Tope 10: Lucha Underground (July 5, 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 along with the recap and reactions.

10. Nail in the Coffin

Prince Puma broke out a new finisher. As Arcane Azmadi mentioned in the recap and reaction comments, that maneuver is basically Vampiro's finisher of old. Puma just added some spins for extra flair. That is nice attention to detail to subtly advance the Vampiro/Puma master storyline.

9. "Currently interning with the Worldwide Underground"

Ricky Mandel had that billing from Melissa Santos in his introduction. With a win vs Prince Puma, he graduates to assistant. This is a fine example of turning a mole hill into a mountain. Not many care about Ricky Mandel, but that intro line made his appearance memorable. It gives Mandel a small opening to cultivate a following. He is a jobber at the moment, however, you never know what can get the ball of momentum rolling. Perhaps Worldwide Underground intern will lead to bigger things in his career.

I also laughed as Mandel got a chill from Johnny Mundo's entrance breeze.

Speaking of interning, which Lucha Underground talent would you intern for? It is a tough choice, but I think I would go with Aerostar. Learning the secrets of time travel are too good to pass up. Mack would be cool too. Much like Mack, I also enjoy drinking beer while wearing skimpy trunks. Who doesn't?

8. Johnny Mundo vs Rey Mysterio, Part IV

Thumbs up for the fourth installment of hype. I'm still waiting to see Rey Mysterio get in some intense training. Jogging with unathletic children might make him more of a community hero, but it doesn't mean squat when training for a prizefight. Like Mundo said, "You have to earn everything with hard work and sweat."

Rey did have some righteous points about how not being the biggest dog in the fight is one way the fans relate to him. "If I can give a little hope to not give up, that's what makes it worth it. And that's why I fight." Mundo countered that logic while in a headstand with, "Talk is cheap. Chicks dig scars and abs." Point goes to Mundo on that exchange. I'll have to get more scars to make up for the lack of abs.

7. Clothesline do-si-do

In a comical moment, Son of Havoc and Son of Madness were keen to each other's corner attack. Five consecutive ducking clotheslines in all. I need to loop that sequence while listening to Yakety Sax. Why stop there? Imagine an entire chase scene similar in style to the close of The Benny Hill Show.

6. Flying Star

Kapow! Sexy Star's signature flying crossbody to the outside still gets a pop out of me, even after seeing it a ton of times through three seasons. The Believers agreed as they rousingly chanted, "Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!"

Sexy Star's brass knuckle disqualification defeat was a bit shocking. Based on past success, she was a quality dark horse pick to win the Cueto Cup. Sexy Star is a bigger player in the Temple than PJ Black, and Prince Puma vs PJ Black has no suspense for me. No way is Puma going to lose.

I kind of feel like Sexy Star's loss was a wasted opportunity for an engaging story in the tournament. On paper, a second round bout against Prince Puma would have been tough to call. And with sullen Puma, it could have been quite the clash of light vs dark.

5. Missile headbutt

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

Son of Madness charged forward to leap under the ropes for a blasting headbutt. A cool maneuver, indeed.

Son of Madness had a pretty good performance, despite the roll-up loss. He didn't really stick out, but he did enough in the ring not to count him off as a jabroni. The most intriguing thing about his debut was the mystery behind his appearance. Vampiro did well explaining motorcycle club culture, but there was too much guessing about the motive. Is the club upset with Havoc patching in Mascarita Sagrada? Is Madness angry that Havoc didn't share Bagel Bites? Lucha Underground has my interest to see where the story leads.

4. Fox-like agility

Equal parts agile and sly. Just like a fox. Dante Fox appeared to be setting up a moonsault off the apron, but he quickly grabbed the rope to guide his change of plans as El Dragon Azteca Jr. evaded.

Bonus footage. Many enjoyed the hurricanrana head spike from Azteca. The GIF is long enough to include that maneuver.

3. Fireman's carry flip slam

Damn. Impressive athleticism which was creative and functional.

2. Guillotine leg drop

Ohhhhhhh! I can feel the pain.

1. Dante Fox

This episode was the coming out party for Dante Fox. First, we got a meaty glimpse of his POW backstory, which turned Fox into a sympathetic character. Killshot might not have been in the wrong by escaping solo, but it is easy to see why Fox feels the way he does. If both of these men turn out to be alright fellas (aside from hating each other), then this is an instance where I will be rooting for them to duke it out, release pent up aggression, then bury the hatchet to become friends once again.

Second, Dante Fox was dynamite in the ring. Aside from the three moves already featured in the Tope 10, Fox executed an over the top rope senton, pulled himself over the ropes for a dropkick to the mush, a seated springboard C4, and the Foxcatcher for victory. Fox showed savvy by countering some of Azteca's patented moves, and he showed heart by kicking out of pinfalls.

Most impressively, Fox pretty much kicked Azteca's ass. Azteca had his moments, but Fox maintained control through the majority of the bout. The one-sidedness boosted Fox up my power rankings. Azteca is no joke. Fox's performance showed me that he is on the cusp of joining the upper echelon talent in the Temple. I don’t want to get too excited just yet, however, the thought of Dante Fox vs Prince Puma in the Group D final scintillates my loins. No time for pants!

Catching up on last week’s poll, 23% of 83 votes desire Mil Muertes to align with Vampiro if Mil ever breaks away from Catrina. 16% want to see Mil side with Catrina’s bitter rival and Jeremiah Crane’s girlfriend, Ivelisse. 12% desire Mil to join up with Captain Vasquez, holder of one-half on the Piedra Immortal. 11% yearn for a new Super Friends trio of Mil partnering with his nemesis, Fenix, and Aerostar.

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

I’ll leave you with some words from Jeremiah Crane.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!