The episode is dedicated to the memory of Hayabusa. The show opens with Fenix looking at his Gift of the God's Championship in the back. Catrina appears and says that she desires his power since she has tried everything to destroy him. She says it can give her life again and she wonders if she made the wrong choice going back to Mil Muertes instead of staying with Fenix. They get a bit intimate and make out. She calls it their final kiss because Mil will destroy the Fenix once and for all.
Trios Championship: Angelico, Ivelisse and Son of Havoc def. The Disciples of Death (c) w/ Catrina in 4:53
The former champions get their rematch after losing the straps at Ultima Lucha. The fans got their first knowledge of the stipulation that if the challengers failed, they'd leave the Temple. We saw some great teamwork from the challengers, which is a beautiful contrast from season one. Ivelisse was the face in peril for a bit until Son of Havoc came in hot and Angelico did the same shortly after. Catrina got involved and the Discples tried pulling the old Killer Bees trick but Angelico kicked out. He hit the Fall of the Angel and SOH scored on a shooting star press to win back the belts. Solid enough little match. The Disciples were never meant to be major threats as they were just minions for Mil and Catrina, so the title change coming now was good. **3/4
Prince Puma is warming up when Johnny Mundo comes up to him, bringing up their past. He wants Puma to make the Aztec Warfare finals with him again but he won't take it easy this time around. He says that it's his time to be champion.
Cut to Rey Mysterio, who is still working with Dragon Azteca. Mysterio says that Azteca's training is complete and hands him an invitation to come compete in Aztec Warfare next week. Rey also got an invitation and they're heading to the Temple next week!
Bullrope Match: Texano def. Chavo Guerrero w/ the Crew in 6:02
Usually, matches involving Texano or Chavo Guerrero tend to disappoint in Lucha Underground. Putting them together didn't excite me. Chavo wanted the Crew to do his bidding but they backed off the apron and left him alone.They worked the match as a personal affair which was good considering the program they've built. I also rather liked the use of the bullrope as they made sure it was used in different ways and this wasn't just a singles match with the rope randomly there. This wasn't bad, I just wasn't fully interested or invested. Texno won with a powerbomb. **1/2
A pissed off Mil Muertes abuses the Disciples of Death in the locker room. It's pretty great.
375 miles away, Dario Cueto is standing outside of a building while we hear Matanza destroying/eating people. Black Lotus is there too. Dario smiles at the sounds before saying that Matanza is ready and it's time to take back the Temple. For the first time ever, we actually get to see Matanza. Man, they did a great job of making him look imposing as he steps out of the shadows covered in blood.
Lucha Underground Championship: Fenix def. Mil Muertes (c) w/ Catrina in 13:38
In season one, the Grave Consequences match between these two was and still is my pick for the best Lucha Underground match in history. Despite the size difference, Fenix was able to trade blows with Muertes. It made sense since their "life" vs. "death" story has built then as equals in a way. Both guys hit impressive cutters in the early stages. In a callback to the match last season, Muertes ripped away at Fenix's mask. Muertes brought a chair into play, busting Fenix open and he even bit away at the gash. They fought through the crowd where Fenix continued to take a beating until he jumped off the railing and splashed Mil. Again they called back to prior matches when Mil powerbombed Fenix on the announce table. Fenix still rallied and then even rippe Mil's mask in a beautiful twist of fate. He used Mil's own power against him, blocking a punch with a chair. Fenix nailed a gorgeous double jump springboard 450 splash for a near fall. I know this is more play by play than normal, but this match was too good not to do it. Muertes got two on a spinning chokeslam and Fenix got two on a sick German suplex. As Muertes went for the Flatliner, Fenix countered into a clutch rollup and captured the gold! Just an amazing match. It's great on its own but when you add the history, story between them and the moment of the title change, you get my new match of the year. ****3/4
Fenix celebrates in the crowd but Catrina gets on the microphone. She announces that next week, instead of a number one contender's match, Fenix will defend his new title in Aztec Warfare. Just like last year, Fenix will enter at #1 and Muertes comes in last at #20. They did the "One vs. All" Royal Rumble angle before the Rumble and will probably pull it off better.
If you do want to check out Lucha Underground and don't get El Rey Network (like me), you can sign up for the streaming service Fubo.TV. It's a great way to support the company and channel while streaming the show online. You can sign up and get Lucha Underground here at Fubo.tv!
No comments:
Post a Comment