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 four-way main event between Marty Martinez, Mack, Mil Muertes, and El Dragon Azteca Jr.
10. Spear!!!
TONIGHT, a 4-Way Unique Opportunity on a BRAND NEW EPISODE of #LuchaUnderground at 8p ET on @ElReyNetwork! pic.twitter.com/JcaKTl9h3B
— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) December 7, 2016
Mil Muertes speared Marty Martinez out of the ring onto the floor. Mack and El Dragon Azteca Jr. were there to break the fall, but it still resulted in a massive thud. Unfortunately, Mil might have been legitimately injured on that maneuver. He wasn't quit the same afterward.
9. Tower of Doom
Always a cool visual. During the opening four-way match, Joey Ryan was at the top of the tower ready to get tandem suplexed by Texano and Dr. Wagner Jr. Cage swooped in underneath to make it a booming foursome.
8. A whole new man
Cortez Castro alerted Captain Vasquez that his cover was blown. What's her solution? Oh, just put on a mask and go back to the Temple.
This could turn out ridiculously bad for Castro or something kind of cool. On the bad side, Castro could show up as the same man only with a mask. I see two ways that could play out. Everyone immediately knows it is him and takes him to the woodshed. Or it goes the ridiculous route comparable to Superman putting on glasses to become Clark Kent. A cool option could be if Castro comes back as a whole new luchador with different mannerisms and an altered moveset. Whichever way Castro's return goes down, it should be enjoyable for the viewer.
And hopefully, he goes back to delivering quality action in the ring. Castro has mostly been a chump since Joey Ryan showed up. Castro had some fun matches in season one as Big Ryck's stooge against Johnny Mundo and Prince Puma. With the new persona, I'd like to see him get time to display his wrestling ability.
7. Tijuana DDT
El Dragon Azteca Jr.'s pop up DDTs are always pleasing to the eye. He ripped one off on the Mack.
El Dragon Azteca Jr. gets my vote for show stealer. All eight competitors in the four-ways had shining moments, but Azteca wowed me a wee bit more than the rest. He also had Mil Muertes laid out for the one, two, three. In theory. Due to the embarrassing arrogance of Azteca, we'll never know if Mil was done. Nevertheless, it was pretty impressive for Azteca to be in that position.
6. Cage match
A fantastic idea from El Jefe. Before the episode, I was ready to move on from Sexy Star vs Worldwide Underground. However, Dario reignited my interest in the feud. The cage match carrot was enough to make me pay attention to the PJ Black match. I don't want to see the feud go on that much longer, but I'm definitely on board to see a cage match. Sexy Star seems to rise to the occasion in big matches, and Johnny Mundo is one of the best wrestlers in the mundo. It should be quite good.
5. Monster on the loose
Long story short, Matanza smashed Dario's face into the cage, used the key to escape, then decimated El Dragon Azteca Jr. as a way to satiate his desire to destroy Rey Mysterio. I was a bit shocked that Matanza intentionally smashed his brother. At Aztec Warfare III, I chalked it up to Dario getting in the way of a flailing madman. This instance was deliberate. It adds a whole new layer of intrigue to the monster Matanza Cueto.
Luckily for the world, Dario was able to get Matanza back under control instead of allowing him to roam the streets freely. I loved how Dario came to ringside with a towel soaked in his own blood. That was a fantastic little touch to add extra impact to what we witnessed. Dario's makeup job next week should be a hoot.
Matanza's feud with El Dragon Azteca Jr. should be exciting. Matanza is motivated to squash him like a watermelon. (Azteca's watermelon mask makes me hungry.) I'm unclear if Azteca still believes Matanza murdered his master. If not, then he'll probably be plenty motivated to dish out payback for Rey and himself. I'm expecting a grade A slobberknocker.
4. Battle of the Bulls
Another stroke of promoter's genius by Dario Cueto. The tournament of four-way matches will culminate in a four-way elimination match with the winner getting a championship shot. More often than not, the lucha libre mayhem from multi-luchador matches in the Temple is very enjoyable. I'm guessing the elimination final will be a full episode special, and those always deliver the goods. This three week stretch should be delightfully entertaining.
3. Ambush clothesline
Once again, Famous B grabbed the mic from Melissa Santos to introduce his client. Before B could get the name out, Cage whacked B with a discus clothesline.
After Cage connected on his top rope moonsault out of the ring, the crowd erupted with exuberance and began the Terminator clap. Famous B ridiculed the Believers, "You idiots. Don't cheer for him. Don't cheer for this meathead."
After the Tower of Doom, Famous B tried to stymie Cage's attack. B was rewarded by being tossed into the ring. Cage then executed a fantastic looking double fallaway slam maneuver. Cage had Wagner in the fireman's carry position while lifting B up with his arms. Cage impressively threw B over for the fallaway slam while also dropping Wagner to the canvas. The airtime for B illustrated the raw power Cage possesses.
Those were great interactions between Cage and Famous B. I didn't realize I wanted a mini feud between Cage and Dr. Wagner Jr. until now.
2. Queen of the lizard people
Well, that was certainly a holy moly moment. Kobra Moon, queen of the serpent tribe, ran down a little history. A millennia ago, the three generals were in charge of the fiercest warriors of all Aztec tribes. Stuff went down and people were betrayed. Now, she is sending two of the three generals, Pindar and Vibora, to hunt to down the third, Drago.
That scene was mighty fine visually, and the music was on point. Kobra Moon had a dope little set up with her golden throne. The best part was getting a glimpse of Pindar and Vibora wearing lizard masks. So creepy. I look forward to hearing Vampiro comment on their fresh getups. I can't wait to see those two wrestle in the Temple. Or wrestle as a trio against the Trios champs.
Side note: Speaking of tribes, Matt Striker said El Dragon Azteca Jr. represents the eagle tribe. I think that is the first time they mentioned his tribe's specific animal symbolization. I guess that clears up why Drago wasn't aligned with Azteca's tribe. Let's hope Azteca stays away from burying umbilical cords during the entirety of the Lucha Underground series.
1. Pendulum knock knock
In the PJ Black vs Sexy Star match, PJ slapped on a pendulum submission. Then he went over to the corner and used the momentum of each swing to knock her head into the turnbuckle. It was hilariously disrespectful. I've never seen anything like that and it cracked me up to the tenth degree. It is one of the funniest maneuvers I have seen in awhile.
In last week's poll, 55% of 98 votes cheered when Pentagon DARK's arms were broken, because they love violence. 14% cheered, because Penatgon received payback for being a scoundrel. 31% found no joy in it as they stood by the mantra, "Cero miedo."
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 advantage of the 15% flash sale on Lucha Underground merchandise. Use the code word CUETO through 12/12. Also, check out Black Lotus dishing a promo that provides extra character depth to her Triad ninja hit squad members.
We caught up with Black Lotus after breaking Pentagon Dark's arm. Hear what she said about herself, the Triad and revenge. #LuchaUnderground pic.twitter.com/DCxXHp5mdq
— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) December 3, 2016
Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!