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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Mar. 9, 2016)

By Manolo Has Pizzazz
Lucha Underground on Twitter

Each and every episode of Lucha Underground features maneuvers, quotes, outfits, props, scenes, and stories that deserve recognition. That is where the Tope 10 come 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 season one and season two 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, then check out the Aztec blood preview, results & open thread, recap, highlight video, and the triple threat championship main event between Mil Muertes, Prince Puma, and Pentagon Jr. Also, if you just started watching, give a gander as Boss Rock continues with part two and part three of character introductions.

In case you missed it, fresh off the presses this week was the fourth and final comic in the Lucha Underground series. This edition featured Dario Cueto on the run with Black Lotus and Matanza.

10. Cage high fiving a fan

After throwing Taya from pillar to post, Cage yelled, "Who's a f***ing machine?!?" Then he slapped palms with a fan in the upper deck and almost ripped his arm off.

9. Wizard B

In the third installment of Famous B's 423-GET-FAME commercial series, he used his magic tough to turn Brenda from "tore up from the floor up" to beautiful. I liked their reactions when the commercial ran a few seconds too long. I'm not sure where this is leading, but I'm still eager to find out.

8. Animo!

After the main event, Fenix came on the scene to announce his intention of cashing in the Gift of the Gods for a title match against Mil Muertes next week. I'm pumped to see the next chapter in the life vs death saga. Add in a Trios title match between the Disciples of Death and Team Havoc and we should have a dandy of an episode next Wednesday.

7. Mariposa

When the lights went out during Mack vs Moth, a creepy xylophone lullaby played and we finally got a full view of Marty's sister, Mariposa. Great costume. She also gave a vicious boot to Sexy Star's face for good measure. That made me laugh.

6. Melissa's moth wing

It's the little things like flapping her arm as a swivel hipped sleazebag was breathing over her shoulder that make Melissa Santos one of the best ring announcers in the business. Scooting out the of the ring as Mack came full steam ahead was another nice touch.

5. Mil Muertes' slingshot crossbody

This was my favorite maneuver of the triple threat main event. I was totally not expecting liftoff out of the ring onto Prince Puma. Vampiro called him a jumbo jet. Fly, Mil, fly.

4. And still Lucha Underground champion...

Mil Muertes! I'm a huge Mil mark, and this result pleased me thoroughly. I jumped out of my seat when Mil speared Pentagon Jr. as he was setting up to break Prince Puma's arm. A spear to Puma and a double Flatliner later, Mil retained his championship. The Lick of Death to both Puma and Pentagon was icing on the cake. Bring it on, Fenix. This is Mil's temple and you better recognize.

3. Bathroom nunchuk fight

This whole scene was fantastic from Jack Evans urinating in a stall to Drago kicking light bulbs to PJ Black showing up with nunchuks to the nunchuk showdown to the surprise return of Aerostar with his own pair of lit up nunchuks. I can rewatch this scene over and over again. There is so much ridiculousness going on that it takes a couple viewings to take in all the little details. I strongly feel that this is the kind of scene that can draw in new fans.

2. Mil Muertes vs Prince Puma vs Pentagon Jr.

What a fun match! Outstanding. It featured non-stop action, drama, and a clear finish. There were so many "Whoa!" moments that I could do a whole Tope 20 with all the awesome maneuvers that took place.

Some highlights include Mil tossing Puma across the ring, Puma's DDT, a hurricanrana off railing, Puma flipping off the ring over Mil followed by a superkick from Pentagon, four straight flying maneuvers to Mil, a Pentagon plancha off the upper level followed by Puma too, Puma's 630, the superkick party, some sort of suplex slam by Pentagon, and a package piledriver.

1. Taya through tables

This was the holy moly maneuver of the night for me. Taya's match against Cage was a star-making performance. I was already intrigued by her style and swagger, and then she showed real guts in character and out of character. Taya took a pummeling after slapping Cage and surprisingly kicked out of a pinfall that looked to be a quick squash match. She even dished out some offense of her own after a low blow. It took a Weapon X to finish her.

I, along with many others, have now become fans of Taya. I'm not saying this match makes me think she can main event; only that the more characters people care about the better. It will be interesting to see if she can turn that momentum into something special. I don't know if she has the skills to do it, but, as of right now, I want more Taya on my screen.

In last week's poll, Pentagon Jr. was the desired opponent for Fenix's cash in with 50% of 203 votes. 34% wanted to see a championship rematch against Mil Muertes, while 16% wanted to see Fenix challenge Prince Puma. Who will be the fan favorites for next week's title matches? In the meantime, let this photo and other fabulous Lego mockups get you pumped for the Trios bout.

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. Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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