CMLL-REINA International Jr. Championship Final Now Set

To absolutely no one's surprise, Zeuxis defeated Sachiko Sendai today at REINA 11 to set up a Mexico v Japan final (against Ray) in the CMLL-REINA International Championship Final on September 10.  Since the belt is co-sponsored by Japanese and Mexican promotions, it is not surprising that they should have stars from each country facing off in the final.  The match promises to have a lucha libre flair because of Ray's penchant for the quebrada and the highflying arsenal of attack moves.  Both wrestlers also wear masks, adding to the Mexican flavor.  This again proves that REINA wants to carve out a Lucha Libre niche on Japanese soil.  Though crowds have been small, the idea may be gaining popularity.

Ray v Zeuxis in the International Jr. Championship Final

Part of the puzzle in all of this is why REINA would commit to Mia Yim and Luscious Latasha, pointedly NOT fluent in Lucha Libre moves.  Both of these women prefer to have their feet on the ground.  Too bad TNA got to Rosita first because she is the type of wrestler that would fit in well with the REINA concept.

Luscious Latasha gives Mia Yim a boot to the gut

Photo by Youji Kawauchi

Mia Yim did have a match in REINA 11 and defeated fellow American Luscious Latasha by submission.  This despite a bad case of turf toe from missing the mat on a moonsault in training earlier in the week. 

Mia was given the honor of addressing the crowd at REINA 11

(she tried to use her Japanese)

Photo by Youji Kawauchi