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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Mar. 2, 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 ladder match preview, results & open thread, recap, and the Gift of the Gods main event between King Cuerno and Fenix. Also, if you just started watching, give a gander to Boss Rock's introduction of characters.

10. Mil Muertes lifting Catrina off her feet

Sure, it was by the throat, but I like to theorize that it is their version of the Dirty Dancing finale. I get excited every time Mil lifts someone off their feet.

9. Sexy Star's pendulum submission

I've never seen that before. It was very cool looking. It is a shame that Marty "The Moth" Martinez broke her concentration. I really want to see some extended momentum from that maneuver.

8. King Cuerno's den

The visual of all Cuerno's trophy kills on the wall as he sat with the Gift of the Gods title draped over his shoulder was fantastic. The entire vignette was intense and perfectly gets his character across to any unfamiliar fans.

7. "I want to invite every single one of them to my next birthday party."

As King Cuerno pulled out a table, the following exchange took place between the commentating duo. Matt Striker stated, "Every good hunter wants to go for the kill and that seems to be what Cuerno has running through his sick, twisted mind." Vampiro immediately shot back, "Cuerno? How about these fans and their sick, twisted mind calling for a table. They see a table and all of a sudden standing ovation for violence." The winning line followed next as my laugh of the week courtesy of Vampiro.

6. 423-GET-FAME part two

The second installment of Famous B's commercial featured slapping around some masked jabronies and an increased sales pitch. This whole idea is hilariously silly. I've always wanted to know what made Famous B famous, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. The best part was the transition to the commercial on an actual television screen as Rey Mysterio turned it off and El Dragon Azteca Jr. cried out, "Hey, I was watching that!"

5. Aztec Warfare 2!!!

Exciting news. In three weeks, the Lucha Underground version of the Royal Rumble will take place. The best wrinkle is that eliminations are by pinfall or submission only. That means the luchadores can still do all their high-flying marvelousness without consequence. If you are a Royal Rumble fan, then this is must-see TV. Don't take my word for it. Check out the end of last year's Aztec Warfare or go buy the entire episode on iTunes.

4. Flying from the sky

It's a tie for number four. I can't decide which one is better.  Both maneuvers literally made my eyes widen in awe. Stupendous.

3. Floating off the rooftop

What a vicious match. This was one of the prettier moments yet still brutal. Others include a powerbomb onto a ladder, Fenix being pushed off a ledge, and a hurricanrana through a table. Not to mention a variety of other smashings, which leads us to number two on the list.

2. Crashing to the canvas

Even though it was jaw-dropping, the fall made me cringe. Three weeks ago, Cuerno went tiiiimber on a ladder through a table. They tape the episodes in rapid succession, so it is possible that Cuerno took those two bumps within a week of each other. Please stay safe, Sr. Cuerno. Rest up fellas. You deserve it after this feud.

1. Triple Threat next week

Mil Muertes vs Prince Puma vs Pentagon Jr. It began as Mil declared his desire to Catrina in the opening segment. Later on, Mil decided to make his presence felt by descending the stairs, ripping off his sling, forcefully slamming Pentagon, a spear here, a spear there, and ending with a double Flatliner. Mil's ferocity all through the episode got me pumped. Time to break out some baby blue pants in honor of Mil as I root for his victory next week. The story, atmosphere, and participants involved give the potential to make it a match-of-the-year contender. Icing on the cake is Fenix waiting for the winner.

In last week's poll, King Cuerno had the slight edge over Fenix as fan favorite going into the ladder match with 54% of 213 votes.

Parting note: The Lucha Underground account on Imgur has been updated with season two GIFs. Enjoy all the deliciousness. And speaking of GIFs, here's a shout out to the social media person who tweeted Pentagon's gloveless chest slap as, "Someone call the USDA, @PentagonJunior is dishing out prime chops!" That line gave me a hearty chuckle. The social media people have done a great job all the way back to the very first episode.

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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