Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Sep. 13, 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 preview, the recap and reactions, along with Dario Cueto’s top ten favorite things of Lucha Underground.

10. "Ole, ole ole ole, luch-a, luch-a."

A new chant from the Believers. I enjoyed it. The chant raises the energy of the crowd. Fan noise generally makes a better atmosphere, however, they need to be careful not to overdo it or let the chant eclipse the action.

What is your favorite chant? Or do you prefer natural oohs and aahhs?

9. Ricky Mundo

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

Ricky Mandel legally changed his name as an homage to Johnny Mundo. It was a funny move to get in the good graces of Worldwide Underground's leader. Too bad it looks like we won't get to see Ricky Mundo in the ring until season four. We may never know if his new name will pay off.

Worldwide Underground is tops at silly comedy. Slamtown. They're right up there with Santino Marella, Fashion Police, and New Day. Who is your favorite silly goose throughout the annals of wrestling history?

8. Vampiro's intro

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

Excellent enthusiasm. Episode 100 was supposed to be a big deal, and Vampiro's introduction made it feel that way. He was geeked to the gills with gusto.

7. Winged pinwheel

Lucha Underground on El Rey Network

Bonus surprise in finding out Marty Martinez would be on team Worldwide Underground for the atomicos match. Johnny Mundo, PJ Black, and Taya wanted to celebrate with their pinwheel handshake. Marty Mundo wanted a piece of the pie, but they shoved him away. Members only, I guess. That didn't deter Marty as he went round the outside flapping his wings. What a bunch of goofballs. I love it!

6. Wrath of the Gods

It looked like Rey Mysterio had another trick in his bag after he coerced Matanza to run into the ring post. Not so fast, my friend. Matanza caught Rey's moonsault, then executed the Wrath of the Gods. It was a fitting end. Matanza was the better luchador on this day. He was one step ahead of Rey when it mattered most.

5. Taya vs Cage

Taya's bravado amuses me. She knows she's going to take a thumping, but she doesn't care. After ambushing Cage, Taya patted his cheeks condescendingly. Cage responded by tossing her across the ring. After her teammates pounded Cage down in the corner, Taya charged through with her patented double knee smash. Then she stomped him like a crazy person. Wera loca, indeed.

4. Sunset flip powerbomb

Ooohhh!!! A mighty maneuver from Rey Mysterio to bring that big man down. It provided a spark Rey needed to shift the momentum, albeit only temporarily. Still, it was key in the ups and downs of the story to make it an interesting match.

3. Dragon twist

Nice rotation by El Dragon Azteca Jr. on his aerial maneuver. I wonder if that translates over to breakdancing. Or disco dancing in Saturday Dragon Fever.

2. Pentagon DARK vs El Dragon Azteca Jr.

In an episode with major star power, this was the match of the evening. Lucha libre moves were furious with a nice blend of finesse and stiffness. The pace was fast and fluid. El Dragon Azteca Jr. was spinning in all the right ways. Too bad it wasn't enough as Pentagon DARK used his experience to pick up the win.

1. Gauntlet fight!

Catrina, Jeremiah Crane, Mil Muertes, and Cage all played hot potato with the gauntlet. The three bruisers battled it out with Catrina's candle shrine as an awesome background visual. In the end, Dario Cueto swooped in with sticky fingers to snag the gauntlet. It reminded me of a Scooby Doo chase. So much was going on. Far, close, high, low, in, out. Not only was it a cool scene, it also created intriguing questions to be answered another day.

Catching up on last week’s poll, 19% of 110 votes felt Mil Muertes should have been Prince Puma’s number one pick for his atomicos team. 18% went with Cage. 13% for Son of Havoc, 12% for Mack, and 11% for Fenix were the other top choices.

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.

I’ll leave you with the Fighting Spirit of Ivelisse, sponsored by Modelo. Ivelisse is an interesting choice for the promotional series. She has been out of action for a very long time, especially in Lucha Underground years. It is kind of like doing math to figure dog years. Could this be a tease to remind us of her challenge for Catrina at Ultima Lucha Tres?

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!