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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Dec. 21, 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 Battle of the Bulls final of Cage vs Jeremiah Crane vs Mack vs PJ Black.

10. Jeremiah Crane vs Mil Muertes next week

Jeremiah has some serious huevos to call out Mil Muertes. It sounds like the match will be harshly brutal. Being the Mil fan that I am, I'll say it was nice knowing Jeremiah. Mil is going to murder him. I try not to be a bloodthirsty Believer, but I'm not sure I can help myself with all the carnage coming our way. The Temple should be on fire in the coming weeks with ferocious feuds between Mil and Crane, Dante Fox and Killshot, Cage and Texano, and El Dragon Azteca Jr. and Matanza.

9. "That will put your spine right through your butthole."

Ah yes, the eloquence of Vampiro. Don't ever change, good sir. Vampiro delivered that line after the double underhook piledriver Cranial Contusion from Jeremiah Crane to PJ Black.

I also enjoyed how Vampiro shoehorned in his match against Sting when Matt Striker was discussing great cage matches in history. This isn't the first time he's done that regarding the Sting feud. I can't remember the other occasions off the top of my head, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has done that every time there is a cage match in Lucha Underground. Anyway, he has made me curious. I missed it the first time around, so I guess I should rewatch history.

8. Test of strength

After a humorous pose-off, Johnny Mundo threw his hands into the air to signify a test of strength with Sexy Star. Surprisingly, Sexy Star got the upper hand. What made the moment memorable was the facial reaction of Johnny Mundo. The best I can describe it is a grimace of disbelief.

7. Flying machine

At one point during the Battle of the Bulls final, Cage somersaulted over the top rope to crash down on the outside. I'll always pop at big men getting big air.

6. Searching for Drago

Last week, Kobra Moon ordered Vibora to take Drago away. This week, the remaining two-thirds of the super friends did their best to locate Drago. Said best resulted in barging open doors to bathroom stalls. I was half-expecting Vinnie Massaro to be intruded upon. The smaller Aerostar comically peaked around Fenix after each search session. I have to believe this scene was intentionally unintentional comedy. If so, then they nailed it.

I was left with more questions than answers afterward. Time to put my detective hat on. Why were Fenix and Aerostar looking in toilets? Does Drago use the pipes for transportation like Hojo the turtle of the Anipals in TV Funhouse? Does that mean Hojo is a member of the snake tribe?

I do have another theory. In the closing scene, Kobra Moon said Drago needs to feed. What does Drago eat? If Fenix and Aerostar were looking for him in the toilet, does that mean Drago feasts on feces? The Temple bathroom does look like a place with faulty flushing mechanisms. It would be a free buffet for Drago. Maybe a diet of methane makes his breath flammable. That would explain why Drago spends so much time hanging out in the bathroom.

5. Johnny Rudo

Johnny Mundo began the cage match by spitting in Sexy Star's face. I didn't think he could get any lower. I was wrong. Mundo did the unconscionable act of tearing off Sexy Star's mask. That allowed Mundo the time necessary to escape the cage. As despicable as it was, I do have to give him credit for thinking of it. How many more tricks does Mundo have up his sleeve considering he doesn't even wear sleeves?

4. Release German suplex

In the opening sequence of the tournament final, Cage tossed Mack across the ring with a release German suplex. The impact was vicious. It was a thing that made me go, "Ooof." I involuntarily made that noise again when watching the episode a second time. Any moment that makes me vocalize nonsensically deserves a spot on the list.

3. It takes two to make a thing go right, it takes Mack to make it outta sight

Mack hit a fireman's carry slam on PJ Black then executed a drop toehold to make Jeremiah Crane fall on top of PJ in a precarious north-south position. Mack nailed a standing backflip splash to make a three man sandwich. Impressive and novel.

2. Precursor of things to stun?

Johnny Mundo did not leave the main event unscathed. As he gloated at the top of the stairs, Mack came out of nowhere for a stunner. And it felt good. Obviously not for Mundo, but it felt good for all those rooting against him.

Johnny Mundo vs Mack should be an intriguing matchup. I'm excited for it. Hopefully, they are given the time and freedom to put on a classic in the Temple. It will be interesting to see how Mack prepares for potential interference from Worldwide Underground. And how will Johnny Mundo prepare to counteract the stunner? Mack has shown he can be innovative in slapping on a stunner. He won his first round match via cross-country stunner and had a finals elimination via top rope stunner. I'm sure Mack has more creative stunners he has yet to reveal in the Temple.

1. Electric chair powerslam

Mack had Cage hoisted up on his shoulders, while PJ Black looked to capitalize with a flying attack. Not so fast, my friend. Cage astoundingly caught PJ to turn it into a huge powerslam on the way down from Mack's shoulders. What a f'ing maneuver! Who's better than Cage? It's amazing how frequently performers in Lucha Underground pull out moves I've never seen before.

In last week's poll, there were 106 total votes for the most desired championship match given the Battle of the Bull finalists and the cage match competitors. Johnny Mundo cleaned up the votes. Vs Mack led with 30%, vs Cage followed with 25%, vs Jeremiah Crane trailed with 21%, and vs PJ Black was fourth with 13%. At 7%, Sexy Star vs Mack was the most desired match with Sexy Star involved.

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, bask in the chingonsisimo that is Johnny Mundo's music video for his rocking jam, "Welcome to Slamtown," and check out Vampiro giving another self-defense lesson to Melissa Santos.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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