Chris’ Lucha Roundup: August 2024

Chris
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As the winter air chills us, we need a little bit of summer to give us warmth. That is the reason this piece is here now. That and only that reason.

Hijo de Fishman vs. Macuarro (Zona 23/Lucha Memes, 8/18) – IWTV

The main event match from Zona 23 and Lucha Memes’ Junkyard Mania show is a real doozy. The full show is already my hardcore lucha show of the year, but this matchup takes it over the top. You have El Hijo de Fishman, who has been on an absolute tear of violence throughout the year, taking on the beloved Macuarro, who has gone from unknown to the darling of the junkyard in an extremely rapid manner. It’s a steel cage match with plenty of weapons from car hoods to concrete blocks, and just ton of nasty violence as the rain pours down on the junkyard. The original match was supposed to be Macuarro vs. Chessman, which would’ve been fun but not quite at this level. Crucial for any fan of lucha extrema.

Felino, Felino Jr. & Puma King vs. Hijo del Pantera, Mistico & Pantera (Lucha Libre Real, 8/16)

This is the main event of a show that got stretched out to accommodate Mistico, but it’s a super fun trios honoring Felino’s 40th anniversary as a wrestler. You’ve got the star power of Mistico. Puma King works a match for the first time in months to reunite with Felino and Felino Jr. I won’t scoff at seeing some old man Pantera. Kemalito is there for shenanigans. It’s as fun as one of these legends’ anniversary matches can get. Afterwards, Puma King challenges Mistico to an apuestas match that has less of a chance of happening than Park/Rush. If the match starts a bit earlier in the night, this gym likely gets one of the best atmospheres of the year, and what we get is still pretty good. Maybe a bit too long, but still a joy.

Aguila Roja vs. Spider Fly (IWRG, 8/22)

Aguila Roja has been becoming one of my favorite undercard and trios guys in IWRG. Spider Fly is one half of the most consistent tag team in the company, if not all of Mexico, but he doesn’t get many singles opportunities. After Aguila Roja gets a pinfall in a singles match on the 8/18, they have a rematch here for Spider Fly’s Rey del Aire title. I liked the first match just fine, but this one has a bit more urgency with the higher stakes. It’s got some great high spots and some really solid brawling. Nothing overstays its welcome. Just a really neat showcase match for both talents.

Mexcal vs. Ricky Marvin (Super X, 8/24)

There are a few exceptions, but I’ve been largely flat on Ricky Marvin in 2024. There are ways to explain it away. He’s 44 with a lot of miles on that body. Of the few dozen matches he’s worked, maybe half of those actually make tape. Even a legend can’t carry everyone. But then I see a match that reminds me why he’s one of the wrestlers I scour Youtube for every month. I don’t know who Mexcal is. He could be a trainee. He could be a 10-year veteran. It doesn’t matter. Ricky Marvin is going to beat his ass in a shopping mall, and it rules. Marvin is throwing everything he can at Mexcal – on the mat, with his strikes, with his power offense and dives. He’s the easy favorite. He’s one of the all-time great, but Mexcal has youth on his side, and he keeps finding ways to escape. Marvin, an all-timer at making his opponent look like a million bucks, sells it perfectly. You almost think it might not be his night, then Marvin gets a second wind, brutalizes Mexcal’s back, and submits the poor sap. Super stuff.

Carta Brava Jr., Demus & Hijo del Alebrije vs. Hell Boy, Hijo de Canis Lupus & Puma de Oro (IWRG/LLB, 8/1)

Maybe not my favorite bloody brawl this year in Arena Naucalpan, but damn close. One of Demus’ few bookings in IWRG this year, and he makes the most of it. He, Carta Brava and Alebrije are just absolute terrors in this match to the technicos and referees alike. There’s a lot of great blood and sick bumps. Do I even need to sell it? It’s Demus in a Naucalpan brawl. You already clicked it.

Dulce Sexy vs. Estrellato (Panther, 8/25)

I’m expanding upon my usual 5 matches because I took so long. What could be worth adding to this column? A cage match featuring everybody’s favorite, Dulce Sexy a.k.a. Sexy Dulce a.k.a. Dulce Garcia f.k.a. the original Sexy Star. My VPR co-host Pat made sure I had this on my radar as he is the world’s biggest Sexy Star I fan. Honestly, it’s very fun, more fun than I had any expectation from a 2024 Sexy Dulce match to be. It’s goofy, has the obligatory outside shenanigans that any cagematch has, and unfortunately no blood for a gimmick match on the indies. But they work to escape the cage better than 95% of lucha cage matches I’ve seen this year. A pretty fun surprise.

Negro Navarro vs. Solar I (Lucharte Ambulante, 8/30)

Okay, if you’re mad at me for recommending some Sexy Star slop, here’s exactly 8 minutes of Negro Navarro vs. Solar at some sort of outdoor festival. It’s clipped, but it’s two of the greats doing llaves in the hot August sun. What’s better than that?

Honorable Mentions

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