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!