Pro Wrestling Chronicle

1.18.08 Guerrerro/Bucanero vs Mistico/Dr. Wagner Jr.

With Matches of the Year being discussed in all genres and styles, I decided to stay in chronological order on our journey through the year’s best stuff and go to Mexico. The timing is right as we’ll have some thoughts from a new CHRON contributor, Carlos Lopez, who can give a far better view of this match than I as to where it might fall in terms of Mexican wrestling. Onto my Americanized work rate influenced opinion.

Ultimo Guerrerro and Bucanero used to be a famous heel tag team, and that dissolved around the time Buc lost his mask. He hasn’t worked out as a babyface, but this is an unholy alliance here. Ultimo and Buc aren’t instant pals, and the facials when they come out separately and stand together tell a good story. They are cautious, especially the face, but find it natural.

Faces run wild to start as this follows the 2/3 falls CMLL formula I’ve seen for their main events.

They attack on the ramp (usually the heels do this part), get the better of the heels, and then A LOT of high spots are had. Mistico is propelled into the ring by Wagner for a double drop kick.

Mistico with a top rope plancha crossbody to the floor. Wagner from the ramp does a running diving tope con hilo to the floor. Crowd loves it initially, but the heel segment boos them as they get back in. They then each pin an opponent for the first fall. 2 minutes. Typical of what I’ve seen.

Second fall. A more traditional tag setting with partners in the corner. The rudos get the jump, but well, Mistico makes them both look like fools. Less move for move scripted than a lot of Lucha I like less. This is high end for me as a fan. I hate how an opponent waits for his stops in Lucha, though I enjoy the different style in principle.

Bucanero back and forth with a very over and charismatic Dr. Wagner. Most of it is kick based and it flows well. Wagner wins those exchanges. Ultimo in. Christ, the reversal here is Wagner just ignoing his opponent and dancing around (as a babyface) slowly. That’s where I disconnect a bit. Wagner should be shot for that and I hope Ultimo beats his ass now.

Ultimo not only goes to work on him but give his partner a good look when he gets the advantage. Cool stuff. OOPS! Spoke to soon. Wagner cuts him off again and we wait till Mistico tags in for the reversal. Wagner is a selfish ass that’s dislikable to me in the way the Rock always was.

Cyclone suplex on Mistico from the top for the second fall victory. What a shock. We’re tied one to one. Wagner barely sells the submission he’d been put in at the pin, so I’m keenly a rudos guy now. Mistico continues to sell, while the heels are really on the same page now.

Third fall. The heels start hitting their signature stuff. Mistico makes a comeback. Another huge section of high spots that will blow you away. Of course Wagner gets the final one and milks it forever, then smashes into Mistico. I hate him already. Hopefully that’s what they were going for.

Yep, Wagner tackles Mistico (spear) when they get back in. No idea why. What a heel. The real heels (well, half and half) look on. Heels take the advantage and pin both men. They (Ultimo & Bucanero) walk out arm and arm. enjoyable change of pace for me. I’d say 2 ¾ to 3 stars by my standards, and maybe 3 ½ or a tad more for Lucha standards. We’ll have to ask Carlos Lopez to weigh in.