Tope 10: Lucha Underground (Aug. 15, 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 episode ten (July 25) yet, check out the preview and the recap/review. Also, take a gander at Taya and Johnny Mundo dancing the KiKi Challenge.

10. Why do you take chances?

During the El Dragon Azteca Jr. vs Killshot match, Matt Striker relayed a previous conversation. Striker asked Azteca why he takes so many chances in every match. Azteca replied, “There is someone out there that has never seen me fight before, so I need to give them my best.”

On one hand, that is a pretty silly attitude in character. On the other hand, that is a fantastic answer in real life knowing wrestling isn’t ‘real.’ I’m still not a fan of the Azteca character, but I just became a fan of the performer.

9. Modified Rings of Saturn

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A painful looking submission. Icing on the cake was Killshot leaning back with head on hand like he was relaxing and enjoying the view.

8. Father Rick O’Shea

Father Rick O’Shea was in attendance as a fan waiting to preside over the wedding between Taya and Johnny Mundo. That name is an enjoyably silly reference to Ricochet, aka Prince Puma.

Father Rick O’Shea’s involvement in the Pentagon DARK vs Cage brawl was memorable. After the Father bumped into Cage, Pentagon unintentionally saved the Father from punishment. The Father was gracious only to be repaid via an arm break by Pentagon with a, “CRACK,” sound effect. What wild hijinks.

Speaking of the departed, no one can say Prince Puma’s transition from Lucha Underground to NXT has stopped him from doing amazing things.

7. Double stomp on the fly

This spot was most likely planned, but I like to pretend it wasn’t. With that in mind, Killshot displayed a tremendous ability to adjust. He jumped up to springboard attack to the outside, El Dragon Azteca Jr. slid back into the ring under the ropes, then Killshot instead went forward for the double stomp. That quickness to adapt made my eyes widen.

6. Economic vs Spiritual

During the Trios championship bout, Matt Striker brought up how Son of Havoc was gifted one of the Trios belts but is also invested in retaining. Vampiro opined, “He’s got their back. That’s so much more important to me than defending the title; is having your partner’s back through thick and thin, even if insults fly. If you got your boy’s back, you’re straight with me.”

Striker brought up that having your boy’s back doesn’t pay the bills. Vampiro masterfully dropped some knowledge, “Yeah, but the things that you get, the riches, each man will judge what is more valuable. Something that is economic or the spiritual fulfillment of doing the right thing. Not being a nice guy. Don’t get confused on me now.” Ponder that.

Commentary was top-notch during this episode. In a different moment from the Trios championship match after Killshot pushed Son of Havoc off the top turnbuckle, Vampiro calmly added, “Killshot knows absolutely nothing about the code of honor in battle. He just turned his back on his brothers. Period.” Was that an intentional or unintentional reference to Killshot leaving Dante Fox behind as a prisoner of war?

5. Snake work

Ever since Jeremiah Snake debuted with his new last name, he has shared a oneness with Kobra Moon. They have executed a host of cool teamwork maneuvers. The featured GIF has been the best of the bunch to date. It seems like Jeremiah is the new enforcer for the Reptile Tribe. Many times, he appeared in the ring to bash an opponent threatening Kobra Moon. I wonder if this will cause jealousy or resentment down the line from Daga. Or perhaps Catrina if her relationship with Mil Muertes goes kaput.

4. Dra-gone

When Kobra Moon entered Antonio Cueto’s office uninvited and demanded a Trios championship match, Cueto joked, “Are you sure? Because after last week, your dragon is dra-gone.” A very punny remark from Antonio Cueto. More of that, please.

I agree with his final statement in that scene, “No one has a sense of humor around here.” Time to bring in Cueto’s masked man from the Modelo Fighting Spirit videos as a sidekick, a la Ed McMahon. I eagerly await for that sidekick to spin off into his own version of Star Search, but I don’t want any mail in disguise as a magazine sales gimmick saying it will pay me ten million dollars.

3. Butterfly Blade

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You can’t be any geek off the street,
Gotta be handy with the steel if you know what I mean,
Earn your keep!
Luchadores! Mount up!

Antonio Cueto flashing his skills opening the butterfly knife was dope. I assume the butterfly blade was made of steel to make this comparison work. I know Antonio is a bad guy, but I’d like to see the Temple’s proprietor in a Lucha Underground version of Young Guns. I’ll settle for Warren G to sing a song about him.

2. Trick or Treat, Motherf-----

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Mack looks like El KaBong in that hat.

We know Mack gets the heebie jeebies from Mil Muertes. Upon learning of a Haunted House Match scheduled for next week, Mack toughened up and said, “If this is what I got to do to get Mil off my ass, then I have only one thing to say. Trick or treat, motherf...” Insert the closing sound and graphic to cut off Mack’s FCC fineable word.

I’m a sucker for a fighter rising to a challenge. It doesn’t matter to me if the wrestler is a jobber or a main event staple. That display of cojones always gets me pumped.

1. Human Centipede

During the Trios title fight, there was a moment when one wrestler secured a leg choke then another wrestler would jump on top and thus forth to create this wild image.

Mack was last on deck. Instead of following suit, he jumped the line to the front and slapped on a crab submission to form a human centipede.

Macknificent!

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How does the Tope 10 from episode ten stack up to your list? Any favorites not included? What is your favorite multi-wrestler submission? Which match do you predict will be better next week: Last Man or Machine Standing or the Haunted House Match? If you were late to the viewing party, feel free to share your thoughts about anything in the episode.

I’ll leave you with a video (here) featuring Lucha Underground talent on the Mexican version of ESPN’s SportsNation. It is in Spanish but not too difficult to follow along from the actions.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!