5 Count: November 16-30, 2024

1) Persephone vs Tessa Blanchard (CMLL Viernes Espectacular 11/22/2024) 2/3 Falls. Winner: Persophone (falls 1&3). In the post-Vaquer CMLL, it looks Persphone is getting the push--and I'm down with it. She's got a great look, works well in the ring, and fun to watch. Gotta different vibe than Vaquer, she is a little rougher around the edges, got a tomboy beauty to her. If this was a movie, she'd be working in pop's mechanic shop, bustin chops with all the boys (who are all secretly in love with her, but too afraid to say anything cuz she could break their heart and their face). Then maybe one day, let's say a nearing 50 year old amateur wrestling blogger shows up, and despite the difference in age, culture, and BMI, sparks fly....wait, sorry got lost in reverie...

ANYways-She has a lotta potential. She grabbed the first fall when Blanchard hit her with a crossbody, but Persephone let the momentum roll her on top to steal the pin. Got up grinning while Blanchard raged. It was just a few years ago, Blanchard was on top of the world-She was the Impact World Champ and it looked like a bidding war between WWE and AEW for her services. All crumbled after her fellow wrestlers accused her of being a toxic co-worker including using racial slurs towards black talent. She denied it, but when wrestlers go on the record about something, it gets noticed. She spent a year with the upstart WOW promotion and then that fell apart too. Since then she has been serving her wrestling purgatory in CMLL. (until very recently Blanchard just returned to TNA-maybe Brian Cox put in a call). Despite her failings outside the ring, Blanchard is still pretty good in it. She won the second fall on nice submission. As these things go, the final became a really good back and forth of near falls. Blanchard's power and techincal skills vs Persephone's speed and fire. In the end Persephone hit an ok-looking spear and followed up with a sweet springboard frog splash for the win. Rating: Roast

2) Jamie Hayter vs Queen Aminata (AEW Dynamite 11/27/2024) Wrestle Dynasty International Women's Cup Qualifier. Winner: Jamie Hayter. Since Hayter's return from a nearly year long absence due to injury, she has slowly been worked in the women's and feuded with opponents who possess more personality (Saraya, Harley Cameron) than in ring acumen. Hayter herself has changed her look from brawler to psychedelic Daphne and seems to have lost some of that imposing muscle mass she had during her world championship run. So I was curious if she could still bring it against better wrestlers. Queen Aminata, on the other hand, has had a solid 2024 going from competive losses to being a rising player in the ROH's Women's Division. Well these two did not disappoint-going hard for 10 minutes...nice stiff forearms and overhand chops. Aminata looked shoot pissed at one point, throwing a back elbow then cold stared at the camera after dropping sliding kick on Hayter thru the bottom rope. damn royal! Hayter looked good here, holding her owen, keeping pace and equalling the physicality of her oppenent, executing that nice backbreaker over the knee. Nice back and forth pinning attempts before Hayter dropped that ripcord lariat for the win. Rating: Roast

3) Mistico vs Hechicero (CMLL Viernes Espectacular 11/29/2024) Torneo La Leyenda Azul 2024 Final. Winner: Mistico. Had high expectations for this one. The rare single fall main event between two high profile wrestlers. Mistico in Arena Mexico is unbeatable, but Hechicero has a great year both in CMLL and out-so an upset was not out of the question. Started with Hechicero in control-attacking Mistico from every angle-knocking him down with big clothesline then working in his creative submission work. As the match progress, Mistico worked his way back into the fight. However, I don't know if he was selling or just tired (Dude has worked 200 plus matches this year), his offense was not as crisp as usual and his strikes seemed soft. Biggest problem with the match may be its nearly 30 minute length...not sure this match wouldn't have been better if it was half that time.In the end, Mistico got the submission, but protected Hechicero as his usual La Mistica couldn't get the job done and had to modify it by pulling back the other arm. Strong start and good finish, but lag in middle Rating: Rocks

4) Dinamico, Drago & Laredo Kid defeat Tokyo Bad Boys (AAA 11/23/2024) Winner: Dinamico, Drago & Laredo Kid.I've enjoyed this Tokyo Bad Boys'tour of Mexico. SB Kento and company just putting on fun matches, and this one was no exception. Taking on a equally athletic luchador team-just high spots galore. Didn't reach the high of the Delta Force match in Big Lucha, but still fast paced and watchable. Rating: Soft Rocks on a Sunny Day

5) Speedball Mike Bailey vs Titus Alexander (Deadlock Pro Wrestling 11/27/2024) 2/3 Falls. Winner: Bailey. Real strong match between these two indie darlings. After a couple years headlining the indie scene, Bailey appears to be moving to AEW. Bailey's look and ring style is unique which usually AEW presents as strengths and should get over with their crowds. On the other hand Alexander, (despite his early aughts sounding name,) is a 24 year old phenom on the rise these past few years. He's been working NOAH regularly to some acclaim, and won King of Indies tournament at West Coast Pro in the states. He got a good look and strong in ring work that if his trajectory continues--will work at any national promotion. Alexander grabbed the first pin quickly with Michinoku Driver on the apron. The second fall was the meat of the match--strikes and suplexes. Alexander gettin' frustrated by Bailey counters and surviving every near fall until it was too much and he forfeited a fall by hitting Bailey with a chair. Bailey oversold the shot with flailing around, Alexander hit a knee strike...however then Bailey rolled him up for a quick 123 . Rating: Rocks