond ahead of him.

CMLL is promoting the 12/18 Lucha Memes show on social media, mentioning it on their website and having lots of the wrestlers as guests on Informa, which they haven’t done with third party shows in their venues prior. I wonder if we’ll see the same when ELITE comes back.

Carnicero Grimaldo (Roberto Grimaldo Martinez, 88) passed away on Tuesday, according to Box y Lucha. Grimaldo had a long career in wrestling, showing up in EMLL in 1950 (when he would’ve been around 17) and losing a mask in Palacio de los Deportes in 1981 as a Mr. Wrestling.

Most of the matches we have are under the Grimlado are in the 50s/60s time period. He was remembered in Arena Mexico Tuesday night as Escorpion II, and that’s a source of luchawiki confusion. For a long time, we had Raul Reyes as the Escorpion II of the 60s/70s, but I’m not sure that’s correct for the entire period. A man identified as Bufalo Reyes is under the Escorpion II mask, but Raul Reyes actually wrestled Escorpion II a few times in 1978 and 1979. Maybe there was a switch (which would be very unusual), maybe Grimaldo was also Bufalo Reyes and they got swapped somewhere along the line. I’ve got my fingers crossed that SuperLuchas or Box y Lucha will put out an obituary because all I know is I don’t know have it right.

AAA

AAA TV (SUN) 12/19/2021 Pepsi Center WTC, Benito Juárez, Distrito Federal
1) La Parkita & Octagoncito vs La Parkita Negra & Mini Gronda
2) Big Mami & Faby Apache vs Keyra & Lady Maravilla and Goya Kong & Pimpinela Escarlata
3) Myzteziz Jr. vs Argenis
4) Aramis & Laredo Kid vs Látigo & Toxin
5) Dave The Clown & Murder Clown vs DMT Azul & Puma King
6) Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr., Tito Santana vs Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón

Hey, remember when AAA announced this show and said it wasn’t a TV taping. As of today, it’s a TV taping with a new lineup. Ticketmaster doesn’t show a map for this show, so I’m not sure if tickets weren’t moving or AAA belatedly realized they’re running out of TV soon. Past TV patterns would have AAA 2021 Year In Review shows on Space for 12/18, 12/25, and 01/01, with this show airing on 01/08 and 01/15, and that 01/15 weekend as the first taping of the year. No knowing for sure given everything else going on.

This 12/19 card was shuffled and added onto around to get to go for four to six matches, enough to make it long enough for two weeks of TV. (That does point the arrow towards it being AAA needing TV.) Some of the names look like they just pulled in whomever was available. Psycho, Pagano, Vikingo, and Taurus are all booked out to Torreon that night, which wouldn’t happen if this was a planned taping. Aramis/Laredo vs Latigo/Toxin is one of the additions and might end up being better than anything on TripleMania. Argenis/Myzteziz is the feud that’s been going on since 2019 finally having a singles match. That is the first AAA singles match not involving a Marvel character since the main event of TripleMania.

AAA launched a new online store on Tuesday. This is going to come off me being negative as usual but this may be the last time I mention it. The pattern is AAA opens an internet store with a limited selection and generic designs, few people buy the merchandise, AAA stops mentioning the store within two months and then someone stumbles upon it on a year later stunned it hasn’t been taken down. I think this has happened three times. Only La Parka, Lady Shani, Mascarita Sagrada, Pagano, and Pentagon Jr. have designs and it’s one single logo for each on a variety of merchandise. The Pentagon design is the same photos they’ve been using for Pentagon on posters for eight years. New champion Vikingo is not yet included. I’m guessing someone at AAA held a meeting pointing out the large amount of money WWE and/or AEW get with merchandise and thought they should have it themselves, but that success requires resources and manpower over years and it seems unlikely AAA will ever invest that in to a project that’s not what they already do. AAA’s created a lot of great character designs over the year but the merchandise doesn’t reflect the creativity. It’s better than nothing, though it feels like another bit where AAA does just enough to say they did something but not enough to make it worthwhile, like the English commentary at TripleMania.

The main page lists “masks” as a category and then lets you know there are no masks available for sale if you click the link. Maybe that was a previous plan because the site seems to have been in the works for a while: the copyright date was listed as 2020 on the main page when I first checked. Streamerch.com.mx seems to be the site engine. The FAQ says the store ships international but the checkout page did not appear to allow you to change your location outside of Mexico.

Other

IWRG is advertising a surprise semi-main for their show on Thursday, with Flamita and two mystery people advertised. The silhouettes are obviously of Dragon Bane and Hijo de Canis Lupus, who haven’t been around IWRG in months. Hijo de Canis Lupus seemed to break away from IWRG a few weeks ago by changing his gimmick to Alpha Wolf, and I guess it’s possible IWRG will debut new people in those characters. This is a Mas Lucha Premium (paid) show. Black Terry will also be honored on the show.

IWRG held a media day session on Tuesday to promote this show, including Psycho Clown talking about how he wants LA Park’s mask. I believe he can buy them outside the building. The media day included IWRG noting how some of their wrestlers have had the most matches in 2021, which appeared to be Roberto Figueroa reading my Twitter post with that list perhaps without mentioning me. Didn’t get an invite to the media day either. I guess it’s better than being reprinted in a paid newsletter with being mentioned.

The next IWRG/Mas Lucha Premium show is January 2nd, “Guerrero de Acero”, an all cage match show.

ROBLES (SAT) 12/25/2021 Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera, Ciudad de México, Distrito Federal [ESTO]
1) Black Shadow Jr. vs Moria
2) Artemis, Big Mami, Microman, Miss Delicious, Reina Dorada vs Baronessa, Diosa Quetzal, Estrellita, Mini Fussion, Therius
3) Estrellato, King Charro, Toscano vs Brazo Celestial, Brazo Cibernetico, Brazo De Oro Jr.
4) Hijo De Dr. Karonte vs Gran Markus Jr.Hijo de Gran MarkusHijo De Dos CarasBugambiliaJoe LiderMáximoDemonio InfernalFresero Jr.Atomic StarTonina Jackson Jr.Estrella DivinaDoberman I
5) Dralistico & Fénix (Indie) vs Charly Rockstar & Súper Nova and DMT Azul & La Máscara
6) Blue Demon Jr. vs Carlito vs Penta 0M vs Electroshock vs Texano Jr.? [ROBLES MUNDIAL]

There are going to be a lot of Christmas Day lucha libre shows and this is definitely one of them. It’s Robles, they’re never going to have good cards, and this one is no better. The mystery person in the main event is ex-basketball player Peter John Ramos, but they’re describing him and not mentioning him by name to build that mystery. Bringing in Fenix to work that tag match seems like a very dumb idea but I guess it’s an easy payday for him.

Big Mami said during the press conference she wasn’t under contract to anyone, then afterward said she was still on good terms with AAA. So she’s one of many AAA wrestlers working as freelancers. La Mascara seemed to be leading the press conference so he may be in charge here with Alberto suspiciously not around much. La Mascara emphasized no one here will be blocked from working elsewhere, which is supposed to separate them from AAA and CMLL. That claim is going to be put to the test if/when Nacion & Elite start running and there are date conflicts. The most clipped moment of the press conference was Arturo Rivera’s chair collapsing underneath him for which Rivera said he’d start eating fewer tacos. Rivera says his time with AAA & generally TV has finished but on good terms.

With Robles around and Nacion Lucha Libre and Elite coming back, 2022 looks to have a lot of these types of promotions around, promoters with access to money and wrestlers but a poor history of putting on shows that interest fans. I’d take interesting failures, but only Elite has managed to be that of these three. The existence of those promotions is short-term good news for luchadors, who just want well-paying work wherever they can find it, but probably bad for running of lucha libre fans in the long term when disappointing shows are so common and everyone comes out of them looking like less of a star. (A disastrous show in North Carolina this past weekend was similar, but it’s not like there’s a big lucha libre scene in North Carolina to mess up.)

Chris Bey faces Laredo Kid on Thursday’s Impact. I didn’t see many Impact spoilers but the one I saw said this match was worth watching.

GCW announced Bandido & Negro Casas are off their show in Los Angeles on Friday. I believe Bandido is also off the Big Lucha show this weekend out of caution. My understanding Negro Casas is off because CMLL found out Bandido was booked and told Casas he was no longer allowed to work the show (and that hasn’t apparently changed even with Bandido off the show.) CMLL’s policy of blocking their own wrestlers just doesn’t work at this point – US promoters are not going to pick the CMLL wrestler in almost every situation, CMLL is not over in the US right now – and it only succeeds in costing CMLL luchadors work. On the other hand, this situation was known to GCW very soon after Casas was announced and they waited until two days until the show to confirm what people had suspected for a while. CMLL not being over in the US extends to US promoters not understanding how stubborn CMLL will be at all times and talking themselves into believing something might eventually change. I’d love to see Negro Casas and others in more places in the US, but a no from CMLL is a no.

Mas Lucha’s En+carados show mentioned the 12/12 AAA Guadalajara cancelations was due to (Guadalajara’s) Atlas football team making the LigaMX final on the same night.

Fenix put a list of people he’d like to face in singles matches in 2022, naming Arez, Latigo, Vikingo, Komander, and Kill Korton. It seems unlikely any of those will happen in AAA. They’re not pushed at that level and AAA gave up on booking non-Marvel 1v1 matches for the last half of the year.

Monterrey’s KAOZ put out a press release saying they now have no relationship with Rompiendo Madres to evade blame for the poor medical situation that left Chik Tormenta being taken away on a plank of wood. KAOZ was promoting that show on their own Facebook and has had a close relationship with Rompiendo Madres in the past. KAOZ also just did an interview bit 10 days ago where a) they said Cibernetico can only work shows with KAOZ’s signing off and Cibernetico worked that show so KAOZ had to be involved b) either lied or made them look silly by implying Ciberentico wasn’t going to TripleMania Regia when he worked TripleMania Regia after all. For their part, Rompiendo Madres posted a statement from Chik Tormenta saying everything was fine to try and move on from the situation. The US way to move on is to say “hey, we’ll do better next show” but Mexican indie promotions generally can’t even manage to pretend they’ll do better.

Cancun’s Total Wrestling Stars promotion seems like they had a similar incident on a show Sunday based on a statement they put out today. Luchador Rey Aguila was taken to the hospital after an injury on a powerbomb. A difference is the press release mentions they had paramedics and an ambulance on hand. (Also, there’s no video, not that I could find.) Comments elsewhere suggest Aguila is doing better now.

Rompiendo Madres announced Travis Banks for their 02/19 show in Arena Femenil. I haven’t seen results from their show this past Friday but their Facebook page indicates Banks showed up as a surprise then; he’s also over wrestler social media from Monterrey. My impression is that Banks has been cut off by Bandido and Big Lucha (time will tell on that) but that’s still just one group among dozens of indies around Mexico. Most aren’t going to have an issue in using him and their fans aren’t going to complain about Banks working the shows. He’ll be around Mexico indies as long as he wants to be around, no different than any scandalized Mexican luchador.

RIOT’s 02/11-12 La Rina participants

  1. Blake Christian
  2. Demonio del Aire
  3. El Mago
  4. Jimmy – new
  5. Mr. Iguana – new

Superluchas has an interview with Crazy Boy, who feels DTU has gotten to the point where their fans will show up for the brand, knowing that even if they don’t have big stars now, they’ll have the stars of the future. Crazy Boy claims he had an offer from Satanico to work in Arena Coliseo Guadalajara before the pandemic.

LuchaWorld has this week’s Poster-Mania and this week’s Lucha Report.

Soberano wins middleweight title, Coyote & Euforia surprisingly advance in Gran Alternativa, IWRG, ROH

CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 12/10/2021 Arena México [CMLLCronistas del RingEstrellas del RingFuria de TitanesKaiser Sports (Averno)Kaiser Sports (tournament)Mas LuchaR de RudoThe Gladiatores, thecubsfan]
1) Dulce Gardenia, El Audaz, Espíritu Negro b Disturbio, Nitro, Pólvora CMLL - EL AUDAZ-DULCE GARDENIA-ESPÍRITU NEGRO VS DISTURBIO- NITRO-PÓLVORA /ARENA MEXICO 10/12/ 2021 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) Viernes CMLL: Nitro, Disturbio y Pólvora Vs. Dulce Gardenia, Espíritu Negro y Audaz (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
challenges followed. Disturbio & Polvora had issues.
2) Akuma & Enfermero Jr. b Magia BlancaCachorroEl CoyoteSonicPanterita del Ring Jr.Rugido [Gran Alternativa, seeding battle royal]
3) Cavernario & Rugido b Blue Panther & Cachorro [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
4:56
4) El Coyote & Euforia b Panterita del Ring & Panterita del Ring Jr. [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
4:36
5) Magia Blanca & Volador Jr. b Sonic & Stuka Jr. [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
5:57
6) Akuma & Gran Guerrero b Enfermero Jr. & Mephisto [Gran Alternativa, 8f]
5:07
7) El Coyote & Euforia b Cavernario & Rugido [Gran Alternativa, quarterfinal]
3:57
8) Magia Blanca & Volador Jr. b Akuma & Gran Guerrero [Gran Alternativa, quarterfinal]
3:00
9) El Coyote & Euforia b Magia Blanca & Volador Jr. [Gran Alternativa, semifinalCMLL - 1a. FASE DEL TORNEO LA GRAN ALTERNATIVA /ARENA MEXICO 10/12/ 2021 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) CMLL | Euforia y El Coyote primeros finalistas del Torneo de la Gran Alternativa (posted by mluchatv) Euforia y Coyote vencieron a Volador Jr. y Magia Blanca, primeros finalistas de La Gran Alternativa (posted by Revista BOX Y LUCHA)
5:29.
10) Soberano Jr. b Templario [CMLL MIDDLE, finalCMLL - CAMPEONATO MUNDIAL MEDIO / SOBERANO JR. VS TEMPLARIO /ARENA MEXICO 10/12/ 2021 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) Por el Campeonato Mundial Medio CMLL: Soberano Jr vs Templario (posted by Más Lucha) Soberano Jr. Vs. Templario, Campeonato mundial medio del CMLL (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
14:56. One fall. Soberano win vacant title.
11) Ángel de Oro, Averno, Terrible b Fugaz, Místico, Star Jr. [Relevos IncreíblesCMLL - FUGAZ - STAR JR. - MÍSTICO VS ÁNGEL DE ORO - TERRIBLE - AVERNO / ARENA MEXICO 10/12/ 2021 (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL) CMLL | Averno, El Terrible y Ángel de Oro vs Místico, Star Jr y Fugaz (posted by mluchatv) En dos al hilo, Averno le gana a Místico en su casa (posted by Revista BOX Y LUCHA) Viernes CMLL: Averno, Terrible y Ángel de Oro Vs. Místico, Fugaz y Star Jr. (posted by La Tijera Lucha Libre)
11:04. Averno wins in straight falls in his return to Arena Mexico, pulling Mistico’s mask to pin him.

Averno and Mistico picked off where they left off; a singles match on Christmas seems plausible.

The ideas for big finishes seem limited in CMLL; the finish stretcher here were an exchange of Canadian Destroyers, an attempt at being current that comes off as passe. (They’re also having trouble both protecting each other and making the Destroyer look good on the apron; I’d rather it look bad like it did here than someone get hurt, but maybe that’s a reason to drop the title.) I thought it had good action and a little bit new stuff, but most people didn’t seem as into it. Soberano winning the tournament should’ve been obvious as soon as he gave up his national welterweight title (to the point where they probably shouldn’t have done it so loudly) and CMLL obviously seems him as one of their top stars. The previous champion, Cuatrero, was treated the same way and ended up leaving, but it looks like everything is OK with Soberano for now.

Coyote & Euforia came off as a surprise though I guess it should’ve. Instead of building a winning team up, these tournaments are all about the losing team getting in all the spots before they’re eliminated from that match. Even in the final, Volador & Magica Blanca took most of the action I guess because they weren’t going to need to do their offense in two weeks. Coyote is fine, though it’s hard to see him being elevated to a major spot if he wins this tournament. The top tecnico in the next block has a great chance of winning, whomever it turns out to be.

CMLL (SAT) 12/11/2021 Arena Coliseo [CMLL]
1) Leono & Retro b Apocalipsis & Príncipe Odín Jr.
2) Marcela, Princesa Sugehit, Skadi b Amapola, La Comandante, Metálica
tecnicas took 1/3
3) Panterita del Ring Jr. b Eléctrico © [MEX LIGHT]
One fall. Panterita del Ring won the title. Electrico falls on his 8th defense, had been champion since 2013 (when he was still in the minis division.)
4) Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado b Dark Panther, Hombre Bala Jr., Stuka Jr.
5) Místico, Soberano Jr., Volador Jr. b Cavernario, Hechicero, Templario
tecnicos took 2/3

Panterita del Ring Jr. is believed to be around 19. The lightweight championship hasn’t been treated as meaningful but it’s still a big win for someone this new. Panterita looks good when CMLL gives him a chance – he did well in his tournament appearance on Friday – but we’ve never seen him go all out in a singles match. We won’t see this either unless CMLL taped it to air on Informa.

CMLL (SUN) 12/12/2021 Arena México [CMLL]
1) Kaligua b Pequeño Olímpico
Kaligua won vi 450 splash
2) Micro Gemelo Diablo I & Micro Gemelo Diablo II b Chamuel & Micro Ángel
3) Dark Magic, Espanto Jr., Okumura b Magia Blanca, Magnus, Oro Jr.
Okumura challenged Dulce Gardenia after the match
4) Diamond, Guerrero Maya Jr., Rey Cometa b Cancerbero, Luciferno, Virus
There was a moment of applause for Vicente Fernandez before the match. Tecnicos took 2/3
5) Ángel de Oro, Atlantis, Titán DQ Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto
tecnicos took 2/3. Atlantis had Mephisto up in La Atlantida and Euforia unmasked Atlantis

An actual feud on a Sunday show. Okumura/Dulce is part of the cage match and a possible last two. This show had cheap tickets for children, though it was only announced on Friday. Attendance doesn’t seem to be helped (though CMLL’s photos only seem to be showing one side of the ring.)

CMLL (TUE) 12/14/2021 Arena México
1) Acero & Aéreo vs Angelito & Kaligua
2) Magia Blanca, Pegasso, Stigma vs Akuma, Dark Magic, Enfermero Jr.
3) La Jarochita, Marcela, Princesa Sugehit vs Amapola, Dalys, Stephanie Vaquer
4) Dark Panther, Esfinge, Fugaz vs Gemelo Diablo I, Gemelo Diablo II, Sagrado
5) Blue Panther, Niebla Roja, Stuka Jr. vs Euforia, Hechicero, Mephisto

Niebla Roja is apparently still a tecnico who gets booked as a rudo half the time.

Vicente Fernandez is a famous Mexican signer; his “El Rey” song has been used by many wrestlers, including Atlantis the last few years.

Arena Coliseo Guadalajara announced they’ll resume Sunday shows on January 2nd.  The first show looks like it’ll have a Coliseo versus indies theme. This is the last weekly CMLL stop to come back since the pandemic shut down, though the Guadalajara shows still had less Mexico City talent than in previous times. The Mexico City/Puebla cards also remain a little bit smaller than before. CMLL also appears to have cut back from four to two edecanes per show for the Friday shows, and that’s more likely to be a budge cut than a health restriction at this point.

Other News

IWRG (SUN) 12/12/2021 Arena Naucalpan [IWRG, Mas Lucha]
1) Odiseo & Súper Boy b Desastre & Rey Aztaroth EN VIVO: Copa High Power 92 - IWRG TryOut vs NGT en la Arena Naucalpan (posted by Más Lucha)
2) Cheff Benito, Skanda, Último Caballero b Blue Win, Gran Felipe, Súper Cometa EN VIVO: Copa High Power 92 - IWRG TryOut vs NGT en la Arena Naucalpan (posted by Más Lucha)
3) Carnicero, Guerrero Olímpico, Perro de Guerra b Mini Vikingo, Perseo, Rey Minos EN VIVO: Copa High Power 92 - IWRG TryOut vs NGT en la Arena Naucalpan (posted by Más Lucha)
4) Hell Boy b Black Dragón EN VIVO: Copa High Power 92 - IWRG TryOut vs NGT en la Arena Naucalpan (posted by Más Lucha) POV: Hell Boy vs Black Dragón 12-12-2021【2K:60FPS】 (posted by TVLuchaMundial)
Black Dragon wanted a rematch
5) Dick Angelo 3G, Legendario, Puma de Oro b Carrillo, King Shango, Payaso Purasanta Jr. EN VIVO: Copa High Power 92 - IWRG TryOut vs NGT en la Arena Naucalpan (posted by Más Lucha)
6) Águila Oriental, Calibus, Limbo, Noisy Boy, Rey Halcón, Sagitarius, Spider Fly b Aster Boy, Caballero de Plata, Garra Mortal, Kenji, Satánico, Sol, X-Devil [Copa High Power] EN VIVO: Copa High Power 92 - IWRG TryOut vs NGT en la Arena Naucalpan (posted by Más Lucha)
Tryout vs NGT. Noicy Boy & Aster Boy went to a draw, the commission authorized a restart, Noicy Boy won

The big names are coming in for Thursday’s anniversary show so this was all the kids. I presume they’re doing another Noicy/Aster title match.

A scheduled AAA spot show in Guadalajara on Sunday was canceled, with the press release saying neither AAA or the venue were to blame. Guadalajara long ago was a strong city for AAA but they’ve had chronic issues there since the disastrous 2015 Rey de Reyes show.

I’d previously wondered if Big Mami working Robles Promotions shows meant she was no longer under AAA contract, and she said that was the case at Robles Promotions show in Monday afternoon. She’s still working AAA spots shows – she’s listed for their show at the Pepsi Center next week – but said she’s not under contract to any promotion at the moment.

The “Clase Mundial” group in Xalapa, which appears to be run in Hijo del Tirantes, ran a show on Friday night in Arena Xalapa. Hijo del Vikingo won the group’s new title. Hijo del Tirantes was listed as wrestling on the show opposite Faby Apache in a trios but was replaced by “Black Jack”, who turns out to be Hijo del Tirantes’ son. That was his first match in Arena Xalapa and he’s only been wrestling since late 2020, but maybe worth keeping in mind with the Tirantes/Tirantes family drama playing out in AAA.

The final charges against Alberto el Patron left from a 2020 kidnapping case were dropped on Friday, with the court record indicating a witness did not appear for testimony. This case involved Alberto and his then significant other, who later posted a message on Instagram recanting the charges. The case still continued on for a year, with trial meetings every three months followed by a postponement. It certainly comes off as if the missing witness was the accuser and the delays were failed attempts to get her to testify, but we don’t have the facts to prove that. We also don’t really have the fact to exonerate Alberto, despite him claiming such on his Twitter feed; he wasn’t proven innocent, they just no longer had the evidence to prove him guilty. Which means almost everyone is going to keep thinking the same about Alberto as they have prior. This is a pattern and up to you to determine if Alberto has the worst luck possible with terrible people doing things that unfairly drag his name through mud or if Alberto himself is the terrible person.

In theory, the end of this case makes it more palatable for promoters to book Alberto. In reality, he’s been booked regularly for a while by groups like Robles as it is. He may get more, but many promoters in Mexico (and Mexican-themed US promotions) seem completely willing to overlook criminal charges when it comes to booking people. Alberto’s probably not going to get booked because he’s very expensive and isn’t a big star after being away from TV so long and hasn’t endured in a positive way. There’s little to no chance Alberto will get a job with a major US group, though he’ll probably continue to do interviews talking about how he’s really close to going back to WWE because that’s the only positive story that keeps him in the news. The question is if AAA, in its run of bringing back people for the 30th Anniversary Tour, will dabble with Alberto again. AAA seemed to had enough of Alberto in the past, but I never thought Rayo de Jalisco Jr. or Cibernetico would be back either.

Monster Jr. won Tigre de Plata’s mask in a cage match Saturday Arena Lopez Mateos. Tigre de Plata wasn’t advertised in the match and doesn’t seem to have wrestled regularly under that name since 2013. The AVE promotion show drew poorly for that arena, so I guess doing a cheap main event finish can’t hurt them any more than they’re already hurt.

Rompiendo Madres, which has appeared to be a subrand of KAOZ in the past, ran their Rey del Monterrey show in Monterrey’s Arena Femenil Monterrey. Cibernetico was the big name, and it was strange to see him get a big reaction in a baseball stadium last week and then draw maybe a couple of hundred people in the same town a week later. The story from the show was Chik Tormenta suffering a back injury on a superplex. The move looks normal to me – the really hard ring might be the issue. The bigger problem was there was no evident medical personnel and no stretcher, so Tormenta was carried out on a plank of wood. The show was likely taped for Mas Lucha, who posted an entirely embarrassing clip of the incident. If you can afford to use wrestlers like Cibernetico and Chik Tormenta, you should be able to afford a medic and a stretcher. I think that’s even part of the local regulations – I’ve been at RIOT shows in that same venue where things didn’t get started until an ambulance was on hand – so maybe there will be something to come from this.

There’s been a Blue Demon Jr. merchandise store on the same block as Arena Mexico for years; it was literally just a Demon store with nothing else. It’s now apparently not that; Blue Demon Jr. posted a video Friday saying that store was no longer official and he’d have a new store soon.

Ring of Honor had their Final Battle show on Saturday. Dragon Lee defeated Rey Horus in the opener. Demonic Flamita wrestled in a ten man match. ROH Women’s Champion Rok-C agreed to a title versus title match with AAA Reina de Renas champion Deonna Purrazzo, who appeared as a surprise (and will likely win the ROH championship if/when that match happens.) Current AAA Tag Team Champions FTR also appeared as a surprise on the show to fight with new ROH Tag Team champions the Briscoes. New ROH champion Jonathan Gresham seemed to suggest that Bandido, who missed the show due to COVID-19, would still face him for the ROH title at some point. The titles may live on for a while but it doesn’t appear ROH will. The show ended with a message that the promotion would be back in April 2021, consistent with the previously stated idea that the promotion would be rethought for the next few months (and possibly have no connection to the current version outside the name.) The ROH show instead played out like none of the wrestlers or the production staff expected there to be another Ring of Honor show and they were saying goodbye before looking for work elsewhere. Many of the wrestlers aren’t going to have a full-time offer someplace else and would be available for an April relaunch, but few seemed to have confidence one was happening.

If Sinclair does try to bring wrestling back, they should let the Ring of Honor name rest. I don’t think the name is a problem as much as the expectations. The early years of Ring of Honor are among the greatest runs of US indie wrestling, combining great work and taking advantage of market inefficiency (both WWE or TNA leaving some of the best US wrestlers unsigned because those companies had an overly narrow view of what a wrestler looked like.) That inefficiency is long gone, but the expectations of ROH being that promotion will always exist. Ring of Honor attempts at being something more “mainstream” have never been accepted or really worked, and they seemed forever caught between idea during the three years I closely watched the promotion. The ROH name has a lot of history but also a lot of baggage. Sinclair should start completely fresh if they’re going to start again, and that means starting with a new name.

PWG announced Black Taurus for the Battle of Los Angeles.

Box y Lucha has a lot of CMLL stories on the cover.