My favorite DVDVR post of the year (via Mike Quackenbush):
"Super Crazy, like my mentor Jorge Rivera, is a generous person, and if there was some bit of information or knowledge you'd like him to share, he wouldn't hesitate. Anything he knew he'd be happy to teach you, from the tiniest transition to the most intricate of holds. This stands in contrast to the disposition of another luchador I crossed paths with earlier in the year - Negro Navarro. Well-respected for his mastery on the mat, Navarro is anything but generous, and delights in taking advantage of his opponents."
Really no surprise to anyone with a clue about Lucha Libre but I'm sure some folks reading that would immediatly jump on Quack saying he'll never be as good as Navarro and blah blah blah. The fact is Navarro was bullied when he got into the business and all throughout his time in the UWA he was held down along with his partners (MDLM). Any chance they'd get to move up they would be taken advantage of by guys like Canek, Dos Caras and Enrique Vera who would give them nothing and make them look like fools even though they weren't half the workers. So it's no surprise Navarro took out his frustrations on younger guys and now that he's the supposed big star he delights in giving back what he got when he was younger. That's just how the business works unfortunately. And if you don't believe me or think Quack is BS'ing and just angry at Navarro for something else, just ask yourself this: Where were guys like Navarro and Signo from 1994 until 2005ish? Aside from Signo's short CMLL run where he eventually got let go for being out of shape and refusing to put over young guys, they were all nowhere. Couldn't a major promotion have used their experience to help young guys? Sure. Would they agree to it? Hell no. Signo was brought in as a favor (needed $$$) and he got his job by working hard in the feud with Olimpico, Niebla and Safari. After that he only wanted to wrestle against the Villanos and had no interest in trying at all when matched up against any other youngsters. The proof is on video and in the lineups. Does anyone recall Navarro was brought in for the Signo vs Villanos feud? Yep. He even made TV for his one match! Why didn't CMLL keep him around? You should know the answer by now. There's only so much you can do with guys like Signo, Navarro, Canek, Rayo, etc. when they refuse to work with youngsters or put anyone over. It's just not worth having them around. To the credit of Navarro he seemed to change a few years back and now not only works with youngsters regularly but also gives them a little in return. I'm sure he still takes advantage of them (except those who pay up - hello Angelico) in the ring but it's a start. Signo has never changed and that's why he still only wrestles against other 50+ year olds in tiny arenas and begs for money in every interview a magazine does with him. Can't say I feel sorry for him. In fact wrestlers like him (Justiciero, Mil Mascaras, Canek, Rayo De Jalisco Jr., Tinieblas Jr., El Dandy) are exactly the type who should never be allowed back in the business b/c they are cancers.
Moving on to match comments...
CMLL LATV 3/27/10:
Angel De Oro/Fuego/Stuka Jr. vs Poder Mexica: Those entrances were quite something, huh? I like Stuka Jr.'s music. This started nicely but then fell apart. So much so that it gave me time to think about the wrestlers involved. Angel De Oro is REALLY GREEN. He definitely needs to be constantly carried and would be better served just teaming with Angel De Plata on undercards for the time being. Fuego at one time (2007 - 2008) seemed like he'd be the next breakout guy but the entire transition from Flash to Fuego has killed any momentum he had and his work even seems to be suffering. Tony Rivera's moveset > Fuego's moveset! He shows no charisma or willingness to stand out above his partners. It's a shame. Stuka Jr., Misterioso II and Sangre Azteca are all better than this match. They should be in the semi-main events instead of guys like Rush, Angel De Oro, Vangelis and Metro but such is life in CMLL. Dragon Rojo Jr. really annoys me. He's got tons of charisma and is clearly going to be one of the big stars down the road but every time he gets put in any match of importance his nerves get the best of him. He clearly needs to be working with tecnicos who do simple stuff so he can work on his own basics b/c he'll never improve trying to keep up with Dorada, carry Angel De Oro or work with sloppy flyers like Metro. As for the match... the highspots were nicely done but there were too many messy moments like the finish to the first fall, Rojo blowing a catch on a simple headscissors and the finish that took forever to set up.
Hijo Del Fantasma/Mascara Dorada/Valiente vs Mephisto/Terrible/Texano Jr.: This seemed really edited since the opener got so much time. Some really nice dives inlcuding Mephisto's assisted somersault plancha, the Valiente Especial and Dorada debuting his rope walk moonsault which was a thing of beauty. Otherwise there was nothing to this. Maybe I'll be more impressed when/if it airs in full.
CMLL 52MX 3/27/10:
Did you notice you can watch the opener in the background while the announcers talk?
Astro Boy/Guerrero Maya Jr./Tony Rivera vs Bronco/Puma King/Tiger Kid: This was my match of the weekend (including CMLL TV from Televisa). I thought everyone worked hard and the rudos were fantastic with their catching and triple team beatdown. It actually shocked me to watch an Astro Boy match where he didn't blow a spot. Tony Rivera even seemed extra motivated so the stars really alligned here.
Hijo Del Fantasma/Toscano/Valiente vs Euforia/Skandalo/Vangelis: This was by the numbers garbage outside of Valiente's neat spots. It's interesting to watch Hijo Del Fantasma on Friday shows compared to non-Friday shows. He looks like a future star on Friday but anywhere else you see him he looks like he'd rather be anywhere else but wrestling. Toscano just always seems like he'd rather be home with his gorgeous wife and I can't really blame him. Hopefully he wins the lottery soon and leaves the business. The match with Efesto from this past Friday was easily the most boring match in the history of professional wrestling. The announcers even joked about how slow the two were moving.
Thoughts on upcoming lineups...
(blatantly copy/paste from cubsfan.com but there's credit)
CMLL (TUE) 03/30 Arena Mexico
1) Metatrón & Tormenta vs Camorra & Oro Negro
- Always nice to see new names on the undercard. Metatron clearly deserves this position if you've seen him on TV and Camorra is a cool mask and nothing more. Guessing Tormenta is a rookie from the school and Oro Negro is the indy guy who impressed on those Merida shows.
2) Astral, Bam Bam, Pequeño Olímpico vs Pequeño Damian 666, Pequeño Universo 2000, Pequeño Violencia
- Mascarita Dorada returns and Bam Bam is suddenly back to Tuesday segundas. Oh well. At least he's opposite Pequeno Damian which is one of my favorite combinations. This could be the match of the night based on how hard everyone works.
3) Ángel Azteca, Ángel de Oro, Ángel de Plata vs Arkangel de la Muerte, Euforia, Nosferatu
- This could be fun but I wouldn't predict it as match of the night just based on seeing Angel De Oro's work on LATV and Nosferatu being on the rudo side. I really wish they'd get rid of him or re-gimmick him b/c him teaming with Euforia but not being a member of Los Cancerberos is annoying. BTW, would it kill CMLL to randomly do a Cancerberos vs Tuereg match at some point? Doesn't have to be a feud, just a match.
4) Metro, Stuka Jr., Valiente vs Dragon Rojo Jr., Misterioso II, Sangre Azteca
- Maybe the Poder Mexica's goal is to isolate each member of the National Trios Champions and destroy them until they are forced to defend their belts? Or it could just be bad booking. This clearly looks like it'll be the best match of the night and that's why I refuse to predict it will be.
5) Máscara Dorada, Shocker, Toscano vs Atlantis, Felino, Rey Bucanero
- Oh yay... it's Toscano. Time really does just stop still when he tags in during a trios match. At least the stripping deal is gone. Shocker/Bucanero will continue their feud here. Too bad neither has a title to defend. If CMLL ever got creative with their booking I would love to see a Shocker/Dorada vs Atlantis/Bucanero match come out of this.
CMLL (FRI) 04/02 Arena Mexico
1) Horus & Metálico vs Disturbio & Durango Kid
- Usual opener assuming Horus is okay after taking the Spanish Fly to the floor tonight.
2) Bracito de Oro, Eléctrico, Mascarita Dorada vs Pequeño Nitro, Pequeño Warrior, Pierrothito
- Mascarita Dorada returns! Or so we all hope. We'll know when the ESTO lineups come out whether this is a cmll.com typo or just a place holder for Bracito vs Pequeno Warrior. My bet is much like when Tzuki kept getting booked even though we knew he wasn't showing up, this will end up with Dorada being replaced at showtime with Mini Fantasy or Bam Bam.
3) Fuego vs Pólvora [lightning]
- If you're keeping track this would be the second Lightning Match to be repeated since the format was brought back. Of course last time it was Flash vs Polvora. That match was pretty good so I expect this to be good as well. It'll be interesting to see who goes over. I'm betting Polvora gets the win.
4) Blue Panther, Rush, Sagrado vs Averno, Ephesto, Mephisto
- Clearly CMLL is holding off on any sort of Mistico match where he has to team or opposte the Triad Del Terror so for now they are stuck here... against Rogue. Joy. Should be a good test for the kid though b/c he's opposite three of the better rudos in terms of carrying horrible tecnicos so he has no excuse if he looks awful here.
5) Héctor Garza, Hijo del Fantasma, La Máscara vs Taichi, Terrible, Texano Jr.
- *shakes head in disgust* I think they are working on a Garza rudo turn. I don't mind that. What I do mind is the titles are still on this tecnico team and if Garza turns the belts will get vacated... AGAIN. And if someone realizes this just before the turn? Maybe they'll set up a revancha here and put the belts on the rudos... who are enemies and won't be teaming in a few months. This match can only lead to bad things. THUMBS DOWN TO THE BOOKERS.
6) Brazo de Plata, La Sombra, Volador Jr. vs Felino, Místico, Negro Casas
- Porky vs Mistico should be interesting. I'm not as opposed to Mistico being a tweener as Cubs seems to be. I see the lines as clearly defined. He hates Volador and will always be opposite Volador. He also hates Sombra b/c Sombra is Volador's best friend. He only teams with Felino, Casas, Guerrero, Niebla, etc. b/c he has no choice if he wants to face Volador/Sombra. The wildcard is he seemed to enjoy teaming with Averno in January. It's not a bad storyline and will certainly reach it's peak at some point soon and Mistico will have to choose... tecnico 100% or rudo 100%.
CMLL (SUN) 04/04 Arena Coliseo
1) Astro Boy & Sensei vs Artillero & Súper Comando
- Seen it before, still not interested.
2) Dalis la Caribeña, Lady Apache, Marcela vs Amapola, La Seductora, Princesa Blanca
- I can only assume Seductora will be dropping her mask with all the recent press she's gotten. Probably to Negro's wife it what will surely be a worst feud of the year candidate. I am suddenly sick to my stomach thinking of 52MX TV until May.
3) Ángel de Oro, Ángel de Plata, Fabián el Gitano vs Dr. X, Euforia, Pólvora
- So the Cancerberos and Tuereg have formed some secret alliance? This will be strictly by the numbers.
4) Máscara Dorada, Metro, Toscano vs Misterioso II, Shigeo Okumura, Virus
- TOSCANO AGAIN? WHY? WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY? At least we have 2/3 of the National Trios Champs against 1/3 of the top challengers. We should really start a pool to see who can guess what day the champs will finally get to team up on.
5) Blue Panther, Brazo de Plata, Shocker vs Negro Casas, Rey Bucanero, Último Guerrero
- Shocker/Bucanero switches from Tuesday to Sunday. Not much else noteworthy here.
AAA TV (TUE) 04/06 Gimnasio San Damian, San Martin Texmelucan, Puebla
1) Atomic Boy, Gato Eveready, Laredo Kid vs Billy Boy, Decnnis, El Brazo
- Should make TV since it's only a 5 match card. Looking forward to seeing it since Atomic Boy didn't get to do anything last time he was on TV.
2) Aerostar & Fabi Apache vs Alex Koslov & Rain
- Well at least it's fresh. Aero Star vs Koslov could be all sorts of fun but having the women involved worries me.
3) Extreme Tiger, Jack Evans, Rocky Romero vs Cuervo, Escoria, Ozz
- Maybe continuing the storyline where the Secta kidnapped Jack? Probably not. Could see something like a 6 way with all these guys for the Cruiserweight Title at Triplemania.
4) Cibernético, El Mesías, Heavy Metal vs Joe Lider, Konnan, Nicho el Millionario
- I'm actually quite excited to see how Heavy Metal will do in AAA. Should provide lots of laughs.
5) Dr. Wagner Jr., Electroshock, Silver King vs Chessman, Kenzo Suzuki, Zorro
- Yeah... no clue where this is going and honestly don't care.
"Super Crazy, like my mentor Jorge Rivera, is a generous person, and if there was some bit of information or knowledge you'd like him to share, he wouldn't hesitate. Anything he knew he'd be happy to teach you, from the tiniest transition to the most intricate of holds. This stands in contrast to the disposition of another luchador I crossed paths with earlier in the year - Negro Navarro. Well-respected for his mastery on the mat, Navarro is anything but generous, and delights in taking advantage of his opponents."
Really no surprise to anyone with a clue about Lucha Libre but I'm sure some folks reading that would immediatly jump on Quack saying he'll never be as good as Navarro and blah blah blah. The fact is Navarro was bullied when he got into the business and all throughout his time in the UWA he was held down along with his partners (MDLM). Any chance they'd get to move up they would be taken advantage of by guys like Canek, Dos Caras and Enrique Vera who would give them nothing and make them look like fools even though they weren't half the workers. So it's no surprise Navarro took out his frustrations on younger guys and now that he's the supposed big star he delights in giving back what he got when he was younger. That's just how the business works unfortunately. And if you don't believe me or think Quack is BS'ing and just angry at Navarro for something else, just ask yourself this: Where were guys like Navarro and Signo from 1994 until 2005ish? Aside from Signo's short CMLL run where he eventually got let go for being out of shape and refusing to put over young guys, they were all nowhere. Couldn't a major promotion have used their experience to help young guys? Sure. Would they agree to it? Hell no. Signo was brought in as a favor (needed $$$) and he got his job by working hard in the feud with Olimpico, Niebla and Safari. After that he only wanted to wrestle against the Villanos and had no interest in trying at all when matched up against any other youngsters. The proof is on video and in the lineups. Does anyone recall Navarro was brought in for the Signo vs Villanos feud? Yep. He even made TV for his one match! Why didn't CMLL keep him around? You should know the answer by now. There's only so much you can do with guys like Signo, Navarro, Canek, Rayo, etc. when they refuse to work with youngsters or put anyone over. It's just not worth having them around. To the credit of Navarro he seemed to change a few years back and now not only works with youngsters regularly but also gives them a little in return. I'm sure he still takes advantage of them (except those who pay up - hello Angelico) in the ring but it's a start. Signo has never changed and that's why he still only wrestles against other 50+ year olds in tiny arenas and begs for money in every interview a magazine does with him. Can't say I feel sorry for him. In fact wrestlers like him (Justiciero, Mil Mascaras, Canek, Rayo De Jalisco Jr., Tinieblas Jr., El Dandy) are exactly the type who should never be allowed back in the business b/c they are cancers.
Moving on to match comments...
CMLL LATV 3/27/10:
Angel De Oro/Fuego/Stuka Jr. vs Poder Mexica: Those entrances were quite something, huh? I like Stuka Jr.'s music. This started nicely but then fell apart. So much so that it gave me time to think about the wrestlers involved. Angel De Oro is REALLY GREEN. He definitely needs to be constantly carried and would be better served just teaming with Angel De Plata on undercards for the time being. Fuego at one time (2007 - 2008) seemed like he'd be the next breakout guy but the entire transition from Flash to Fuego has killed any momentum he had and his work even seems to be suffering. Tony Rivera's moveset > Fuego's moveset! He shows no charisma or willingness to stand out above his partners. It's a shame. Stuka Jr., Misterioso II and Sangre Azteca are all better than this match. They should be in the semi-main events instead of guys like Rush, Angel De Oro, Vangelis and Metro but such is life in CMLL. Dragon Rojo Jr. really annoys me. He's got tons of charisma and is clearly going to be one of the big stars down the road but every time he gets put in any match of importance his nerves get the best of him. He clearly needs to be working with tecnicos who do simple stuff so he can work on his own basics b/c he'll never improve trying to keep up with Dorada, carry Angel De Oro or work with sloppy flyers like Metro. As for the match... the highspots were nicely done but there were too many messy moments like the finish to the first fall, Rojo blowing a catch on a simple headscissors and the finish that took forever to set up.
Hijo Del Fantasma/Mascara Dorada/Valiente vs Mephisto/Terrible/Texano Jr.: This seemed really edited since the opener got so much time. Some really nice dives inlcuding Mephisto's assisted somersault plancha, the Valiente Especial and Dorada debuting his rope walk moonsault which was a thing of beauty. Otherwise there was nothing to this. Maybe I'll be more impressed when/if it airs in full.
CMLL 52MX 3/27/10:
Did you notice you can watch the opener in the background while the announcers talk?
Astro Boy/Guerrero Maya Jr./Tony Rivera vs Bronco/Puma King/Tiger Kid: This was my match of the weekend (including CMLL TV from Televisa). I thought everyone worked hard and the rudos were fantastic with their catching and triple team beatdown. It actually shocked me to watch an Astro Boy match where he didn't blow a spot. Tony Rivera even seemed extra motivated so the stars really alligned here.
Hijo Del Fantasma/Toscano/Valiente vs Euforia/Skandalo/Vangelis: This was by the numbers garbage outside of Valiente's neat spots. It's interesting to watch Hijo Del Fantasma on Friday shows compared to non-Friday shows. He looks like a future star on Friday but anywhere else you see him he looks like he'd rather be anywhere else but wrestling. Toscano just always seems like he'd rather be home with his gorgeous wife and I can't really blame him. Hopefully he wins the lottery soon and leaves the business. The match with Efesto from this past Friday was easily the most boring match in the history of professional wrestling. The announcers even joked about how slow the two were moving.
Thoughts on upcoming lineups...
(blatantly copy/paste from cubsfan.com but there's credit)
CMLL (TUE) 03/30 Arena Mexico
1) Metatrón & Tormenta vs Camorra & Oro Negro
- Always nice to see new names on the undercard. Metatron clearly deserves this position if you've seen him on TV and Camorra is a cool mask and nothing more. Guessing Tormenta is a rookie from the school and Oro Negro is the indy guy who impressed on those Merida shows.
2) Astral, Bam Bam, Pequeño Olímpico vs Pequeño Damian 666, Pequeño Universo 2000, Pequeño Violencia
- Mascarita Dorada returns and Bam Bam is suddenly back to Tuesday segundas. Oh well. At least he's opposite Pequeno Damian which is one of my favorite combinations. This could be the match of the night based on how hard everyone works.
3) Ángel Azteca, Ángel de Oro, Ángel de Plata vs Arkangel de la Muerte, Euforia, Nosferatu
- This could be fun but I wouldn't predict it as match of the night just based on seeing Angel De Oro's work on LATV and Nosferatu being on the rudo side. I really wish they'd get rid of him or re-gimmick him b/c him teaming with Euforia but not being a member of Los Cancerberos is annoying. BTW, would it kill CMLL to randomly do a Cancerberos vs Tuereg match at some point? Doesn't have to be a feud, just a match.
4) Metro, Stuka Jr., Valiente vs Dragon Rojo Jr., Misterioso II, Sangre Azteca
- Maybe the Poder Mexica's goal is to isolate each member of the National Trios Champions and destroy them until they are forced to defend their belts? Or it could just be bad booking. This clearly looks like it'll be the best match of the night and that's why I refuse to predict it will be.
5) Máscara Dorada, Shocker, Toscano vs Atlantis, Felino, Rey Bucanero
- Oh yay... it's Toscano. Time really does just stop still when he tags in during a trios match. At least the stripping deal is gone. Shocker/Bucanero will continue their feud here. Too bad neither has a title to defend. If CMLL ever got creative with their booking I would love to see a Shocker/Dorada vs Atlantis/Bucanero match come out of this.
CMLL (FRI) 04/02 Arena Mexico
1) Horus & Metálico vs Disturbio & Durango Kid
- Usual opener assuming Horus is okay after taking the Spanish Fly to the floor tonight.
2) Bracito de Oro, Eléctrico, Mascarita Dorada vs Pequeño Nitro, Pequeño Warrior, Pierrothito
- Mascarita Dorada returns! Or so we all hope. We'll know when the ESTO lineups come out whether this is a cmll.com typo or just a place holder for Bracito vs Pequeno Warrior. My bet is much like when Tzuki kept getting booked even though we knew he wasn't showing up, this will end up with Dorada being replaced at showtime with Mini Fantasy or Bam Bam.
3) Fuego vs Pólvora [lightning]
- If you're keeping track this would be the second Lightning Match to be repeated since the format was brought back. Of course last time it was Flash vs Polvora. That match was pretty good so I expect this to be good as well. It'll be interesting to see who goes over. I'm betting Polvora gets the win.
4) Blue Panther, Rush, Sagrado vs Averno, Ephesto, Mephisto
- Clearly CMLL is holding off on any sort of Mistico match where he has to team or opposte the Triad Del Terror so for now they are stuck here... against Rogue. Joy. Should be a good test for the kid though b/c he's opposite three of the better rudos in terms of carrying horrible tecnicos so he has no excuse if he looks awful here.
5) Héctor Garza, Hijo del Fantasma, La Máscara vs Taichi, Terrible, Texano Jr.
- *shakes head in disgust* I think they are working on a Garza rudo turn. I don't mind that. What I do mind is the titles are still on this tecnico team and if Garza turns the belts will get vacated... AGAIN. And if someone realizes this just before the turn? Maybe they'll set up a revancha here and put the belts on the rudos... who are enemies and won't be teaming in a few months. This match can only lead to bad things. THUMBS DOWN TO THE BOOKERS.
6) Brazo de Plata, La Sombra, Volador Jr. vs Felino, Místico, Negro Casas
- Porky vs Mistico should be interesting. I'm not as opposed to Mistico being a tweener as Cubs seems to be. I see the lines as clearly defined. He hates Volador and will always be opposite Volador. He also hates Sombra b/c Sombra is Volador's best friend. He only teams with Felino, Casas, Guerrero, Niebla, etc. b/c he has no choice if he wants to face Volador/Sombra. The wildcard is he seemed to enjoy teaming with Averno in January. It's not a bad storyline and will certainly reach it's peak at some point soon and Mistico will have to choose... tecnico 100% or rudo 100%.
CMLL (SUN) 04/04 Arena Coliseo
1) Astro Boy & Sensei vs Artillero & Súper Comando
- Seen it before, still not interested.
2) Dalis la Caribeña, Lady Apache, Marcela vs Amapola, La Seductora, Princesa Blanca
- I can only assume Seductora will be dropping her mask with all the recent press she's gotten. Probably to Negro's wife it what will surely be a worst feud of the year candidate. I am suddenly sick to my stomach thinking of 52MX TV until May.
3) Ángel de Oro, Ángel de Plata, Fabián el Gitano vs Dr. X, Euforia, Pólvora
- So the Cancerberos and Tuereg have formed some secret alliance? This will be strictly by the numbers.
4) Máscara Dorada, Metro, Toscano vs Misterioso II, Shigeo Okumura, Virus
- TOSCANO AGAIN? WHY? WHY? WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY? At least we have 2/3 of the National Trios Champs against 1/3 of the top challengers. We should really start a pool to see who can guess what day the champs will finally get to team up on.
5) Blue Panther, Brazo de Plata, Shocker vs Negro Casas, Rey Bucanero, Último Guerrero
- Shocker/Bucanero switches from Tuesday to Sunday. Not much else noteworthy here.
AAA TV (TUE) 04/06 Gimnasio San Damian, San Martin Texmelucan, Puebla
1) Atomic Boy, Gato Eveready, Laredo Kid vs Billy Boy, Decnnis, El Brazo
- Should make TV since it's only a 5 match card. Looking forward to seeing it since Atomic Boy didn't get to do anything last time he was on TV.
2) Aerostar & Fabi Apache vs Alex Koslov & Rain
- Well at least it's fresh. Aero Star vs Koslov could be all sorts of fun but having the women involved worries me.
3) Extreme Tiger, Jack Evans, Rocky Romero vs Cuervo, Escoria, Ozz
- Maybe continuing the storyline where the Secta kidnapped Jack? Probably not. Could see something like a 6 way with all these guys for the Cruiserweight Title at Triplemania.
4) Cibernético, El Mesías, Heavy Metal vs Joe Lider, Konnan, Nicho el Millionario
- I'm actually quite excited to see how Heavy Metal will do in AAA. Should provide lots of laughs.
5) Dr. Wagner Jr., Electroshock, Silver King vs Chessman, Kenzo Suzuki, Zorro
- Yeah... no clue where this is going and honestly don't care.
Labels: aaa, cmll, iwrg, lucha libre, mexico
posted by Rob at 3:46 PM
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