IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: September 5, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

I guess this is the reception show. Last week saw the first ever wedding in Lucha Underground history, with Johnny Mundo marrying Taya, only to have Matanza interrupt and wreck everything in sight. This could make for some interesting prospects as we go forward so let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at Mil Muertes burying Fenix, the issues between the former Trios Champions and of course the wedding.

Catrina says she’s done with Mil and never loved him. She leaves to be with the man she really loves but runs into Melissa Santos for the big movie style fight. Catrina seems to get the better of it but leaves by going up some stairs. Melissa follows and gets pulled down into an armbreaker, only to say that she’ll kill Catrina. They fight outside with Melissa taking her jacket off for the fan service moment.

Melissa gets a guillotine choke but Catrina chokes her way out and steals the medallion Fenix gave Melissa to choke some more. That’s broken up as well and Melissa knocks her off the roof, with Catrina hanging on by a pipe. Melissa takes one of the hands off and here’s Muertes to grab Catrina’s arm. He tells her to go, puts the stone in her hand, and lets her fall off the Temple.

On the ground, Catrina is dead (with only her limbs showing) when Melissa and Aerostar show up. He knows she didn’t do this and tells her to give him the medallion so he can return her heart’s desire. Melissa hands it over and Aerostar absorbs Fenix’s life force from Catrina before traveling back in time.

We cut to ten weeks ago, where Catrina steals Fenix’s life force in the first place. She leaves and Aerostar returns it to Fenix, whose eyes open. Back in the present, Aerostar brings Fenix to Melissa, while saying it will take some time for Fenix to return to himself. Fenix stares blankly and there is something in his eyes. Aerostar disappears, wrapping up this bizarre segment that you don’t see every day in wrestling. I think the Fantastics did it back in World Class back in 86 though.

The announcers recap the wedding chaos.

Joey Wrestling vs. Matanza

Matanza comes in from behind and hits some knees to the back, followed by some whips into the corner. An Avalanche sets up the bearhug but Joey manages a Death Valley Driver. A pair of low blows set up a Pedigree….and Matanza is right back up. Another splash in the corner sets up the Wrath of the Gods to finish Joey at 2:54. Better than you might have expected.

Big Bad Steve vs. Killshot

Steve has Brenda with him. Killshot kicks him in the knee and takes him down for a quick leglock. Cue Son of Havoc with a bucket of popcorn and a Coke, the former of which he shares with the crowd. That’s a good role model. A dropkick to the knee sets up something like a standing Figure Four.

Steve gets hit in the face and suplexed down again but Killshot doesn’t follow up. The delay lets Steve try a fireman’s carry but Killshot dropkicks him in the chest to escape. Brenda’s advice: “Kill him.” A pop up cutter drops Killshot and a package piledriver into flipping faceplant gets two. Killshot slips out of a superplex and kicks him down, setting up the Killstomp for the pin at 7:21.

Rating: C-. Killshot is crazy good at times and that’s the case anywhere he goes. Steve was little more than a practice dummy here and really, what else were you expecting him to do? Killshot looked awesome and I’d love to see him get a bigger push around here. He certainly does in other places, so it’s not out of the question.

Post match the fight with Havoc is on and Killshot loses his mask, freaking him out.

Lucha Underground Title: Pentagon Dark vs. Johnny Mundo

Mundo is challenging….or at least he would be if he was here. Pentagon wanted to give the couple the wedding gift of a broken arm, so someone get out here and have their bones broken. It’s open challenge time.

Lucha Underground Title: Pentagon Dark vs. Hernandez

Hernandez, returning after Pentagon broke his arm, is challenging and the fans are VERY happy with this one. Pentagon starts firing off the kicks and sends Hernandez outside into the chairs. The loud chop against the post makes it worse but Pentagon takes too much time back inside, allowing Hernandez to hit a slingshot shoulder. The big dive takes Pentagon down again and we hit the camel clutch.

An over the shoulder kneeling backbreaker lets Hernandez strut a bit more but Pentagon is right back with the Sling Blade. Some more running chops rock Hernandez until he knocks Pentagon off the top. The top rope splash gets two so Pentagon superkicks him out of the air. The Pentagon Driver retains the title at 7:04.

Rating: D+. This was little more than a practice session for Pentagon and there’s nothing wrong with that. Hernandez looked old and slow here, which is probably because he’s a bit older than you might expect (45) and hasn’t done much around here in a long time. Just a quick main event here, which doesn’t exactly make it look great.

Post match Pentagon goes for the arm again but King Cuerno makes a save. The Thrill of the Kill onto the title knocks Pentagon cold to end the show.

Overall Rating: D. Cool opening sequence aside, this felt like a complete throw away show. There wasn’t much energy to the whole thing and nothing really felt all that important. The wrestling ranged from skippable to pretty bad and that’s just not what you see around here. Maybe it’s coming down from last week’s big angle, but this really did nothing for me.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 29, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

It’s time for a wedding! In something that I’m actually thrilled to see, tonight Johnny Mundo and Taya are getting married. There is no way that this won’t be incredible as Lucha Underground has regular shows that are better than most, meaning a special show could be incredible. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

We open with a recap of the events leading to the wedding, Jake Strong and XO Lishus.

The Worldwide Underground, in their lime green sleeveless tuxedos (the only way to go) has a surprise for Johnny: Joey Wrestling (Mercury, his old partner) is here. Joey is going to be the best man, meaning PJ Black is demoted to groomsman and Ricky Mundo is now a ring bearer. Everyone leaves Ricky, whose doll isn’t happy.

Matt and Vampiro are in suit jackets for a nice touch.

Famous B. is still ring announcer.

Jake Strong vs. Drago

This could be interesting. Drago tries a rollup to start and gets thrown into the corner for some knees to the ribs. A running chop block takes the knee out and an elbow to the leg keeps Drago down. Strong switches to an armbar but a powerslam is reversed into a tornado DDT. They head outside with Drago being sent over the barricade and onto the required pile of chairs. Back in and the ankle lock makes Drago tap at 4:50.

Rating: C-. They’re pushing the living heck out of Strong and that’s a good idea. Having someone who used to be a World Champion in WWE around here is smart, as whoever finally beats him is going to get a nice rub. It’s also a necessary move to push some fresh stars and someone with some size makes it even better.

Post match Strong puts the hold on again but Aerostar makes the save.

XO Lishus vs. Jack Evans

No Mas match, meaning I Quit. Evans shouts about Lishus having no place in lucha libre so Lishus snaps and beats the fire out of him. They head to the floor with Evans bailing as fast as he can. Evans kicks him in the face and dives off the apron for his first offense. Lishus is fine enough to hit a Blockbuster off the announcers’ table, so Evans calls him a bully.

A choke with a chain doesn’t make Lishus quit so he hits a Regal Roll and moonsault double knees to Evans’ chest. Evans climbs part of the set and flip dives off, earning a “F*** YOU!” Cue Ivelisse to yell at Evans, who whips her into the steps. They actually get inside with Lishus putting on something like a YES Lock.

That goes nowhere as Jack reverses into an ankle lock, which is reversed as well. The handspring slap sets up Carmella’s Code of Silence but gets reversed into an armbar. It’s chair time with Lishus taking a shot to the face and Evans lays him on the chair, promising to break his neck. Cue Joey Ryan for the save, allowing Ivelisse to pull Lishus off the chair. A cross armbreaker makes Jack give up at 11:15.

Rating: C+. I liked this more than I was expecting to, though I can’t say I’m surprised at Lucha Underground pushing what would seem to otherwise be a comedy character as something important. Lishus is going to annoy a lot of fans but he’s trying and that’s as much as you can ask for most of the time. The win was a surprise and that’s a good thing every now and then.

Post match Ryan and Ivelisse help Lishus up with no violence or swerving.

Post break the defeated Evans crawls in front of the Underground and is told to get dressed. Ricky thinks he can take Evans’ place now and doesn’t have to carry the stupid rings anymore. That’s not cool and Johnny makes it worse by saying that Joey and PJ are his best friends. They leave and the doll says it’s time for Ricky to do the real job.

It’s wedding time with Famous B. as the minister. He’ll run your wedding too, and ugly people are welcome. You can even get Texano and Dr. Wagner Jr. as guests for a small fee! The groom and party are brought out, each with a caption under their name (Apparently it’s John E. Mundo. Who knew? He’s also the Mayer (yes Mayer) of Slamtown.). Taya’s bridesmaids are Cheerleader Melissa (not Mariposa) and of course Brenda. Taya comes out in lime green wrestling gear and a veil, as she should. We go to a break, but first Ricky is in the back….where he releases Matanza (at the doll’s orders).

Back in the Temple, Famous B. asks if anyone has issue with these two “fine a** people” being married. Antonio Cueto comes out to say he likes the two of them and has a gift: “RING THE BELL!” Actually it’s fried tacos for everyone! They’re sat on tables at ringside (uh oh) but now, on with the ceremony.

Taya: “Johnny, I love you more than fluffy puppies, kneeing people in the face and decapitating snake men.” Johnny: “Taya, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would meet anyone as tanned, ripped and attractive as me.” He loves her more than his own reflection and this is better than winning the Lucha Underground Championship. They say the I do’s (well a si in Taya’s case) so here’s Ricky (with the doll) to present the rings. He hands B the rings and is told to git.

B: “By the powers vested in me by the state of California and 423-GET-FAME, I now pronounce you man and HOLY S*** WHAT THE H*** IS THAT???” Cue Matanza to clean house, including smacking Taya. Brenda faints (makes sense actually) and Melissa eats a World’s Strongest Slam. B and his wheelchair gets thrown aside and PJ goes through a table. Johnny gets up and fights but gets suplexes through another table. Taya (bleeding) has HAD IT and taps the dress off to fight as well but takes the Wrath of the Gods. A spinebuster through the cake (Fans: “NOT THE CAKE!”) ends the show.

This was a lot of fun but really, I wanted more. I wanted this to be much more over the top with wackiness and it just didn’t go that far. What we got was funny and entertaining (Famous B was great) but Lucha Underground is the place where you want something so crazy that it could only happen here. I didn’t quite get that with this wedding, though it was entertaining. Mundo vs. Matanza has serious potential too.

Overall Rating: C+. This was actually less entertaining than I was expecting. The wrestling was skippable (fine on a big show) but the wedding could have been so much more. They actually played the show a bit more serious and that’s not what I was hoping for. Still though, they’re having fun this season and that makes for a nice show. Check out the wedding, but it’s not exactly required viewing.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 22, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

It’s time for a big night with two major matches. This time around we have a Trick or Treat match (whatever that means, which around here could be anything) between the Mack and Mil Muertes but the real selling point is the main event. Tonight, Lucha Underground Champion Pentagon Dark defends against Cage in a Last Man Standing match. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening video looks at Cage vs. Pentagon Dark, Drago and Aerostar’s trust issues and Mack vs. Muertes.

Melissa Santos is putting on her makeup when Dragon Azteca Jr. comes in. Dragon knows she misses Fenix, which she admits is getting worse and worse every day. He puts the half medallion around her neck. Melissa says he’s a great friend and leaves.

Famous B. is back, though in a much more traditional looking suit.

The Mack vs. Mil Muertes

It’s a weapons cage match (including a knife and an ax) with pin or submission only to win. Before the match, Catrina gets in Melissa’s face and tells her to introduce her “the right way b****.” Melissa says no so Catrina sends her face first into the cage, gives her the lick, and rams her head into the floor. Mack’s running enziguri has little effect so Muertes hits him with the kendo stick and a trashcan. A few more shots to the head don’t do much good on Muertes so it’s a snap powerslam and a pumpkin to Mack’s back.

Mack scores with a running DDT to slow Muertes down but he’s right back up to spear Mack into and then through the cage wall. Escape doesn’t count so Muertes DDTs him on the floor before climbing over the side. A high crossbody (and a good one at that) takes Mack down and it’s time for the knife. Muertes slices Mack’s head open and licks the blood off because he’s one of the creepiest guys around.

Despite the blood loss, Mack manages a release spinebuster through a table. Just like everything else though, Muertes doesn’t seem phased and sends Mack through another table to keep him in trouble. Mack fights out of a Flatliner through a table and some Stunners put Muertes down. For some reason Mack decides to go up top in front of a table, meaning he earns the super Flatliner through said table for the pin at 9:37.

Rating: B-. Sometimes you just need a monster wrecking a popular guy to remind you who is in charge around here. Muertes is still one of the most dominant people in the company and that needed to be reestablished in a match like this. Mack is going to be fine after the loss as he’s a charismatic enough guy to bounce right back. Good destruction, even with the knife being a bit much.

Catrina won’t lick Mack.

Famous B., from his wheelchair, handles the introductions for the next match.

Aerostar vs. Jake Strong

B.: “Introducing first…..oh s***.” Aerostar isn’t scared so Strong punches him in the face and suplexes him back in from the apron. A quick crucifix gives Aerostar two and the rope walk dropkick gets the same. Aerostar gets knocked out of the air though and the ankle lock is good for the tap at 2:14.

Post match Strong won’t let go so Drago runs in for the save.

The Worldwide Underground is giving Johnny Mundo and Taya their wedding presents, including a trip to the Slamtown Spa and Resort, a portrait of Mundo as Lucha Underground Champion, and a title shot the week after the wedding. The Underground’s agent can’t get in and Ricky Mundo’s doll wants to kill him. Ricky stabs him with a pen as Taya and Johnny get matching bandannas. Geez the murders are spreading around here.

Lucha Underground Title: Pentagon Dark vs. Cage

Pentagon is defending and it’s Last Man (or Machine) Standing. After a break, Cage goes straight at him on the floor and we’re ready to go in a hurry. A bottle to the head has no effect so Cage uses the broken bottle to carve up Pentagon’s head. Cage puts a table in the corner but gets caught in a Death Valley Driver to put him through it instead. With Pentagon’s mask half torn off (to the point where you can see his forehead), he caves Cage’s head in with a chair.

A top rope double stomp onto the chair has Cage in more trouble but he’s fine enough to take it outside and powerbomb the champ against the barricade. Cage sets up two tables on the floor so Pentagon throws in some more toys. One heck of a trashcan lid shot to the head rocks Pentagon and there’s the apron superplex to put them through the tables. It’s Cage up at five and for some reason he helps Pentagon to his feet. With another table set up next to the apron, Pentagon wins a fight and Death Valley Drives Cage through it in a sick looking crash.

Of course that’s not it as the Drill Claw plants Pentagon for so little time that the referee doesn’t even count. Another lid shot staggers Cage, sending him onto yet another table in the ring. That means a super Canadian Destroyer but Pentagon is already getting more weapons because he knows it’s not enough. Six chairs are set up in the middle of the ring….and Pentagon package piledrives him through them. That’s STILL not enough so Pentagon Pillmanizes one arm, breaks both of them, and then since Cage is getting up again, curb stomps him THROUGH A CINDER BLOCK to retain at 13:13.

Rating: B+. Throughout a lot of this match, I was thinking it was just your run of the mill violent brawl. Then we got to the ending, where Pentagon unloaded on Cage and threw everything he had at him to FINALLY put the machine away. That last few minutes had me wondering what was left to stop Cage and it was one heck of a visual. The same is true of Pentagon’s mask being ripped off, which made him look like the conquering antihero, which is a great way to wrap things up.

Pentagon poses and, again, looks like the biggest star ever around here.

Next week: the wedding. That….sounds amazing.

Overall Rating: A-. That last three minutes alone are enough to make this a great show but then you have another murder (with a PEN), Pentagon looking like a star, and the whole carving up someone’s head with a knife. This was one of the most violent wrestling shows I’ve seen in a long time and that’s exactly what they were going for. Well done all around, but check out that main event for sure.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 15, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

Where else can you find a wrestling show where the question is who dies this week. Somehow it tends to be multiple cases every single week, which isn’t exactly a normal wrestling promotion. That being said, it’s still a pretty fun idea and they’re getting ready of one low level person who may or may not be leaving after another in a pretty creative way. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening video looks at the Mack getting on Mil Muertes’ bad sign, the destruction of the White Rabbit Tribe, the Gift of the Gods Title and the Trios Champions’ issues.

Antonio Cueto gets an invitation to Johnny Mundo and Taya’s wedding (“It’ll never last.”) when Kobra Moon comes in. She wants the Reptile Tribe to become the new Trios Champions so, after something close to flirting, Antonio makes the match.

Paul London and Saltador are in the ring when Antonio comes in to say it’s time for a sacrifice. London volunteers Saltador to show what a real rabbit can do. Oh dear.

Saltador vs. Matanza

Saltador’s right hands and dropkick have as much effect as you would expect. The Wrath of the Gods gets rid of Matanza at 36 seconds.

Mack and Son of Havoc are getting ready for later when Killshot comes in. He doesn’t like Havoc but he’ll help defend the titles after he wins the Gift of the Gods Title. Violence seems imminent but it’s ok for now.

Next week: Pentagon Dark vs. Cage in a Last Man Standing match for the Lucha Underground Title.

The camera keeps showing a guy in a priest’s collar in the crowd.

Gift of the Gods Title: Killshot vs. El Drago Azteca Jr.

Dragon is defending. They start fast with Dragon flipping around, including spinning into a hurricanrana to take Killshot down. A slide to the floor means we need a slide back in but this time Killshot is waiting on him with a slingshot double stomp to the back. The running no hands dive takes Dragon down again and Killshot rolls him around into a modified Rings of Saturn. Azteca catches him with a kick to the head though and a hurricanrana off the apron gets two.

The fans are split (well duh) and it’s time to hit hard running forearms in the corner. Dragon starts a chase and catches Killshot with a guillotine legdrop to the back of the head. They head back to the apron and for some reason Azteca charges at him, meaning it’s a Death Valley Driver to knock the champ silly. The Killstomp is only good for two and Killshot can’t believe it. The customary exchange of strikes doesn’t go anywhere so Killshot whips him in, only to have Dragon snap off the spinning DDT to retain at 6:53.

Rating: C+. I’ve become a much bigger fan of Killshot over time as he’s so smooth in the ring. He knows how to make these matches look easy and when you put him in there against someone like Azteca, the matches get that much better. This was a very fun little match and I had a good time with it. If Azteca gets over with matches like this, I’m certainly fine with that.

Drago is on the roof of the Temple when Aerostar comes up. Aerostar asks why Drago hasn’t been around since last week but Drago says he did things as part of the Reptile Tribe that can’t be forgiven. That doesn’t work for Aerostar, who says they’re still friends. They shake hands but Drago isn’t sure and turns into a dragon to fly away.

Trios Title: Reptile Tribe vs. Killshot/The Mack/Son of Havoc

The Tribe (Kobra Moon/Daga/Jeremiah Snake) are challenging. The fight is on in a hurry with Snake being annoyed at Havoc’s standing backflip into Ricochet’s pose. As that happens, we cut to that priest again for some reason. Mack comes in to knee Snake in the face but takes too long doing a headstand in the corner, earning himself a loud superkick. Killshot grabs a triangle choke on Snake but Moon puts the same thing on him at the same time.

Son of Havoc and Daga do the same and then Mack grabs a Boston crab on Snake for the big visual. Daga gets to the rope for the break and everyone heads outside, allowing Mack to hit the big flip dive. We cut to the priest again and he has a name: Father Rick O’Shea. Clever. Anyway Havoc hits an Asai moonsault onto everyone, followed by Snake saving Moon from Killshot. A tornado DDT plants Killshot but Havoc is back in with a Lethal Injection to Daga and a double stomp to Snake.

It’s time for the parade of secondary finishers with Mack not being able to hit a Stunner. Unfortunately that means a bad Austin impression from Striker, who at least hasn’t been as annoying this season. Mack gets powerbombed out of the corner into a Stretch Muffler but it’s Havoc coming in with another double stomp for the save. Havoc loads up the shooting star but Killshot intentionally shoves him off, setting up Snake’s double underhook shoulder breaker for the pin and the titles at 8:53.

Rating: C. Good. I’m tired of the fighting champions motif around here and it’s a relief to see an actual team get the belts for a change. You can only do that idea so often and this was somehow the second time that Son of Havoc has been involved. The Reptile Tribe has been given a much bigger focus around here this season and it makes a lot of sense to give them the titles.

Post match Killshot yells at Havoc and says he can’t get up now or when he lost the titles. Killshot hits the Killstomp to Havoc’s bad shoulder and gets in Mack’s face before leaving.

Here’s Cage for a chat but before he can get anywhere, Pentagon Dark comes in with a superkick. The fight is on with Pentagon taking him up the steps and grabbing the house band guitar….for a shot to the guitarist. Cage beats up security and we look at the priest again. They fight on the roof of Antonio’s office before coming down and landing in front of the priest. He tries to bless Pentagon and gets his arm broken as a thank you. The fight continues as the credits roll.

We go to Antonio’s office when the Mack comes in. He wants Killshot next week but Antonio has a better idea: a Haunted House match against Mil Muertes. Mack: “Trick or treat mother….”

Overall Rating: B-. I had a good time with this show and that’s what matters most around here. They set up some stuff for next week and had something interesting with the title change. The priest idea was a funny joke and I could see that being a character going forward, though a one off appearance is fine too. I liked the show and the show next week should be a lot of fun too. Well done, as is becoming more common around here.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 8, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

So who dies this week? This has been the most murder heavy show I’ve ever seen in wrestling and that makes for some interesting television. It’s a great way to get rid of some people who aren’t exactly important, though having them be destroyed is a great way to build up their killers. That’s not something I ever thought I would write. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at Matanza’s rampage and El Dragon Azteca Jr. becoming Gift of the Gods champion.

Antonio Cueto is on the phone in his office and promises another sacrifice tonight. Mariposa (looking much, ahem, bigger) comes in and says she wants the Gift of the Gods Title. A little cash and some flirting gets her a title shot tonight.

The Rabbit Tribe is here for a match but Antonio cuts them off, saying only one of them will be fighting tonight. Paul London picks Mala Suerte for failing last week.

Matanza vs. Mala Suerte

Headbutt, Wrath of the Gods in 50 seconds.

Joey Ryan/Jack Evans vs. XO Lishus/Ivelisse

Ivelisse and Jack start things off with Jack trying a handstand and getting said hand stomped. It’s off to Joey, who doesn’t seem to mind being in there with Ivelisse. Therefore let’s switch it off to Lishus, who pulls Ryan’s face into the back of his tights. Some hip swiveling ensues and Joey likes it because of course he does. Lishus misses a dive out of the corner so it’s back to Evans. A handspring into a slap to the face has him in trouble and everything breaks down.

Evans kicks Ivelisse in the head for a delayed two and Ryan rubs her face into the mat. Back up and Ivelisse scores with a sitout DDT (think Rey Mysterio’s bulldog), allowing the hot tag to Lishus. Some kicks and a legsweep take Evans down and Vampiro sounds like a Lishus fan. A dancing moonsault kneedrop has Evans in trouble but he pulls Lishus into something like a triangle choke for the knockout at 6:50.

Rating: D+. I’m not a fan of characters like Lishus but he’s done well so far and having him not tap here was a smart move. The company needs some fresh talent to replace all of the people who left and Lishus is as good of an idea as anyone else. Evans getting away from the Worldwide Underground is fine as well, though I’m not sure how high of a ceiling he has.

Post match Evans won’t let go so Ivelisse makes a save.

Gift of the Gods Title: El Dragon Azteca Jr. vs. Mariposa

Azteca is defending and Mariposa kicks him low before the bell. Back up and they trade kicks for two each with Azteca getting the better of it. A 450 gives him two but Mariposa hits a Vertebreaker of all things for the same. She loads up a second but Azteca reverses into a cradle for the pin to retain at 3:19.

Rating: C. Well it was certainly energetic. They packed some big stuff into this one but there was no way around the fact that it was smoke and mirrors to get around the intergender part. Azteca having trouble in his first defense is one way to go and it’s not like Mariposa is some horrible worker. It was fun while it lasted, but it was over so fast that it was hard to get invested.

Worldwide Underground vs. Reptile Tribe

Johnny Mundo/Taya/PJ Black/Ricky Mundo

Kobra Moon/Daga/Drago/Jeremiah Snake

If the Underground wins, Moon has to grant Johnny one wish but if the Tribe wins, Johnny has to join them. Snake is being renamed Jeremiah Crane, who was brought back to life after losing in the Three Way To The Grave match. It makes sense as there isn’t anyone in the Tribe on Johnny’s level. Oh and the announcers don’t know where Vibora is because he’s, you know, dead. Also hang on a second as Ricky is out with Aerostar replacing him due to reasons of Ricky not being very good. Aerostar even has a Worldwide Underground bandanna to complete the look.

It’s a brawl to start with Mundo and Snake in the ring for the early brawl. They head to the floor though and there’s the big springboard dive from Aerostar onto the pile below. Taya dives onto them as well, leaving Johnny to get on the apron. Snake is after him though and lifts Moon up for a bulldog back onto the pile. The Underground is sat on some chairs and, upon Moon’s orders, Snake gets a running start around the ring and takes all of them out. Back in and we settle down to Crane biting Taya’s finger, earning himself a big boot to the face.

Black comes in a few seconds later to clean house and a kick to the head gets two. It’s Drago making the save and getting kicked down as well, followed by a Flying Chuck to Daga. Snake makes the save with a shot to the head and Moon crossbodies Johnny. That’s caught, so Snake and Drago kick him down for two. Drago’s tornado DDT plants Johnny again with Taya having to make a save. Everything breaks down again (It hadn’t already?) and Aerostar busts out a springboard corkscrew plancha. Back inside, the Dragon’s Whip is countered into a Shining Wizard, followed by the End of the World for the pin on Dragon at 8:44.

Rating: C+. That was the kind of fun main event that this show thrives on with everyone flying all over the place and hitting big spot after big spot. Johnny continues to be one of the aces of the show and I still wonder how he hasn’t been signed back to WWE at some point, unless he just doesn’t want to go. The match was fun though and I’m glad they went the way they did.

Post match Johnny says hang on a second because he wants his wish right now. As a thank you to Aerostar, Johnny wishes Drago freed from the Reptile Tribe. Drago’s chains are removed and leaves with Aerostar but Taya is FURIOUS. She yells at Johnny for doing this for nothing and wasting the wish. Johnny says there was nothing Kobra could do for him because Taya makes his wishes come true.

In the back, Ricky talks to his doll and wishes death on Johnny and Taya. Makes sense, in that Lucha Underground way.

Overall Rating: B-. I had a great time with this show as it still feels like a comic book come to life. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: this is an actual alternative to WWE rather than all of the independent companies that try to be an alternative while often copying a lot of what WWE does. Going this far over the top is a good way to go and I hope more people start watching, just to see some fun wrestling and more fun TV. Very entertaining show this week and the first time I’ve really felt the old vibe back again.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: August 1, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

Things are getting rough for Pentagon Dark as he has Cage on one side and the new Gift of the Gods Champion Dragon Azteca Jr. on the other. That means we could have the title match on a week’s notice, but you never know how much things are going to change around here. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

Opening recap: Dragon Azteca Jr. wins Gift of the Gods, Big Ryck (!) telling the Mack to make money back in the day, Worldwide Underground vs. Reptile Tribe and Cage vs. Pentagon Dark.

Daga vs. PJ Black

Reptile Tribe vs. Worldwide Underground. Daga starts in on the arm and tries a guillotine, only to get suplexed down to break it up. Some rolling suplexes stay on the back but Black switches over to a double arm crank. Daga chops him out of the corner though and DDTs Black into a guillotine. This isn’t quite the match that I was expecting coming into this and that’s a nice surprise.

A rope break gets Black out of trouble and he slaps on a quickly just as broken dragon sleeper. Daga’s crossface is broken up and Black kicks him in the head, only to get crotched on top for taking too much time. They hit a pinfall reversal sequence but Daga rolls into a crucifix hold with a keylock to make Black tap at 7:30.

Rating: C. Not bad here and the change in style was a nice surprise. Black going completely away from the high flying but still managing to pull off a perfectly watchable match is a good sign for his future. You can only do the same stuff over and over again so often before it stops having the same effect. Spacing it out like this is a good idea.

Post match the Reptile Tribe comes out but the Worldwide Underground save Black from Vibora’s Tombstone. Some kendo stick shots put Vibora on the floor but Kobra Moon says Johnny Mundo’s future is the Tribe. Next week they’ll have a match and if the Underground loses, Johnny has to join the Tribe. If the Underground wins though, Moon will grant Johnny a wish.

The Mack is getting ready when Catrina pops in. Mil Muertes is coming for him but Mack doesn’t seem worried. Catrina pops open a locker to reveal BIG RYCK’S SKULL. Well that accelerated quickly.

Here’s Dragon Azteca Jr. to talk (half in English and half in Spanish) to say he’s going to honor his ancestors by becoming Lucha Underground Champion. He wants to cash in at Ultima Lucha IV but until then, come try and take the title from him.

Trios Titles: Paul London/Saltador/Mala Suerte vs. The Mack/Killshot/Son of Havoc

Mack and company are defending. We’re already in a big staredown less than twenty seconds in until it’s Killshot vs. Suerte. Things speed up with both guys flipping around but not making much contact. Instead it’s off to Havoc, who gets dropkicked in the mask and it’s off to London. Mack and Saltador come in with the champ taking over off a kick to the face and a standing moonsault as everything breaks down.

Suerte trips Killshot off the apron and Saltador hits the big flip dive. Back in and the Tower of Doom (Striker: “LONDON’S FALLING!!!”) plants everyone, followed by a series of strikes to the face. Killshot starts cleaning house with the running stomps and Meteora from the apron, followed by crushing Saltador with the top rope double stomp. A frog splash from Mack should be good for the pin but Killshot moves in and steals the pin to retain at 7:21.

Rating: C+. Total spot fest here and there’s nothing wrong with that, especially around here. What there is a problem with though is the way the Trios Titles are defended. How many times can we have champions who don’t get along because one of them have some kind of selfishness issue? This isn’t even the first time it’s happened with Son of Havoc. Maybe we need a regular Tag Team Title instead. It’s not like this is really working.

Cage/??? vs. Pentagon Dark/???

It’s a double mystery partner match and the partners are King Cuerno for Cage and….no one for Pentagon, who wants to fight on his own. Pentagon strikes away and sends them both to the floor for the big flip dive. Both villains get sent into things at ringside but Cuerno jumps Pentagon from behind.

Back in and Cage drops a top rope elbow (because of course he can fly too) as we settle down into a more stable formula. Cuerno kicks him in the face but gets caught in the Backstabber out of the corner. A superkick rocks Cage and there’s the middle rope Canadian Destroyer for two. The numbers catch up to Pentagon through as a Thrill of the Kill plants him….and that’s enough for the hired gun as Cuerno leaves. The Drill Claw ends Pentagon at 5:41.

Rating: D+. This was much more of an angle than a match and that’s fine. I like that they’re doing things other than just having the same match over and over again like you would see in WWE. Mix it up a bit with stuff like this and the feud can go on even longer. This can set up Pentagon vs. Cuerno before Pentagon gets back to Cage and that’s the way to go. Not a very good match, but it advanced the story like it was supposed to do.

Post match Cage gives him a Conchairto and poses with the title.

Johnny Mundo and Taya are going through a temple Indiana Jones style (Mundo is in a Jones hat and says he hates snakes) when they run into Vibora. A movie style fight (including quick cuts) breaks out and a ball bat shot between the legs drops Vibora. Taya and Mundo kiss….and she DECAPITATES VIBORA! Drago comes in and roars to end the show.

Overall Rating: C-. The weird feeling of the season is back, which again has to do with needing to get rid of so many people who weren’t going to be around. The wrestling was somewhere in the middle and while I kind of liked the ending being so completely ridiculous, I was getting into Vibora and he’s, you know, dead. What we got wasn’t bad, but the stories they’re focusing on still aren’t working for me and I’m not sure how long it’s going to take to change that.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Lucha Underground

Lucha Underground
Date: July 25, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

We haven’t had enough insanity around here in a while so let’s have a six way match for the Gift of the Gods Title. That’s the big story tonight but you never know what we might be getting in the process. Other than that there’s the continuing issues between Cage and Lucha Underground Champion Pentagon Dark. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at Antonio Cueto and Matanza, Jake Strong and the Gift of the Gods Title picture.

Good news: Famous B.’s leg has been saved.

Jake Strong vs. Sammy Guevara

Sammy is fighting for revenge after Jake injured B.’s leg. Strong wrestles him down to start and sends Sammy flying off a German suplex. The Vader Bomb crushes Sammy again but he crossbodies Strong outside. That’s it for his offense as Strong throws him through the chairs (those things always take a beating) so Sammy climbs into a balcony. The huge dive takes Strong down again in a move that I really wouldn’t have expected in a match like this. Some kicks to the head have Strong in trouble but he pulls a springboard out of the air into the Strong Lock for the tap at 4:00.

Rating: C. Sammy actually got in some offense here, which was rather surprising given how this started. The interesting thing here, aside from Strong being pushed like a monster (as he should be), is how Lucha Underground manages to get in a huge spot in what appeared to be a squash. The thing is it fits around here, which is part of the promotion’s identity. That’s so important and something that almost no promotion manages to get right.

Vinnie Massaro is in the ring when Antonio comes up on the platform. He thought about firing Massaro but instead is going to….have a pizza delivered to him? Massaro: “IT’S PINEAPPLE!!!” Well that confirms Cueto’s heel status. That’s his last meal though, because it’s time for a sacrifice.

Matanza vs. Vinnie Massaro

Massaro slaps him in the mask and runs the ropes, eventually stopping due to bad conditioning. The Wrath of the Gods onto the disgusting mess called a pizza is good for the pin at 1:10.

The delivery guy goes for Massaro’s wallet so Matanza lays him out too. Both guys vanish.

Gift of the Gods Title: The Mack vs. Dragon Azteca Jr. vs. Ivelisse vs. King Cuerno vs. Dezmond X vs. Son of Havoc

Actually hang on (this is getting annoying) as Antonio says we’re going to have a six person tag. The winners of that will fight for the title.

Son of Havoc/Ivelisse/The Mack vs. Dezmond X/Dragon Azteca Jr./King Cuerno

Mack gets kicked in the head after just a few seconds but he kicks Dezmond right back. A double clothesline takes down Dezmond and Dragon as Killshot is watching from the rafters. Havoc comes in and hits Dezmond in the jaw but the fans’ request of Ivelisse is granted in short order. Cuerno breaks up a Black Widow with a kick to the back, allowing Dragon to hit a side slam.

Some shots to the ribs and face have Ivelisse in trouble until she sends Dragon into the corner. That’s enough for the hot tag to Mack so house can be cleaned. A superkick knocks Dragon off the apron and Mack hits a heck of a dive. Havoc tops them with a big handspring flip dive but the shooting star misses with Havoc rolling through to avoid a crash. Cuerno hits a very quick Thrill of the Hunt for the pin at 6:15.

Rating: D+. That ending really did feel like it was out of nowhere and came off like they were having to go home in a hurry. It was weird to see Ivelisse taking the heat like that as you only see women getting beaten up by men like this in Lucha Underground and even then it’s a rarity. Not a bad match, just an abrupt ending.

Post match here’s Mil Muertes to beat up the losers. Killshot comes in for a save and gets punched in the face.

Gift of the Gods Title: Dezmond X vs. Dragon Azteca Jr. vs. King Cuerno

Cuerno pops Dragon in the face for two to start and hits a super hurricanrana on Dezmond, who lands on Azteca for two of his own. Dezmond punches away at Cuerno and sends them both into the corner for a running elbow. A springboard armdrag (kind of more work than it’s worth) sets up a kick to the head for two on Dezmond.

Both Dezmond and Dragon head outside, meaning it’s time for a big Cuerno suicide dive. Back in and Cuerno breaks up a sunset flip on Dezmond, who hits his moonsault kick to the head for a much closer two on Dragon. Just to show off, Cuerno gets Dragon in a leglock and a full nelson on Dezmond at the same time.

That doesn’t last long (well duh) so it’s Dragon’s turn to clean house with some dropkicks. A hurricanrana on the floor doesn’t do much to Cuerno, who throws Dragon into the announcers’ table. Another whip sends him over the chairs but Dezmond is right back with a HUGE flip dive to take the other two down. Back in and Dezmond’s Final Flash misses but Dragon runs the corner for a super victory roll and the pin at 11:29.

Rating: C+. Pretty run of the mill Lucha Underground insanity here and that’s a cool thing to see. Cuerno was the star of the match here and gets to look good while Dragon gets the title. Dezmond can do a lot of cool flips and stuff, but that’s not the biggest selling point in the world when the promotion is at least partially built around the idea of flips and dives.

Marty the Moth is in pain in an office when Mariposa comes in to pour water on his face. She wants him to focus on winning the Lucha Underground Title because he’s destined for greatness.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Impact Wrestling

Lucha Underground
Date: July 18, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

It’s time for a title match tonight as Pentagon Dark defends against Cage. That sounds like a heck of a match as Pentagon has turned into the mega star that this promotion needs, especially with Prince Puma gone. Other than that we have the usual array of stories running around, which is a big reason why this place is so much fun. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at the Aztec medallions, the Worldwide Underground vs. the Reptile Tribe and tonight’s title match.

Aztec Medallion: Paul London vs. Dezmond X

This is Dezmond’s debut and London seems much more toned down this week. Murdering a wrestler can do that to you. The rest of the tribe offers a distraction so London can choke on the ropes but a baseball slide takes out his friends by mistake. There must be a Bugs Bunny joke I can make there somewhere. Dezmond dives onto everyone but London is back up to pound him down. A super hurricanrana gives Dezmond two and the fans are already behind them. The backflip kick to the head (that’s great timing) drops London again and a quick victory roll gives Dezmond the pin at 4:13.

Rating: C. Dezmond is a talented guy and he’s going to have a much better chance in a place like this than the X-Division. They didn’t get to do much here but the Rabbit Tribe is still one of the most insane things I’ve ever seen in wrestling. London is still a great hand in the ring and was a good choice for Dezmond’s first match.

Post break here’s Antonio Cueto to hype up next week’s Gift of the Gods Title match. Therefore, it’s time for everyone to put their medallions in the belt. The seven (Dragon Azteca Jr., King Cuerno, Ivelisse, Dezmond X, Son of Havoc, The Mack and Mil Muertes) come out and place their medallions. Since they’re all here, let’s have a battle royal where the winner gets to pick one person who won’t be in next week’s title match.

Battle Royal

Mack says he’s not scared of anyone….but Mil Muertes scares the heck out of him so he’s out. Muertes beats everyone up and we go to a break with him still wrecking people. That’s so casual and I kind of love it. It’s also a good way to keep Muertes strong as you don’t want him taking a fall if you’re not giving him the title.

Johnny Mundo vs. Vibora

Taya and Kobra Moon are the seconds. Johnny sticks and moves to start as the women glare at each other on the floor. The distraction lets Johnny get in a low blow but Vibora is right back with a Burning Hammer of all things. Johnny’s reverse hurricanrana drops Vibora on his head but stops to dive onto Moon instead of following up. Now when has that ever worked? Cue the rest of the Worldwide Underground to go after Vibora, including a chair shot to the head.

The End of the World gets two, which is a major moment for Vibora. Johnny superkicks the referee so here’s the Underground with chairs. Drago and Daga run in for the save and we’re back to one on one. Vibora pops up and hits a superkick, followed by a heck of a powerbomb. The chokeslam and a standing moonsault get two but here’s Ricky Mundo to save his buddy. That’s fine with Vibora, who moonsaults onto the two of them. Back in and Johnny hits four straight kicks to the head but goes up top, allowing Vibora to hit a super chokeslam for the pin at 8:54.

Rating: B-. Vibora is clearly going to be a star and there’s nothing wrong with that. He has a great look and can do almost anything in the ring, which is even more impressive for someone his size. Pinning Johnny is a really big deal for him and if it leads somewhere important, well done indeed.

Post match the Underground comes back in for the beatdown but so do Daga and Drago. Again the brawl is cut off by the break.

XO Licious is working out as Jack Evans watches from the sidelines. He’s not happy with his loss but here’s Ricky Mundo (apparently done fighting) with the doll. Ricky wants to know where Evans was out there but Evans doesn’t do snakes. The doll tells Mundo to do to Evans what he did to Angelico. I like that they’re acknowledging these people being gone as it would be rather weird otherwise.

Lucha Underground Title: Pentagon Dark vs. Cage

Cage is challenging and knocks Pentagon off the apron before the bell. The fight start son the floor with the champ in early trouble. Pentagon gets dropped back first onto the apron and Cage slugs away a lot. It’s already time for a chair but Pentagon knocks it away, drawing the CERO MIEDO chants again.

They get inside for a buckle bomb on Pentagon, followed by the apron superplex as Cage continues his dominance. The F5 is countered into the Backstabber and Codebreaker for two as Pentagon can’t do much to slow Cage down. Pentagon gets serious though with two superkicks, a middle rope Canadian Destroyer and a regular Canadian Destroyer to really rock Cage. The Fear Factor retains the title at 6:50.

Rating: C-. This should have been a lot more with Pentagon having to fight his way to victory after a long, grueling match. They kind of did that but it was at double speed instead of letting anything build. That’s the problem with a show like this, but it took so much to keep Cage down that there’s a reason for a rematch.

Post match Cage goes after him again but gets belted in the head. Pentagon goes for the arm but gets reversed into the F5 onto the title. Cage says Pentagon can’t break his arm because he’s a machine.

Overall Rating: C. Not their best show here, though the Vibora match was good. It felt like they were cramming too much into one show, which happens more often than it should around here. They only have an hour a week and with four matches, the segment of putting the medallions into the belt and all the other segments, it felt a little packed. It’s still fine, but they need to let things breathe a bit.

Remember to follow me on Twitter @kbreviews and pick up the paperback edition of KB’s Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews (also available as an e-book) from Amazon. Check out the information here:

http://kbwrestlingreviews.com/2018/07/23/new-book-kbs-complete-2003-monday-night-raw-reviews/

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

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

IMG Credit: Major League Wrestling

I was struggling for a topic this week. Then I realized the perfect topic was staring at my face almost literally every time I watched a show that wasn’t WWE. Pentagon Jr holds quite the unique privilege. He along with his brother Fenix appear in more televised wrestling promotions than any other wrestler. And by quite the insane margin too. This week alone Pentagon was featured in MLW Fusion, AAA Worldwide, CMLL Viernes Espectacular, Lucha Underground & Impact! Wrestling. That’s FIVE shows! The only reason Fenix isn’t in the same amount of shows is because he was “killed” last week on Lucha Underground. But he was there for the other four. Hijo del Fantasma/King Cuerno, Drago, Aerostar & Killer Kross get to appear for 3 of those 5 with CMLL & MLW being the excepcions. Think about that for a second. Outside of that group of people, the most other people can do is work 2 shows with ROH & NJPW. And I’m not even counting Video On Demand shows like PWG & AAW (guess who are there?).

After being bashed over the head with Pentagon, I figured I should talk about him as I had the privilege of watching him and Fenix from their debuts in 2012 for AAA. Like a total hipster. Except I’m very glad of how these two have exploded in popularity. But Pentagon stands above, especially after this week’s Lucha Underground and Impact! Wrestling. Impact had him and Fenix in the main event but in Lucha Underground, he shocked the crowd by being seated with them and attacking Cage. Afterwards cutting a very confident promo. Pentagon felt like a Megastar. But where did it begin?

Pentagon first appeared in AAA as ‘Dark Dragon’. He almost looked like Super Dragon from PWG and was nothing more than a filler wrestler for its insane amount of ‘Trios’ and ‘Atomicos’ tag team matches. He did nothing of note until ‘Guerra De Titanes 2012’. The year-end show for AAA where heel group ‘La Sociedad’ promised to exterminate two legends, Octagon and La Parka II. The legends duo recruited help from a wrestler who debuted earlier, Samuray Del Sol. And under Octagon’s tutelage, he was re-branded ‘Octagon Jr.’. Today you might know that wrestler as Kalisto. But who were their opponents? La Sociedad ordered Silver King to team up with two new recruits. The first one being La Parka Negra and the other was none other than Pentagon Jr. Rebranded after his stint as Dark Dragon.

AAA has a tradition of creating “dark” counterparts for crowd favorite wrestlers. Very much like NJPW has done with Tiger Mask/Black Tiger and Jushin Liger/Super Liger. This would be the fourth incarnation of a ‘Pentagon’, the opposite to Octagon and the first for La Parka with Parka Negra. Pentagon Jr got his “Jr” because of the debuting Octagon Jr. Pentagon and Fenix are not second generation wrestlers.

At first, Pentagon was nowhere near as captivating as he would become by his Lucha Underground debut. Being an evil counterpart to Octagon and Octagon Jr, he dressed similarly. Using very baggy ‘kung-fu’ inspired gi. He didn’t have facepaint, just a villanous looking version of Octagon’s mask with a few highlights. He looked dull. In contrast, Parka Negra (who was then played by ex-AAA Megachampion El Zorro) had an incredible look. A pure black style of La Parka’s look with red eyes and silver highlights as well as what looked like a satanic looking staff. Parka Negra breathed cool and his attitude was impressive. Every single match he was in, he would do his entrance before just charging to the ring and attacking his opponents at ringside. You could say he was Pentagon Jr before Pentagon Jr himself. It wasn’t until mid-2013 that he just started to find his look. And the look became a big thing for him as he became far more attractive to the crowds. The mix of facepaint and mask gave him his signature skeleton look and changing his gi for a far more modern look only aided that. He slowly started to find his confidence. Then Lucha Underground happened.

KB and guys in the WrestleZone Forums can attest. When Pentagon first appeared on the second episode of Lucha Underground and lost to Chavo Guerrero, I told everyone “watch that guy”. Most guys weren’t immediately impressed but others could see it just from his look. Weeks later he said he had a “Master” and started breaking people’s arms. So it started. Pentagon’s popularity sky-rocketed as the mystery grew. This amazing looking wrestler with such an intimidating character. It peaked with his amazing, bloody match against Vampiro at Ultima Lucha. Once the TV show started being more lenient with the US dates for its roster, many took advantage right away. PWG, AAW, Pentagon started to spread through the US. But it wasn’t all rainbows for the skeleton faced guy.

See, AAA is a curious company. If people think WWE’s creative seems to be in a weird bubble, shielded by their ego, AAA is ten times worse and without any of the success WWE has. Despite Pentagon’s popularity, AAA NEVER showed the interest in pushing him higher than being a midcarder or a guy to headline in Trios matches. Headlining Triplemania seemed out of Pentagon’s reach given AAA’s obsession with veterans and Psycho Clown (you could say he’s Mexican Roman Reigns, except not as talented in the ring). 2016 came and Pentagon’s contract was coming up. So to entice him to stay by 2017, he was given a feud with Psycho Clown and won Clown’s Latinamerican title. Except Psycho Clown headlined Triplemania. Pentagon defended the title in the midcard against Johnny Mundo. And lost. As the months went on, AAA positioned Pentagon and his group Los Perros Del Mal (inherited from the late Hijo del Perro Aguaya) became the top rudos of the show. He and Joe Lider won the Tag Team titles but was still not in the plans for headlining Triplemania. That was already locked to be Psycho Clown vs Dr Wagner Jr. So Pentagon left.

The parallels to Roman Reigns and CM Punk are somewhat scary.

Leaving AAA just seemed to open more doors for him as he started to be on high demand now in Mexico too. But he wouldn’t take the next step until the present. When Lucha Underground and Impact! Wrestling reached a working agreement. It was that and Alberto El Patron’s constant personal issues that opened the door for an unexpected occurrence when Pentagon won the Impact World title. Impact has put massive power on top of Pentagon, routinely headlining TV shows and even naming a pre-taped PPV after him. On top of that he and Sami Callihan are now the semi-main event of their upcoming Slammiversary show. In the revived MLW, Pentagon was the first challenger to it’s World title and then with Fenix became their first Tag Team Champions. In Lucha Underground, he’s World Champion and has been pushed stronger than any other character on the show. He’s been AAW Champion and it’s where said rivalry with Sami Callihan first started. In PWG he’s been Tag Team Champion with Fenix too. His popularity is such that both AAA and CMLL agreed to hire him while allowing him to work for the other company. And more over, he’s finally slated to headline Triplemania by being a part of it’s rather contrived ‘Poker of Aces’ match with he, LA Park, Hijo Del Fantasma and [that dang] Psycho Clown will face each other gambling their masks.

As such, Pentagon’s career comes full circle. His growth has been amazing. He is the biggest star not in WWE or NJPW/ROH today. From finding his way out of AAA’s constant booking turmoil to becoming a sensation through a new project in Lucha Underground, to breaking through and almost literally being in every wrestling promotion you can think of. What will the future hold for the man with Zero Fear? We will see, but it feels he can only get bigger from here.

====

Thank you for reading. My name is AB Morales, Puertorican Dirt Sheet writer, a friend of KB for years. You can find and follow me here:

Facebook | Where I have my own personal blog with daily wrestling updates and even cover anime and videogames once in a while.
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Twitter | Where I do….., well it’s Twitter.
Impacto Estelar | My own little Spanish Dirt Sheet site.

IMG Credit: Impact Wrestling

Lucha Underground
Date: July 11, 2018
Location: Lucha Underground Temple, Los Angeles, California
Commentators: Vampiro, Matt Striker

We’re starting to pick up steam on the Aztec Medallions as a lot of them have been awarded in short order. That’s a good idea when you have so many of them to be collected and hopefully we continue moving forward. Other than that there’s the prospect of Cage vs. Pentagon, which could be a lot of fun. Let’s get to it.

Here are last week’s results if you need a recap.

The opening recap looks at the Rabbit Tribe trying to worship Mascarita Sagrada, the Aztec Medallions and Matanza being even more murdery than usual. The last one should be rather worrying.

Cortez Castro is in the ring with a kendo stick but here’s Antonio Cueto to say Castro is really a cop. Now why did it take so long to find this out? It’s sacrifice time.

Matanza vs. Cortez Castro

Wrath of the Gods, 12 seconds.

Castro disappears. I could go for more of this story as it’s a good way to get rid of some of these lower level performers who aren’t doing anything important.

Aztec Medallion: Joey Ryan vs. Ivelisse

Rating: D. Remember when Ryan actually played a different character on this show and wasn’t just Joey Ryan from the indies? Well apparently Lucha Underground doesn’t either as this was every Ryan match from everywhere else. At least Ivelisse won, as it could be interesting to see what she could do around here if she’s healthy for once.

Aztec Medallion: Killshot vs. The Mack vs. Son of Havoc

Yes the Trios Champions are fighting again. Hang on though as here’s Antonio to say there will be two medallions given out here with only the person taking the fall not getting one. Works for me. Killshot starts fast and kicks both guys down, setting up a showdown with Mack. With Mack on the floor, Havoc hits the required suicide dive before Asai moonsaulting onto both of them.

Back in and Mack elbows Havoc down, setting up the big flip dive to take both guys out again. They’re certainly moving at a very fast pace so far. Havoc stays down so Killshot kicks away at Mack’s arm to slow him down, which Vampiro doesn’t like. He’d rather have them all just hit each other everywhere because Vampiro is kind of an out there guy. Havoc comes back in and gets hit in the head a few times, which you just don’t do to a masked biker. A tornado DDT gets Havoc out of trouble but Mack is back in to Pounce him down.

Killshot’s German suplex is no sold so he no sells Mack’s clothesline and dropkicks him before collapsing as well. Havoc replaces Killshot so Mack kicks him in the face a few times, followed by a standing moonsault for two. Havoc is right back up for the shooting star but Killshot pulls him down BY THE BEARD and hits a Death Valley Driver on the apron. Mack Stuns Killshot and has to pick which one to pin, eventually choosing Killshot at 9:25.

Rating: C+. This was fun with all three moving at a frantic pace. I’m still not big on the Trios Titles in general as they’re all over the place at times and I can barely remember who has them more often than not. There’s a good chance that this thrown together team doesn’t last again, which tends to be a recurring theme for these titles. You might wan to work on that a bit.

Post match Killshot yells at his partners and leaves.

Aztec Medallion: Cage vs. Mil Muertes

Catrina, now in red after last week, is in Muertes’ corner. They waste no time with the power game, knocking each other down without pretty reckless abandon. Muertes gets the better of it off a clothesline and a headscissors (!) to send Cage outside. Cage is thrown into the barricade but comes back with a series of hard forearms to the face. Back in and Cage’s apron superplex gets two but the referee eats a spear.

Cage’s discus lariat gets a very delayed two from a second referee, followed by the Flatliner giving Muertes two from the third referee. Muertes lays him out as well and I don’t think we have any more available. They fight outside where Muertes hits a wind up lariat but Cage finds a chair. He drops Muertes….but Pentagon is dressed as a fan in the crowd and caves Cage’s head in with a chair. Back in and the Flatliner gives Muertes the pin at 7:26.

Rating: B-. Take two monsters and have them beat the heck out of each other for a little while for some instant entertainment. The Pentagon cameo helped a lot as Cage doesn’t lose clean (as he shouldn’t) and Muertes gets another win to get him back on track (as he should). I liked this a lot as they didn’t try to do anything more than they should have here.

Post match Catrina won’t give Cage the lick. Muertes leaves and Pentagon says he’ll defend the title against Cage next week. Pentagon continues to look like a total star.

Post credits the Rabbit Tribe is being their usual bizarre selves when Mascarita Sagrada comes in. They follow him out and meet the unnamed Killer Kross, who is willing to be their god. To achieve this, they have to kill Sagrada, so Paul London caves his head in with a staff, sending blood everywhere to end the show. As usual, these people come off as the creepiest, most insane guys I’ve seen in years.

Overall Rating: B. I love it when they have a goal to accomplish and accomplish that goal with such precision. They didn’t waste time here and got the point across, meaning most of the Aztec Medallions are now set. That’s better than spending the better part of two months doing one at a time so hopefully we can get to something big with Pentagon soon. He’s a star here and looks like one of the biggest things on the show, which is about as accurate as you can get. Good show here and the old feeling is back.

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