Sometimes, even the greatest architects see their foundations crumble. As FITE goes to press, the status of Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy for this Saturday's Lucha Libre AAA Triplemania: Tijuana remains unknown. FITE wants to be upfront with this as we await AAA's official announcement as to what will happen with the originally scheduled dream match between the Hardy Boys vs. Hermanos Lee.
However, the show must go on, whether it be Broadway or Lucha Libre, and there is a multitude of incredible attractions set for the second interaction of TripleMania XXX, emanating live from Caliente Stadium in Tijuana.
First and foremost, the Roulette of Death Rages on. While Ultimo Dragon, Rayo de Jalisco Jr., Canek and L.A. Park have escaped a fate worse than death for a luchador, the humiliation of being publicly unmasked and shamed worldwide via their victories at TripleMania: Monterrey, those who were defeated this past April have been moved one step closer in their Lucha Libre incarnation of Squid Game, where the only way to survive and escape is to win, but if you lose, you are forced to advance ever closer to the potential of that unmasking.
This Saturday, the Semi-Finals of this unholy tournament will take place, featuring Blue Demon Jr. vs. Pentagon Jr. and Villano IV vs. Psycho Clown. For all of these competitors, their masks are their swords and their shields as well as the ultimate weapons to forge psychological warfare on their opposition while shielding themselves and their family from the public knowledge of their identities. For some, this protection and this pride are forever intertwined, fusing into the most unique dyad possible, the aura of a luchador in its purest form.
For these men, this tournament continues to be the environment in which they are waging war with life or death consequences, as the final loser's career will never, ever be the same and they will be all but forced to fight their way out of an unthinkable abyss of psychological and spiritual embarrassment, something none of these prideful fighters wish to endure.
Pentagon aka Penta Oscuro in All Elite Wrestling has captured the hearts and minds of fans worldwide as one half of the Lucha Brothers and proudly marches into battle with NO FEAR. Blue Demon Jr., himself a former NWA Worlds Champion, carries the banner of one of the all-time greatest lucha libre legacies, considered second only to the mythical career of El Santo. For each of these luchadors, this battle represents the defense of their family crest and pride, for only one man can survive and overcome - the other finds himself with a one-way ticket to the finals this October in Mexico City.
Psycho Clown has emerged as one of the the most infamous luchadors of the modern era, headlining AAA Lucha Libre events in both Mexico and the United States. Having lost to the legendary Canek in Monterrey, he of all luchadors may be the most in need of a major victory this weekend. In order to achieve that redemption, he's going to have to surpass Villano IV, himself a proud member of a legendary lucha dynasty, in battle. Villano IV has defended his family's honor since first debuting back in 1982 across all realms from Mexico to WCW to Japan and beyond. The Villano name is synonymous with prestige and pride and the idea of a member of this cherished family being unmasked seems unthinkable, but anything can happen with the twist of fate in Lucha Libre AAA.
This Saturday, FITE viewers across the globe will witness exactly how cruel the twist of fates for these four stellar competitors will be. Two men will escape unscathed and two will find themselves forced to continue this journey into Hades, by way of Mexico City.
TripleMania XXX: Tijuana also promised to bring one of the greatest lucha libre bell to bell spectaculars seen in this or any other era live on FITE this Saturday June 18th. If there are five Luchadors who have pushed this special combat sport style into the future, it is the competitors involved in what has been advertised as a High Impact Wrestling match - the mind-boggling Hijo del Vikingo, who is all but pre-destined to become the next major international lucha sensation battling former ROH World Champion Bandido, AEW's international sensation Fenix, the ever-evolving Laredo Kid who has ripped through competition in every country the last few years and Taurus, the demonic bull that nightmares are made of. Each of these competitors have been at the cusp of reimagining the limits of what lucha libre can be, defying gravity and bringing grit and determination to their individual conquests and wars. Now, the five most explosive lucha stars are set to collide in the same ring at the same time, allowing FITE viewers the opportunity to discover who is not just the future of Lucha, but the definitive combatant in free fighting, right before their eyes.
The top women in lucha libre will also do battle this Saturday at TripleMania XXX: Tijuana as they knuckle up and enter the Women's Roulette of Death, an Elimination match set inside the confines of a Steel Cage Match. For this bout, seven competitors will enter. The first five to escape the steel cage will have successfully prevented themselves from having to go on to compete in the second stage of this dangerous attraction. The final two competitors, however, will then have to enter battle against each other in a Mask vs. Mask match, with the loser unmasked for the world to see. This caged encounter will feature Lady Shan vs. La Hiedra vs. Chik Tormenta vs. Rena Dorada vs. Sexy Star vs. Flammer vs. Maravilla. All of these competitors have conquered their opposition and radiated success, but on one of the biggest stages for Lucha Libre AAA, dreams will be shattered and hopes will be splintered into pieces. One luchadora will be unmasked. Place your bets and watch live on FITE this Saturday.
Of course, the evening will feature the Triplemania XXX Cup continuing at 13 stars will march the aisle, set to do battle in pursuit of the ultimate victory, changing their career trajectory forever with a guaranteed rocket towards the top of Lucha Libre AAA's hierarchy.
As noted, FITE awaits the official word on who Dragon Lee and Dralistico will face this Saturday, but one thing the world cannot wait for is yet another round of AAA's 30th Anniversary celebration. With both Spanish and English language commentary for you to pick from, the one thing guaranteed is an authentic lucha libre celebration and experience, direct from Mexico to your devices across the globe.
AAA - Triplemania XXX: Tijuana this Saturday, live on FITE!
Mike Johnson is the lead reporter for PWInsider.com and has been writing about professional wrestling since 1996. He can be found on Twitter @MikePWInsider and MikeJohnsonWrites.com.
