~Backstory~
Quite possibly one of the greatest and affluent pairings in Lucha Libre history; Ultimo Dragon squares off against Mistico. Two reknown Luchadores and former NWA World Middleweight Champions in their own right, both men have achieved success in some form or another in their illustrious careers. Although young, Mistico has proven that he is surely one of the hottest tickets in Mexican Professional Wrestling, however, Ultimo Dragon is one challenge that Mistico must conquer in order to truly cement his supremacy. Under Lucha Libre rules in a CMLL ring, one of the biggest matches in the promotion's history will take place. Their meeting is one of fate and destiny, but more so it is but a dream confontation for hundreds of their fans, including me. Will The Prince of Silver and Gold achieve the biggest win of his career, or will the Saigon Dragon ultimately impede the young lion's quest for prominence?
Arena Mexico's occupancy is clearly maxed out; not one seat is empty nor void. The capacity of more than 16,000 fans proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that a match of this caliber can indeed draw fans from all over Mexico. The crowd seems crazy and lusts for action; Our hosts for the evening, Alfonso Morales and Miguel Liranes fill us in on the importance of such a match.
Morales: ¡Esta noche, con más de 16.000 ventiladores en la atención, no hay maravilla esto uno de los fósforos más grandes de nuestra historia! ¡Tal honor a estar aquÃ!
Liranes: ¡Esta noche, nuestro muy posea las tomas de Mistico en el dragón de Ultimo de Japón en qué se puede considerar un fósforo de la década! ¡Dos de los especÃmenes más finos de Lucha Libre entrarán uno en uno que el anillo esta noche, pero solamente uno puede venir fuera de un ganador!
Morales: Usted tiene razón, Miguel. ¿Esto es el fósforo más grande de la carrera de Mistico, pero el restos de la pregunta, puede él tomar abajo el dragón? ¡Solamente el tiempo dirá!
"Tatsu" plays through the soundspeakers, much to a positive crowd reaction. Adorned in golden attire, Ultimo Dragon sprints through the curtain and hails his arm upwards, garnering support from the Mexican fans. His golden cape trails behind him as he quickly makes his way across the narrow rampway.
Birthplace: Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan; Weight: 83 kg; Height: 168 cm; The Dragon of Aichi, Ultimo Dragon!
"Mystical" plays to a much deserved ovation! Mistico steps out through the curtain, unwavered in his chance to prove himself. His sharp, silver shoulder pads accompany his golden cape, waving about as he cherishes the moment. His mask gleams in the exposed lighting of the arena, with his eyes displaying ferocity and determination; a thirst to defeat Ultimo Dragon.
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico; Weight: 75 kg; Height: 169 cm; El Principe De Plata y Oro, Mistico!
Dos de Tres Caidas (Two out of Three Falls)
Ultimo Dragon Vs Mistico
As the horn sounds, both men circle the ring, jumping about on the mat. Neither man takes his eyes off the other, as if trust were of any issue. The lessening of any physicality between the two begins to rise as the anticipation exceeds the patience of the fans. The chanting of "Mistico" blasts throughout Arena Mexico, echoing further significance for their encounter. Hesitation starts to wither away as Mistico trudges closer and closer to Ultimo, prowling for a opening. Ultimo pats his shoulder and circles droves around Mistico, but our first move is performed. Mistico makes the mistake of attempting an armdrag, only to be flipped on his back by a swift, countering snapmare by Ultimo Dragon. Once Mistico lands onto the mat, however, Dragon rushes over to the ropes and follows up with a dropkick to the face upon return. As Mistico grabs ahold of his head in utter pain, Dragon makes the quick cover. 1............................ 2......................... NO! Mistico lifts the shoulder up, much to the crowd's delight! Even so, Dragon seizes the exposed arm of Mistico and applies a Fujiwara armbar, pulling on the tendons in hopes that it would render Mistico's offense useless.
As Dragon continues to pull on the arm rather rigorously, Mistico clutches his free fist and makes an effort to escape the hold by leaning his elbow againt the canvas; with enough momentum, he begins standing on one of his feet, but as soon as Dragon takes notice, he starts hammering away at Mistico's back with an elbow, followed by another. Mistico stumbles forward, but Dragon allows for no rest as he whips him towards the ropes. The timbre of the crowd provides support for Mistico as he bounces off the ropes and jumps backwards, latching onto Dragon's head with great precision. With Mistico in full control, he jumps off of Dragon's shoulder and flips; his legs draping over Dragon's head and with enough momentum, nailing him with a Huracanrana! Dragon flips over in unison and lands rear-first onto the mat! Mistico continues his advantage streak by running over to the ropes and jumping onto the apron, afterwards diving off with a backflip into a Moonsault pin onto Ultimo Dragon! The cover now commences, 1............................. 2........................... Dragon lifts his arm over Mistico's head and reverses the pin! 1......................... 2..................... NO!
The fans offer their opinions in the form of an applause for both men, whom stand on their feet and decide to take the moment to relieve themselves of further punishment. Mistico panders to the crowd by raising his right arm out and gazing across the arena, however, once he shifts his attention back to Dragon, things start turning serious. Dragon claps for Mistico, as if a gesture to evacuate Mistico's sense of security. With the crowd behind Mistico, his confidence rises, but tis only for a moment. Dragon lashes out immediately against the overconfident Mistico with a stiff judo kick to the thigh, followed by a repeating manuever. As Mistico squints and lets down his guard, Dragon twirls to the side and performs a spin kick to the chest of Mistico, sending him off right into the ropes. Slight jeers follow as Ultimo Dragon prepares for a legsweep, however, Mistico lifts his legs and strikes Dragon, inabling him to perform such a sweep. Once Dragon staggers, Mistico takes a quick breath and launches himself off the apron, extending over the air to Dragon and grabbing hold of his arm in the process, pummeling him with a Diving armdrag! Dragon flips over onto the mat, but surprisingly rises up on his feet upon contact! Mistico can't believe it, but faultering is not on the agenda as he continues the assault by forcibly grabbing hold of Dragon's arms and launching him over his head, slamming him onto the mat with a modified flip.
Mistico, however, doesn't let go of Dragon, and vice versa. The two continue to extend their hands over to one another, keeping eachother glued to the mat as much as possible. Akin to past encounters with other opponents, both men rise on their feet as they continue to grab eachother's hands, culminating in a stalemate with both men facing the opposite direction while still holding the other's hands. The crowd becomes rowdy as both men try to shake off the other, however, Ultimo Dragon pulls on Mistico's arms and underhooks his arms, turning around to face the back of his head and lifting him backwards, slamming him head first onto the canvas with a nasty Tiger Suplex! Mistico's head whiplashes against the mat, allowing Ultimo Dragon to hook the legs! 1................................. 2............................... NO! Mistico raises the shoulder just in time to withstand the impending loss, buying himself some time. Dragon, on the other hand, takes a breather for a moment, still keeping a close eye on Mistico. Dragon rests himself on the ropes while Mistico, still dazed from the pounding he took, regains his balance. Mistico swerves to the right, but manages to provoke Dragon into going on the offensive. Dragon rushes over to Mistico, only to be whipped towards the ropes. Mistico doesn't wait, however, and trails after him in an effort to keep up. Once Dragon reaches the apron, Mistico latches onto the ropes and spins his legs through the middle rope, pummeling Dragon in the back with a Tiger Feint kick.
Dragon trips forward, reaching over his back in pain. Meanwhile, Mistico stays himself on the apron, awaiting Dragon's next move. Dragon snaps back to the match and turns to face Mistico, just prowling on the ropes. Dragon assess the situation beforehand and reaches a solution, charging against Mistico. Once Dragon Mistico jumps onto the ropes and Dragon foolishly falls through the ropes onto ringside! Mistico dives off the the ropes with a Corkscrew Suicide, landing on Dragon at ringside! The two men collide onto the railing for maximum impact, rednering them exhausted and in pain for the time being. A horn in the distance sounds for the major impact inflicted.. Nonetheless, for the impressive display of athleticism shown by Mistico, his name echoes throughout the arena. Thusly, Mistico crawls along the concrete floor, unable to consciously get back up. Dragon's condition lessened than that of Mistico's, having received the brunt of the manuever. As Dragon desperately reaches out for the top bar on the railing, Mistico straightens his mask, for it was nearly out of place. He takes tiny steps towards the ring and extends his hands onto the edge of the ring, standing on his own two feet, albeit bewildered.
Dragon clutches his chest in pain, rolling in a circle on the concrete floor. The fans encourage both men, willing them to continue the match without discrepancy. Mistico finally rolls back into the ring, but Dragon is only halfway to the ring, reaching for the apron. Once Mistico rolls back right into the center of the mat, Dragon exhaustively rolls back in, unaware of any forthcoming attack, if any. Mistico surprisingly jumps right back on his feet, however, his head remains damaged. Walking over to a confused Dragon, he wraps his arm around his opponent's and applies a standing arm wrench. He taps the shoulder of Dragon with his other hand, making him reflex right back into the match. Mistico lifts Dragon's wrenched arm high into the air and follows up with a swift kick to his chest. Dragon staggers, but remains stagnant as Mistico keeps the applied wrench intact, striking him with yet another kick to the chest. Dragon backs up, but his twisted arm inables him to move more so. Mistico lets go, but performs a enzuigiri soon afterwards. However, Dragon ducks, making Mistico miss the move. Once Mistico gets back on his feet, Dragon crouches and kicks him in the shin, readying himself for an even greater attack. Mistico clutches his shinguard in pain, but Dragon sets his hands atop Mistico's back and leaps over him, thusly reaching over and hooking his arms, slamming him onto the canvas with a modified reverse Dragon Suplex! Mistico's head lands right onto the mat, and Dragon flips over, pinning him with an overbridge, 1..................................... 2................................. NO! One of Mistico's legs touches the ropes!
Ultimo Dragon is stunned at Mistico's aptitude to rectify the situation, but doesn't let it delay his actions; He taps Mistico's shoulders and reaches out for his arms, but Mistico rolls up and latches onto Dragon's head with his legs, and flips him over with a seated headscissors! Ultimo Dragon lands on the middle of the apron and becomes entangled in the web of ropes while Mistico jumps onto his feet. Glancing at a entrapped Dragon, Mistico turns away and rushes over to the opposite side of the ring, momentously bouncing off the opposite apron and charging towards Dragon; Mistico connects with a running dropkick to the face of Dragon, in which the ropes further wrap themselves around Dragon's body. With Ultimo Dragon caught between the ropes, Mistico responds by jumping over the apron and grabbing hold of Dragon's head, therefore diving right off the ropes and slamming Ultimo Dragon's head onto the mat with a vicious Tornado DDT, taking him off the entrapment of the ropes! The fans cheer as Mistico hooks the legs for a quick cover, 1................................. 2................................. NO! Ultimo Dragon lifts the shoulder, kicking out! Some fans throughout Arena Mexico jeer at the decision, but others applaud as Mistico lifts Dragon up by the mask, and strikes him with a right elbow. Dragon falls back slightly, with Mistico extending his arms and throwing him against the turnbuckle.
Ultimo Dragon runs against the turnbuckle, but as Mistico follows behind him, he jumps onto the top turnbuckle with great accuracy and without looking back, launches himself off the turnbuckle in a backwards motion, landing on the mat with little to no effort. Mistico finds that Dragon outmanuevered him and turns around to face him, but Dragon, quick on his feet, strikes him in the face with a swift but deadly roundhouse kick! Mistico staggers and leans against the ropes, trying to remain conscious from the attack. However, Ultimo Dragon leaves him no room to breath and quickly grabs Mistico's arms and crosses them against his chest, thusly using them as leverage to lift him up and throws him against the mat with a Cross-Arm German Suplex! Mistico slams right onto the canvas back first, clutching his back in pure pain. The effort used to perform such a manuever, however, leaves Ultimo Dragon straining while trying to go for a pin. His back leaves no solace for him and in the process, Dragon just plummets down onto the mat without pinning Mistico. The fans wonder what is going on, but Dragon slowly crawls toward Mistico, extending his hand over his chest for the pin, 1................................. 2.............................. NO! Mistico surprisingly still has life left in him, raising the shoulder in the determined fashioned. While closing his fist, Mistico slowly but surely rises on his feet, only to fall right back onto Dragon's back with a hard forearm smash! Dragon clasps his fists in frustration, but Mistico again repeats the attack and follows up with a jumping stomp on Dragon's back.
As Dragon continues to feel the hurt, Mistico dishes out with a leg drop onto the back of Dragon's head! The pain elevates for Ultimo Dragon as he squirms on the mat, clutching his head. On the other hand, Mistico twists Dragon's arm and bridges over Dragon's back with a modified bridging armbar. He applies more pressure and flips on his back, bending his knees in order to balance out the inflicted pain. Dragon lifts his hand and as the fans anticipate the next move, he taps! He taps!
Primary Victory: Mistico @9:74
With the primary victory belonging to Mistico, the fans celebrate momentarily for such an occassion. Mistico raises his arms in triumph, but remains ever alert for the match is not over until a second victory is achieved. Ultimo Dragon rolls on the mat, grabbing ahold of his arm to cushion and reduce the pain. Mistico walks over to a torned Dragon and lifts him up, only to be elbowed in the abdomen. Mistico tries again, but Ultimo Dragon trips him with an immediate legsweep. Once Mistico falls onto the mat, Dragon flips right back up, albeit keeping his damaged arm glued to his ribs. Ultimo Dragon's eyes display frustration as he tends to his arm, knowing in his mind that the legsweep was but a way to buy him some time. Mistico begins to stand on his feet, when all of a sudden, Ultimo Dragon jumps and places his legs around Mistico's head, pulling him down with a harrowing huracanrana onto the mat! Mistico flips over, landing solidly on his rear as Ultimo continues with an attempted Casita, wrapping his leg around Mistico's arm and rolling up for a pin! 1............................. 2........................... NO! Mistico rolls out of the pin and runs against the ropes; meanwhile Ultimo Dragon smacks his head in frustration. Mistico begins to circle around the ring while Dragon looks for an opening. Spotting a vulnerable position, just as Mistico trudges closer to a turnbuckle, he strikes him in the head and wraps his arms against Mistico's head whilst manuevering around him, applying a sleeper. Mistico, however, backs up into the tunbuckle and damages Dragon's already torn back. Dragon lets go in response, allowing Mistico to exploit the exposed back.
Mistico runs over to the turnbuckle and climbs onto the top, signaling a aerial follow-up. This garners support from fans while Dragon remains stagnant; Mistico plunges off the turnbuckle and pummels him with a diving enzuigiri to the back of Ultimo Dragon! Dragon falls forward while bending, pressuring his back even further as Mistico rises back on his feet. With Dragon yelling in agony, Mistico continues to work on the back with an barrage of attacks, firstly with a kick, and another, and another, until finally he cements the climax by hooking Dragon's arms and entangling his legs around his back in a spiderlike position. The Abdominal Stretch is applied, and Mistico stretches Ultimo Dragon's back, pulling on the muscles to inflict even more damage. The head too is stretched, but as soon as Mistico finds that it is enough, he lifts Dragon up by the stretched position. However, Ultimo Dragon slips through Mistico's grasp and finds the strength to shove Mistico into a turnbuckle! Mistico's stomach impacts the turnbuckle while Dragon takes a breather. Mistico falls back, slightly unconscious; Ultimo Dragon takes advantage and wraps his arms around Mistico's head, lifting himself up with momentum and slamming Mistico back down onto the mat with an Asai DDT! Mistico is knocked out and Dragon manages to pull off a slow but precise cover, crawling over and reaching out for the pin! 1..................................... 2................................ 3!
Secondary Victory: Ultimo Dragon @12:35
The fans begin to clap as Ultimo Dragon takes a deep breath while still on the mat. Both men are apparently still bringing the A-Game to the plate, as Ultimo Dragon doesn't waver in getting himself back up on the mat. On the other hand, Mistico is still down and out, but Dragon makes an effort to lift him from the canvas, following with a irishwhip to the turnbuckle. Mistico slams back-first into the turnbuckle and Ultimo Dragon rushes over in response. Just as Ultimo Dragon takes a dive, Mistico runs forward! Nobody home, and with that, Dragon's head takes a nosedive onto the turnbuckle! His head whiplashes and Mistico takes advantage of the mistake by climbing the ropes and launching himself off, nailing Dragon with a Springboard Arm Drag, flipping Dragon onto the mat with swift accuracy! Once Dragon hits the mat, Mistico proceeds with a Cross Body Splash onto his chest, going for the pin! 1..................................... 2................................ NO! Dragon lifts the arm in desperation, but Mistico glues his arm back to the mat and hooks the legs, going for yet another cover, 1..................................... 2................................ NO! Again, Dragon finds the strength to kick out!
Mistico rubs his forehead, wondering how Ultimo Dragon could be withstanding his attempts at victory. The frustration mounts and the perspiration increases with every second; Mistico becomes passive if only for a split second, then continues on with determination to solidify a victory. He grabs both of Ultimo Dragon's arms and pulls on them, afterwards wrapping his legs around Dragon's head in a scissors-like position. The Scissors Headlock/Armbar combination is applied, but Dragon fights for his life. His legs pound the mat with every tendon of his arms pulled; Mistico doesn't let go, however, as the struggle for supremacy continues. The sound of a horn calls to Dragon, as if his life depended on it. He strives to leg up, rising on his feet ever so slowly. Mistico, on the other hand, continues to apply the hold with much vigor, unrelentless in his precision. Ultimo Dragon finally stands, but Mistico drapes along his arms, letting go of his head, however. The fans begin cheering on for both athletes, but it soon comes to a standoff. Mistico still retains the hold, but Dragon lifts him up on his shoulders, arms still held. He moves his feet forward and drops to the mat, slamming Mistico down with a thunderous running Sitout Powerbomb! This allows Dragon to breathe, as his arms are free of the clutches of the young Mistico.
Ultimo Dragon tightens his loose mask as Mistico rolls out of the ring in an attempt to stave off Ultimo Dragon's assault. It bodes unwell for Mistico, as Dragon decides to take matters into his own hands; He gazes at the crowd, who give him an outstanding amount of approval for whatever he might perform. With a smile on his face, Ultimo Dragon runs over to the opposite side of the ropes and charges back towards Mistico, taking a plunge off the apron with a Plancha to the outside! He lands on Mistico with great velocity, receiving a large amount of support from the Mexican fans! After the bold aerial manuever, however, neither man could stand. Ultimo Dragon's physical condition deteriorates while outside of the ring, but surprisingly, Mistico still manages to crawl towards the edge of the ring, using the bottom of the apron as leverage. Mistico is delayed, however, as he falls right back down, gripping the steel pole for some sort of aid. Meanwhile, Ultimo Dragon struggles to regain footing, as his back and arms are highly damaged from subsequent manuevers. He exchanges glances with Mistico; the burning of his eyes intensifies with the gaze, and as response, Ultimo Dragon attempts to strike Mistico with every inch of his being. He throws himself against Mistico, but Mistico moves and Dragon impacts the steel ringpost, damaging himself even further.
This grants Mistico a chance, and as such, he grabs one of Dragon's arms and pounds it against the cold, hard steel pole! The impact physically and mentally alarms Dragon, whom lets out a yell of contempt. Mistico effortlessly rolls back into the ring, awaiting Ultimo Dragon's ascent into the den of dragons. Ultimo Dragon, although pained, follows suit and enters the ring, grabbing hold of his arm. Mistico kicks him in the ribs, allowing him no rest of any kind. Ultimo Dragon slumps down onto the mat, tired and aching. Mistico lifts his fist into the air, receiving a lukewarm reaction as of now. He stares down at Dragon's battered body and forcibly picks up Dragon, only to wrap his legs around his head. He spins with a firm headscissors around Ultimo Dragon's upper body and latches ahold of Ultimo Dragon's wounded arm, dragging him down with La Mistica! Dragon is planted onto the mat with Mistico applying pressure to the highly combusted arm! The fans cheer as Ultimo Dragon winces! His other arm rises high into the air, and plummets back down for a tap! Ultimo Dragon taps!
Winner: Mistico @16:34