Tope 10: Lucha Underground (June 28, 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 the preview, which Lucha Underground talent will be showing up at the newly named GFW’s Slammiversary, along with the recap and reactions.

10. Crotch shots

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

The cameras were focused this week. The first instance was Paul London stepping over the camera on his way up to the ring. That seemed incidental and accentuated by London's sparkly codpiece.

It got a little weird when the camera zoomed in after Joey Ryan oiled up his pubes. The camera's commitment on that shot gave me a chuckle. Keep in mind, gyrating always lightens my mood. However, I'm guessing many reacted in a similar fashion to Taya.

9. Wera loca

Taya wins! This is a fan pick. Taya is my favorite female luchadora today. I predicted a victory for Joey Ryan, so Taya's win was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, I don't anticipate Taya prevailing against Jeremiah Crane in round two due to a bathroom beat off. Signs are clearly pointing towards Jeremiah Crane vs Mil Muertes as the final of Group C.

Two questions for you, the reader, regarding Taya. First, what is your opinion of Taya's finisher? I like the idea of the fisherman suplex followed up with a double stomp, but the execution is a little slow. I always feel like the ref is going to start counting before she flips over for the stomp. Perhaps it was developed with the slower count of Mexican referees in mind. Anyone who has heard Vampiro's rant on the refs during the inaugural Lucha Libre World Cup trios tournament knows what I'm talking about. I could see Taya’s combo being a top notch finisher in all the land if she were able to speed up the process. However, I know it is easier said than done. If I tried, it would look more like Curly or Homer spinning on the floor.

Second, where does Taya rank in your list of female wrestlers? I primarily watch Lucha Underground and occasionally watch WWE (not NXT). In my opinion, Taya is tops as a sports entertainer. I'm not saying she can outwrestle others in a twenty minute technical bout. Being trained by Lance Storm, she just may. Who knows? I mean the general term who. The wrestler Who would obviously pick Natalya. But Taya does bring the most enjoyment to me as a viewer. She is tough as nails and nails the charisma quotient. You tell me Taya is on TV, and I will be watching.

8. Lick of Death

The Lick of Death is always cool. It has been awhile since Catrina got to licking, in a public manner that is. Perhaps she likes Tootsie Pops. Anyway, it has been a noticeable span, so on to the Tope 10 the Lick of Death goes.

7. Carrots are divine

"You get a dozen for a dime, It's maaaa-gic!" the great Bugs Bunny once declared.

This scene was straight out of Looney Tunes. And I loved it. I also enjoyed Matt Striker's attempt to sell it, "... As he has the produce pressed against her carroted artery." I'm sure Matt Striker wouldn't mind my purposeful misspelling of carotid. He is a punny fellow, after all.

6. Johnny Mundo vs Rey Mysterio, Part II

Another top notch promo piece. I enjoyed the video, but I found amusement in unintentional comedy with the wrestler interviews.

Chavo's first half basically added nothing of value. The guy that brings his A game better be good enough to beat the best. No shit.

Cage's first half sounded like he was hepped up on gauntlet balls. He was speaking a mile a minute. I actually double checked to see if he was wearing the gauntlet making his rhythm of speech a byproduct. He was clean handed. Side note, I did chuckle seeing "the machine" as Cage's descriptor.

Despite that, everyone involved did have interesting analysis. Well, almost. Sorry, Matt Striker. Ronda Rousey vs Miesha Tate is not a comparable rivalry to Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier or Ric Flair vs Ricky Steamboat.

Oh snap! Literally. I just had an idea. Ronda Rousey vs Pentagon DARK. Rousey would most likely want the larger scale and payday of WWE. But if she did want a wrestling experience more local and controlled, why not Lucha Underground? I know that is a pipe dream, but good golly, miss molly, what a dream.

5. Dario Cueto's Cueto Cup enthusiasm

Boom! Excellent enthusiasm by the proprietor of the Temple. Prior to the tournament, Dario Cueto proclaimed it to be the greatest event of all time. He's still sticking by that. I might not agree with that statement, but I love his zest for what is to come. Dario was probably high on coke and booze, but I can't fault him for the anticipation toward Group D. El Dragon Azteca Jr. vs Dante Fox should be fire. That bout is definitely no pants required. I don't want anyone to cause a flame hazard with all that heat.

To be honest, I was a wee bit disappointed with the reveal of Son of Madness. I'm sure his battle with Son of Havoc will be cool and all, but I was hoping for a game changer or King Cuerno. With an episode title of, "Macho Madness," I would have been blown away if it was Jay Lethal as Black Machismo.

4. Pep talk

"Rise, Pasqual Mendoza. It is time once again for Mil Muertes to do battle. Tonight, you will begin your journey by taking back your Lucha Underground championship. You must let nothing stop you. Destroy them all."

Catrina set the scene by firing up Mil with choice words. Heck, I was ready to run through a wall, or at least run into it and fall down with a contused cranium. Mil definitely took those words to heart and delivered a vicious beatdown to Veneno.

Please permit me a moment of cerebral wanderment. Mil is motivated by his love, Catrina. However, we know Mil is not the one Catrina loves. What if this comes to light and causes a rift between the two? What if Mil forges a new path without Catrina? Who would you like to see him align with? Sure, he would be fine going solo, but the fun of this thought is to imagine what could be.

There are plenty of intriguing options. I think I'm leaning toward perfect foes to perfect friends. What if Mil Muertes joined the Super Friends duo of Fenix and Aerostar? I can visualize it now. A saddened Mil woefully sits on the curb, until Fenix pulls up in his fly gold Firebird blasting sweet tunes. They bond over the love lost from Catrina. Fenix then invites Mil to drink some Modelo cervezas with Sexy Star and Melissa Santos. Aerostar can chat Mil up about the secrets of time travel and the fateful Mexico City earthquake. Imagine the drunken conversations within that crew. This scenario doesn't even get into the awesomeness of a surprise partner as the Super Friends try to regain Trios gold against Drago and Kobra Moon's two goons, Pindar and Vibora.

3. Mil smash

Damn!

Mil Muertes came to maim. He brought a heavy duty attitude to destroy Veneno. I liked how he was actively pummeling his opponent. It wasn't a simple squash. Mil kept smashing Veneno immediately after each powerful maneuver. Don't take it from me. Let Vampiro be your guide, "Oh my god. (Chuckle.) This is a King Kong knocking a building inside out." This match properly conveyed Mil's desire to win the Cueto Cup for Catrina. Mil will be facing Paul London in round two. Forget 1-on-1. I'd put my money on Mil in a 1-on-3 affair.

After observing that performance from Mil Muertes, it makes me yearn for a dream match against Brock Lesnar.

2. Full steam ahead

In an extremely brutal, hard hitting contest, Jeremiah Crane running around the ring to gain force on a cannonball was tremendous. It was one of those maneuvers that entices emulation, except in the pool or on pillows but not chairs. Most aren't as sadistic as Jeremiah Crane.

1. Murder?

Did Mil Muertes die? After overhearing Mil Muertes and Catrina earlier, Jeremiah Crane brutalized Mil in the bathroom via chair neck die now. I heard a distinct crunch of bones. That leads me to believe Mil has perished. Not that it matters, since Catrina can resurrect Mil at will.

Another piece of evidence is Catrina raising her stone after Crane's win, but no Mil to be accounted for. I went through a roller coaster of emotion in the closing minute. I leaped out of my seat hoping for Mil to serve retribution. I would have been surprised that Catrina could work her magic so quickly. Alas, it was not to be. No Mil. Thus, no crippling of Crane. My momentum meter dropped like a ton of bricks. I guess I'll have to wait for their eventual showdown.

On one hand, I don't want to see Mil die. On the other hand, this adds a whole new layer to the dementia of Jeremiah Crane. He just straight up murdered someone. Does he know Mil can be brought back to life by Catrina? Even if he does, it still takes a large quantity of sin in one's personality to temporarily kill someone. That is the kind of action that can cause true fear in an opponent.

Earlier, I brought up the idea of Catrina and Mil splitting. What if Jeremiah takes Mil's place, and Mil finds his way into Ivelisse's embrace? That would be quite the twisteroo. I'd be all in on that love smorgasbord.

Catching up on last week’s poll, 37% of 82 votes crowned Marty Martinez vs Saltador as their favorite match in the first round of Group B. Runner-up was an even split of 26% each for Mascarita Sagrada vs Pindar and Fenix vs Mariposa. Last but not least, Vinnie Massaro vs Cage carried the rear with 12%.

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

I’ll leave you with more fantastic artwork from crossinbean.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!