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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (April 13, 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 preview of honor and revenge, live blog & open thread, recap, highlight package, and the Trios tournament main event between Johnny Mundo, Taya, and Cage against Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma, and El Dragon Azteca Jr.

10. Return of the Aztec medallions

I love the concept and the title belt even more. It instantly adds high stakes to a regular match. I was trying to see which one Texano won by way of powerbomb, but I couldn't make it out. Maybe this will be the year that one of the Moths gets the moth medallion.

9. Cage's headlock drag

That and Cage tagging in Johnny Mundo via slap were the funniest moments of the night for me.

8. The debut of Daga

Nothing makes a first impression like sitting naked in El Jefe's office. In the ring, he captivated my interest pretty well. He had good chemistry with Texano in an hard-hitting affair. His highlight in my eyes would probably be that leap. I look forward to seeing more of him. That's all I can ask for in a debut.

7. Killshot's finisher

A dandy. Killshot got Argenis up in the electric chair position then executed some kind of driver slam. He also had a nifty catch of Argenis' hurricanrana attempt and turned it into a corkscrew brainbuster. The flying double stomp was nice too.

Crazy thought of the week: Could Vampiro be interested in recruiting Killshot? I doubt it, but you never know. Vampiro seemed pretty impressed with Killshot's aggressiveness and focus. Plus, Vampiro really likes those pins that hook the leg. Killshot is kind of a lost soul at the moment, so the pairing could make sense.

6. Under, over, around, and through

Prince Puma diving through Rey Mysterio's legs and El Dragon Azteca Jr. leaping over the top was a cool sequence. Made me go, "Whoa!"

5. Mil Muertes vs Matanza next week

In the battle of bellowing vignettes, I'm going to have to give the slight edge to Mil Muertes. He had more bass to better display the idea of great vengeance and furious anger. I'll have to give the edge in motivational speaking to Dario Cueto. I was expecting Matanza to be so amped that he was going to break out of his cell.

I am pumped up to a maximum degree for this bout. I really hope they just let them loose for a balls to the wall hoss fight of the century. Can't wait.

About the ranking, my mind's telling me no for number 1, but my body, my body's telling me yes. I don't see nothing wrong with a little hoss fight.

4. Johnny Mundo doing the little things

Sure, Mundo has the athleticism and look, but it is the little things he does that really enhance my viewing pleasure. After Mundo slid a chair into the ring for Cage, he mimicked how to use it. During a hot tag situation, Mundo knocked Rey off the apron. When Taya distracted the ref, Mundo assaulted Prince Puma but kept his eyes on the ref so he could break before getting caught. These actions are one reason why I believe he is one of the most entertaining wrestlers today.

3. Dario Cueto's smarminess

Dario was full of it this week. Dario wanted to form a trios team with Johnny Mundo, Taya, and Cage. Cage wanted a match with Mundo instead. Dario's reaction? He rolled his eyes like he was getting a headache then closed one eye to brattily respond, "No, I like my idea better." My description doesn't do it justice. Just add another to his long list of comedic moments.

Then Dario tried to put on the charm to introduce himself to Taya. She replied, "Yeah, I know," and made a reaction of not wanting to touch him with a ten-foot pole. Dario's face immediately shifted to anger.

When Cage declared he would win the trios tournament, he began his catchphrase, "I'm not a man..." Dario filled in the rest, "You're a machine, yeah, we know."

All of these are instances of why Dario Cueto is our homeboy.

2. Cage catching and slamming

I'll always pop for moves that showcase tremendous strength.

1. Trios finish

A fantastic finish for a wild and hectic match. 619 to Mundo. Super duper DDT to Mundo. Rey and Azteca disposing of the other two. 630 back splash for the win. Tons of fun.

In last week's poll, 82% of 185 votes think the victors of the trios tournament will be Rey Mysterio, Prince Puma, and El Dragon Azteca Jr. Only 51% of the total vote believe they will dethrone Team Havoc to become champions.

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, check out Vampiro explaining his ring mentality.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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