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Tope 10: Lucha Underground's Aztec Warfare (Nov. 16, 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 odds and predictions, live blog & open thread, recap, and the highlight package. Also, watch the finish to Aztec Warfare if they post it on the Fight of the Week playlist. Grave Consequences III has yet to be posted, so I'm not sure if this week's finale will get posted either.

Note: The Lucha Underground account on Twitter did not post GIFs this week, so there will be less emphasis on nifty maneuvers for this edition of the Tope 10.

10. Aztec drums

I love the drums pounding for each arrival in Aztec Warfare. The costumes are cool too. Lucha Underground is fantastic with those little touches, like the Dia de los Muertos face painted pallbearers for Grave Consequences matches.

9. Johnny Mundo flipping off El Jefe

After the Matanza elimination, Mundo humorously gave Dario the bird right in his face while cackling with laughter. Dario warned Johnny, "You're playing with fire." It will be interesting to see if Dario makes life harder for Johnny in the future or it was just a throwaway line.

8. Move of the match

Aztec Warfare was a very fun match, but it didn't have a ton of amazing lucha libre maneuvers. There was more of a rough and tumble feel to it. That said, I'm going to go with Jack Evans' standing corkscrew backflip splash to eliminate Son of Havoc.

Other notable moves that won't get mentioned in other spots of the Tope 10 were Jeremiah Crane, Son of Havoc, and Johnny Mundo taking turns kicking Matanza in the face. Crane had a cool spear off the top turnbuckle to Mundo, but the camera shot wasn't so hot. The angle changed mid-air making it hard to see the full impact. The three-man superplex with Crane, Mundo, and Havoc. Marty Martinez leaping out of the ring with Matt Striker smoothly saying, "To the light, he will fly." Evans executing a handspring flying attack out of the ring. And Mack body slamming Mundo with a chair on top of chairs.

What was your favorite move of the match?

7. Show stealer

Matanza was the most impressive in my eyes. He started strong with some entertaining suplexes on Johnny Mundo and continued with a swinging German suplex elimination of Jeremiah Crane, chokeslam elimination on Mariposa, double rotation Wrath of the Gods elimination on Mascarita Sagrada, vicious slam on Dr. Wagner Jr. for elimination, and a flipping slam to eliminate Drago.

Who stole the show in your eyes?

6. 423-619!

My favorite comedy bit of Aztec Warfare. Famous B entered the match and was starstruck by Rey Mysterio. B humorously handed over his business card with a smooth twirl. As B was reciting his number 423, Rey interrupted with 619. He then executed his trademark move.

5. From 12 to 2

In a fantastic scene, Johnny Mundo was oozing conceited swagger as he ran into Dario Cueto in the hallway. Mundo announced he would be cashing in his Gift of the Gods next week if he fails in Aztec Warfare. Dario rewarded Mundo's arrogance by ripping Mundo's number 12 into the number 2. It was a great display of classic Cueto and classic Johnny both being true to their characters.

On the side, Taya was there to film it all for a documentary on Mundo's quest for the championship. It would be awesome if we actually get a mini documentary.

Since we now know Johnny lost, it looks like he'll be facing Sexy Star next week for the title. I hope we either get a clean one-on-one bout or a free-for-all lumberjack match. Something needs to be done to maintain order with the Worldwide Underground ruffians running amok.

4. Ninjas!

Awhile ago, Black Lotus gave us her warning that she would be coming for Pentagon DARK. They ambushed Pentagon, but they didn't destroy him yet. Those ninja ladies need to finish the job.

Being a long-time wrestling fan, I totally expected this to happen at Aztec Warfare. It's one of those things that makes too much sense. Even so, it was still cool and exciting. I look forward to seeing where this feud heads. It will be interesting to see how Pentagon evens the odds. No way he stands a chance 1-on-4.

I'd also like to see the ninja crew challenge the Trios champs. With Fenix, Aerostar, and Drago being on the small side, they could have a very dynamic match against the ladies.

3. The return of Angelico

This one caught me completely by surprise. Things looked bleak for Sexy Star as she was getting pummeled by Johnny Mundo and his previously eliminated Worldwide Underground cohorts. Angelico appeared out of nowhere above Dario Cueto's office and executed his patented flight of the angel. Amazing as always.

I'm pumped to see a big-time main event between Johnny Mundo and Angelico. In my view, it has potential to be match of the season. Hopefully, we get side matches for Angelico against Jack Evans and PJ Black as well.

2. The monster goes down

The monster Matanza Cueto had never been defeated prior to Aztec Warfare. It took a cavalcade of offense to finally take him out. Running knee to the face by Johnny Mundo, spear by Mil Muertes, Codebreaker by Sexy Star, jumping knee to the face along with a stunner by Mack, springboard foot to face by Mundo, and a 619 by Rey Mysterio. Rey went for a second 619, but Matanza caught that one. Rey reversed his position into a flipping sitout powerbomb for the elimination of Matanza. Even though I was fairly certain Matanza would not be winning Aztec Warfare, his elimination still shocked me. Kudos for the execution.

There has been some criticism of Rey Mysterio being the one to pin Matanza, but I'm good with it. Rey is a legend who built his legacy in part by vanquishing monsters. If Rey loses the feud in the future, it won't diminish any of that big star shine. That same can't be said about a lesser star.

1. And new...

Three cheers for Sexy Star, the new Lucha Underground champion. Pure grit and determination. She found a way to hang around until the end and capitalized on the mistakes of Mil Muertes to win the Aztec Warfare.

They've done an excellent job of making feel-good moments with Sexy Star. I'm kind of ambivalent towards her, but her big victories have been very satisfying. That is credit to the storytelling. I'm rooting for her to keep the momentum going with a victory over Johnny Mundo, even though I'm a huge Mundo fan.

Hear her post-fight promo in an online exclusive. My favorite part is, "... las mujeres, podemos ser chingonas!!!" Andale!

In last week's poll, 64% of 84 votes chose Prince Puma vs Mil Muertes as their favorite feud involving Prince Puma. Puma vs Johnny Mundo was a distant second with 25%. Puma tagging with Rey Mysterio and El Dragon Azteca Jr. against Worldwide Underground earned 8%.

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, take a look at the Lucha Underground shop with new merchandise. Also, enjoy some fan art of Son of Havoc and Mascarita Sagrada.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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