Penta took the first step toward a first-ever WWE World Heavyweight Championship opportunity tonight. On RAW in Norfolk, Virginia, he defeated Laredo Kid to advance to the semifinals of the tournament that will determine the next challenger for Roman Reigns.
The match was a competitive back-and-forth affair, with Laredo Kid, the current AAA World Mixed Tag Team Champion alongside La Hiedra, nearly pulling off the win after connecting with a 450 Splash and surviving the Penta Driver.
Down the stretch, Laredo appeared on the verge of winning, but Penta regained control and hit the Mexican Destroyer, following up with the pin to secure the first semifinal spot.
Penta will now face the winner of Psycho Clown vs. La Parka, which takes place at the AAA show on August 15 in Torreón, Mexico. On the other side of the bracket, Dragon Lee faces El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., while Rey Fenix takes on El Fiscal on the August 17 RAW in Buffalo, New York.
The tournament will ultimately determine who challenges Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship on the September 14 RAW at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.