Gecko Watched Lucha Underground (completed)

[Deleted]

If Gecko feels fine with reading the comics he can but I still stand that it IMO it is far safer for the sake of avoiding spoilers that he not read them untill after he concludes season 2 but also because alot of what the comic covers he is going to see on the show anyways so it is up to them.

Anyways just wanted to do a little refresher for myself through the season 2 trailer.

Sooooo many amazing things to come and I can't wait for Gecko's reaction.

Just a few of my thoughts from the trailer.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}{SPOILER: CLICK TO SHOW}We get IMO the best character vingette I have ever seen in wrestling ever with Killshot that literally takes him from just a guy on this roster to immediate stardom it is so amazingly done.

He is gonna notice it right off the bat the biggest change...they do on location shoots now , where as season 1 was all shot in and around the temple but now we get on location shoots , we get the sets they build for each character...Mil's shrine , Cuernos cabin , Johnnys Dojo etc of all of this is amazing can't wait for his reaction to it all because I said that the production really levels the f*** up from here on out.

He is either gonna love or hate Brenda lol hopefully love because that woman is so f***ing hilarious.

Aztec Warfare 2 is gonna blow his f***ing doors down lol

And we begin the giant arc of the entire show....his mind is gonna go into meldown with whats about to come at him this season lol

[Gecko]

Just to let people know that there probably will be a slight delay to the start of season two due to a drinks related keyboard accident.
It was looking like it survived, but has now had a relapse. I'll have to wait till tomorrow to see if it recovers again or if I need a new keyboard which will delay things cause I'm not typing this stuff out on a phone.

[Deleted]

Grabs that keyboard.

[Gecko]

My keyboard just about survived, so no real delay. 👍

SEASON 2

Episode 01 – A Much Darker Place

As we head into Season Two, there is a loss of Control and no Escape… and my Tab key isn’t working either . I have the other Control key and have remapped my escape key onto… I can’t say since it doesn’t work anymore, it’s the one next to the ‘1’ key. All I’m missing now is Tab, but I think I can cope for now.

Previously on: Lucha Underground…

Catrina: You, Skull Mask Gang, go win me the trios titles!
SMG1: Yes, mistress
SMG2: okey dokey!
SMG3: Brains…
Catrina: You’re not a zombie! Mil, I want the LU title, would you kindly go win it?
Mil: As you wish

Fenix: I am so great. I won the Gift of the gods and I’m driving my fancy car. Nothing can go wrong… unless I become the target of some sort of hunter.

BL: My name is Black Lotus, you killed my father, prepare to die
Matanza: *growl*
Dario: He didn’t do it, it was the one armed man El Dragon Azteca. He’s the head of a rival gang of your father, who was also a gang leader.
EDA: Hola, I’m here to rescue you… Ow! I really shouldn’t have taught you that punching technique *dies*
Dario: Time to go. Before we get murdered for what just happened.
Student: *puts on mask* Look at me, I'm El Dragon Azteca!
Matanza: *growl*

That was a dramatic re-enactment of some Season one stuff. On with the show…
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Sorry, I seem to have clicked on the wrong video and am watching a sci-fi/horror film.

We start with Vamp (or Ian as the voice calls him) in the Youssef Floro Clinic (Psychotic Break Division), where he has been for six months. 181 days without incident and it looks like he’s undergoing a final evaluation to be released.

Vamp says that everything is going well. No nightmares, no hallucinations, no violent thoughts. The flashbacks suggest otherwise. Vamp will get released (which is a good thing in wrestling for a change) as long as he takes his anti-psychotic medication and he promises to avoid the people and places that trigger his violent impulses. Yeah, about that...



AAAAHHHHH! Damn jump scare! 

Vamp attacks the shrink and starts banging his head off the table as security scramble. The security are just as effective as wrestling security.
I’m getting a real Jason Vorhees/Michael Myers/Hannibal horror villain vibe from Vamp right now. It’s great. He does actually take a bite out of his victim too.

Ah, it wasn’t real. The colour (high contrast/low saturation?) fades back into the picture (there’s that great use of colour again) as Vamp, still sitting in his chair, agrees to the terms for his release. Striker is the one to pick him up. They’ve been given an invitation to return to the Temple, but from what he’s been hearing… it’s a much darker place.

WOW! What a f***ing opening! If that’s any indication of how things are going to be, I think I’m in for a treat.

Is the psychiatrist somebody I might know of or has he just got one of those familiar looking faces?
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Into the Temple (presumably) and what looks like a fancier version of Dario’s office. It’s not Dario in there though, but Catrina (who is looking a little Cleopatra-ish).

Enter Fenix. Catrina says that she was wondering if he had the guts to return. Fenix says he’s back for Mil and the title.
Catrina says that he has the right to challenge Mil since he has the Gotg, but she has the right to make him wait… until next week. Assuming he still has the gotg next week.

Oh, that explains the décor. Catrina’s running the place now and she has her own style… a much darker style perhaps. Well at least I won’t have to put up with that bull any more. Wait, what’s that creepy portrait in the background? I’m watching you, creepy portrait!



Anywho, Fenix vs Cuerno for the gotg tonight and Mil will be watching. Literally. He’s got a throne perched upon high in the Temple, surrounded by death.



And we’re not even ten minutes in!
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Gift of the Gods: Fenix (c) vs King Cuerno

First match of the new season and we’re starting off big. Fenix won the Gift of the Gods Title at Ultima Lucha which gives him a title shot when he wants (with one week’s notice)

Pretty much what you would expect at the start, bit of back and forth with no real consequences until Cuerno rolls out to take a break.

Using himself as bait works as Fenix falls into his trap.



And then he falls onto the floor. Head first. With an audible thump.

Fantastic camera angle for the arrow, Cuerno dives right over the top of the cameraman.

Fenix fights back with the flippy stuff ending with a corkscrew dive where he rotates approximately 754 times.

Fenix hits the cutter and hangs on as he rolls over into a dragon sleeper. Noice.

Thrill of the hunt does not get it done for Cuerno who loses his cool a bit. He avoids a springboard 450, hits what looks like a tombstone variation and… oh wow, that’s it! New Gift of the Gods Champion: King Cuerno!

Top match to start us going and an unexpected outcome. It also makes sense in a way to show that it’s not just a Money in the Bank clone.
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Outside the Temple some bikes are arriving. It must be everybody’s favourite dysfunctional underdog team.

Yup, there’s a luminous Angelico joined by Son of Havoc and a crutchless Ivelisse. They want their Trios titles back and look ready for a fight.

They head into the Lucha Gym and meet the new boss. Ivelisse is the spokesperson for the group and informs Catrina that they want their titles back and came ready to fight (Hey, stop copying me!). Catrina says no so they just turn around and leave, never to be seen again.

Mil apparently has specific instructions concerning them. He wants to see them fight… each other.
The trio aren’t happy, but the added incentive of the winner getting to face Mil for the title (Tonight!) softens them up to the idea a bit.
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Catrina comes to the ring and summons Melissa Santos. She strokes Melissa’s hair, pulls her close and whispers in her ear. Imagine if it was Dario doing this?

She then visits Cuerno in the locker room to congratulate him and remind him of their deal. She proves she’s lost none of her power by blinking out of existence.
Interesting, is this something Catrina put together to get the gift of the gods away from Fenix (probably), or was it a long term plan to make sure she controls all the titles?
Cuerno looks a little uncomfortable with things.

LU Title No1 Contender match: Son of Havoc vs Angelico vs Ivelisse

Trading pin attempts but with three people is how we kick this one off.
They all look like they’re enjoying themselves right now but I’m sure that won’t last.

We were going to get a three way test of strength until Angelico decided to piss around and ruin it.
Ivelisse has had enough and kicks him and follows it with a chop, Havoc gets a slap for questioning what she’s doing and the light hearted, fun portion of the match is over.

Everybody gets a chance to show off a bit during the match, but Ivelisse picks up the win with a cradle on Angelico after taking out Havoc’s legs while he was on the turnbuckle.

Very enjoyable, still a great dynamic between those three. Maybe she shouldn’t be looking so happy as she now has to face Mil tonight. Oop, there’s the change in expression as she realises the consequences.



^What it looks like when you have regrets about winning
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Outside the Temple… quite a way outside. 375 miles away in fact.
A car pulls up and who is this? A trio who is looking lost. Luckily, there is somebody on hand to help them



Black Lotus says the line. “Come with me.” Oh no, are they Matanza’s lunch? Its handy that they do delivery.
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LU Championship: Ivelisse w/Havoc & Angelico vs Mil Muertes (c) w/Catrina

I don’t think we’re getting another new champion here. And here chances have just gone down even further as the Disciples of Death (AKA Skull Mask Gang) enter the ring from the other side.

SMG take care of the guys as Catrina grabs Ivelisse and drags her to Mil.



She leaves Mil to do his thing as SMG remove Angelico and Havoc from ringside.

Mil pushes her over with one hand. Ivelisse’s strikes have no effect. This one isn't going to last long at this rate and Catrina is laughing about the situation.

Mil is just taking his time and throwing her around.

Ivelisse changes tactics and starts going for submission holds but Mil continues to fight out of them, usually quite violently. It is starting to have a slight effect though and Ive manages to hit a tornado DDT to take down Mil.

The near fall brings Catrina into the ring. It does not go well for her.



Catrina proving once again that she’s not afraid to take a bump.

The distraction is not enough for Ivelisse to sneak a win and with Mil now up and pissed off, her last chance may have gone.

Powerslam, Flatliner, lazy pin. Mil gets his first title defence done. Catrina comes in and teases the Lick of Death, but instructs Mil to continue the beating instead.

Here’s Puma! A superkick to create separation and he escapes the ring with Ivelisse.

Here’s Penta! (Vamp’s attitude changes here and he becomes more serious) He sneaks in behind Mil hits a backstabber and breaks his arm!

Penta remains in the ring as Mil and Catrina skulk away and Puma stands on the steps with Ivelisse while the credits roll.

Things are not all going perfectly for Catrina.
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Ah, this must be the new version of “The Temple”. We hear a car pull up and somebody get out. Lunch has arrived.

There's Dario, standing outside the alternate Temple. Lotus tells him that these guys are looking for some Underground fighting.
Lead Guy is not convinced and voices that opinion. He asks what ‘the chick’ is doing here, which ends with painful results for him.

They pay the $20 to get in, which also requires Dario’s key. The last guy in stops and thinks to ask who is fighting tonight. Dario’s reply? “You are.” He closes the door and we soon hear Matanza eating his lunch.

Great way to kick off the season. Jumping straight in with some major developments.
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Post Episode & General Thoughts/Questions

- Seconds in and I’m already drawn all the way back in.
- Just from the opening Vamp bit, the quality (and budget?) looks to have had a boost.
- For the first time this season, I’ll point out the superb quality of the stuff that happens away from the ring and how nothing else in wrestling even comes close to it.
- Vamp’s dark side looks to be contained for now… or is at least content to bide its time.
- One more part of the Vamp thing that I have to mention is how well the mental health aspect was done. Lying to people that are trying to help and making promises that you know you won’t keep just to get what you want. You know that you’re the one who has to deal with it and you’ve done so for so long that you know how to live with it. Very familiar feeling watching that and much better than a traditional wrestling "crazy person".
- Mil looming in the background as a permanent thing is a nice touch, very ‘final boss’ (I'm thinking Streets of Rage) and contributes to the next point.
- It’s interesting that the Temple does actually feel a bit different with Catrina at the helm whereas in WWE the authority figure is usually pretty irrelevant to the atmosphere of the show.
- Seeing all the images together, the Temple is visually darker as well as figuratively darker.
- Two Temples, eh? I gonna guess this could be like a season long arc with it culminating in a power struggle to gain overall control between Dario and Catrina.

[Deleted]

And immediately right off the bat you see IMO the biggest upgrade ON LOCATION SHOOTS AND SETS! because last season if one took notice all of the stuff they shot was in and around the temple so you immediately see okay the show now has more money behind it.

And the camera work is sharper , the lighting is improved and yea you are indeed in for a treat the rest of the way and it is this stuff that latches on to you because while the wrestling still remains very strong but to me that has always been the bonus because it is the character work , the vingettes , the writing that really stays with you.

Vamp gets alot of shit but what he does not get enough credit for is character work he is fan f***ing tastic as a guy who legit is not right in the head but he does not push it over the top (that is saved for someone else *nudge nudge*) and this is exempliary work from him and IMO no one in wrestling has played it better than Vamp does here.

To anwser your question the shrink is played by producer from the show Tony Jensen , who Konnan not too subtley does not like lol.

And HI to our 2nd T2 reference in the show.



If you gonna take influence T2 is a proper one to choose.

And see WWE you dumb f***s THIS is how you properly work in a flashback , SHOWING and not simply telling us what is happening with Vamp again this is such a beautiful piece of character work and then having striker be the one to come get him is another great touch because Striker is basically his teather to keep him sane ,that is his closest friend.

EVERY single thing about that was perfectly executed and I promise you it aint the last we will saying this from now on and of course there is just the overall production the camera work , the music , this is IMO a fantastic example of when I say yea everyone else can try to replicate LU you can't simply copy what they did because look at the production on this vingette alone there is nothing else in wrestling on this level no cinematic match etc.

Oh shit I aint even commented on the rest of the show lol.

10 OUTTA 10 CLEOPATRA CATRINA! and yet another example of LU's amazing production everything catered to the individual character just brings so much life to the show....Catrina is in full controll so why wouldn't she rid of herself of Dario's whole asthetic and bring a nice tough of death and just things like she has curtains , candles etc all throughout the office , she isn't simply swaping in for Dario she is her own character and the office is completely reflective of it.

Love that the first match back is for the GOTG because that is the newest belt but also puts a very important emphasis on it that no this is not simply a joyless MITB but it can and will be defended if the holder does not cash.

And the match really out the gate pushes Cuerno to the top of the heierarchy and Fenix got to really show off his moveset here.

Mil overloarding over the temple THAT IS HOW YOU DO A PROPER FINAL BOSS! and it is another amazing image.



Seeing that for the first time was just a mouth a gape because again NOTHING LIKE IT! and what another amazing character piece....death has complete hold on the temple and what a way to emphasis it to the audience.

Unlikely trio: We want our trios title back!

Catrina:...NO

lol Catrina with the sexiest straightforwardness.

Not alot to say about the triple threat wholely enjoyable but the most notable thing this is first time in a long time we have gotten to see an entire Ive match so that was great to see and the other thing...Poor Ive got f***ing killed by Angelicos shuri knee in the corner just obliterates her.

Mil Vs Ive was fantastic though....initially you think yea Mil is gonna run through her and this will be over in like a min or two more so because she was just in a match but they played this perfectly with Mil's arrogance almost being his downfall and Ive showing her cleverness by using the armbar over the ropes , and then the pin after the spear on Catrina had everyone biting fantastic near fall.

Take notes especially ladies THIS is how you should take a spear amazing...Catrina took that entire thing and her feet comes out from under her THIS is the proper way one should always take that move and Mil does not hold back he just runs through her fantastic work by Catrina.

And then we get to the insane ending and what a way to reintrodocuce Penta and IMMEDIATELY shoot him to the very top by not only having him be the last guy out but he breaks Mil's arm IN THE FIRST EPISODE LIKE WTF WHO DOES THAT!! just a complete holy shit moment , this is LU completely recognizing what they have and immediately running with it.

And little BTS on that Pentagon did not know he was gonna get the reaction he did he was completely shocked in a great way of course.

And then we get the final scene...EL JEFE! at his new temple in which he feeds 3 gringos to Matanza and is such a great return for our favourite boss.

Not saying anything that hasn't but THIS is how you return with a gawd damn bang and they had pretty much all the top shelf stars on display on the show..pretty damn perfect a return and to think things only keep getting more insane.

Oh forgot to mention something else....idk if you questioned why Mil did not just simply power out of Pentagon breaking his arm and this is because the arm Pentagon was breaking was the same arm Ive had over the rope so there is your anwser , it is subtle but cleverly executed and just further attention to the detail paid attention to on this show.

[Deleted]

And now that we have started season 2 I can finally post more of these cool character posters including the poster for the season as a whole.

[Gecko]

Yep, love the design of those posters.

Ah, T2. That's what felt familiar but I just couldn't place it.

I completely missed Mil not powering out because it was the weakened arm. I think I was distracted, with not only Puma showing up and then Penta as well, but by being in slight disbelief that they just did that to their champion on the first show back.

Whole bunch of things going on in that episode with multiple bits qualifying to be used as the 'big' moment of the episode.

[Deleted]

And I love how brash and arrogant Pentagon has become now.

He was arrogant to an extent last season but now under new guidance the dude went from I can f*** up people like...sexy star , super fly , argenis to now I can f*** up THE biggest of the dogs on this show because CERO MIEDO!

But also nice subtle question through Vamps reaction of whether this was something Pentagon was directed to do or was this him going renagade.

[rnrk supports BLM]

Looking back, I think the season 2 premiere was my favorite episode of LU as a whole. Not for the matches themselves (which were good!), but the whole presentation felt like such a monumental step above anything else in pro wrestling then or now. The "sports entertainment" buzzword's been thrown around for decades, but I don't think we've ever come closer than this at a pro wrestling product that genuinely felt like an A-level TV action series.

[Gecko]

Episode 02 – The Dark & the Mysterious

Another ‘Dark’ title episode. I nominate ‘Fear of The Dark’ as an episode title if they continue the trend. Also, if anybody is familiar with MrBallen on Youtube, this obviously makes me think of him.

Recaps of:
- Catrina being in control of the Temple and it being a much darker place
- Ultima Lucha and Mil becoming Champion
- Dario, Lotus, Matanza, and them heading off to start a New Temple with blackjack and hookers
- The New Dragon Azteca and the LU Sign question mark grafitti

Starting off in the Lucha Gym with Puma remembering his loss at UL as he works out.
He is dragged out of his memories by the scary skeleton, Penta, who wants to thank him for helping him to please his master last week. Tonight they’re going to be partners and Puma will help Penta to continue to break bones in honour of his master. (future Gecko: Ah, I get it. He'll "help") After they finish the DoD, Puma will be next.
At least you know where you stand with Penta and you don’t have to wonder if he’s gonna come after you when the job’s done. Evil laugh/cackle from Penta who reminds Puma he is Cero Miedo!

We’re not going to bother waiting for after the match, Puma slaps Penta’s hand away and they get into… let’s call it aggressive sparring (with sound effects). It doesn’t get too out of hand and Puma walks away.
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Into the Temple we go…

Mil is still on his throne, but now has his arm in a sling. I guess we’ll find out if extra quick healing is one of his super powers.

Striker talks about Penta breaking the arm of Mil and asks Vamp if that came from him. Vamp… doesn’t actually answer the question. Hmmmm.

Johnny Mundo vs Killshot

Ooh, this could be a good one.
I notice (after several minutes) there’s no Melina, I’m guessing it was a one off appearance then. Whether it was planned to be a one off or not is a different question though.

Killshot showing early on that he can keep up with Mundo, although the backflip over the ropes is a little awkward as he sort of kills all his momentum on the turn before the jump.

Earlier in the match, Mundo stopped to pose and it cost him the advantage, now Killshot stops to take in the appreciation from the crowd and gets hit with a hard spear from Mundo.

Killshot takes out Mundo’s legs while he’s up top which leaves Mundo in a vulnerable position:



Very nice DDT, obviously part of that credit for that goes to Mundo for the bumping.
Killshot follows up with a 450 and… No! They got me with that one. Believers having a go at the ref, chanting “That was three!”

They trade knee strikes and Mundo stumbles into the ref (it’s just not his night, is it?). This allows Mundo to hit a low blow and then a springboard kick (which Killshot only just gets turned around for in time). End of the World and that’s a win for Mundo.

Took me a little bit to get into that one but it ended up being pretty good. Mundo's a good opponent for Killshot, somebody who he can showcase his stuff against and have it look good.

Mundo gets a mic and informs people that his name is Johnny Mundo (and not Johnny Zero like the chants would have you believe). He then calls out Mil Muertes.

Mundo gets interrupted by Cage (Striker calls him the Swoleverine *sigh*). Cage says it feels good to be back in the Temple and he’s 100%, unlike the champ.

Mundo jumps back in by saying Cage isn’t even in his league, so Cage reminds him what happened the last, and only, time they had a match and he’d be happy to do it again right now!

Cage gets in the ring and Johnny takes a minute before backing down.
Cage turns his attention to Mil and Mundo comes running back in to attack. It doesn’t go great for him and he soon flees again, but the eventual match should be fun to watch.
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We are… somewhere…?



It has a very different feel from anything usual for LU.
Oh, that’s some creepy music going on, it has to be Marty, right?
OH, lots of lights! Definitely Marty.

And there’s a restrained Sexy Star with giggling in the background.



How can somebody look so creepy while looking like nothing out of the ordinary? *shudder* It's all body language and expressions.

He says that he’s brought Star something. AAAAH! It’s the rare Jumpscare moth! He says that there’s no reason to be afraid (Strongly disagree) and that all this was for her own good. His sister says that it’s almost time for Star to spread her wings and fly back to the Temple… and they’re coming with her.

Wonder if they'll be any sort of brainwashing type stuff with Star?
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We go from Star to the tranquillity of space and the moon, a wolf, a voiceover. “A Wolf fears nothing. I can relate to that.”



We’ve got a biker gang. The Lone Wolves The Howling Wolves The Big Bad Wolves
“But the thrill never lasts, It’s never enough.”



Ah, I thought that accent was familiar. ‘The Darewolf’ PJ Black proceeds to beat up the other two Lucha Bikers before his debut tonight. Where wolf? Dare wolf, dare castle  (go watch Young Frankenstein)
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The Mack vs PJ Black

It’s the Return of The Mack (and now that song is stuck in your head) and he’s going against the debuting former Justin Gabriel.

Vamp: What is a darewolf?
Striker: I guess it’s a daredevil and a werewolf?
*silence*
Striker: Here we go now…

Ha, Black goes up for the 450 and Mack slowly rolls away to the opposite corner. Love that spot.

Mack catches Black coming off the top with a stunner. Well, he almost does and that’s enough for the win.

“Well it looks like Dr Black failed this wellness test, but any way you look at it, an impressive debut for PJ Black.” – Striker.
I don't remember him getting any wellness strikes, maybe a reference to something else going on around this time?

I obviously didn’t have a lot to say about that one, but you shouldn’t take that as it being a bad match, it was plenty entertaining and the usual LU quality.
A decent debut for PJ, nothing overly spectacular but nothing went horribly wrong either.
I continue to be impressed by Mack’s ability, but he’s also becoming one of my favourites for the personality he’s showing in ring.
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A look back at Penta breaking Mil’s arm last week as the lead in to the main event.

Merch ad.



And before we get to our main event, some more stuff.

We see somebody walk into... I'm not entirely sure yet. Her voiceover says that she’s been called a lot of things in her life: cold blooded, sinful (she looks like she might be a professional thief.) , evil, sssssssssexy ,venomous. The truth is, she’s all those things and together they make her… deadly.

As this is going on, she’s beating up various people as is standard in this situation.

It’s Kobra Moon!



She’s showing up next week, by which time you lovely lot will hopefully have given me some background on her because I’ve got nothing at the moment (apart from the snake motif).

Main Event time? Yup.
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We see Mil watching over his kingdom before the start.

3 on 2 Handicap: Disciples of Death w/Catrina vs Prince Puma & Pentagon Jr

I didn’t realise it was a handicap match until it was announced, that changes things a bit.
I was wondering if Catrina would bother joining the skullies at ringside. She stops on her way to the ring to turn and acknowledge Mil. It also looks like she treated the SMG to some new coats.



Puma: “I wish I had a manager. Wait, wasn’t there that guy with the cane who used to follow me about? Wonder what ever happened to him.”
Puma looks to have added some extra decorative bits to his entrance attire.
Striker brings up that the SMG had a hand in the demise of Puma’s mentor, Konnan. Demise? So… he’s dead then? Or is he? He can't be dead, he hasn't betrayed Puma yet like I kept predicting.

Still love Penta’s music.

Trece = Purple, Siniestro = Silver/White, Barrio = Gold. I will remember this myself one day without the need for notes.

During the intro and start of the match, Vamp keeps telling Striker to stop asking him about Penta since he’s not involved with him any more.

The team of three use their numbers to take an early advantage. It doesn’t last long despite them getting Penta out of the ring as Puma gets all three of them out the ring too.

Puma does the work, Penta takes the glory with the dive. Puma did try and grab Penta on his run up. Puma shows that he can do it better with a ssp from the turnbuckle to the outside. Those two arguing allows the Skull Masks Gang to get back on the attack.

Hee, Penta is great. He was wandering round on the floor and now that Puma is stuck in the wrong corner, he’s up on the apron with his hand out for the tag. 😁

Catrina is taking her chance to get sneaky shots in when she can. So sneaky that commentary missed it.

It’s the return of the traditional Lucha kick up the arse move!

Puma finally gets in enough offence to give himself a chance to tag…



If Penta can be bothered, that is.

He didn’t actually make it to the tag, but Penta doesn’t care and gets in the ring anyway. Catrina does not look pleased as Penta takes control.

Once the SMG are down and out for a while, the duo get back to their argument.



Yet again, this gives their opponents the chance to get back in the fight… temporarily.



Pretty sure you had enough time to put the brakes on there.

Back in the ring, Puma hits the driver on Siniestro and drags him to the corner for the 630. As Puma jumps, Penta tags himself in and dives into the cover before Puma can recover from the momentum of hitting the 630.
A glorious win for Pentagon! And Puma was also there.

Solid match, it was one of those ones where the action was secondary to the story being told and both aspects were done pretty well.

After the match, the winners have words and then get back to their one on one fight that they abandoned earlier. Penta wins the fight, probably something to do with him not having done a whole lot before now.
He sets Puma up to break his arm… and looks right at Vamp while he holds Puma in position. Vamp still claims he has nothing to do with Penta anymore and questions why Penta is looking at him.
Puma fights out! Penta retreats for now. Commentary points out that nobody has fought out of it before.

Striker says goodnight, but we’ve still got a whole minute to squeeze in more stuff!
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The student Aztec Dragon is listening to somebody.
That voice sounds awfully familiar and I think I know who it is. I know that this person does show up at some point and the episode title points to it as well.

He tells the trainee that the mask has been passed down for centuries. Many of their bloodline have worn it and taken on its power. Trainee Dragon nods when asked if he’s ready for that power.
Mystery man says that Aztec Dragon was his mentor too and he was supposed to inherit the mask but it wasn’t his destiny.
The Student must now become El Dragon Azteca, but mystery man is pretty happy with the mask that he chose.



Yep, there he is.


Post Episode & General Thoughts/Questions

- Catrina’s a music hater, there’s no house bands anymore it seems.
- The kickout after Killshot’s 450 lets me point out another thing that I like: It could very easily have ended the match and it’s almost more of a shock when stuff like that doesn’t get the win. Much more enjoyable when you know that anything could end the match and not just a very limited selection of moves.
- There’s no lack of challengers for Mil. He gets shown to be not indestructible and now they all want a shot at him.
- They’re really upped the dial on the Marty stuff, eh? Very serial killer like. Yet more praise for the production since I knew it was Marty from the clues before anybody showed on screen.
- Having all the screenshots in one folder means I can see that this episode’s theme is: yellow.
- Last week was the big exciting, shocking episode to remind you why you should watch, this week is the slightly calmer one where they start building the stories again.
- That’s 3 new faces this episode. They don’t need a huge turnover in talent, but it’s good to bring in fresh people on a semi-regular basis, especially one with the name value of Rey.
- Late addition: I just realised that the giant question mark was a Rey bat signal.

Next week: The Hunt is on...

[saneiac]

Kobra Moon is now known as Thunder Rosa, currently considered maybe the best female wrestler in North America not under the WWE umbrella. And that's a little surprising, because as Kobra Moon, she's a grass green botching machine. Try to count the obvious edits in a Kobra Moon match and you'll run out of fingers.

Yes, Melina was a one-shot appearance. Johnny Mundo and Chris DeJoseph both felt that the Johnny/Melina pairing was played out already, and they didn't want to just repeat it. Yes, this is the same Johnny Mundo that later returned to WWE just to repeat a decade old team up/breakup with The Miz.

I'm not a fan of having a new guy lose his debut match. Didn't like it when WCW used to do it (eg The Sandman). Don't like it here with PJ Black.

Stuff you've now seen on the show that first happened in the LU comic books:
- Rey Mysterio is coming
- Vampiro goes to the mental house
- Dario and Matanza flee the temple
- Catrina hires King Cuerno to get the Gift of the Gods Title away from Fenix
- The Disciples of Death murder the opening credits mariachi bands just for fun

[Deleted]

Puma hit Penta with that Guile flash kick.



One of my favourite running gags in LU is how big the weights are in comparison to their body everyone in the temple lifting lol.

I mentioned it last week but Penta's ego has very quickly come front and centre and the opening was a great look at it , comes in thinking he is gonna punk out Puma and then Puma puts him in his place and Penta does not know how to react since no one has really done that to him up to this point.

You pointed it out but I love that everyone that comes to the ring especially the bigger names never ignore Mil , no matter what else is going on they make sure you know what the end goal is regardless and is what I loved about the Cage and Mundo segmen , it is properly weaving one thread through another story and LU is masterful at it and what a web it becomes.

Seeing the Pink Motel was really cool.


Drive (I) (2011) ...

The House Bunny (2008) ...

GLOW (2017–2019) ...

Grease 2 (1982) ...

Honey Boy (2019) ...

House of Sand and Fog (2003) ...

Mischief (1985) ...

Flaked (2016– )

Just a few of the movies this famous motel has been in

LU made PJ Black cooler than he has ever been anywhere else with this vingette and cookie to you if you know what movie that vingette was inspired by.

I love that Lucha Goons that just roam LU's world just to get their asses handed to them lol they have become pretty hilariously iconic amongst believers.

I personally have no issues with wrestlers losing in their debut especially on this show because it subverts the expectation that oh this person HAS to win because it is their debut and IMO it works best here because of strong LU's overall writing and characters are.

Yes Kobra Moon is current AEW star Thunder Rosa , at this point she had been wrestling less than a year so knowing this you can more accurately set your expectations on what to expect from her out of the gate , Chris Dejoseph is the one that discovered her and she credits him for being the only one to see anything in her , but the great thing is about her IMO atleast is you get to see genuine real growth with her...when you see her debut in the next episode you are pretty much watching someone start from just about the very bottom of the pile...less than a year in the ring and no tv experience it is a genuine feel good story IMO to watch that growth.

This is genuinely when people who did not know who swerve/killshot was started paying attention to him oh and the fun to come.

Marty is gawd damn amazing if there was ever a talent in LU that aimed to please to the near detriment of his health it is Marty that dude gives everything he has got for this show and this character....and this amazing vingette is not even the tip of this madness yet.

Oh and here is a neat little bit of scary info...if you think Marty himself is terrifying , here is some real world info idk if they have announced it on the show yet but if not it should be soon , the character is from La Hoya california and what you see of Marty is very much the residents of La Hoya like of a place with lots of Patrick Batemans.

And then we get the bombshell's at the end and not much else to say about it right now but it becomes a game changed for LU both on screen and off because for them to land Rey shows that LU was onto something and the growth.

So while this episode is a slight dip from the premier there is no shortage of just bombs they drop into your lap.

And speaking of things to come



And just to add on...the crowd was not really chanting Johnny Zero lol but something that rhymes with Bluto lol the Johnny Zero was dubbed in from the all night long match and can't no one tell me that is not an amazing edit lol.

Oh and if you hate censorship much like I do then this is gonna be both sad and funny...in the latin version of this show they completely blurred out Catrina even when she was wearing regular clothes.

And something I have never mentioned before ...I believe this is the last season they do it but everyone who would speak fluent spanish on the show had to do their promos twice in both english and spanish and Vamp would have to do commentary twice , once in english with striker and then do it again in post with Hugo.

And having to do that was pretty expensive which is why they no longer do it after season 2.



Me just adding onto thoughts now.....love the little dutch angle we get here.

[Deleted]

And here I am again with more season 2 posters.

[Woo]

Nov 28, 2021 17:59:14 GMT -5 rnrk supports BLM said:

Looking back, I think the season 2 premiere was my favorite episode of LU as a whole. Not for the matches themselves (which were good!), but the whole presentation felt like such a monumental step above anything else in pro wrestling then or now. The "sports entertainment" buzzword's been thrown around for decades, but I don't think we've ever come closer than this at a pro wrestling product that genuinely felt like an A-level TV action series.

I think I agree with you. Puma running in for the save and then Pentagon with still break is possibly the peak of LU. A lot of it has to be because we never knew there would be a season 2 but that was just an incredible episode.

[Gecko]

We've just finished a Formula 1 season that had a whole bunch of twists in it right up to the final lap, now onto something that has as much action but where the are twists pre-planned.

S02E03 – The Hunt is on…

Recaps of:
- Fenix being stalked by Cuerno and then losing the GOTG to him.
- The ending of the first episode of the season: Ivelisse going against Mil, Puma rescuing her, Penta breaking Mil’s arm.

No playing around this week, we’re straight into the Temple where Striker and a very energetic Vampiro welcome us and talk about Penta and Mil.
------------------------------------------------------------
Bengala vs Kobra Moon

Oh, that’s right, we’re getting a debut. My sources (aka you lot) have reliably informed me that this is a very inexperienced future Thunder Rosa.

Is it weird that I don’t find it weird that she’s going against a guy? Not that there’s a whole bunch of options for female opponents for her.

Lots of tongue work going on in the entrance by Moon.



That look says: There’s a basic idea, but they’re very new and not had the chance to build up all the little details that make a great character. It’s always fun to have a look back and see the evolution of people and characters though.

Vamp makes a comment about cats not landing on their feet all the time when Bengala is thrown outside. Well done Vamp, I liked that one.

Yeah, it’s clear to see that Kobra (calling her Moon makes me think of Ember… or Herbert from RDR) isn’t that smooth in her moves, which is even more important if you’re going with a serpent persona.

Kobra picks up the submission win with a dragon snake sleeper.

Um… that was a match that happened. Let’s move on.
------------------------------------------------------------
Into Catrina’s office we go.
As she looks out the window, she says that she still gets a tingle of excitement (calm down @sigmax ) when she feels his presence.
She is talking about Fenix, who wants King Cuerno. She asks if he’s sure since even 1,000 lives will run out eventually.
He replies that before that happens, he will destroy Cuerno, Mil, and Catrina herself. Threatening the boss doesn’t seem like the best way to get what you want…
------------------------------------------------------------
It’s lore/backstory time.

A Millenia ago…

A child at a campfire, drawing in the dirt. “The man from the stars has returned”
Now there’s a man there also. “The seven tribes are at war. Many lives will be lost. The Tribes need to be united. It’s the only way to stop what is coming.”
Ooh, I wonder what it is tha… “What is coming?” – Random guy. Hey! Stop that!
"The Gods in the form of man.” – Somebody who’s had an upgrade.



Tribal guy has seen the prophecy and The Gods will not return for another thousand years. (how convenient)

Aerostar says that then he’ll have to go there. To the future? I did mention time travel in my 100% serious predictions for Season 2… Wonder if he’s also a robot? He blasts off into space.

Aztec child – “He said the tribes must be united, but even with al the hope in my heart… I don’t believe they ever will be.” I’m going to guess that the designs in the dirt were for the 7 tribes.
------------------------------------------------------------
Cuerno working out in the LU Gym
Suddenly Catrina. She complains that he took the title (gotg) but did not destroy the man.
He says that he did exactly what she wanted and her wounded animal is safe from Fenix. Catrina says that even a wounded Mil would destroy any hunter, before she gets all touchy feely as she defuses things and reminds Cuerno that they’re all on the same side and that she has a much better hunt for him tonight.
Cuerno vs Fenix: Last Luchador standing. A match he is undefeated in.
The hunt is on…
------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Evans vs Drago

Even Evans acknowledges Mil who is still on his throne, even though we haven’t really seen him tonight. I’m assuming he’s up there… maybe he isn’t?

This should be a fun one.

Lots of counters and avoidance and just quick stuff as you might imagine.
It ends up with them taking turns punching each other. Evans takes a Mr Perfect like spinning bump from one of them.

The first proper boos of the match come with Evans biting Drago. Vamps asks what’s wrong with that?
Jack hits a wonderful handspring… thumbs to the eyes?

Ah, there’s Mil. He should get the DOD to get him a drink and some popcorn.

Wow!


Drago takes a few seconds after to decide what to do. He goes for his fancy pin (Dragon’s lair), but Evans slips out, gets Drago in a backslide where he flips over the top and has his feet on the ropes to get the win.

Evans grabs the mic from Melissa Santos before she can announce him as the winner. He tells her to let a professional handle it as he climbs on the announce desk.


Despite having his face covered, you can see how outraged Drago is.

“Your winner – Jack 'The Dragon Slayer' Evans!!!!!!”
------------------------------------------------------------
We are at what appears to be a ranch, where we find Texano.
His voiceover reminds us that he was the youngest and longest reigning AAA Mega Champion. He then talks about how Mexican he is and how he has worked for everything he has.
Chavo and his thugs have disrespected his country and beat him down, but that wasn’t their biggest mistake. Their biggest mistake was pissing him off.
It’s now time for the traditional beat up the Lucha goon part of this promo. This time, it’s taking place in a bar.
Texano returns next week.
It may have seemed like I wasn’t taking that entirely seriously (correct), but it was still as well done as I’ve come to expect.
------------------------------------------------------------
We join Puma as he is reflecting (get it?!) on things while looking in a mirror.
Catrina appears and asks who he prays to? God? She heard Konnan praying as the life drained from him in that casket. The last words that he said? “Forgive me.” Was he asking God for forgiveness, or Puma for failing him so miserably?

Strange symbol that’s quite prominent in the shot

I see you strange symbol.

Puma vs Penta next week. Ooh, that should be a good one.
------------------------------------------------------------
Last Luchador Standing: Fenix vs King Cuerno

Ooh, this could be a… You know what? Just take it as me thinking every match could be a good one unless it clearly won’t be or I state otherwise

Whilst Fenix gets up on the ropes and stares straight at Mil, Cuerno does not look at Muertes at all.

The gotg belt just looks different from anything else around. It really stands out.



Cuerno is the first to take a count from a Fenix Springy hurricanrana. No shock loss as he easily beats the count then puts down Fenix with a nice series of strikes.
We head outside, Cuerno takes charge by dodging a Fenix dive. Head to the ringpost (with a satisfying clunk) and then he throws Fenix over the hastily abandoned ringside seating.

I like that you can tell that there’s two distinct styles happening. Fenix is sticking to his high flying, whereas Cuerno has adapted and is focusing on using strikes in this type of match.

Fenix is down for several counts of 7/8 in quick succession, but he won’t stay down. His resilience is frustrating Cuerno.

Back in the ring they go, which may be a mistake by the hunter. Outside, he had complete control but now Fenix has the ropes to bounce around on. Yup, the comeback starts immediately.

Mil is rocking back and forth on his throne as Fenix builds momentum… you know who we haven’t seen yet this episode? A certain Skull mask wearing trio. Me thinks they’ll show up soon.



You can’t tell me that there’s any more planning to that than “spin as much as possible and hope you land decently”

Diagonal Arrow from the depths of Hell. He obviously couldn’t build up momentum, but still sent Fenix almost out the arena via the gap next to the office.

Hey, who left that ladder there? Oh well, ladder to the face it is then.

Cuerno actually stops climbing the ladder (onto the roof of the office) to come back and halt the refs count.
Cuerno! *shove* Get the table!
“We want tables!” You’re getting a table, is that not good enough?

Fenix fights out of a german suplex attempt and ascends the ladder, with Cuerno in pursuit.



It doesn’t end well for Cuerno.



This does leave Fenix up there on his own. I’m pretty sure he’s not just going to walk round and back down the steps like a sensible person.

That is enough to keep Cuerno down for 10, Fenix is the last lucha standing.

Ooh, Mil is standing. He’s not a happy champ as we leave the Temple.
------------------------------------------------------------
We are somewhere with a door with an electronic lock. The lighting alone makes me suspect it’s where Vampiro had his time away.

Nope, guess not. We are getting introduced to Captain Vasquez. She’s talking to… hang on! That dirty rat… Oh, he’s not an informant. Hello, Officer Trajes.



They are still so capable of throwing in a completely unexpected twist that fits in perfectly. It’s amazing.

Vasquez doesn’t want to hear about Catrina or stories about Chavo, a debt, or Mr Cisco (And Blue Demon retired back to Miami apparently.). She wants to know where Dario Cueto is. 
Cortez/Trajes says that nobody has seen Dario in months and that he wanted to bring him in when Dario made his brother murder Bael.

She isn’t pulling him off the case since he’s in too deep and it's too big, but she is sending somebody else in as well.

It’s buddy cop movie time:


Is that whatshisface? Yep, I know it’s super helpful, but I can’t remember his name and the only way I can check is going to be with a massive risk of spoilers.

As far as anybody in the Temple is concerned: They don’t know each other. They don't even like each other.
Their only job is to bring down Dario Cueto.

Next Time: Cero Miedo

Post Episode & General Thoughts/Questions
- The Mil/Cuerno situation is an interesting one. The longer he waits to cash in, the less chance he has of winning (more than just potentially losing the gotg) as Mil heals up, but how long will his honour keep him from it?
- The Aerostar stuff would not work any other place, but as part of this, I just accept it as “yep, that’s fine.”
- This bit was written mid episode: I’ve just realised that with Mil, we’re (hopefully) going to eventually get that moment (probably at the end of an episode after somebody has won a tough match) where he just stands up and is fully healed and wants to take his aggression out on somebody. (I was half right)
- I was going to write about how this was another episode that didn’t progress things too much, then they threw that revelation in at the end Now I’ll be wondering about if I’ve missed a bunch of subtle hints about this.

[Deleted]

I can't start off any other way to describe this episode because I really do not know where to even begin without slipping up and dropping hints that I absoloutley should not and it is becoming increasingly more difficult as the stories really kick in and this episode of the first 3 episode of season 2 , this was the one I was lookin forward to the most to see your reaction because of just the absoloute sheer ammount of important lore and world building that comes out of it.

And it ties back into the very first lesson of this show I have said...EVERYTHING matters and idk if you caught it or just chose not to mention it but if you infact did not catch it...you might want to go back and listen to Vampiro on commentary during Kobra Moon's entrance...this is not me giving you hints to anything but I am gonna helpfully try and point you (not off a cliff ...yet lol) in a direction and that is all you get for free..next one costs you an arm and 3 fingers.

And these are my favourite episodes of the show...I love the matches but it is the lore and world building that I love about everything else because this episode absoloute blows open the world of LU...because now you see how far back 1000yrs long this story stretched across space and time and does things with storytelling in wrestling that no other wrestling show...past or present can touch and it is whats makes this show what it is because you said it yourself...that Aerostar vingette could only happen on this show because every other wrestling show is firmly grounded in reality no matter if they try and do cinematic matches or integrate supernatural stuff..it doens't fit no matter what they do but you see exactly why LU is touted as the only wrestling show that has both both made it work AND made it make sense.

Just think of where we have been in season 2 already.

A commentator was in a metal assylum to start the season.
The previous propeiter is on the run and feeding frat boys to his cannabalistic brother
We got taken 1000yrs into the past to learn about a prophecy about Gods taking the form of man
The cops have been trying to get Dario Cueto this whole time and having a man on the inside the whole time.

And this is ONLY 3 episode into the new season...LU's storytelling is in a league of its gawd damn own and no wrestling show has been able to touch it.

I loved the matches on this show and Jack Evans is an absoloute treat so damn quotable and Cuerno takes an insane bump but this episode is about all the lore and story and what I love also about this is that what may seem like a palet clenser of an episode like episode 2 there is never an episode that doesn't leave you without atleast 1 talking point and I love that feeling that no matter what LU leaves you with something that keeps you wanting to watch.

And just to keep fawning over LU's storytelling....THAT ENDING....HOLY SHIT , you did not and neither did anyone else see that one coming and the best part....it completely fits.

When you really think about it....how did Dario a guy of his stature come into contact with Big Ryck and the crew in the first place? hmmm he doesn't seem the type to just go slumming it in south central etc to find random goons....and this is the fun part of the show piecing this all together when big lore drops into your lap like this and this revelation completely flips the entirety of season 1 on its head.

And to continue my fawning over LU's storytelling because I do what I do lol look at how at the blink of an eye they took Cortez Castro a guy who up this point was just a random goon just there to lose matches and all of a sudden he becomes an absoloutlely integral piece to the grander story AND they turned him into a good guy all in a single vingette that is amazing and it is like I said EVERYTHING on this show matters ..just because someone is a nobody at one moment does't not atleast on this show automatically mean they do not play an integral role in someones story.

And no hyperbole if you have not already are definetly gonna wanna start taking notes of key info because there is gonna be alot to keep track of because the real story of this show starts with this episode...what a web we weave.

And officer Mehan is Joey Ryan.

And Vasquez or in LU circles...Captain Hotness is a wonderful woman she resides in Norway I believe and she writes childrens books , sings and acts. I believe she is currently on a Netflix show gotta go check up on this one though just to be sure.

Oh and how f***ing GREAT was this closing shot.



I f***ING LOVE THIS SHOW!! that is filmed by people that know what the f*** they are doing so perfect.

[Deleted]

Oh and you are gonna love this and get a nice laugh...and this is from LU itself at the time but Cortez and Joey at the academy lol.



How f***ing great and hilarious is that lol the boyle heights badges is an amazing touch.

[Gecko]

Ah, Joey Ryan, yep that's the name.

Let's go have a listen to Vamp's commentary...

From what I know about the Serpent in the pre-Hispanic culture, very ancient tribe. If we're talking about the seven originals, this is the bad boy, this is the Mecca, this is the first one. Apparently, it comes from another time. Nobody really knows, but this is something extremely significant, Matt. What it holds for us in Lucha Underground, it can't be that good, because when you're coming as something that old, you're only bringing a hell of a lot of evil with ya.

oh. Ancient evil serpent tribe, eh? How did I miss that?

I am keeping track of what people are up to (mainly to use to jog my memory), but it's kind of a balancing act between getting the main details and not getting caught up spending hours noting down every minor thing. I think between that and the write ups, I should be ok.

It's definitely one of those shows that you can watch multiple times. The first time, you get all the shocking twists. Next go round, since you know where things are going, you can catch all the little details and clues that you missed first time.

[Deleted]

And I have said it before when we talked about the episode it debuted on but this is my absoloute favourite belt in recent memory because much like the rest of this show this is like nothing else in wrestling and I pointed out how beyond being just another title belt , that the way it is structed gives this so many story options revolving around the belt , the medallions etc it is nothing short of a brilliant concept and design.

And if there was anymore questions about Konnans fate on the show , he is 100% dead...and admittedly I kept having a nice laugh knowing the end result as you were dead set on Konnan turning on Puma lol.

And I love how LU just completely ramped up the stakes...they were like here is Rey Mysterio debuting which is MASSIVE but LU then makes it seem like total small potatoes because here is lore that stretches 1000yrs into the past and Cortez Castro being an undercover cop this entire time....it takes something stellar to upstage the Rey Mysterio reveal but IMO they did it.

And Miss Catrina gets a tingle does she.



Something something things in common.

[Deleted]

And doin what I usually do here is MORE of those bangin posters.






And Sexano gotta stop makin them ladies pregnant out here ripping wood with his bare hands makin the rest of us look 50% less manly lol.