Kevin’s Lucha Underground Review 4.20.16

Clips of the Trios Tournament so far kick things off, as well as Catrina saying that the Disciples of Death are in. We also see Matanza highlights.

Fenix is in Dario Cueto’s office, sitting with Aerostar and Drago. Dario is surprised that Fenix survived Matanza, saying that he really is the man with unlimited lives. Dario needs a new team in the tournament and these three partnered up last season. Aerostar and Drago couldn’t get along though. Dario says that Fenix will take on the Disciples of Death with PJ Black and Jack Evans as his partners instead. Fenix doesn’t like that news. He puts Drago and Aerostar in a match for an Aztec Medallion to test their friendship.

Gift of the Gods Aztec Medallion Match: Aerostar def. Drago in 6:33
These two competed in a pretty rad Best of Five last season. Drago sported a new mask during his entrance. Matt Strike admits that Drago is his favorite but he’s been in a slump so far this season. This was the typical fast paced battle between the two. Their chemistry is pretty natural and easy by this point. Striker made the best commentary remark by calling a dude in the front row with an afro “Bob Ross’ son”. Drago busted out the old Faarooq Dominator like he’s a heavyweight. Aerostar won with a slingshot splash. Solid match between two guys that work very well together. ***

Johnny Mundo is working out backstage when Taya comes up to him. She spoke to Dario Cueto who granted Mundo a shot at an Aztec Medallion next week. But, he has to face Cage in a Steel Cage. Mundo’s “Cage in a cage” line was classic.

Trios Tournament First Round: Fenix, Jack Evans and PJ Black def. The Disciples of Death w/ Catrina in 9:08
There was clear tension between Team Fenix from the start. PJ offered Fenix a tag only to fake him out. He went to tag Jack who hilariously responded with “KEEP GOING, YOU’RE DOING SO GOOD!” The crowd popped for Fenix’s hot tag adn he made it worth it. Dude is so fluid in the ring. Like Mil Muertes, the Disciples looked to rip Fenix’s mask though they didn’t get very far. Jack Evans got a tag and showed off some babyface fire before instantly reverting back into douche mode. Interestingly enough, PJ Black started to work well with Fenix and it led them to victory. This was fun but I expect more when Fenix, Evans and Black get someone better to work. ***1/4

Back to Dario’s office, where he sits with the Trios Champions. He makes sure to bring up the dysfunction that they overcame last season. He calls their reign a miracle. Ivelisse says that it doesn’t matter who wins the tournament because they will remain champions. Dario says that they are in the tournament and will compete against the three teams that already advanced in a four team elimination match next week. The winners will be the Trios Champions. Dario also calls them “Team Havoc”, causing them to argue a bit more. I love their dynamic.

Catrina scolds the Disciples of Death for losing, especially for losing to Fenix. She wants one good reason why she shouldn’t destroy them. Siniestro de la Muerte decided to take matters into his own hand and rip the fucking hearts out of his partners, making him the sole survivor. Ain’t that some shit?

Lucha Underground Championship: Matanza Cueto (c) w/ Dario Cueto wrestled Mil Muertes w/ Catrina to a no contest in 7:03
Sometimes in wrestling, all you want is two monsters going toe to toe. That’s what this was. Mil and Matazna clubbed away at each other and earl yon, Mil actually got Matanza down to the mat. The crowd reacted to this like it was a big deal, which is just what they were going for. They did a good job showing that Matanza is human. Mil hurt Matanza’s leg and went after him with a suicide dive. Dario couldn’t bear to watch this and hit Mil, who lifted him with a choke but Matanza made the save. They fought to the top of Dario’s office and just continued to level each other. Mil teased throwing Matanza off but Matanza held on. Dario’s facial expression was spectacular. Then, they died as Mil hit a Flatliner through the roof and into Dario’s office. The match was called there, which was perfect since the match accomplished exactly what it needed to. It showed that Matanza can possibly be beaten and allowed them to not blow off Matanza/Mil just yet. ***1/4

Cut to the police station. There’s a missing persons section featuring Hernandez, Blue Demon Jr. and Alberto El Patron. A councilman comes into talk to the captain. This councilman is played by goddamn Lorenzo Lamas! He tells the captain to stop her investigation into Dario Cueto because his employer says so. She thinks it’s the Mayor but he says it’s someone more powerful. She’s not happy about this.

If you do want to check out Lucha Underground, which you absolutely should, 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 right here with Fubo.tv!

7.5

The final score: review Good

The 411

Another strong effort from Lucha Underground tonight. Their shows are such easy watches and time just flies by. The opening match was pretty good and the Trios Tournament bout was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the backstage stuff tonight. Watching the Disciples of Death stuff was actually enjoyable and the closing stuff was cool. The main event had a sick finish and accomplished everything it needed to.