Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Aug. 2, 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 that 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 Cueto Cup quarterfinals power rankings along with the recap and reactions.

10. Cold blooded slam

Points for uniqueness. I don't think I've ever seen that version of Pindar's suplex. Or at the least, it doesn't come to mind as another wrestler's standard move. Now comes the issue of naming the move. What is the reptile version of a butterfly?

I also like Pindar delivering knees to soften Fenix up for the elaborate slam. The knee blows looked rugged and were fitting for the character as a reptilian general.

9. Recognize

After the main event, Dominic Mysterio had words with Johnny Mundo. Dominic spouted, "Better recognize who you're touching. Recognize who you're talking too." He should have followed his own words. Mundo is the dirtiest player in today's game. I chuckled when Mundo clocked Dominic with the championship belt. As if Mundo's feud with Rey Mysterio needed to become juicier, this moment gave it even more fire.

8. Dinner is served

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

Seeing Dario Cueto standing there with a tray of raw meat made me snicker. Only on Lucha Underground would we have such a scene.

I wonder what kind of meat it was. A diet of horse meat helped Alistair Overeem earn his enormous physique. Tainted kangaroo meat got Frank Mir suspended. I doubt there is steroid testing in the Temple. Lamb meat, like leading the lamb to the slaughter? Then there is human meat, and that raises a host of curious questions of where Dario got it.

Speaking of the scene, it sure was a doozy. It was revealing when Dario lectured Matanza about controlling his hunger. Dario also shed a little bit of light on Matanza's power. I'm still not sure what kind of agreement the Cueto family has with the gods, but it seems like the gods have the control. If Matanza doesn't shape up, he may be shipped out of existence. It makes me wonder what is going on in Cage's inner dialogue. How is he handling the transition?

7. "I'm bored of it."

In an office meeting, Dario Cueto explained how he was bored of Worldwide Underground's failure using every underhanded trick in the book. I cheered aloud when Dario threw down the ultimatum of Worldwide Underground not getting a chance at Aztec medallions if they interfere in matches. Hopefully, Dario meant all matches.

I, too, am bored of Worldwide Underground running roughshod on the rule book. Half the time, they interfere when their own member has a match's momentum. Perhaps this will signify the next step in that group's evolution as highly entertaining rudos.

6. Spine busted

Who doesn't enjoy a good spinebuster? Especially when it is executed on a concrete floor. The extra panache of Johnny Mundo catching El Dragon Azteca Jr.'s hurricanrana attempt makes it that much more enjoyable.

5. Shotgun dropkick

Even though Prince Puma executed a super dropkick in his match against PJ Black and again versus Dante Fox, I'm not tired of it. I love that Puma added this maneuver to his arsenal. It looks awesome when the opponent flies into the corner.

In a new wrinkle, Puma added a shotgun taunt prior to execution. At first, I thought it was a crossbow, but everyone seems to be calling it a shotgun. Does anyone know if the taunt is a pop culture reference? If so, please let me know in the comments.

4. Inside out rotating slam

I don't know what that slam by Dante Fox is called, but it is a cool maneuver. It felt in the flow as opposed to an obviously planned spot. "This is awesome," indeed.

3. Flying junior dragon

Whew whee. This is the kind of impact that would have made Dante Fox's leap two week ago super sweet. Fox got more air than El Dragon Azteca Jr., but Azteca's looked more dangerous. I thought he was going to crack his head on the corner post.

2. The story continues

This episode was jam-packed with story progression. We saw more tasty tidbits for Matanza, Worldwide Underground, the Aztec medallions, Killshot, Captain Vasquez's investigation of Cage murdering Councilman Delgado, and more Marty creep peeping on Fenix and Melissa Santos. All of the segments satiated our inquisitiveness for now, and forced us to ask new questions. If every episode from now until Ultima Lucha Tres has this much story content, then we will be in for a wild ride.

1. Fast and furious

The pace for Dante Fox vs Prince Puma was incredible. A true barn burner. No rest for these luchadores. The opening sequence had a suicide dive by Fox, a bicycle kick and suicide dive by Puma, a spinning heel kick and over the top rope soaring attack by Fox, another bicycle kick and Puma pouncing over the top rope for his own aerial assault. This whole exchange took less than 90 seconds. The speed of the bout did not let up.

The match as a whole was outstanding. I liked how both wrestlers chained moves together instead of single strikes. For example, Puma hit a cutter followed by a standing shooting star press. Plus, there was cool stuff like Puma catching Fox's backflip then Fox turning it into a DDT.

Prince Puma is an amazing wrestler. I've never seen anyone like him. His freshness in my eyes was a big reason why season one was so strong. If season three turns out to be his last, I think Dante Fox can be the one to fill the void. Fox has put on tremendous performances and shown moves I've never seen. Fox's backstory as an expert soldier allows him to be believable in competition as a man among monsters.

Catching up on last week’s poll, 55% of 100 votes would put their money on Pentagon DARK to win the Cueto Cup. 22% are going with Prince Puma. Mil Muertes is third with 11%. Pindar and Texano both received zero votes. More evidence that Texano needs to hire Famous B.

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

I’ll leave you with the Modelo sponsored Fighting Spirit series featuring Killshot.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!