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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (June 1, 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, live blog & open thread, recap, highlight package, and the championship main event between the Monster Matanza Cueto and Cage.

10. Dissension among the Super Amigos?

The gym segment with Rey Mysterio, El Dragon Azetca Jr., and Prince Puma was intense. After a disagreement about avenging El Dragon Azteca Sr., Rey and Jr. had a little kung fu tiff. It cracked me up when Rey made little noises synonymous with tsk tsk tsk.

Puma came on screen and spoke. Eek! Hearing Puma talk still makes me shriek with excitement. After Rey put hands on Puma, Puma let out a mini roar. I love when Puma roars.

9. Team unity

I greatly enjoyed how the Trios champs all wore matching red bandanas and Johnny Mundo's signature shades. Even better was when they wrestled while still adorned. Also, pelvic thrusts will always make me giggle. Keep thrusting, Mr. Black.

8. Lucha libre extraordinaire

That wasn't the only wrinkle in Cage's game plan. He also transformed into Karate Cage. A man, ahem, a machine of many martial arts.

7. Flying Machine

Whoa mama! That is a heavy load to come crashing down. Cage executed the flying elbow drop beautifully. He also took flight over the top rope and executed a top turnbuckle moonsault along with a standing moonsault.

6. German suplex on the outside

That one made me cringe in pain. Matanza also showcased his brute strength with a pumphandle suplex.

5. Cage's small package

Of all the close counts in this tremendous slugfest, that roll-up was the one that got me most believing in a Cage victory. It perfectly fit into the match as the two weary warriors tumbled into it.

Heck of a fight between Cage and Matanza. As a lover of hoss fights, it was everything I could have hoped for. Next up on my wishlist is Cage vs Mil Muertes, followed by a hoss-a-palooza triple threat with the three behemoths of the Temple.

4. Parallel elbow drop

That is one of the most unique maneuvers I have ever seen. It amazed me in season one and continues to amaze me in season two. I like how it is used sparingly. The novelty would wear off Havoc executed it in every match.

Not to be outdone, Daga had a pretty nifty suplex slam of his own. I have no idea how to put that maneuver into words.

One thing that stuck out to me in that solid match was how much the trio of Son of Havoc, Ivelisse, and Anglico elevate each other. Each one is fine in singles matches, but it always feels like a little something something is missing. When together, the atmosphere has a feeling of electricity in the air. Their team as a whole truly is greater than the sum of its parts.

3. Triple drop kick

I'm a sucker for teamwork maneuvers, and this one was a beaut.

2. Fireman's carry toss kick

Prince Puma does something amazing in every single match. He also had a sweet Northern Lights suplex rolling into a twisting power suplex on Johnny Mundo and a superplex on Jack Evans to the outside of the ring on top of the other combatants.

1. German suplex battle

Six alternating German suplexes. The tally was even with three for each competitor, but Matanza had the last laugh with a swinging German suplex. What made this sequence special was how Cage got psyched up after impact. It provided a shot of adrenaline to my viewing experience.

In last week's poll, 72% of 153 votes showed Cage as an overwhelming fan favorite against Matanza. Even though Cage lost, I think it is safe to say that we all won with that doozy of a fight. Cudos to both men. I mean cudos to a man and a machine. I mean cudos to a monster and a machine. I mean... I give up.

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 perspective from the referees in the Temple.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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