dtstratovarius (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} dtstratovarius) wrote,@ 2008-04-13 13:29:00 |
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Matt's State of the AAA lucha libre promotion
Hey all,
Since I've been doing a few AAA TV reviews here and there, I thought I'd give some opinions on the AAA/LLL roster, and my thoughts on what Konnan and President Roldan should go with them (of course, they make sense...therefore in wrestling [and Best Buy-terms], absolutely WRONG!). :) Let's get started shall we?
THE UNDERCARD GUYS:
-Los Infernales (Mr. Condor, Angel Mortal, and El Gallego): a solid trios (occasionally atomicos group w/Toxico, who I'll talk about in a bit) undercard group that never wins. All 3 Infernales are up there in age, but still have a solid workrate. However, their matches are very formulatic with trademark spots, like Gallego whipping technicos into the corner so Condor & Mortal grab the legs and crotch 'em on the cornerpost). I've always enjoyed any match they've done, as they bump very well for their opponents, and typically put on a solid, watchable match.
-Toxico: Other than Espiritu's new shaved head/paint look, Toxy gets the best new look of the
AAA workers. When I first saw him in a match, Toxy wasn't much to watch in the ring, but graduallly, he's become a pretty decent worker. Plus, that new gas mask/haz-mat entrance suit of his just has him has the best LOOK of the AAA workers. In recent matches, Toxy's improved a LOT in-ring. He's a pretty big guy compared to the other AAA workers, but has good movement. His last few matches (including an odd pairing with La Secta in an atomicos match) have surprised me with his improvement. I'd love to see more of him.
-The Night Queens (Polvo , Nygma, Yuriko, and Jesse): Well, AAA took a hodge podge of assorted workers and turned them into a pretty good undercard atomicos group. Nygma, who I think is the one of the five most-underrated workers in AAA, I saw in a match before he became a Queen, and was VERY impressed. I kept wondering WTF AAA was doing burying him in the undercard. The Queens are one of those weird mixture groups who actually click pretty well in the ring. You have two exoticos in Yuriko (who I've found out IS indeed a dude) and Polvo, but seriously...Polvo is to a point where he seriously needs to drop 30 pounds or retire. Yuriko's okay in the ring, but the two guys that hold this team together in-ring is the underrated Nygma and Jesse, the former member of the Kumbia Kings group. Jesse is the Shannon Moore of AAA. Honestly, I'd love to see some sort of feud with the New Barrios or the Piratas with them. However, they seriously need to consider replacing Polvo (who is the de facto captain of the group), who hasn't aged well and can really only do matches with Pimpinela anymore.
-The New Barrio Boys (Alan, Ricky, Javi, and Kevin): Well, with Billy Boy buried in the whole Apache family mess, they took the leftover Barrio Boy in Alan, and have him paired with what's left of the old Kumbia Kings group. Look wise, they have it in comparison to the old group of Decnnis, Alan, and Billy Boy (and Oscar Sevilla, before he was given the El Angel gimmick). In-ring, my first look at them was interesting, but I think they need more time to develop a more cohesive chemistry together. They definitely are one of the best undercard groups.
-Los Piratas (Pirata Morgan, el Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Pirata Morgan Jr, and Barba Rosa): Honestly, this group SHOULD fall into the mid-card section, but AAA seems to have buried 'em by pushing the Psycho Circus through the roof. The last few weeks with the Piratas returning have shown them to be more impressive than their push from last year. I honestly think a feud with La Secta would be good, but heck, after their match with the New Barrios two weekends ago...that could be a really underrated feud. Plus, for his age, Pirata Morgan still throws one of the best right hands in the biz.
-Argenis: Supposedly AAA's answer to Mistico....it fell WAY SHORT! However, supposedly, Argenis is supposed to be a relative (Argenis claims to be an unhappy brother, while most in the know, think he's a cousin). However, he is related to Dr. Karonte, having wrestled before has his son. In the only match I've seen from him, I have not been impressed with Argenis. Maybe if I see him against some other workers, I can get a better gauge of him.
-Mascara Divina: While AAA will toss him in the mid-card area, to me...he doesn't deserve it. He seriously needs to drop a good 15-25 pounds. He does do very well in trios and atomicos matches, but put him in a tag or singles match, and he doesn't show a good in-ring ability. Since the original Mascara Sagrada left....Divina was pushed as a replacement for him (didn't go over well, did it?).
-El Brazo: Thankfully, we don't see Super Porky's brother that much. In-ring, he doesn't have much, but is one of the best comic workers there is. His impersonations of various AAA workers are hilarious (his impersonation of El Elegido was WRONG), but he does NAIL the impersonations spot on. He does have the charisma of his brother, but NOWHERE near the popularity.
-Explosivo: A younger worker who has had a few TV undercard matches here and there, but has shown some flashes of potential in those matches.
-El Canibal: A pretty funny Kamala-esque technico. In the small handful of matches I saw him in, he's a pretty solid worker with a nice fan following.
-Alliens (and Krypto): We haven't seen these Alliens since he was Apache's partner in the tag title tourney that the Mexican Powers won, and Krypto it's been even longer. Alliens has a pretty good look, and is an average worker, though he's a lot stockier than your regular AAA worker. Could easily be brought back, but they haven't defended the Mascots Tag Title in ages on TV.
-Los Chivas (the Soccer Goat): The last match (3/22) that I saw Los Chivas work on was great, as I don't know WHO was under the mask. Whoever was...worked one hell of a match. A tag team gimmick they've periodically used with different people, it's always one that the fans have loved. Whoever was under the mask on the 3/22 TV show...they need to use him a LOT more.
-May Flowers: An exotico who AAA can't decide whether or not he's a technico or rudo. We last saw May on TV as Pimpi's tag partner during the tag title tourney. Okay worker, nothing to write home about.
-Cassandro: They just brought back this exotico (and former feuder w/Pimpinela) a few months ago, but haven't really used him on TV. I've heard Cassandro is a very good worker, who plays the exotico role really well.
-El Gato Eveready: Already one of the best up-and-coming comedy workers that AAA has tossed out there, plus with the Eveready sponsorship, they get a decent worker to be in the mask. In just the two matches I've seen him in, I've been impressed by his comedy (as I think he could easy take the best comedy worker away from La Parka Jr. pretty soon). He also has a very solid in-ring workrate.
THE MID-CARDERS:
-Gronda II (and to an extent when he's on shows/TV, Ghefar, aka the original Gronda): Okay, the ONLY reason these two guys are mid-carders is because they're the biggest, most-built guys on the roster. Because of that, they're pushed, even though they can't do a damn thing in the ring. These two remind me of some of the big lugs that Vince McMahon seems to be constantly enamored with. Don't get me wrong, both of the Gronda's have the LOOK, but have hardly ANY in-ring ability other than looking scary strong (and having one of the best masks in AAA).
-The Tijuna Family (Halloween, TJ Extreme, and Extreme Tiger): Well, since Nicho (the original Psichosis) flaked on AAA yet again...this group has really floundered. Stuck in a seemingly throw-away feud with the Mexican Powers, this group is going nowhere quick. Konnan seems to believe that Extreme Tiger is the next Rey Mysterio Jr, but he's not. TJ Extreme is a pretty solid worker (the former el Hijo del Kendo), who is the only bright spot in the group. Halloween....well, is a shell of his former self.
-The Mexican Powers (Juventud Guerrera, Crazy Boy, Joe Lider, and Ultimo Gladiator): Adding Ultimo Gladiator to replace Extreme Tiger was a definite plus, but even he and Juvy can't counter-act Crazy Boy's inability to stay healthy, and Lider's ability to injure people due to his sloppy in-ring ability. Meanwhile, Juvy would have you believe he's main event, but his attitude will bury him here. Crazy Boy and Joe Lider are still the AAA Tag Champs, BUT...who knows when Crazy will return from injury. Lider makes me cringe anytime he's in the ring, because he's a slip-up away from paralyzing someone (his Lider-driver last year ONTO the turnbuckle on someone really made me worry about other wrestler's safety around the former extreme worker). I'm definitely curious about the upcoming Mexi-Powers vs. Teddy Hart/Jack Evans/Kenzo Suzuki match, as Lider/Crazy will be going against their heroes in Hart/Evans.
-Los Viper's Revolution (Mr. Niebla, Antifaz del Norte, Psichosis II, and Histeria): A group that has seen a lot better days. Ever since Charly Manson left the group to join the Hell Brothers, this group has just slid from being one of the top two heel groups to being in-flux now. Now that they've established Mr. Niebla as the new leader (with the kicking out of Abismo Negro and him turning technico now), they've stabilized now. However, they aren't the ass-kicking group they used to be. Antifaz is nowhere to be seen lately. Psichosis II is just an ordinary worker. Histeria busts his ass every match out there, but is getting up there in age. Mr. Niebla is a solid worker with great comedy spots. Here's hoping this group turns it around.
-El Apache: Probably the best near-50-year-old worker out there, as he's one of the most underrated rudos on the roster. He always has a solid match, and throws one of the best right hand slaps out there.
-Billy Boy: Okay, Billy has all the talent in the world and could main event in AAA, but they honestly have ZERO direction for him. He was a match away from being in the hunt for the atomicos title and the mixed tag title w/real wife, Fabi Apache, but honestly, they've buried Billy in the Apache family feud for WAY too long. They did have something when Billy was the mysterious masked Alfa when Apache had a nice Apache Army group going, but they split it up, and now, Billy's buried in the undercard. To me, Billy just needs a chance to prove himself, as he's one of the most underrated workers on the roster.
-Albreije w/Cujie: Okay...the long-time holder of the Mascot Tag Titles, Albreije is a solid worker who has good comedy wrestling ability, but is another one of those workers who could be best served by dropping a good 15-20 pounds off his frame. He's a solid-enough worker and has a big fan-base. I think if he dropped the weight, his in-ring ability would be ten-times better than what it is.
-Super Porky: A guy who needs to retire, but still can draw and still has some okay in-ring ability. However, he can't do any of his old top-rope moves without assistance. He is still one of the best mic workers in the company, and is still UBER-over with the crowd. I do wish they'd bring back his son, Brazo de Plata Jr., as Porky's feud with the Guapos back then was GREAT.
-Pimpinela Escarlota: Probably the best of the exoticos left on the AAA roster, as Pimpi is really over with the crowd and to me, is probably the best worker of the exoticos (and also compared to the others has stayed in good shape). Pimpi typically wrestles mixed matches (typically atomicos matches w/a regular wrester, exotico, women's wrestler, and a mini on each team) anymore, which is a shame, because Pimpi could probably be one of those workers who could do more easily if AAA would let him. Also, Pimpi has some hilarious moments anytime Hijo de Tirantes is ref'ing. :)
-Guapos VIP (Scorpio Jr., Decnnis, & Zumbido w/Guapito): Another group that has seen better days, with the Stones breaking away with brother Super Calo. Scorpio Jr. has taken over the leadership mantle when Shocker jumped to CMLL, and finally has adjusted to the role. With periodic departures and just flat out dropping of wrestlers (ie. Hator), the current grouping is probably the best in-ring grouping of the Guapos. Decnnis finally gets a chance to show that he was one of the best undercarders for the last year. Zumbido has been a constant solid guy in the Guapos. Guapito, as the team's mini/manager was a nice touch/addition, but has drawbacks.
-Bello Stone (Alan Stone, Chris Stone, & Super Calo): Finally, Alan Stone breaks away from the Guapos, and Chris Stone gets a shot to prove himself. Chris was BURIED on the Guapos depth chart, and has been showing that he's a pretty solid worker (given the bloodline). With Super Calo's departure from the Apache Army to join the Guapos, only to turn that into a short-lived Bello Stone vs. Guapos feud that should continue...the Stone brothers definitely have the potential to be a solid upper-card team to come. Given Alan's past, there's easily feud possibilities abound with Zorro, Intocable, and others. Note to Super Calo: Please stop with the flip plancha where you end up in the 5th row....you injured yourself the last time, and it probably won't be the last...but think about the fans.
-La Secta del Mesias (Dark Ozz, Dark Cuervo, Dark Escoria, & Dark Espiritu): Your current atomico champions have been buried the last few months without their fearless leader in TNA. The Psycho Circus just buried them two weekends ago, and since they got tossed from the Legion (in siding with Mesias), they're bound to return strong with the return of Mesias. Another opinion here, as Ozz (though he throws a sloppy Mexican Destroyer) is one of the most underrated guys on the AAA roster. His spinning pescado plancha through (or over) the ropes is a sight to be seen. All four Secta guys are above-average workers and probably have the best team-chemistry of any group on the roster. Also, with the recent new "look" of Espiritu, they have the best LOOK of anyone on the roster. And before they remixed it...they DID have the best music of anyone on the roster (thanks to Therion).
-Real Fuerza Aerea (Laredo Kid, Pegasso, Aero Star, Rey Cometa Jr, Super Fly, and periodically, the AAA version of Nemesis): One of the best YOUNG groups going, as everyone in the group is under the age of 25. Laredo Kid IS the next Rey Mysterio Jr. out of AAA, and he has the ability to prove it. At age 19, he's the most pushed guy of the group, periodically being in the main event. After Laredo, Pegasso is the best worker of the bunch and probably the crispest in terms of executing his moves. The others have their moments, but are big risk takers. Aero Star has been improving by leaps-and-bounds over the last year, but still does things where he could easily kill himself. Aero's trademark suicide cannonball reverse dive...I've seen matches where if it weren't for his opponent adjusting, Aero would've gone SPLAT. Also, in the last match I've seen Aero in...he nearly KILLED Polvo de Estrellas with an inverted shooting star press off the top rope. Nemesis, when he's been with them or in other matches, has been a good worker, and Rey Cometa has times where he flakes out too. Super Fly is a solid enough worker, and was pushed for awhile, winning the mask of Super Calo at Triplemania. Since then, he's not been seen very much.
-El Angel: Along with Billy Boy, Oscar Sevilla/El Angel is the most UNDERRATED/under-used talent on the roster. Before he vanished on NOAH & the US/Mexico concert tours, Angel was one of the best mid-carders on the roster. A super-talented worker who can make anyone look good (or at least better than they are), Angel was Real Fuerza Aerea's mentor. His matches teaming with them typically stole the show. Angel recently returned to AAA TV, and needs to be used a helluva lot better, as he's one of the best workers they have.
-El Oriental: Another long-time champion, as he holds the Mixed Tag Titles with sister, Cynthia Moreno. A very solid worker who typically doesn't get much for TV time anymore. To prove my point, watch a TV match from last year where it was the Mexican Powers (Juvy/Lider/Crazy) vs. Oriental with NOAH's Taiji Ishimori and Naomichi Marafuji. Of course, this was the match that made me a huge fan of Ishimori's, but shows that Oriental can work his ass off in a match.
-The Psycho Circus (Killer Clown, Pyscho Clown, and Zombie Clown): Well, this is AAA's resident pet project as they are being PUSHED through the roof, as they are still undefeated on TV. No one really knows who's under the masks, though it's rumored that through Konnan's connections in Puerto Rico, that they're workers from IWA in Puerto Rico. They've shown glimpses of ability in their squashes, but their last match I saw against La Secta just was bad. I don't know where AAA is going w/this group, but....seems like they might be fed to the Hell Brothers soon.
YOUR MAIN-EVENTERS (or at least in their minds):
-El Elegido: Probably the MOST over (with the ladies) man on the roster is a former Chippendale dancer who changed careers to become the Most Improved Wrestler on the AAA roster this past year. Has one of the best ring entrances IN AAA, and is probably the best dancer (sorry Parka Jr). Since I started back watching AAA two years ago, Elegido is the most improved wrestler. Two years ago, he only had basics...but has improved to a point where he could challenge for the Mexican Title.
-Intocable: AAA's golden boy, as he's the de facto #1 technico now with Parka Jr being hurt again, and winning Rookie of the Year last year. Another one of the HUGELY-OVER (w/the ladies) technico and yet another SOLID dancing wrestler with above-average in-ring ability. He's another guy who could win and carry the Mexican Title. Lately, they don't seem to have much of a direction for Intocable though (plus Elegido & Intocable were part of the reason that Latin Lover reappeared and left abruptly last year, as he wanted AAA to change their gimmicks, since LL should be the ONLY dancing guy on the roster, which caused a near fight between the guys).
-Octagon: The former super-talented technico has seen better times, as he's not aged very well, plus has a drinking problem. Still pushed to the moon because of his past, Octagon can occasionally put a good match out there, but is typically carried by his partner(s). Still a highly pushed tag team w/Parka Jr (when Parka's not hurt), and probably the most over tag team in the company.
-La Parka Jr: While I realize the Parka gimmick is still massively over, the worker replacing the original is nowhere near as good. Parka Jr. can dance and is one of the best comedy workers out there, but honestly...he can't work a real match. He's had his chances at good matches with talented opponents, but his gimmick's dancing/comedy just buries him in terms of having GOOD in-ring ability. Is only pushed due to his popularity.
-El Zorro: Honestly, best worker in AAA...-period-. Plays his new rudo role (and now #2 to Konnan in the Legion) extremely well. Seemingly went from being one of the best technicos in AAA (with one of the best masks, as his "Man in the Iron Mask" mask was awesome) to playing the chickenshit heel role to perfection. Seems to possibly be in for a feud with former rudo leader, Abismo Negro, which should make for some damn good matches. Throws some of the best spinkicks and superkicks on the AAA roster.
-The Foreign Legion w/Konnan (Electro Shock, X-Pac, Kenzo Suzuki, Head Hunter I, ): Konnan brings in a solid group of guys between his core guys listed here, and outside guys like Teddy Hart & Jack Evans as well. However, Konnan seriously needs to STAY out of wrestling in the ring. His 3/29 TV trios match just proves my point. Sure, Konnan is still over huge because of his mic skills and his past, but honestly...he hasn't worked a good match in nearly 8-10 years. Konnan is the epitome of "mailing it in." Electroshock left as probably the best worker in AAA a few years ago, and has now returned as a still-solid worker, but has definitely lost a step. Electro forms an interesting team with Kenzo Suzuki, who has adapted to Mexico really well (compared to his WWE days). Kenzo still has great comic timing, and now throws a damn solid left cross. He still doesn't meet his old New Japan in-ring days, but he's a good worker. Head Hunter....well, is there as your rare big man. He doesn't have the in-ring speed anymore, and is just there. Another guy who just needs to retire. "X-Pac" Sean Waltman was a solid addition, but still deals with his out-of-the-ring demons, as there were rumored suicide attempts and returns to WWE-provided rehab. Waltman also brought his current real-life girlfriend, the former Ryan Shamrock, Alicia Webb, who still looks great after popping out a kid or two since her WWE days.
-El Mesias (Ricky Banderas): Soon-to-be-returning from his stint in TNA, Mesias was one of the most over rudos they had, as he constantly held the Mexican Title. In-ring, he's had very hit-or-miss ability, which seems to depend on who his opponent(s) is(/are) that night. When he's in the ring with someone as limited as Cibernectico....he suffers. Give him someone like Zorro, and he can work his ass off. One of the better mic workers in Mexico, his experience in TNA, the US w/WSX, and in Puerto Rico show that he can be one of AAA's best workers....however, given that he's usually paired against Cibernectico....that doesn't seem like it'll happen.
-The Hell Brothers (Cibernectico, Charly Manson, & Chessman): The most-over group on the roster, Cibernectico is AAA's Triple-H. Ciber has the stroke to perennially be pushed as in his own words, "the main man," BUT...he's extremely limited in the ring due to past injuries (and periodic injuries that seem to happen to him all the time). Ciber seems to think he's AAA's version of Steve Austin. *shrug* THANKFULLY, flanking Ciber are two of the better workers in AAA in Chessman and Charly Manson. Manson's not as good as he could be, as an injury from a ladder match years ago sapped a lot of his ability due to his fear of reinjuring his back. On the other hand, before the Hell Brothers grouping, Chessman was poised to be the Mexican Title holder, only to be derailed by Ciber. Chessman was having GREAT matches before the HB grouping, and other than his cage spot at Triplemania, hasn't been the same in-ring worker. He seems to have gotten buried by the AAA booking crew (*cough*Konnan*cough*).
MATT'S SUGGESTIONS:
-Seriously...give Apache a new rudo group. His Apache Army vs. Real Fuerza Aera feud was one of the best ones last year to watch. At this point, I'd give him Toxico, and maybe a younger kid like Explosivo or even Los Infernales to round out the group. Just please, please, please, end the feud w/Billy Boy & Fabi.
-Push the Piratas to the Atomicos Title, then really start defending the Atomicos Title on TV more. There are plenty of atomicos groups to use here, as I could see this being a sleeper division with solid matches. The Night Queens are capable of a solid match, as are the Infernales w/Toxico, the current champs with La Secta, the Mexican Powers (if Juvy and Ultimo Gladiator work most of the match), and even some of the technico possibilities (Fuerza Aera, or a random grouping of 4 guys).
-Give the Mexican Title back to Zorro and let him run with it. Have Ciber & Mesias kill each other to try to get a shot at Zorro, and let Z be the heel he's great at.
-Push Charly & Chessman to the Tag Titles. I'm sorry...Crazy Boy & Lider seriously need to drop those titles.
-Bring in the NOAH and WSX guys a bit more. Whenever Ishimori is there, others in the match with him tend to ramp up their game a bit more. Marafuji was a solid addition when he's been there, and former ROH Champ, Takeshi Morishima's only AAA TV appearance wasn't anything to write home about (though I'd LOVE to see Marafuji/Moreshima/Ishimori vs. Zorro/Electro/Kenzo). Heck, the Trailer Park Boyz ("Spider" Nate Webb & Josh "Jug Raymond" Abercromie) had a good match with the Mexican Powers 'til Crazy Boy legit KO'ed Josh w/a spinning knee to the noggin'. And seems like Konnan's bringing in Teddy Hart & Jack Evans in (which can be a good and bad thing, depending on Teddy's attitude).
More thoughts on this later,
Matt
Hey all,
Since I've been doing a few AAA TV reviews here and there, I thought I'd give some opinions on the AAA/LLL roster, and my thoughts on what Konnan and President Roldan should go with them (of course, they make sense...therefore in wrestling [and Best Buy-terms], absolutely WRONG!). :) Let's get started shall we?
THE UNDERCARD GUYS:
-Los Infernales (Mr. Condor, Angel Mortal, and El Gallego): a solid trios (occasionally atomicos group w/Toxico, who I'll talk about in a bit) undercard group that never wins. All 3 Infernales are up there in age, but still have a solid workrate. However, their matches are very formulatic with trademark spots, like Gallego whipping technicos into the corner so Condor & Mortal grab the legs and crotch 'em on the cornerpost). I've always enjoyed any match they've done, as they bump very well for their opponents, and typically put on a solid, watchable match.
-Toxico: Other than Espiritu's new shaved head/paint look, Toxy gets the best new look of the
AAA workers. When I first saw him in a match, Toxy wasn't much to watch in the ring, but graduallly, he's become a pretty decent worker. Plus, that new gas mask/haz-mat entrance suit of his just has him has the best LOOK of the AAA workers. In recent matches, Toxy's improved a LOT in-ring. He's a pretty big guy compared to the other AAA workers, but has good movement. His last few matches (including an odd pairing with La Secta in an atomicos match) have surprised me with his improvement. I'd love to see more of him.
-The Night Queens (Polvo , Nygma, Yuriko, and Jesse): Well, AAA took a hodge podge of assorted workers and turned them into a pretty good undercard atomicos group. Nygma, who I think is the one of the five most-underrated workers in AAA, I saw in a match before he became a Queen, and was VERY impressed. I kept wondering WTF AAA was doing burying him in the undercard. The Queens are one of those weird mixture groups who actually click pretty well in the ring. You have two exoticos in Yuriko (who I've found out IS indeed a dude) and Polvo, but seriously...Polvo is to a point where he seriously needs to drop 30 pounds or retire. Yuriko's okay in the ring, but the two guys that hold this team together in-ring is the underrated Nygma and Jesse, the former member of the Kumbia Kings group. Jesse is the Shannon Moore of AAA. Honestly, I'd love to see some sort of feud with the New Barrios or the Piratas with them. However, they seriously need to consider replacing Polvo (who is the de facto captain of the group), who hasn't aged well and can really only do matches with Pimpinela anymore.
-The New Barrio Boys (Alan, Ricky, Javi, and Kevin): Well, with Billy Boy buried in the whole Apache family mess, they took the leftover Barrio Boy in Alan, and have him paired with what's left of the old Kumbia Kings group. Look wise, they have it in comparison to the old group of Decnnis, Alan, and Billy Boy (and Oscar Sevilla, before he was given the El Angel gimmick). In-ring, my first look at them was interesting, but I think they need more time to develop a more cohesive chemistry together. They definitely are one of the best undercard groups.
-Los Piratas (Pirata Morgan, el Hijo de Pirata Morgan, Pirata Morgan Jr, and Barba Rosa): Honestly, this group SHOULD fall into the mid-card section, but AAA seems to have buried 'em by pushing the Psycho Circus through the roof. The last few weeks with the Piratas returning have shown them to be more impressive than their push from last year. I honestly think a feud with La Secta would be good, but heck, after their match with the New Barrios two weekends ago...that could be a really underrated feud. Plus, for his age, Pirata Morgan still throws one of the best right hands in the biz.
-Argenis: Supposedly AAA's answer to Mistico....it fell WAY SHORT! However, supposedly, Argenis is supposed to be a relative (Argenis claims to be an unhappy brother, while most in the know, think he's a cousin). However, he is related to Dr. Karonte, having wrestled before has his son. In the only match I've seen from him, I have not been impressed with Argenis. Maybe if I see him against some other workers, I can get a better gauge of him.
-Mascara Divina: While AAA will toss him in the mid-card area, to me...he doesn't deserve it. He seriously needs to drop a good 15-25 pounds. He does do very well in trios and atomicos matches, but put him in a tag or singles match, and he doesn't show a good in-ring ability. Since the original Mascara Sagrada left....Divina was pushed as a replacement for him (didn't go over well, did it?).
-El Brazo: Thankfully, we don't see Super Porky's brother that much. In-ring, he doesn't have much, but is one of the best comic workers there is. His impersonations of various AAA workers are hilarious (his impersonation of El Elegido was WRONG), but he does NAIL the impersonations spot on. He does have the charisma of his brother, but NOWHERE near the popularity.
-Explosivo: A younger worker who has had a few TV undercard matches here and there, but has shown some flashes of potential in those matches.
-El Canibal: A pretty funny Kamala-esque technico. In the small handful of matches I saw him in, he's a pretty solid worker with a nice fan following.
-Alliens (and Krypto): We haven't seen these Alliens since he was Apache's partner in the tag title tourney that the Mexican Powers won, and Krypto it's been even longer. Alliens has a pretty good look, and is an average worker, though he's a lot stockier than your regular AAA worker. Could easily be brought back, but they haven't defended the Mascots Tag Title in ages on TV.
-Los Chivas (the Soccer Goat): The last match (3/22) that I saw Los Chivas work on was great, as I don't know WHO was under the mask. Whoever was...worked one hell of a match. A tag team gimmick they've periodically used with different people, it's always one that the fans have loved. Whoever was under the mask on the 3/22 TV show...they need to use him a LOT more.
-May Flowers: An exotico who AAA can't decide whether or not he's a technico or rudo. We last saw May on TV as Pimpi's tag partner during the tag title tourney. Okay worker, nothing to write home about.
-Cassandro: They just brought back this exotico (and former feuder w/Pimpinela) a few months ago, but haven't really used him on TV. I've heard Cassandro is a very good worker, who plays the exotico role really well.
-El Gato Eveready: Already one of the best up-and-coming comedy workers that AAA has tossed out there, plus with the Eveready sponsorship, they get a decent worker to be in the mask. In just the two matches I've seen him in, I've been impressed by his comedy (as I think he could easy take the best comedy worker away from La Parka Jr. pretty soon). He also has a very solid in-ring workrate.
THE MID-CARDERS:
-Gronda II (and to an extent when he's on shows/TV, Ghefar, aka the original Gronda): Okay, the ONLY reason these two guys are mid-carders is because they're the biggest, most-built guys on the roster. Because of that, they're pushed, even though they can't do a damn thing in the ring. These two remind me of some of the big lugs that Vince McMahon seems to be constantly enamored with. Don't get me wrong, both of the Gronda's have the LOOK, but have hardly ANY in-ring ability other than looking scary strong (and having one of the best masks in AAA).
-The Tijuna Family (Halloween, TJ Extreme, and Extreme Tiger): Well, since Nicho (the original Psichosis) flaked on AAA yet again...this group has really floundered. Stuck in a seemingly throw-away feud with the Mexican Powers, this group is going nowhere quick. Konnan seems to believe that Extreme Tiger is the next Rey Mysterio Jr, but he's not. TJ Extreme is a pretty solid worker (the former el Hijo del Kendo), who is the only bright spot in the group. Halloween....well, is a shell of his former self.
-The Mexican Powers (Juventud Guerrera, Crazy Boy, Joe Lider, and Ultimo Gladiator): Adding Ultimo Gladiator to replace Extreme Tiger was a definite plus, but even he and Juvy can't counter-act Crazy Boy's inability to stay healthy, and Lider's ability to injure people due to his sloppy in-ring ability. Meanwhile, Juvy would have you believe he's main event, but his attitude will bury him here. Crazy Boy and Joe Lider are still the AAA Tag Champs, BUT...who knows when Crazy will return from injury. Lider makes me cringe anytime he's in the ring, because he's a slip-up away from paralyzing someone (his Lider-driver last year ONTO the turnbuckle on someone really made me worry about other wrestler's safety around the former extreme worker). I'm definitely curious about the upcoming Mexi-Powers vs. Teddy Hart/Jack Evans/Kenzo Suzuki match, as Lider/Crazy will be going against their heroes in Hart/Evans.
-Los Viper's Revolution (Mr. Niebla, Antifaz del Norte, Psichosis II, and Histeria): A group that has seen a lot better days. Ever since Charly Manson left the group to join the Hell Brothers, this group has just slid from being one of the top two heel groups to being in-flux now. Now that they've established Mr. Niebla as the new leader (with the kicking out of Abismo Negro and him turning technico now), they've stabilized now. However, they aren't the ass-kicking group they used to be. Antifaz is nowhere to be seen lately. Psichosis II is just an ordinary worker. Histeria busts his ass every match out there, but is getting up there in age. Mr. Niebla is a solid worker with great comedy spots. Here's hoping this group turns it around.
-El Apache: Probably the best near-50-year-old worker out there, as he's one of the most underrated rudos on the roster. He always has a solid match, and throws one of the best right hand slaps out there.
-Billy Boy: Okay, Billy has all the talent in the world and could main event in AAA, but they honestly have ZERO direction for him. He was a match away from being in the hunt for the atomicos title and the mixed tag title w/real wife, Fabi Apache, but honestly, they've buried Billy in the Apache family feud for WAY too long. They did have something when Billy was the mysterious masked Alfa when Apache had a nice Apache Army group going, but they split it up, and now, Billy's buried in the undercard. To me, Billy just needs a chance to prove himself, as he's one of the most underrated workers on the roster.
-Albreije w/Cujie: Okay...the long-time holder of the Mascot Tag Titles, Albreije is a solid worker who has good comedy wrestling ability, but is another one of those workers who could be best served by dropping a good 15-20 pounds off his frame. He's a solid-enough worker and has a big fan-base. I think if he dropped the weight, his in-ring ability would be ten-times better than what it is.
-Super Porky: A guy who needs to retire, but still can draw and still has some okay in-ring ability. However, he can't do any of his old top-rope moves without assistance. He is still one of the best mic workers in the company, and is still UBER-over with the crowd. I do wish they'd bring back his son, Brazo de Plata Jr., as Porky's feud with the Guapos back then was GREAT.
-Pimpinela Escarlota: Probably the best of the exoticos left on the AAA roster, as Pimpi is really over with the crowd and to me, is probably the best worker of the exoticos (and also compared to the others has stayed in good shape). Pimpi typically wrestles mixed matches (typically atomicos matches w/a regular wrester, exotico, women's wrestler, and a mini on each team) anymore, which is a shame, because Pimpi could probably be one of those workers who could do more easily if AAA would let him. Also, Pimpi has some hilarious moments anytime Hijo de Tirantes is ref'ing. :)
-Guapos VIP (Scorpio Jr., Decnnis, & Zumbido w/Guapito): Another group that has seen better days, with the Stones breaking away with brother Super Calo. Scorpio Jr. has taken over the leadership mantle when Shocker jumped to CMLL, and finally has adjusted to the role. With periodic departures and just flat out dropping of wrestlers (ie. Hator), the current grouping is probably the best in-ring grouping of the Guapos. Decnnis finally gets a chance to show that he was one of the best undercarders for the last year. Zumbido has been a constant solid guy in the Guapos. Guapito, as the team's mini/manager was a nice touch/addition, but has drawbacks.
-Bello Stone (Alan Stone, Chris Stone, & Super Calo): Finally, Alan Stone breaks away from the Guapos, and Chris Stone gets a shot to prove himself. Chris was BURIED on the Guapos depth chart, and has been showing that he's a pretty solid worker (given the bloodline). With Super Calo's departure from the Apache Army to join the Guapos, only to turn that into a short-lived Bello Stone vs. Guapos feud that should continue...the Stone brothers definitely have the potential to be a solid upper-card team to come. Given Alan's past, there's easily feud possibilities abound with Zorro, Intocable, and others. Note to Super Calo: Please stop with the flip plancha where you end up in the 5th row....you injured yourself the last time, and it probably won't be the last...but think about the fans.
-La Secta del Mesias (Dark Ozz, Dark Cuervo, Dark Escoria, & Dark Espiritu): Your current atomico champions have been buried the last few months without their fearless leader in TNA. The Psycho Circus just buried them two weekends ago, and since they got tossed from the Legion (in siding with Mesias), they're bound to return strong with the return of Mesias. Another opinion here, as Ozz (though he throws a sloppy Mexican Destroyer) is one of the most underrated guys on the AAA roster. His spinning pescado plancha through (or over) the ropes is a sight to be seen. All four Secta guys are above-average workers and probably have the best team-chemistry of any group on the roster. Also, with the recent new "look" of Espiritu, they have the best LOOK of anyone on the roster. And before they remixed it...they DID have the best music of anyone on the roster (thanks to Therion).
-Real Fuerza Aerea (Laredo Kid, Pegasso, Aero Star, Rey Cometa Jr, Super Fly, and periodically, the AAA version of Nemesis): One of the best YOUNG groups going, as everyone in the group is under the age of 25. Laredo Kid IS the next Rey Mysterio Jr. out of AAA, and he has the ability to prove it. At age 19, he's the most pushed guy of the group, periodically being in the main event. After Laredo, Pegasso is the best worker of the bunch and probably the crispest in terms of executing his moves. The others have their moments, but are big risk takers. Aero Star has been improving by leaps-and-bounds over the last year, but still does things where he could easily kill himself. Aero's trademark suicide cannonball reverse dive...I've seen matches where if it weren't for his opponent adjusting, Aero would've gone SPLAT. Also, in the last match I've seen Aero in...he nearly KILLED Polvo de Estrellas with an inverted shooting star press off the top rope. Nemesis, when he's been with them or in other matches, has been a good worker, and Rey Cometa has times where he flakes out too. Super Fly is a solid enough worker, and was pushed for awhile, winning the mask of Super Calo at Triplemania. Since then, he's not been seen very much.
-El Angel: Along with Billy Boy, Oscar Sevilla/El Angel is the most UNDERRATED/under-used talent on the roster. Before he vanished on NOAH & the US/Mexico concert tours, Angel was one of the best mid-carders on the roster. A super-talented worker who can make anyone look good (or at least better than they are), Angel was Real Fuerza Aerea's mentor. His matches teaming with them typically stole the show. Angel recently returned to AAA TV, and needs to be used a helluva lot better, as he's one of the best workers they have.
-El Oriental: Another long-time champion, as he holds the Mixed Tag Titles with sister, Cynthia Moreno. A very solid worker who typically doesn't get much for TV time anymore. To prove my point, watch a TV match from last year where it was the Mexican Powers (Juvy/Lider/Crazy) vs. Oriental with NOAH's Taiji Ishimori and Naomichi Marafuji. Of course, this was the match that made me a huge fan of Ishimori's, but shows that Oriental can work his ass off in a match.
-The Psycho Circus (Killer Clown, Pyscho Clown, and Zombie Clown): Well, this is AAA's resident pet project as they are being PUSHED through the roof, as they are still undefeated on TV. No one really knows who's under the masks, though it's rumored that through Konnan's connections in Puerto Rico, that they're workers from IWA in Puerto Rico. They've shown glimpses of ability in their squashes, but their last match I saw against La Secta just was bad. I don't know where AAA is going w/this group, but....seems like they might be fed to the Hell Brothers soon.
YOUR MAIN-EVENTERS (or at least in their minds):
-El Elegido: Probably the MOST over (with the ladies) man on the roster is a former Chippendale dancer who changed careers to become the Most Improved Wrestler on the AAA roster this past year. Has one of the best ring entrances IN AAA, and is probably the best dancer (sorry Parka Jr). Since I started back watching AAA two years ago, Elegido is the most improved wrestler. Two years ago, he only had basics...but has improved to a point where he could challenge for the Mexican Title.
-Intocable: AAA's golden boy, as he's the de facto #1 technico now with Parka Jr being hurt again, and winning Rookie of the Year last year. Another one of the HUGELY-OVER (w/the ladies) technico and yet another SOLID dancing wrestler with above-average in-ring ability. He's another guy who could win and carry the Mexican Title. Lately, they don't seem to have much of a direction for Intocable though (plus Elegido & Intocable were part of the reason that Latin Lover reappeared and left abruptly last year, as he wanted AAA to change their gimmicks, since LL should be the ONLY dancing guy on the roster, which caused a near fight between the guys).
-Octagon: The former super-talented technico has seen better times, as he's not aged very well, plus has a drinking problem. Still pushed to the moon because of his past, Octagon can occasionally put a good match out there, but is typically carried by his partner(s). Still a highly pushed tag team w/Parka Jr (when Parka's not hurt), and probably the most over tag team in the company.
-La Parka Jr: While I realize the Parka gimmick is still massively over, the worker replacing the original is nowhere near as good. Parka Jr. can dance and is one of the best comedy workers out there, but honestly...he can't work a real match. He's had his chances at good matches with talented opponents, but his gimmick's dancing/comedy just buries him in terms of having GOOD in-ring ability. Is only pushed due to his popularity.
-El Zorro: Honestly, best worker in AAA...-period-. Plays his new rudo role (and now #2 to Konnan in the Legion) extremely well. Seemingly went from being one of the best technicos in AAA (with one of the best masks, as his "Man in the Iron Mask" mask was awesome) to playing the chickenshit heel role to perfection. Seems to possibly be in for a feud with former rudo leader, Abismo Negro, which should make for some damn good matches. Throws some of the best spinkicks and superkicks on the AAA roster.
-The Foreign Legion w/Konnan (Electro Shock, X-Pac, Kenzo Suzuki, Head Hunter I, ): Konnan brings in a solid group of guys between his core guys listed here, and outside guys like Teddy Hart & Jack Evans as well. However, Konnan seriously needs to STAY out of wrestling in the ring. His 3/29 TV trios match just proves my point. Sure, Konnan is still over huge because of his mic skills and his past, but honestly...he hasn't worked a good match in nearly 8-10 years. Konnan is the epitome of "mailing it in." Electroshock left as probably the best worker in AAA a few years ago, and has now returned as a still-solid worker, but has definitely lost a step. Electro forms an interesting team with Kenzo Suzuki, who has adapted to Mexico really well (compared to his WWE days). Kenzo still has great comic timing, and now throws a damn solid left cross. He still doesn't meet his old New Japan in-ring days, but he's a good worker. Head Hunter....well, is there as your rare big man. He doesn't have the in-ring speed anymore, and is just there. Another guy who just needs to retire. "X-Pac" Sean Waltman was a solid addition, but still deals with his out-of-the-ring demons, as there were rumored suicide attempts and returns to WWE-provided rehab. Waltman also brought his current real-life girlfriend, the former Ryan Shamrock, Alicia Webb, who still looks great after popping out a kid or two since her WWE days.
-El Mesias (Ricky Banderas): Soon-to-be-returning from his stint in TNA, Mesias was one of the most over rudos they had, as he constantly held the Mexican Title. In-ring, he's had very hit-or-miss ability, which seems to depend on who his opponent(s) is(/are) that night. When he's in the ring with someone as limited as Cibernectico....he suffers. Give him someone like Zorro, and he can work his ass off. One of the better mic workers in Mexico, his experience in TNA, the US w/WSX, and in Puerto Rico show that he can be one of AAA's best workers....however, given that he's usually paired against Cibernectico....that doesn't seem like it'll happen.
-The Hell Brothers (Cibernectico, Charly Manson, & Chessman): The most-over group on the roster, Cibernectico is AAA's Triple-H. Ciber has the stroke to perennially be pushed as in his own words, "the main man," BUT...he's extremely limited in the ring due to past injuries (and periodic injuries that seem to happen to him all the time). Ciber seems to think he's AAA's version of Steve Austin. *shrug* THANKFULLY, flanking Ciber are two of the better workers in AAA in Chessman and Charly Manson. Manson's not as good as he could be, as an injury from a ladder match years ago sapped a lot of his ability due to his fear of reinjuring his back. On the other hand, before the Hell Brothers grouping, Chessman was poised to be the Mexican Title holder, only to be derailed by Ciber. Chessman was having GREAT matches before the HB grouping, and other than his cage spot at Triplemania, hasn't been the same in-ring worker. He seems to have gotten buried by the AAA booking crew (*cough*Konnan*cough*).
MATT'S SUGGESTIONS:
-Seriously...give Apache a new rudo group. His Apache Army vs. Real Fuerza Aera feud was one of the best ones last year to watch. At this point, I'd give him Toxico, and maybe a younger kid like Explosivo or even Los Infernales to round out the group. Just please, please, please, end the feud w/Billy Boy & Fabi.
-Push the Piratas to the Atomicos Title, then really start defending the Atomicos Title on TV more. There are plenty of atomicos groups to use here, as I could see this being a sleeper division with solid matches. The Night Queens are capable of a solid match, as are the Infernales w/Toxico, the current champs with La Secta, the Mexican Powers (if Juvy and Ultimo Gladiator work most of the match), and even some of the technico possibilities (Fuerza Aera, or a random grouping of 4 guys).
-Give the Mexican Title back to Zorro and let him run with it. Have Ciber & Mesias kill each other to try to get a shot at Zorro, and let Z be the heel he's great at.
-Push Charly & Chessman to the Tag Titles. I'm sorry...Crazy Boy & Lider seriously need to drop those titles.
-Bring in the NOAH and WSX guys a bit more. Whenever Ishimori is there, others in the match with him tend to ramp up their game a bit more. Marafuji was a solid addition when he's been there, and former ROH Champ, Takeshi Morishima's only AAA TV appearance wasn't anything to write home about (though I'd LOVE to see Marafuji/Moreshima/Ishimori vs. Zorro/Electro/Kenzo). Heck, the Trailer Park Boyz ("Spider" Nate Webb & Josh "Jug Raymond" Abercromie) had a good match with the Mexican Powers 'til Crazy Boy legit KO'ed Josh w/a spinning knee to the noggin'. And seems like Konnan's bringing in Teddy Hart & Jack Evans in (which can be a good and bad thing, depending on Teddy's attitude).
More thoughts on this later,
Matt
