RADICAN’S REVIEW SERIES: Hijo Del Vikingo vs. Flamiata from AAA Lucha Libre Showcenter Championship (3-12-22)

HIJO DEL VIKINGO VS. FLAMITA REVIEW
AAA LUCHA LIBRE
SHOW CENTER CHAMPIONSHIP
MONTERREY, MEX.
MARCH 12, 2022
AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON PPV WITH ENGLISH COMMENTARY ON FITE TV

Commentary: Larry Dallas and Dave Sturchio

As best I can tell, this is a first round match in a tournament that will be held in a round robin style until the end of the year at Show Center events.

AAA MEGA CHAMPION HIJO DEL VIKINGO vs. FLAMITA – Show Center Championship First Round match (non-title)

We are off to a fast start. Flamita hits a shotgun dropkick into the corner and then he spears Vikingo through the ropes to the floor. The show has kind of an early DGUSA vibe and not just because Larry Dallas is on commentary. There are people sitting at tables roped off by the entranceway. It’s somewhat similar to Evolve’s BB King’s venue in New York.

Vikingo tried to fire back, but he went into this match with an ankle injury and Flamita went right after it with a dragon screw on the floor. Flamita hit a dropkick to Vikingo’s ankle off the top. He then locked in a figure 4, but Vikingo was right near the ropes to get the easy break. Vikingo tried to fire back with kicks, but hurt himself. He ended up catching Flamita with a stomp to the head as he came through the ropes. He then hit a crazy dive to the floor. He held Flamita up and all in one motion slammed him to the floor. Vikingo then hit a SSP off the apron to the floor. It appeared both men had their knees hit upon impact.

Vikingo went for a charge into the corner, but Flamita dropkicked his leg out from under him. Flamita hit a springboard DDT from the apron a short time later for a two count. Flamita went to lift Vikingo, but he countered and hit a dragonrana for a nearfall. Vikingo then hit a sick reverse twisting poison rana off the ropes with a springboard. He followed up with a running double knee strike in the corner, but favored his leg after. Flamita was down on the outside and Vikingo hit him with an Air Jordan 450. WOW! He rolled Flamita into the ring for a nearfall. He went for a SSP press, but Flamita got his knees up. He lifted Vikingo up and hit a HUGE powerbomb for a nearfall. Flamita hit a big splash off the top for another nearfall.

Flamita hit a pair of kicks. Vikingo tried to fire back, but ate a clothesline. Vikingo got right up and rolled into an arm on Flamita. Flamita was near the ropes and didn’t seem to know where he was. He tried to escape and ended up in the middle of the ring. Vikingo let go and hit a step up enzuguri. Vikingo then hit an inverted 450 for the win.

WINNER: Hijo Del Vikingo in 12:15. (****½)

(Radican’s Analysis; This was just an amazing main event. Vikingo sold his leg injury throughout the match and Flamita just kept punishing it. Flamita executed a really sick rolling figure that I’d love to see brought into the U.S. scene at some point.

Vikingo’s movement and speed is incredible. You would have no idea he legitimately went into this match with a leg injury. The inverted 450 finish was ridiculous. Not many people can pull that off, but Vikingo can. The only thing holding this down was the crowd atmosphere, as the audio mix wasn’t great. The commentary team of Dallas and Sturchio did a nice job of talking up the action start to finish and brought some genuine enthusiasm to the call. )

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