wrestling / Columns

News and Views from South of the Border 05.22.11: Dragonmania Runs Wild!

May 22, 2011 | Posted by Francisco Ramirez

La Voz/The Voice


Hi Man, huge fan of this column. Just few quick questions.

1) from the lucha matches i’ve seen, why there is seems to be extreme importance given to 3 vs 3 tag matches? trust me, i love multiman tag matches, but in lucha 3 vs 3 seems to be the focal point/ usp. matches are good but i’m just curious why they have the tag matches often.

2)do you think wwe has surpassed aaa/cmll in terms of popularity in mexico itself. the push of del rio and the mega hype for sin cara coupled with the ratings (sometimes 8.0+) makes me to believe it’s the case now.

Posted By: Rama Narayanan

Good to know someone reads this, if I know at least one person reads this stuff, I feel like John Grisham. Sorry, I was watching Chasing Amy while writing this. Anyways as far as your questions go:

1. The popularity of 3 VS 3 started out due to great Trios like Los Destructores, and Los Misioneros de la Muerte. After that the quality of Trios dwindled, there was in influx of talent, and what better way to showcase all that talent you have then putting them in the ring six at a time. At this point though people are often thrown in at random, the matches can be chaotic and have no real flow to them. Sure there are still the occasional great Trios matches, but trust me when I say I’m not the only one who’s growing tired of them.

2. Right now indeed the WWE is the hottest thing going in Mexico. Will it stay that way, it’s hard to say. Sure, Del Rio and Sin Cara are obviously talent that the WWE acquired to try and garner some attention from Mexico and the U.S. latin market obviously not bad choices by the WWE.

No list? shame the devil

Posted By: Shek

Yeah, unfortunately not last week, but its back this week, comments section, you want more lists, don’t forget to submit ideas.

the reason I want to see Drago contra Billy el Malo is I have heard Drago used to be Alan one of Los Barrio Boys along with Billy el Malo but I am not sure its true. Do you know if this is true? I still believe Los Gringos Locos is the greatest rudo stable. Also just saying but my favorite group in Lucha Libre right now is Los Bizzaros

Posted By: laparkinator

I can’t confirm one hundred percent with certainty that it is him, but that’s what everyone is saying. Hell Luchawiki is also listing Alan as the former Gato Everready and Drago. It’s funny if you think about it. Los Barrio Boys consisted of Alan, Deccnis, and Billy Boy, looking at where each of them currently stands as far as their place in AAA. Alan is allegedly Drago, Billy Boy is part of Los Bizarros as Billy el Malo and Deccnis is the former leader of La Milicia. Each of them has floundered at one point, but neither has broken through as a main eventer. I like Los Bizarros, my only issue with them is at first they were supposed to be neither Technicos or Rudos, but with their current feud with La Parka, obviously they stand at the Rudo side of things.

1000 stamps and I wasn’t even booked for an appearance in this column…

Posted By: Dennis Stamp

Jumps around a trampoline and does no tricks, who will book that?

Man, what a great year for luchadores in America. In the past year both Big 2 companies, TNA and WWE have signed up some great Mexican talent: Albert Del Rio, Sin Cara and Sangriento. It must make you proud as a Lucha Libre fan, Francisco?

Posted By: Kathy Rodriguez

It has been a long time coming is all I can say, since the WCW Cruiserweights we haven’t seen Lucha talent get pushed as much. Sure Rey is the obvious exception but who remembers how far the Mexicools got? It will make me prouder once Del Rio wins the big belt. As far as Sangriento goes, once again someone else answered for me:

TNA? Sangriento is not a mexican, hell not one member of Mexican America is Mexican chicano, but not mexican sarita is canadian, i honestly can’t think of one Mexican on the TNA roster

Posted By: Guest#6841

Roster wise, they did have Volador Jr a while back, all that’s left if I’m not mistaken is Hector Guerrero in the Spanish announce team.

I heard you say that AAA finally stopped being so TNA-ish on a previous column, but based on the last AAA show I saw in April of this year, it was very TNA-ish.

Unprotected chairshots everywhere, total spotfest matches, plus, they actually employ Carlito over there. I thought Carlito was useless in his WWE run, but my God his AAA match that I saw was bad.

Posted By: Quick Quote

Hmmm, don’t feed the trolls they say! What the hell, I have time on my hands. I’m sure that the same AAA show you saw consisted of matches being at least 10 minutes, promos not going over 5, actual finishes with any run ins happening after the match has been decided. Let’s not forget, no unnecessary or unexplained turns, and storylines actually fleshing out. Unprotected head shots, sorry to say it, but AAA and TNA aren’t the only companies still utilizing them. As for Carlito, it was a brief appearance, not a full contract. Hell it’s not AAA’s fault if he sucks now. By the way, at least Carlito can still do something in the ring, unlike Hogan. Plus it could have been worse, it could have been the Nasty Boys.


Photo:AAA

AAA Happenings 05/18/2011

Apparently AAA has also been bitten by the tournament bug. On the 18th of May they featured their own little tournament. By the looks of it AAA has plans for a Trios Championship as well. So far The Black Family has taken a victory over La Milicia members Super Fly, Tito Santana and Tigre Cota.

Also in the same tournament, the Psycho Circus defeated Los Maniacos: Ultimo Gladiador and Silver King, who tagged with Chessman. No confirmation on what the winner of this tournament will win so far.

La Sociedad and TNA members went to the ring. Konnan for some weeks had displayed issues with Jarrett and TNA members coming to AAA. Everything was set for a confrontation between the two, and in a swerve that only Vince Russo would love, they were actually friends and turned on Zorro. Zorro was beaten and kicked out of La Sociedad, hmmm kicking out the AAA Champion from the group? Yeah, that makes sense. It was announced that Jarrett would be facing Zorro for the AAA Mega Championship at Triplemania, also announced was RVD taking on Dr. Wagner for the Latin American Championship. I’ve always admired AAA for doing away with an excess of belts and championships, focusing solely on their own belts, unless this Latin American Championship is some sort of AAA Championship, sort of their version of the Intercontinental title, I’m for it, otherwise it’ll be another belt that is won, defended a couple of times and then forgotten.

AAA Tag Champions Extreme Tiger and Jack Evans teamed up with El Mesias, they faced Decnnis, L.A. ParK and Halloween. El Mesias took the victory for his team when he pinned Deccnis. Afterwards L.A. ParK and El Mesias agreed to a Hair VS Mask match, so this is where the Zorro buildup leads to huh. Damn!

The final match of the card featured La Hermandad 187: Joe Lider and Nicho el Millonario teaming with Dr. Wagner Jr., their opponents on this night were Super Crazy, Abyss and Jeff Jarrett. Originally Zorro was supposed to be in this, but since he was kicked out, Super Crazy took his place. To no ones surprise La Sociedad and TNA members ran in, members of the AAA locker room ran in for the save. Joaquin Roldan got on the mic and told Dorian that this proved that TNA was nothing special. Dorian’s reply was that he would be using TNA to destroy AAA. This then led to Marisela Peña, Dorian Roldan’s Mother, and Sister of AAA founder Antonio Peña to fire Dorian Roldan.

AAA 05/18/2011 Auditorio Miguel Barragan de San Luis Potosi
1) Jennifer Blake, Polvo de Estrellas, Sexy Star WIN OVER Cinthia Moreno, Mari Apache, Pimpinela Escarlata
2) AAA TRIOS Tournament: Cuervo, Espíritu, Ozz WIN OVER Súper Fly, Tigre Cota, Tito Santana
3) AAA TRIOS Tournament: Monster Clown, Murder Clown, Psycho Clown WIN OVER Chessman, Silver Kain, Último Gladiador
4) El Mesías, Extreme Tiger, Jack Evans WIN OVER Decnnis, Halloween, LA Park
5) Dr. Wagner Jr., Joe Lider, Nicho el Millionario WIN OVER Abyss, Jeff Jarrett, Super Crazy

TNA and Triplemania

Triplemania is closing in, the date is June 18, 2011, and the card is in its final stages. It’s in an interesting card don’t get me wrong, but at the same time it’s a bit of hypocrisy! First off, the main event is now set as L.A. Park VS El Mesias in a Hair VS Mask match, not a bad main event. The question has to be asked though, why? After all the Zorro and L.A. ParK buildup, is this the main event? My only guess is that since the stakes have been raised and it’s been proven these two can put in a damn good show AAA is aiming for a sure fire hit. Zorro will defend the AAA Mega-Championship, his opponent is Jeff Jarrett! Why, is my question, sure things have been slightly built about the TNA people coming in, albeit kind of rushed. The only way I can see this working is by Jarrett actually winning the Championship which in turn leads to Zorro heading to TNA. In a styles clash of sorts, but still in interesting matchup, we will see Dr. Wagner Jr. taking on Rob Van Dam. This is an interesting matchup, and if both show up with their working boots on they just might steal the show. Speaking of a clash of styles Extreme Tiger and Jack Evans will defend the AAA Tag Team Championship against Mr. Anderson and Abyss. The card is yet to be finalized yet, now where is the hypocrisy you ask? Well Dorian has been bitching about Mexico needs to work together to stop the U.S. promotion, WWE from ruining Lucha Libre, and what does he go do for his companies biggest show? Make it an AAA VS TNA show! Oh well, I guess it could be worse.

Fuego Gets Payback 05/17/2011


Photo:cmll.com

It had some time coming an Fuego finally got his revenge against Dr. X. After weeks of Dr. X being a huge thorn on Fuego’s side, Fuego came back and pinned Dr. X. This way winning the match for his team, Fuego was joined by Hombre Bala Jr. and Palacio Negro, beating Dr. X, Hijo del Signo and Tiger Kid.

CMLL 05/17/2011 Arena Mexico
1) Camaleón & Höruz WIN OVER Ramstein & Zayco
2) Demus 3:16, Pequeño Nitro, Pequeño Violencia WIN OVER Aereo, Astral, Eléctrico
3) Fuego, Hombre Bala Jr., Palacio Negro WIN OVER Dr. X, Hijo del Signo, Tiger Kid
4) Ángel de Oro, Sagrado, Stuka Jr. WIN VIA DQ Euforia, Pólvora, Virus
5) Atlantis, Héctor Garza, Volador Jr. WIN OVER Black Warrior, Blue Panther, Máscara Dorada


Photo:cmll.com

Experience Matters 5/20/2011

Forjando Un Idolo is nearing its conclusion and the final match has been decided. Polvora defeated Delta in the first semifinal match. Polvora now heads to the final; his opponent has also been decided.


Photo:cmll.com

Fuego and Angel de Oro faced each other to determine who the other finalist in the tournament would be. After a seven minute match Angel de Oro came out the victor, the stage is now set to determine who the winner of the Forjando Un Idolo tournament will be.


Photo:cmll.com

The main event of the card showed perfectly well that experience matters, teamwork does too. Two thirds of La Generacion Dorada, Mascara Dorada and Sombra teamed up with Rush. Their opponenets on this night were La Pesta Negra: Felino and Negro Casas, as well as Mr. Niebla. The Casas brothers, Felino and Negro Casas took the win in the last fall.

CMLL 05/20/2011 Arena Mexico
1) Bronco & Inquisidor WIN OVER Bengala & Robin
2) Dark Angel, Lluvia, Marcela WIN OVER Amapola, Estrellita, Tiffany
3) Forjando Un Idolo Semfinal: Pólvora WIN OVER Delta
4) Forjando Un Idolo Semfinal: Ángel de Oro WIN OVER Fuego
5) Metro, Valiente, Super Porky WIN OVER Terrible, Texano, Rey Bucanero
6) Averno WIN VIA DQ La Máscara
7) Felino, Mr. Niebla, Negro Casas WIN OVER La Sombra, Máscara Dorada, Rush


Photo:estrellas del ring

DragonMania VI 05/14/2011

DragonMania ran wild in Arena Mexico on the 14th of May and the show did not disappoint. Some of the highlights of the show are as follows.


Photo:estrellas del ring

Solar and El Hijo de Solar took on the other father/son team of Trauma II and el Negro Navarro. The match ended in a draw due to a double pin.


Photo:estrellas del ring

Whoever booked this must have been behind on his lucha watching, Rudos Atlantes and Ultimo Guerrero teamed up with a now Technico Sangre Azteca. That wasn’t the only thing that seemed odd; their opponents were Tajiri, El Hijo del Fantasma and Magnus, who by now is lower in the cards. Technicos achieved victory on this night when Tajiri beat Sangre Azteca.


Photo:estrellas del ring

The main event of the night was a Mask VS Mask match between Tiger Mask V and Ultimo Dragon. Tiger received some assistance from Ohara and Demus. Assisting Dragon were Brazo de Oro and Brazo de Platino. The end of the match appeared to be when Black Tiger V pinned Ultimo Dragon, the match was restarted since Dragon apparently had a foot on the rope. Everything looked to be going Black Tiger’s way, but the tides turned when Dragon blew some mist in Tigers face. Dragon took the victory and Black Tiger’s mask, who turned out to be Tatsuhito Takaiwa.


Photo:estrellas del ring

Toryumon Mexico 05/14/2011 Arena Mexico
1) Crazy Sid WIN OVER XL
2) Hanaoka, Kato Kung Lee, Robin WIN OVER Bizarro, Histeria Jr., Mr. Rolling
3) Lluvia, Marcela, Shyuri WIN OVER Dalys la Caribeña, La Comandante, Mima Shimoda
4) Hijo del Solar & Solar I DRAW Negro Navarro & Trauma II
5) Ohara WIN OVER Demus 3:16, Trauma I, Heddi Karoui, Brazo de Oro, Skándalo, Nitro, Loco Max, Brazo de Platino, Durango Kid
6) El Hijo del Fantasma, Magnus, Tajiri WIN OVER Atlantis, Sangre Azteca, Último Guerrero
7) Mask VS Mask: Último Dragón WIN OVER Black Tiger V


Photo:record.com.mx/Hector Carbajal

Legends VS Clowns 05/15/2011

The Lucha Fan Fest took place on the 15th of May. It saw some surprising moments, like a Leatherface sighting. The Main Event though was a legends VS Psycho Circus match. The legends consisted of Canek, Dos Caras and Mr. Personality himself Mil Mascaras. After a couple of Planchas Dos Caras and Mil Mascaras took the victory for their team, Canek then thanked the crowd.

Lucha Fan Fest 05/15/2011 Arena Naucalpan
1) Dr. Macabro, Dr. Mascara, Dr. OBorman WIN OVER Exito Cruz, Legendario Extreme, Oso Paul
2) Torneo Cibernetico: Chapuline Negro, Multifacetico, Oficial 911, Peligro WIN OVER Crazy Sid, Daisuke Hanaoka, Low Rider, XL
3) Americas Mixed Tag Championship: Io Shirai & Nosawa WIN OVER Chica Tormenta & Mike Segura
4) Hardcore Match: Super Crazy b Leatherface
5) Canek, Dos Caras Sr., Mil Mascaras WIN OVER Monster Clown, Murder Clown, Psycho Clown

Lucha Poster of the Week

Lucha Video Break

Once again brought to you thanks to WarriorsX2000 Youtube Channel, this week we have a CMLL on Fox Sports show that aired on 05/14/2011.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

La Lista/The List

Due to popular demand the lists are back, once again I encourage requests! Hell coming up with a topic is hard enough! Ok this week we the list consists of….

Luchadores who should be on Vince’s Hall of Fame

Ok, now mind you on this list my aim was recognizable figures that would make sense to put in the WWE HOF, so I left out guys like Cavernario Galindo who aren’t as recognizable to a WWE fan.

10. L.A. ParK

While Rey, Juvi, and Psicosis were among the standouts in WCW, L.A. ParK, La Parka at the time, got over by himself. The man is extremely charismatic; he was immensely over in Mexico before travelling to the States. On his return to Mexico, he went through a name change and still stands as one of the top stars in Mexico.

9. Oro

This would have to be the controversial pick on the list. Oro was a breakout rookie in the early 90’s. Along with his brothers, Los Metalicos, Oro amazed crowds with an extremely exciting aerial techniques, the man was crisp and had technique as well. He passed on in the year 1993. To this day he is remembered, and the question of what could have been is often asked.

8. Gory Guerrero

This one’s a no brainer. One of the biggest stars in WWE history and one of the most beloved figures in all of pro wrestling, whether it be in Japan, Mexico or the U.S. is easily Eddie Guerrero. Well why not then, put the root of the Guerrero family tree Gory Guerrero in the Hall of Fame. This could be a yearly thing, with each year a new Guerrero being inducted.

7. Dos Caras

Inducting Dos Caras into the Hall of Fame would obviously be Alberto Del Rio. While Dos Caras was obviously overshadowed by his more famous brother, Mil Mascaras, he still paved himself a damn good spot in Lucha lore. Famous both in Mexico and in Japan, Dos Caras was extremely talented and one of Mexico’s biggest stars. Look no further than the 2nd Super J Cup to see just how good this guy is.

6. Art Barr.

Eddie Guerrero is already in the WWE Hall of Fame, all that’s left is Art Barr so we can have one of the greatest Tag-Teams in the world, La Pareja del Terror, in the Hall Of Fame.

5. Black Shadow

The father of high flying Lucha Libre according to many, El Hombre de Goma, translated The Rubber Man. Black Shadow has an incredible resume. Aside from being credited with basically inventing the aerial style of Lucha Libre, he is also credited with being the first to use the Tope, not to mention, with being a part of one of the biggest, if not the biggest Mask VS Mask match with El Santo. Black Shadow, without a doubt belongs in any wrestling related Hall of Fame.

4. El Perro Aguayo

Undisputedly the most famous non-masked luchador, El Can de Nochistlan had a legendary career, along with legendary feuds. This one is obviously a no brainer.

3. Blue Demon

Speaking of no brainers, Blue Demon was a star in and out of the ring, and depending on who you ask may have even been better than Santo. Another no brainer!

2. El Santo

Lucha Libre’s biggest star, ever! While technically he might not have been as good in the ring as Blue Demon, El Santo obviously had “it”.

1, Mil Mascaras

Mr. Personality himself, while not as big as El Santo in Mexico, many would argue he was bigger everywhere else. The original Tiger Mask has said that if it wasn’t for Mil Mascaras there would be no Ultimo Dragon, Jushin Liger or Great Sasuke. That alone is a hell of a statement. Mil Mascaras will go to the WWE Hall of Fame before Santo or Blue Demon, you can quote me on this, the reason being because he’s actually main evented in Madison Square Garden against Superstar Bill Graham for the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship, not to mention being the first masked wrestler in the Garden and he was also in the 1997 Royal Rumble. With all his international achievements added on top you have yourself an obvious pick.

Ke Monito Signing Off!

FR: Ke Monito, so what’s new?
Ke Monito: Let’s save it for next week man, too saddened about the Randy Savage situation.
FR: No kidding, till next week folks.

SOURCES:
http://www.cmll.com
http://www.luchalibreaaa.com
www.superluchas.net
www.thecubsfan.com/cmll
http://www.revistaluchas2000.com.mx
www.luchawiki.com
www.estrellasdelring.blogspot.com
www.fuegoenelring.com
www.record.com.mx/luchas

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Francisco Ramirez

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