Tope 10: Lucha Underground (June 21, 2017)

Each and every episode of Lucha Underground features maneuvers, quotes, outfits, props, scenes, and stories that deserve recognition. That is where the Tope 10 comes 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, buy all episodes to date from the first three seasons on iTunes and Amazon, or watch seasons one and two on Netflix. See if El Rey is available in your area.

If you haven't had a chance to watch this week's episode yet, check out Cueto Cup analysis and predictions, the preview, along with the recap and reactions. Also, read up on PJ Black’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

10. GDMAFB

Anther fine example of banter that gave me the giggles from the fellows on commentary. During Saltador's intro, Matt Striker tried to rate him as, "TV PG, TV MA. When these guys are around, it is TV MDMA. I don't even know what goes through their minds. What kind of trip is Saltador on?"

Vampiro replied, "I don't know, man. You just confused the mother F out of me too. What is a GDMAFB. Is that a restaurant you go to for wings, brother?"

9. "Give it up for Vinnie, man."

I suppose you could stick any of the underdogs in this slot depending on your preference. I'm giving the shout out to Vinnie Massaro. Of all four bouts, I certainly did not expect Vinnie to last as long as he did.

It started with a ballsy slap to Cage's face. Vinnie quickly earned Vampiro's respect per the title line after taking it to Cage with forearm smashes. Vinnie had a flashier STO maneuver, but I'm focusing on the thumb to the eye. Do what you got to do by any means necessary. After the STO, Vinnie was so close yet so far. In Vinnie's defense, he had a good idea when grabbing the gauntlet and realized the error of his ways.

8. Johnny Mundo vs Rey Mysterio, Part II

Another quality episode in the pre-fight build up. It is Rey's world, but Johnny aims to take him to Slamtown. The video kind of reminded me of Rocky Balboa training before the first Clubber Lang fight in Rocky III. I have to question if Rey is putting in the blood, sweat, and tears. We know Johnny is. No pain!

7. Power strut

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

After the Rabbit Tribe's pitch to ascend toward Valhalla under the guidance of the Rabbit King (Mascarita Sagrada), Mascarita pushed them aside to sashay toward the ring. What got a chuckle out of me was the similarity between Mascarita's strut and the strut of the Genetic Jackhammer, Vince McMahon. With a walk like that, Mascarita truly is divinity personified.

In time, perhaps Melissa Santos will change her introduction from El Pequeño Tigre Blanco to El Pequeño Conejo Blanco.

6. Window headbutt

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

Vroom, vroom, jamming guitar riff. Fenix pulled up in his fly gold Firebird. Melissa gave a flirtatious greeting. Cue up to perving Marty Martinez in a backside window. Headbutt of sexual frustration. Tremendous precursor of a scene to come.

If Lucha Underground goes the full seven seasons or beyond, I bet Fenix's firebird could fetch a price similar to Adam West's Batmobile. If I had a pile of cash, I would buy it. I don't drive, so it would be one sweet sleeping station.

And, yes, I noticed Melissa's silhouetted butt cheeks in her dress. I know ogling female folk is not appreciated in this community, but, hey, what can I say. Animo!

PS. In regard to Fenix's Firebird jam, I've said it before and I'll say it again. I would purchase music from Lucha Underground. I have zero clue on the difficulties of this issue. All I can say is if you release it, they will come. Hopefully enough so to make positive gains.

5. Captain Creepazoid

We all knew about Marty's obsession with Melissa, however, his private pervert scene reached new levels of disturbance. When I thought Marty's box of trinkets and keepsakes couldn't get any more deranged, he pulled a photo out from his wrestling trunks for a smooch while making a sexual facial expression. The scene was an interesting stroke of storytelling, but so repulsive at the same time. A little too much for my taste.

As I mentioned in the recap/review comments, I have a weird feeling that we're going to get an M&M love connection. Melissa seemed 99% grossed out, but 1% intrigued. Perhaps that 1% can blossom into love.

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

What if things don't work out for Melissa and Fenix? What if Fenix fancies Catrina more? What if Melissa literally has all her money riding on Fenix and he loses the Cueto Cup? (Most likely she said not seriously.) What if Melissa one day feels contempt toward Fenix? There's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip. One of those potential slips could point Melissa into Marty's arms.

Going with the idea that Melissa aligns with Marty, two feuds get my motor purring. Melissa manipulating Marty to aim for Catrina, and Mil Muertes by her side would be a heck of a hoss battle, which would eventually lead to another fight with Fenix. Jeremiah Crane can shoehorn his way in there as he tries to win Catrina's affection. Another idea would be if Pentagon DARK gets too close to Melissa once again. A scrap with Marty would be quite the entertaining roughhouse rendezvous. I would rather see Melissa be pure, but I wouldn't complain if she resorts to using Marty as an instrument of destruction.

4. Look at the Mascarita fly

That sight will never get old.

3. Strength on display

Saltador vs Marty Martinez was a unique bout. Equal parts weird, equal parts heft. The peak maneuver was Marty countering Saltador's hurricanrana by throwing him into the upper steel fence. The clang of impact added to the effect of pain.

2. Around the world

A perfect example of good fun in wrestling. Sometimes we can take this sport a little too seriously. That match was a reminder to just allow the performers to take you on a ride.

1. Fenix will rise

He probably did later that night as well. Bah-dum-tss. John (Cena) and Sean aren't the only ones with joystick jokes. Thank you, thank you. I'll be here all week.

Catching up on last week's poll, oops, there was no poll. I had no time for pants and apparently no time for polls either. I completely forgot. Sorry.

How does this week's Tope 10 stack up to your list? Any favorites not included? Best match from Group B? If you were late to the viewing party, feel free to share your thoughts about anything in the episode.

In anticipation for Taya’s match against Joey Ryan in Group C next week, let me leave you with Autozone’s Hardest Hits video package spotlighting the Wera Loca.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!