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Tope 10: Lucha Underground (June 29, 2016)

By Manolo Has Pizzazz

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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 featured match between Prince Puma and El Dragon Azteca Jr.

10. 4 a Unique Opportunity

"Get it?" Indeed, we do. It is as clever as he proclaimed. Cueto set up a tournament involving Cage, Texano, Mack, and Son of Havoc. The winner gets, "the greatest unique opportunity Dario Cueto has ever offered."

I was curious what those four would be doing for the supershow, since none of them had any storylines at the moment. Not only does this get them all on the card, but there are also high stakes to add extra excitement and make it meaningful.

Another great line from Cueto in that segment was about his anticipation for Ultima Lucha Dos. "I feel like a little kid waiting for the Christmas morning." Don't we all.

9. Mil Muertes' new mask

Mil was looking fresh, even if his blood red eyes give the vibe that he hasn't had any sleep in 1,000 deaths. The blood red M matches his eyes, and the blue and silver designs stand out on his black mask.

His match with King Cuerno was a tasty treat for what we can expect at Ultima Lucha Dos. They gave away just enough with a monstrous chokeslam, an Arrow From the Depths of Hell, some cold steel action, and Cuerno cheating to escape with the win. My favorite part of that match was Mil taking the chair shot to the dome without going down then KO punching Cuerno.

8. "Yo soy chingonsisimo!"

After a frenzy of slaps, Fenix shouted his opinion of Johnny Mundo's catchphrase before delivering one more slap full steam ahead. That was good for a chuckle.

The camera person was also chingonsisimo during the top turnbuckle standing C4 when they got a fantastic angle underneath the ropes with the Trios title laying on the mat. Touche.

PS. I think Johnny Mundo had some of Chris Jericho's light up technology installed into his pants. His bejeweled trousers seemed to be extra sparkly in moments when I don't think it could have been reflections of the bright lights above. That truly is chingonsisimo.

7. Fenix landing on his feet while out cold

Fenix had the match's momentum until Taya grabbed his foot while climbing the turnbuckle. Johnny Mundo took advantage by kicking Fenix in the head, which resulted in Fenix doing a back flip from the impact and landing wobbly-legged on his feet. Mundo immediately followed with a springboard corkscrew crossbody. It was a very neat little sequence.

6. Prince Puma catching El Dragon Azteca Jr.'s suicide dive

The whole sequence was cool. Azteca did some rope gymnastics to kick Puma in the face. Then he went for the suicide dive only to be caught and slammed into the ring post with a loud thud.

It gets extra points for the surprise factor. I pretty much assume that the luchadores are going to connect their flying maneuvers onto the "little guys" to wow the crowd. When Puma caught Azteca, it caught me off guard as a nice little wrinkle in their match.

5. The stare down between Prince Puma and Rey Mysterio

The heat was heavy from the beginning as El Dragon Azteca Jr. pompously finger-wagged Prince Puma early in their match. After another exchange in action, Puma gave a handshake but didn't let go. Azteca angrily responded with a slap to Puma's chest.

After his victory, Puma talked some smack to Rey and patted him on the back a little too hard for Rey's liking. Rey wasn't having it as he rose to chastise Puma's attitude. I didn't need any extra oomph to get excited for Puma vs Rey at Ultima Lucha Dos, but they certainly gave it to me anyway. That bout is going to be a doozy.

4. The ending mishmash

After Johnny Mundo's victory, he called down the other members of Worldwide Underground for their delightful pinwheel handshake, some air guitar, and to also share joy in the stomping of Fenix's carcass. Drago and Aerostar flew down the stairs (not literally, which I have to make clear since they are a dragon and a spaceman) to defend their buddy. Still outnumbered, Ivelisse joined the brawl to even it up. It was a great way to end what was perhaps the best episode of the entire series to date.

Yeah, it was cliche, but I still popped when Drago and Aerostar came out. I popped even louder when Ivelisse beelined to the ring. I think the reason why it worked is because Lucha Underground rarely does that scene. When they did use it, the moment was hot and didn't feel like an overused gimmick to promote a PPV.

3. Rolling powerbomb maneuver off the top turnbuckle

Just like Matt Striker, I also went, "Oooooooohhhhhhhhh!"

2. "Good luck, little girl."

Oh, snap! That one line by Catrina reinvigorated my desire to see Ivelisse challenge her in the ring one day. Their long simmering feud can easily boil over at any point.

1. El Jefe laughing

That was Dario Cueto's response to Catrina requesting a rematch for Mil Muertes against King Cuerno. Classic Cueto.

Despite his laughter, Catrina was granted her request once she mentioned it as a Death Match. After uttering those two words, Dario's expression turned serious. "You know, I hate you, but you know just what to say to get me (lip smack) excited." Fantastic scene.

In last week's poll, Prince Puma received 77% of 155 votes as the fan favorite over Rey Mysterio for the battle at Ultima Lucha Dos. The results were surprising to me, since I thought the poll would have been much closer to 50/50.

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, hear what Prince Puma and Rey Mysterio have to say about their upcoming showdown. Also, pick up a Johnny Mundo t-shirt in the Lucha Underground online store.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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