Episode Thirty-Nine - Of Proud Adonis

Lucha Week continues as we are joined by CMLL wrestler Sam Adonis (@samelias89) to talk about coming to Mexico, working in CMLL, the CMLL Grand Prix ippv, his  almost-immediate rivalry with Shocker, his favorite opponents so far, the fluidity of opponents in CMLL, atmosphere at lucha shows, lucha vs British wrestling, great British wrestlers not yet known in the US including James Mason, the Knight family (of WWE's Paige fame), being trained by his brother (Corey Graves, formerly known as Sterling James Keenan) fliers and bases in wrestling and more. We were lucky to catch up with Sam on the same day he was main eventing Arena Mexico. 

Episode Thirty-Eight - Full Metalik Jacket

Mascara Dorada aka Gran Metalik on his way to WWE.

It's the start of what we hope will be Lucha Week, with a few shows planned. Up first, it's The Cubs Fan (@luchablog) from the Luchablog to talk all about the news.  This includes Mascara Dorada (Gran Metalik) signing with WWE, what his future may hold there, how is La Sombra aka Andrade CIen Almas doing in NXT, his Takeover match, should he turn rudo, the upcoming CMLL Anniversario show and what might be the main event, how Kushida and MIchael Elgin were used during the CMLL tour, the passing away of Thunder, Sexy Star's unmasking and her future in lucha both in Mexico and the USA, TEDDY HART~! in Elite, could we see him in CMLL, the Lucha Memes (@luchamemes) show going on as we were recording, Stuka Jr vs Kamaitachi in Ring of Honor, Kamaitachi's #1 Fan being at ROH TV, Rush vs L.A. Park in ELITE, the crazy ELITE tournament and its standings, a rundown of the S2 finale of Lucha Underground, the Triplemania main event (?)  and more. Plus, some quick all-star break Cubs talk and what is shaping up to be a three team race for best record in the National League.

Episode Thirty-Three - The God Phoenix

The Mod/Emma Peel Wonder Woman. (C) 2016 DC Comics

0:56 - @TKD_117 returns to talk about his recent trip to Mexico for the 2nd Anniversary @Caralucha show, including the Hechicero/Cavernario vs Black Terry/Bestia 666 and Flamita vs Mascara Dorada matches. We talk about some other recent indy lucha, including Hechicero vs Virus. We also discuss the AAA Lucha World Cup, the always frustrating CMLL booking and more. As always, your source for great indy lucha footage is @BlackTerry. Tweet him for his match lists. For more lucha news, check out Como Estaz with @luchablog and @robviper & Luchaworld with @therealfredo and @vandaldrummond.

43:45 - Magazine contributor Matt D discusses DC Rebirth and a possible shift for a brighter storytelling outlook for DC. We talk about the metatextual nature of the issue and which books we are excited about going forward (hint: listen to episode 32 of the podcast). We also discuss some of the lucha matches covered earlier with TKD. We end with discussion of the two new Marvel superhero movies and was Movie Zemo really such an affront to his comics counterpart?

As discussed in the pod,  Arena Coliseo Monterrey -- Negro Casas vs Rey Hechicero

Technical note: During the interview with Matt, I left my desk fan on and the interview is a little wind-tunnely.  Apologies if it is distracting. 

Episode Thirty-One - Parejas Incredulas

Not much Amor between Rush and Marco Corleone.

The Cubs Fan (@luchablog) returns to talk lucha libre and baseball. We talk about Dragon Lee's recent injury, the Parejas Increible tournament, ELITE, the saga of Octogon and Octogon Jr (Flamite) and AAA comings and goings. Hechicero vs Negro Casas in Monterrey., At (18:02), we talk about the Lucha Undergreound Season 3 tapings with all the various rumors discussed. If you don't want to know about them, skip ahead. We also speculate about just how LU contracts work with tarlent appearing elsewhere.  (29:37) There's baseball talk about the Cubs season so far, the Schwarber injury and high expectation. Also we talk about The Kane County Cougars and why people go to watch minor league baseball.  

Episode Twenty-Nine - R.U.Ready

Leonard F Chikarason (@lfchikarason) from the Longbox Heroes podcast (@longboxheroes) returns to talk about luchador Pentagon Jr (@pentagonjunior) wrestling in Cleveland for AI Wrestling (@aiwrestling), wrestle border crossing stories, previewing the Wrestlemania 32 card in Dallas and story lines moving forward, including a potential brand split involving NXT. We also look at some new comics, including Batman/TMNT, The Astonishing Ant-Man 6 by Nick Spenser (@nickspenser) & Annapaola Martello and Vision by Tom King (@tomkingTK) & Gabriel Walta (@ghwalta). We end with a discussion of the changes made recently to Marvel Puzzle Quest and how gameplay has been since they were implemented. 

Episode Twenty-Eight - Lucha Espectacular 2

Luchaworld's Alfredo Esparza (@therealfredo) returns to talk about the CMLL Dos Leyendas ippv, the matches and where the future is headed, news from ELITE and AAA, the highs and lows of recapping CMLL Informa and more. 

Be sure to check out Lucha Espectacular Part 1 with Dr. Lucha Steve Sims.

Episode Twenty-Seven - Lucha Espectacular 1

Grandfather and Grandson, same amount of hair

Dr. Lucha Steve Sims (@drluchajr)returns to discuss the CMLL Dos Leyendas ippv, the matches and future plans, news about ELITE and AAA and more lucha talk. We then talk about Steve's trip to spring training, the upcoming baseball season and the Adam LaRoche situation.

Be sure to check out Lucha Espectacular 2 with Luchaworld's Alfredo Esparza.

Episode Twenty-Five - The Fickle Finger of Fate

Part three of our Author Theory series continues today with veteran comics and animation writer J.M. DeMatteis (@jmdematteis). We discuss the new DC Animated movie Batman: Bad Blood, which he scripted., as well as some of his other work in animation including Justice League Unlimited and The Brave and the Bold.  Following that, it's a long discussion about his comics work: scripting all-ages comics, artistic freedom in the late 1980s and a number of his past and current titles, including Doctor Fate, The Defenders, Greenberg the Vampire, Moonshadow, Mercy, Seekers into the Mystery, The Adventures of Augusta Wind, Captain America, Weird War Tales and Justice League 3000/3001. There is also some JLI talk sprinkled throughout the show.  We also talk about his upcoming work on both the new Scooby Doo comic and the new Be Cool, Scooby Doo cartoon.

(45:10) - Instead of reviews, some podcast recommendations, inclduing @mondaynightbraw by @fromthesublime and @garyrodger, Between the Sheets by @kriszellner and @davidbix, @luchaworld, Como Estas by @luchablog and @robviper, @housetoastonish by Al Kennedy and @ifdestroyed, @longboxheroes by @lfchikarason and @rowkerthejoker, @jeffmarek vs @wyshynski, Football Weekly from the Guardian, The Game Podcast by The Times (UK) and @meninblazers. 

Episode Twenty-Three - 2015 Lucha Year in Review - Part 2

We are back with Part Two of our Lucha review of the Year with (00:56) Lucha World's Vandal Drummond (@vandaldrummond), (27:10) Rob Viper (@Robviper) and  (52:02) TKD (@TKD_117). We talk about the Fantasticamania line-ups for some CMLL wrestlers and continue our look at Tecnico of the Year, Rudo of the Year, Match of the Year, Card of the Year and the best matches they saw live in 2015. We also have some bonus hockey talk with Rob at 45:15. 

2015-02-13 @ Arena México 2) Euforia, Niebla Roja, Último Guerrero © vs Mistico, Valiente, Volador Jr. for the CMLL World Trios Championship. Rob Viper's Match of the Year.

Highlights from Volador Jr & Titan vs Flamita and Bestia 666. From the Cara Lucha Anniversary show, May 2015.

Chilanga Mask, August 16, 2015. Easily the Card of the Year according to our guests.

Episode Twenty-Two - 2015 Lucha Year in Review Part One

Part One of our 2015 Lucha Libre Year in Review. On this show, we talk to (1:23) The Cubs Fan (@luchablog) from the Lucha Blog and Luchawiki and (22:14) Alfredo Esparza (@therealfredo) from Lucha World about the past year in the world of Lucha Libre.  We talk (individually) to Cubs and Fredo about the big news stories of the year, including the death of Perro Aguyao Jr, the annus horribilis for AAA, Lucha Underground, Sombra leaving for NXT, the super indy promotions in Mexico (Cara Lucha, Chilanga Mask, ...), the LA lucha scene and more.  We also get their thoughts on some Lucha Libre year-end awards, including Tecnico of the Year, Rudo of the Year, Match of the Year and Card of the Year. Part Two coming soon.

Centvrión & Látigo vs Fly Warrior & Mr. Leo Arena San Juan Pantitlan, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México, 09/16/2015. The Cubs Fan's pick for Best Match he saw live in 2015.

La Sombra vs. Volador Jr. for UIPW Heavyweight Title (Lucha Libre VIP, Los Angeles, 3/22/15). Fredo's pick for Best Match he saw live in 2015.

Episode Fifteen - Heaven Knows Their Recipe

 (0:55) - Roger Bennett (@rogbennett) from the Men in Blazers (@meninblazers) talks about the upcoming Blazer Con this weekend in New York City, the line-up of futbol heavy hitters attending, a conference vs a convention, the implosion of Chelsea, the season so far for Everton, the late Howard Kendall and more,

(16:40) - Magazine contributor Matt D returns to look at the world of popular culture. We talk the season so far for Doctor Who, the Zygon Invasion [episode recorded before the Zygon Inverson aired], the greatness of Peter Capaldi and what could be in store for the season finale. We also talk new comics, including what's caught our eye from the "post-Secret Wars" Marvel books (New Avengers, Spider-Man, Iron Man,...), Greg Rucka (@ruckawriter) and Nicola Scott (@NIcolaScottArt) and the first issue of Black Magick from Image, Gail Simone's (@gailsimone) new Vertigo book and just what is Marvel's best book right now? Hint: It doesn't take place in the 616. Also some quick wrestling talk about what the WWE will do after Seth Rollins' injury forced his being stripped of the world title and what's going on in NXT.

Episode Fourteen - Please Don't Be Very Long

The podcast is back after a brief hiatus, due to some personal issues. We hope to have a new schedule going forward that should lead to a regular release pattern. Thanks for your patience.

(1:42) - Jonah (@yyzsportsmedia) from Toronto Sports Media  joins the podcast to talk about the fallout from the Blue Jays and Alex Anthopolous split, from last year's attempt to replace Paul Beeston to Anthopolous giving up his GM job last week. We also talk the Toronto sports media scene: TSN vs Sportsnet, the Prime Time Sports break-up of Bob McCown and Stephen Brunt, who will fill Bob's shoes when he leaves the Fan 590 and who are the next stars in Canadian media?

(43:51) - Alfredo Esparza (@therealfredo) from Luchaworld talks all the news in lucha libre, including the CMLL Dia de Muertos shows, a potential break-up of Los Ingobernables, the former Mistico/Sin Cara now Caristico leaving AAA and will he end up in CMLL, Alberto Del Rio's return to the WWE, the 11/7 Cara Lucha show with its all-star main event (Caristico vs Flamita vs Hechicero vs Cavernario) and more. 

Episode Thirteen - Two Minutes for Murder

1:04 - The return of Jeff Marek (@jeffmarek) from Hockey Night in Canada and the #MvsW podcast who talks Live Audio Wrestling, helping Trish Stratus (@trishstratuscom) get into the WWF, the new NHL season, 3 on 3 in OT, prospects for the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, rookie seasons for Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, will expansion to Las Vegas and/or Quebec City happen, the MvsW podcast, the start of the major junior season, Blue Jays fever and more.  

29:42 - And a brief look at some popular culture news, including the start of Doctor Who season 9, the new Doctor Who spin-off Class, CMLL Anniversary fallout, Los Ingobernables t-shirts for sale at lucha shop dot com, Waid/Samnee move to Black Widow, the conclusion of Zander Cannon's (@zander_cannon) first arc of Kaijumax, Hechicero (@_reyhechicero) poses with new Odessa Steps Magazine, Podcast Day shout-outs and more.

Episode Twelve - Time Has Come Today

Happy New Doctor Who Season Everyone!

1:02 - Todd Rowker (@rowkerthejoker) from Longbox Heroes (@longboxheroes) talks classic Doctor Who, watching on PBS, new Who, Peter Capaldi as the Doctor, future companions, Marvel's Secret Wars and Battleworld comics, the greatness of the new Archie by @markwaid and @fionastaples, the awesome craziness of Weird World, the sustained quality of @jasonaaron, @ruckawriter and Brian K/ Vaughan and more.

1:00:52 - Matt D talks new Who, the future of Steven Moffat as show runner, the next companion, his article on @chilangamaskin1 for Odessa Steps Magazine issue 5, CMLL Anniversary show predictions and more.

Episode Eleven - Doctor Alquimia Rises Again

Hooray us! If you didn't see already, Odessa Steps Magazine issue 5 is live! Check out the post elsewhere on the site for ordering information.

On the podcast, Dr. Lucha Steve Sims (@drluchajr) returns to talk about his articles in the magazine: one about Negro Casas and one about Atlantis and the twilight of the his generation of luchadors. Then, we discuss the Anniversary show in detail: discussing every match and probable outcomes, including the mascara contra mascara match between Atlantis and La Sombra.  Also, we talk the vagueries of CMLL booking, the state of the women's division post-Dark Angel, the dream trio of Casas, Hechicero and Cavenario, the futures of the Panthers Dynasty and Casas Family, what does a title mean in CMLL, the mess involving LA Park and Dr. Wagner, the economics of lucha and more. 

Episode Ten - The Eagle Has Landed

We're very excited to have CMLL luchador Marco Corleone on this episode of the podcast. Hopefully, he will be the first of a number of luchadors who will be appearing on the podcast or in the upcoming issue of Odessa Steps Magazine/Russian Flag Burial. Please check out the new clothing line started by Marco and his partner (and CMLL edecane) Miroslava.

1:06 - CMLL luchador Marco Corleone (@MarcoCorleone23) talks the upcoming Anniversario Show, Atlantis vs Sombra, Ingobernables vs El Bufete del Amor, Air Corleone, his punching prowess, wrestling the Undertaker, CMLL mascots, creating his entrance music and his new clothing line.  

34:33 - The Cubs Fan (@luchablog) talks Anniversario Show build, Dr. Wagner, LA Park, Boby Zavala's win over Guerrero Maya Jr in the En Busca de un Idolo final, the future of Lucha Underground, the 2015 Cubs season, Schwarber-Mania and the Kane County Cougars. Check out the Luchablog and the Luchawiki for all of Cubsfan's hard work. 

Marco, Miroslava and Dark Angel unveil the gongut.com clothing line.

Marco vs the Undertake from 2005

Marco's whiplash injury

Ultimo Guerrero dropkicks Que Monito. Marco is in the tecnico corner.

 "En Busca de un Idolo". Guerrero Maya Jr. Vs Bobby Zavala. 

Episode Nine - To Catch a Shadow

1:04 - Rob Viper (@RobViper) discusses his recent trip to Mexico to see Lucha Libre. We talk about AAA Triplemania, Rey Misterio vs Myzteziz, the upcoming CMLL Anniversary show, the finals of En Busca de un Idolo, Cara Lucha (@caralucha), Chilanga Mask, the great Black Terry Jr (@Blackterry), the long history between Odessa Steps Magazine, El Doctor Alquimia (@doctoralquimia)  and Highspots (@highspots), the fabulous Jeff Marek (@jeffmarek) [listen to episode 3], the Toronto Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs, getting The Cubs Fan (@luchablog) to Mexico in September, the Luchaworld pod with Fredo Esparza (@therealfredo) and Vandal Drummond.

48:06 - Matt D discusses the Bayley phenomenon (@itsBayleyWWE) and appealing to a non-traditional wrestling demographic, NXT Takeover in Brooklyn this Saturday, the Ant-Man movie, Lazarus by Greg Rucka (@ruckawriter) [listen to episode 2] and MIchael Lark (@MichaelLark66), Weird World by Jason Aaron (@Jason Aaron) and Mike Del Mundo (@deadlymike) and more En Busca de un Idolo talk.