Santo/Wagner/Park, Consejo vs Wolves/Tomahawk, Titan/Averno, Charly Manson

indy (SUN) 06/30/2013 Arena Solidaridad [KrisZ, LuchaMania]
1) Caballo Dorado, La Coronela, Solovino b Black Hanibbal, Destructor, Mini Hator
2) Atomo, Crazy Demon, Demonio del Caribe b Dark War, Norteño, Norteño Jr.
Demon used the ropes to win.
3) Ciber Payaso & Mortifero b Ángel o Demonio & Obett and Chamaco Gurrola & Galactar
Less extreme than you’d expect (maybe because of Santo?) Payaso used the ropes to get the pin.
4) Diluvio Negro II, Orquídea Negra, Silver Star b Koko Viper, Mongol Chino, Sergio Romo Jr.
Romo fouled Silver, Diluvio fouled Mongol, ref counted that second pin.
5) Trauma I & Trauma II b Cerebro Negro & Dr. Cerebro
Best match of the night. Trauma II beat Cerebro Negro with a Canadian Destroyer.
6) LA Park b El Hijo Del SantoDr. Wagner Jr.
Complete brawl, into the crowd and mark ripping. LA Park complained about Santo getting involved in a match with Wagner & Park before the match and warned him he’d pay if didn’t back out. Santo didn’t back out, and LA Park gave him a martinete. Wagner got the pin somehow. Santo was strechered and taken to the hospital. Park powerbombed Wagner thru a table after 10 more minutes for the win. Wagner was also strechered out, though not before LA Park mimed burying him.

The latest on the Hijo del Santo injury storyline is he says he went under surgery this week and will be back in the ring in September. Pretty good turn around on neck surgery to be back in two months. Despite this, his Record column is still coming out tomorrow. For his part, LA Park blames Santo for getting involved in his fight with Dr. Wagner Jr.  Park doesn’t try to pivot the feud to Park vs Santo, which is peculiar because Santo seems to be setting that up as the replacement match. Easiest explanation is a Santo/Park/Wagner/??? four way with the fourth guy losing their mask.  CFan Deportes uses the opportunity to write about famous martinetes in lucha libre.

FLM (SUN) 06/30/2013 Auditorio Siglo XXI, Yucatan, Merida [Estrellas del RingR de Rudo]
1) Angel Vengador & Torino b Mensajero del Diablo & Rebelde Punk
Announced match had been Fly Warrior, Shadow, Tornado (DF) vs Belial, Fly Metalik, Metaleon.
2) Ángel del Misterio, Niño Hamburguesa, Psico Kid b Dragosth, Golden, Juana La Loca
Psico Kid’s team represents ICHIBAN, the other team are members of Demencia Dorada. Gargola, Nino Hamburguesa and Dave the Clown dropped from the ICHIBAN side.
3) La Magnifica & La Sádica b Demasiado & Faby Apache
Demasiado replaced Keira. Magnifica was Sadica’s surprise partner. Juana La Loca distracted Demasiado for the loss.
4) Argenis, Fenix (AAA), Yuta b Argos, Crazy Boy, Pentagón Jr.
Nino Harmburgesa will be with Crazy Boy
5) Máscara Año 2000 Jr., Silver King, Texano Jr. b Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Tomahawk T.T.
Foreigners took fall 1, Consejo fall 2. Referee Copetes fouled the other referee (who was helping the foreigners) and helped the Consejo team win.

photo by CMLL

CMLL (TUE) 07/02/2013 Arena Mexico [CMLL]
1) Molotov & Oro Jr. b Apocalipsis & Camorra
2) Hijo del Signo, Nitro, Nosferatu b Hombre Bala Jr., Soberano Jr., Súper Halcón Jr.
Nitro replaced Disturbio. Rudos took 2/3, helped by a Soberano error.
3) Hijo del Fantasma, Sagrado, Tritón b Misterioso Jr., Puma, Sangre Azteca
Tecnicos took 2/3. Phantom Attack on Misterioso.
4) Virus b Bushiroad [lightning]
Virus won in six minutes and looked dominant.
5) Rey Bucanero, Terrible, Tiger b Fuego, Rey Cometa, Stuka Jr.
TRT took 1/3, won with a Tormento Guerrero.
6) Máscara Dorada, Titán, Valiente b Averno, Pierroth, Volador Jr.
Tecnicos took 1/3. Titan beat Averno again, and Averno finally conceded to a title match.

Averno accepted the challenge over on YouTube. Titan says he’s still the real champion.

CMLL (TUE) 07/02/2013 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [@acogdl]
1) Esfinge & Smaker b Évola & Exterminador
Tecnicos took 1/3.
2) Artillero & Súper Comando b Leo & Sky Kid
DF rudos beat GDL tecnicos, taking falls 2/3.
3) Dalis la Caribeña, Goya Kong, Silueta DQ Princesa Blanca, Princesa Sugheit, Zeuxis
Tecnicas took 1/3. Blanca dropkicked the ref by mistake. Goya & Blanca challenged each other post match.
4) Shocker DQ Mr. Águila
Aguila won the first with a moonsault, Shocker pinned him in the second, and Aguila tried to sneak in a foul on Shocker but was caught for the DQ.
5) La Máscara, La Sombra, Rush b Euforia, Gran Guerrero, Último Guerrero
Tecnicos took 2/3.

Princesa Blanca took Goya Kong’s mask, but is now stuck feuding with her for the rest of time. A genuine monkey’s paw situation.

CMLL has a press event Thursday at noon. It’s the usual bit of not announcing it publicly ahead of time, but bits and pieces leaked out.

  • The Infierno en el Ring cage match should be announced. We know the participants (the 10 guys in the cibernetico on Friday), and the only thing left is to say if it’ll be on 07/12 or 07/19.
  • Another major show will take place on Friday August 16, likely involving the same group of independent luchadors seen on the Arena Coliseo Anniversary show.
  • Marco Corleone teased a positive injury update which will be announced Thursday.
  • Titan vs Averno will definitely be spotlighted. Guerrero Maya plans on challenging for the Arena Coliseo tag team titles next Sunday, so maybe that’ll be officialized here. That show will probably also be an Arena Mexico one.
  • There should be updates on the En Busca de un Idolo tournament and CMLL’s recent adventures in Japan. It’s possible CMLL may mention their participation in the G1 tournament, since NJPW will be releasing the full list of participants in about 15 hours later.

There’s probably a bit more than that. It sure looks like there’s also a cage match coming in Puebla (on 07/14 or 07/21) and that’s something that should be stated here. Something spotlighting the Estetas makes sense.  Ideally, they’d go as far as announce the Anniversary show date as well.

AAA had a video interview with Electroshock last night, talking about how he got interested in lucha libre, the origin of his character and Charly Manson’s status.  One summary says Charly has still never been formerly sentenced and no one knows how long he’s in for.

LuchaWorld has KrisZ’s news update.

Links

Lineups

DTU (SUN) 07/07/2013 Autolavado VM, Tulancingo
1) Kalibus vs Corazon LatinoYutaSacristanMantraFactor Miedo?
2) JC Maclean & La Magnifica vs ? & Zuzu Divine
3) Ángel del Misterio & Príncipe Halcón vs Jhonky & Jorge Kebrada
4) Black Fire & Slayer Pack vs Crazy King & Principe Escorpion and Lanzeloth & Rocky Lobo and Miedo Extremo & Pequeno Cobra
5) Aero Boy, Cíclope, Paranoiko, Violento Jack vs Artikus, Drastik Boy, Hormiga, Principe Orion
6) Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards vs Crazy Boy & Joe Lider and Hacker & Kaleth

One more DTU show, also supposed to be taped by TVC Deportes. Autolavado = car wash parking lot, but this setting looked great when they showed clips from the most recent DTU show here.

IWRG (SUN) 07/07/2013 Arena Naucalpan
1) Freelance & Galaxie vs Araña de Plata & Fulgor
2) Dinamic Black, Dr. Cerebro, Freeyser vs Apolo Estrada Jr., Oficial 911, Tomahawk
3) Astro Rey Jr. vs Imposible, Dragón Celestial [IWRG IC Light]
title is vacant, final survivors from a three way last week
4) Trauma I, Trauma II, Veneno vs Fuerza Guerrera, Máscara Año 2000 Jr., X-Fly
5) Negro Navarro vs Solar I [FMLL MASTER]
Negro is listed as champion

I’ve seen that match! It’s a good match.

indy (SUN) 07/07/2013 Arena Coliseo San Luis Potosi
1) Galactar Jr. & Vandor vs Metal & Neurosis
2) Dragon Fury, Magnifico (slp), Rey Deimante vs Gemelo I, Gemelo II, Judoka
3) Aster Boy, Meteoro (slp), Turbo Kid vs Cachorro, Kukuxklan, Mensajero
4) Divino, Faraon De La Meurte, Oro Azul vs Black Extreme, Drack Conde, Extrem Fly
5) Bogar vs Virus [CMLL SL]
Virus is champion. Fourth known defense.

For real. Could Bogar become the Super Lightweight champion of the world? He’s got more of a chance than you do (unless you’re Virus.) First known defense of this belt since last October.

CMLL (MON) 07/08/2013 Arena Puebla
1) Asturiano & Fresbee vs Blue Center & Espanto Jr.
2) Leono, Pegasso, Robin, Stigma, Tigre Rojo Jr. vs Disturbio, Espíritu Maligno, Inquisidor, Siki Ozama Jr., Skándalo
not listed as a cibernetico, but ten man tags usually are in CMLL.
3) Bushiroad, Diamante, Tritón vs Cancerbero, Raziel, Virus
4) La Máscara, Stuka Jr., Titán vs Dragón Rojo Jr., Pólvora, Rey Escorpión
5) Atlantis, Diamante Azul, Shocker vs Mr. Niebla, Pierroth, Último Guerrero

They teased Skandalo & Espiritu Mailgno vs Stigma this past Monday, so probably more of that here (and no new main event program until that’s resolved.)

CMLL (TUE) 07/09/2013 Arena Mexico
1) Molotov & Sensei vs Apocalipsis & Inquisidor
2) Dalis la Caribeña, Estrellita, Luna Mágica vs La Vaquerita, Tiffany, Zeuxis
3) Máscara Dorada, Rey Cometa, Stuka Jr. vs Namajague, Rey Bucanero, Tiger
4) Averno vs Titán [MEX WELTER]
Averno is champion. First defense.
5) Atlantis, Máximo, Thunder vs Mr. Niebla, Niebla Roja, Pierroth

If you go with the theory that Titan, La Mascara and Rush won the trios titles more by happening to be around the week CMLL decided they needed to do a trios change, then maybe it has little effect on the outcome here. Or maybe Averno just wins to keep the titles spread out. Should be really good either way, and the tercera does not look bad either. Namajague’s worked as a Terrible replacement before.

CMLL (TUE) 07/09/2013 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) Metatrón & Virgo vs Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno
2) Leo, Starman, Stigma vs Arkángel de la Muerte, Ráfaga, Skándalo
3) Goya Kong vs Princesa Blanca
4) Guerrero Maya Jr., Hijo del Fantasma, Super Porky vs Olímpico, Psicosis, Sangre Azteca
5) Mistico, Shocker, Valiente vs Felino, Mephisto, Volador Jr.

A show!

IWL (TUE) 07/30/2013 Arena Aficion
1) Lolita, Medics III, Payaso Terror, Peligro vs Pasion Kristal, Pentagón Jr., Perico, Sexy Lady
2) Arkanos, Kid Jaguar, Shadow vs Centinela, Medics 1, Quimico Jr.
3) Argenis, Drago (AAA), Fenix (AAA) vs Freelance, Pantera I, Suicida
4) Infierno Kid, Ojo Diabólico Jr., Último Vampiro vs Aeroboy, Cíclope, Drastik Boy
5) Carta Brava Jr. I, Cerebro Negro, Fantasma de la Ópera vs Loco Max, Tony Rivera, Zumbido and Black Terry, Dinamic Black, Dr. Cerebro
6) Monster Clown, Murder Clown, Psycho Clown vs Ángel o Demonio, León Rojo, Obett [IWL TRIOS]

Only 41 luchadors on this show, anorexic by IWL standards. IWL appears to only have one main event. Tercera could be good if given time (and everyone shows up, which is not always the case with the ex-IWRG trio.)

Titan, La Mascara, Rush win the national trios titles, Azteca de Oro unmasked, Santo hurt, REINA

photo by CMLL

CMLL (SUN) 06/30/2013 Arena Coliseo [CMLL]
1) Molotov & Sensei b Camorra & Zayco
tecnicos took 1/3 in a boring match.
2) Bushiroad, Diamante, Leono b Arkángel de la Muerte, Nitro, Skándalo
Leono replaced Starman. Tecnicos took 1/3 in a boring match.
3) Princesa Blanca b Dark Angel [lightning]
Blanca beat Angel with an cradle and a hand on ropes in 8:43. Good match, best of the show so far. Blanca threw around hair match challenges post match.
4) Delta, Guerrero Maya Jr., Sagrado b Felino, Namajague, Shigeo Okumura
Tecnicos took 2/3, including Delta and Guerrero Maya beating Namajague & Okumura. No hint of a title match challenge post match.
5) Diamante Azul, La Sombra, Shocker DQ Pierroth, Rey Bucanero, Volador Jr.
Tecnicos took 1, with Azul breaking Pierroth on a german suplex. Volador fouled Sombra in the second.
6) La Máscara, Rush, Titán b Kráneo, Mr. Águila, Psicosis [MEX TRIOS]
Tecnicos took 2/3 in a disappointingly sloppy match to win the titles. Rush was clearly holding the ropes on the pinfall, but no one brought any attention to it. Invasors fall in their third defense. Post match celebration was pre-empted by another earthquake drill.

Main event title change is very weird.The show ending very quickly (because of the earthquake drill) added to the strange feel. It feels like a hurried change because they had to get the titles off the Invasors because someone is leaving and they’d figure out the rest later. Mr. Aguila is still the strong favorite to lose the Infierno en el Ring cage match, so maybe it’s him. Or maybe someone woke up and decided Rush had to have a title belt. CMLL Universal tournament is not that far away.

Dark Angel vs Princesa Blanca was the best match on the show. Sombra’s listed for a Tuesday night show in Guadalajara and then he’s off to Japan. Terrible finishes up Tuesday in Arena Mexico. That’s going to be a tough turnaround for the NJPW 07/05 show.

CMLL (SUN) 06/30/2013 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) El Divino & Virgo b Évola & Magnum
Divino took 1/3.
2) Esfinge, León Blanco, Metatrón b Acertijo, Espectrum, Infierno
Tecnicos took 1/3.
3) Black Metal, Gallo, Leo, Súper Popular b Bárbaro Cavernario, Exterminador, Maléfico, Ráfaga
Tecnicos took 1/3, Metal defeating Cavernario. Debutee Popular wasn’t involved in any of the finishes.
4) Demonio Rojo b Azteca de Oro [mask]
Azteca de Oro pinned Demonio Rojo in the first, Demonio Rojo took the second, and submitted Oro in the third. Azteca de Oro is Antonio Escobedo, 25 years old, 11 years a vet, which means he started wrestling professionally at 14.
5) Máscara Dorada, Mistico, Valiente b Euforia, Gran Guerrero, Niebla Roja
Estetas took 1/3, Mistica on Euforia in the third.
6) Último Guerrero b Atlantis
Atlantis was again honored for 30 years of wrestling. Atlantis took the first, UG the second, and Gran Guerrero and Ultimo Guerrero pulled a switch in the third fall to get the win.

First time we’ve seen them pull that switch, and probably won’t be the last time.

Hijo del Santo was taken to the hospital after his match in Arena Solidaridad with LA Park and Dr. Wagner. His wife posted a photo of Santo being strechered backstage still in his gear, which suggests this is a storyline and probably build to the mask match they’d like to do in September. The building looks 60% full for the match, which must be a disappointment and suggests it may not be a big deal.

Rob has highlights of 05/28/12 CMLL.

You can see the Infierno en el Ring promo here.

Black Terry Jr. has photos of the Marketing Wrestling show. Skandalo and Coco Rojo bled a disgusting amount.

Impume Mex (or whoever they copied this from, it’s shown up in a couple places) has thoughts about lucha libre Television.

Lucha Libre in Japan
06/29 REINA
2) Mima Shimoda, Tiffany [O], Marcela b Rabbit MIU [X], Ray, Leon
3) Estrellita b Makoto
4) Dump Matsumoto b GOYA KONG

06/30 REINA – 300 fans
3) Mima Shimoda [O], Makoto b Cherry [X], Sareee
4) Leon vs Estrellita [REINA IJ] – succesful defense
5) GAMI & Ayumi Kurihara [O] vs Tiffany [X], Goya Kong
6) Marcela b Ray [CMLL WOMEN] – succesful defense, said to be good.

NJPW confirmed the Shinsuke Nakamura vs Sombra rematch on 07/20 will now be for the IWGP IC championship.

Rayo takes Universo’s hair, Invasors vs Rush/Mascara/Titan?, Atlantis vs UG, DTU

photo by Black Terry Jr.

TxT (SAT) 06/22/2013 Gimnasio Juan De La Barrera [Black Terry Jr. (flickr)Estrellas del RingMedioTiempoYahoo Deportes]
1) Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. b Centvrión
Match had been announced as Dinamic Black & Imposible vs Golden Magic & Poseidon. 0 for 4.
2) La Chola & Rossy Moreno b Esther Moreno & Lady Apache
Chola landed a splash on Esther Moreno. Still teasing the hair match here.
3) Súper Muñeco, Súper Pinocho, Súper Ratón DQ Black Terry, Scorpio Jr., Shu el Guerrero [WWA TRIOS]
Straight falls for the champions. Second (at least) defense. More tease of Shu/Muneco.
4) Blue Demon Jr. & El Hijo Del Santo b Heddi Karaoui & Zumbi [PWR TAG]
Demon put Zumbi in la de a caballo while Demon submitted Heddi to an armbar to win. Santo & Demon’s first defense.
5) Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Universo 2000 b Canek & Máscara Año 2000 [ruleta de la muerte, semifinal]
6) LA Park & Super Parka b Pirata Morgan & Villano IV [ruleta de la muerte, semifinal]
7) LA Park & Super Parka b Rayo de Jalisco Jr. & Universo 2000 [ruleta de la muerte, final]
8) Rayo de Jalisco Jr. b Universo 2000 [hair]
Rayo took falls 2/3 to win Universo’s hair. Universo has lost his last four recorded hair match.

A feud that restarted for CMLL this spring ends in TxT. Not to a great crowd; looks like maybe a third full. The ruleta de la muerte format does not appear to be a draw; this seems like it would’ve done the same amount if they just announced Rayo vs Universo.

photo by CMLL

CMLL (SUN) 06/23/2013 Arena Coliseo [CMLL]
1) Bengala & Fresbee b Cholo & Herodes Jr.
2) Bárbaro Cavernario, Disturbio, Hijo del Signo b Black Metal, Metálico, Molotov
Barbaro & Metal’s DF debuts. Barbaro did a lot better. Signo submitted Metalico in the third.
3) Namajague, Puma, Shigeo Okumura b Bushiroad, Delta, Guerrero Maya Jr.
Rudos took 2/3, Okumura fouling Maya. Bushiroad looked good and seems to fit right in. Puma suffered a left shoulder injury in the first fall and was favoring it after the match, but you wouldn’t be able to tell in his wrestling.
4) Diamante b Boby Zavala [lightning]
Diamante won with an armbar headscissors in 5:09.
5) Diamante Azul, Máscara Dorada, Mistico b Averno, Ephesto, Mephisto
Tecnicos took 2/3, winning the last with a star and an Azul tapatia on Averno in the middle.
6) La Máscara, Rush, Titán b Mr. Águila, Psicosis, Volador Jr.
Tencicos took 2/3, Rush & Mascara getting clean pins in the third. La Mascara pointed out he’d beaten Invasors two weeks in a row, and challenged for a trios title match. Rush & Titan supported him, and the Invasors agreed – though there was lots of talk about mask or hair matches to come, and Psicosis threw out a challenge for Mascara’s title.

Show was okay. Title match came out of left field and doesn’t feel like a chance for a title change. Maybe it’s a chance for Aguila to get a convincing win so people won’t suspect he’s losing his hair. Maybe the story will be how Rush reacts if his team loses.

CMLL (SUN) 06/23/2013 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara
1) Índigo b Samael (Guadalajara)
2) El Divino & Virgo b Acertijo & Jocker
Tecnicos took 1/3.
3) Esfinge & León Blanco b Mr. Trueno & Rey Trueno
tecnicos took 1/3, Blanco plancha on Rey Trueno
4) Leo b StarmanGalloSmakerHalcón de PlataArkángel de la MuerteEspectrumRáfagaMaléficoExterminador [Copa 54 Anniversario]
Exterminador replaced Olimpico. Battle royal set sides. Eliminations: Halcon de Plata (Exterminador), Exterminador (foul on Smaker), Smaker (Espectrum), Espectrum (Rafaga), Starman (Leo), Rafaga (Gallo), Gallo (Arkangel), Arkangel (Leo), Malefico (Leo) leaving Leo as the winner. Americo Rocca and Gran Markus Jr. were honored after the match.
5) Atlantis & Valiente DQ Gran Guerrero & Último Guerrero
Tecnicos took 2/3, Ultimo Guerrero fouling Atlantis for the DQ. This sets up a singles match next week.

So much for me assuming the Puebla match would be their last singles match for the time being.

X-Fly beat lost to Dr. Cerebro in their IWRG hair match. More results tomorrow.

IWL announced they’re now affiliated with Pro Wrestling Freedom. Pro Wrestling Freedom turns out to be a small promotion in Kentucky. Of the 50 or so people on the roster, I had only heard of one woman; they’re much smaller stars in their country than even the IWL guys are in theirs. Mad Man Pondo is listed as alumni. This sounds like a very IWL deal.

LuchaWorld has KrisZ’s news update.

Rob has highlights of 04/10/1998 AAA in NezaSeptember 2002 AAACMLL from 09/07/2012CMLL from 09/14/2012 and CMLL from 09/21/2012.

Croncias y Leyenda looks back at Mano Negro’s first title win.

Lineups

DTU (SAT) 07/06/2013 Arena Lopez Mateos
1) Yuta vs KalibusBorisKyubyaArtikusÁngel del MisterioJorge KebradaPequeno CobraSlayer PackMiedo Extremo
2) Lucky Boy & Niño de Ébano vs Locker & Rocker and Lanzeloth & Rocky Lobo and Kaleth & Niño Hamburguesa and Crazy King & Principe Escorpion
3) Araña de Plata Jr. & Perro Mocho Jr. vs Carta Brava Jr. & Comando Negro and Carta Brava Jr. I & Cerebro Negro
4) Epitafio, Judas el Traidor, Leviatham, Samael vs ?, Black Fire, Chica Ye-Ye, Demente Extreme
5) Septimo Dragon vs PoisonPríncipe HalcónHackerJinzoTomahawk T.T.OrionSádicoHormiga [#1 Contenders, DTU AI]
6) Crazy Boy & Joe Lider vs Cíclope & Paranoiko and Aero Boy & Violento Jack
7) Davey Richards & Eddie Edwards vs Drastik Boy & Flamita and Daga & Eterno

This’ll be a TV taping. Main event is Daga’s revenge. Nice to see Davey & Eddie in a match not with Crazy & Lider.

Tercera has the Carta Brava vs Carta Brava that was dropped (or no longer could be pursued) in both IWL and IWRG.

Titan beats Averno with one arm, Mistico out three weeks

photo by CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 11/16/2012 Arena Mexico [CMLLMTYahoo! Deportes]
1) Camorra & Disturbio b Bengala & Robin
2) Hombre Bala Jr., Pegasso, Super Halcon Jr. b Hooligan, Raziel, Virus
Rudos could not get along, lost in straight falls. Raziel & Virus attacked Hooligan & Isis after the match.
3) Mephisto b Diamante [lightning]
Mephisto won in 4:50.
4) La Máscara, Rush, Shocker b Felino, Negro Casas, Volador Jr.
La Mascara replaced Diamante Azul. Tecnicos took 1/3, Shocker escaping a casita and putting Negro in the reinera for the win. Volador did not work well with his partners.
5) Titán b Averno [MEX WELTER]
Titan came in as champion. Seconds were Super Halcon and Mephisto. Averno won the first with a Devil’s Wings, Titan tied it up in the second. About 10 minutes into the third fall, Averno swung Titan into the barricade, and Titan badly hurt a shoulder badly. Doctor checked on Titan but the match continued. Titan was unable to use that arm the rest of the match, but survived a top rope Devil’s Wings and won with a tirabuzon (he knows a hold!) to keep his title. Money throw in after the match.
6) Atlantis, La Sombra, Mistico b Euforia, Niebla Roja, Último Guerrero
Diamante Azul replaced Mistico, who appeared in his shoulder brace and said he’d be back in three weeks. Tecnicos took 2/3.

Three weeks is quite a much better prognosis than two months. He’d be back in time for a Year End show, which may not be a coincidence…

Links

Lineup

photo by CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 11/23/2012 Arena Mexcio
1) Soberano Jr. & Stigma vs Artillero & Súper Comando
2) Ángel Azteca Jr., Pegasso, Starman vs Hijo del Signo, Hooligan, Virus
3) Ángel de Oro, Hijo del Fantasma, Rey Cometa vs Misterioso Jr., Namajague, Shigeo Okumura
4) Máscara Dorada vs Mr. Águila [lightning]
5) Marco Corleone, Máximo, Super Porky vs Averno, Ephesto, Mephisto
6) Atlantis, La Sombra, Shocker vs Tama Tonga, Terrible, Tiger

…but it really doesn’t feel like they’re 2-3 weeks from a major year end show, more like they’re already past the year end and just killing time until they restart again.

CMLL FantasicaMania talent list announced, Noche Briticana show announced

CMLL released new on two international (related) events in the last 24 hour.

Coming up first is Noche Briticana, a special Arena Mexico show on 12/07. The announcers mentioned it in passing on last night’s Terra broadcast, and Ticketmaster already has some details.

BRITISH NIGHT una lucha con causa… es un evento que están organizando la Embajada Británica y el Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre para recaudar fondos para la Fundación John Langdon Down. Los luchadores Ultimo Guerrero y La Sombra se disputarán “Las Joyas de la Corona” en un ambiente muy británico en la cual, la arena México tendrá música y motivos ingleses. El público podrá ver y tocar el “London Bus” (el camión de doble piso inglés) y verá guardias reales dentro de la arena México. Este evento será el 7 de diciembre a las 8:30 p.m. en la majestuosa Arena México.

As you can read, it’s a copromtoion with the British Embassy, and will include British music, a double decker bus, and Buckingham Palace soldiers. It sounds like an Ultimo Guerrero vs La Sombra singles main event, but I guess they could also be just leading teams.

The John Langdown Down Foundation helps children with Down’s Syndrome. That weekend is the same as the annual Televisa supported “Teleton” to help special needs children, so there’s probably some connection there, though it appears CMLL may be donating a different charity.

That date would seem to mean any major CMLL year end show wouldn’t happen until later in December. However, there’s yet to be any hint of CMLL actually running a major show in December. (I haven’t seen any CMLL TV this weekend yet, so maybe you know something I don’t.) It is possible CMLL says Ultimo Guerrero vs Sombra with British people is enough and calls it a year. We won’t know that for certain for a few weeks, but it’s possible.

In a dream world, Sombra wins the main event when new rudo faction of Rey Escorpion, Dragon Rojo, and Hooligan (british! going for revenge on his old partner!) cost Ultimo Guerrero the match. I dream too much, but Hooligan’s got to be on the card. He’s the only British guy they’ve got! Volador dressing up as one of the Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band alone is not going to be good enough.

CMLL & NJPW also announced the CMLL participation for the three day FantasticaMania event. Tecnicos are Mistico, Titan, La Sombra, Rush, La Mascara, Mascara Dorada, Maximo, and Diamante. Rudos are Volador Jr., Mephisto, Dragon Rojo Jr., Rey Bucanero, Euforia, Misterioso and Okumura. It’s not stated, but I expect Namajague will be back in NJPW in January and would also be on these shows, in addition to the regular NJPW wrestlers. CMLL is also sending ring announcer Ivan and edecan Bruni.

Mistico and Titan are the tecnicos making the NJPW debut. Euforia is the only rudo making his debut here. NJPW also introduces Rey Bucanero, who’s been in NJPW as part of the team with Ultimo Guerrero prior but not in many years (and not under the current regime.) It’s a total of 14 CMLL wrestlers this time, up from 9 on previous shows.

The tour is being promoted around the first appearance of the new Mistico. NJPW mentions the previous one was IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship, setting the bar for this one (though I’d imagine that’s not something happening this year.)

Titan earned this spot by winning En Busca de Un Idolo, but the 2nd (Euforia), 3rd (Mistico) and 4th (Diamante) place finishers all got in as well. That makes the winning a bit cheap (though true to most reality shows), but I’m not certain Titan would’ve made it if he didn’t make the final 2 of the tournament given where he was before the tournament. This is still a win for #porraTitan.

There is plenty of pressure on the younger guys, but La Mascara might have the most to prove. Mascara was embarrassingly poor on the first FantasticaMania shows, looking in no condition to perform on both shows. It was said Mascara was ill and tried to work thru it (and the wrestlers on the show defended him against criticism), but everything he tried looked abysmally bad. Just having OK matches would be a vast improvement, but the Brazos have a great reputation in Japan and I’m certain La Mascara will be motivated to raise his families name back up.

FantasitcaMania had four title matches in 2011 involving CMLL wrestlers (and one that was between NJPW & DDT), and two in 2012. FantasticaMania expands to three days this year, and so the title match number is likely to increase. Titan (National Welterweight), Rush (CMLL Light Heavyweight), La Mascsara (National Light Heavyweight), Dragon Rojo Jr. (NWA & CMLL Middleweight), Rey Bucanero (NWA Light Heavyweight) all have major CMLL titles. Dragon Rojo’s already stated he’ll defend against either Jushin Lyger or Prince Devitt on these shows. Lyger makes more sense. Rush being a spotlight match (rematch vs Yujiro? Goto?) seems to fit with CMLL goals, as well as Mascara Dorada getting a big match (Bucanero is not doing much with his belt). Titan vs Euforia would also be a fun showcase for both guys, and it’d be weird if Volador and Sombra weren’t involved in something big. There’s a lot of possibilities. Unless there’s a title change between now and January, there won’t be a CMLL pairs or trios title on the line (though Okumura and Namajague are still facing Stuka & Fuego a lot.)

NJPW and CMLL will announce actual matches at a later time, probably early January, and we’ll likely know if any of these will be an iPPV around the same time. There will also likely be CMLL participation on the 01/04 NJPW Toyko Dome show. That usually includes 1 or 2 guys who don’t end up working these shows.

Terrible defeats football players, Averno challenges Titan

photo by CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 11/09/2012 Arena Mexico [CMLL]
1) Sensei & Stigma b Bobby Zavala & Cholo
2) Demus 3:16, Pequeño Olímpico, Pierrothito b Acero, Fantasy, Último Dragoncito
Acero replaced Astral, who was hurt in Guadalajara on Tuesday. Rudos took 1/3.
3) Sangre Azteca b Fuego [lightning]
Sangre beat Fuego in 5:30 with the counter dropkick.
4) Namajague, Puma King, Shigeo Okumura b Rey Cometa, Stuka Jr., Triton
CMLL.com has changed Puma King’s to simply “Puma”, though Radio CMLL still used Puma King. By any name, he continued to feud with Cometa and swapped pins in the first couple falls. Rudos took 2/3, Okumura getting away with a foul on Stuka.
5) Averno, Niebla Roja, Pólvora b Guerrero Maya Jr., La Sombra, Titán
Averno led his team to a straight fall win, pinning Titan in the second and challenging for his title.
6) Terrible, Último Guerrero, Volador Jr. b Marco Corleone, Máximo, Rush
Bufete del Amor had American football jerseys. Volador was dressed up like a Na’vi from Avatar. Rudos took 1/3. Terrible powerbombed Marco and submitted him to a half crab for the win.

Links

Sports website el Classical visits an Arena Mexico show, which turns in “what is this is lucha libre that I partially understand” piece. Guess which part stuck out the most to the author? Hint: involves a parrot.

Porra Fresa previews Mistico vs Mephisto.

Cronicas y Leyendas finds a video of Cien Caras & Mascara Ano 2000 defending the national tag team belts versus MS-1 & Masakre from the mid 80s and a Espanto III hold.

R de Rudo has the second part of it’s look at mask losses in AAA, and musical luchadors. No mention of Amadeus???

CMLL Gaceta has stats on Diamante Azul and Polvora. The only person who was received a lower grade for technical ability than Polvora is Metal Blanco

Guerrero Maya Jr. & Relampago will be signing autographs at the Trauma stand on 11/24.

Very quick quote from La Vaquerita on her impending CMLL debut.

Lineups

photo by CMLL

CMLL (FRI) 11/16/2012 Arena Mexico
1) Bengala & Robin vs Camorra & Disturbio
2) Hombre Bala Jr., Pegasso, Super Halcon Jr. vs Hooligan, Raziel, Virus
3) Diamante vs Mephisto [lightning]
4) Diamante Azul, Rush, Shocker vs Felino, Negro Casas, Volador Jr.
5) Titán vs Averno [MEX WELTER]
Titan is the champion.
6) Atlantis, La Sombra, Mistico vs Euforia, Niebla Roja, Último Guerrero

This past week was a top tecnico trios vs three individual top rudos, this next week is a top rudo trio vs three individual top tecnicos.

Averno’s a real threat to dethroning Titan, but it’s a great showcase match for Titan. I think he retains, but I’m not at all certain about it.

If Rush is going on the next NJPW tour, then this is probably his last match here for a couple weeks.

Diamante vs Misterioso is a rematch from Sunday.

Cancerberos aren’t getting along with Arkangel, but never seem to have as many problems with Hooligan, another way in which Hooligan is great.