Chris' Lucha Roundup: February 2024

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Trauma I vs. Wotan (AVE, 2/3) – Available on IWTV

The title match leading up to this apuestas match was covered in last month’s roundup, so I thought it was only right that we started this month’s with what is sure to be one of the biggest indie lucha matches of the year. The show was initially only available no Mas Lucha’s premium Youtube feed, but has since also been uploaded to IWTV. There is a lot happening in this match. Naturally, there’s tons of the brawling that fans of Trauma I and Wotan are mostly here to see, but there’s also a surprising amount of grappling in the match’s runtime as the two try to wear each other down and also prove their wrestling bona fides with their masks on the line. The structure of the match gets a little disjointed, especially in the ref bump portion of the proceedings, but the finishing stretch has some real emotional heft as Trauma and Wotan unload everything they have left in the tank before one mask remains. I think I actually prefer some of the matches in the buildup to this than the apuestas itself including that title match, but this is still a worthy finish to the story despite some unevenness in the runtime.

Arez vs. Willy Banderas (Promociones Chaman/NWG, 2/16)

Now, if you’re looking for an apuestas match that’s all about the blood and high spots, here’s a match for you. Arez and Willy Banderas put their hair on the line in the climax of their feud on the indies. It takes place in a tiny gym, but they work (and bleed) like it’s TripleMania. Everybody gets color. Arez is absolutely gushing by the end of the match. Banderas gets plenty of color as well. Even Latigo and Toxin get in on the bloodfest when they interfere. This match would be worthwhile just on the basis of the intensity and the violence, but the blood shouldn’t distract you from the fact that these are two phenomenal workers underneath their crimson masks.

Avisman vs. Fly Star (Lucha Memes, 2/10) – Available on IWTV

This match was supposed to happen last November, but Fly Star didn’t end up working the Lucha Memes show it was booked. Luckily, this was a matchup too good not to try running again. Avisman is one of the absolute best technical wrestlers in the world. Fly Star is an eternally underrated high flyer who’s always worth checking out on a card. They get to do a little bit of everything here, from the llaves-style technical masterclass at the start of the match to some phenomenal brawling around the crowd at Coliseo Coacalco. If your jaw was agape watching Avisman’s technical chops, make sure to check out the match aganist Heddi Karaoui in IWRG that’s linked in the honorable mentions. There can never be enough Avisman love.

Keyra vs. Sadika (IWRG, 2/18)

This is for Keyra’s IWRG Intercontinental Women’s Title. Sadika is most famous for her deathmatch exploits in Zona 23 and American hardcore promotions, but this match is proof that she’s plenty capable as a wrestler without blood and hardcore spots. The match is built around Sadika bullying Keyra with her power, and Keyra having to counter by wrestling smarter. It’s a straightforward match, but it’s got great energy and it’s cool to see Sadika thrive in a match where the action stays between the ropes.

Solar I vs. Tigre Universitario (Mas Lucha, 2/25)

This is for Solar I’s FLLM Masters Title. Solar I and Tigre Universitario are a combined age of 122. They have a combined 83 years of in-ring experience. They’re wrestling for a wrestling title that’s exclusively for seasoned masters of the craft. This is what professional wrestling is all about. For as much as I love my blood and brawls and high spots off the top ropes, there’s nothing like watching two old fuckers trade holds for 15 minutes. It’s a sight to behold just watching two guys who have spent so much time mastering their craft letting loose like this. Solar I will never not impress me with how spry he can be on the ropes or in transition at age 67. One of the true greats. Just a neat little match.

Honorable Mentions