Touch the Skye - the story of how Remmy Skye took the OLLIE book and a winding road to Mexico in search of salvation.

[DarEatWorld]

OLLIE Popup Lucha

Date: Saturday, Week 1, April, 2020
Venue: Mexico City (Centro), Mexico
Attendance: 2,832
TV Rating: 0.09 (69,818 viewers)

Announce Team: Humberto Tortega, Rafael Ruiz, Phoenix III

Referees: Domingo Castillo, Patricio Marcos

Road Agents: Manuel Prieto, Phoenix I, Phoenix III

Preshow

Zero Tolerance (Elsa Calvo and Purple Viper) defeated The UV Raze (Ursula Saez and Velvet Suarez) in 9’39 when Elsa Calvo pinned Velvet Suarez with a handful of tights. Purple Viper carried the match in terms of in-ring performance. (Match Rating: 52)

The Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt and Kamikaze) defeated Phobia and Super Diestro in 12’16 when Kamikaze pinned Phobia with a Tidal Explosion. Super Diestro was the weak link, struggling to keep up with everyone else’s in-ring performance. (Match Rating: 41)

The Show

Humberto Tortega: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Humberto Tortega and it is my great pleasure to welcome you to OLLIE Popup Lucha - an unscheduled pitstop on the road to LuchaSlam XXV! We’re here tonight in conjunction with up and coming rock band Dani and the Answers who are launching their debut album ‘Foxes from Space’ tonight and they’ll be playing a gig after our show. Gentlemen, are you looking forward to that?
Phoenix III: Truth be told, this rock music is not really my thing but they seem like nice young people and I wish them the best.
Rafael Ruiz: I’m looking forward to their show, I’ve always had a thing for redheads. 
Humberto Tortega: What I am most looking forward to is our own Main Event tonight - a Fatal Four Way match to determine who will challenge Nicolas Lopez for the Campeonato de Universal title later this month at LuchaSlam XXV. I don’t think anybody could confidently predict who will win that one - Luis Montero Jr, Marcos Flores, Hijo Del Mephisto or Silver Tiger.
Rafael Ruiz: Of course you can. It will be Hijo Del Mephisto. Or maybe Silver Tiger.
Phoenix III: Yeah, Marcos Flores for me.
Humberto Tortega (sighs): It’s going to be a long night, let’s just go to our first match.

***

Remmy Skye Vs Pierrot

Remmy Skye’s first appearance outside of OLLIE preshows came in this contest against the petrifying Pierrot, the perpetually silent member of Psycho Circus. These two quick fighters provided an enjoyable opening bout with momentum shifting back and forth between them. Pierrot’s reputation as the owner of one of the best dropkicks in wrestling today was only aided by some passionate selling from Skye who is a consummate tecnico. Pierrot thought he had it won after a cross body block only for Skye to roll through, using his momentum to barely keep the clown’s shoulders down for long enough for referee Domingo Castillo to slap the canvas three times and ensure that Skye remains unbeaten in Mexico.
Match Rating: 47

The laid back Skye isn’t given an opportunity to savour the moment however as he’s ambushed almost immediately by Hellech and Payaso Jr with Psycho Circus clearly not pleased at the outcome of the match. The sadistic gang triple team Skye and, while he is game, he can’t live with the numbers. Rescue comes in the form of The Canadian Daredevils as Jayson Van Pelt and Kamikaze, winners themselves on the preshow, hit the ring. Battle is joined briefly before, seemingly at some unspoken signal, Psycho Circus leave the ring together and beat a retreat to the back.
Angle Rating: 23

Humberto Tortega: A chaotic beginning to our evening. Remmy Skye picks up a win in his first exposure to the wider OLLIE Universe and The Canadian Daredevils involving themselves in things against the men who won the Trios titles from them.
Rafael Ruiz: I’ve always suspected that this Canadian pair are very stupid and this just proves that. Picking a fight with Psycho Circus is an act of profound idiocy.
Phoenix III: JVP and Kamikaze are men of honour and courage. They deserve better than your snide mockery.
Rafael Ruiz: How can you be so naive? They’ll get what they deserve when Psycho Circus get their hands on them. Those guys are specialists in chaos.
Humberto Tortega: They are definitely that. I suspect we may see these guys clash again.
Rafael Ruiz: What a bold prediction Humberto.
Humberto Tortega: I’m here to offer my thoughts Rafael, anyway let’s get back to the ring for out next bout - this one pitting Catalina Vazquez against La Hija Del Diablo

***

Catalina Vazquez Vs La Hija Del Diablo

This proved an enjoyable contest for the 8’03 that it lasted. Vazquez, as the likeable underdog, gave as good as she got in the first match since she signed a permanent deal with OLLIE after giving a good account of herself when on loan from CILL. Her heart and desire can not be questioned but La Hija Del Diablo is not a Luchadora prone to admiration of others. Her innate malice was evident throughout this match and, ably assisted by an excellent announce team, this one did a good job of getting the crowd hotter as the two women battled. For a finish Del Diablo’s mean streak would prove the difference maker and she won the match after hitting her Diablo Diver.
Match Rating: 50

The finish was marred once more by the aftermath with Del Diablo continuing her assault and pummelling the semi-conscious Vazquez, showing no signs of letting up until the return of Mystery Pink who hit the ring and made the save, much to the vocal disgust of Del Diablo.
Angel Rating: 37

Humberto Tortega: More bedlam here tonight! Mystery Pink saving young Catalina Vazquez.
Rafael Ruiz: The only mystery is why anybody would be idiotic enough to come between La Hija Del Diablo and her prey! No shortage of fools in OLLIE these days it seems.
Phoenix III: What you see as foolishness, some of us see as integrity.
Rafael Ruiz: And what you see as integrity, I recognise as weakness. Mystery Pink is just back from having her arm broken by Celeste Moon. She should be easing her way back, not picking a fight with what might be the most vindictive fighter in all of Mexico.
Humberto Tortega: We’ll have to see what happens next for all parties concerned. We get to our semi-main for tonight now anyway. Amo Del Gato will be the next man to challenge the reborn, refocused El Hijo De Espado Roja.
Phoenix III: A noble spirit, redemption is not easily found.
Rafael Ruiz: Another bum. A loser.

***

El Hijo De Espado Roja Vs Amo Del Gato

Roja and Gato matched a lot of technical holds in this one which didn’t exactly get them over with a rowdy crowd. Momentum shifted back and forth with both men scoring near falls. Gato, as is his style, took every cheap shot in the book. Roja resisted the urge to respond in kind, keeping within the rules in the face of some serious provocation. For a finish this would pay off as a succession of snap suplexes and an exquisite running bulldog grounded Del Gato for long enough that Roja could hit his trademark Swanton Bomb, hook the leg and score the three.
Match Rating: 50

Humberto Tortega: El Hijo De Espado Roja looking like anything but a bum or a loser there to me!
Rafael Ruiz: Punk got lucky. He didn’t look so hot when Disturbed was tearing his head off last time out
Phoenix III: Do you think that the reason you are so irritated by him is because you could never hope to grow like he has?
Rafael Ruiz: The reason he irritates me is the same reason that you do - a waste of materials who doesn’t have the desire to do whatever it takes to reach the top.
Humberto Tortega: Speaking of the top, we're going to be joined now by Nicolas Lopez, our esteemed champion, to offer his insight into our Main Event, which will determine who will next challenge him for the Campeonato de Universal OLLIE title.

***

The arrival of the champion is well received as he makes his way to the announce desk, via the ring, taking the time to mount each of the four turnbuckles. He basks in the adulation of the crowd, brandishing his title belt over his head, his proud demeanour and legacy in OLLIE evident based on their reaction to his every move.
Angle Rating: 58

Humberto Tortega: Ladies and gentlemen, it is a real pleasure to welcome to the announce desk the Campeonato de Universal - Nicolas Lopez!
Nicolas Lopez: The pleasure is all mine. Some of the finest wrestlers in all of Lucha Libre compete here in OLLIE and as we begin the countdown to LuchaSlam XXV it seems fitting to me that I would be here to observe the rise of my next challenger.
Rafael Ruiz: Trying to figure out how you can take advantage eh? It’s a smart move champ, I didn’t think you had it in you.
Nicolas Lopez: I am Nicolas Lopez, I don’t need to ‘take advantage’ of anybody. I meet all challengers head on.
Phoenix III: Mr.Ruiz lives in a world of his own, I wouldn’t pay any heed to his weird way of looking at the world.
Rafael Ruiz: Kissass.

***

Luis Montero Jr Vs Marcos Flores Vs Hijo Del Mephisto Vs Silver Tiger - Fatal Four Way Number One Contender’s Match for Campeonato de Universal

The last match of the night pitted four highly-rated stars against one another in an even, open battle to score the first, crucial fall that would give the victor a shot in the Main Event at the highly touted OLLIE LuchaSlam XXV show later this month. Each of the four men had moments when it seemed that they would be the ones to book their ticket to the show.

There were, inevitably, spells when it almost felt like a tornado tag match with Montero and Flores against Mephisto and Silver Tiger. Agueda Alonso was also a visible presence at ringside, lending her vocal support to Luis Montero Jr. Montero was forced to defend his manager too with the beautiful Alonso drawing the unwanted attention of Hijo Del Mephisto early in the match.

The end, when it arrived, came quite quickly. While Mephisto and Flores grappled in the ring, Montero and Silver Tiger traded blows on the outside of the ropes, on the ring apron. Flores planted a knee in the gut of Mephisto, allowing him to create a little separation and, in a move born of pure inspiration, hitting an outrageous dropkick that sent Silver Tiger flying through the air to crash into a table at ringside. The opportunistic Hijo Del Mephisto was quickly on the scene too though, clotheslining Flores over the ropes to the floor, hitting a quick suplex on a groggy Montero to bring him back into the ring, scaling to the top turnbuckle and securing the win at 11’51 via his Satanic Elbow.
Match Rating: 66

Humberto Tortega: There you have it folks. The Main Event at LuchaSlam XXV will be champion Nicolas Lopez against challenger Hijo Del Mephisto for the most prestigious prize in OLLIE today.
Nicolas Lopez: I look forward to meeting this man in battle.
Phoenix III: A classic tale of good against evil awaits us.
Rafael Ruiz: Personally I think that Hijo Del Mephisto is going to make a great champion.
Nicolas Lopez: I will not allow that to come to pass!
Humberto Tortega: You heard the champion, don’t you dare miss LuchaSlam XXV! It will determine the future of OLLIE.

Show Rating: 59 (increased popularity in 8 regions)
 

[DarEatWorld]

Just a man and his boss

Phoenix I smiles slightly, “Popup Lucha eh?”

I shrug, not entirely sure where he’s going with this. He seems quite placid but I find it hard to read my boss sometimes, in part because of the mask, in part because English isn’t his first language and there is still some sort of cultural difference. Thankfully, he expands a little more,

“I like it. It’s different for sure, Remmy, not traditional but I think, to stand out, we will need to do such things. You are a man of great ideas. I think we will see some great progress this year.”

We look around the venue, watching as they hurriedly take down the ring before Dani and the Answers come out. It’s been a decent enough sort of day for us. The main event was excellent (TEW.com will later declare it our third best match of the year so far) and it helps us to put more things in place for the way forward. Off the back of tonight we have a couple more matches in place for our upcoming flagship show and, while I want to keep my powder dry, there are pieces in motion that will hopefully help us to make those big changes Phoenix I alluded to as we move towards the middle of the year. For now though… I’m going to enjoy the gig, I’m pretty sure some of the boys (and girls) are going to stick around for it too. Dani says her hellos, the drum slams in, the place erupts as the band start playing one of their better known songs, “1-2-3”.. Rock n’roll, while not quite wrestling (or even surfing) is a hell of a drug.

***

OLLIE Luchaslam XXV - new matches announced:

Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto

The biggest news coming out of Popup Lucha was the confirmation of Hijo Del Mephisto as the man who will challenge Nicolas Lopez for the biggest prize in OLLIE today - the Campeonato de Universal title! It is almost seven months since Lopez won the title for the 8th time by defeating Hijo Del Mephisto. In fact both of Mephisto’s runs with this belt have ended at the hands of the Lucha Libre legend Lopez (try saying that fast five times in a row). Mephisto always delights in the pain and suffering of opponents but there is definitely an added revenge element to his plotting at the moment. Even one on one he is as dangerous a foe as will be found anywhere - with The Council of Decay sure to be lurking in the background too this would be a challenge beyond the grasp of any ordinary man. Of course, as history has taught us time and time again, Nicolas Lopez is no ordinary man. ‘The Untouchable’ believes that he still has what it takes and that, for the good of Lucha Libre, his time atop the mountain should continue for some time yet.

 

Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo

Another match booked in the aftermath of Popup Lucha was this clash between Mystery Pink and La Hija del Diablo. La Hija del Diablo was happily attempting to end the career of young Catalina Vazquez after their match only for Mystery Pink, returning from injury herself, to make the save. Pink and Diablo will now clash at LuchaSlam XXV, a mutual distaste for each other adding weight to what will be an intriguing contest.

Previously confirmed matches:
Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
Phoenix II Vs El Critico
Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
 

[DarEatWorld]

A Council of Phoenix

The determined boss

Phoenix I looked out across the wild, beautiful countryside that surrounded his home. Tradition. It mattered. It really did. Every year, before LuchaSlam, he had been bringing anyone who was a part of the Phoenix legacy out here to his ranch in Noreste for a moment of celebration and gratitude at all that was happening, for there still being an OLLIE and a LuchaSlam to celebrate. Phoenix I had given almost 30 years of his life to OLLIE and, despite the hardships of the last few years, he was proud. MPWF was gone, the upstart offshoot eventually withering on the vine. OLLIE was still here and, even if they were looking over their shoulder at EMLL and CILL more than they were looking at catching EILL of late, there was always hope. Wrestling was in his blood and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The smell of BBQ burgers drifted across the air to him and he pulled his gaze away from the picturesque scenery, taking in the Atlantic Ocean on one side and, off in the distance, the lights of Matamoros, on the other. He walked back towards the pool, drawn to the smells of food and the sounds of friends and fun.

The veterans of the Phoenix Flock

Phoenix II and Phoenix III were standing side by side, watching on in amusement as Phoenix IV made increasingly creative use of the diving board to practise splashes into the pool. The legacy of the Phoenix name mattered to Phoenix I and he believed he had chosen well in the men who had followed his lead. Loyal men, professional men, men who loved the business. III had followed Phoenix I into retirement but he still gave so much to the OLLIE cause - working as one third of the announce team and sharing all of his experience and know-how as one of the Road Agents too. II was 45 now, only a year younger than III but still going in the ring and another giving performer who loved to pass on his knowledge to the youngsters on their way up, mixing his time as an active wrestler with his training school. II and III might never have been World Champions but they had been part of the fabric of OLLIE for well over two decades now. They were warriors, men to stand beside, men who could be trusted, men who had earned their every accolade and title.

The new hope

And then there was Junior - Phoenix IV. He was almost exactly a year old when the first LuchaSlam happened. Phoenix I was beyond proud of his son. Most importantly because he was growing into a fine young man of course, Maria and he both deserved some credit for that he supposed, but also because he was blossoming into a real talent between the ropes. Phoenix I was cautious about being too praiseworthy, it just put needless pressure on the boy and he was wary of the perils of ego too but he saw nothing but good things ahead for his son.

“So gentlemen, how do we feel about this year? LuchaSlam XXV! Twenty five years!”

III smiled, “A milestone boss, a serious milestone.”

II added, “I think we’re going to see big changes in the next six months, big growth. The new boy is going to make the difference.”

The new boy

Ah yes, the new boy. Remmy Skye. The American who had been pulled in from the cold on a hunch. So far, truthfully, the results were mixed. Money and crowds were up which was always a good thing, of course, but there was a sense still that things hadn’t quite taken off in the ring in a way that would necessarily elevate OLLIE in the manner Phoenix I hoped. He believed in Skye though, the man was creative and a breath of fresh air, he had an abundance of ideas that Phoenix I really felt would, when fused with the traditions of Lucha Libre, help OLLIE to climb into a position to really influence trends again and not just to chase them. It NEEDED to be a gradual shift too. Phoenix I had spent 33 years in the business, he liked to think he had learned a lot in that time but if he had only learned one thing it was patience. There would be missteps ahead too certainly, there had been a couple already of course but he felt more confident now about the future than he had in a while. The last show, Popup Lucha, had been one such thing. Pulled together in mere days, mostly through online word of mouth, it wasn’t in any way a traditional Lucha offering. Still though… Phoenix I knew that unpredictability was always a draw to wrestling fans and he sensed that Skye would prove a conduit for unpredictability.

He scooped up a burger, pulled a cold beer out of the icebox. It was two weeks until LuchaSlam. Lots could happen in that time of course but for the rest of the night, it was time to unwind and to relax. The rest could take care of itself.

A plane in a Skye

The son of a beach

Remmy had always quite liked flying, the sensation of being high above all the problems of day to day life. Somehow they all seemed to fade away when you were 36,000 feet above the earth and even if they inevitably slunk back in like wolves around a dying stag when you landed a respite was a respite and to be enjoyed.

The new neighbours

For now though that wasn’t really a concern. Remmy was loath to admit it, even to himself, but he was excited. This would, all things going well, be his last time flying into LAX. Remmy Skye had just signed a lease on an apartment. From Los Angeles to Mexico City - rural Georgia seemed to get further and further away. The lease was for a year - in the same complex as Jayson Van Pelt and Storm Spillane. Remmy was going to be a lot further away from the ocean than he would have liked but he wanted to make a real fist of the OLLIE project and it made sense to be on the ground to do that.

He was just settling into his window seat, about to pop in his earbuds and listen properly to that Dani and the Answers album when the woman, taking the aisle seat, did a double take. 
“Are… are you Remmy Skye?”

This didn’t really happen often. Understandably. Remmy had walked to the ring at certain indie shows and realised that nobody there knew who he was. He confirmed his identity to his fellow passenger.

“That’s amazing man, I used to go to a lot of CZCW shows when I was living in LA. What are you up to now?”

The old man in the middle, clearly anticipating a whole lot of conversation flying back and forth across him about subjects that he had zero interest in, kindly (and wisely) offered to swap seats with the woman there and then. She gladly accepted and Remmy discreetly slid the earbuds back into his pocket.

Time man... where does it go?

Ali introduced herself and excitedly shared that she’d been there the night that Remmy won his second Coastal Zone Championship. August 2013. CZCW Wave of Fury. Remmy had ended the year long title reign of Mikey James.

“And now he’s Mikey Lau right? In SWF? My son watched them sometimes.”

There was a pause,

“I thought you’d be one of the people to go to the bigtime too. What happened? God.. that was rude, sorry! Forget I asked.”

“No, it’s okay,” Remmy rushed to assure Ali. He liked to think he’d have done it for anyone but self-aware enough to realise that the fact that Ali was blonde, pretty and definitely not wearing a wedding ring might have swayed the reaction too.

“I just… I needed to step away. There was a lot going on in my life and… well… it just sort of happened.”

There was no need to share the finer details of his suicidal 2014 and 2015. Or his despondent 2016. Another largely suicidal 2017. A better 2018 when he had at least harnessed his misery into some interesting paintings and a bit of a niche for humorous tweeting that had helped him to get booked more regularly last year.

One of these men is reportedly an asshole...

Thankfully Ali had a bunch of questions anyway about the CZCW roster between roughly 2012-2014. She professed that her favourites had been Mikey James/Lau (and Remmy had never really considered before the vast disparity in their career trajectories since that night in 2013), Rich and Famous (Jackpot Jordan and Jake Idol), California Love Machine and, she professed, Remmy himself. She wanted to know what they were like and he told her that Jackpot was fun, a lot of fun, before downplaying just how hedonistic and scatterbrained California Love Machine was and flat out lying through his teeth rather than shatter her illusions by revealing Jake Idol was a selfish, dislikable bastard. 

Kids love Rocky

She wasn’t into wrestling anymore, it had been a phase for her and one she’d enjoyed but didn’t miss. She didn’t know that CZCW was still going, let alone that Wrestleworld was a thing, or that Rich and Famous were working on the east coast now (she’d never heard of PSW). She confirmed again that her son watched SWF and loved Rocky Golden, adding (stressing even) that he’d gotten even more engrossed in it since her divorce. Overall it was a nice way to spend a flight and he was almost disappointed when they touched down.

“So… Remmy, I’d like to give you my number, maybe we could get together some time, we could even go to a CZCW show maybe, I’m sure everyone would love to see you.”

Remmy wasn't as sure about that. He also hadn’t mentioned OLLIE, he wasn’t sure why, maybe he just wanted it to be a little more settled before he wheeled it out as part of his identity but he guessed it was time to come clean now.

As seen on TV (if your TV is new enough that you access the internet or at least run a cable from your laptop)

“I’m moving to Mexico next week. I’m working for a company called OLLIE there. Wrestling again, who would have thought it? Booking even.”

She was surprised, he could tell and it was fair enough, it was weird he hadn’t mentioned it on the flight but she was a good person, he could tell that too and she was nice about it. She asked if his matches were on TV and he introduced her to the rather limited reach of La Red De La Lucha which, as it happened, was available in California. She promised to watch LuchaSlam XXV with her son and, with a smile, gave him her number anyway,

“Send me a message sometime Remmy, you made me smile when I was younger, maybe I can do the same for you!”

He didn’t think much of it until he got back to his place in LA and started packing up his stuff. Sometime around the fourth box of books being sealed up he took out his phone and looked at her name and number. He couldn’t have explained why but he cried then and, with a shake of his head, he turned back to his packing.

Giving a Devil his due

The number one contender

Hijo Del Mephisto could never remember a time when Lucha Libre hadn’t been a part of his life. His Uncle, the legendary original Mephisto, used to joke that he was in the ring before he could walk.

A true legend

“He crawled across me when he was a year old while my shoulders were on the mat. One. Two. Three. The smallest person to ever pin me.” It had been over two years since Uncle Mephisto had passed. The line had been that when he died he went straight to hell and the devil jumped up and offered him his throne. A true giant. A former OLLIE World Champion. One of the the big four who had walked out and formed MPWF - which had drawn some of the biggest names in Mexico for almost 40 years - the arena where Hijo Del Mephisto had gotten his own first big break. MPWF had been good to him - titles aplenty in singles, tag team and trios ranks. He’d been their final champion when they finally shut the doors in 2014.

Hijo Del Mephisto was serious about his craft. It was why he was sweating in the gym now, keeping his body toned. He loved the anonymity of Lucha Libre too, nobody knew who he was here, without the mask he was just another guy chasing gains. More than once, over the years, he had been a silent bystander listening to people discussing his matches from the night before. It was a hell of a way to get feedback. For the most part, he was happy to report, he was well-regarded.

Occasionally he would listen to purists bemoan the fact that, technically, he was a long, long way from the zenith. He didn’t care much, truth be told. He’d learned from his Uncle. A textbook suplex was one thing. A fine thing even. Could take a man all the way to the middle of the card. To bed into the Main Event scene though, to be a World Champion. Charisma. Character. Personality. The ability to suck an audience into a story, to make them believe. That was what made the difference.

Hijo Del Mephisto had mastered that in MPWF and carried it straight into OLLIE where he had added two more runs as World Champion to his CV. As leader of The Council of Decay he was a big star here too. Now he was two weeks out from headlining the biggest show OLLIE had seen in decades - challenging one of the biggest names in the game - ‘The Untouchable’ Nicolas Lopez for the promotion’s biggest title. He closed his eyes and remembered his Uncle, not as he had been at the end, pale and semi-conscious, fighting a losing battle with cancer. Not even as the middle aged, kindly Uncle who had been there for him so much, so willingly, so lovingly when Hijo’s father, his own kid brother had died in a car crash. He remembered his Uncle as he had been at this peak, how he would want to be remembered, as Mephisto - the terrifying, awe inspiring devil who had arenas full of people eating out of the palm of his hand as they tasted fear. He hoped he had made him proud, he hoped that somehow, some part of his spirit would be there to watch LuchaSlame XXV. It could be a very, very big day for him.

OLLIE Luchaslam XXV - matches announced:

w/w/
Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr w/Agueda Alonso & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)

The depth of the OLLIE Tag Team division is such that the booking committee were unable to determine a singular number one contender. The upshot of this is this Fatal Four Way collision, pitting a quartet of accomplished pairs against each other for the prestigious prize. Space Invaders will be the duo who enter with the belts. Cosmic Rider and Extranjero Loco have been champions since July 2019, knocking off no less acclaimed a team than Nicolas Lopez and Marcos Flores. The challengers are the sadistic Evil Intent, whose impressive pedigree includes two runs with the Campeonatos de Parejas in OLLIE, four reigns with the equivalent title in MPWF and 10 months as COTT Tag Team Champions. The Tecnico side of the contest is made up of just The Freedom Family, seeking a second run as champions almost 12 years after they lost the belts back in 2008. The last team are another intriguing proposition - The American Cobras, ably assisted by Emilia Reyes, are arguably the most well-regarded tag team in indie wrestling today. They’ve won the Sam Keith Classic, are former (three time) Tag Team champions in CZCW, have held the COTT Tag Team titles three times also (were only recently dethroned there), have formerly held the very titles being fought for in this very match, toured regularly in BCG. Even attempting to predict a winner here is surely an exercise in arrogance.

Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)

Psycho Circus’ first defence of their Campeonatos de Trios titles will come against two-thirds of the men from whom they won the prize. The Canadian Daredevils have found somebody just as devoted to risk and high impact as themselves - ‘Psyche Out’ Remmy Skye. Psycho Circus are, by any metric, utterly deranged. It’s open to discussion how much the clowns really value the title belts but, like wild animals, they don’t like being interrupted when they’re playing with their food. After Remmy Skye had defeated Pierrot at Popup Lucha, the whole of Psycho Circus emerged, like maggots intent on consuming a corpse. The Canadian Daredevils made the save and, in the process, earned a new ally against the Carnival of Carnage that is Psycho Circus.

Edited January 8, 2023 by DarEatWorld

[DarEatWorld]

Lucha Web! news update

EMLL Mortal Combat IX - Headlines


1. Guerrero Muerto has won the Campeonato del Mundo EMLL title for the fourth time. He regained the title by defeating Captain Lucha.


2. Samael the Accuser has won the vacant Campeonato de Mexico EMLL title, the first time he has held that belt.

3. La Estrella has quit EMLL. A dispute over late payments has been bubbling over for a few weeks and led to him simply not showing up last night.
4. Show Rating: 70, Attendance: 833

OLLIE LuchaSlam XXV - matches announced:

COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
The COTT World Heavyweight title will be defended at LuchaSlam XXV - a suitably grand stage for arguably the biggest prize in independent wrestling in the world today. ‘The Priest of Pain’ Pablo Rodriguez, well known to Mexican audiences for his long runs with MPWF and EILL (or SOTBPW as it was), has held the title since August 2019, using all of the experience accrued in his long career in Mexico, USA and Japan to turn back every challenger. Flores, of course, has a little history with the title himself, holding it with some distinction between July of 2017 and April of 2018. He will give everything he possesses to try and become just the second man to hold the big, silver belt twice. For Rodriguez, this will be his biggest match in Mexico for years and, while he will be under no illusions about the reception he may receive, his determination to remind us all of what we’ve been missing will be absolute.

El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger
2020 has been an inconsistent year for both of these men so far and they’ll both be eyeing this match in two ways. First and foremost there’s a sense that they aren’t quite reaching the standards that they expect of themselves. Secondly, and more crucially, they’ll be looking to take a decisive victory here and turn that into positive momentum as we move towards the middle third of the year. Both men are talented and driven and used to success. Fighters full of confidence. Confidence rooted in proven skills. Skills that elevate them beyond the wildest dreams of most. This one might fly under the radar somewhat but it could be the sleeper success not just of this show but of the year to date for OLLIE.

Also happening:
Catalina Vazquez & The UV Raze (Ursula Saez & Velvet Suarez) Vs Bizarro & Zero Tolerance (Elsa Calvo & Purple Viper)
10 Man Battle Royal - Amo Del Gato, Astro, Blue Phantom, Extraordinario Jr, Fuego Fantastico, Laberinto Jr, Mr Lucha III, North Star Jr, Phoenix IV, Super Diestro
 

LuchaSlam XXV - predictions card:
1- Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto
Comment:
2- Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
Comment:
3- Phoenix II Vs El Critico
Comment:
4- Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)
Comment:
5- COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
Comment:
6- Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo
Comment:
7- Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
Comment:
8- Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)
Comment:
9 - El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger
Comment:

Some Questions:
1. Do we see merit in further summaries of the other Mexican promotion's PPVs?
2. The preview for LuchaSlam XXV was spread out over the last few entries - do people prefer to get them all at once or does it work having them doled out in spurts as they are being announced?

Edited January 13, 2023 by DarEatWorld

[AboardTheArk]

LuchaSlam XXV - predictions card:
1- Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto
Comment: A really tough choice for me as a huge Hijo Del Mephisto fan, but you have more rudo challengers than tecnico ones at the moment so logically this reign goes on a tiny bit longer until Hijo del Espaja gets pushed, blue phantom maybe, Extraordinario Jr could turn, who knows. HDM still has to vanquish Flores for good!
2- Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
Comment: let's keep the chase going
3- Phoenix II Vs El Critico
Comment: IV is beating El Critico at some point, not someone before that
4- Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)
Comment: The Americans are winning because the head booker is American
5- COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
Comment: Pablo would rather retire than job 
6- Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo
Comment: We need a steady supply of tecnico winners for such a big show 
7- Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
Comment: He has a manager and the other two hate each other
8- Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)
Comment: this reign has only just begun
9 - El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger
Comment: he's too good not to win

Some Questions:
1. Do we see merit in further summaries of the other Mexican promotion's PPVs?

Personally, I enjoy it especially since I am invested in the whole lucha scene of the CVerse, but honestly you make so much more money than them that it'll soon become irrelevant. Maybe highlight important things like you did with the title changes and La Estrella leaving (who I hired for one save then he got into a fight with my luchadoras about how women's wrestling sucks so I fired him).

2. The preview for LuchaSlam XXV was spread out over the last few entries - do people prefer to get them all at once or does it work having them doled out in spurts as they are being announced?

I think it was well and naturally done, but selfishly if we get it in one post then maybe we get the diary going faster and this is one of my favorite ones going right now, I love basically everything.

[Pteroid]

LuchaSlam XXV - predictions card:
1- Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto
Comment:
2- Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
Comment:
3- Phoenix II Vs El Critico
Comment:
4- Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)
Comment: space
5- COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
Comment:
6- Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo
Comment:
7- Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
Comment:
8- Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)
Comment: clowns
9 - El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger
Comment:

Some Questions:
1. Do we see merit in further summaries of the other Mexican promotion's PPVs? ye
2. The preview for LuchaSlam XXV was spread out over the last few entries - do people prefer to get them all at once or does it work having them doled out in spurts as they are being announced? either's fine

[KyTeran]

LuchaSlam XXV - predictions card:
1- Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto
Comment:
2- Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
Comment:
3- Phoenix II Vs El Critico
Comment:
4- Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)
Comment:
5- COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
Comment:
6- Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo
Comment:
7- Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
Comment:
8- Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)
Comment:
9 - El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger
Comment:

Some Questions:
1. Do we see merit in further summaries of the other Mexican promotion's PPVs?

I think that there is merit in your summaries.  It helps that they are enjoyable to read as well.
2. The preview for LuchaSlam XXV was spread out over the last few entries - do people prefer to get them all at once or does it work having them doled out in spurts as they are being announced?

I think that it works either way.

[knkmaster69]

LuchaSlam XXV - predictions card:
1- Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto
Comment:
2- Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
Comment:
3- Phoenix II Vs El Critico
Comment:
4- Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)
Comment:
5- COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
Comment:
6- Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo
Comment:
7- Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
Comment:
8- Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)
Comment:
9 - El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger
Comment:

Some Questions:
1. Do we see merit in further summaries of the other Mexican promotion's PPVs? Yes, especially because it's pretty easy to skip for people who don't care as much.
2. The preview for LuchaSlam XXV was spread out over the last few entries - do people prefer to get them all at once or does it work having them doled out in spurts as they are being announced? I'm fine with either! The latter is the most realistic but the former is faster and easier so literally both are equally good in my book

[DarEatWorld]

Touch The Skye #4 - Remmy says:

Tonight is the night. LuchaSlam XXV. I woke up this morning feeling like a kid on Christmas Day, back when I was young enough not to realise how weird I was and everything, literally everything, still held possibilities. It’s a big night for everyone involved in OLLIE - a real opportunity for us to make a statement of intent that we’re back. It's all about those possibilities.

We’ve got a great roster here. Great people for sure. People like El Pavo Real who sold MORE of his gear online for charity. People like Velvet Suarez who brought a crate of energy drinks for everyone at Popup Lucha. A small, kind gesture. There’s great workers here too though and this is a stage they deserve. People at all sorts of different stages in their career too - veterans like Nicolas Lopez, Marcos Flores and El Critico, up and coming talent like Phoenix IV and Fuego Fantastico and the people in their prime who will carry us forward - luchadors and luchadoras of drive and heart and ability. I’m proud to be a part of this, of the trust put in me. I got here early this morning - wanted to savour every moment of this day - and I can feel the rising anticipation with every passing minute. It’s still early enough that most of the talent haven’t arrived yet but in just a few minutes we’ll have our last booking meeting - Phoenix I and Phoenix III, Manuel Prieto (did you know that he’s the Uncle of Mr Lucha III?) and myself. Later on we’ll include the referees and the announce team and, once everyone is here, Phoenix I and myself will give a speech. After that… the road agents will talk to the guys specifically and, from there, it’s a waiting game. Will update this later.

 Edit: A last few thoughts. One of the great sensations I’ve experienced is the hum of the waiting wrestling audience. As more people arrive the volume slowly builds alongside the anticipation, every person there feeding upon everyone else’s energy. It’s communal, it’s spiritual, it’s really, really special. Ali texted earlier, reminded me that she and her kid were going to be watching. My sister sent a message too, wishing me luck. My parents didn’t bother but, then again, we’ve been speaking as much as we normally do which is to say, not at all really. Dani and The Answers are back to perform (this time, they’re opening for us) and I watch them through the curtain. Looks like a decent crowd. Let’s hope there’s as much enthusiasm from them all after the twists and turns of the night ahead. I love wrestling, I love it so much.

OOC: The next post will be LuchaSlam XXV - a show that I hope will be worth the wait! Also, and I'll go into more detail on this after the show, I can't stress enough how much I appreciate the engagement that I've gotten on this diary. It makes a huge difference to me. I'm very grateful for the feedback to the couple of questions I asked at the end of the last post. A special shout out to @AboardTheArk - I love getting the insights of others into my 'booking' (even if I regularly think "their idea was better than mine!") and, yeah, thanks for taking the time to do that.
 

[Chaddes]

LuchaSlam XXV - predictions card:
1- Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto
2- Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen
3- Phoenix II Vs El Critico
4- Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)
5- COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores
6- Mystery Pink Vs La Hija del Diablo
7- Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja
8- Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)
9 - El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger

Some Questions:
1. Do we see merit in further summaries of the other Mexican promotion's PPVs?
Sure, sounds cool
2. The preview for LuchaSlam XXV was spread out over the last few entries - do people prefer to get them all at once or does it work having them doled out in spurts as they are being announced?
Personally I don't mind, I prefer one singular post but I'm not too fussed either way.

[DarEatWorld]

OLLIE LuchaSlam XXV
Date: Saturday, Week 4, April, 2020
Venue: Mexico City (Centro), Mexico
Attendance: 3,872
TV Rating: 0.14 (106,709 viewers)

Announce Team: Humberto Tortega, Rafael Ruiz, Phoenix III

Referees: Domingo Castillo, Patricio Marcos

Road Agents: Manuel Prieto, Phoenix I, Phoenix III

Preshow

Bizarro & Zero Tolerance (Elsa Calvo & Purple Viper) defeated Catalina Vazquez & The UV Raze (Ursula Saez & Velvet Suarez) in 10:14 when Purple Viper defeated Catalina Vazquez after using a foreign object. (Match Rating: 54)

10 Man Battle Royal - Amo Del Gato, Astro, Blue Phantom, Extraordinario Jr, Fuego Fantastico, Laberinto Jr, Mr Lucha III, North Star Jr, Phoenix IV, Super Diestro
Mr Lucha III won the Battle Royal in 15:25. The other members of the ‘final four’ were North Star Jr, Extraordinario Jr and Phoenix IV, with North Star Jr being the final elimination. Mr Lucha III got the most eliminations over the course of the match. (Match Rating: 57)

The Show Proper

Humberto Tortega: Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to a night of absolute prestige, a night of history and a celebration of Lucha Libre. Welcome to OLLIE and welcome to LuchaSlam XXV! My name is Humberto Tortega and I am joined tonight by my broadcast colleagues - Phoenix III and ‘The Mexican Pit Bull’ Rafael Ruiz. Gentlemen, you’ve wrestled at LuchaSlam many times before but I’m sure you’ll agree that tonight feels special.

Phoenix III: There is something in the air for sure Humberto, something unique and wonderful! LuchaSlam XXV is a milestone, I’m glad that I played my small part in the rich tapestry that is OLLIE but tonight we remember the greats - Alfredo Menendez, El Aguila Americana, El Fantasma, my mentor Phoenix I, the all-time great El Patron and our current champion Nicolas Lopez. Truly great men.

Rafael Ruiz: I see that you left out one of the most legendary figures of all - Mephisto! And tonight, on this most momentous occasion, we will see his nephew - Hijo Del Mephisto finally dethrone that pious poser Nicolas Lopez to become the champion of the world once more!

Humberto Tortega: It’s not the first time you’ve made that prediction Rafael and Lopez is still the man holding the championship belt. We have a fantastic looking card to get through before we get to our Main Event though. Every title in OLLIE will be defended tonight here as well as the COTT World Heavyweight championship! Opening the show is a collision between two decorated Luchadors - El Pavo Real and Silver Tiger.

Rafael Ruiz: A peacock against a tiger? I can only see one outcome here!

 

El Pavo Real Vs Silver Tiger

The opening match on the card wasn’t bad certainly but it appeared rushed and, bluntly, didn't match up to either of the bouts on the pre-show. The pair set out to have a technical showcase but could have done with an extra five mins to really extract the most out of this one. The initial pace was quite slow with Silver Tiger in particular really catching the eye here. Both men had chances with El Pavo Real scoring a near fall when, after a dizzying array and holds and counter holds were exchanged he pulled a sudden DDT out of nowhere and Silver Tiger just about managed to kick out. The moment of the match came when Silver Tiger blocked an attempted superplex and then, to the disbelief of the crowd, reversed the hold to the floor with both men crashing through a conveniently located ringside merch table. They barely beat the count to get back to the ring and, from there, Silver Tiger took the low road, jerking the mask of his opponent sideways to render him temporarily blind and completely vulnerable to a bruising Silver Tiger Driver that made the three count and the resultant victory a formality in 9’48.
Match Rating: 49

Humberto Tortega: A big statement of intent from Silver Tiger there! There are no easy wins here in OLLIE but particularly not against a man of the calibre of El Pavo Real.

Rafael Ruiz: I’ve said it before - that man is possessed of a spirit that enhances his already potent abilities. The Tiger Totem is on the march and all of OLLIE is on notice, whether they realise it or not.

Phoenix III: There is no denying his skill, I will never be able to overlook the cheap shots he takes so often though! That was the difference maker here!

Rafael Ruiz: Silver Tiger IS the difference maker! You truly are blind.

Humberto Tortega: Gentlemen, please! We have a long night ahead of us, can we please delay your customary descent into warfare for at least a little longer! Let’s head back to the ring for a scheduled match instead?

 

Mystery Pink Vs La Hija Del Diablo

Two of the luchadoras bubbling along just under the title picture clashed in the next match. Mystery Pink and La Hija Del Diablo are both in their prime, both former Campeonato de las Mujeres (indeed, Mystery Pink is also the only woman to hold the Campeonato de Mexico title). They’ve both faced challenges this year, Diablo trying to get out from underneath the sizable shadow of her tag team partner - Queen Amazon - with Mystery Pink on the comeback trail after suffering injuries against the current champion Celeste Moon. This was a big opportunity for both women.

They put on an entertaining and competitive show, momentum trading back and forth and both women playing their part. Del Diablo was, as always, focused in her viciousness and Pink seems past her injury worries now with her strong martial arts and strikes keeping her opponent at a reasonable distance. Del Diablo lived up to her name though, consistently attempting to close the gap to her stalwart opponent. Frustration would build in Del Diablo and eventually cost her this match with Mystery Pink using her foe’s own momentum to secure the three count via a quick, flash pin at 8:24.
Match Rating: 55

Humberto Tortega: A win for Mystery Pink!

Rafael Ruiz: Now that was a cheap victory! Afraid to go face to face with La Hija Del Diablo. Of course Phoenix III here won’t open his mouth now.

Phoenix III: You really are an outrageous hypocrite Rafael. Mystery Pink is afraid of no woman. Or no man for that matter

Humberto Tortega: Is this what we have ahead of us all night? Oh… that music… what’s Mr Lucha III doing here?

Tortega is correct, Mr Lucha III is making his way to the ring purposefully, discontent radiating from him. He demands a microphone and, after a suitably dramatic pause, he begins to speak.

Mr. Lucha III: “You all know who I am but, just in case, let me remind you. I am Mr Lucha III, the man who inherited the most prestigious identity in all of Lucha Libre. It sickens me to watch what OLLIE has become, watching a motley collection of freaks and losers making a mockery out of our noble sport. Pretenders and paupers. Cowards and charlatans. People who aim to please and placate the baying mob of morons who surround the ring right now!

Yes, senor, I’m talking to you, the donkey in the front row who has more chins than I’ve had reigns as Campeonato de Mexico! And I’m a three-champion so you need a conversation with a doctor pretty quickly. Also, before I leave you to sink back into anonymity completely, I’ll share one more pearl of wisdom with you. I presume you believe that you’ve brought your wife to the show to sit alongside you? Sir, you have brought livestock! Pungent livestock.

Anyway, I’m talking about all of you. You’re all part of the problem. This is Lucha Libre! It is a noble art with traditions and meaning. It’s not that witless, bastardised, American shadow - that worthless mockery. You have all been corrupted and it disgusts me. What is also disgusting is that OLLIE is trying to silence me! As the only one who is standing up against this tidal wave of pathetic cosplay. They think that they can bury me on the preshow and that my message will be lost. All of the viewers on La Red De La Lucha won’t have seen this but there were 3,872 witnesses to what I did on the pre show tonight. I got into the ring with nine other men and I destroyed them all. I am the most talented luchador in OLLIE today. I am the answer to all the questions plaguing Mexican wrestling. I will not be silenced. You will listen to me, you will accept what I say and you will learn, by hook or by crook, that I am the man who will return the lustre to Lucha Libre. Eventually you will thank me for it. That goes for every idiot who worships mediocrity in the audience and every heathen who only aspires to mediocrity in the locker room. You are all on notice!”

This. Was. Fire. Off the cuff, absolutely brilliant.

Segment Rating: 79

Humberto Tortega: Mr Lucha III speaking his mind and clearly not overly concerned with making friends.

Rafael Ruiz: He’s absolutely right. He’s a man on a crusade to return OLLIE and Lucha Libre to where it belongs. He’s made a believer out of me!

Phoenix III: There is a way to bring people with you and a way to sow discord. I don’t think that young man has yet learned the difference.

Rafael Ruiz: You’re exactly the sort of person he was talking about - a slave to mediocrity. He wants to bring OLLIE back to the top.

Humberto Tortega: Well tonight we will see all that is good about OLLIE right now - every title we have is on show tonight as well as the COTT World Heavyweight championship. Six championship matches - the first of which will take place now for the Campeonatos de Trios OLLIE. Psycho Circus are making their first defence against The Canadian Daredevils (who only recently lost these titles) and ‘Psyche Out’ Remmy Skye.

Rafael Ruiz: Send in the clowns!

Campeonatos de Trios title match - Psycho Circus (Hellech, Payaso Jr & Pierrot) © Vs Remmy Skye & Canadian Daredevils (Jayson Van Pelt & Kamikaze)

This was absolute Mayhem from start to finish with referee Domingo Castillo really only nominally in control of things as he struggled to keep up with the half-dozen men intent on causing as much harm as possible to the opposition. There were thrills and spills throughout, lightning quick tags aplenty as the two trios tussled for control. A missile dropkick from Pierrot, a suicide dive from Kamikaze that took out all of Psycho Circus as they plotted on the floor, a moonsault to the outside from Payaso that had the audience on their feet.

As the match passed the ten minute mark there was an even bigger spot - Hellech and Kamikaze were both on the top turnbuckle attempting to push each other off when Pierrot, with his customary sadism, shoved foe and ally alike causing both men to crash through the announce desk causing consternation. Remmy Skye would take control in the aftermath of that spill, working over Payaso before taking to the skies (pun intended) himself and mounting the top turnbuckle.

Bizarro, The Queen of the Circus, would emerge then to provide a timely distraction. Payaso showed tremendous instinct and athleticism to bounce up the ropes and dropkick Skye backwards into the already ruined table. Pierrot hauled Skye out of the wreckage and tossed him back into the ring where Payaso was waiting to hook the leg and secure the win. Psycho Circus retained their title belts at 11’29.
Match Rating: 51

Humberto Tortega: Wow! That was carnage. Absolute chaos. Every man in that match gave their all and, ultimately, fortune favoured Psycho Circus.

Phoenix III: On another day I truly believe that we could have seen those titles change hands again.

Rafael Ruiz: Why don’t you dust off your boots one more time? I’d enjoy seeing Psycho Circus come and destroy the Phoenix Force once and for all. That would be fun for all the family.

Humberto Tortega: Perhaps there would be mileage in a Phoenix III vs Rafael Ruiz match but for now, gentlemen, the Campeonato de Mexico is about to be defended in a Triple Threat match between three men who once collectively held the Trios titles we just saw retained by Psycho Circus. Dragon Americano. El Hijo de Espado Roja. Disturbed - the champion. Julia Alvarez will no doubt make her presence felt at ringside. This could be just as wild as what we just saw.

Rafael Ruiz: El Hijo de Espado Roja is going to be torn apart between two very dangerous men.

w/

Campeonato de Mexico title match - Disturbed © w/Julia Alvarez Vs Dragon Americano Vs El Hijo de Espado Roja

This was very, very enjoyable - easily the best match on the card to date, a contest that proved to be more than the sum of its parts. All three men sold like absolute champions and that added to the stakes of what has been an engrossing story unfolding with these three former allies. In the early stages Disturbed and Dragon Americano worked well together, double teaming El Hijo de Espado Roja and keeping him grounded.

Inevitably, as is so often the case in matches like this one, the cooperation ended when the makeshift coalition realised that only one man can win. Disturbed, silent as always, expressed his unhappiness at Dragon attempting to score a pinfall on Espado Roja via a hard kick to the side. Dragon, understandably, wasn’t exactly delighted by that either and the two men turned on each other with some enthusiasm. Espado Roja took advantage of this to recuperate.

The reborn Roja would then reinsert himself into the action, clotheslining Disturbed to the floor and almost beheading Dragon with a running knee lift and a snap suplex. With Disturbed a little slow to react to the shifting momentum it was Julia Alvarez who inserted herself into the fray, distracting Roja from covering the vulnerable Dragon for just long enough to allow Disturbed to recover and save his title. Disturbed and Dragon would come to an uneasy truce again and work over Espado Roja once more but, this time, their alliance would prove even more short lived.

Espado Roja would take advantage of this discord again, dropkicking Dragon Americano to the floor and hitting another potent running knee, this time rocking the champion. Sensing that her client was in trouble, Alvarez would once again get involved, swinging her trusty sceptre at the head of El Hijo de Espado Roja. Roja had the wherewithal to duck. Disturbed, already dazed, did not. The champion collapsed, like a puppet whose strings were suddenly cut, Alvarez beat a hasty retreat under the glare of both Roja and referee Patricio Marcos and her shrieks of rage turned to dismay as El Hijo de Espado Roja would climb the corner, land a textbook Swanton Bomb and, at 12:05 become the NEW Campeonato de Mexico to end this very engaging match and, potentially, story.
Match Rating: 63

The action wasn’t quite done however. Mr Lucha III appeared once more, making a beeline for the new champion and levelling him with an elbow to the head from behind. After only a moment’s hesitation he was joined in his attack by both Dragon Americano and Disturbed. The three set to work decimating the new champion. Salvation arrived from a most unlikely source. Galactic Force - Extraordinario Jr and the OLLIE Campeonatos de Parejas Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider and Extranjero Loco) hit the ring and after a brief flurry of conflict, the rudos bailed when the new Campeonato de Mexico recovered enough to turn the numbers against them. There was plenty of shouting and posturing but, effectively, this was the end of the segment. Mr Lucha III, as is becoming a theme, looked absolutely excellent here, commanding and convincing in all that he did.
Segment Rating: 47

Humberto Tortega: What can I say? Never let it be said that OLLIE is in any way predictable. Still, let’s recap what we have here. We have a new Campeonato de Mexico - El Hijo de Espado Roja. His redemption has yielded tangible rewards in championship gold! Galactic Force seems to have a new lease of life as well and we’ll have to wait and see what comes out of that development.

Rafael Ruiz: A moment in the sun for some losers. That’s all that is. A moment of ill fortune for Disturbed and Julia Alvarez is all that has happened here. 

Phoenix III: I think you will see that there are those who want to win the right way.

Rafael Ruiz: You might not realise it but you’re speaking about Mr Lucha III there.

Phoenix III: Don’t speak for me!

Humberto Tortega: I hope you’ll allow me to speak for you when I say that our next match is one that you have particularly high stakes in - Phoenix II and El Critico in a match rooted in bitterness.

Phoenix III: El Critico has plenty to pay for. He has earned this comeuppance.

Phoenix II Vs El Critico

This was solid enough but, perhaps, not much more than that given the significant build that had gone into it over the last few months. It was an open, simple match with the two veterans each getting turns in the virtual driving seat. Both men sold well for the other but there’s no denying that both of them are also perhaps no longer at their peak. After several near falls El Critico would emerge victorious in 9’45, making liberal use of the ropes to secure the three count.

Match Rating: 52

Humberto Tortega: A big win for El Critico

Phoenix III: He cheated! That is no victory at all! Not for any man worthy of the name.

Rafael Ruiz: Oh stop your whining. The only thing that matters, the only thing of any relevance is that the history books show that El Critico defeated Phoenix II at the biggest show of the year. Don’t forget either - that makes two of the over-rated Phoenix brood that El Critico has seen off. Maybe you will need to dust off your boots.

Humberto Tortega: Tonight, at least, belongs to El Critico. The next match has a significant prize at stake - Campeonatos de Parejas OLLIE. Four teams will enter but only one will walk away with the title belts! From here on out it’s championship matches all the way to the very end!

w/w/

Campeonatos de Parejas title match - Space Invaders (Cosmic Rider & Extranjero Loco) © vs The Freedom Family (Luis Montero Jr w/Agueda Alonso & Tricolor Jr) vs Evil Intent (Hellspawn 666 & Slayyer) vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane w/Emilia Reyes)

This was, inevitably, a busy sort of a bout. There was no shortage of experience and pedigree in this one either and there was no doubt that each of the eight wrestlers (to say nothing of the two managers at ringside) gave their all to make their mark in front of this excellent, receptive crowd.

The defending champions, Space Invaders, started well with the unfamiliar cheers of the audience ringing in their ears in the early exchanges with Evil Intent and, following a blind tag, The American Cobras. That tandem were clearly well attuned for business, showing a laser focused aggression regardless of whom they were pitted against, utilising a high-impact, smashmouth style against all comers.

With momentum at a premium, opportunities to really take control were limited. Extranjero Loco looked like he was going to bring the victory home as he used his unorthodox offence to lay Storm Spillane low. Emilia Ryes would get involved then though, distracting Loco for long enough that Marvel Malloy could haul his partner close enough to make a dubious tag.

This was a real celebration of Tag Team wrestling with The American Cobras, in particular, living up to their reputation as one of the top duos in the sport today. Evil Intent also came with the benefit of some real specialised tag moves and Agueda Alonso and Luis Montero Jr boast a chemistry to match anyone. As the match passed the quarter hour mark Tricolor Jr and Slayyer were the legal men but the whole thing was hovering on the edge of chaos with everyone in or around the ring and disorder the order of the day. The American Cobras lifted Cosmic Rider above their heads and threw him bodily over the top rope to crash into his own partner, effectively removing the champions as active participants. Malloy and Spillane then ran to opposite corners, intent on removing Hellspawn 666 and Luis Montero Jr just as decisively. Malloy’s running knee almost decapitated Hellspawn 666 but Spillane’s attack on Montero was dodged. Montero attempted a suplex but could only lift Spillane to the apron. Malloy skirted the ring before joining his partner in a three way dance on the apron outside the ring in the corner of the Freedom Family. They clotheslined Montero back inside but focusing on him came back to haunt them. Tricolor had gained the initiative over Slayyer and, using Montero as a ramp, launched a spectacular double clothesline of his own at speed. The American Cobras both flew backwards, crashing through a ringside barrier and sprawling, near broken, into the crowd. 

From there, with foes suddenly in short supply, Tricolor Jr applied a Fisherman’s Suplex and just like that, with 16’18 on the clock, he would pin Slayyer (who struggled to keep up with the others throughout) and The Freedom Family were Campeonatos de Parejas once more.
Match Rating: 60

Humberto Tortego: 12 years! 12 years! More than a full decade after Luis Montero Jr and Tricolor Jr lost the Campeonatos de Parejas to Rafael Ruiz and Laberinto Jr, The Freedom Family hold the gold once more! What a moment, what a match, what a night.

Phoenix III: Great to see this happening in front of us! Great to see such good guys getting rewarded for all of their hard work.

Rafael Ruiz: Look, I’m the last man to try and take a moment from anybody. As you’ve noted Humberto, I’ve held this title, I know how much goes into it but for The Freedom Family the hard work is only now beginning. In a Fatal-Four-Way you can hide to some degree and you can just be in the right place at the right time and have victory land on your lap. There’s an abundance of quality tag teams here in OLLIE though and once these guys have to face off against them two on two… let’s just say that I don’t think they’ll carry the straps for too long.

Phoenix III: Please, must you always be so very petty? The Freedom Family proved their mettle tonight, any of their doubters who argue in good faith will have been impressed. Of course, arguing in good faith is beyond you, Ruiz!

Humberto Tortega: To try and head off another dispute between you two I’m just going to ask for a name and no more as we all try and predict the winner of our next clash - this one a Triple Threat for Campeonato de las Mujeres. I’ll even go first. Electric Dreamer. Her time is now!

Phoenix III: Electric Dreamer for me too. It will not be easy but she will overcome both of her opponents.

Rafael Ruiz: Queen Amazon. Nobody can slow her ascent. Too big, too strong, too determined.

Campeonato de las Mujeres title match - Celeste Moon © Vs Electric Dreamer Vs Amazon Queen

Whatever else can be said here… the girls delivered. Amazon Queen, defending champion Celeste Moon and much loved Electric Dreamer served up a match of outstanding quality. With the biggest prize in Women’s wrestling in Mexico at stake, they rose to the occasion and the crowd went with them. Superb wrestling and great heat from bell to bell here.

The rudo pair had the better of the opening exchanges as, much like the Campeonato de Mexico bout earlier on the night, a certain amount of cooperation kept Dreamer down and unable to utilise her potent offensive arsenal. Electric Dreamer is not to be found lacking in spirit however and she refused to be beaten, displaying both agility and an indomitable will to succeed as she took the fight to her opponents and, defying the odds, managed to take control of the match for a spell. She scored a near fall on Celeste Moon at around 6’00, only for Queen Amazon to make a last ditch save. Amazon took charge then, using her power, whipping both Moon and Dreamer again and again and again to the corner, using each as a weapon to smash the other and, when she bored of that, hurling her own hefty frame like a missile.

She would eventually go to the well one time too many and, in an unexpected show of cooperation, Dreamer and Moon would hit her with stereo dropkicks. Fortune, for good or ill, took a hand then with Queen Amazon becoming trapped between the top two ropes. Moon has been a resourceful champion and she would seek to take advantage here too, poking Dreamer in the throat to try and seize the advantage en route to retaining her hard won championship gold. Electric Dreamer though would dig deep again, responding with a succession of suplexes, DDTs and a superkick to leave the champion reeling. Amazon was still trapped in the ropes and her fury was palpable as she could sense her opportunity slipping away.

It was at this point that Queen Amazon’s tag team partner would interject herself into proceedings. Smarting from her defeat earlier on in the show, La Hija Del Diablo would slide into the ring while referee Patricio Marcos was distracted by the plight of Amazon. Del Diablo came armed with a steel chair that she cracked over the back of Electric Dreamer before leaving almost as quickly as she’d arrived. Dreamer stumbled and staggered, falling to the canvas and rolling to the floor. Queen Amazon would finally escape from the ropes then and, without hesitation, inflict a murderous Amazonian Powerbomb on Celeste Moon. The pinfall was inevitable then and, at 12’35 Queen Amazon was the new Campeonato de las Mujeres.
Match Rating: 71

Humberto Tortega: What a…

Rafael Ruiz: Ha! I told you, I told you both! Queen Amazon can not be stopped.

Phoenix III: Don’t you mean Queen Amazon, La Hija Del Diablo AND a steel chair can’t be stopped? 

Rafael Ruiz: Who has the title Phoenix? Who has the title? I didn’t see your pick helping out when Queen Amazon was trapped in the ropes!

Humberto Tortega: Whatever about the methods employed, I feel confident saying that we’ve just witnessed the match of the year so far here in OLLIE. And we still have two more matches ahead of us here tonight! LuchaSlam XXV is delivering and then some! Two matches left - for the Campeonato de Universal OLLIE and the COTT World Heavyweight Championship. Before that though we have more big news to deliver - starting next week OLLIE are going to be bringing a weekly TV show to all of our viewers, the official press release will go out tomorrow but, on such a great night, it made sense to drop a little spoiler.

Coming soon...

Phoenix III: I can hardly wait. OLLIE is truly on the rise.

Rafael Ruiz: Speaking of spoilers… my guy Hijo Del Mephisto is going to dethrone another of your favourites right now… the reign of Nicolas Lopez is about to end and I couldn’t be happier about it.

Phoenix III: You will eat those words!

Campeonato de Universal title match - Nicolas Lopez © Vs Hijo Del Mephisto

Hijo Del Mephisto didn’t even wait for the bell here, attacking the champion while his back was turned with a savage ferocity. This set the tone for the early stages of the clash with the challenger making extensive use of that old fashioned staple of villainy - the chokehold. Nicolas Lopez has earned his glittering CV however - this is his 8th reign as Campeonato de Universal OLLIE, he has held the Campeonato del Mundo EILL three times, the COTT World Heavyweight title (to be defended after this) twice. He proved in this match that his mettle is undiminished and he overcame the nefarious assault of his opponent and took charge of what was rapidly becoming quite a bad-tempered fight. 

Hijo Del Mephisto took to the floor, seeking separation from the relentless, indomitable champion, seizing a chair to act as an equaliser. Domingo Castillo, taking his refereeing duties more seriously than his own safety it seemed, attempted to take the chair from Mephisto. While this was going on, Lopez was attacked from behind by Phobia, the youngest member of The Council of Decay hitting a backstabber on the champion. Hijo Del Mephisto darted back into the ring, made a quick cover.

1-2-2.9!

The frustration was immense for Mephisto and he redoubled his efforts at seemingly redefining violent barbarism. More than once Castillo had to chide him for clawing at the eyes of Lopez. The deranged challenger shifted gears somewhat then and we were in danger of an actual wrestling match breaking out. After working on Lopez’ neck for a couple of minutes Hijo Del Mephisto scored big with a textbook back body drop. He followed that up with a second and then attempted a third. Lopez reached deep however, vaulting over Mephisto, running the ropes on the opposite side and scoring a near fall of his own with a cross body block. The champion stayed in the ascendancy then, transitioning to a Boston Crab quickly that was only broken when Mephisto, howling in pain, managed to crawl to the ropes and force a break. A reverse atomic drop, a short arm clothesline and Mephisto was down again with Lopez lurking with intent.

Another interruption then as a blonde with a navy mask jumped to the ringside apron, gyrating in an exhibitionistic manner. Even as the commentary team identified him as La Estrella, Nicolas Lopez was drawn into an argument with the flamboyant newcomer who responded to the ire of the champion by jumping to the floor, bowing deeply and blowing a kiss. Mephisto seized the moment then and hit another backstabber on Lopez. He followed that up with his Satanic Elbow and, just like that, after 11’40, we had a new Campeonato de Universal with Hijo Del Mephisto.

Whisper it… this was a minor disaster. The heat probably carried it to a certain extent as the experienced pair attempted to steal the show but, particularly compared to the match before it, this was an awkward bout where everything seemed a little bit off. Still… OLLIE will try and rebound from here as they move forward with a new champion.

Match Rating: 52

Humberto Tortega: I’m not quite sure that I believe what I’ve just seen!

Rafael Ruiz: You’d better believe it. The Council of Decay are here to stay and OLLIE now will fade away. Finally we have a champion worthy of the name!

Phoenix III: This is a dark day for all that we hold dear. This was not a fair match.

Rafael Ruiz: Fair? For years Lopez has ducked fights and cut corners and had the OLLIE powers-that-be do everything to facilitate his vainglorious narcissism. That’s Lopez, that’s fair!

Humberto Tortega: I don’t think that Phobia’s interference and the entrance of La Estrella is strong evidence of a plot to keep Nicolas Lopez at the top of the mountain. The champion was robbed tonight.

Rafael Ruiz: I love it. I LOVE IT!

Humberto Tortega: You would! We have one more match tonight folks. We’ve already seen four titles change hands. Will we have a fifth? The COTT World Heavyweight title. The Confederation of the Territories folks. For anyone who is unaware it’s a collection of some of the best independent promotions in North America today and the current holder of their World Heavyweight title is one of the all-time greats of Mexican wrestling. It is my absolute honour to welcome this man to an OLLIE ring. A multiple time world champion who is recognised for wrestling excellence in Mexico, in the USA and in Japan. He has asked to be given the opportunity to address us here tonight before he defends his title against the gifted Marcos Flores - please give a very warm welcome to one of the all time greats, being played to the ring tonight by our special guests and friends Dani and the Answers, ladies and gentlemen, Pablo Rodriguez!

Pablo Rodriguez makes his way to the ring to a thunderous ovation, the big silver belt wrapped around his waist. ‘The Priest of Pain’ wears a wide smile as he takes in the applause and gestures for a microphone. The audience chants their approval.

“Pablo Rodriguez and OLLIE. It feels like it shouldn’t have taken so long for this to happen. Now, here I am. The returning hero. The COTT World Heavyweight Champion. It’s been over a year since I wrestled in a Mexican ring. I’ve carried this title and my message from CZCW to IPW to MAW to NYCW. And now I am here. In the land of my birth. It is important that I share this truth with you all.”

The smile drops.

“You are all sinners. Heathens chasing false prophets, full of ugly desires, lazy dreams and cruel, petty aspirations. You are the enemies of morality. Every single one of you disgusts me. You can be saved though, I can save you. The pathway to paradise is paved with pain. Tonight I will take the first step towards your redemption. I will take Marcos Flores, one of your tawdry posers, one of those who pretends they are seeking to inspire. There is no difference between Marcos Flores and Hijo Del Mephisto in the eyes of the truly pure. My mission tonight is two-fold. I will defeat the tempter, the deceiver, the fraud Flores and I will take this back to California with me! I speak the word of God!”

Pablo Rodriguez holds his title belt over his head and smirks piously, the applause of earlier replaced by a cacophony of boos. This was an excellent promo and had the crowd raring to go.

Angle Rating: 71

COTT World Heavyweight Title - Pablo Rodriguez © Vs Marcos Flores

Marcos Flores was not daunted by the challenge facing him, standing toe to toe with ‘The Priest of Pain’, seeking to defend the honour of OLLIE and also to capture the COTT World Heavyweight title for the second time. The two men really went at it, momentum shifted back and forth in the early stages with plenty of quick covers on both sides.

Flores would take control after a stunner that Rodriguez would sell as if he’d been killed. A figure four from Flores followed and was reversed as Rodriguez took charge once more. Again the momentum shifted back and forth, both men blocking suplex attempts before another near fall occurred when Rodriguez pulled a crucifix out of his locker.

Eventually Flores would take to the middle turnbuckle, landing a flying axe handle on the beleaguered priest. An attempted, ducked, enziguri from Flores saw things shift again with Rodriguez opting for a crude, clubbing attack on Flores’ knee this time. Grounded now, Flores was unable to defend himself from a litany of strikes with Rodriguez hitting an axe handle of his own and a neckbreaker before retaining his title in 10’43 with the help of added leverage from the ropes.

This was the best match of the year so far in an OLLIE ring and a fitting Main Event to close out LuchaSlam XXV.

Match Rating: 73

Humberto Tortega: What a match. What a night! OLLIE LuchaSlam XXV has been an absolutely outstanding night of wrestling. We’ve seen four titles change hands and it all points to even greater excitement as we move forward through the year. To my colleagues on the announce team, any final thoughts?

Phoenix III: It’s a great time to be an OLLIE fan. There’s such an abundance of talent here, I can hardly wait to see what comes next. So much going on.

Rafael Ruiz: The era of the Council of Decay is truly here now. The walls of OLLIE as we know it will be pulled down and rebuilt.

Humberto Tortega: The foundations of OLLIE run deeper than that Rafael! It will be an interesting journey for us all though, that part is without any doubt!

Show Rating: 71 (This show increased our popularity in 9 regions)

[AboardTheArk]

It's back! 

 

Great show with great presentation. Interesting that most matches were pretty short, and I am glad to get things wrong and be constantly swerved. 

 

Maybe a little too much outside interference? But it will lead somewhere and La Estrella playing an exotico is a money idea that I am absolutely THRILLED by. 

[DarEatWorld]

13 hours ago, AboardTheArk said:

It's back! 

 

Great show with great presentation. Interesting that most matches were pretty short, and I am glad to get things wrong and be constantly swerved. 

 

Maybe a little too much outside interference? But it will lead somewhere and La Estrella playing an exotico is a money idea that I am absolutely THRILLED by. 

 

1. I didn't plan on it taking so long - real life got in the way a little bit and then it just took me longer than anticipated to find my way back. 

2. I'm glad you enjoyed the show, I did myself though I can't pretend it was worth the wait! The shorter matches are largely the by product of a few things:

A) the roster is bloated and I've not yet released *anyone* so trying to keep everyone busy is a chore in and of itself.

B) More than once, unforgivably, I've accidentally shortened Technical Masterclasses when getting shows ready to meet run time deadlines. From a story point of view we can blame this on Remmy being a bit erratic and disorganised and, in reality, it seems Darragh isn't much better.

C) I tend to book promotions with a frantic workrate and I'm conditioned somewhat towards shorter matches! Remmy and I will learn. Slowly.

3) In the mid-term the amount of interference will be addressed - again, it's a situation where both myself and Remmy are used to working on a smaller stage and, to some extent, also trying to basically create a weird Lucha Libre-Sports Entertainment-Workrate Indie fusion.

[DarEatWorld]

A man and his boss...

Phoenix I catches up with me just before I leave. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted. The old Remmy Skye would have felt obligated to go out with the boys after the show and celebrate. Overall… celebrations are due, it was easily, comfortably our best show of the year so far. In 2020 though I’m comfortable enough in myself to just say my goodbyes, take the congratulations that are offered, give some sympathy to a couple of people who need it and head for the door. I still stop for the boss naturally. I’m more self-secure now but not completely foolhardy.

“A good day for us Remmy, eh?”

I agree. He’s right. Our biggest live crowd yet since I’ve arrived, our first TV audience that, according to early reports at least, will break 100,000 viewers.

“I must say, I was a little surprised when I saw that you weren’t going with Nicolas and Mephisto for the Main Event! You got it right though. They were not… they were not good.”

The dethroned Champion...

If anything, Phoenix I is being diplomatic in his review of the Campeonato de Universal match. It would be a slight stretch to say that it sucked but, yeah, they were not good. Truthfully, and I would never say this out loud, Nicolas Lopez is finished as a top performer. He’s still a draw, 100%, but he can’t go like he used to. Moving the title on has been something I’ve felt needed to happen for a while now. There were a lot of whispers about him being tricky enough to deal with sometimes but, credit where it’s due, he raised no objections.

Shining Stars

I don’t want to dwell too much on that slight misfire for now anyway. The triple threat for Campeonato de las Mujeres was outstanding and the Main Event we did settle on between Pablo Rodriguez and Marcos Flores even better. Mr Lucha III cut an outstanding promo too and he could well be the difference maker going forward. 

OLLIE - TV: Coming very soon to a TV (or laptop) near you

Phoenix I asks a few questions ahead of Wednesday too. Wednesday. OLLIE - TV #1. We didn’t put a whole lot of effort into the title obviously but I really believe that this sixty minutes a week will lift us to a whole new level. We spoke to a few broadcasters - Los Deporte Hoy, Canal Tres but, ultimately, I thought the most sense was to stick with what we knew - so we’ve signed a six month deal with our friends at La Red De La Lucha. We still get 40% of the revenue but this time, unlike with our events deal, we have to pay $12,500 per episode. We’ve cleared a profit of roughly $100k this month so it should be viable. Emphasis on the word SHOULD. Time will tell. 

“You are not going out Remmy?” he enquires,

I think he understands when I say no, I guess he’s old enough to have been around the block himself. I head outside with my hood up, I feel a sudden need for my own space and want to avoid the fans for a while. My crappy ‘disguise’ works and I’m in a taxi with a mercifully silent driver and heading homewards. I turn on my phone. The feedback is good so far. There’s a message from my sister sent before the show wishing me luck. I should call her. There’s one Ali sent too.

“Me and the kid loved the show. You’re a star Remmy! Well done. X”

I should call her too. Tomorrow maybe.
 

[DarEatWorld]

La Red De La Lucha are proud to present our newest show, debuting this Wednesday. OLLIE - TV will be a weekly, hour long programme featuring some of the best wrestlers in Mexico today! The debut show will feature the following:

w/
Los Nuevos Phoenix (Phoenix II & Phoenix IV) Vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane) w/Emilia Reyes

El Pavo Real Vs Mr Lucha III

Blue Phantom Vs La Estrella

Laberinto Jr Vs Super Diestro

The Council of Decay, including new Campeonato De Universal Hijo Del Mephisto, will make an appearance

We’ll hear from Electric Dreamer

***

Predictions Card: OLLIE - TV #1
Los Nuevos Phoenix (Phoenix II & Phoenix IV) Vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane) w/Emilia Reyes
El Pavo Real Vs Mr Lucha III
Blue Phantom Vs La Estrella
Laberinto Jr Vs Super Diestro

[KyTeran]

Predictions Card: OLLIE - TV #1
Los Nuevos Phoenix (Phoenix II & Phoenix IV) Vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane) w/Emilia Reyes
El Pavo Real Vs Mr Lucha III
Blue Phantom Vs La Estrella
Laberinto Jr Vs Super Diestro

[AboardTheArk]

Predictions Card: OLLIE - TV #1
Los Nuevos Phoenix (Phoenix II & Phoenix IV) Vs The American Cobras (Marvel Malloy & Storm Spillane) w/Emilia Reyes

Feels like I could have this wrong but Phoenix II is a vet and Phoenix IV has El Critico to worry about.
El Pavo Real Vs Mr Lucha III

He's the perfect TV wrestler.
Blue Phantom Vs La Estrella

Love Blue Phantom but this is a debut, and could be a big one. We'll see if he behaves better on your save than mine.
Laberinto Jr Vs Super Diestro

Tough luck kid.

 

Edited February 22, 2023 by AboardTheArk