SEASON 1 / EPISODE 18

There is no doubt that “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez is a legend and having him as a major player in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment gives the organization a level of legitimacy that is unparalleled.  Whether it’s training the younger Luchastars, being the locker room leader, or kicking butt in the ring, Manny Fernandez continues to be a legend in the world of wrestling.  Episode 18 opens with a promo from “Raging Bull” calling out “INS Legacy”.  It was classic “Raging Bull” and he let everyone who opposed him know that it was going to be “A long hard ride!”

The episode’s first match was between two high flyers, D-Torch and the masked luchador, Shinoby.  This was a fast paced match with lots of lucha style wrestling.  Shinoby made his debut with this match on “Lucha Xtreme” and he did not disappoint.  He was very quick and agile, flipping around the ring and showing of his ninja-like skills.  I thought Shinoby broke D-Torch’s neck when he hit him with a brutal Frankensteiner .  However, D-Torch was determined to fight back and accomplished an amazing rope-run dropkick to the cornered Shinoby.  I had never seen anyone do that in a match before; I seriously had to GOOGLE it to see if it had previously been done.  Shinoby was defeated after D-Torch finished him off with his signature “GOJIRA Driver.”
 

Seriously, go to http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/LX_TV.html and watch D-Torch defy death and gravity running that rope like some kind of spider-man.  Strangely enough, Savanah Riley was nowhere in sight during the match.

Before the next match started, the Suburban Commandos entered the studio and grabbed the mic to call out any and all tag teams in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment, especially members of Sheik’s Army.  The undefeated twin tag team of D-Unit and T-Rent taunted Sheik’s Army’s “Financial Advisor” Mr. Franks as “Ball Park Frankie” in reference to Mr. Franks getting “Something Nasty” at the Showdown In ‘No Town event at Chukchansi Park.  Is there any team that can take out 600 lbs. of Suburban Commandos?

In the next match Jeckles the Jester squared off against “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro.  This was a fun match between two wrestlers who had mutual admiration for each other.  Vinnie fired up the studio audience with his “AYE!” cheer and Jeckles was enjoying himself playing along laughing and clapping.  But all joking aside,  both of these wrestlers put on a clinic on what a wrestling match should be.  “Pizza Man” and the Clown Prince of Wrestling, Jeckles, might be friendly outside the ring, but inside the ring Vinnie hit Jeckles  with a powerful neckbreaker.  Jeckles was deadly serious when he managed to execute his finisher the “Joke Slam”, but Vinnie managed to get a rope break, avoiding the loss.  Vinnie Massaro put Jeckles the Jester away with a stiff forearm and got the win by pinfall.

Manny Fernandez showed why they call him “Raging Bull” as he destroyed LJ Summers in the 3rd match of the night.  Manny demonstrated textbook technical wrestling, working on LJ’s legs and knees. Even though scrappy LJ Summers managed to land a heavy double axehandle from the second rope, that didn’t stop the “Raging Bull” from powering out of the smaller man’s headlock, suplexing LJ and finishing him off with a “Flying Burrito.”  Even though Manny sometimes feels “tied to the whipping post”, he still continues to be a dominating force in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment.

The main event was a Lucha Xtreme World Championship elimination match and it was truly an epic bout between two highly skilled wrestlers.  “Owner of the Spotlight” Brian Cage sought victory against Reno’s “Rock Legend Scum” Adam Thornstowe.  Cage took charge at the start of the match, sweeping Thornstowe and going over the rope from outside the ring to deliver a diving headbutt to “Rock Legend Scum’s” abdomen.  Cage was on fire, hitting Adam with a hiptoss backbreaker , but Thornstowe is one tough athlete and dangerous inside the ring as he used his street smarts and brawling skills to try and level the playing field.  This match continued to go back and forth with each wrestler trying to get the upper hand.  Cage shined with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and seemed to have the match wrapped up, but Thornstowe broke the hold by getting his foot up on the rope.

“Mr. GMSI” Brian Cage went to springboard crossbody the “Rock Legend Scum,” but he missed and caught a dropkick in the gut for his efforts.  Watching Brian Cage work in the ring, you can tell, he truly is a “Multi-move Paragon” using power, skill and finesse.  The match ended with Wiseguy entering the studio to try and eliminate his toughest competition Brian Cage, but Cage walloped him and threw “Rock Legend Scum” into the dazed Wiseguy, nullifying the competition and allowing him to pin the stunned Thornstowe, winning the match.  “Mr. GMSI” gets the win and the next spot in the Semi-Final in the Elimination Tournament for the Lucha Xtreme World Championship.

If you want to see these matches go to http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/LX_TV.html if you want to see quick recaps and get the inside scoop go to http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/Post_show.html. While you are there check out all the new features on the website.  Next week there is another elimination match and more” Lucha Xtreme” action.  Remember, follow us on Twitter @luchaxtreme and like us on Facebook.com/LuchaXtreme.  Thanks for supporting Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment!  Adios and “Blog ya later!” - Byron Rush

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 17

It’s time for Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment’s “XTREME BLOG”!  This week episode 17 aired and it was packed full of action.  It opened with a promo from Wiseguy who went on to say he was going to be the next contender for the LX World Championship.  Wiseguy was cocky for a guy about to face the massive Supercabra in an elimination match.

The first match was held between “Submission Machine” Bobby Hart and newcomer  to Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment, Johnny Plinko.  This was a quick match dominated by Hart who got the win by sweeping Plinko and catching him up in a submission hold, forcing Plinko to tap out.  Bobby Hart is no joke in Lucha Xtreme,  I’m sure that if given a chance at an Elimination Match for the World title, Bobby would be a top contender.

Next on the show we had a montage of clips from the “LX POST SHOW” featuring yours truly, Byron Rush, interviewing the LUCHASTARS.  It had clips from previous LX POST SHOWS and never before seen clips including D-Torch talking about how important heart (not Hart) is in wrestling, Brian Cage talking about redemption, and El Mariachi teaching me how to do his dance (lol).  Be sure to watch the “LX POST SHOW” at http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/LX_TV.html.

The second match was a tag team match between the Suburban Commandos (D-Unit and T-Rent) and D-Torch and LJ Summers.  The Commandos outweighed their opponents by nearly 300 lbs.  The Commandos are always exciting to watch and D-Torch and LJ are lightning-quick in the ring.  The Commandos manhandled the other team, devastating D-Torch with a “Grenade Toss” and slamming LJ with “Something Nasty.” LJ fought back with his missile drop kick and D-Torch was no pushover, showing off his athleticism with amazing flying hurricanranas.  D-Torch, going for a 3rd straight hurricanrana, gets caught in mid-air by the Commandos, who drop the “Rizz Bomb” on him for the victory.  Still undefeated in Lucha Xtreme, the self-proclaimed “Best tag-team in the world” Suburban Commandos are sitting pretty.

Next in the lineup we had Crimson Plague taking on the “Multi-Move Paragon” Brian Cage.  This is Brian’s first match after his elimination match against Homicide.  Since he was not eliminated by Homicide (10 min time limit draw) Brian hopes to redeem himself by winning this match and earning another chance at LX World Championship contention.  Crimson Plague starts off by attacking Cage from behind before the bell even rings.  Cage quickly regains control of the match using his superior strength and skill set to even the field against Crimson Plague.  It doesn’t take long for Crimson to cheat again, as he pulls a foreign object from his trunks and hits Cage in the throat.  Crimson seizes control of the match and had Brian on the mat until “Mr. GMSI”  Brian Cage powers to his feet, in superhero fashion, and levels Crimson Plague with his clothesline, back elbow, kick combo.  Cage then springboard moonsaults onto the downed Plague and puts Crimson Plague away with his signature, “Weapon X”.

Primal Warrior makes his second appearance on “Lucha Xtreme,” taking on “Notorious 187” Homicide.  Primal Warrior seems to have the edge using his size to his advantage.  But we all know Homicide is one tough hombre and the match was far from over.  Homicide seems to take pleasure in dealing out a series of painful chops to Primal Warrior’s chest.  Watching Homicide work is like watching a sadistic dentist drilling on his patients with glee.  I’m saying the guy is MEAN!  He raked the back of Primal Warrior and used his forearm to crush the Warrior’s face.  Despite almost pinning Homicide with a bridging suplex, it’s Homicide who gets the win by finishing off Primal Warrior with his “Ace Crusher.”

The main event was a contention match for Lucha Xtreme’s World Championship between Wiseguy and Supercabra.  Wiseguy made his entrance with Sheik Khan Abadi  and “Financial Advisor”  Mr. Franks.  Supercabra was led to the ring on a leash by “Mexican Werewolf” El Chupacabra.  Supercabra showed off his power, roughing up Wiseguy in the ring and taking his head off with a big clothesline.  Wiseguy patiently waited for an opening to deliver a spinning heel kick to the head of the big green-masked luchador.  Wiseguy distracted the ref so Sheik could add some more damage to the beast, Supercabra.   Wiseguy then worked over Supercabra’s leg and knee with multiple headbutts, knees and forearms, and then moonsaulted onto the downed Supercabra.  Wiseguy then goes to the top ropes in the corner for a second moonsault, but Supercabra scoots out of the way, leaving nobody home.  Supercabra charges back hitting Wiseguy with a back elbow, clothesline and CHOKESLAM!  Supercabra would have won the match at this point if not for “Financial Advisor” Mr. Franks getting up on the apron to distract the Beast from beyond the Border.  Sensing an opportunity to help his man win, Sheik Khan Abadi tries to enter the ring with his hard metal briefcase.   El Chupacabra stops the Sheik from entering the ring, but he further distracts Supercabra allowing the recovered Wiseguy to hit his opponent with his finisher “Forgettaboutit.”  The ref counts 1-2-3 and victory goes to the crafty Wiseguy.  Wiseguy joins Chavo Guerrero as one of the top contenders for the LX World Championship.  Will the Sheik’s Army get their hands on gold?  Time will tell as we continue to have Elimination Matches every week  to determine who will fight it out over the belt.

Catch the next episode of “Lucha Xtreme” Saturday at  8 PM on KAIL-TV My 7.1 (Comcast Channel 13/713 HD, DISH Network, DirecTV, and AT&T U-verse Channel 53) in central California.  Like us on Facebook.com/LuchaXtreme, follow us on Twitter @luchaxtreme, and tune into past episodes and the “LX POST SHOW” at www.LuchaXtreme.com.  Also, get your tickets NOW for the next “Lucha Xtreme” TV tapings, coming to the Lucha Xtreme Studios in Fresno, CA on Saturday, August 11.  More information is on www.LuchaXtreme.com.  Until next week, “Blog ya later!”
-Byron Rush.

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 16

It’s the middle of summer and it’s time for your weekly dose of “XTREME BLOG”!  This week on “Lucha Xtreme” ”Mr. GMSI” opens the episode with a promo proclaiming that he is the owner of the spotlight and is destined to win the Lucha Xtreme World Championship belt.  He called out Chavo Guerrero, and Homicide saying they are the “past” and he is the “future”.  Brian Cage doesn’t lack strength, skill, or confidence, it seems.

The “Mexican Werewolf” El Chupacabra takes on highflying D-torch in the first match.  D-Torch was escorted to the ring by his “Valet” Savanah Riley.  This match was fast paced and full of great Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment style wrestling.  Every time Chupacabra wrestles, he brings exciting moves to the ring.  Some highlights were his “Border sweep to Badlands Bomb” and his “Blackout,” both of which took its toll on D-Torch.  D-Torch had the crowd behind him and Savanah cheering him on.  D-Torch almost got the pin with a rolling neckbreaker, but Chupacabra still had the stamina to kick out.  Chupacabra won the match after reversing D-Torch’s “GOJIRA” Driver and hitting him with the “Adios Powerbomb”.  Chupacabra not only is intimidating with those animal eyes and fangs, but he can be ferocious in the ring as well.

The second match had the “INS Legacy” member Brian Tannen wrestling “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro.  I guess INS has issues with Italians now?  Tannen might have had a size advantage, but Vinnie had experience and the fans on his side.  The fans were chanting “PIZZA PIZZA” and Vinnie was giving his taunt “Aye!”  Tannen showed his strength by bodyslamming “Pizza Man” and shoulder tackling him in the corner.  Vinnie used his skills in the ring to work over Tannen’s left arm and shoulders like pizza dough.  Near the end of the match “Pizza Man”  hit Tannen with a special delivery in the corner and then went up top to moonsault his way to victory.  Like clockwork, out came JR Kratos to bail out his “INS Legacy” partner.  Before he could get to the ring, El Mariachi, sick of “INS” harassment, attacked JR Kratos, creating a 4-man melee and causing a disqualification.  “Pizza Man” gets the win with Tannen disqualified.

The next match kicked the action up another notch higher as “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos faces off against LX U.S. Champ, El Mariachi, who he beefed with just minutes before.  This match had a lot on the line, including the title, and there was bad blood from the earlier brawl.  JR Kratos entered first to the crowd’s boos.  El Mariachi entered wearing the LX United States Championship belt dancing to the crowd’s cheers.  Kratos starts off with fast-paced, power-based wrestling, wrecking the Champion.  El Mariachi fights back with a hurricanrana sending Kratos rolling out of the ring.  Mariachi follows Kratos outside the ring, brawling with him before Kratos whips El Mariachi into the ringpost.  Mariachi then catches the “INS Enforcer” on the top ropes tossing him into the ring.  El Mariachi was set to win after belly-to-back suplexing JR Kratos, but Brian Tannen entered into the studio and pushed El Mariachi, who was climbing to the top of the corner.  El Mariachi holds onto his title, winning by DQ.  When the “INS Legacy” tried to extract border justice on El Mariachi, “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro ran to the ring armed with a chair and a slice of pizza hanging from his mouth.  That was the second time Pizza and Mariachi teamed up against “INS Legacy” during this episode.  Could this be a new tag team?

Returning to Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment after seeing him at the “Showdown in ‘No Town” was Homicide, a participant in the night’s elimination match for the LX World Championship title.  He faced Brian Cage, who now had his chance to back up his smack talk from the earlier promo.  Homicide brings an element of the streets into the ring, using questionable tactics like biting Brian Cage’s ear and choking him with a cameraman’s cable.  Homicide also used his vast technical experience to take apart Cage’s arm and shoulder, wearing the fan favorite down.  But Cage is no pushover, as he hit Homicide with his signature move, the GMSI.  Usually that is enough for a win, but Homicide hits back with a legsweeping facebuster and a neckbreaker.  Both wrestlers were stunned when the bell was rung ending the match.  It seems that the match went to the 10 minute time limit resulting in a no contest.  You could sense the confusion and frustration on Cage’s face as he thought he was going to win the match for sure.  Things then got even more bizarre when Wiseguy ran to the ring to start yelling in Homicide’s face.  Homicide responded by throwing a water bottle at the still stunned Brian Cage.  What a crazy match, with no winner!  You know Brian Cage won’t let this go and probably will do everything in his power to get another shot at the contender spot.

So this week a Werewolf wins, “INS Legacy” still causes trouble and DQs, El Mariachi still holds his title, and Cage vs. Homicide ends without a contender decided.  I hope next week we can see a wrestler step up and take the next contender spot in the elimination tournament.  Until then please follow us @luchaxtreme on twitter and like us at facebook.com/LuchaXtreme.  Check out LX TV on LuchaXtreme.com and watch us every Saturday night 8 PM on KAIL-TV My 7.1 (Comcast Channel 13/713 HD, DISH Network, DirecTV, and AT&T U-verse Channel 53.)  Also visit LuchaXtreme.com to buy your tickets to the next “Lucha Xtreme” TV tapings, coming to the Lucha Xtreme Studios in downtown Fresno on Saturday, August 11.The heat is on this summer, stay cool with Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment.  This is yer blogger, Byron Rush saying “Blog ya later!”

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 15

Hello “Lucha Xtreme” fans!  This week on episode 15, we got a dose of the Chupacabras in the form of a promo.  The beast from beyond the border, Supercabra, is muscular and massive, wearing his green luchador mask with blazing red eyes.  “Mexican Werewolf” El Chupacabra, definitely looks like a bloodsucker with fangs and green and white face paint.  El Chupacabra claimed they were the best in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment and that “The weak will become meat for the strong to eat!”

The first match featured “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos and newcomer LJ Summers.  It’s a rough day when your debut bout is against the “INS Enforcer.”  Kratos, escorted to the ring by “INS Legacy” Brian Tannen, wasted no time in dominating the match, gorilla-pressing LJ and showing off his incredible strength.

  Kratos loves inflicting pain, and being especially cruel, he threw LJ Summers into the Tree-of-Woe and proceeded to step onto LJ’s most delicate of areas.  Ouch!  Kratos continued to abuse and toy with Summers like a pawn in a violent chess game.  His partner, Tannen also took every opportunity to get his kicks in too.  L.J did manage a brief comeback, landing an impressive missile dropkick.  But, it was too little too late once Kratos powerbombed LJ and hit him with his signature “IMMIGRATOR” spear.  Kratos racked up another victory by easily pinning the stunned LJ Summers.

Next up was a match between “Submission Machine” Bobby Hart and Native American “Primal Warrior”.

  Primal Warrior, in face paint, had his hands full against Bobby Hart, but that’s not to say he wasn’t a good wrestler.  He kept up very well using all of his weight to combat the ruthless Hart.  Bobby all throughout the match continued to wear down and take his opponent apart like a surgeon.  Primal Warrior always battled back like a true warrior, even almost getting the pin with a bridging suplex, and then went off the top ropes with a flying elbow that missed Hart and stunned the Primal Warrior.  Hart then seized the opportunity to sweep the fatigued Primal to the mat and neck-cranked his way to a win via submission.  Like a machine the cold and calculating Bobby Hart marches his way through the roster at “Lucha Xtreme.”

The 3rd match of the night was a tag-team match with The Suburban Commandos versus the Chupacabras.  D-Unit of the Commandos had the size advantage over the “Mexican Werewolf” El Chupacabra, but Chupacabra is incredibly fast and has animal-like reflexes and hit D-Unit with his “Border Sweep to Badlands Bomb.”

 That is one of the things that sets Chupacabra apart from other wrestlers, is his incredible move set.  Chupacabra tagged in Supercabra and they double teamed D-Unit. Supercabra is a big wrestler with enormous upper body strength and is like a vicious pit bull in the ring.  He was very agile for his size executing headscissor takedowns.  When Chupacabra was tagged back in, D-Unit hit him with a spinning 720 face-buster allowing a tag to his twin partner, T-Rent.  The Commandos used tactics like switching places with each other while the ref was distracted and double teaming Chupacabra to “Grenade Toss” him from one corner to the other.

"Grenade Toss!"

Supercabra tearing the face off of D-Unit

However, the Commandos couldn’t seal the deal in the ring due to the tenacity of the Chupacabras.  The wrestling match devolved into an outright brawl outside the ring, earning both teams a double count-out.  That means that the Suburban Commandos are still undefeated in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment, but have they met their match in the Chupacabras?

Flying Burrito!

The main event was an elimination match to determine who would be a contender for the LX World Championship.  Living legend “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez took on “Sheik’s Army” member “Money” Mike Rayne.  Rayne was joined by Sheik Khan Abadi and financial advisor Mr. Franks, who carried that metal briefcase with him.  Both wrestlers exchanged shoulder tackles and “Raging Bull” had the match under control until he missed a dropkick, allowing momentum to shift to “Money” Mike.  Mike pulled on what little hair Manny has left and stunned the “Raging Bull” with a nasty neckbreaker and a dropkick that gave Sheik a chance to choke Manny behind the ref’s back.  Tough-as-nails Fernandez busted Rayne with a “Flying Burrito,” but financial advisor Mr. Franks distracted the ref, allowing the Sheik to hit Manny with that metal briefcase.  Manny battled back and hit Rayne with another “Flying Burrito” almost getting the win, but the Sheik earned a disqualification by entering the ring and breaking up the pin.  The “Sheik’s Army” then beat down Manny and were mysteriously joined by the “INS Legacy” who also beat on the battered Fernandez.  That’s when Homicide ran into the ring to help out his longtime friend, Manny Fernandez.  Did the Sheik blow his man “Money” Mike’s chances at the world title or was this all part of some grand master plan?  

Sheik Kahn Abadi is up to no good.

So far, there is only one named contender for the LX World Championship, and that’s Chavo Guerrero Jr.  Who will be the next?  Titans clash for that chance to win the next contender spot on next Saturday’s episode of “Lucha Xtreme” with Homicide versus Brian Cage on at  8 PM on KAIL-TV My 7.1 (Comcast Channel 13/713 HD, DISH Network, DirecTV, and AT&T U-verse Channel 53.)  As always, like us on www.facebook.com/luchaxtreme, follow us @luchaxtreme and tune into past episodes and the LX POST SHOW at www.luchaxtreme.com.  Until next week, “Blog ya later.”
-Byron Rush.

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 14

This week on “Lucha Xtreme” it was all about Chavo Guerrero Jr. making his debut just in time for the LX World Heavyweight Championship Tournament.  Episode 14 started with a promo from Chavo calling out the “INS Legacy” saying “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us.”  Chavo announced that he was the #1 contender for LX World Heavyweight Championship, and I can’t help but believe him.

The first match was D-Torch up against the dreaded Crimson Plague.  D-torch was once again escorted to the ring by Savanah Riley (again).  I wonder if that relationship is strictly  business hmmmm?

  D-Torch’s popularity continues to soar like his high-flying style of wrestling.  Crimson Plague managed not to cheat as much as usual in this match but when he left the ring to harass Savanah Riley, D-Torch went flying over the top rope to save her, just like Superman.  Although Torch is not the biggest man in the roster, he has tremendous courage and is an exciting wrestler to watch.  D-Torch gets the win by pinfall against Crimson Plague, finishing him with his special “GOJIRA” driver.

The second match featured Jeckles the Jester taking on “Submission Machine” Bobby Hart.  Both of these ring veterans are well versed in technical wrestling, but Jeckles is anything but by the book.

 Jeckles tried to punk Bobby Hart by involving the ref with his hijinks.  Bobby Hart flipped the script and used Jeckles’ trick against the Jester himself.  Jeckles tried to end the match going for his “Joke-slam”  but Hart easily reversed out of it and swept Jeckles to the mat and hooked him in a submission hold.  That was all she wrote.  Jeckles tapped out, giving the “Submission Machine” another win.

In the next match El Pistolero faced off against the rich and powerful Sheik Khan Abadi, who was escorted to the ring by Sheik’s Army member “Money” Mike Rayne.  Mike carried with him a mysterious small briefcase, and you know it’s not going to be used to carry passports.  The Sheik used all of the dirty tricks in the book, pulling Pistolero’s bandanna over his face and pulling on his trunks.  “Money” Mike helped his crony by distracting the ref while Sheik choked El Pistolero, and when Sheik distracted the ref, Rayne walloped Pistolero with that hard metal case.  With Pistolero out from the blow, it was easy for Sheik Khan Abadi to get the win by pinning his opponent.

OK, for the main event, Lucha Xtreme had its first elimination match to determine the contenders for the LX World Heavyweight World Championship.  This match marked the debut of world famous athlete Chavo Guerrero Jr. to Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment.  For those of you not familiar with Chavo, he is a 3rd generation professional wrestler, nephew of Eddie Guerrero, and holder of numerous titles including WCW World Cruiserweight title, WCW World Tag Team title,  WWE (Smackdown) Tag Team title, WWE World Cruiserweight title, and WWE-ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) World title, which he won by defeating CM Punk (January 22, 2008).  Not too shabby (understatement of the century).

So, who did Chavo face in this match?  El Fuego.  Against other wrestlers, Fuego has had little success, but up against Chavo?  I figured he had about 0% chance.  He did, however, have the access to Sheik Khan Abadi just outside the ring in his corner.  Megastar Chavo took control of the match from the ring of the bell, dominating El Fuego and showing off his years of experience in the squared circle.

The Sheik tried his best to help out his man Fuego by holding Chavo’s boots and choking him when the ref was distracted.  Despite that, Chavo caught Fuego with the 3 Amigos and finished him with a spectacular “Frog Splash.”   After that it was 1-2-3 and Chavo got the pin against El Fuego, making him the 1st contender for the Lucha Xtreme Heavyweight World Championship.

If you get a chance, watch Episode 14 here http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/Past_Episodes.html you will not be disappointed.  If you want to see the highlights and listen to me give the recap, click here http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/Post_Shows.html
Make sure to follow us on twitter @luchaxtreme and like us on facebook.com/luchaxtreme.
Thanks to everyone reading this blog, this is Byron Rush saying “Blog ya later.”

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 13

Exciting things are happening in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment.
This week it was the THROWDOWN IN ‘NO TOWN, our special event from
Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies.

The first match was between the “Mexican Werewolf” El Chupacabra and Sheik
Khan Abadi.  Chupacabra has wrestled all over the western U.S. but this
match marked his debut with Lucha XtremeWrestling Entertainment.  Sheik
was alone and without the benefit of having any of his cheating cohorts
outside of the ring.  Both of these wrestlers are known for their speed,
and this made the match fast-paced and exciting.  I thoroughly enjoyed the
heck out of this match and “Mexican Werewolf” is fascinating to watch with
his sharp fangs, face paint, and creepy contacts.  Without the “Sheik’s
Army” backing him, the Sheik just couldn’t out wrestle the agile “Chupi.”
El Chupacabra won the match with his finisher the “Adios Powerbomb”.

Next we had a tag team matchup with the Suburban Commandos battling the
“Sheik’s Army” representatives Wiseguy and “Money” Mike Rayne.  With his
top guys in the ring, the Sheik Kahn Abadi and his financial advisor, Mr.
Franks, were outside the ring waiting to “help.”  The Suburban Commandos
had the size advantage, but the “Army” is not to be taken lightly.
“Money” Mike showed a lot of agility with a dazzling array of kicks, like
a well-executed Enziguri and an incredible springboard roundhouse.
Wiseguy was no slouch either, showing off a nice moonsault and his
signature “Forgetaboutit.”  But, that didn’t stop the Suburban Commandos
from crushing their opponents and smashing Wiseguy with their finisher,
the “Rizzbomb.”  The financial advisor Mr. Franks then thought it was wise
to interfere in the match, and at that point the Suburban Commandos had
enough.  They pulled him into the ring and gave him “Something Nasty.”
I’m surprised Mr. Franks didn’t need an ambulance after that.  Commandos
win it by pinfall.

Former WWE Star Val Venis went up against “Submission Machine” Bobby Hart
in the 3rd match.  This was a very technical, mat-based wrestling bout
that showed off a lot of legit wrestling holds.  Val Venis seemed to slow
down a little with age and the younger Hart seemed to have the advantage.
The highlight of the match was when the “Submission Machine” superplexed
Venis from the top rope, weakening him enough to hook in his finishing
hold and getting the win with Val Venis tapping out.  If you were at the
live event you then saw Val Venis take the mic and give Bobby Hart praise
for his win and in a sense passed the torch to Bobby out of respect.

The main event was between “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez and “INS
Enforcer” JR Kratos.  Tension had been building between these two for
weeks, and this match was to be the major battle in the war between the
“INS Legacy” and Manny and his “Raza.”  But, Kratos brought his crazed
cohort, Brian Tannen, to the ring with him, outnumbering Manny.  Then from
the locker room out came Homicide and he joined the “Raging Bull” in the
ring.  He got on the mic and said he was there to defend his mentor,
Manny, who is like a father figure to him, turning the bout into a
tag-team match.

 “INS Legacy” was eager to get to the violence, owning the
power game.  “Raging Bull” powered himself up and knocked Kratos off of
his feet TWICE with his “Flying Burrito."  With the fans cheering them on,
Fernandez and Homicide dished out RING JUSTICE to the “INS Legacy,”
despite the Legacy’s size and strength advantage.  While “Raging Bull” was
smashing Kratos into the timekeeper’s table outside of the ring, Homicide
escaped Tannen’s gorilla press to roll him up and get the pin.  This goes
to show you sometimes experience and heart go a long way for the win.

Tomorrow, July 5th, Lucha Xtreme will be wrestling at the Kings County Fair in Hanford, CA.  Get your tickets at luchaxtreme.com.  This Sat. July 7th, Chavo Guerrero Jr. will be debuting on Lucha Xtreme at 8 PM on KAIL-TV My 7.1 (Comcast Channel 13/713 HD, DISH Network, DirecTV, and AT&T U-verse Channel 53.  Please, like us on facebook.com/luchaxtreme follow us @luchaxtreme and tune into past episodes and the LX POST SHOW at luchaxtreme.com.  Until next week, “Blog ya later”
-Byron Rush.

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 12

It’s time for another “XTREME BLOG”!
Let’s talk episode 12. It opened with a promo from the vicious “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos and his maniacal cohort, Brian Tannen.  Kratos ranted on how he really feels about the “Mexican peasants,” including Chavo Guerrero, “Raging Bull” Manny Fenandez, and El Mariachi.  Meanwhile Tannen was facing the wall, breathing heavily, looking like a bomb about to explode.  “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos raged on about how El Mariachi wasn’t fit to wear the LX U.S. Championship belt.  Here I would like to add, having interviewed the “INS Legacy” they both bullied me, especially after they heard me speak Spanish.  Trust me, Kratos is even scarier and bigger in person and Brian Tannen is like a powder keg about to blow.

Episode 12 had 4 hot matches with one being a sneak peek of next week’s THROWDOWN IN ‘NOTOWN event at Chukchansi Park, home of the Fresno Grizzlies.  The first match was between “Money” Mike Rayne and Steve Stamp.  Of course, Rayne is escorted to the ring by Sheik Khan Abadi, who might or might not have had something to do with Steve Stamp getting jumped in the parking lot before the match.  Ring veteran Mike Rayne took control of the match from the get-go, but that doesn’t mean Steve Stamp is a pushover.  In fact, Stamp has ability and heart and showed a lot of toughness fighting back with his diving DDT and a quick 2-count.  When Rayne rolled out of the ring to consult with Sheik, Stamp flew over the top ropes landing on them both, but a minute later the Sheik grabbed the boots of Stamp and “Money” Mike Rayne hit him with a locking under-hook piledriver, ending the match by pinfall.  Maybe this is the win the Sheik’s Army needed to turn that stable around.

El Mariachi defends his title against D-Unit in the second match of the episode.  Before the action El Mariachi cuts a promo, saying it’s an “honor and a privilege” to be the LX U.S. Champion, and he will defend it against the likes of “INS Legacy.”  D-Unit entered the ring accompanied by his brother/tag-team partner T-Rent, and that always means double trouble.  El Mariachi entered wearing the LX U.S. title belt matching the gold on his gear (like a boss) and got a big response from the Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment audience.  D-Unit started off the match with a big slap to Mariachi’s choppers.  El Mariachi responded with some big forearms to D-Unit but the blows did little to hurt the big man.  In response D-Unit flattened him with a stiff vertical splash (ouch).  Adding insult to injury, D-Unit then hit El Mariachi with signature “Trust Fall” which smashed his mid-section and almost got a pin.  As a reward for kicking out, El Mariachi got a couple of nasty chops from D-Unit.  The fierce luchador battled back with an amazing tilt-a-whirl head-scissor takedown, knocking D-Unit out of the ring.  While out of the ring D-Unit switched places with his TWIN brother, T-Rent, allowing him to catch his breath.  Like a schoolground bully, T-Rent gave El Mariachi “2 for flinching” and then hit him with a “Snap Release” suplex, almost getting the pin again.  The Champ hit the other half of the “Suburban Commandos” with a flying dropkick from the top of the corner, knocking him out of the ring and allowing him to change places with his rested brother, D-Unit.  The big man went up top but El Mariachi rolled out of the way at the last minute, letting him hit face first into the canvas.  El Mariachi, superhero-like, dug deep and found extra strength and knocked D-Unit for a loop with a flying clothesline and a big bulldog.  With his patented dance move El Mariachi was about to get the win, but T-Rent broke up the pin, causing a disqualification.  El Mariachi held on to the title with a win against his biggest opponent to date and when the “Suburban Commandos” tried to get even after the bell was rung, El Mariachi flew off the top rope, taking them both out with a flying cross-body block.

  
Next was a promo by the legendary “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez who talked about paying dues and how there are no short cuts in pro wrestling.  He called out the “INS Legacy” JR Kratos and Brian Tannen, who was Manny’s opponent in the upcoming match.  Both warriors battled away at each other and “Raging Bull” showed he’s still got it by suplexing the younger wrestler.  Both men took each other apart with some technical wrestling and then Manny busted out his “Flying Burrito” and knocked Tannen for a loop, almost getting a 3-count when in the background the “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos entered the Lucha Xtreme Studios and walked up to the ring.  This distracted “Raging Bull” long enough for Brian Tannen to knock him out of the ring where Kratos was waiting to put on a beatdown.  He then rolled him back into the ring so both of the “INS Legacy” could beat on him some more.  From the locker room, “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro came running into the ring with a piece of pizza hanging from his mouth, saving Manny from the INS faction and returning the favor.

Our main event match was the preview of the SHOWDOWN IN ‘NOTOWN with D-Torch going against “Mr. G.M.S.I.” Brian Cage.

 It was speed and agility versus brawn and technical skill in this matchup.  D-Torch gets the ball rolling with a couple of headscissor takedowns and an inverse double-knee to the chest of Cage, springing over the top rope and getting a two-count.  Cage responded with a huge catapult sending D-Torch flying through the ring.  After hitting D-Torch with a big back elbow and a quick 1-count, Brian Cage puts him up into a vertical suplex, but D-Torch reversed it somehow and rolled Cage up.  The “Multi-move Paragon” Brian Cage put the kaboom into a hip-toss backbreaker variant, setting him up for the application of a camel clutch hold to shoulder pin combo.  D-Torch’s  cross-body block earned him a violent flying clothesline from Cage, knocking D-Torch to the mat and almost getting him pinned.  Cage then worked D-Torch in both of the corners and whipped him into another close quarters clothesline.  D-Torch shows a lot of heart kicking out again against the bigger, stronger opponent and rocking him with a rolling neckbreaker and a springboard clothesline off of the top rope (boing)!  D-Torch keeps it going with a bulldog to Cage’s head and went off the top rope again, diving over Cage and pulling him hard down onto the mat and into a neat roll-up, almost getting the pinfall.  Cage turns animal with a brutal slingshot powerbomb getting a 2-count but missing with a huge forearm, allowing himself to get rolled up again by D-Torch.  “Mr. G.M.S.I.” proves he is the “Multi Move Paragon” with his finisher the “Total Eclipse” winning by pinfall.
That last match is my new favorite. Both athletes did a tremendous job in the ring and the action was nonstop.

Coming up next week is SHOWDOWN IN ‘NOTOWN  with Former WWE Superstar Val Venis, “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez, Former TNA Star Homicide, and all of your favorite Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment wrestlers.  Also, if you want to see us in person, go to www.LuchaXtreme.com for tickets to our next live event at the Kings Fair in Hanford, CA on July 5.  Like us on facebook.com/luchaxtreme and follow us on Twitter @luchaxtreme.com.  Watch past episodes and yours truly on the LX POST SHOW at http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/LX_TV.html  That’s all for now, this is Byron Rush saying “Blog ya later.”

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 11

Hello and welcome wrestling fans! Let’s take a look at episode 11 of “Lucha Xtreme.”  This episode was packed full of action with 4 great matches featuring our fearless Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment wrestlers.  The first match featured “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez battling the “Submission Machine” Bobby Hart.  Bobby Hart had been running his mouth last week about how he was going to break Manny’s arm and leg.  Let me give you a little background on “Raging Bull.”  He was APW Universal Heavyweight Champion, NWA World Tag Team Champion, SCW Southwest Brass Knuckles Champion, SCW Southwest Heavyweight Champion, SCW Southwest Tag Team Champion (2 times), SCW World Tag Team Championship (and many more) and has worked with legends like Rick Rude and Dusty Rhodes and trained superstars like R-Truth and Booker T.  Does Bobby Hart really think he could intimidate “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez?  The match starts out with both wrestlers testing the other’s technical skill with Hart having a size and speed advantage, but Fernandez having the advantage of experience.  Both wrestlers showed off their shoot wrestling skills trying to get the upper hand in the match.  Bobby also showed of some of his power with a serious shoulder tackle and a big power elbow.   The wrestlers almost knocked each other out when they collided in the center of the ring.  After stumbling to their feet, each began to pummel their opponent with big right hands to the head.  The referee, Brad Stimson, tried to break it up when the “Submission Machine” Bobby Hart started using closed fists.  It was then that Hart pushed the ref, causing himself to be disqualified.  Even after the bell rang, these warriors still rained blows on each other until Manny floored Hart with a huge clothesline.  Manny collects another win in his legendary career.

The next matchup was between Jeckles the Jester and high-flying D-Torch.  Jeckles was full of smiles and waved to the “Lucha Xtreme” audience, being friendly and creepy at the same time.  D-Torched looked confident despite giving up a huge size differential.  The match started with a genuine handshake as a show of mutual admiration.  D-Torch took flight with 3 consecutive dropkicks and a springboard cross body-block, trying to gain advantage with his speed.  Switching gears, he begins to work on Jeckles’ left knee and leg like a surgeon, weakening it with chops, elbows, and submission holds.  I have never seen D-Torch more methodical.  Jeckles was different also, he wasn’t trying to pull off his usual wrestling pranks, and he seemed more focused on the win.  He shook up D-Torch with a serious gutbuster but his own knee bothered him throughout the match due to the damage D-Torch inflicted.  Torch tried to launch off of the top ropes, but Jeckles the Jester caught him mid-air and devastated him with a back breaker and finished him off with his signature “Joke Slam.”

The 3rd match had Sheik Khan Abadi versus the newcomer Steven Stamp, who immediately started a “USA” chant to get the audience behind him.  Against the crafty Sheik, he’s going to need all the help he can get.  The match starts off at a fast pace, and without his financial advisor, Mr. Franks in his corner, the Sheik had to rely on his quick wits and his speed.  Stamp gets lucky and nails Sheik Kahn Abadi with a couple of nice atomic drops, slowing him down for a bit and only a bit, because Sheik bounces back and almost gets a submission on a bridging chin lock.  After almost getting a submission and a pin (2 count), the Sheik takes his curled boots to the hands of Stamp, grinding them into the canvas and kicking Stamp on the ground and delivering a big roundhouse kick to the head.  Steven Stamp managed to get off a DDT variation from second ropes in the corner and a big neckbreaker, but only delayed the inevitable.  That’s right, Sheik Khan Abadi easily collected a win from the young newbie from Texas, devastating him with his signature ASAI DDT and getting the pinfall.  Sheik Khan Abadi proved he is the top baddy in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment with the win over Stamp, and he did it without help from his Sheik’s Army.  After several losses in his stable, the Sheik is back on top, and one only wonders if Mr. Franks’ return will only make him stronger.
 
Saturday’s main event showcased the wrestling of “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro and the “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos.  Before the match started, “Pizza Man” cut a promo saying he was a proud immigrant from Sicily, Italy and if Kratos had a problem with it, they should settle it in the ring.  Entering the arena first was JR Kratos, and the dude is big.  He is billed at 280 lbs. and it is all muscle.  He shouted at the crowd to “Shut your mouth!” as they booed.  Contrast that to the cheers “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro got as he entered the ring with his pizza box full of candy.  JR Kratos takes charge of the match early on using his power to push the smaller “Pizza Man” around.  Vinnie then caught Kratos over the top rope and gave him a painful ride pulling the ropes into JR’s groin.  Kratos responded with a powerbomb and a cover.  But Kratos revisits past mistakes by not getting the three-count; instead, he pulled Vinnie up before the three-count, toying with the “Pizza Man” as if they were in a sadistic game of cat and mouse.  That’s how you know the “INS Enforcer” is truly bad, he relishes giving pain more than winning.  He then administered a couple snug bearhugs, and like announcer Big Tony said, he squeezed so hard some sausage and pepperoni almost popped out of Vinnie Massaro.  Vinnie, being the veteran that he is, escaped and delivered a superb flying clothesline, knocking Kratos to the canvas and getting a two-count.     Vinnie trumpeted out “AYE!” and rocked JR with some hard blows in the corner. That’s when Kratos picked up the “Pizza Man” and dropped him throat-first onto the top rope of the ring.  Drawing inner strength, Vinnie Massaro moves out of the corner just in the nick of time, allowing Kratos to slam into the turnbuckles violently.  Vinnie then runs corner to corner, laying into JR with his “rear bumper” to the dome.  Vinnie goes for an unbelievable top-rope moonsault, but JR Kratos rolled out of the way before Vinnie hit it.  I gotta give “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro credit for that move.  I had never seen a man in his “shape” perform such an acrobatic move before. Bravo “Pizza Man,” I salute you.  Nevertheless, it left him wide open for a laser-like spear from the “INS Enforcer,” who again refused to pin his opponent and pulled him up at the two-count.  He then threw Vinnie out of the ring and onto the hard concrete of Lucha Xtreme Studios and continued to punish him out there by slamming him into the posts.  Then chaos erupted when “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez burst into the ring, causing the timekeeper to ring the bell.  “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos turned tail and fled, not wishing to face “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez and “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro.  I wonder how this will play out in future “Lucha Xtreme” episodes.
 
Thanks for visiting this blog, and be sure to visit www.LuchaXtreme.com for past episodes and ticket information for Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment’s next big show, exploding into the Kings Fair in Hanford, CA on July 5.  Also, like Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LuchaXtreme) follow us on twitter @luchaxtreme and watch the weekly “LX POST SHOW.”  Until next week, “Blog ya later!”

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 10

It’s that time again, wrestling fans.  It’s time for Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment’s “XTREME BLOG”.  This week’s “Lucha Xtreme” was electric and a new LX United States Champion was crowned.  There was plenty of Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment action!
  It started off with (in my opinion) one of the best matches seen on LX TV, featuring the tag team the Suburban Commandos vs. D-Torch and Steven Stamp.  The Suburban Commandos are made up of twin brothers, BIG twin brothers (D-Unit & T-Rent) with a combined weight of 600 pounds.  D-Torch and Stamp together add up to 350 pounds.  Size advantage goes to the Commandos.   The Commandos entered and hit their pose with a loud “Yiiiiiiii!”  D-Torch and Steven Stamp follow being escorted by Savanah Riley.  The match started with Stamp facing off against T-Rent.  The Commandos make two back-to-back tags before the action even starts, perhaps as a ploy to confuse their opponents?   Heck, it even confused me, and I was there in person.  Stamp took an early lead and used his speed to get some blows in on T-Rent, even tagging in D-Torch for a nice double dropkick to T-Rent’s midsection.  T-Rent called for a time out and tagged in his brother, D-Unit.  D-Torch is known for his speed and acrobatic skills and he called them into play with some well executed head scissor take-downs.  For a moment, D-Unit and T-Rent are spellbound by the speed of the much smaller opponents, but the Commandos reversed the momentum with a concussion inducing face –buster.  Adding insult to injury, D-Unit slams D-Torch into the out-stretched knee of his brother, T-Rent.   The Commandos took advantage of being twins by switching out without tagging, and the ref never noticed.  With momentum on their side, the Suburban Commandos delivered a devastating series of moves to the underdogs including a twin-powered toss that sent D-Torch from one corner to the opposite, the signature “Something Nasty”, and the finishing “RIZZ-BOMB” delivered to Stamp.  The Suburban Commandos cemented their place as the #1 tag-team in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment, winning by pinfall.
Bobby Hart starts off the next segment with a promo calling out “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez.  Bobby Hart is calling himself the “Submission Machine” and said he’s going to beat up the “old man”.  “Raging Bull” is a tough individual and gets tougher the angrier he gets.  If I were Bobby, I would be careful.  Everyone knows, if you mess with the BULL, you get the HORNS.
The second match featured newcomer to Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment Brian Tannen, who faced off against veteran Jeckles the Jester.  You might remember Tannen from his promo with “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos back in episode 8.  Jeckles entered the ring with a big smile and sat cross-legged in his corner as usual.  I have to admire Jeckles for his bravado, sitting down in the ring with the crazy-eyed Brian Tannen.  Even as they locked up, Jeckles taunted his adversary with bemused laughter.  The match was filled with Jeckles’ crazy antics, such as catching Tannen’s leg in a hold and showing off his catch to the “Lucha Xtreme” fans, then passing the foot off to referee Brad Stimson.   Both men tested each other with a nice series of armbars and seemed evenly matched in strength, but Jeckles outwitted Brian Tannen again by getting him to run the ropes while looking on laughing and clapping.  Jeckles then offered to apologize with a sticky handshake and proceeded to roll Tannen up in multiple attempts to pin him.   The younger half of the “INS Legacy” fought back with some serious blows and a stiff suplex.   He scooped up the rag-doll Jeckles and slammed him hard into the ring.  “Lucha Xtreme” fans chanted “Jeckles” pumping the Jester up enough to deliver a big atomic drop before he pretended as if Tannen were a marionette.   Jeckles continued to rough up Tannen with strong forearm smashes and a big curly-toed boot to the face.  Tannen was thrown into the corner and received multiple blows from Jeckles, who was standing on the ropes.  Brian Tannen summoned all of his determination and lifted and carried Jeckles into the center of the ring and slammed him hard onto the floor of the ring with a powerbomb, ending the match with an easy pin.  I think Tannen has enough physical power to cause some serious trouble in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment.  I will be watching to see what kind of shenanigans the “INS Legacy” will be creating backstage and in the ring.

The show’s main event featured a battle to determine the winner of the new United States Championship.  The match saw El Mariachi go up against El Fuego Salvaje, a member of the “Sheik’s Army.”  El Fuego was guided to the ring by his mentor, Sheik Khan Abadi, minus his financial advisor, Mr. Franks.  El Mariachi entered looking regal in his gear.  I imagine a suit like his costs a pretty penny.  If you have been watching this season, you will know there is bad blood between El Mariachi and Sheik Khan Abadi and his minions, like El Fuego.  How Fuego got this title shot, I can only speculate, but I think it involved bribes coming from Camp Abadi.  You could tell El Mariachi was still feeling cocky after his win last week over Mike Rayne as he danced his signature steps in time to the fans’ claps.  After some initial exchanges by El Mariachi, El Fuego rolled out of the ring and consulted with the Sheik.  Without Mr. Franks there, the tactic failed as El Mariachi continued to punish the left arm of Fuego, weakening it.  Fuego offered a false handshake and whipped El Mariachi into the turnbuckle and worked on hurting his foe with a jumping knee-facebuster.   Fuego then tried to apply a sleeper-hold, but El Mariachi fought out only to be clobbered by El Fuego’s spinning elbow.  Fuego continued to work El Mariachi’s head with another facebuster variant, but he made a mistake when he tried the same maneuver twice, because El Mariachi caught him in mid-air and powerbombed him.  Coming back, El Mariachi delivered a leg-lock German suplex, almost getting the pin before El Fuego kicked out and reversed El Mariachi’s signature rope-run DDT.  Both luchadores struggled to their feet and ran the ropes.  El Fuego got in a big knee knocking both wrestlers down.  Fuego made it to the ropes to Sheik Kahn Abadi.  Sheik then screwed everything up by pushing his man, Fuego, who stumbled into El Mariachi who rolled him up for the 3-count.  El Mariachi must have “mucho alegria” for his first title win.  With “INS Legacy” hot after him, I wonder how long El Mariachi can retain his title.
That wrapped up episode 10 with El Mariachi’s United States Championship win, and this wraps up another “XTREME BLOG”!     Be sure to check out Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment’s new “LX Post Show,” featuring me, your humble host Byron Rush.  You can watch it and past episodes on www.LuchaXtreme.com.  Be sure to follow us on Twitter @luchaxtreme and like us at www.facebook.com/LuchaXtreme.  Until we meet again, “Blog ya later.”

SEASON 1 / EPISODE 9

Welcome back Lucha Xtreme fans to the “XTREME BLOG”!  Your only home to what is going on in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment.
Episode 9 just aired and LX is ramping up for the LX U.S. Championship match.  El Mariachi opened the episode announcing in English and Spanish that he is the #1 contender for the Lucha Xtreme United States Championship.  El Mariachi then has the audacity to say that not only is he going to win, but when he does, it will no longer be the U.S. title.   It will be the Mexican title.  Wow, that is crazy.  Not only do we have the “INS Legacy” running amuck, but if El Mariachi wins, he’s taking the title to Guadalajara, Mexico?  I think El Mariachi just painted a giant bull’s-eye on his back with that little speech.

  The first match of the evening featured “Pizza Man” Vinnie Massaro taking on Crimson Plague.   Crimson Plague looked creepy as he “wound” up his thumb, and Vinnie entered with his trusty pizza box filled with candy.   It’s no wonder why “Pizza Man” is a favorite with kids.  Chants of “PIZZA, PIZZA, PIZZA” filled LX studios much to Massaro’s delight and announcer Big Tony’s chagrin.  Crimson was viciously jabbing his thumb into Vinnie’s throat and eyes and reached in to his trunks for a “foreign object”.  Of course the ref never saw the object, but it didn’t matter how many times Crimson Plague cheated, because the fan’s “PIZZA” chants powered the “Pizza Man” to a comeback.  After catching Crimson Plague up on the corner ropes, Massaro tossed him like a big piece o’ dough on to the canvas.  “Pizza Man” then wound his arm up like a baseball pitcher and threw a spinning forearm to Crimson’s head, knocked him cold and easily pinned him.

Flashbacks set up the next match, showing El Mariachi and “Money” Mike Rayne’s first match back in episode 6.  Clips showed how Rayne had cheated his way to victory with help from Sheik Kahn Abadi and his financial advisor, Mr. Franks.  It’s important to note past history, as this grudge match decides who the top contender for the LX U.S. Championship is going to be.  Rayne entered the ring, escorted by Sheik and Mr. Franks, wearing a cheap sombrero and even attempted to mimic El Mariachi’s signature dance.  He obviously didn’t like Mariachi’s comments about taking the belt to Mexico.  El Mariachi entered wearing a cool-looking new outfit.  We have a “laugh out loud” moment when Rayne stomps his imitation sombrero in the center of the ring.  For Rayne, being part of “Sheik’s Army” means that Sheik Kahn Abadi is waiting outside the ring with Mr. Franks kicking and stomping El Mariachi every time the ref was distracted.  El Mariachi fought back with a nice belly-to-belly suplex but Mike Rayne defied gravity with a skilled enziguri kick and a devastating powerbomb!  With more help from the outside from Sheik Kahn Abadi and Mr. Franks, it looked like Rayne had Mariachi on the ropes, literally.  Mariachi wouldn’t quit as he battled back and gave Mike Rayne his signature “rope-run tornado DDT”.  1-2-3 and it was lights out for Rayne, making El Mariachi the #1 contender for the LX U.S. Championship.

For our main event, Brian Caged faced off against Wiseguy.  There has been bad blood between Cage and Wise Guy since the “Sheik’s Army” interfered with Cage’s match with “Money” Mike Rayne.  In the opening promo, Cage said he was bringing an army of his own, meaning his muscled “guns”.   The camera then caught a little exchange in the back between Cage and Wiseguy.  Wiseguy called out Cage and said “I do all my talking in the ring.”  And then the battle was underway.  Despite telling Cage that he didn’t need an army, he entered with Sheik Kahn Abadi and his financial advisor, Mr. Franks.  The match started with some great catch wrestling with both men showing off technical skills and holds.  From the get go Cage worked on Wiseguy’s left arm, wearing it down,  even slamming Wiseguy onto his back with the left arm under him, OUCH!   Wiseguy executed an awesome flying neckbreaker and almost got the pin.  When that didn’t work he busted Cage with a beautiful flying kick and standing moonsault, almost getting the pin again.  Cage battled back, catching a leaping Wiseguy in a powerslam, knocking him for a loop and rallied with some more jaw-dropping acrobatics, weakening Wiseguy further.   Wiseguy, however, is one tough individual, dropping Cage with some sweet technical moves of his own, including a leaping knee driven facebuster.  Can anyone say thump?  Brian Cage then pulls off one of his finishers, the Weapon-X (Gory lock transitioned into a reverse STO), thump you very much.  Wiseguy still has the guts to kick out after that, and pulls off a springboard DDT finisher of his own.  At this point in the match, Sheik Kahn Abadi and Mr. Franks stayed out of the action. I even forgot they were there, that is until Sheik grabbed a chair and gave it to Wiseguy.  Wiseguy never had a chance to use it, because when he turned round, Brian Cage leveled him with a spinning clothesline.   The Fat Lady was singing cause it was over.  Brian easily pinned Wiseguy getting the 3 count.  Is there anyone who can take down “The Multi-Move Paragon” Brian Cage?

Sounds awesome right?  It’s even better in person.  There are still tickets left for the LIVE TV Taping event Saturday, June, 9.  Come out and see all of your LUCHA XTREME WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT favorites at the Lucha Xtreme Studios, located at 56 N. Van Ness in downtown Fresno, CA.  “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez, Chavo Guerrero and former TNA superstar Homicide will storm the Lucha Xtreme Studios!  The next day at Chukchansi Park following the Fresno Grizzlies 2:05 p.m. baseball game a special post-game show will take place, featuring former WWE superstar Val Venis, “Raging Bull” Manny Fernandez, Homicide and many other Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment standouts!

So if you haven’t yet, like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/LuchaXtreme, follow us @luchaxtreme on Twitter, and if you missed any episodes you can catch up at  http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/LX_TV.html.  Thanks for supporting Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment and the “XTREME BLOG”!
This is Byron Rush saying “Blog ya later”!

SEASON1/EPISODE 8

Hello and welcome wrestling fans!

In this blog we will be discussing episode 8 of LX.  This week’s episode of LX was explosive!  Episode 8 started off with an intense promo from LX’s Japanese High Flier, Super Tiger.  I know a lot of people say “wrestling’s fake” but nothing was fake about Super Tiger’s broken jaw, courtesy of Sheik Kahn Abadi.  You could sense the anger and hatred in his voice and when he said “fists will fly” you believed him.

Next, was a promo from “INS Enforcer” JR Kratos.  Kratos said some inflammatory things, calling immigrants “contaminated peasants”.  Now, some of you might agree with him, but here in Central California, those comments might be dangerous to his health.  But, even I had to laugh when he said he was going to throw the “peasants” back into the river.  “INS Enforcer”, JR Kratos also introduced a new member of the INS faction, Brian Tannen, who is one big looking dude.  Who knows what kind of trouble these two will stir up in LX.

The first match of the night featured Kratos VS Steven Stamp.  I’m sorry, but the “INS Enforcer” looks like a beast compared to the babyfaced Stamp.  I couldn’t help but think that Stamp was going to get destroyed in the first few minutes.  Early on, Kratos demonstrated his tremendous power by throwing Stamp around the ring like a ragdoll, and gorilla pressing the young Steven Stamp.  Kratos made a mistake by toying with Stamp and not going for the pin, because halfway through the match, Manny “Raging Bull” Fernandez interrupts the match causing a no contest.  I’m thinking Kratos might be a top contender for the United States Championship belt.

Sheik Kahn Abadi shows up in a prerecorded promo with his “financial advisor”, Mr. Franks.  Sheik talks about how he is backed by the President of Iran and flaunts his supposed wealth.  The whole time I’m watching the two of them I can’t help but think Kahn Abadi is the real brains behind the “Sheik’s Army”.

The promo segues into Sheik’s match with newcomer D-Torch.  Both of these guys are not the biggest athletes in pro wrestling, but the match was one of my favorites out of all of the episodes.  D-Torch showed a lot of heart in this match showing off his high flying skill.  But, it is Sheik Kahn Abadi that steals the show.  He shows his ring savvy by rolling out of the ring when things get too hairy, and making it to the ropes to break up D-Torch’s holds.  The highlights from this match include The Sheik’s swinging pendulum smash, D-Torch’s springboard closeline, and Sheik’s finisher – the Asai DDT.  Sheik won by pinfall, but don’t count out D-Torch yet.  This match should help cement Kahn Abadi’s position as top runner for the U.S. Champion.

Following that match, Brian Cage returns in another gym promo.  I can’t help but think he looks a little like the comic book come-to-life version of Wolverine.  Cage is not short on confidence as he calls himself the “Multi-Move Paragon” and “Mr. GMSI”.  (Am I the only one who doesn’t know what GMSI is?)  Despite his preening, Cage looks impressive with one of the best physiques around.  Just looking at the guy had me thinking:  World Champion.

The main event featured, Mr. GMSI (?), Brian Cage squaring off against the big Bobby Hart.  This match featured some nice grappling and both men were not short on strength.  Brian Cage showed of his polished move set with a perfectly executed BIG suplex.  Bobby Hart countered with some submission holds attempting to get Cage to tap out.  No such luck for Hart, as the “Multi-Move Paragon” showed off his technical prowess with a jaw dropping finisher of his own, a springboard moonsault.  It was a thing of beauty to see a big man like Cage back flip off of the second rope and splash down on Hart, winning by pinfall.

With Brian Cage’s win, episode 8 of Lucha Xtreme ended, leaving me hungry for next week’s episode.  In the meantime, I will be at the next LIVE TV taping coming up on June 9th, watching Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Homicide tear up the competition at Lucha Xtreme Studios along with NWA/WCW Legend "Raging Bull" Manny Fernandez.  There is a live wrestling event following the Fresno Grizzlies game, June 10th.   Former WWE star Val Venis will be at the Sunday show with Manny Fernandez and former TNA star, Homicide. This was truly an epic week in Lucha Xtreme Wrestling Entertainment’s history.  Be sure to visit luchaxtreme.com for past episodes and ticket information.  And, be sure to like Lucha Xtreme on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LuchaXtreme) follow us on twitter @luchaxtreme and be on the lookout for our new online post show.  To watch episode 8 and previous episodes go to http://www.luchaxtreme.com/LuchaXtreme.com/LX_TV.html .
This is your humble blogger, Byron Rush, signing out for this week!