Welcome to the Lucha Underground Review for the April 29, 2015 episode on El Rey Network. Find out what happened, who had the edge, and how the World Title landscape has changed.
MONSTER IN THE CLOSET
A very interesting reveal to start this week’s episode, as Dario Cueto tries to motivate The Crew after their loss last week, we find out that the “monster” in the cage (the same one Black Lotus has sworn revenge) is Cueto’s brother, and it would appear that the key that Dario clutches to so tightly, is the key to said cage. It has been a slow burn, and will more than likely continue as such, but I’m looking forward to where this is headed as we transition into the Summer.
FENIX VS. KILLSHOT
This was the first time we got to see Killshot in singles competition and much like his Trios matches, he came to impress. It isn’t always easy to impress however, when you’re in the ring with someone the calibre of Fenix. It was a back and forth match with some solid hits, not quite the level of many of Fenix’s matches, but a good opener for the show.
Edge: Fenix may have gotten the win, but Killshot showed some fantastic innovation with his reversals. Whether it was catching Fenix in mid-air and turning it into a brainbuster, or a roll into a cutter, you never know what to expect from Killshot and that’s why he’s got the Edge.
DRAGON’S QUEST
That dingy, dirty bathroom is a common backdrop for many a backstage segment and somehow, the grungy environment suits Dario Cueto very well. El Jefe gives some final words of encouragement to Drago as he heads into the Title vs. Career match against Prince Puma later in the night.
#1 CONTENDER
After his bathroom chat with Drago, Cueto searched out Lucha Underground Champion Prince Puma, extolling the advantages of being a ruthless champion. A warrior who cares only for victory, and not of another man’s career. Then Hernandez entered the picture, complaining about his three way match with Cage and King Cuerno. To appease Hernandez, Dario made the three way a number one contender match, further stirring the pot between Hernandez and Puma. Moments like this bug me though, as the challenger, in this case Drago, is overlooked in favour of the “bigger angle”.
FAMOUS B VS. RICKY MANDEL VS. VINNY MASSARO VS. ARGENIS
Lucha Underground’s version of the J.O.B. Squad were about to square off when they were interrupted by Texano. I was expecting Pentagon Jr. to be the one to interfere and finish what he started, since all four men in the match are past “sacrifices” to Pentagon’s master, but instead we got Texano, who was still rather unhappy about Daivari (who is still an unnamed individual from the crowd) putting his hands on him last week.
Edge: Texano. There really isn’t any other answer to this one.
A MOTH TO THE FLAME
Dario Cueto is all over the backstage segments this week. This time we see him trying to find some privacy for a phone call, opting for just outside the Temple. However, waiting for him is aspiring luchador Marty “The Moth” Martinez. Marty gushes to The Boss about wanting to wrestle for Lucha Underground, but Cueto casts him off as an obsessed fan. This surely won’t be the last time we see “The Moth” who claims to have Aztec blood running through his veins, just like Prince Puma.
KING CUERNO VS. CAGE VS. HERNANDEZ – #1 CONTENDER FOR THE LUCHA UNDERGROUND CHAMPIONSHIP
Not a long match, but a great three way that proved one thing, Cage and King Cuerno have a great chemistry. I can’t decide what I would rather see, the two of them team up and dominate or the two of them to feud. Although, why can’t we have both?
As I said, this was a great match purely for the work put in by Cage and Cuerno, but Hernandez was no slouch either. Things got a little weird when Marty “The Moth” rushed the ring, and was promptly tossed around by all three men and then excommunicated from the ring. “The Moth” provided enough of a distraction for Hernandez to capitalize and get the victory.
Edge: I’d love to give the edge to Cage and Cuerno considering the potential that is involved in a possible feud, but moving forward you can’t deny how huge a number one contender spot is. Hernandez has a world title match guaranteed and if that doesn’t add to the chip on his shoulder nothing will.
THREE’S A CROWD
Vampiro sat down with the first Trios Champions, Son Of Havoc, Ivelisse, and Angelico and attempted an interview. This bickering threesome makes for some entertaining television, whether they are in the ring or out of it. “Odd couple” teams tend to be rather cliché but once in a while they are very effective, this is one of those times. During the interview they hammered home the point that they may not like each other, but when it comes to the Trios Championships, they will fight with all their heart to keep them, even if that means Ivelisse fighting with her leg in a cast.
PRINCE PUMA VS. DRAGO – LUCHA UNDERGROUND CHAMPIONSHIP
Matches like this one are why I love Lucha Underground. Excellent pacing, high flying, hard hitting action. They are clichés but they ring true, Drago and Puma put on a heck of a match. My only complaint is with how Drago’s career was used to further another angle that didn’t even involve him. That being said, Puma sold his frustration and anger very well after the match and all of the tiny cracks that were beginning to show in the relationship between Prince Puma and Konnan early on in the season are now getting bigger.
Edge: This is a very tough one to call. On one hand Puma won the match, on the other Drago seemingly had the match won had the referee not been out. Add to that the interference by Hernandez and the edge may start to lean toward Drago. At the end of the day though, Prince Puma will be back to wrestle in the Temple next week or the week after, Drago will not. For that reason alone Puma has the edge.
GOODBYE, OR JUST SEE YOU LATER?
As the credits rolled on another episode we see Dario Cueto standing near the exit to the Temple. Drago approaches and at the smirking Cueto the ever-silent Drago finally spoke. “We will meet again.” Were the ominous words from the former Lucha Underground star. Drago disappeared from sight and in an explosion of flame he was gone, but the question is for how long? His words to Dario Cueto were more of a promise and it may only be a matter of time before we see his intricately detailed mask back in the Temple.
