Gecko Watched Lucha Underground (completed)

[Deleted]

My review of the episode will likely be up tommorow some time tommorow but for now I just wanted to give a warm (respectful) welcome...HOLA HER NAME IS ROSA



I love everything about design because it both looks and feels like it actually is a doll that belonged to someone and was discarded...unlike other dolls we have seen that clearly look like nothing but a toy to sell.

And here is an added bit of info on her the voice you hear (apologiez I do not remember the actress's name off hand) but it is voiced by a woman who was on Twin Peaks...alot of people myself included thought it was Beautiful Brenda doing the voice at first.

And how do you like them story telling apples....what looked like a complete throw away alllllll the way back in episode 3 of last season has come full circle and taken a guy who was well a complete joke is now turning him into something damn frightening but yet highly intriguiging and that place is an actual real place south of mexico city.

And is as strange and f***ing scary as you would think the nutty creative running this show is  lol.



And this is one is something I meant to post but I realized I did not so enjoy Dario Cuetos obituary lol.

[Rave]

Jul 23, 2023 21:42:41 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

And here is an added bit of info on her the voice you hear (apologiez I do not remember the actress's name off hand) but it is voiced by a woman who was on Twin Peaks...

That would be Kimmy Robertson, who was indeed on Twin Peaks as well as a crapload of other things.

And how do you like them story telling apples....what looked like a complete throw away alllllll the way back in episode 3 of last season has come full circle and taken a guy who was well a complete joke is now turning him into something damn frightening but yet highly intriguiging and that place is an actual real place south of mexico city.

Isla de las Munecas, the Island of the Dolls. The origin story of the island itself is in doubt as there's a strong chance the caretaker went mad from the solitude and made the whole thing up, but the place is still freakin' creepy.

[Deleted]

It is better than the cell you were locked up in...idk about that one Papa Cueto I mean atleast in the cell Matanza could move about freely.


Not so much with this set up.

But absoloutley love that the key (they did hint at this way back) serves even more of a purpose and really is a big hint at things to come.

This also makes total sense that Antonio would be the one to do this as he is the one that made his son into what he is and have a better understanding about the more magic side of things than his son did and I like how that further seperates father from son.

Antonio is willing to deal with the devil himself if it gets him what he wants.

Dario will find every which way to avoid that untill he can't.

But this scene was fantastic and how they framed with father looking down on son and shows you how Antonio basically views his own family although from tales we know the mother was not much different than the father and the lighting that gives all the light onto Matanza while everything else around him is just an empty void , again going back to how Dario and Antonio treated him , Dario locked him as if he was a danger to any and everyone (which he was) but here it feels like Antonio has him on display like a circus animal and the fact he completely willingly makes sure the last shred of his son is gone just to ensure his has shoot him right to the top of the most evil authority figure in wrestling ever, there is one thing to want family hurt , humiliated etc but it is a whole other planet to eviserate your sons soul with not a shred of regret about it.

And interesting little detail that Antonio says that Dario TOOK Matanza from him...so as if Antonio doesn't have another reason to hate his son but also further shows in some way that Dario did care for his brother by getting him away from Antonio whom he clearly fears.
...................................................................................................................................................................

I already touched on Rosa so not gonna spend a whole more on that here.

But the opening scene was so much fun but also tells you about Rickys arc for the season and I love they waste no time in establishing that Ricky is out of his gawd damn mind now but that Rosa aint just some by the shelf doll and that the reason while the others were perplexed but did not further react to the the doll is because they were preoccupied with the reptile tride and the still missing but owed an ass beating Angelico.

And actually having the world wide underground reacting to Rosa also automatically tells you that this isn't just Ricky hearing voices in his head and him pulling the string keeps everyone assuming on he is just being crazy ole Ricky and the doll totally did not just talk on its own.

There are alot of circumventing some horror tropes here in a clever but logical manner which was all very well done IMO.

..........................................................................................................................

XO Lishus Vs Jack

This was great to have Jack be the debut opponent because he is athletic enough to keep up but also more than willing to bump his ass off and that he did here and make XOs offence look even better and very impactful.

And let me just say IMO XO LISHUS is a way better wrestling name than Sonny Kiss IMO.

Great touch of XO not getting announced but instead whispered Melissa their name and THEN she introdouced XO just small great details that LU is always great at.

LOL Jacks face after XO did the split let drop onto him , something tells me that was not him acting because it legit looked like took all of that right on his throat...and what is it with everyone trying to stop Jack Evans from talking...I am gonna start handing out citations for this injustice!

But this was a solid introductory match for XO.
..............................................................................................................................................................

Something I want to point out if it was at all obvious is the crowd , especially early this season if they feel...different to you then you would not be alone because even people there live , something just felt off and that is because alot of the regulars were not at these early tapings and alot of the crowd ended up being alot of the PWG crowd and so they had no idea how to play along with the show and what not and so if their reactions seem...well not as enthused it is for a reason but as the season goes on the majority of the crowd goes back to the actual believers and you should notice the difference in noise and reactions as we get deeper into the season.

Pentas promo is solid enough nothing more to say about it but does nicely segway into us getting Cage Vs Penta if I am correct the first time ever 1 on 1 and I can tell you they have a very enjoyable feud from here.

They definetly teed up Fenix's fate by having him show a bit of arrogance in his conversation with Melissa but they also dropped a pretty big hint about something else I wont of course tell you what it is (Boooo hey hey good things come to those who wait...unless you are LA Knight sadly).
................................................................................................................................................................
 But the thing about his arrogance is Fenix ALMOST gets validation for it because he almost does win this match.

As our lizard lord points out about how this match felt off...funny how Jeremiah in both this match and the gauntlet of the gods match from Ultima Lucha Tres is the guy who ultimately is the one who makes or breaks the quality.


In the GOTGs match he was the stand out and stole the show by dieing 1000 times and when he gets eliminated there the match loses a spark but here while fine with him in it , when he leaves it gets better once Fenix and Mil are able to do their thing 1 on 1 , so I am not completely sure what it is other than the usual language barrier would be my guess because Jeremiah is the only one that speaks fluent english where as in the GOTG match he and Cage had it easy as far as communicating spots with Mil goes idk just wild speculation on part.

Again the match is solid beginning to end but once Crane gets eliminated you get what you expect out of Mil and Fenix going to war again.

But the big story are the ladies.

Cranes past comes back to haunt him ...or hammer him I should say by way of a returning Iveliesse and a broken (it was not suppose to break but she hit him one time too many) prop hammer.

Catrina gets what she wants but by way of shunning the beast that got her prize for her.

Melissa is left distraught and I love how absoloutley distraught she is when she announces Mil as the winner IMO the best bit of acting she has done in this whole story.

And this is LU doing what they are amazing at with intertwining their feuds together seemlessly  and all of them branch out from Catrina which really highlights how important and strong a character they have made with
her.

...................................................................................

Next episode: Confirmation on something I have been dancing around on for bit and something ALOT of people even to this day still get wrong.

[Gecko]

Ok, let's find out this mysterious thing that I'm going to get wrong.

S04E04 – Pain, Love, and Sacrifice

Last time
- We find out how Ricky and Rosa met.
- Jack Evans issues a challenge. XO Lishus answers, and beats Jack
- Cage attacks Penta to make it clear that he wants the title
- Ivelisse attacked Crane with a hammer and made sure he didn’t win Three way to the Grave
- Mil won by sticking Fenix in a casket, this pleased Catrina
- Antonio is keeping Matanza chained up. We learn that the key holds what is left of his soul, but he gives it to his son to destroy and lets the god possessing him take over completely.

Recaps of
- The history of Catrina and her quest to be whole again via Fenix, Piedre Immortal, The Gauntlet…
- Worldwide Underground VS The Reptile Tribe
- Antonio correcting what he sees as a mistake and taking away Matanza’s last shred of humanity

Before we get started, a thought I forgot to mention last time is: Wonder what state of mind Cage is in now that he’s been without the Gauntlet for a while. It was almost like an addiction, and if you gave him an opportunity, he’d go right back to using it.

------------------------------------------------------------

Candle enthusiast, Catrina is with Fenix.
“Your life is gone, my love.”
Ooh, is that who she loves. Yeah, I didn’t guess that one. Which only adds to how desperate she was for a ‘cure’ that she willingly sacrificed him... or maybe she loves him because of what he can provide for her.
“And mine begins again.” She adds, before leaning over and kisses Fenix to initiate the transfer. We get an appropriate bright light as well as an unexpected costume change.



The bright colour really makes if feel different, and it’s also a completely different style of clothing than we see Catrina in normally. The lighting makes a change too. Before, despite all the candles, she wasn’t really standing out, but now she is so well lit that she’s almost glowing.

She turns and walks away as we get a final look at Fenix before we fade out to a grieving Melissa looking at photos of her and Fenix.
Catrina can’t resist a little bit of taunting and decides to pay her a visit. She walks in, but still manages to sneak up without being seen.
She tells Melissa not to cry, he’s never coming back and that Fenix gave his life for the woman that truly loved him.

She gives Melissa the half of Piedre Immortal to remember him by. It kept her from dying, but she doesn’t need it anymore thanks to Fenix’s sacrifice.

That’s… maybe not the smartest of moves. Keep an eye out for Zombie Fenix in future episodes. We’ve definitely not seen the last of that talisman.
------------------------------------------------------------

Mariachi El Bronx play us into the Temple with a great choice of song



Striker covers what happened a couple of weeks ago with the debut of Jake Strong. He gives us an update on Famous B; he’s had several surgeries, but the doctors are worried that they may have to amputate. Vamp lets us know that we can send our get well wishes to 423-GET-FAME

Big Bad Steve w/Beautiful Brenda vs “The Savage” Jake Strong

Brenda starts the night by threatening to fall down the stairs.
Jake’s sparkly gold outfit he is wearing again is an… interesting choice.

I don’t expect this one to go long, but it could be fun while it lasts. This is also just a showcase for Jake. The small amount of offence that Steve has got in, has done zero damage.

Jake ends it pretty quick with the ankle lock with an immediate tap. That’s another thing: make everybody tap quickly, and then it means something when somebody resists.

Jake holds on after the bell and gives a final twist: That’s another snapped leg.

Right. I’ve been through 100+ episodes of this thing, I’ve got a fair idea of how things work.
Official Gecko Guess: This is leading to Penta vs Jake in a match where you have to break a bone of your opponent to win.

Oh, he’s not done. A nice gutwrench powerbomb on the outside. Shame the camera was a bit too zoomed in to get it properly.

He takes Steve’s bandana as a trophy, and it’s remarked that that’s the second time he’s taken something from a victim. Must have missed that last time.

------------------------------------------------------------

Into Antonio’s (Wonder how many times I’ll call him Dario?) office/waiting room.



After taking a drink, he tells Cuerno that he has something that doesn’t belong to him.
The Gauntlet? Yep, Cuerno doesn’t bother denying it, but he does say that it was stolen from him. So he’s lying to somebody, cause he told Catrina he gave it to somebody to hide.

I don’t think Antonio is buying it. After staring at each other for a bit, Antonio says that he’s sure that Cuerno has heard the stories and knows that the Gauntlet is dangerous in the wrong hands (or on the wrong hand?)
Cuerno is aware that it can make whoever wears it into a god. That’s why he stole it from Mil, but then somebody stole it from him… maybe it was Mil?

Antonio is still not buying it, but only the gods know if he’s telling the truth. He offers Cuerno something to maybe help him decide to return the Gauntlet:



The Aztec Medallion of his tribe: The Goat/Deer/Ram/Alien Skull Tribe.

Oh, he’s not giving him the Medallion, just the chance to win it. He’s also giving him the chance at revenge against Chavo, who eliminated him from Aztec Warfare.

It’s a tempting offer and Cuerno looks like he’s considering it, but before he can answer, enter Cage.

He tells Antonio that he knows he saw what he did to Penta last week, and wants to finish the job tonight. Antonio replies that Cage is a very impatient man, which gets a laugh out of Cuerno. He points out that he himself is the man, Cage is… a machine.

Cage enjoys that too, it seems that the Gauntlet's influence has faded, especially since if he was after the gauntlet, the last person that he for sure knows had it is sitting in front of him.

Antonio says that just because Cage attacked Penta, doesn’t mean that he deserves a title match, he has to earn it. He offers Cage a chance to win a Medallion too. He will go against the person who belongs to the tribe that this Medallion represents:



And also have a chance for revenge against... Mil Muertes.

Wonder if Dario cared about who got what medallion, or if he just didn’t bother announcing it like papa does.

------------------------------------------------------------

Daga & Kobra Moon vs Taya & Johnny Mundo

One of those rare tag matches. I don’t think this one is ending cleanly.

Taya starts off the match with Daga. He looks like he’s putting no effort in, and not in a good ‘making things look effortless’ way, more of a ‘can’t be arsed’ way. It does get better though, so maybe it was a character thing.



That was a fun little double team.

If I was a wrestler, one of the things I’d work on improving about myself since they all seem lack it, along with not being easily distracted, having a lawyer look over things before signing them, punctuality when showing up to work, and general decision making, is practicing how to hold people securely. 

This is just a long-winded way of saying, ‘oops’.

Sudden thought: Are the Reptile Tribe now at a disadvantage since it's presumably colder in this giant old freezer?

Kobra is in charge of things and looking like she could win, until PJ Black sneaks in and kicks her in the back of the head.

A curbstomp from Taya ends things. Not too much to say about that one, not great, not terrible. I was expecting more shenanigans, but I guess they might come now that the match is done.
And here it is in the form of Vibora. Taya either takes matters into her own hands, or is volunteered to go first, and runs into a choke. Mundo runs in and also ends up in a choke. Go on PJ, he’s run out of hands now!

Vibora proceeds to dismantle all three members of the Worldwide Underground who are present. Absent are Ricky (possibly on the advice of Rosa?), and Jack Evans who isn’t a Reptile fan.
As Mundo is on the outside, Taya and PJ are tied up together with their own arms by Vibora and Daga. Kobra Moon has a mic and tells Mundo that soon he will bow down to her, and call her his queen.

------------------------------------------------------------

We follow Antonio to… his secret dungeon? The door has a big ol' chain and padlock securing it.
When he enters, we see the shadow of Matanza round the corner, using somebody chained up as a punching bag (Maybe we found Rey?). He appears and stands in front of his father.



Antonio tells him that it is time for his first sacrifice, which gets a nod of agreement from Matanza.

Fantastically shot segment. The shadow lets us know exactly what’s happening without having to show it. Matanza throughout has that threatening aura again that may have been getting eroded. The lighting is fun, with the underfloor stuff doing all the work and then Antonio pulling the switch to turn on the bulbs and have them not help at all. And of course, use of the Dutch angle for basically the whole thing.

See, now this is better than both a cage or being chained up. Matanza’s got his own pad. He can put up some posters, get a couple of plants, some nice hooks on the wall for body storage…
------------------------------------------------------------

Mr Pectacular vs “The Monster” Matanza Cueto

Oh. Poor Mr P. Antonio comes out to inform him that he’s in the ring for his first LU singles match… that may also be his last.



Yeah, that kind of reaction isn’t going to improve things for you.

Apparently, this isn’t an ordinary singles match. Tonight, we’re going to do something for the very first time ever! He calls it…. The Sacrifice to the Gods!
Mr P is just looking confused, even after being told he’s the sacrifice. Maybe it was too big a word for him?
The god in question: His son, Matanza.

Matanza is eager to get going and jogs to the ring. He gets hit with a dropkick, which has no effect, but Mr P doesn’t know that since he’s already turned around and is posing in celebration.

A couple of high impact moves later and the ‘P’ stands for Pinned. Good outing for Matanza, it felt like he was reinvigorated.

As the Believers chant “Sacrifice! Sacrifice!”, Antonio raises his cane and looks up while, in the ring, Matanza opens his arms to the sky as he stands over a fallen foe lying on the seal.
The crowd playing their part here nicely.

Lights off, lights on, Mr P has gone. To a better place? Who knows.

That felt very much like an actual (movie) cult with the followers chanting (and secretly a little relieved that they weren't selected), while the high priest and his chosen disciple lead the ritual.

------------------------------------------------------------

Aztec Medallion #2: Chavo Guerrero Jr vs King Cuerno

It’s kind of weird thinking of Chavo being the main event, which isn’t really fair to him. The winner of this joins Dragon Azteca as a gotg candidate.

Chavo doesn’t even wait for Cuerno to get in the ring and dives out onto him. We take a tour around ringside, with Cuerno getting thrown into lots of furniture.



Ok, that’s a couple of times that the camera has focused on her, and she seems more worried than everybody else. Mrs Cuerno? Sister Cuerno?

Chavo gets thrown out over the top, narrowly missing a couple of cameras, then gets outsmarted when he tries to Guerrero his way ahead again.

Chavo takes a while to recover after a superplex, and the delay in covering Cuerno lets him kick out.

Chavo protests his innocence about how the turnbuckle pad came off. It’s just circumstantial evidence that he was standing right there a few seconds earlier.

You don’t see this level of untidiness from either of these two that often:

There was no saving that. It looked like Chavo was trying to move things away from the corner a bit, but it wasn’t happening.

An obvious edit in the final sequence ends with Cuerno hitting a move that I swear changed a couple of times between shots.

Anyway, Medallion #2 goes to King Cuerno. He gets the one representing his tribe, and presumably has agreed to give Antonio the gauntlet back.



Let’s not mention that he wiped Chavo’s face and then purposely smeared the medallion in sweat.

Cuerno leaves after taking a bow to the crowd, and that’s us done, no post credit scene.
------------------------------------------------------------

Next time: Sacrificio

Post Episode & General Thoughts/Questions
- This was the episode that reminded you how well all the stuff away from the ring is shot.

[Deleted]

Just incase it was not obvious what Matanzas entire cinematic here was inspired by.

But , yes to me this is an episode where the matches are fine but the cinematics are really the selling point here both visually and plot wise because there is quite a bit of info but also alot of pondering about things.

Also what I was refering to as far as what ALOT of people get wrong is something I have been dodging for along time untill now and that is now we have the completed official tribes and they are as follows and this was straight from Chris Dejoseph himself when the episode first aired.

Reptile
Rabbit
Eagle
Jaguar
Moth
Deer
Owl

Yes Cuernos is the obvious deer tribe but the one that I said everyone gets wrong is that of the OWL tribe and this goes wayyy back when I either outright said or just eluded to how important doing a little research is into learning what roles these animals played into the real life culture and the owl tribe is the one everyone gets mostly wrong because everyone calls it the DEATH tribe...noting how that completely goes against the theme of each tribe being animal themed , but I also say mostly because in aztec culture the owl is the messenger of death much like I believe in norway/finnish culture the swan is the messenger of death.

But this scene now brings about so many questions...mainly Catrina had to have known this the entire time considering how long she has been around but never informed Mil of his family heritage and his clear obvious importance in the war with the gods but then you get to thinking about it and with her actions hell since season 1 paint a much more clear picture now that we understand Mil is infact a tribe member but Catrina has been selfish in weilding him for her own personal purpose instead of focusing in on his real presumed destiny of leading his tribe and adds another very hugely intriguiging layer not just to Mil but his overall purpose and relationship with Catrina.

But then also throws the thought into your head...HOW does Antonio know Mil is part of this tribe? again so many little intriguiging questions come out of this.

But also I just LOVE this scene from how it is filmed to the mental chess match between Antonio and Cuerno but using the fact that the other wants something to their advantage these are the types cinematics and just ability to tell a story in such a way that no other company can compare and is not just in what they say but in how and the body language.

Like our local lizard lord pointed out Cuerno is lying to somebody either Catrina or Antonio and just how they stare at eachother after he says he doesn't know where it is with the ticking clock just waiting for the other to blink as they say is just not possible for any other company to covey in any similar way without literally just being LU.

And then Antonio in his state just gives up trying to circle whether Cuerno is lying and just outright goes for what he knows and tempts Cuerno with an offer he quite literally did not refuse but what this tells me atleast is that even if Cuerno is trying to do good here is that he does have his price but he simply does not know where the gauntlet is but maybe would have given it up both if he knew but also for a much bigger prize.

But then the otherside of this is Cage who makes no bones he is in this for equally selfish reasons both the title and his precious.

This scene is magnificent in every single way and might be the single best acted scene in all of LU that does not involve Dario and also you really see the difference in having so much more space to work with from the angles to just the overall scene lay out....like right before Cage walks in and Cuerno sniffs the air and the camera is right behind his shoulder as Cage walks in was such a quick little dynamic shot that would be something that could not have done in Dario's office.

This is just one of those scenes that you go back to and just watch it because it is a fun scene but also a scene that is produced so damn well.
....................................................................................................................................................

Speaking of the opening scene 20 OUTTA 10 EPISODE CATRINA IS HERE!!...and so is Fenix...sort of...well his corpse is.

This scene plays on so much history very quickly and quickly establishes that while she has kissed him before gets you to understand why it is she was never able to do this earlier because she was never able to actually kill him untill now and so sucky sucky his life force because quite the easy task.

And the red dress emphasising her being alive instead of the black is a great story telling touch and not just the dress but the heels as well.

But what I like about this and then the interaction with Melissa is it really ramps up Catrinas arrogance she is tossing everything aside for this one goal she has finally achieved..not only is she is pushing Mil away but she straight up just gives away the Piedre Immortal....like the smart thing would be to idk keep it just incase idk YOU DIE AGAIN! , it really establishes her tunnel vision right now and we have seen when those in power get cocky all just comes crumbling all around then...you would think she would have learned where her arrogance landed her the last time she got this arrogant at Aztec Warfare 2.

I always love the little detail of a ripped mask being stitched up instead of just oh they have a perfectly fine mask now.

And there is a really f***ing awesome neat touch here that you would have to pause at the right moment to see it but after she kisses him there is a shot of present Catrina in the black but beside her is the Catrina in the red dress and they basically come together like her spirit is joining back with her physical form so f***ing perfect...I LOVE THIS SHOW!!

............................................................................................................................................

And onto more things I love but this one not so beautiful and I have already touched on the texas chainsaw massare inspiration here but this is just another one those LU is just un f***ing touchable when it comes to just overall production and this is with a budget that pretty much got sliced in half but they are still able to make absoloute magic because I said it trillions times...everyone else may know how to use a camera but LU knows how to make a f***ing show and you can tell skip chaisson and everyone on this production loves movies , tv etc because they come up with the coolest f***ing visuals that are not just ...throw out a fog machine for ambience.

The light coming up through the floorboards is such an insanely cool touch that makes where Matanza now dwells just look both frightening but just makes you go....why the hell has no one else in wrestling thought of just a cool visual like this.



Just how that beam of light hits onto his mask is so damn cool and makes it seem like half his body is in the light and the other half in the darkness and then there is the giant steel door that has to be chained shut is a neat touch that reinforces that full God Matanza can't simply be contained in a cell or bound by two chains again a great visual piece of storytelling , without having to beat the audience over the head by telling the audience he is a full god now but instead you know this by simply where Antonio keeps him locked up now.

But the other interesting part about this and it has been guess work for a long time and as far as I know has never been given an anwser but left up to the audience about just who is Matanza beating the stuffing out of like a Rocky movie...the best guess is it is whatever is left of Rey Mysterio but also leaving it ambiguous would have left I should say the creative team the ability to bring back whoever they want which IMO is the smart play.

.................................................................................................................................................................................................

As for the rest of the show it is solid enough nothing to dwell on too much here , we get a solid main event even though it is Chavo because we all have pinned Chavo.

The intergender tag was alot of fun if for nothing else you get to see Taya really showing off her lucha libre training in the opening exchange with Daga and people claiming she is slow from her match with Britt this says different she holds her own here keeping pace with Daga.

And remember what I said about Kobra Moon showing her in ring growth and we get to see it for the first time this season here and she looked great....and she looks great to I mean respectfully.

"Give him a mean tune up" lol Brenda I gawd damn love everything about you woman.

We get our first sacrifice to the gods....I will sort of spoil this but this is just not just used in story to emphasis Matanza's new full god hood but they also use this as a way to legit write people out of the show and there is one in particular I will talk about once we get to them....yes if it was not obvious we are getting more sacfrifice to the gods matches.

All in all this is an episode where you can take or leave the matches but the cinematics are must watch and they steal the whole episode.

.........................................................................................................................................................

Next episode we get to what I mentioned during the first episode of season 4: THE BEST SET PIECE NOT JUST IN LU BUT ALL OF WRESTLING...did I mention this set is in two parts? because it is.

[Rave]

Jul 30, 2023 14:29:29 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

"Give him a mean tune up" lol Brenda I gawd damn love everything about you woman.

There's one episode this season, I don't remember if it was this one or another, where she yells for Steve to hit his opponent with his "hot rod". I remember my mind went immediately to the gutter after hearing that and she later confirmed that yes, that was exactly what she meant by "hot rod". I dearly love that woman and wish she'd show up in wrestling again.

[Deleted]

Aug 1, 2023 23:44:55 GMT -5 Rave said:

Jul 30, 2023 14:29:29 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

"Give him a mean tune up" lol Brenda I gawd damn love everything about you woman.

There's one episode this season, I don't remember if it was this one or another, where she yells for Steve to hit his opponent with his "hot rod". I remember my mind went immediately to the gutter after hearing that and she later confirmed that yes, that was exactly what she meant by "hot rod". I dearly love that woman and wish she'd show up in wrestling again.

I believe that line comes in a later episode.

But yea she is so great.

Just gonna plug it for anyone in LA or just nearby that is a big ole cat person Brenda/Holly Meowy runs the The CatClub where she rescues and puts up kittens for adoption.

This really came to light during Lucha Underground in the original temple when she would rescue all the kittens there and she named them all after the wrestlers on the show.

[Gecko]

S04E05 – Sacrificio

Last time
- Catrina completes the ritual to return to the land of the living via a Fenix corpse kiss. Since she doesn’t need it anymore, she gives Piedre Immortal to Melissa as a keepsake
- Big Bad Steve tried to avenge Famous B. It did not work and he got his ankle snapped too.
- Antonio sets up a couple of matches for Aztec Medallions. One to try and tempt Cuerno into giving up the gauntlet, and one for Cage to get some revenge against Mil next week.
- Mundo & Taya beat Kobra Moon and Daga. After the match, Kobra Moon tells Mundo that he will soon bow down and call her his queen.
- Mr Pectacular quickly loses to the new and improved Matanza, after the match Mr P is sacrificed by the Cuetos and vanishes.
- Cuerno beat Chavo to earn an Aztec Medallion

Recaps of
- The Rabbit Tribe following Mascarita Sagrada at the end of last season as they go off to see the White Rabbit.
- Antonio announcing Gift of the Gods getting underway; Dragon Azteca & Cuerno winning medallions, Mil and Cage set up to fight for the third one.
- Antonio eliminating Matanza’s weakness and the sacrifice of Mr Pectacular.

The Rabbits were one of the last left to make an appearance this season (or have any sort of mention), so it’s good to see they’re still a thing.

------------------------------------------------------------

Usual intro with Mariachi El Bronx providing the soundtrack to Striker introducing things. We finish with vamp mentioning, as the camera cuts to it, that Cortez Castro is in the ring looking confused as to why he got the call.



If it’s what I suspect is about to happen, he’s gonna need a bigger stick.

Antonio makes his first appearance of the night to address Cortez Castro… although Antonio understands that that is not even his real name, which gets a big “OOOOOhhhhhh!”
His sources say that Cortez is a police officer. This gets boos, and I’m making no comment.

It’s good that Cortez is here, as Antonio would like to report a homicide. He wouldn’t call it a murder though, but a Sacrifice to the gods!
At this point, the lighting on the ring changes from a nice relaxing blue, to a red which is probably signalling danger.

Cortez Castro vs “The Monster” Matanza Cueto

Cortez starts off with some pretty weak kendo stick shots. I doubt that they would have had an effect anyway.
Headbutt, wrath of the gods, pin. Matanza isn’t getting paid by the hour here, that was around the 15 second mark.

Hey, look at me, I’m some filler text.

Cortez gets sacrificed and disappears. You (or rather, I) have to wonder who is benefitting from these sacrifices. They’re not doing it for fun, even though they might enjoy it, and someone/thing/god/entity must be getting, presumably, power out of each victim. Matanza himself, or possibly this mysterious third party that we've still not seen.

------------------------------------------------------------

Aztec Medallion #3: Joey Ryan vs Ivelisse

Aw, look at Melissa wearing all black instead of the bright and shiny stuff that she normally wears.

Yes, I know I said above that Mil vs Cage was for the third medallion, but this one is happening first so…

Can we keep Ivelisse away from Jake Strong please? Just in case.

Joey seems to be leaning more on his gimmick than in the past. His previous matches had a little bit, but this seems like it’s all “look how disgusting he is”. And I really hope I misheard what that fan tried to get started as a chant towards Ive.

Ok, that was good. Joey went for a very basic pin, which got two. He switched to hooking a leg, which got two. He switched to hooking both legs, which got two. So he turns to the ref and says that that was six!



I think the ref almost cracked.

Joey is on offence for more of the match than Ive, but she picks up the win with a code red and grabs herself a medallion for the first time.

------------------------------------------------------------

Aztec Medallion #4: Killshot vs Son of Havoc vs The Mack

Yup, we’re all about the medallions tonight. The Trios champs going at it to see who gets to represent them in the gotg.

Striker mentions that Havoc suffered a severe neck injury a few weeks ago and doctors recommended that he not take part in this match.

Oh, here’s Antonio to throw a twist into things. He’s been considering this fight all night, and he feels like it’s missing something. Three champions in the ring fighting for one Aztec Medallion is great… but could it be greater?
Then it came to him in a flash. It’s missing this:



Two Medallions! You win the second if you are not the person pinned… so, in theory, you could just run away and not take part in the match and still end up with a medallion after?
After giving it a bit of thought, that’s even better than my idea of having the winner get both and then has to decide which of his partners gets the second.

Aztec Medallion #4 & #5: Killshot vs Son of Havoc vs The Mack

We really are getting these Medallions sorted out quick, once Mil vs Cage is done, we’ve only got one left to hand out.

This could be a great one, not only because of the talents involved, but for the story both during and after the match.

Mack plays peacemaker when Killshot makes a beeline* for Havoc when the bell rings. Early on, Killshot only wants to fight Havoc and is willing to get Mack out the way to do it, this can only happen so many times before Mack has had enough and things just break down into a normal triple threat.

*like a bee heading back to the hive after collecting nectar, using the most direct route possible apparently. This has fulfilled the educational part of this episode.

Vamp: Unenthusiastic commentator



Killshot has words with Havoc as he repeatedly slaps him, telling him he’s not his brother, he’s nobody. I’m starting to get the sense that he’s got an issue with Havoc replacing Fox.

All three back in the ring, trading shots.

I don’t think I need to add anything to this:



Havoc has Mack down and in position for the SSP, but before he can jump, Killshot grabs him by the beard and drags him down onto his shoulders and hits a DVD on the apron.

Killshot throws Havoc back in the ring and hits the double stomp from the top, but gets up right into a stunner from Mack. Now comes the difficult choice…



Mack choses to pin Killshot! Mack and Havoc get medallions, Killshot will be leaving with nothing except a sense of betrayal. Hmm, somebody with a military background who feels like he was betrayed? Nope, can’t think of any others like that.

As expected, Killshot is not happy about things after the match. He pushes away Havoc when he tries to help him to his feet, and then has a go at Mack for choosing the new guy over the person that won the titles with him.
He slaps the medallion out of Mack’s hand before leaving on his own, as the other two raise their hands without much enthusiasm.

------------------------------------------------------------

Aztec Medallion #6: Mil Muertes w/Catrina vs Cage

Lack of enthusiasm is contagious tonight as Melissa doesn’t have her usual flourish when announcing Catrina.



First appearance at the new Catrina in the Temple.

Melissa gets a smile back on her face as she introduces Cage.

This is the first one on one meeting for these two in LU. It’s nice that we’re still getting first time matches this far into things.

Nothing fancy at the start, just a lot of hard shots. Mil is the first to get knocked down, but gets right back up from the clothesline and repays it.
“Nothing fancy”, I say seconds before they do this:



We learn a bit more about Vampiro. He cares about people who adopt puppies and he likes to do gardening on Sunday mornings.

A mistake from Cage as he grabs Catrina after beating down Mil for a while, and undoes all his hard work as Mil sees it and gets right back up.

No, ref, now isn’t the time to give out back massages!



But the ref doesn’t listen to sense and gets speared as Cage leapfrogs Mil.
A discus clothesline puts Mil down and Cage covers… a second ref (confirmed by Striker to not be Charles Robinson) makes it to the ring, but enough time has passed for Mil to kick out.
Judging by Cage’s expression, I’m not sure this ref is going to last long.

No, a solid clothesline sees the second ref out of play. Mil hits a flatliner on the distracted Cage and goes for the pin.
Right, third ref. You saw what happened, make sure you count three, even if Cage kicks out, otherwise it’ll end badly for you. Actually, it’ll end badly if you do that too.

Guess what happened by the expression:



Is he signalling it was only two, or is he asking for peace?
Striker brings up that we’ve only got three refs.

A hard chokeslam takes out the last ref. That first ref learning to be a masseuse makes a lot of sense with the shots they’re taking tonight.

The two that are actually supposed to be fighting continue to do so, with Mil escaping outside the ring and Cage somersaulting out onto him, before they brawl around ringside.

Mil introduces a chair that immediately hits him in his own face. Cage gets up on the first step of the bleachers with the chair to gain momentum for the shot to come.



It took me a while to notice him, even after he unmasked, and it looks like I'm not the only one. Now I have to skip back and see how long he’s been sitting there… or I will do if I remember after this finishes.

Future Gecko here. Looks like he was only there from the start of the match

And now I hand it back to regular Gecko.

A nasty chair shot to the head of Cage from Penta, a spear and flatliner from Mil in the ring, just as a ref is regaining consciousness.



Penta watches on to make sure he gets the result he wants.

Mil takes ownership of a medallion (only one left) and beckons Catrina into the ring to do her usual thing. Catrina shakes her head and steps down from the apron. I guess she doesn’t need the lifeforce top ups that licking people was giving her any more either.

Meanwhile, Penta has got a mic. He tells Cage to not be sad that he didn’t win a medallion. He shouldn’t worry, because next week, Penta and Cage will battle for the LU title!
But, just like what happened at AW, Penta will leave with the title in his hands… and Cage will leave with his arm in pieces.

And there is where we leave the Temple, but we’ve still got a little time left.
------------------------------------------------------------

How the hell did they get weirder?!



Mascarita Sagrada interrupts their (varying degrees of) relaxation to let them know that the White Rabbit will see them now!

A trip down the rabbit hole sees the Tribe come face to face with the White Rabbit himself.



He asks what they want from him, and when they say they are seeking his guidance, he wonders what they can offer him for it.

“Anything” No, never say that.

He demands that they kill the man who brought them to him, and magically floats his stick over to them.



London hesitates, but TICK TOCK (how did I forget about that?) time is fleeting.
Happy, upbeat music plays as London bludgeons Sagrada to death.



White Rabbit aka Karrion Kross, says that was very entertaining, but now they will see how far London is really prepared to go. This amuses the guy in the cage a great deal.

And this is where the Rabbits turn from that goofy, silly, fun bunch into an unpredictable, deranged group being controlled by a sociopath.

The strangeness of this whole thing almost made me skip over the fact that Sagrada just got murdered, but that guy in the cage does look about the same size... (Future, future Gecko: See, as mentioned below, I am still thinking about this. Sagrada = Tweedle Dee & Dum?)

I also wonder if the Tribe had to wait the whole two years in that room?

Anyway, first impressions = good (future Gecko: Really good, the more I think about it). 

I really liked the sets for this. The waiting room was suitably zany with nothing being how it should, but the Rabbit Hole was fantastic. It had a very three-eyed raven under the tree vibe to it. The lighting was great on it as expected. Don't go wandering, who knows what is lurking just outside the light?

White Rabbit has very quickly shown that he’s not the most stable of people, not only with wanting a murder for proof of willingness to follow, but the mood swings are apparent already. He’s happy until you delay or question him and then he goes straight to furious.

I think this is going to be another case of "yeah, you've seen this guy before, but look here and see what he's really capable of." for Kross.

Looking forward to more of this.

------------------------------------------------------------

Next time: Break the Machine

[Deleted]

Not much to say about the 15 second Matanza murdering of Cortez it is what is his thing right now and I will confirm yes this is leading somewhere he isn't just doing this and it not lead somewhere incase one was wondering.

........................................................

Joey Vs Ive

This was solid enough for what it was again not much to really elaborate on here but Ive did personally enjoy working with Joey as I believe it was either a tweet or interview where she praised this match and thanked him for it.

The 6 count joke was great moment though always gets a nice laugh from me.

Other than that though it was nice to see Ive seemingly start off the season not getting immediately injured so hooray for knocking on wood.

......................................................................................................................................................

Mack Vs Killshot Vs Havoc


This was great as you would expect with these 3.

But this is a match all about Killshots frustrations boiling over and I love that everything that happens is centred on that but also furthering a few things here.

Mack continues to sollidify himself as THEE babyface in the temple with him basically paying back the deed of Havoc having his back in previous seasons and while Killshot in kayfabe is his cousiin he is being an asshole and Mack clearly don't play that family or not.

Havoc continues to be the guy in the middle that always finds himself in a situation he never asked to be in.

And the clip that lord lizard posted , I love spots like that as it is not so much a no sell untill the end more just a quick instant burst of Japanese fighting spirit kicking in and it is always so cool.

But also you get Killshots frustration because not only with the PTSD of Dante being gone again and having no idea what happened to him but now he feels abandoned by actual family so all builds nicely ontop of eachother while putting on a great match.

..........................................................................................................................

30 OUTTA 10 EPISODE CATRINA IS HERE!

CAGE VS MIL MUERTES

And Melissa is salty as f***...can't blame her I mean this woman did basically have her boyfriend killed and then rubbed it (I wish...dOH I MEAN!!) the fact that Fenix is dead in her face.

Big thick meaty high flying mean slapping meat incoming.

No matter what the temple just does something for giant men that aren't suppose to do the things they do on this and this clear with the other clip lord lizard posted with Cage and the flying hurricanrana and Mil responding back with his own flying headscissors.

Vamp likes to garden...I feel he is a dandy lion type of guy.

I do wonder if Antonio provides works comp because his refs will probably ask for it...but then again that might lead to following on Cortez's unfortunate footsteps.

I do love that they make sure to let us know that there is only 3 refs but also makes sense why there is only 3 I can't imagine the resumes are all that plentyful when the job description is REFEREES NEEDED FOR WRESTLING SHOW IN BOYLE HEIGHTS....WARNING THERE IS A 95% OF YOUR DEATH OR LONG TERM HOSPITILIZATION WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU!



Rick Knox with an alternate solution to the violence trying a richard nixon impression for Mil...spoilers Mil is not a fan and did not infact laugh.

But someone who is a bit smarter is Penta who clearly spent his time in the audience watching some tropic thunder.



Catrina should be happy Mil picked up the win and no doubt his tribes Medallion but Catrina remains unimpressed and Mil remains confused as to why she is being a ravishing red bitch.

.............................................................................................................

But now we get to the pista resistance.

I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS!

The set (have I mentioned the budget got drastically cut because it did) and Mr Skip Chaisson still managed to make this magnificent thing.

From the waiting room and how it fluxuates like a kaladescope , to the hilarity of the tiny furniture , companies with 10 times the money I have never seen be anywhere near this creative and then you find out this is only the first part to it.

And then we get to this Mortal Kombat living forest'esc set where we finally get to meet the white rabbit himself.



And that is a hell of an introduction and I love that this is suppose to be the famed white rabbit but everything about it immediately hits your mind to WAIT A MIN...something is absoloutley rotten in denmark here.

And then poor Mascarita (our lord lizard had have one hell of a belly laugh) as he is literally blugeoned to death at the behest of the white rabbitt.

It is such an interesting scenario playing out...like has Paul London been this weak minded this entire time? has he been this unhinged and his playful nature has simply been a ploy to get to this point and now we get to see the real him or was it that the white rabbitt simply is that powerful that he immediately exploited Pauls weak mind because between the light bit of telekinetic ability by floating his staff over to paul and Paul being compelled to immediately killed Mascarita is a definet display of power.

But that also begs the if he weilds this type of power...why the hell is he stuck in this hell hole? and if you are playing along you are starting to notice a thread beginning to form.

Oh I was not forgotten about our little friend in the bramble cage over there oh no I been waiting a long long time for this one...how long infact? remember a long time ago when I told you we would eventually be going back to the very beginning of this show? and by very beginning I mean the very beginning as in the opening cinematic that kicks off the whole series...go back and watch that slowly and you will catch a neat little surprise.

But also yes this is another one of this THIS IS THE KROSS that I keep talking up that Is better than what everyone is seeing in WWE because this here is his bread and preverbial butter.

Oh and one more thing about that little guy in the bramble cage he is not Mascarita Sagrada like many many people still even now will say.

No no that is infact someone you have seen plenty of times before.



But here is the funny thing he was Mascarita Dorada at a point in his career which is the look Mascarita Sagrada is sporting.

................................................................................................

[Gecko]

Aug 7, 2023 11:00:27 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

Oh I was not forgotten about our little friend in the bramble cage over there oh no I been waiting a long long time for this one...how long infact? remember a long time ago when I told you we would eventually be going back to the very beginning of this show? and by very beginning I mean the very beginning as in the opening cinematic that kicks off the whole series...go back and watch that slowly and you will catch a neat little surprise.

Right, I've been through it a couple of times and spotted several things that I could, with a huge stretch, link to this, but nothing obvious.

It may have something to do with my lack of sleep over the past few nights, but I'm giving in and asking straight up what it is that I can't spot... it's either that or obsessively going frame by frame and coming back with a huge list of possibilities.

[Deleted]

Aug 7, 2023 11:39:58 GMT -5 Gecko said:

Aug 7, 2023 11:00:27 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

Oh I was not forgotten about our little friend in the bramble cage over there oh no I been waiting a long long time for this one...how long infact? remember a long time ago when I told you we would eventually be going back to the very beginning of this show? and by very beginning I mean the very beginning as in the opening cinematic that kicks off the whole series...go back and watch that slowly and you will catch a neat little surprise.

Right, I've been through it a couple of times and spotted several things that I could, with a huge stretch, link to this, but nothing obvious.

It may have something to do with my lack of sleep over the past few nights, but I'm giving in and asking straight up what it is that I can't spot... it's either that or obsessively going frame by frame and coming back with a huge list of possibilities.

Very first episode take a look at the guy at the 2:28 mark.

May may not be off a few seconds depending on your video compared the one I am watching.

[Gecko]

Aug 7, 2023 11:51:29 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

Aug 7, 2023 11:39:58 GMT -5 Gecko said:

Right, I've been through it a couple of times and spotted several things that I could, with a huge stretch, link to this, but nothing obvious.

It may have something to do with my lack of sleep over the past few nights, but I'm giving in and asking straight up what it is that I can't spot... it's either that or obsessively going frame by frame and coming back with a huge list of possibilities.

Very first episode take a look at the guy at the 2:28 mark.

May may not be off a few seconds depending on your video compared the one I am watching.

...Oh. And it's right towards the end, so it would have taken ages if I went through it extra slowly

[Rave]

Aug 7, 2023 11:00:27 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

Mack continues to sollidify himself as THEE babyface in the temple with him basically paying back the deed of Havoc having his back in previous seasons and while Killshot in kayfabe is his cousiin he is being an asshole and Mack clearly don't play that family or not.

Mack was Big Ryck's cousin in kayfabe, I'm pretty sure Killshot was no relation to either.

[Deleted]

Aug 7, 2023 16:07:20 GMT -5 Rave said:

Aug 7, 2023 11:00:27 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

Mack continues to sollidify himself as THEE babyface in the temple with him basically paying back the deed of Havoc having his back in previous seasons and while Killshot in kayfabe is his cousiin he is being an asshole and Mack clearly don't play that family or not.

Mack was Big Ryck's cousin in kayfabe, I'm pretty sure Killshot was no relation to either.

You are right that was my brain fart moment.

Thank you.

[Gecko]

S04E06 – Break The Machine

Last time
- Cortez Castro is Matanza’s sacrifice for the week
- Ivelisse beat Joey Ryan for a medallion
- Mack won a triple threat, defeating Killshot and Havoc, to gain a medallion. As the person who was not pinned, Havoc also got a medallion. Killshot left on his own without a medallion
- Mil Muertes defeated Cage to win a medallion. Post-match, Catrina refused to perform the kiss of death
- Cage lost the match due to being ambushed by Penta who was sitting in the crowd in disguise, he told Cage not to worry about not getting a medallion since they’d be fighting for the title in a week.
- Mascarita Sagrada brought the Rabbit Tribe before the White Rabbit. They offered “anything” as payment for his guidance, his first request/order was to kill Sagrada, which London did.

Recaps of
- The Gotg process starting. Dragon Azteca, Cuerno, Ivelisse, Mack, Havoc, & Mil earning medallions.
- The Reptile Tribe and The Worldwide Underground targeting each other
- Cage’s short journey to a title match with Penta

------------------------------------------------------------

Mariachi El Bronx are possibly chained up in some fashion as they are still here. Usual introductions from Striker who then covers the events leading to the title match.

Aztec Medallion #7: Paul London w/Mala Suerte & Saltador vs Dezmond X

Melissa is all sparkly again.

Last medallion up for grabs here, and then with how things are going (I’ve not looked at the next episode title yet) I wouldn’t be shocked to see the GOTG match next week.

I was about to ask how different the Rabbits would be, but that got answered immediately.



As well as the colour change, all the fun is gone from the entrance. No messing about, posing, sliding down the rail, questionable gestures or anything else happening, just a basic walk down the stairs for London.

It’s the debut for Dezmond X, and you know he’s cool cause he’s got a ‘z’ and an ‘x’ in his name.

You know those times when it takes a while to work out who somebody is? You know the face but can’t quite place it, and the name they’re using feels like it’s similar to what they’ve used elsewhere, but that other name remains just out of reach…



It’s Wes Lee aka Dezmond Xavier.

Also, if I had waited a few seconds, I would have seen that he’s got ‘Xavier’ written on his arse.

The extra rabbits provide an early distraction by running across the ring, which isn’t really out of character for them, but it does seem more business-like than previously. London however, isn’t having any fun and just gets on with the job at hand.

The other rabbits are maybe doing a little more to help out directly than usual.

The only time London shows a little bit of his previous personality, by doing the rabbit ears, it costs him as Dezmond counters when he gets hooked up for a suplex and rolls London up for a quick win!

Solid, if unspectacular, match there.

While Dezmond celebrates, and gives his medallion a bite to make sure it’s not chocolate, London is clearly not pleased with the other two.

------------------------------------------------------------

And it appears we are indeed not wasting any time at all as Antonio (“Pa-pa Cue-to” *clap, clap, clap-clap-clap*) makes an appearance, along with the Gift of the Gods belt.



I was right, the match is next week.

Antonio says he’s been a promotor for over 40 years and he can’t remember a match with so many main event calibre talents in the ring at once. Next week is going to be epico (I’m guessing not the Colon).

We have had commentary talk about the tribes before, and it seemed like we were going to get more details when Striker mentioned Dragon Azteca being Eagle tribe and Cuerno being Deer, but then we got to Ivelisse and it stopped.

Also, I thought Cuerno did a bad job at placing his medallion as it was rotated a bit off of centre… then we got to Mil (Muerthahahahas according to Antonio):



Bet he never got the hang of putting the (rubble) shapes in the correctly shaped holes (created by the collapsed building).

After the medallions have been placed, all the competitors (and Catrina) end up in the ring, which prompts Antonio to say that they should have some fun.

Some find seven to be a lucky number, but he’s always found it unlucky… so next week only six will be competing for the Gift of the gods.
We’re going to have an impromptu battle royal!

Yay? But that doesn’t help to decide who doesn’t… oh, the winner gets to pick who gets the boot from the match. Right.

Battle Royal: Dragon Azteca, King Cuerno, Dezmond X, Ivelisse, Havoc, Mack, Mil Muertes.

Cool, a battle royal without the useless first part.

As Antonio screams at them to fight, the bell rings, Mil attacks Havoc and Catrina scrambles to safety as quickly as her attire will allow.

On paper, Dezmond is at a disadvantage, having only just had a match, but it wasn’t the most gruelling of contests, so I don’t think it’ll influence things much.

Cuerno almost removes Ive, but she ends up on the apron, and as they are fighting, Mil calmly walks up behind Cuerno and launches him over the top for the first elimination. He’s not alone for long as Ivelisse gets caught climbing the turnbuckle by Mil and press slammed onto Cuerno.
Early momentum goes to Mil.

Ooh! Bye bye Dezmond… maybe for good.



And very quickly, Mil has eliminated half of his competition. Still in there with him are Dragon Azteca, Mack, and Havoc.

As Mil has Dragon up in a powerbomb position and walks over to the ropes with Dragon trying to fight back, the trios partners team up and dump both of the others out.

Mack or Havoc are getting to decide who won’t be part of the match next week, and a little part of me thinks that whoever it is, will pick the other one to get the boot.
Or not. A few seconds of negotiations, then Havoc voluntarily flips out over the top and onto everybody else who is still hanging round at ringside.

Mack …wins, I guess.

And we’re maintaining the high tempo as Mack has to choose who to kick out of the Gift of the Gods match right now.

As the others plead, or threaten, or stand silent and watch in the case of Mil, Mack says that he likes to think that he’s not afraid of any man… but Mil Muertes scares the shit out of him.

So, Mil is out and Catrina is yet again storming off without him.

As Mack makes a timely exit, Mil takes out the five others left in the match.

------------------------------------------------------------



Random B-roll filler, or somebody making their way to the Temple? They’re not really in the habit of doing stuff for no reason, so possibly a new face coming for a visit. The final shot of this sequence shows a couple of people in LU hoodies entering the temple. They weren’t sneaking, but they were also not being loud.

Vibora w/Kobra Moon vs Johnny Mundo w/Taya

Interesting start. Mundo is obviously not working at full pace to allow Vibora to keep up, but it kind of works. Classic tale of the smaller, quicker guy having to get lots of shots in to equal the damage done by a single blow of the big guy.

Taya is the first of the pair on the outside to get involved when she grabs Vibora’s foot. Mundo almost forgets his spot and turns a kick into a 180 spin and heads to the ropes on the other side so that Kobra can grab his leg.



C’mon ref, you’re supposed to try and break them up only to have them roll over the top of you, with you standing up at the end with a huge grin while they look disgusted.

Mundo takes advantage of the bigger distraction and puts Vibora down with kicks. He hits a standing SSP, but when he tries for the pin, Vibora impressively sits up while holding him, before rolling backwards to his feet.

Mundo takes control with a poisonrana and then a regular ‘rana. Vamp wants a hug from Striker.



No, I wasn’t going to jump on you… I was going to flip sideways onto your queen!

As Mundo draws Vibora out by taunting him some more, and Taya is distracting the ref, PJ Black has snuck down and is hiding out at ringside with a chair. One shot to the head, Mundo rolls Vibora back in, hits End of the World and gets… a two count?!
That was a well done near fall. Not only for being unexpected, but Vibora showed no obvious signs he was kicking out and also left it very late.

Not having learned from last week, the ref receives a superkick for his inability to count to three.

Things are not looking good for the big reptilian…



…but backup arrives as Drago flies from the top to take down Mundo and then draws in Taya and Black so that Daga can run in behind them with a chair of his own. The Drago/Daga combo chase Black and Taya away from ringside, leaving us at one on one… unless Jack Evans has conquered his fear of reptiles.

Vibora dodges the chair shot from Mundo and then hits a sequence of high impact moves leading into a cover… now we wait for a ref…. and a two count!

Vibora breaks from tradition and doesn’t demolish the ref, but concentrates on ending Mundo. As he has Johnny lying in the corner and is preparing his runup, the other Mundo shows up and drags Johnny out of the ring.
They spend too long chatting and Vibora hops over the ropes to perch on the second turnbuckle on the outside and hits a nice moonsault on the Mundos.

Back into the ring, and Mundo’s skill eventually runs out and he gets caught:



That’s enough for the big win for the big guy.

That was a fun one. That couple of years break did a whole lot of good for Vibora. He’s still a little awkward or hesitant occasionally, but is much improved.

Vibora and Kobra stand triumphant over Mundo… until PJ and Taya return and smack ‘em with chairs. Then the rest of the Reptiles (and Ricky) return and we and up in a big brawl to see out the segment.

------------------------------------------------------------

How very 80s. We even got a Flashdance water drop homage before this final shot.

XO is having a bit of a dance workout as Jack Evans (who I totally recognised straight away, yup) is spying on her. Jack is looking rough, like he's not got much sleep. He sits back to find Rosa and Ricky have joined him and want to know what he’s doing.



He is watching his enemy’s every move, is the answer to what he's doing. Ricky on the other hand, was getting his ass kicked by the Reptile Tribe and they could have used some help.
Evans points out that he doesn’t do reptiles and Johnny is cool with him sitting this one out, so Ricky should mind his own business. I’m not even going to dignify the insult to Rosa by repeating it.

When Evans leaves, Rosa says that she doesn’t like him. Ricky says he doesn’t like him either, which prompts Rosa to suggest that maybe he should do to Jack what he did to Angelico.
Ricky says he couldn’t do that, Johnny would be mad. Rosa gives him a push by asking who is in charge of his life: Johnny or him?

------------------------------------------------------------

Lucha Underground Championship: Cage vs Pentagon Dark(c)

Melissa puts an extra effort into Cage’s intro tonight.

I don’t think Cage is taking the title here tonight, but it wouldn’t be a complete shock. I’m almost surprised that they didn’t do a title change on the first show of the season.

Cheap shot by Cage to kick things off as he attacks Penta from behind while he’s on the apron taking in the adulation of the crowd.

As Cage throws Penta into things around the ring and they make their way to the commentary position, Striker asks Vamp who has the bigger ego. Vamp’s list in order is:
1) Matt Striker
2) Vampiro
3) Pentagon
4) Cage

We have yet to make it into the ring, and Penta has yet to get anything more than minor comebacks in this match.

Penta gets his break when Cage can’t find a chair to use and has to wander over and steal Striker’s. The extra time gives Penta enough of a break to get his wits together and start making a move. Interestingly, as soon as Penta is in control, he moves the fight into the ring.

After some more back and forth, Penta wins following a couple of Panama sunrises, one from the ropes and one running, and a package piledriver.

I dunno, that one felt like it was lacking energy, especially in the later stages. The story was interesting though, especially with commentary focusing on it. Penta was his own worst enemy, repeatedly getting caught when pausing to acknowledge his fans. We'll see if this is a one off or a theme going forwards.

Cage is back up and goes for a discus clothesline, only to end up getting a big metal belt smashed into his face instead.

As the Believers chant “Break his arm!”, Penta sets Cage up for just that. He makes sure that Cage know that the belt is his before going for the move. The story of the match is reflected here as Penta taking time out to bask in the glory of the fans means that Cage can retaliate.

Cage powers out of the arm break and delivers an F5 onto the belt. He grabs the belt and a mic, telling Penta that he already told him that he can’t break his arm.

We say bye to the Temple with Cage walking out leaving a recovering, victorious Penta in the ring.

------------------------------------------------------------

Next time: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Post Episode & General Thoughts/Questions
- Antonio has shown that's he's willing to change things to suit him, wonder if he'll change the 1 week rule? There is precedent with Penta last season.

[Deleted]

Been in an out all week so this is gonna be the quickest of thoughts on the episode.

Doing the GOTGs match this early is more indicitive of just how constrained they were as if it were not already enough.

Needless to say Desmond X f***ing killed it in his first appearance and the believers wanted him back.

Love the the rabbit tribes new vibe and how LU wasted no time in re-establishing them and their new turn.

Mack admitting how much Mil scares the hell outta him as his reason for eliminating is perfect and also Havoc repaying him back by diving out to let him win.

Reptiles vs WWU - was great and really shows how far Vibora has come in the near 2yr break and training with Johnny in that time.

The Flash Dance homage was fun and apparently from what I remember XO-Lishus saying that was really cold water they dumped on them and we get confirmation that Angelico is most certainly dead or in some status of near death , Johnny is gonna be so pissed he did not get to give Angelico that string bean the ass kicking he has been owing him.

Penta Vs Cage was very fun as to be expected but there is better to come though.

[Gecko]

S04E07 – The Gift that keeps on Giving

Last time
- Dezmond X debuts and beats Paul London to claim the final Aztec Medallion
- Antonio says that seven is an unlucky number and has a battle royal with the gotg participants where the winner chooses who gets booted from the match.
- Mack wins when Havoc voluntarily eliminates himself, and chooses Mil to get booted from gotg
- Vibora beats Johnny Mundo in a match that had both groups interfering and a brawl to end things.
- Jack Evans spies on XO Lishus.
- After an exchange of words with Jack, Rosa suggests to Ricky that he do to him what he did to Angelico
- Penta defeats Cage to retain the title, but fails to break his arm.

Recaps of
- Antonio unlocking Matanza’s full potential
- Jake Strong snapping Famous B’s ankle
- The Gift of the Gods participants placing their medallions in the belt and the twist that one (Mil) won’t make it to the match

Right, some pre-episode thoughts:
- Mack isn’t winning Gotg as he is getting taken out by Mil
- I did have a thought that maybe Dario stuck part of his own soul into the key, with the conditions that it would be returned to him upon the destruction of the key, and he’s on his way back.

And just a quick look at who from last season hasn’t shown up yet, either in person or just getting mentioned, or any that we’ve covered already (like Sexy Star). I’m not asking for detail or confirmation on any of these, just having a run through of names.

Aerostar: had his arm broken in the latter part of the season
Argenis: I’m sure he’s on the menu to get sacrificed
Benjamin Cooke: He only showed up a few times, so I think he’s just done
Black Lotus: Showed up again at the end of the season only to get taken out by Matanza after learning the Dario lied.
Son of Madness: Don’t see him being back.
Pimpinela: Had a surprise battle royal appearance, so maybe one of them again?
Rey: Possibly in several places/pieces
Vasquez: I’m sure she’ll turn up at some point, if only to wonder where Cortez went to.
We also have Vamp’s unnamed Master, who I kind of forgot about for a while.

I think that's everybody covered.

------------------------------------------------------------

All change in the Temple as Metalachi are playing us in as a hyped Vamp does the intros. After covering stuff like what matches are happening tonight, they get on to the important stuff: Doctors were able to save Famous B’s leg! He’s in recovery and you can send your get well wishes at 423-GET-FAME

Sammy Guevara vs “The Savage” Jake Strong

Ok, what is with the Panda on Sammy’s trunks? It’s not the most intimidating of animals (Vamp brings it up later too). It’s been a while since I watched any AEW, so I don’t know if it’s still a thing with him.



Strong shows off how he got the name by throwing Sammy around with some suplexes. After a German where he flipped all the way round and landed on his face, Sammy grabs at his knee/ankle in pain. Getting in some practice?

Sammy gets his first offence in when he ducks a multi-bounce-off-the-ropes-to-build-momentum clothesline (future Gecko: Looking back, this tactic gets a lot of play this episode), then hits a crossbody which takes both of them outside the ring.

I thought Strong was going to win this easily, but I’ve changed my mind. He’ll get DQ’d to prevent a Sammy murder.

What a conspicuous ladder. Sammy must be a gamer as he knows that he can climb it since it stands out.



Or kind of climb it.
Second attempt sees him succeed. To chants of “Please don’t die”, Sammy shows that he’s Super Crazy .

Ooh, I don’t like how close those ring steps were. There’s also a reason it’s usually a group of people doing the catching, but it seemed to work out as they’re both back up without issue.

Bunch of superkicks sees Sammy capitalize on the advantage. He rolls Strong back in the ring and tries for a springboard clothesline. It’s a better option than a diving nothing, but still doesn’t work as Strong dodges and grabs the ankle as Sammy flies by. The tap comes soon after.

A fun match despite being very short and thinking about it, there wasn’t actually much to it.

Strong holds the ankle after the bell and, with a crunch, snaps Sammy’s ankle. This week’s trophy is Sammy’s entrance hoodie.

------------------------------------------------------------

Vinnie Massaro! …oh. This isn’t going to go well for him.

Antonio puts in an appearance. He says that when he took over, he went through all the contracts and when he came across Vinnie’s, the first thought was to fire that poor excuse for a man.



Awwww.

But if Dario kept him around, maybe he knew there was talent under the filthy tracksuit. But after seeing him perform at Aztec Warfare, Antonio knows that he has no choice but to order him… a pizza! (Please, pleeeeeaaaaase, have Matanza deliver it in costume.)

When the pizza is delivered, Vinnie opens the box to reveal…. Pineapple! What a despicable villain Antonio is. (Just want to say that I happen to be pro pineapple on pizza.)
Oh yeah, as well as the pizza, Vinnie is also ordered to get sacrificed.

Vinnie Massaro vs “The Monster” Matanza Cueto

Vinnie throws the pizza guy to Matanza to give himself a few seconds to prepare.

Vinnie is… doing ok. He’s dodging Matanza’s punches and landing some of his own, including the snoring elbow which staggers Cueto.

Comedy in a Matanza match? Vinnie bounces off the ropes to get some momentum for his next move… and bounces some more… and again… and now he’s slowing down, not that he was going too fast to start… and he’s down to a walk. He has a little break at the end to regain his breath before going for another elbow… only to get hit with a headbutt.

He’s slammed onto the pizza and that’s the end.

This one went surprisingly long. Long enough for the pizza guy to just make it back to his feet. He is too busy searching Vinnie for some cash to notice a Monster behind him…



An undignified end is kind of fitting for Vinnie as he and Pizza guy are sacrificed in a 2 for 1 deal.
I went back and checked, and the pizza also got sacrificed.... a snackrifice?

------------------------------------------------------------

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

Who is winning this? Hmmm, I dunno, none of them would seem out of place with a win here.

Antonio is here for one final twist. He feels like doing things a little differently tonight, so we’re not having a six way match for the Gift of the Gods, we’re having a three way! Eh?
We’re having a trios match, the winning team goes on to the three way for the gotg.

Time to pick the teams. Since Ivelisse and Havoc have had success as a team in the past, we’ll see if they can recreate it. They even get to choose their partner. And no real surprise, they choose Mack.

GOTG Qualifier: Havoc, Ivelisse, & Mack vs Dragon Azteca, Cuerno, & Dezmond X

Still tricky to pick a winner, but I’ll go Dragon/Deer/Dezmond.

One of the reasons for me not picking the team with 2/3 Trios champs to win a trios match has shown up:



Killshot stays at the top of the stairs, watching a very high energy match.

Cuerno casually strolls in and kicks Ive in the back of the head to save Dragon from the submission. Then just as care-free, he walks back to his corner.

I cringe a little every time Ive lands on her feet with any sort of impact.

Bwahahahaha!



Love it.

Time for the rope jump contest. Havoc just pips Mack to the gold thanks to having better form.

Havoc throws Cuerno back into the ring, has to roll through the SSP when Cuerno moves and turns round into a Thrill of the Hunt, Cuerno picks up the win for his team!

The crowd aren’t pleased with that outcome, and Killshot looks like he’s about to launch into a full “Told ya so!” rant.



And here’s the other reason that I thought that might be the team that wins. Mil runs in, looking more colourful than usual (maybe he thinks that’s how to get back on Catrina’s good side?), and goes after Mack.

He hits an ugly, ugly powerbomb to the ring apron.

Killshot shows his true colours as he reacts with shock. As Havoc tries to help out and gets grabbed round the throat, Killshot runs down the stairs and kicks… Havoc. Kind of hard to say who he was aiming for, only that Havoc was the one that got a boot in the face. Just to complete things, Mil lays out Killshot with a punch.

Can’t wait to see what rating this gets for being Catrina-less.

------------------------------------------------------------

Gift of the Gods Championship: King Cuerno vs El Dragon Azteca Jr vs Dezmond X

Antonio? Any super late, final, last second twists to add to this one? No?

The first few minutes, I’m liking that nobody is rolling out the ring to change it to one-on-one before they roll back in for their shift. They are getting knocked down, but they just end up in the corner and are back in the action after a couple of moves.
Cuerno does eventually take a break, but you can see him standing ringside watching things.

Not too much to comment on, just solid wrestling so far.

Pfft, how pathetic:



C’mon Cuerno, stop slacking, you’ve got a whole limb that you’re not using for a move.

Not everything goes perfectly:



Now we’re on the outside and if Parkour was represented as a wrestling match, it would be this. Jumping off everything, swinging round the ringpost…

Remember that Sammy leap from the start of the show?



No, me neither.

That’s Cuerno out for the rest of the match. Back in the ring, some fighting up top eventually leads to Dragon hitting his victory roll from up there and picking up the win.

Gift of the Gods Champion: El Dragon Azteca Jr.

That match had a very nice build. Started normal, became more hectic, had the big spot, then ended very shortly after.

------------------------------------------------------------

Marty is having a nap in his house, possibly. He is getting dragged along on a rug, so I dunno. He is awakened by Mariposa practicing her waterboarding technique.



He complains that she woke him from an amazing dream. Melissa was making a beautiful necklace out of Pentagon’s teeth.
Mariposa asks if he knows why she did what she did at UL3? Marty’s guess is that he hurt her, so she hurt him?

No, it’s because he needs focus. He’s wasted his life dreaming of all the wrong things (…am… am I Marty?). Melissa Santos, this new obsession with taking Pentagon’s teeth.
After a mini rant about how he’s going to rip every tooth from his head for what Penta did to his arm, Mariposa corrects Marty and tells him that it’s not his teeth he wants to take from Penta, it’s his title.



Great, Marty’s new obsession will be fulfilling his destiny by bringing the LU title to the Moth Tribe.
------------------------------------------------------------

Next time: The Ranks of the Reptiles

Post Episode & General Thoughts/Questions

- Dezmond: Episode count: 2, match count: 4

Oh, and since we're already approaching the mid-point of the season, I'm thinking I'll take a couple of weeks off for a half-time break. So if there's any logical place for that coming up let me know, otherwise I'll just do it after episode 10 or 11.

[Rave]

Aug 20, 2023 7:19:00 GMT -5 Gecko said:

Ok, what is with the Panda on Sammy’s trunks? It’s not the most intimidating of animals (Vamp brings it up later too). It’s been a while since I watched any AEW, so I don’t know if it’s still a thing with him.

Dude loves pandas, so it was a thing for his entire indie run. He ditched it not long after he started with AEW, I'm wanting to say after he first hooked up with Jericho.

[Deleted]

It has been very match heavy with these two episodes not that it is a bad thing but Lord Lizard covers the matches pretty thoroughly and I would just be being redundent luckly next episode we are back to stories and cinematics back to the forefront of the show.

First and most imporantly....the Panda on the crotch and his kind of obsession with them at the time I got nothing other than he just likes Pandas very much so and like said was very much his thing on the indies.

This is simply me theorizing but I would absoloutley be sure it would have come into play had LU continued on and he be part of a tribe...more than likely in Cuernos tribe untill Cuerno realized he did not yet have a Sammy Gueverra head on his wall.

Sammy Vs The Savage One (not Macho) Jake Strong.


This is a fine match that is entirely entended to keep Strong...well Strong and it works but Sammy gets to show out and this was at a time where funny enough not alot of people liked Sammy I mean talented yes but he has always had this rep about him that alot of people have never vibed with him and seems to have just carried into AEW....I remember I might have posted the thread actually about who people saw as the future from the indies at the time and I brought up Sammy and someone I believe said he reminded them of just every local frat bro or something lol.

Again fine match with a huge stand out spot that does not overstay its welcome.

..............................................................................................................

Vinnie RIP.

Pizza Bro...Pizza Noooooooo!!

Poor Vinnie probably wishes he stayed in the bathroom but he does get his licks which was surprising to me considering he is the literal bottom feeder of the show but he gets to his signatures which IMO are the best roaring elbows in the business outside of Masato Tanaka.

But this is usual current Matanza feeding time it comes and goes just as quickly.

......................................................................................................

Okay see I like Antonio as a character and I get they are making sure to differentiate him from Dario which is much appreciated but I felt like alot of others did that this was just messing with a formula that did not need to be messed with by over complicating the GOTG.

I love the matches but they did not need to complicate it like this IMO.

But both matches are great with the main event being the stand out because Desmond/Wes Lee fits right in with his style.

Idk what happened on that powerbomb Mil just could not hoist that much beef up and not like Mil should have any trouble with it considering he has tossed around Matanza so lets chalk it up to too much baby oil on the hands.

0 OUTTA 10 EPISODE NO CATRINA AND NO TAYA!

But wait there was Ive and we get MariPosa here at the end.

I need a judges ruling on this one.



Thanks Bret.
.........................................................................................

As for the end vingette cool camera work but nothing more to say about it just yet though other than I am glad they did split Mariposa and Marty because it is a dynmaic that just works and there is so much more to mine off of it.

This is a fine episode but I am ready for the stories and cinematics to take back the forefront of the show after two match heavy back to back episodes.

[Rave]

I was just reminded that I hated Jake Strong in Lucha Underground, for reasons that will become very clear in the future.

Aug 20, 2023 7:19:00 GMT -5 Gecko said:

- Dezmond: Episode count: 2, match count: 4

IIRC, this was his last episode. Like what happened with the Black Lotus Triad, they could only bring him for a limited time.

Aug 21, 2023 11:36:46 GMT -5 @sigmax said:

First and most imporantly....the Panda on the crotch and his kind of obsession with them at the time I got nothing other than he just likes Pandas very much so and like said was very much his thing on the indies.

So to elaborate on this a bit, someone on Reddit DM'd him on Twitter about it years ago, and his response was "Pandas are my favorite animal and I put a lot of myself in my wrestling". Dude really loves pandas and made it his calling card to the point of shelling out $2,000 on that panda head he wore at Double or Nothing '19 just so people would remember "the panda guy". Crazy but it worked.