Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Jun. 20, 2018)

Each and every episode of Lucha Underground features maneuvers, quotes, outfits, props, scenes, and more 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 on El Rey Network, buy all episodes to date on iTunes and Amazon, or watch seasons one and two on Netflix. See if El Rey Network is available in your area.

If you haven’t had a chance to watch this week’s episode yet, check out the episode preview and the recap/review.

Let’s get to the rainy night, internet dropping, electricity blackout, sleeping in late edition.

10. Announcer trios team

During the Trios championship match after the champs made a pin save, Matt Striker observed, “They want to keep the Trios titles because the checks are bigger. Let’s not fool anybody here.” Vamprio questioned, “Are they really?” Back to Striker, “Absolutely,” which caused a light bulb of an idea for Vampiro, “Then why don’t we get a partner and get in there.”

That little exchange gave me a chuckle. I also like how Striker acknowledged that champions get a larger paycheck. It is a minor detail, but it provides major motivation beyond wrestling for pride. Little things like that make a difference.

9. Famous B’s new clients

It is not so much the clients themselves, but more that Famous B is out there hustling off-screen for clients. It makes Famous B feel real in their weird universe, as opposed to just some dude on TV. And, surprises are always cool.

8. 3-Way to the Grave next week

Mil Muertes vs Fenix in another Grave Consequences match? Cool. Add in Jeremiah Crane? I won’t complain. Antonio Cueto is keeping the main event train full steam ahead. Three weeks, three big time bouts. Even though this match fell into his lap, I still have to give him credit as a promoter for amping up anticipation for the next show.

7. Bone breaking sound effect

After Infamous Incorporated lost their match, Jake Strong savagely attacked his partners and manager. To drive home how savage Strong can be, the show added a bone crunching sound effect when Strong was twerking Famous B’s ankle with maximum torque. It was the kind of sound effect you could feel in your own bones. I involuntarily shudder a little when I replay that noise in my head. Ooh, ahh, oww.

6. Drago soaring

Watching Drago leap out of the ring is always enjoyable. Side note, I’m running out of synonyms for fly.

5. Middle finger

Sammy Guevara made his Lucha Underground debut as a member of Infamous Incorporated. After dueling lucha libre moves with Killshot, Guevara offered a sporting handshake. Killshot was rude by not accepting, so Guevara was ruder with the middle finger. I enjoyed that bit of feistiness. Unfortunately for Guevara, Killshot was feistier with an elbow to the jaw.

Speaking of Guevara, he was impressive. I look forward to seeing him wrestle other high-flyers of the highest magnitude. Fenix, Aerostar, Jack Evans, the list goes on.

4. King Cuerno’s trophy den

Lucha Underground

I never get tired of glimpsing at King Cuerno’s trophy room. There is so much cool stuff in there. Crazy weapons and animal heads galore. In that photo, what sticks out to you?

3. Mexican Destroyers

During my first viewing of the main event, I didn’t fully appreciate Pentagon DARK’s two Mexican Destroyers and a package piledriver to defeat Matanza. I thought for sure that Matanza was going to kick out. On the second watch, I had a greater appreciation for those heavy-duty licks Pentagon laid in to win.

In reference to larger paychecks for champions, I wonder how Pentagon DARK spends his money. What does a student of the dark arts do in his free time?

2. Reverse pounce teamwork

Mack is a hefty load. I would not want to be on the other side of that impact.

I liked seeing the Trios champs work together. It will be interesting, and most likely entertaining, to see them become a more cohesive unit over the upcoming weeks. Individually, I want to root for each of them, so it would make sense that I wish them success as a team. Well, maybe not so much Killshot if he continues on his path of broodiness.

1. The maturation of El Dragon Azteca Jr.

Was the match against Drago part of the evolution of El Dragon Azteca Jr.’s character? In past seasons, Azteca came in hotheaded on a mission of revenge for his fallen master. He also ignored valuable advice from his mentor, Rey Mysterio. Prior to this episode, I viewed Azteca as a bit of a reckless doofus. I had no intention of cheering him on.

Against Drago, Azteca did not make foolish errors. He efficiently avoided most of Drago’s cheap bad guy tactics. In my mind, it showed how Azteca is progressing. Time will tell if it was a one time thing or the norm going forward.

I don’t know how much time has passed between seasons. If the season four trailer is an indicator, Azteca will be taking the war with the gods much more seriously. Too bad he doesn’t seem to care if Rey Mysterio is left to rot in a cage. That aside, if Azteca continues on this path, he will become someone I want to root for.

Checking up on last week’s poll, 26% of 175 votes missed Cage the most out of luchadores who weren’t in Aztec Warfare 4. Angelico (12%), Ivelisse (11%), and Rey Mysterio (10%) were the others to break into double digits. Cortez Castro, Dr. Wagner Jr., and Mala Suerte were the only ones in a 23 luchador poll to receive zero votes. They should have a three-way next week to feel love.

Before you carry on with your day, it is time for some awesome Lego artwork from Astrid (@assui88). Here is a representation of Pentagon DARK package piledriving a pizza ordering Vinnie Massaro from Aztec Warfare 4.

How does this week’s Tope 10 stack up to your list? Any favorites not included? Which was your favorite match of the evening? If you were late to the viewing party, feel free to share your thoughts about anything in the episode.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!