If you are looking for even more live wrestling to add on your Wednesday schedule, then AAA is your hookup. AAA’s Lucha Capital tournament is returning for a second season. It will take place inside the Pinche Gringo BBQ restaurant in Mexico City and air live on AAA’s Facebook page at 10 p.m. ET for eight straight Wednesdays.
The Lucha Capital concept debuted last year. It was supposed to be a 24-luchador singles competition, but it became derailed with dropouts due to injury and absences due to poor traveling weather. In true AAA fashion, the logistics were a mess and the rules were altered as the tournament progressed. Also in true AAA fashion, the wrestling action was a blast to watch. Taya won the women’s side, and Laredo Kid won the men’s side.
This year has a few modifications. There are thirty-six total luchadores who will be competing in teams of three. Each week will feature four three-way singles bouts. The teams of three that rack up the most points from individual victories will advance to the grand finale. If I understand correctly, three men’s teams and two women’s teams will advance to the semifinal. The winning teams will battle among themselves to determine one winner in the finale. If that sounds confusing, don’t worry. The rules will probably change week to week.
Here are the team groupings (according to Super Luchas):
- Carta Brava Jr., Mocho Cota Jr., & Tito Santana
- Taurus, Willie Mack, & Rich Swann
- Bengala, Puma King, & Flamita
- Pagano, Super Fly, & Maximo
- Octagon Jr., Aerostar, & Hijo del Vikingo
- Dinastia, Drago, & Psycho Clown
- Mamba, Murder Clown, & Niño Hamburguesa
- Argenis, Arez, & Mr. Iguana
- Dave The Clown, Villano III Jr., & Abismo Negro Jr.
- Faby Apache, Lady Shani, & Big Mami
- Ayako Hamada, La Hiedra, & Vanilla
- Lady Maravilla, Keyra, & Hades
Those are solid pairings. I’m most excited for Willie Mack. I haven’t seen him wrestle since Lucha Underground went on an infinite hiatus. Rich Swann should add a different style to the mix. Toss in one of my favorite luchadores in Taurus, and that team is the one I’m rooting for.
In other observations, Keyra and Hijo del Vikingo are back from injury. Keyra had to vacate the Reina de Reinas belt at Triplemania due to a leg injury. Vikingo missed time with a knee injury. Lucky for him, it coincided with a lull in AAA scheduling, so he didn’t have to drop his share of Trios titles.
As for predictions, the men’s teams have no obvious choices. Pagano and Psycho Clown should be able to carry their teams to the next round. Everyone else is a toss up. I’ll stick with my rooting interest and predict Taurus, Willie Mack, & Rich Swann to go the distance. The team of Faby Apache, Lady Shani, & Big Mami looks really strong. I would consider it a big upset if they don’t make the women’s final.
Let’s take a peak at the lineup for the season two premiere. Four three-ways are on the docket.
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- Rich Swann vs Villano III Jr. vs Ayako Hamada
- Aerostar vs Drago vs Flamita
- Niño Hamburguesa vs Hades vs Willie Mack
- Big Mami vs Argenis vs Maximo
AAA is bringing the heat right out of the gate. I already mentioned that I’m excited to see Willie Mack and Rich Swann, but the more tantalizing slab of beef is the battle between Aerostar, Drago, and Flamita. That three-way duel could end up being the best match of the entire tournament.
If you aren’t sold yet on tuning into AAA’s Lucha Capital tournament, I’m saving the best for last. Vampiro will be handling commentary duties. His bilingual ramblings are always a hoot.
What do you think of the 36-luchador field? Who are you picking to win?