Lucha Underground – December 28, 2016: Lucha Underground Meets the Avengers

Lucha Underground
Date: December 28, 2016
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Boyle Heights, California
Commentators: Matt Striker, Vampiro

We’re wrapping up the year with a match I’m actually interested in seeing as Mil Muertes faces Jeremiah Crane. I’m not sure what to make of Crane yet as he’s such an odd character yet there’s something about him that makes me want to see more of what they’re doing with him. Let’s get to it.

The opening video looks at Angelico returning, Cage vs. Texano, Catrina suggesting that Crane loves him and Prince Puma losing Grave Consequences.

Vampiro raises Puma from the grave and Puma, now dark, has a new master. I could totally go for this.

Jeremiah Crane vs. Mil Muertes

Crane goes right after him at the entrance and is knocked for a loop as a result. A running forearm to the back and a powerslam plant Crane again. As the referee looks at Catrina (understandable), cue Puma with a kendo stick shot, allowing Crane to hit a bicycle kick for the pin at 2:04.

Puma kneels to Vampiro and Striker is scared.

A stranger gives Sexy Star a present but says he used to be a Johnny Mundo fanboy. The guy leaves and the package contains a spider, just like a few weeks back.

Famous B. gives Texano an offer of fame and is promptly scared off.

Vampiro doesn’t want to talk about what just happened.

PJ Black/Jack Evans vs. Angelico/Son of Havoc

This is Angelico’s first match back from an injury and he starts by flipping around with Evans. The cocky one doesn’t do so well and Angelico cranks on his arm a bit. Black comes in and grabs Havoc by the beard (that’s just evil), only to have a WAY too early hot tag bring Angelico back in. The bouncing kick to the head gets two on Black and everything breaks down. Angelico goes down holding his elbow (legitimately dislocated), leaving Black to kick Havoc for the pin at 5:58.

Rating: C. The injury destroyed whatever this match could have done and that’s a shame. Angelico has always been one of my favorites in this promotion but unfortunately he keeps getting injured. The match could have been something entertaining between two teams that know each other very well but there’s not much you can do when you lose a fourth of the wrestlers.

Dario is looking in his glowing box when Star comes in. She wants and is granted a match with Mariposa next week.

Cage vs. Texano

Match number four in a best of five series with Cage up 2-1. Texano runs him over to start and hits a sliding clothesline but Cage turns it into a slugout. A turnbuckle pad comes off and Cage goes face first into the steel, setting up a sitout powerbomb to tie the series at 2-2 at 2:01.

Dario comes out and says he knows they both want the ultimate opportunity. Dario: “And you should because IT’S REALLY FREAKING AWESOME!” The fifth match is happening right now and anything goes.

Cage vs. Texano

This is winner take all and Cage is coming in bloody. Texano stomps him down in the corner but walks into a DDT. That just earns Cage a kick to the head in the corner, followed by a top rope hurricanrana and a slingshot splash for two. Cage kicks him in the face again and sends Texano outside for a big suicide dive.

A trashcan to the head has Texano reeling and they head up the stairs so Cage can send him through a table. What would wrestling be without a table? Texano knocks him down the steps and Cage is just covered in blood. Now it’s up into the balcony with Vampiro comparing this to World War II. A great sounding superkick staggers Texano again but he runs Cage over and knocks him into the empty chairs.

That means it’s time for a bullrope over Cage’s back and a spinebuster onto a chair makes it even worse. Cage just blasts Texano with a chair, only to get pulled down into a Crossface. The hold is quickly broken and the discus lariat gets two for Cage, followed by a freaking STEINER SCREWDRIVER for the pin at 22:13.

Rating: B+. I’m a big fan of both of these guys so this was one heck of a brawl with both guys coming out looking great. They beat the heck out of each other in a rare case where the blood helped (though it wasn’t necessary, as is always the case). Texano needs to do something soon but sweet goodness I could watch Cage do everything Ryback wished he could do for a long time.

Dario says Cage will get his prize behind closed doors. After the credits, Cage goes into Dario’s office where Dario opens the box. Cage isn’t impressed but apparently it’s a gauntlet (metal glove) with SUPERPOWERS. He tries it on and chokes Dario as the gauntlet shoots electricity. Cage leaves and Dario is pleased.

Overall Rating: B-. For the first time in a long time, I’m digging Lucha Underground quite a bit. Between Jeremiah Crane being interesting, Johnny Mundo as a solid champion, Dark Puma and CAGE HAVING THE FREAKING INFINITY GAUNTLET, I think I’ve got a few things to look forward to around here. This show could get awesome in a hurry and that’s very exciting for a long time fan.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up my new book, KB’s Complete Monday Nitro and Thunder Reviews Volume V at Amazon for just $3.99 at:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MQKDV5O

And check out my Amazon author page with cheap wrestling books at:

http://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Hall/e/B00E6282W6

PDFPrint