#arkalis

Los Cancerberos del Infierno (Cancerbero & Raziel) & Nitro vs Arkalis, Oro Jr. & Retro

Robin & Arkalis vs. Coyote & Grako

Who’s who?

Robin in green with Arkalis in white.

Coyote in brown & Grako in green.

How’s the match?

Great, I don’t often put opening matches in my weekly top 5, but Grako/Coyote are doing their best to do that. They continue to show that the opening spot on these cards don’t need to be forgettable contests with guys no one cares about. I hope we see both these guys in Gran Alternative 2019(if we get one this year). 

Raziel, Cancerbero & Difunto vs. Super Astro Jr., Star Jr. & Star Black

Who’s who?

Raziel/Cancerbero in matching attires with Cancerbero the bigger man. Difunto in all black.

Star Black in black, Star Jr. in gold and Super Astro Jr. in silver. 

How’s the match?

Great, Super Astro Jr. has had an unreal year in CMLL and has star written all over him. Ironic considering I’m saying that about him, the one guy without star in his name. This tecnico team being a space themed stable seems very obvious, but it might be too early to jump to that conclusion. rudo team does good here, Raziel/Cancerbero are always a fun tag team. 

Blue Panther Jr., Guerrero Maya Jr. & Pegasso vs. Olimpico, Universo 2000 Jr. & Tiger

Who’s who?

Blue/Pegasso both in blue, with blue topless. Maya in white.

Tiger in camo, Olimpico maskless and Universo in black.

How’s the match?

Very good, Tiger knows how to work a feud despite being in the midcard. He can tell a story, like how he and the Panther bros. are rivals, without ever having to grab a microphone after a match. Along with that we have Olimpico dancing his way in for his entrance and Guerrero Maya Jr.’s fun and sometime brutal offense. Overall, this is a must watch match and really show. 

Black Panther vs. Hijo del Villano III Lightning Match

Who’s who?

Black in black/blue & Villano in pink. 

How’s the match?

Great, Villano hasn’t even been on the roster a year yet and he is already out here having fun lightning matches. Love to see CMLL/AAA or any lucha company invest in a young guy like this. By as early as 2020, CMLL and AAA will be fighting over the villano boys. Wonder how long it will be until Jr./Hijo team together or if it’s already happened in the indie scene. I’m excited for both boys futures and am a fan of Black Panther, overall another great match for a Tuesday show, even if a belt wasn’t on the line. 

Kraneo, Stuka Jr. & Audaz vs. Polvora, Vangellys & Felino

Who’s who?

Kraneo in bodysuit, Stuka in blue/black & Audaz in gold.

Polvora with fire mask, Vangellys maskless in black & Felino in orange/black.

How’s the match?

Very good, this rudo team is the definition of thrown together, but work well as a foil for this also fairly thrown together tecnico team. Audaz impresses like always and Kraneo does what he does including Mije getting involved. A fun match that kept the show rolling into the main event. Ending could have been better or more solid. Vangellys should join a team. Maybe tag more with Polvora, both not doing much lately. 

Caristico, Atlantis & Soberano Jr. vs. Terrible, Templario & Rey Bucanero

Who’s who?

Caristico/Mistico in similar white, with Mistico having am sleeves. Volador Jr. teaming with them is the only maskless guy.

Sanson in white pants black boots, Cuatrero in black pants and white boots & Forastero in gold trim.

How’s the match?

Good, a nice main event, but not as good as many of the matches preceding it. Caristico looked good as did Soberano Jr. vs. Templario... otherwise wasn’t feeling it. The undercard stole the show and this didn’t feel like it stacked up. Great show, with a whatever main event. 

Arkalis & Halcon Suriano Jr. vs. El Coyote & Grako

Who’s who?

Halcon in blue white, Arkalis in red top.

Coyote in brown and Grako in gold. 

How’s the match?

Good, feels very similar to openers we have had lately... so doesn’t really stand out in that regard... despite how much I’m digging Grako/Coyote as a tag team. Would love to see them challenge for the Coliseo tag titles. 

Sangre Azteca, Nitro & Metalico vs. Super Astro Jr., Retro & Electrico

Who’s who?

Sangre in yellow, Nitro with fuzzy mask asn Metalico maskless.

Super Astro in black white, Retro in gold/black and Electrico in maroon.

How’s the match?

Very good, I’d watch Super Astro Jr. do someone's taxes though... so I’m a bit biased. I thought this was a good second match for the night. Not as exciting as Super Astro Jr.’s last showing though. Retro hopefully keeps improving has a great name and look, but has never really wowed or shocked me just yet.  

Sagrado, Kawato San & Disturbio vs. Fuego, Pegasso & Stigma

Who’s who?

Sagrado in mask black/white, Kawato in blue/silver & Disturbio bald.

Fuego in orange, Pegasso in white & Stigma in black/red.

How’s the match?

Good, it can be hard to get too invested in any of these guys when the midcard doesn’t have much to compete for. I really love Stigma though and watched mostly for him in this match. Distu

Guerrero Maya Jr. vs. Templario Lightning Match

Who’s who?

Maya in white and Templario in white.

How’s the match?

Great, Templario has taken the spot Audaz had last year of... guy who is in a fuck ton of Lightning match. Hook it straight into my veins. I want it in my bloodstream. This was another great outing and Templario had an opponent that could match him move for move. Guerrero Maya Jr. is an underrated talent by CMLL, hopefully he at least challenges for a title soon. I also hope to see him in Gran Alternative, he would be a great mentor for Super Astro Jr.  

Kraneo, Audaz & Flyer vs. Mr. Niebla & Senores Bien(Rey Bucanero & Shocker)

Who’s who?

Kraneo in a bodysuit, Audaz in gold & Flyer in blue. 

Mr. Niebla in afro, Bucanero in facepaint and Shocker with blond hair. 

How’s the match?

Very good, Niebla/Kraneo mesh as well as you’d assume. Audaz is always fun and Senores Bien both did pretty good too. I don’t think this is leading to any major angles, but Kraneo/Mr. Niebla was wild fun. I’d even recommend this match, but it’s not a workrate match. Just two goofy fucks in Kraneo/Mr. Niebla bashing heads. 

Ingobernables (Rush, Terrible & Bestia del Ring) vs. Angel de Oro, Niebla Roja & Atlantis

Who’s who?

Rush/Bestia in black with bestia bald and Terrible in white bald too.

Oro in gold, Roja in red and Atlantis in mask.

How’s the match?

Very good, Bestia/Rush weren’t on the Monday show like advertised, but luckily they mostly showed up here. This isn’t the greatest match, but was fun for a Tuesday Night Main Event and Ingobernables get to ingobern. I’d watch this again, but probably won’t be on any year end lists. 

Super Astro Jr., Arkalis & Pantera Blanca vs. Hijo del Signo, Gemelos Pantera I & II

Who’s who?

Super Astro Jr. in silver with no top, Arkalis in black top and white gear with Blanca in blue trunks. 

Signo maskless and Gemelos in grey matching gear.

How’s the match?

Great, whenever Pantera Blanca shows up it’s normally with these two Gemelos Pantera teaming with or against him.Though sometimes the 3 have been in separate matches they tend to all be on the same card at least. I may have to check them out from now on as I came for Super Astro Jr., but was honestly really smitten by both Gemelos and Blanca. I was pretty happy with the atomicos in Puebla last year their had vs. Felino and his boys. Nice to see Super Astro back as well, he took a rough drop last time we saw him and I’m glad it didn’t take him out of action all that long. 

Audaz, Stigma & Drone vs. Misterioso, Sagrado & Olímpico

Who’s who?

Audaz in gold, Stigma in black/red and Drone in silver. 

Misterioso in green, Sagardo in black and Olimpico maskless.

How’s the match?

Good, it’s nice to see Audaz/Stigma/Drone do their thing. It’s also nice to see Olimpico in a match since sometimes you’d be forgiven for forgetting he is even on the roster. Still, Sagrado/Misterioso midcard matches have felt pretty stale as of late. I wouldn’t say this one fits that bill, but why not make them a more official team? Shocker/Rey Bucanero made an official team last year and I have no doubt in my mind that we have seen more Misterioso/Sagrado matches than we have seen Shocker/Bucanero. These can be hard position to be invested in, because in CMLL none of these guys are going to be doing much for the near future. Perhaps Audaz/Drone will shine in Gran Alternative or Incredible Pairs tag tournament, but that seems like the best shot for any of the 6 in 2019.   

Angel de Oro, Niebla Roja & Valiente vs. Terrible, Bestia del Ring & Barbaro Cavernario

Who’s who?

Oro in gold, Roja in red & Valiente in blue.

Terrible/Bestia bald, Bestia thicker and western boots. Barbaro not bald.

How’s the match?

Very good, but again CMLL keeps ending on a nothing note in hopes of building this to a proper pay off. I don’t think that’s wise and will hurt these matches upon a revisit, not every ending has to be clean or conclusive, but it can get annoying when they all seem to end with some silly bullshit. Outside of that this was a fun match until the ending put a damper on it. I hope CMLL have a plan to end this and aren’t just spinning their wheels until they step away from it. 

La Park, Hijo del La Park & Volador Jr. vs. Ultimo Guerrero, Gran Guerrero & Euforia

Who’s who?

Park in red, son in blue & Volador in black, maskless.

Ultimo maskless, Euforia/Gran in blue/black masked with Euforia being the bigger man of the two and in full pants.

How’s the match?

Great, this wasn’t as great of a showcase for La Park/Ultimo Guerrero, but at the same time with how the conclusion played out, that was likely by design. This was a fun sprint of a brawl with Ultimo/La Park doing things you wouldn’t expect from either guy or at least wouldn’t expect from them often. The ending is one of the most fun endings of the year so far, but I won’t spoil it here. Both teams got frustrated(in character) and that showed here. I’m excited for the follow up next week which seem to be Gran Guerrero vs. Volador Jr., think that’s sorta disappointed a few who wanted Ultimo vs. Park, but I don’t think it’s a bad match up at all. I’ve actually really wanted Gran Guerrero to get more big singles matches and Volador Jr. is one of the biggest ones you can get in CMLL these days, so I hope he shows just how good he really is. 

Highlights : 

Oro Jr., Halcon Suriano Jr. & Arkalis vs. Espiritu Maligno, Black Tiger & Policeman

Who’s who?

Oro in black/gold, Halcon in pink/purple and Arkalis in white.

Espiritu in facepaint, Tiger masked and Policeman without paint or mask.

How’s the match?

Good, this was pretty by the numbers for this spot on the card. Had some decent action, I watched this for Halcon Suriano Jr. and he was fun in the match. The rudos did this conga line gorilla press to him, which was pretty bizarre, not sure the last time I saw that move if ever. Wasn’t a bad match, but didn’t seem like something a casual fan would need to watch or seek out. Come here if you like any of these low card/Puebla talents.

Virus, Disturbio & Perverso vs. King Jaguar, Pegasso & Fuego

Who’s who?

Virus has half his face painted, Disturbio with red hair and Perverso in black no face paint to speak of.

King Jaguar in red, Pegasso in blue and Fuego in orange/yellow. 

How’s the match?

Very good, King Jaguar, someone who I don’t really have much fanfare really showed up here. He seems really motivated and I wouldn’t be too surprised if perhaps Puebla want him in a hair vs. hair match? Maybe vs. Virus? King just seemed to be flying above his station here and it was great to see. Virus/King had a nice wrestling start, but beyond that King looked mostly good other than a slip up when facing Disturbio. Match worth checking out, mostly for the awesome performance by King Jaguar. 

Templario, Bestia del Ring & El Terrible vs. Atlantis, Niebla Roja & Angel de Oro

Who’s who?

Templario in silver, Bestia/Terrible in similar outfits. Bestia in western boots and Terrible at some point loses his button up shirt. 

Atlantis masked, Roja in red and Oro in white.

How’s the match?

Very good, CMLL used this match well to compel the people of Puebla and those who watch the show to check out H2L. Terrible/Bestia played rudos pretty well, this probably won’t make my best of the week top 5 because of the awful 2nd fall, but the stuff before and after that was fun. I’m glad this had a real winner too instead of just having Bestia/Terrible DQ themselves like they did a few nights ago on Friday night.

Barbaro, Dragon Lee & Mistico vs. Volador  Jr., Ephesto & Mephisto

Who’s who?

Barbaro looking like a caveman, Lee in black, & Mistico in white.

Volador in red maskless, Mephisto/Ephesto in masks, latter has name on shirt.

How’s the match?

Great, I’m a sucker for this type of match up though. I love someone like Barbaro acting tecnico and Volador Jr. as a rudo. It’s nice to see them walk that line and imagine a full turn from either match. It worked even better here because in the past Mistico/Volador Jr. have been friendly and early in this match you see that come to the forefront as Mistico pleads Volador Jr. to chill, but of course like everyone in the match he wants to win. Awesome action here and another long on the pile Barbaro Cavernario is amassing for his WOTY case. 

Highlights :

Astral, Magnus & Arkalis vs. Espanto Jr., El Perverso & Policeman

Who’s who?

Astral in silver, Magnus in pink & Arkalis in green all masked.

Espanto in black masked, Perverso in black/white singlet & Policeman in black pants both of them maskless. 

How’s the match?

Good, I don’t think this will make my top 5 of the week. Still it felt more solid than matches that are normally in this slot and Espanto Jr. seems like he is trying harder the last few weeks. It was refreshing to see some feuding in this match with Astral/Espanto Jr. seeming to be the focus here. Everyone else was just fine, Espanto Jr.’s sequence to get the 1st fall is probably my favorite bit of this match.

Reyna Isis vs. Princesa Sugehit Lightning Match

Who’s who?

Reyna Isis in blue and Sugehit in white/silver.

How’s the match?

Good, this match just didn’t feel all that urgent. Also, Sugehit is just a titan of the luchadora division. Unless you are an outsider or Dalys It’s hard to believe anyone is going to best Sugehit. Hard to recommend this match as not that much stood out to me personally.  

Blue Panther Jr., Black Panther & Stigma vs. Dragon Rojo Jr., Polvora & Okumura

Who’s who?

Blue Panther Jr. in blue, Black in black & Stigma in red/dark black.

Rojo in red, Polvora in black and Okumura in blue. 

How’s the match?

Good, Panther Bros. paired well here with Polvora/Rojo. It’s not the best match either team has had this year, but was a nice contest before the more hyped up Semi-Main/Main matches. Rojo had fun in his entrance and since his daughter wasn’t around to dip he instead dipped one of the ring girls. Rojo/Blue Panther Jr. were the main two actors here with the contest involving them. This was fun, but not necessary viewing for the ongoing Rojo/Polvora vs. Panther Bros. feud. They have had better matches before this and will have better matches after it. Look for those instead. 

Dark Magic, Sanson & Cuatrero vs. Michael Elgin, Kraneo & Diamante Azul

Who’s who?

Dark Magic in red, Sanson/Cuatrero in black while with Cuatrero having horseshoes on his gear. 

Elgin in black, Kraneo in green and Azul in blue. 

How’s the match?

Very Good, very fun debut for Dark Magic here who might continue to work with CMLL after Gran Prix as opposed to the rest of his Rest of the World team who are mostly just coming in for that. Though of course Okumura is a full time talent and Gilbert having left AAA will probably become a CMLL regular as we roll past 2018 and start 2019. I think Dark Magic has a chance to make a big splash being the only Black Man on the roster and with Sam Adonis AWOL he will basically be the only American on the roster as well. I’m hoping he does a good job in the big match Friday Night. Though, I’d be very shocked to see him win for Team Rest of the World. Elgin did okay, but it felt pretty samey to his performance Friday night. The biggest takeaway here was how roughly the Azul spot looked with Dark Magic. Assuming that Magic hadn’t taken it right since the move never looks that brutal. Overall a very fun match worth checking out. 

Barbaro Cavernario, Terrible & Bestia del Ring vs. Volador Jr., La Park & Hijo de La Park

Who’s who?

Barbaro is the caveman, Terrible has long black hair and is dressed like Bestia, but with no wester boots and a thinner form. 

Volador bald, La Park and son both in skeleton suits, but La Park is much bigger than his son.

How’s the match?

Great, I honestly wasn’t expecting to enjoy this match as much as I did. I think I underated how good Hijo is along with how invested I’d be in Barbaro/Volador Jr. feuding here. I also overrated how much Bestia del Ring would weigh this down. In fact it’s hard to be that upset in Bestia being here since he did let Hijo embarrass him by pouring drink down the back of his trunks. This was plenty of fun like all the La Park brawls. For end of the year list I won’t be surprised when my top 50 includes like 20 La Park wild brawls. With or without Rush they tend to be plenty of fun. This one of course is no different. Well worth checking out, but might not be everyone’s cup of tea and being into Barbaro/Volador feud will help people be more into it. I can’t wait to see them in a singles match for Volador Jr.’s belt next week. Which has been announced/made official by the time I wrote this. Puebla this week was mostly about the Main/Semi-Main imo. 

Highlights :

Sonic & Arkalis vs. El Hijo del Signo & Metalico

Who’s who?

Sonic in gold and Arkalis in blue.

Signo/Metalico look alike, Signo in singlet and Metalico in just pants. 

How’s the match?

Good, Sonic recently came back from injury and seem to be firing on all cylinders when given this spot. Signo/Metalico continue to be a great rudo team for the opening matches seemingly replacing Cancerbero/Raziel the latter of which has been AWOL. I’d assume injured in some way. Arkalis is a guy I’ve rarely seen around, but he did fine here. A match worth checking out, but not anything mindblowing for an opener. 

Princesa Sugehit, Jarochita & & Lluvia vs. Reyna Isis, Amapola & Tiffany

Who’s who?

Sugehit in blue with pink hair, Jarochita in white/black and Lluvia in all pink.

Reyna Isis in blue, Amapola/Tiffany both in black Tiffany has legs to get getup. 

How’s the match?

Good, pretty by the numbers luchadora match though. With Sugehit/Dalys I tend to expect a bit more. That wasn’t the case here, but I can’t lay all the blame on Sugehit. I think part of the problem is Tiffany/Amapola who I don’t think should be booked on the same team if their outfits/looks are going to be so similar. That might be a little nitpicky, but It’s bizarre how close their looks are. Rey Isis and Jarochita seem to be in every other luchadora match lately. I hope that translates to something, but I’m not holding my breath.

Microman, El Gallito & Angel vs. Chamuel, Perico Zakarias & Mije

Who’s who?

Microman is the smallest man in white/red, Gallito is in all red and Angel is maskless wearing a gladiator themed outfit. 

Chamuel is the clown, Perico a bird and Mije in a gold bodysuit. 

How’s the match?

Great, this will likely go down as the best minis match of the mascot sized division this year. That’s not saying all that much since they have something like 6 a year on TV. Still, the fact people threw money in the ring for this match says how much people live enjoyed it. I know Mircroman is almost a meme for some, but I do find him an inspirational figure. Showing kids and adults alike that despite one's size or setbacks, you can become a star. 

Rey Cometa vs. Drone lightning match

Who’s who?

Cometa in blue and Drone in silver. 

How’s the match?

Great, if you ask me to name 2 of the most bland tecnicos on the CMLL roster, these might be the 1st two names to come to mind. I will admit both can have a great match given the right partner... like each other here. 2018 got off to a rough start for Drone. CMLL had seemed to be warming up on the idea of a push for him... then he arrived at FantasticaMania one night in Japan, in no condition to work. Since then he has been in the dog house and him losing here seems to show that dog house still has his name on it. Let’s hope Mr. Niebla is so shunned after his recent drama a few Tuesday’s ago. 

Kraneo, Volcano & Valiente vs. Hechicero, Polvora & Felino

Who’s who?

Kraneo in a purple bodysuit, Volcano in red and Valiente in blue.

Hechicero in his suspenders, Polvora in a similar mask and Felino maskless.

How’s the match?

Very good, Volcano makes his Arena Mexico TV debut here. It’s a fun match, but not as big of a splash as one would hope. Still this is a fun match with good talent. Volcano got to use his finisher again which isn’t a standard handspring splash. I originally thought it was and he poorly executed the the handspring, but he does it on purpose not really landing on his hands as much as he folds them above his head on the mat. It’s an interesting finish, but seems a bit weird that he and Kraneo are both finishing dudes with splashes. Perhaps their eventual 3rd member will do one as well, but off the top rope? Stuka Jr. perhaps?

Gran Guerrero, Shocker & Rey Bucanero vs. Caristico, Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja

Who’s who?

Gran in gold/black, Bucanero in a Bullet Club shirt and Shocker in blonde hair.

Caritico in mask, Oro in white and Roja in red. 

How’s the match?

Good, this match got better when Gran/Caristico faced off. It’s interesting because Caristico has been friendly with Guerreros in the past. Even teaming with them in Puebla for a trios match vs Skyteam. So to see Gran Guerrero treating him so poorly is new. I’d love a singles match with those two. Seems like a pretty natural idea for a feud as Ultimo was one of Caristico’s greatest rivals in his 1st CMLL run as the original Mistico. The rest of this was fine with the Gran/Caristico bits being very good so we landed here in the middle. 

Highlights :

Magia Blanca, Rey Samuray, & Arkalis vs. Sangre Azteca, Rey Apocalipsis & Fuerza Chicana

Who’s who?

Magia Blanca in gold/white, Rey Samuray in blue with a white ponytail off his mask and Arkalis in light blue.

Sangre Azteca in pink, Rey Apocalipsis in white & Fuerza Chicana in black.

How’s the match?

Good, I’m not going to lie to you. I watched this match and covered it for 1 reason, that reason being Magia Blanca. Who lived up to what I hoped for him even in this lowcard match where you wouldn’t expect something as interesting happening as the cool spot he pulled out here. The rest of the contest also went smoothly, but the main takeaway from this is how good Magia Blanca is. He also seems like the only one of these six who will be doing much in the following months of note. Though sadly, he was injured Tuesday Night and will be out for most of the year if not the rest of it. Hopefully when he returns he can hit the ground running as he seemed to be hitting a stride the last few weeks.

Fuego, Blue Panther Jr., & The Panther vs. Misterioso Jr., Sagrado & Malayo

Who’s who?

Fuego in orange/yellow, Blue Panther Jr. in blue and The Panther in black.

Misterioso in green, Sagrado in black and Malayo in purple.

How’s the match?

Good, the tecnico team here is always fun to watch. The rudos are good bases, but not that interesting. Malayo particular feels above his station here. He doesn’t do a bad job by any means, he just feels below these midcard guys. He isn’t a replacement here like he was a few weeks ago vs Ingobernables. Still this is fun and the ending is perfect for Misterioso losing a match because he is showboating. It fits for the oft times comedic heel Misterioso. 

NGD(Sanson, Cuatrero & Forastero) vs. El Hijos del Infierno(Mephisto, Luciferno & Ephesto)

Who’s who?

NGD in white black.

Sansons has the hardest to pickout with long accents back form his eyes.

Cuatrero has horseshoes on his attire.

Forastero has a bandolier around the hips of his tights and a gun on the side.

El Hijos del Infierno in demon masks. 

Mephistos mask is yellow, Luciferno is red and Ephesto is green.

How’s the match?

Great, it’s interesting to see NGD basically play the tecnico role here which isn’t something we often see from them. Infierno do a good job of going rudo hard to sell this as well. This match is a little shorter than you’d hope, but the action contained within is interesting and the ending makes it pretty obvious these teams are going to meet again soon. More than likely in Puebla next week which is normally how these post match promos go on each of the weekly shows, building to the next installment. NGD win when Mephisto unmasks Sanson handing NGD the final fall and with it the match. 

Los ingobernables(Rush, Terrible & Bestia del Ring) vs. Kraneo, Ultimo Guerrero & Rey Bucanero

Who’s who?

Los ingobernables are mostly dressed alike.

Rush takes his shirt off, Terrible has facial hair and Bestia is Rush’s father and has some eye make-up on here.

Kraneo in a purple/black bodysuit, Ultimo in green/black and Rey Bucanero with rust colored hair and facepaint.

How’s the match?

Good, it’s not a workrate match for certain. Rush here looks good and they build up heat between Ultimo and Terrible here. It’s always a little annoying when a match ends by DQ which both these last 2 matches do. It’s really signalling towards a better Puebla next week. The card at this point is already out which will see a rematch of NGD/Demons as well as a singles match between Terrible/Ultimo which is happening after Terrible throws away this main event by kicking Ultimo in the crotch. Ingobernables taunting Ultimo by raising the roof post match which is of course Ultimo Guerrero’s signature taunt. While Anniversary seems to be certainly Mistico/Caristico or Rush/Park, Ultimo/Terrible or some sort of strictly hair vs hair match may be the undercard betting match and seems more open to different options. 

Highlights :