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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Oct 19, 2016)

By Manolo Has Pizzazz
Lucha Underground on Instagram

Each and every episode of Lucha Underground features maneuvers, quotes, outfits, props, scenes, and stories that deserve recognition. That is where the Tope 10 comes in. This list shows appreciation for the moments which are more exciting than a flying tope.

If you are new to the Lucha Underground scene, you can catch it Wednesdays at 8pm ET/PT on the El Rey Network or buy seasons one, two, and three on iTunes. See if El Rey is available in your area.

If you haven't had a chance to watch this week's episode yet, check out the preview, live blog & open thread, recap, highlight package, and the main event between Mil Muertes and Prince Puma.

Bonus news if you haven't yet heard. Lucha Underground will be doing a mini tour with live dates in Phoenix, Houston, and San Diego. Johnny Mundo vs Cage and Pentagon DARK vs Mil Muertes are the feature bouts of the first show. Before we get to the Tope 10, enjoy Johnny Mundo calling you a hambone while discussing Lucha Underground En Vivo.

10. Kobra Moon slithering on the men's room floor

First off, that's just gross. I highly doubt Dario Cueto maintains the bathroom up to health code standards.

Kobra Moon creeping up on Drago was my favorite part of that hefty scene. We learned that Drago used to be in the snake tribe and that he is over 1,000 years old. Lucha Underground never ceases to excite me whenever they spill details about the epic tale of tribal warfare. I like that Drago is getting a storyline again. It's about time.

Plus, there was a bonus sighting of Vinny Massaro in that scene. I'm not ashamed to admit that I laughed when he farted. I enjoy how the lowest rung of competitors in the Temple are still hanging around. Ricky Mandel had a scene earlier in the season with the creepy doll photos. I'm hoping El Mariachi Loco is the next to make an appearance. I like the way he dances.

9. $94,373

The little details are one of the things that make Lucha Underground so good. Sure, Johnny Mundo could have given Dario Cueto $100,000 to buy his shot against Sexy Star, but they go the extra step by having a specific dollar amount and mentioning Mundo had to pay someone off about internet photos. I imagine this specific detail will be irrelevant in the long-term, but it makes it a very memorable moment for the short-term.

8. Three-way stipulation

Dario Cueto gathered the Trios champs in the ring and threw out a unique opportunity, with a twist. In a three-way match between the friends, the winner will enter 20th in Aztec Warfare (in four weeks) and the losers will be out of Aztec Warfare altogether. A triple threat between those three calls my attention by itself. Dario's stipulation upped the stakes to provide instant intrigue and motivation. Well played, El Jefe.

I also like that Fenix lost, because it keeps things unpredictable. He seemed like a pretty reliable pick for victory. Not so fast, my friend. Drago exited with the win and slot number 20 in Aztec Warfare.

7. Rewind rana piledriver

The action between Aerostar, Drago, and Fenix was fast and furious. Out of all the flashy maneuvers, the rewind rana piledriver from Drago to Fenix made me go, "Ohhh," the loudest. I don't have a GIF for it, but it is similar enough to the piledriver move Drago used before pinning Aerostar to win.

6. Killshot's corner sequence

After escaping a Tombstone piledriver from the second rope (which would have been amazing if Matanza executed that maneuver), Killshot exploded with offense. If that was the flurry that finally defeated Matanza, it would have been neat and also believable. Unfortunately, without a quick pin cover, it failed to suck me all the way in to thinking Killshot could win.

5. Flying cat attack

Art imitating life.

Photo courtesy of Funny Cat Pictures.

4. "You left me for dead." Part two.

Two weeks ago, Killshot received an ominous message. This week, Killshot's secret pen pal revealed himself. Killshot reached out with a hug to assure himself it wasn't a ghost. That's when the mystery man attacked to beat down Killshot. I like where this story is heading.

One question that crossed my mind is if Killshot is actually the good guy in this feud. Leaving someone for dead isn't a very nice thing to do, although, it could just be the new guy's angry perception of events that transpired.

3. Mil Muertes' clobbering Prince Puma

At one point during the match between Mil Muertes and Prince Puma, Puma attempted a flippy kick and Mil punched him square in the face. As Vampiro put it, "Mil knocked Puma the F right out." The whole thing made me chuckle.

2. Running up the wall

Prince Puma used his nifty agility to run up the wall and flip over Mil Muertes. I'm amazed at how often Puma does cool stuff in his matches. I also love how Mil retaliated with a brutal spear.

1. "I'd rather die by Mil's hands than live by yours."

Heck yeah, Prince Puma. I like his attitude of distrusting Vampiro. "I want nothing to do with you. Nada," said Puma as he turned down Vampiro's guidance. Then, Puma made it crystal clear with the line in the number one spot for this week. Despite the rejection, Vampiro gave a smug smirk right into the camera after the match. What is Vampiro up to?

In last week's poll, 28% of 89 votes correctly thought Prince Puma would defeat Mil Muertes. 29% were siding with Mil. 43% predicted a draw or non-finish.

How does this week's Tope 10 stack up to your list? Any favorites not included? If you were late to the viewing party, feel free to share your thoughts about anything in the episode. While waiting for next week, check out what Rey Mysterio had to say about Chavo Guerrero before his meeting with Chavo Classic.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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