Tag: Atlantis

El Satanico victorious in retirement match

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

El Satanico, one of the greatest luchadors of the last half-century, has left the sport a winner. He was victorious in his retirement match tonight, winning a three-way against Blue Panther and Atlantis.

Satanico faced off against two of his greatest rivals—Blue Panther and Atlantis—in a three-way in Arena Mexico. He pinned Panther with an elaborate cradle to win the match. 

Satanico, age 76, made his pro debut in 1973. He won different championships a combined 23 times, including a reign as CMLL World Middleweight Champion that lasted over four and a half years, and three separate wins for the CMLL World Trios Championship (twice with MS-1 & Pirata Morgan as Los Infernales in the early 1990s, then once with Emilio Charles Jr. & Rey Bucanero in 1997). His is also a five-time NWA World Middleweight Champion.

In his career, he wrestled 48 Luchas de Apuestas matches with his hair or mask on the line, going 27 and 20 with one draw. The last of those came in 2014, a loss to El Dandy. 

He is also one of pro wrestling’s great trainers. Andrade el Idolo, Mascara Dorada, Psycho Clown, and Beast Mortos are just some of the stars he has helped develop. 

AD: Frank Joseph Hoff on the lost city of Atlantis!

Posted on by Bryan Alvarez

After Dark Radio is back with special guest Frank Joseph Hoff to talk the lost city of Atlantis, what allegedly happened to it, where he believes it’s located, and recent scientific discoveries that lend credence to this theory. We lost power halfway through the radio program, so the last 30 minutes is podcast-only. A fun show as always so check it out~!

Right Click Save As

Ring of Honor TV live results: Mistico & Atlantis in CMLL trios action

Posted on by Jeff Moss

The stars of CMLL will once again be part of Ring of Honor on HonorClub.

Mistico will team with the legendary Atlantis and Esfinge to battle Gran Guerrero, Euforia and Rocky Romero in the night’s featured bout.

Ahead of his AEW International title eliminator bout against Ricochet Saturday, former ROH Pure Champion Katsuyori Shibata will take on Lee Johnson.

CMLL’s Dark Panther will go one-on-one with Aaron Solo while Blake Christian will look to run his singles winning streak to eight when he takes on indie star Titus Alexander.

In women’s action, Lady Frost and Leila Grey will do battle while The Frat House (Cole Karter & Preston Vance) will team with the Premier Athletes (Arya Daivari & Tony Nese) against Top Flight and the Gates of Agony.

**********

Sing along with me, won’t you?

Ring-Of-Honor (clap clap, clap clap clap)

One-Oh-Seven (clap clap, clap clap clap)

Is-On-The-Air (clap clap, clap clap clap)

Spanish Announce Project (Angelico & Serpentico) defeated Alpha Zo & CSJ

… and it kicked off in style with the return of Spanish Announce Project! In recent months, SAP have been, y’know, chillin.’ Serpentico and Angelico were last seen teaming to pick up a win way back in November of 2024. Angelico has been out of action with injury, but Serpentico has been keeping the porch lights on, picking up wins over the likes of Brandon Cutler, and losses to the likes of Ricochet. They made their return against Zo (a former Hoodslam INTERGALACTIC Tag Team Champion) and the current IZW Heavyweight (but Earthly) Champion, CJS (aka Can’t Stop Jamaal). 

Angelico kicked things off against Zo and he looked like he hadn’t missed a step while he was off. The taller Angelico was able to take whatever the beefier Zo threw at him and shake it off with style. He even showed an uncharacteristic aggressive streak, grabbing dreadlocks of Zo to keep him in an arm hold.

Serpentico tagged in for a double team or two (as well as some smoooooth dancing) an d clearly had the veteran’s advantage over Zo. Serpentico’s agility lets him move fast, but stop on a dime. He controlled the pace of the match until Zo caught him with a backbreaker.

Zo tagged in CSJ and of the two, Zo was the more impressive talent. CSJ was a competent brawler, and isolated Serpentico early on, but did not have the speed of his partner to keep up with the luchadores. Serpentico hit a big double DDT and got a hot tag to Angelico who cleared the ring with ease.

Angelico caught Zo with a spinning heel kick, but CSJ broke up the pin. CSJ and Zo tried to double team, but Angelico was able to get the grapevine on CSJ causing him to tap out and give SAP the win in their big return. I’d love to see these guys take on Rhodes and Guevara for the titles.

-ROH World Champion Chris Jericho joined us from the past at Revolution and cut a promo about his “match” with Gravity and ongoing feud with Bandito. This was a darker Jericho. During that match he almost assaulted Gravity’s mother and sister, and instead of his usual schtick, Jericho sat in a chair and talked with gravitas, calling Bandito out. There was no cheery “thanks guys!” so maybe this is a bit of a turn for Jericho.

Blake Christian defeated Titus Alexander

Christian has been mean, belligerent, awful and really, really good at wrestling for months now. His newfound attitude has racked up a string of wins, but hasn’t gotten him closer to any kind of ROH gold. Alexander has yet to pick up a win in ROH, but to be fair this is only his second bout in the promotion. His finisher is the “Big Ugly” which I personally don’t get because he’s a handsome man. 

Christian had a spiffy new haircut and lured Alexander into some big stomps off the top. What followed was a clinic in how to beat someone up at great speed. Christian flew around the ring, keeping Alexander confused and off his feet.

Eventually though, Alexander got a really stiff shot in that sent Christian to the outside. He was waiting for Alexander though and sent him head first into the barricades. Christian threw Alexander back into the ring and began working him over, stomping his arm and raking his eyes.

Alexander for his part seemed like he was able to keep up with Christian in terms of speed and agility. The problem was, Christian wasn’t giving him enough time to get set, so Alexander was always on defence, trying to recover from all kinds of kicks and holds.

Christian, a killer heel in the traditional style, got under the crowd’s skin so much they were fully, fully behind Alexander, erupting in cheers whenever he managed to get some momentum. Christian turned the tables though and hit a modified curb stomp into Vanilla Choke Zero, forcing a submission to get the win under a chorus of boos.

Leila Grey defeated Lady Frost

Before the match, a vignette for Grey aired, seemingly revealing her new “Baddie” persona. Grey has put together a decent 4-2 record in ROH since last fall. Her only singles losses coming at the hands (and feet and knees and elbows, etc) of ROH Wormen’s World Champion Athena in a Proving Ground Match, and ROH Women’s TV Champion Red Velvet. Frost, on the other hand, has not won a televised singles match in ROH since July of 2024. She is currently on a 7-match losing streak, but hey, maybe this will be different?

Frost was looking absolutely jacked as she entered the ring, but Grey was able to keep up with her, trading strength for control in the way of a very long headlock. Grey put Frost in a backslide for a 2-count, and that seemed to empower Grey who took it to her in the corner.

Frost for her part showed what she always shows: That she’s a very very good wrestler who tends to make a single mistake that her opponents can capitalize on. It’s not so much that she loses, as mich as she just doesn’t win.

Grey put a knee into Frost’s face and locked in a Dragon Sleeper. Frost struggled for the ropes, but Grey didn’t let up. Frost sent Grey to the mat with a backdrop, and Grey caught her in a rollup to get the pin and continue Frost’s impressive losing streak.

Gates Of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) & Top Flight (Dante Martin & Darius Martin) defeated The Frat House (Cole Karter & Preston Vance) & The Premier Athletes (Ari Daivari & Tony Nese) (w/Jacked Jameson & Mark Sterling)

This week’s Traditional ROH “Everybody Into the Pool” match comes to us with two tag team duos of… duos. Gates of Agony recently ate up and spat out challengers such as Terry Yaki and Bad Dude Tito, but Top Flight have been grounded as of late with their Flight Attendant (are we still calling her that?) Leila Grey picking up more wins than they have, one as recently as this show. On the other side The Frat House and Premier Athletes share a certain amount of douchebaggery between the four of them. They teamed together in Feb in a 12-man match, but lost, so perhaps this scaled-down version of that teaming will yield better results. 

The Frat House have a bunch of new gear with their logos prominently displayed on their crotches. For that alone, they deserve what they got in this match. Gates of Agony were met with a huge ovation and went straight for the Frat House, beating up Vance and Karter on the outside. In the Ring, Top Flight took it to the Athletes and somewhere in there a bell rang and the match was on.

Nese and Dante battled in the ring with the dust had settled and it was a great matchup. Nese has always been excellent in the ring with both strength and speed. Dante sent him to the corner though which brought in Karter to face off against Kaun who flattened him.

It was hard to keep track of who was legal because people kept jumping in and out and there were multiple assaults on the outside by Sterling and Jameson. Toa grabbed a chair though and ran them off while Daivari and Darius fought in the ring.

No matter how much momentum the Frat-thletes got though, all it took was 10 seconds in the ring with either Liona or Kaun and the momentum would shift back to Top Gates. Kaun sent Karter over the top rope and it looked like he smashed his knee on the ring apron on the way down (the hardest part of the ring!). Kaun then used Dante as a weapon, throwing him out of the ring onto all four members of the Frat-thletes, much to the crowd’s delight.

Jameson tried to cause a distraction for Vance, but ended up distracting Vance himself. That let the Gates of Agony hit, well, the Gates of Agony and Liona sat down squarely on Vance’s chest for the win.

Honestly, the tag scene in ROH is HOT right now and there are about half a dozen teams that could line up for a shot at the titles.

Dark Panther defeated Aaron Solo

The great CMLL/ROH: Crisis of Infinite Luchadores crossover continues with Dark Panther taking on workhorse Aaron Solo. Panther has a TV title match next week and was in a Panther, Panther, Panther match last week which his team won (probably because of all the panthers) and Solo lost to Adam Page on Dynamite two weeks ago in :54 seconds. So he’s got that going for him. 

ROH TV Champion Komander was at ringside to scout Panther for their match next week and was probably a little nervous watching Panther absolutely manhandle Solo. Solo was not ready for Panther’s speed and ended up eating a big chunk of the ring apron (the most delicious part of the ring!)

Solo had a one high spot (literally) with a double stomp off the top rope that seemed to slow Panther down. Panther wasn’t out though, responding with a bit tilt-o-whirl backbreacker. The two traded chops after that, which was not a great decision on Solo’s part, given he was giving up about 50lbs to Panther.

Panther caught him with a really vicious armbar until the ref yelled at him in Spanish to break the hold. The crowd was on Panther’s side as he set Solo up for a Suicide Dive on the outside and throwing him into the barricade in front of Komander before tossing him back in the ring.

Panther hit a big missile dropkick from the top rope and followed it up with another one for good measure. That put Solo away, giving Panther the win and impressing Komander, who he faces next week for the ROH TV Title.

After the match, Panther unwrapped his wrist tape and threw it at Komander who hopped the rail. The Ref stepped in though and kept the two separated.

Katsuyori Shibata defeated Lee Johnson

Shibata makes his return to ROH here against the “Lee” in LEEJ, Lee Johnson. Shibata was last seen back in January defeating Shane Taylor and has since made a play for the AEW International Title then held by Konosuke Takeshita, but came up empty. Johnson has been hanging out with EJ Nduka and is fresh off a rest after losing to ROH World Television Champion Komander about a month ago. 

This was a first-time matchup for these two and a test of strength was in order off the top. I never know who actually wins those things, so we’ll say it was Shibata because Johnson ended up in a headlock. Shibata began working Johnson’s right arm as the two went through a really technical series, ending up with Johnson in a Figure Four.

Johnson managed to get free but Shibata began chopping him in the corner. At this point, Johnson was limping from the figure four, had a dangling arm and a swollen chest. He rolled out of the ring and Shibata followed, but Johnson was able to get the advantage and throw him into the barricades.

Back in the ring, Johnson talked a lot of trash and even went for Shibata’s eye, nearly causing a DQ. Switching to running chops, Johnson woke the beast in Shibata who began no-selling them and getting right into Johnson’s face before throwing a dozen chops of his own, knocking Johnson silly.

Johnson fought back though, saying that Shibata had “nothing” and then hit a really scary looking driver on Shibata’s head. Shibata was ok though and popped up to lick in an Iron Claw followe dbut a back suplex and big kick to the jaw. That was it for Johnson and Shibata got the pin.

-Lexy Nair interviewed the Frat House in the back. Jameson arrived with red solo cups allegedly containing beers and they chugged them. Vance declared that “win or lose, they booze!” That conjured 2/3rds of the Dark Order. Evil Uno confronted Vance and told him to grow up. Life is about more than partying. Vance thew his solo cup at Alex Reynolds and Uno assured him that the Frat House would get theirs.

Atlantis, Esfinge & Mistico defeated Euforia, Rocky Romero & Valiente

The Main Event of the night featured another CMLL/ROH: Crisis of Infinite Luchadores crossover match, but, like, with more of them. Atlantis (A legend, who once held the NWA Light Heavyweight Championship for a staggering 1353 days) teams with current Mexican National Light Heavyweight Champion, Esfinge and Mistico who is the current MLW Middleweight Champion. Across the ring is 1/3rd of the CMLL Trios Champions, Euforia and Valienta who held that very same title with a few different teammates for over 1500 collective days. Also, Rocky Romero was there. 

This match was under Luchadore Rules, which meant that if someone rolled out under the bottom rope, it counted as a tag and a new team member could jump in. Euforia, taking a break form playing drums for Carlos Santana, started it off against Mistico, with a helping hand from Romero.

To try and keep up with who was legal when was a fools errand, but the match was full of amazing spots. Euforia hit a big splash from the top rope on Atlantis. Romero and Valiente double teamed Mistico until he hit a headscissor on Euforia. Esfinge and Valiente had a spirited exchange until Romero jumped in and Esfinge cleared the ring of them both.

Esfinge tagged in Atlantis to the crowd’s joy but Euforia tooke their breath away by knocking him silly. Atlantis fought back and landed a big backbreaker on Euforia, then dished out a couple to his teammates as well. Mistico and Valiente faced off next, with the former facing a lot of boos from the crowd.

A twisting wristlock takedown sent Valiente to the ouside and brought in Euforia. Mistico dispatched him the same way and then catapulted onto Euforia over the top rope on the outside. From there all six men brawled, with Esfinge left legal against…. one of the other guys. Everyone was simply choosing the opposing luchadore nearest to them and fighting them. In the ring, Mistico and Euforia battled until Mistico caught Euforia with an armbar, forcing the lucha legend to tap out.

Another great night of wrestling in ROH!

Ring of Honor TV live results: CMLL stars in action

Posted on by Jeff Moss

Tonight’s Ring of Honor on HonorClub will be another showcase for CMLL stars with a pair of trios bouts in addition to two singles matches.

Mexican legend Atlantis will team with Esfinge & Fuego against Gran Guerrero, Euforia & Rocky Romero. It’s the first ROH action for Atlantis since a June 2018 challenge for the ROH Six-Man titles.

In another, former ROH Men’s TV Champion Atlantis Jr. will join Templario and Mascara Dorada against Magnus, Soberano and Volador Jr.

Dark Panther will face the returning Gravity who hasn’t been in ROH since February 2024 while La Catalina will prepare for her impending challenge of ROH Women’s World Champion Athena with a clash against Lady Frost.

Blake Christian will seek to extend his win streak to seven as he challenges Fuego Del Sol.

The announced lineup is rounded out by The Infantry in tag team action and The Beast Mortos in singles action.

**********

Episode 105 of ROH on Honorclub is here to continue Episode 104’s spotlighting of CMLL’s legendary legion of luchadores with a pair of big time six-man matches! Names like Atlantis, Fuego, Atlantis Jr, Fuego Del Sol and Dark Panther are all in action tonight!

Atlantis, Esfinge & Fuego defeated Euforia, Gran Guerrero & Rocky Romero

Atlantis is 62 years old. That’s it. That’s all you need to know. Joining him are Esfinge, the  CMLL Mexican National Light Heavyweight Champion and CMLL mainstay Fuego. They’ll be taking on Rocky Romero, who ROH fans may remember from another episode of ROH that he was undoubtedly on. He’s teamed with his CMLL pals Euforia who at 50 is not the oldest person in the match and current CMLL World Heavyweight Champion Gran Guerrero (sadly no relation to Eddie). 

Atlantis and Guererro kicked things off with Guererro feigning respect for Atlantis, then sucker punching him. Fuego and Romero then took a turn with Fuego sending his head into the mat with a big headscissor. That brought in Euforia for a moment before Gran found his way back in.

I should mention, this match was being contested under Luchadore Rules, which meant that if a wrestler exited the ring under the bottom rope, one of his teammates could enter just like being tagged.

Back in the match, Romero and Esfinge flew around the ring, with Romero taking the brunt of the punishment. Euforia came in for a double team with Gran, flattening Romero. Fuego jumped in though and the triple team was on. Guererro landed a big package tiger driver on Fuego, bringing Atlantis back into the fray.

The triple team contiuned as Guererro, Euforia and Romeo all took turns wailing on the legend. The ref managed to shoo two of them out, leaving Romero and Atlantis. Romero tried to remove Atlantis’ mask, but Euforia got in before he could. Atlantis went up top and hit a great crossbody. He then spammed tilt-o-whirl backbreakers, a move attributed to Atlantis.

Esfinge ended up in the ring with Romero and Esfinge manged to get him in a bridged pin that led to a three count. Great opener!!

La Catalina defeated Lady Frost

The ladies of CMLL join the fray next as La Catalina faced off against Lady Frost Along with Catalina’s mexican escapades, she also appeared in WWE’s NXT in a Women’s World Title #1 Contender’s Battle Royale in 2020, where she was eliminated by Shayna Baszler. Catalina also has an upcoming shot at Athena’s ROH Women’s World Title. Frost has been splitting her time between AEW and ROH all while holding the WrestlePro Women’s Championship. Her last ROH match was a loss to Taya Valkyrie in January. 

The two wrestlers were fairly evenly matched in terms of size and speed. They locked up off the top and Catalina managed to work Frost into an early pin attempt. Catalina focused on the leg, trying to keep Frost off her feet. Frost met her head on though and a speedy exchange followed.

Catalina controlled the pace of the match, putting Frost on her back, then flipping her into various submission moves. Perhaps it was the vigour of youth or the excitement of the evening, but Catalina tended to put on a submission move, but if Frost didn’t submit right away, Catalina moved on to another one. She might want to give a bit more time in the future.

Frost battled back and caught Catalina with a lariat off the ropes. Frost sent her too the corner, but was spending a little too much time playing to the crowd. She hit a Snowball Fight, but only got a two count. A slugfest broke out as the two traded blows against the ropes until Catalina inserted her knee in Frosts face.

Frost planted Catalina with a spinning backdrop, but it was just another two count. Frost went up top and Catalina caught her midair for a quick pin attempt. It was a two-count though as both women began to show signs of fatigue. Frost charged Catalina in the the corner, but Catalina dodged and nailed her with an electric chair.

Catalina went up top for a big splash and that was the end for Frost. 1,2,3 and Catalina picks up the win and the momentum heading into her match against ROH Women’s Champion Athena.

The Beast Mortos defeated Adam Priest

Mortos hasn’t been on ROH since the landmark 100th episode, when he ate up and spat out the surprisingly impressive Lord Crewe. Tonight though, he takes on a technical specialist in Priest, so this was a definite mixing of styles.

Priest tried to run around Mortos and pepper him with chops. Unfortunately Mortos does not feel pain like a regular human so he was able to turn the momentum with the extremely technical move called “punch him in the face very hard.”

Mortos tried a chokelsam, but Priest wiggled free and took out Mortos’ leg. Priest has scouted Mortos via a match with him on Collision, so he knew taking him off his feet would be key. Mortos, however, is unkillable by conventional means, so he rose up and hit a massive samoan drop on Priest, gaining control.

Mortos grabbed priest and executed a tilt-o-whirl back breaker into a torture rack followed by a piledriver that put Priest down for good, giving The Beast the win.

The Infantry (Carlie Bravo & Shawn Dean) w/Shane Taylor defeated Jimmy Wild & Rosario Grillo

The last time we saw Bravo and Dean on ROH was back in December in a wild 8-man tag match, teamed with Shane Taylor and Lee Moriarty. Since joining up with Shane Taylor Promotions, the Infantry have looked great, leaning into a more aggressive style. It still hasn’t translated into championship gold though, which I’m sure was on their minds as they checked out the opposition. Wild got beat up by Toa Liona last April in ROH, while Grillo is no stranger, having taken on the Outrunners with Jon Cruz on episode 100.

Dean and Grillo kicked things off, with Dean immediately sending Grillo to the Infantry corner for a double team. Off of that, Wild tagged in and Dean dragged him to the outside and Bravo delivered a huge axehandle onto him on the ring apron (the hardest part of the ring).

Bravo and Wild were up next and history repeated itself as Wild was sent to the corner for Bravo to wrench on behind the refs back. Bravo tagged in and was about the get the pin on Wild, but pulled him up after two for some more punishment instead.

Wild tried for a hit tag, but the Infantry cut him off. Wild actually executed a double DDT on Bravo and Dean, but just couldn’t get that tag as Bravo pulled Grillo off the apron and onto the floor. Bravo and Dean took Wild to Boot Camp and then did a double curb stomp. Dean then pinned Wild’s lifeless body as a matter of protocol.

Blake Christian defeated Fuego Del Sol 

Fuego Del Sol (Not to be confused with his fellow Fuego; Fuego) has been hanging around ROH for the last year or so with mixed results. He’s lost a few singles matches, won a few trios matches and generally been a stalwart workhorse for ROH. Christian, leaning into a grumpy, bully persona, has not lost a match in ROH since Final Battle 2024 back in, well, 2024. That puts him on a 5-match win streak and he’s mad as hell about it.

Christian attacked Del Sol before the bell as Del Sol was soaking up the crowds adulation. Christian worked him over on the outside, stepping on his head against the barricade. Del Sol dodged a flip from Christian and threw him back in the ring. Christian responded with a hige knee to the face and stood on Del Sol’s head again.

Del Sol kept trying to gain the upper hand, but Christian had an answer for him every step of the way. They both matched up on big speed, but Christian was in control through most of the match, including trying to tear of Del Sol’s luchadore mask. Twice.

Christian tapped his wrist like a watch as if to say “time to end this” but Del Sol fought back before Christian could do much damage. He caught Christian with a big back elbow and double stomp to the back of the head. He tried an around the world DDT, but Christian fought back.

Del Sol went up top to end it, but Christian kipped-up and knocked him off the turnbuckle. Christial climbed up and hit a C$ from the top rope before locking in Vanilla Choke Zero. Del Sol was forced to tap out, giving Christian his sixth win.

-Backstage, ROH Women’s Champion Athena cut a promo on La Catalina. Athena is tired of “bi*ches” coming into her show trying to take her title. So when they meet next week, Athena will not be nice to Catalina. Her words, not mine.

Dark Panther defeated Gravity

Last week, Panther teamed up with Fuego and Sammy Guevara in a losing effort in the six-man main event. Now he’s looking to audition for Wicked Part 2 by defying gravity. Wait, hold on, no I was incorrect, Panther is facing off against Gravity, a Bandito-traind Luchadore who’s a double champion, currently holding the Loko Championship and the Lucha Libre Elite Welterweight Championship. The ROH World TV Champion, Komander, watched from the crowd as he and Panther have a match for the title coming up.

Like The Beast Mortos, Panther’s hugeness set him apart from most Luchadores. Gravity tried his best to get him off his feet in the opening exchange, but no dice. Panther went low and put Gravity in an ankle lock. Panther locked Gravity in a standing surfboard, but Gravity wriggled free.

Panther slowed things down with a big lariat, keeping Gravity off his feet. Panther hit a rewind (kind of a double 619) which he shouldn’t have been able to do given his size (physics!). From there, he and Gravity exchanged forearms until Gravity executed a German Suplex.

Gravity tried to throw a lariat, but Panther caught his arm and put on an armlock, forcing Gravity to scramble to the ropes. Panther sent him to the outside and dove through the ropes, twice, once without his elbowpad. Panther went to the second rope for an elbow, but Gravity dodged it. Panther slipped by Gravity’s next move and hit a Knockout blow, getting the pin and the win.

Atlantis Jr., Mascara Dorada & Templario defeated Magnus, Soberano Jr. & Volador Jr.

Ok, so stay with me here as I try to get the 3-6 degrees of luchadore info laid out:

  • Former ROH World TV Champion and current CMLL World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion Atlantis Jr (and yes, Atlantis is his father) faces off against one of his former CMLL World Trios Championship teammates Volador Jr. 
  • Volador, held the CMLL World Historic Welterweight Championship three times for a staggering 3167 day collective Reign. 
  • On the other side of the ring from him is the CURRENT World Historic Welterweight Championship, Mascara Dorada. Dorada most recently defeated Soberano Jr as part of a two-out-of-three falls six-man match two weeks ago. 
  • Soberano held the Mexican National Welterweight Championship for 1664 days before vacating the title and the “El” part of his name. 
  • Last year, Soberano teamed with current Mexican National Tag Team Champion Magnus in a series of tag matches in CMLL. 
  • Magnus, amongst other things, has faced off against Templario, the current CMLL World Middleweight Champion, in best-2-out-of-3-falls six-man matches roughly every 4-6  months since 2016. 

Whew.

Kicking things off with Magnus and Templario, this match was on fire from the start. Soberano followed Mangus in after Templario threw him out of the ring. Atlantis, Templario and Dorada hit a triple dive through the ropes to take out the otheer team.

Back in the ring, Magnus and Dorada went back and forth, with Volador jumping in and Dorada taking care of them both. From here, it was almost impossible to know who was legal in the match. a Lucha-Brawl broke out and when the dist settled Magnus and Templario were in the ring. Dorada tagged in, and the triple-team shifted to Dorada taking a beating from Soberano and Co.

Volador and Magnus hit a great double team move and then the Ref decided to make himself known byt forgetting that you can slide under the ropes to initiate a tag. That led to another Lucha-Brawl and Atlantis found himself in the ring alone against the opposing team. Volador tried for a pin, but only a two-count.

The trio kept Atlantis isolated and twisted his wrist and hand so it seemed like he was giving the finger to the crowd. They triple-kicked him and Atlantis rolled out allowing Templario to take his place in the 3-on-1 beating. Dorada found his way in and took his turn getting triple teamed. The ref was ok with all of this.

Actually he tried hard to keep control, but it was a fool’s effort. Atlantis managed to find an in and tookd down all three, ending with big tilt-o-whirl backbreakers on Magnus and Soberano. Volador was the legal man as the ring cleared and Atlantis tried for a pin, only getting a two-count.

Templario tagged in to take on a clearly dazed Volador. Templario tried to hit a powerbomb off the top rope, but Volador reversed it into a headscissor. That brought in Soberano who kicked Templario very, very lowly in the stomach. Templario paid him back with a massive pop-up blue thunder bomb.

Magnus and Atlantis faced off as the “this is awesome” chants rained down in Texas. Quick tags and Dorada (now the legal man) hit Volador with an inside out run. Atlantis hit a huge frog splash on the legal (maybe) man Magnus and managed to get a pin and the victory for his team.

What a fun show! More Luchadores please!

Atlantis Jr. on the CMLL/AEW relationship, working with his father

Posted on by Denise Salcedo

Atlantis Jr. is the son of legendary Mexican wrestler Atlantis. The young luchador is currently following in the footsteps of his father and working alongside him at CMLL.

His father, Atlantis, has worked with CMLL for his entire 40-year career.

Atlantis Jr. made his wrestling debut in 2017 and started his career with CMLL in late-2018. Since then, he has gone on to win La Copa Junior in 2022, and is currently both a CMLL Trios Champion with  Star Jr and Volador Jr., and the current NWA World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion in his first reign. 

Just last month, Atlantis Jr. teamed up with his father to celebrate his father’s 40 years in wrestling on the NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed card. It was an eight-man tag team bout that saw father and son team up with Mistico and Hiroshi Tanahashi in a win over Rocky Romero, Tiger Mask, Soberano Jr., and Adrian Quest.

Here are some highlights from my conversation with Atlantis Jr., conducted in Spanish and translated by Luis Pulido.

Teaming with his father

Atlantis Jr. has been lucky enough to team and travel with his father numerous times — a number he estimated as well over 200 times.

“It is a great privilege because there are a lot of Juniors that do not have the opportunity to share the ring with their fathers, so being able to have that opportunity is a dream come true because ever since I was a child, I wanted to be like him.

I am about to celebrate five years as a professional wrestler and I have teamed up with my dad for over 200 matches and I am honestly very happy. I am more connected with my dad because we work together, we travel together, we share hotels together, and we are now more unified than ever because of it, so that is something really cool and I learn a lot, too.

My dad has lived a lot in wrestling and he knows all the tricks from number one to infinity, and I think he is the best counselor and best guide. The man that has been able to guide me to be a better professional has been my father.”

He explained that when his father has his mask on, he is brought back to his childhood admiring him. However, when he has his mask off, he is simply his dad. 

“I want him to scold me if he has to in order to keep growing and to mature as a professional wrestler. When he takes off the mask, that’s my dad. It’s completely different. We enjoy it 100%. We go out to eat, we go shopping, we do whatever. So, I really enjoy it a lot.

As soon as he starts to get dressed, he puts on the mask, I am like a little kid again with my eyes wide open, my mouth, my mouth open in awe because he still imposes. So, I think he is a gentleman. He is an incredible father, and as a wrestler, well, I think I have also told him that he is the best Mexican wrestler.”

Of course, being the child of anybody who is great at what they do comes with pressure. He agreed that he had pressure pursuing the same career his father had done exceedingly well in. 

“So obviously, the pressure was on but since that chip entered my head and I said, ‘Let’s see. I have to focus on my career, My father already did his thing, that’s the character. Now I have to focus on my career, on what Atlantis Jr is.’

I have to take advantage of the opportunities, whether it’s a tournament, whether it’s a mask, whatever it is, I have to take advantage of it. And thanks to that, believe me, today I’m more relaxed, I enjoy it 100%, I have more fun, I’m more focused.

Nowadays, many people tell me that yes, it weighs me down. The truth is no, the truth is that I enjoy it 100%. I am now calmer. I think I have had opportunities, I have taken advantage of them, I have had falls, but as they say, from falls you learn and you have to get up stronger.”

The AEW/CMLL relationship

He spoke on the newly-announced partnership between CMLL and AEW, saying that he doesn’t want borders and wants to wrestle all over the world and be recognized worldwide. 

“I don’t want Atlantis Jr. to have borders. I want to go all over the world and I want it to be recognized worldwide and, well, if CMLL has an alliance with AEW, believe me, it would be awesome.”

He mentioned Adam Copeland as somebody he would really like to wrestle in AEW.

“(AEW) also has wrestling legends like Edge (Adam Copeland) which would also be an honor to face him or be with him sharing the ring.”

Additional names he mentioned as dream opponents included Tetsuya Naito, Will Ospreay and Sting. 

Atlantis reflects on four decades in wrestling, CMLL loyalty

Posted on by Denise Salcedo

On Saturday, lucha libre and CMLL icon Atlantis celebrated his 40 year anniversary at NJPW’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed in Las Vegas. 

In an eight-man tag team match, he, Atlantis Jr., Hiroshi Tanahashi & Mistico picked up a win over Adrian Quest, Tiger Mask, Soberano Jr, and Rocky Romero.

The legend has never lost his mask which is considered the most valuable mask in lucha libre right now. Throughout the years, he has won multiple championships in CMLL including the company’s light heavyweight title twice, the Tag Team titles five times, the Trios titles four times, and others.

In 2000, he won match of the year in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards for his bout against Villano III in Mexico City. He is also part of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame class of 2013. 

I recently talked to the legend about his four decades in wrestling, his son, taking the masks of other wrestlers and more. which you can watch for free above. Please note that it’s in Spanish with the following transcribed into English by Luis Pulido in addition to subtitles on the video.

“I didn’t want to be a professional wrestler”

Given that 40 years in any business is a long time, especially a physical one like wrestling, I asked if he ever thought he would go on to have such a lengthy career and one that is still unfolding.

Atlantis went on to reveal that he was actually planning on quitting after two years because his interests were geared more towards amateur sports. 

“I spent eight years in the gym of the best teacher in Mexico, in the whole world, a teacher called El Diablo Velasco, who trained many national and international stars. I trained, but I didn’t want to, I didn’t want to be a professional wrestler.

“My teacher would say to me ‘Kid, are you ready for your wrestling exam?’ and I would answer ‘Professor, I’m not interested in professional wrestling.’ I liked amateur sports. Then a friend of mine once invited me to a small venue. I got excited and went to Mexico City and that day, I made my debut.”

“I had this mask in my hand and a very famous man from CMLL, El Güero Rangel, told me, “Kid, are you going to wrestle with a mask or without a mask?” and I said “With a mask” and he responded, “Well, put it on because you are going to go up.”

“And he asked me, ‘Are you afraid of wrestlers or the fans?’ I said, ‘No, I’m not more afraid of the public than the wrestlers.’ I know how to fight, but the public, facing the seven-headed monster is very difficult.'”

“I just thought about it for two years and then I retired. I’ve been a professional wrestler for 40 years and I don’t want to retire from wrestling. If I die, if I come back in the flesh, I want to be a wrestler because Atlantis is my idol.”

Atlantis said the reason he didn’t give up is because pro wrestling is “addictive.” 

“I take off my mask and I’m an ordinary person. I have no complexes or traumas, but I put on the mask and I am a flesh and blood superhero who is Atlantis. I fight for the character of Atlantis. I have no barriers. I have no boundaries.”

Taking the masks of nine wrestlers

In his 40 years of lucha libre, Atlantis has taken the masks of nine wrestlers like La Sombra, Ultimo Guerrero, Villano III, Talisman, and others. 

“For me, the nine masks that I have won are very, very important. When you lose the mask, it is the most important fight of your life because you are failing yourself, you are failing the press, you are failing the public.”

Atlantis says that if he were to ever lose his mask, he would be brought to tears. He also explained that all nine masks are different, and that they all cost him sweat, tears, and no sleep at nights. 

“Because I know that those fights are very, very, difficult, they are very complicated. But, thank God, I end up with the mask of my rival in my hand with the hand up of a great winner.”

Atlantis Jr.

Like many luchadors, his son is also following in his footsteps. Atlantis Jr. made his wrestling debut in December 2017. Since then, he has gone on to win the NWA Historic Light Heavyweight title, the CMLL Trios title, the Mexican National Tag Team titles, and the 2022 La Copa Junior. 

He also won his first ever mask vs. mask match at the CMLL 89th Anniversary Show on September 16, 2022, when he defeated Stuka Jr in Mexico City, Mexico.

Father and son have teamed up together in the ring multiple times and travel the world together. The father said they are are good friends and are basically the same person. 

“There are no lies, no bad words, no, nothing, just advice. And I tell him, ‘You watch out. You are a very lucky guy. Thank God, you are a son of Atlantis.'”

He said what he learned in 40 years of being in the professional wrestling business, he has been able to teach his son in two years, adding that he trains with him three times a week. 

Why he never left CMLL

Throughout his entire career, Atlantis has been loyal to CMLL. He revealed that he has always been happy in CMLL and should he ever change companies, there should be “six fights and more money.” 

He also shared that AAA has tried getting him over the years and still are to this day.

“I’ve never been interested in belonging to AAA. Maybe one day, but I don’t think so. In my 40 years in CMLL where I am the head of the lion, I don’t want to be the tail of the mouse. So as the song by Vicente Fernandez goes, ‘I am still the king.’”

CMLL Arena Mexico results: Ultimo Guerrero vs. Atlantis

Posted on by Chris Aiken

Images: CMLL

A middleweight title defense headlined the CMLL card on Friday Night in Arena Mexico, along with the beginning of the Copa Junior tournament highlighting the undercard. Ultimo Guerrero defended his NWA World Historic Middleweight title against Atlantis in the main event. In an elimination match, Soberano Jr. advanced in the tournament, winning the first block of La Copa Junior Nuevo Valores.

Elsewhere on the show, mascots did an angle to build interest for an upcoming special attraction tag match. Also, further dissension developed within Los Guerreros Laguneros in the semi-main. The show from Mexico City opened with a minis match.  

Mercurio, Pequeno Nitro & captain Pierrothito defeated Stukita, Ultimo Dragoncito & captain Shockercito

The rudos won the first and third falls. They took the first fall when Pierrothito submitted Dragoncito. Then the rudos ganged up for a beatdown on Stukita. After a volley of moves, Nitro pinned him.

The rudos stayed in control during the second fall until Shockercito started making a comeback, leading to a tecnicos rally. Stukita did a trifecta of moonsaults before pinning team captain Pierrothito, thusly winning the fall and evening the score.

The third fall built to the closing moments where Stukita splashed Nitro on the entrance ramp. The moment of glory for the tecnico side was fleeting, though. Back in the ring, Pierrothito reversed a hurricanrana to pin Dragoncito and Mercurio pinned Shockercito after a package piledriver.

In a brief interview with two women fans, they both most identified themselves as rudas and liked Ultimo Guerrero.

Soberano Jr. won an elimination match to advance in La Copa Junior Nuevo Valores tournament

The other Block A participants in the eight-man elimination match besides Soberano included Cuatrero, Canelo Casas, The Panther, Espanto Jr., El Hijo de Signo, Drone, and Oro Jr. The match played out somewhat like a Survivor Series match with rudos and tecnicos on opposing sides and ending with a sole survivor. Eliminations occurred via pinfall.

For the first elimination, The Panther pinned Signo after a springboard missile dropkick. Canelo Casas next eliminated Oro Jr. upon delivering a half nelson slam. The rudos stalled a rally, but the tecnicos eventually fired up. Drone eliminated Espanto Jr. after doing a handstand on the top turnbuckle into a falling knee smash. Cuatrero eliminated Panther with a splash mountain powerbomb.

The match was then two-on-two, leading into the tecnicos doing dives. Soberano really began to shine from here onwards. Soberano eliminated Canelo Casas after executing a sit-out tombstone. Since any version of the tombstone is protected in Mexico as a devastating move, a doctor came to the ring and tended to Casas.

As only three luchadors remained, Cuatrero eliminated Drone following a springboard into a flying elbow drop. With only two remaining, they brawled on the ramp where Soberano leapt high off the stage for a plancha.

Soberano draped Cuatrero in the ropes for a guillotine lionsault to score the final pinfall. Soberano advances to the finals of the Copa Junior having won Block A.  

Angel de Oro defeated Hechicero

This was a lightning match, meaning it had a 10-minute time limit. They were in a tough spot having to follow the previous spectacle. The crowd saw a lot already and it was all before the third match.

Oro at one point loosened his mask and slightly lifted it off to check his face. Hechicero seemingly potatoed him inadvertently as Oro was rolling away on a botched spot. Oro did a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle to the floor just before checking his face, so it’s safe to assume he is okay and relatively unscathed from the potato.

After about the five-minute mark, Hechicero gave Oro a Muscle Buster and cradled him for a near fall. Hechicero then wiped out Oro with a flying lariat for a two count. The rudo tried using a submission hold on Oro to no avail.

Another near fall brought the match past the eight-minute mark and Oro kicked out again. Oro then fired up and hooked Hechicero for the pinfall in just under nine minutes.

Diamante Azul, Stuka Jr. & captain Valiente defeated Sam Adonis, Mephisto & captain Negro Casas

With a Trump supporter gimmick in front of an Arena Mexico crowd, Adonis had a lot of heat whether it be cheap or otherwise. Not just his character but all the personalities, combined with the crowd buying into them, carried this trios match more so than the lucha itself.

In the first fall, Azul assisted using a catapult so Stuka could fly in to splash and pin Mephisto. Azul then gave Adonis a delayed German suplex with a bridge and pinned him for the tecnicos to take the fall.

The rudos evened the falls when Mephisto pinned tecnico team captain Valiente. A brawl ensued as the third fall began with the rudos continuing their onslaught. The mascots got involved at various times. Adonis at one point used an American flag to choke mascot KeMonito.

Mephisto tried to unmask Stuka only for Stuka to eventually make a comeback, leading to the tecnicos finishing strong. Valiente pinned Mephisto after a tombstone codebreaker. Azul then gorilla pressed Casas into a falcon arrow before pinning him to win the deciding fall.

In an angle building towards a special attraction match, Ultimo Guerrero hosted a segment in the ring with two mascot teams. Guerrero first introduced the crowd to Micro Man and Gallito before Mije and El Perico Zacarias also joined them in the ring.

The two pairs of mascots are in an upcoming tag match on April 30th, so naturally the rudos attacked Micro Man and Gallito for heat. The program is likely intended as a draw for a show happening on Children’s Day.

Dragon Lee, Caristico & captain Mistico defeated Niebla Roja, Gran Guerrero & captain Euforia

The story of the match itself involved the rudos and a rift forming within Los Guerreros Laguneros. Niebla Roja continued to alienate himself from the group. The rudos won the opening fall only to lose two straight.

Euforia powerbombed, then pinned Dragon Lee in the first fall. Roja began arguing with his teammates as they looked to finish off Mistico. That spared Mistico. The rudos still regrouped enough for Gran Guerrero to submit Caristico and take the first fall.

The tecnicos made a comeback in the second fall. Dragon Lee pinned Niebla Roja with a schoolboy and Mistico submitted Gran Guerrero with La Mistica. The rudos continued to have issues in the third fall.

Niebla Roja and Dragon Lee slugged it out, then shook hands. The rudo teammates became irate with such a display of sportsmanship. After being shoved down, Niebla Roja abandoned ship and left the scene.

The tecnicos capitalized on the skirmish as Caristico dispatched Gran Guerrero with a dive to the outside. Team captain Mistico applied La Mistica on rudo captain Euforia to win the third fall.

In more hype for the upcoming mascot tag match, Zacarias cut a promo about the April 30th card. CMLL sure is promoting the heck out of the mascot match, more so than almost anything else they usually push. The exception is the Dragon Rojo souvenir cup. The promotion is really pushing that drinking cup to the crowd. Most of the segments plugging their products on the show featured that drink cup. 

NWA World Historic Middleweight Champion Ultimo Guerrero defeated Atlantis to retain his title

In their respective corners, Stuka Jr. was Atlantis’ second while Gran Guerrero was the second for Ultimo Guerrero. Early on, Atlantis would quickly win the opening fall only for the champion to retain by winning the last two falls. The atmosphere for the last fall was proverbially electric.

The first fall was all grappling on the mat when Atlantis surprised Guerrero by cradling him for a quick pin to leave the champion down by one fall just five minutes into the title match. The second fall was even shorter than the first, ending in under a minute when Guerrero submitted Atlantis.

The climactic third fall was more lengthy with sustained drama. The seemingly timeless Atlantis did a dive through the ropes, which is beyond impressive for someone of his age that debuted in the early 1980s. Moments later, Atlantis escaped a Gory Special and also kicked out of a cover.

The fight spilled to the outside and Guerrero did his signature leap over the barricade. Atlantis recovered and leapt back into the ring with a flying crossbody. Guerrero rolled through and covered Atlantis for a two count. With them perched on the turnbuckles, Guerrero powerbombed Atlantis. Heroically, Atlantis managed to kick out again for a close near fall.

In the closing minutes, Atlantis sent Guerrero sailing off the top turnbuckle to cover him for a near fall. The referee was out of position and late on the count, allowing the hero to save face. Atlantis escaped a roll-up. Guerrero then cheated on another roll-up by putting his feet on the ropes. The referee caught him.

Heading into the finish, Atlantis applied La Atlantida but Guerrero used the ropes to break the hold. Atlantis climbed the ropes looking to finish off a reeling Guerrero. However, Guerrero scaled the ropes behind him and executed a reverse superplex. Guerrero then pinned Atlantis to retain his title.

My Favorite Wrestler (This Week): Shibata, Atlantis, Miley, Starr

Posted on by Zach Dominello

Rosters were shook in WWE, and Sakuras were Genesised in New Japan. These are our favorite wrestlers this week. Who’s yours?

This week’s panel —

Katsuyori Shibata

By Zach Dominello

I don’t know about you, but as much as I enjoyed Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata from Sakura Genesis, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed that Okada retained the title. As great as Okada’s matches and title defenses have been, I’m ready for a new champion, and Shibata is just as deserving as anyone else. He’s been so good for so long, but hasn’t had too many shots at New Japan’s top title.

Unfortunately, that may have been his last one. The post-match buzz I get after watching something great in the ring soon turned to concern when I read that Shibata was hospitalized after the match due to an injury which he received from a sickening, and unnecessary, headbutt spot. But that concern quickly turned to relief with a dash of mild annoyance when reports came in that it was simply a work to get over the physicality of the match.

I don’t mind when wrestling blurs the line between a work and reality. In fact, it usually makes for good television. But hearing news that a wrestler has suffered a subdural hematoma only for it to turn out to be false, well, I guess that’s where I draw the line.

But as this rollercoaster ride of a story continues, word is that Shibata’s injury and hospitalization wasn’t a work after all, and it’s actually worse than first expected. Shibata reportedly suffered from dehydration as well as the head injury, and had some paralysis to his right side. The crushing blow is that it’s believed Shibata won’t be cleared to wrestle again.

I know I just complained about using a performer’s health for a work, but I’d happily accept that if it meant this news wasn’t true. First Tomoaki Honma, now Shibata. The careers of two of pro wrestling’s modern greats are now in serious jeopardy.

I don’t know if Shibata’s headbutt was solely responsible for the damage, or know for sure if the injury was real, though at this stage it unfortunately appears to be. Either way, New Japan has got to put an end to those unprotected, skull-on-skull headbutts. Simply put, they’re not worth it.

Atlantis

By Chris Aiken

My favorite this week is a luchador that is indeed an actual living legend. Atlantis first debuted in the early 1980s. His lengthy career continues to this day where he headlines the Friday night card at Arena Mexico challenging Ultimo Guerrero for the NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship.

Atlantis finds himself in a familiar position as part of a title match. He recently tweeted a photo of himself holding the first title he captured back in 1984.

In one of his many main event matches at Arena Mexico, Atlantis defeated Guerrero to take his mask at the annual CMLL anniversary show in 2014. They renewed their rivalry ahead of Atlantis issuing a verbal challenge last Friday, wanting a title match with Guerrero. Title matches are still relatively protected in Mexico, and such attractions take place much more sparingly as compared to pro wrestling in the United States.

Moreover, Atlantis is far from a nostalgia act as the challenger. While the nostalgic factor does play a large part in his enduring popularity, Atlantis still performs at a top level.

Nonetheless, this could be the last challenge by Atlantis for a singles title in the main event at Arena Mexico as he inches closer to the end of a career he began decades ago. The storied career of Atlantis has already spanned three decades. At some point every luchador or wrestler eventually does the job for father time.

The Undertaker most recently left his gloves and gear in the ring to signify the end of his career. Yet Atlantis debuted several years before Undertaker, and Atlantis is seemingly still going strong. He could even main event another anniversary show in Arena Mexico before he retires.

Dylan Miley

By Jeremy Peeples

It’s been a big couple of weeks for NXT, and yet despite things like new championships being unveiled at TakeOver and Shinsuke Nakamura getting a fantastic sendoff, my big takeaway from NXT this week was that WWE has something in Dylan Miley.

On the surface, he looks like a big bald dude — but he’s got tremendous facial expressions and a giant beard and gives off an intimidating aura. He worked against DIY, which I’m sure didn’t hurt him, but he looked like an absolute beast tossing them around before finally beating up his partner.

He used basic stuff, but done in a different way. He used a backbreaker, but made sure his knee brace hit the ribs to add a bit more damage before also hitting a rewind powerslam off of it.

He came out of nowhere for me and made a fantastic first impression. I don’t see “top of the brand” heel in him, but as a constant thorn in the side of a babyface NXT Champion, he has real potential to shine if put in the right spot on the card.

David Starr

By Mike DellaCamera

I haven’t seen a ton of wrestling this week, due to “real life” getting in the way, so I’ll use this space to talk about someone that I’ve been enjoying for quite a while now, David Starr.

The Cream in Your Coffee, Your Favorite Wrestler’s Favorite Wrestler, The Jewish Cannon, The Physical Embodiment of Charisma, The Most Entertaining Man in Pro Wrestling, Mr. Americanrana, Davey Wrestling, The 104 Minute Man, The Main Event, The King of Taunts is deserving of all these nicknames — and probably more.

The former wXw Shotgun Champion is one of the more versatile and impressive wrestlers on the independent scene. The ability to work any style of match, and do it well, is typically a sign of someone who has an enormously bright future. Recently, his champion vs. champion match with Matt Riddle in CZW was a great, short sprint, and his anything goes match with Joey Janela at Beyond Wrestling back in January was out of control and fantastic — I was there for that match and can’t recommend it enough.

Wrestling acumen aside, Starr is fairly outspoken about equality not just in wrestling, but in every aspect of life. He has spoken about the anti-Semitic things that have been said/done to him over his years as a performer. The use of his platform as a public figure to speak out against inequality is something that deserves praise and more attention than it gets.

Zack Sabre Jr., someone who feels like a fixture in this column, said after winning the EVOLVE title, “Pro wrestling is for everyone. We welcome everyone. We do not discriminate. The Earth is for everyone and professional wrestling is for everyone.” Here’s hoping more wrestlers do what ZSJ and David Starr are doing.