Penta has taken the first step towards earning a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity after defeating AAA star Laredo Kid on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw.
The two luchadores met in the opening round of the tournament that will determine Roman Reigns‘ challenger when WWE Raw heads to Mexico City on September 14.
Penta was drawn against reigning AAA Mixed Tag Team Champion Laredo Kid in the first round, with Psycho Clown set to face LA Parka to determine who will meet him in the semi-finals.
The other side of the bracket will see Dragon Lee take on El Hijo de Dr Wagner Jr., while Rey Fenix faces El Fiscal.
That creates the possibility of Penta and Fenix meeting in the tournament final should both men advance through their respective sides of the bracket. The Lucha Brothers have not faced each other in singles competition since the November 11, 2020, episode of AEW Dynamite.
Penta Advances In Tournament After Hard-Fought Battle Against Laredo Kid
Penta had to survive plenty of punishment from Laredo Kid during their first-round encounter on Raw.
Laredo Kid caught the 41-year-old with a poisonrana from the top rope and used a series of high-flying attacks throughout the contest, including moonsaults and crossbodies. He also pulled Penta underneath the bottom rope and sent him face-first into the ring apron.
The closing stages saw the two exchange strikes before the former WWE Intercontinental Champion answered an open-palm strike with a thrust kick that sent Laredo Kid to the outside.
He followed with a tope con hilo before returning his opponent to the ring and connecting with the Penta Driver. Laredo Kid kicked out, keeping his hopes of advancing alive.
Laredo Kid then headed to the top rope and attempted a Tornillo, but Penta moved out of the way.
The former AEW star immediately capitalised by hitting a Mexican Destroyer and securing the three-count to advance to the semi-finals.
The former AEW World Tag Team Champion will now await the winner of Psycho Clown and LA Parka as he moves one victory closer to challenging Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship in Mexico City.
