Lucha Underground 4×12: Till Death Do Us Part

not the tacos

Matches

Jake Strong beat Drago
(4:55, ankle lock, ok)

XO Lishous beat Jack Evans in a no mas match
(11:25, cross armbreaker, good)

Johnny Mundo and Taya Valkerie’s wedding ended in a no-contest

Status Check

Champion: Pentagon Dark (4 defenses)

Gift of the Gods: Dragon Azteca (2 defenses)

Trios Champions: Reptile Tribe (Kobra Moon, Daga, Jeremiah Snake) (0 defenses)

Died This Season (12): Jeremiah Crane (casket)*, Fenix (casket/lifeforce absorbed), Mr. Pec-tacular (sacrificed), Cortez Castro (sacrificed), Máscarita Sagrada (murdered by Rabbits), Vinnie Massaro (sacrificed), Pizza Guy (sacrificed), Vibora (beheaded), Mala Suerte (sacrificed) , Saltador (sacrificed), Benji the Agent (murdered by Ricky), Angelico (implied to have been murdered by Ricky)

Resurrected (1): Jeremiah Crane/Snake

Developments

this didn’t seem fun (but it did seem very dark)

No one died this episode, which is pretty big news the way this season has gone. It was not for lack of trying. Ricky Mundo, angry about being treated like trash by the rest of Worldwide Underground, was easy prey to his doll Rosa’s manipulations this week. Rosa convinced Ricky to release Matanza before the wedding. Ricky sat in the crowd and watched as Matanza interrupted just as the wedding was finishing. Matanza thrashed the wedding party – including surprise best man Joey (Mercury) Wrestling and unexplained bridesmaid Cheerleader Melissa. Taya bled after a headbutt. took the Wrath of the Gods and was chokeslammed thru her wedding cake. Everyone was pretty well destroyed, including Master of Ceremonies Famous B. It was unclear if Worldwide Underground figured out Ricky was responsible; they didn’t have much time to figure out much.

The one member of the group who escaped the beating was Jack Evans, only because he took his beating earlier. XO Lishous made Jack Evans say No Mas to win the match and the feud. Ivelisse & Joey Ryan got themselves involved, following up from the previous tag match in the feud. They stopped Jack from attempting to break XO’s neck, and XO won soon after. Ivelisse & XO weren’t totally convinced on trusting Joey. Jack’s injuries in that match led him to skip the wedding.

I think the wheelchair provided a helpful place to lift but still impressive

The only other match on the show was the teased Drago/Jake Strong match this week. Strong continued his undefeated streak. He also threatened to use Drago’s nunchucks to break his ankle, only for Aerostar to make the save. Drago & Aerostar together were able to just barely escape. The tease here seemed to be a tag match (or even just a 2 vs 1), though it’s seemed doubtful even that would be competitive.

(While not officially part of the show, an LU/El Rey commercial airing right after the episode concluded had a pretty big teaser for something happening at the start of the next episode. I don’t know if people watching this thru iTunes/Amazon/other means will see the same ad as well, and even talking about what they said will happen will give it away if you follow the show. It was a teaser but in practice less of a tease and more of a reveal. On the odd chance that someone’s avoiding all other LU news for the rest of the week, I’ll save talking about it until next week. )

Thoughts

Lucha Underground got as much out of the wedding as they could. They gave as much time as a showcase match (around 15 minutes including entrances), they did an early tease of an interruption so the crowd wouldn’t just be sitting waiting for it, and they finally did the attack in a way that made Matanza look impressive. This was still some comedy to this, same as the recent Matanza sacrifices, but he did also beat up seven people single handily. That’s pretty good. Famous B shined in his role and the Mundo & Taya vows were very well written. Ricky was treated so badly on this episode that Striker trying to ease Ricky into the face role in this feud was nearly credible, but Ricky did stab a man to death last week so it’s sure it’s totally believable. Still, it was a way for Ricky to get his revenge in a credible fashion since he’s not going to be beating up all these people. This was all alright for me, and I have no doubt a lot of people loved it a lot more than me.

ladder dives don’t really help much in a no mas match but nice anyway

Drago & Strong was better than the Aerostar version of this match, and close the Guevera version of this match. These are still competitive squash matches. Strong going half the season with little character and no standout match is a little bit of a problem for someone they’re focusing on so heavy.

Joey & Ivelisse interfering was a problem too. Mixed feelings coming out of one tag match really wasn’t enough to sell Joey caring to get involved, and Ivelisse deciding to be part of this was a stretch too. It was transparently a way to get to an ending while giving Jack an out for losing, which hasn’t been what Lucha Underground blowoff gimmick matches have been. The match itself was good, just lacking going anywhere new. XO repeating the same swearing spot as Sexy Star didn’t get over nearly as well this time.

Mephisto remains champ over Titan, Mr. Niebla has a bad night, LU wedding

the main event finish.

CMLL (TUE) 08/28/2018 Arena México [CMLL, Lucha CentralOvaciones]
1) Bengala & Sonic b Inquisidor & Yago LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES DE ARENA MEXICO 28 DE AGOSTO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
2) Amapola, Metálica, Tiffany b La Maligna, Mistique, Sanely LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES DE ARENA MEXICO 28 DE AGOSTO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Rudas took 2/3. Mistique suffered a leg injury springboarding into the ring, her first action of the match. She was attempting to armdrag Tiffany, who was not close enough, and landed awkwardy. Mistique was unable to continue and most of the match was 3v2.
3) Black Panther, Blue Panther Jr., El Audaz b Kawato, Okumura, Virus LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES DE ARENA MEXICO 28 DE AGOSTO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Tecnicos took 2/3.
4) Ephesto, Hechicero, Shocker b Kráneo, Soberano Jr., Stuka Jr. LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES DE ARENA MEXICO 28 DE AGOSTO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Rudos took 1/3. Kraneo replaced Vailente.
5) Mephisto © b Titán [CMLL WELTERLUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES DE ARENA MEXICO 28 DE AGOSTO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
Mephisto took falls 1/3 for his 13th defense. Titan’s fourth challenge in this reign.
6) Mr. Niebla, Negro Casas, Rey Bucanero DQ Atlantis, Mistico, Volador Jr. LUCHA LIBRE MARTES DE NUEVOS VALORES DE ARENA MEXICO 28 DE AGOSTO  DE 2018 FUNCION COMPLETA (posted by VideosOficialesCMLL)
2:08. Straight falls. Mr. Niebla was in no condition to wrestle, and Volador pulled off his mask in frustration in the second fall.

Mistique is expected out for about two weeks with a knee injury. Though being out two weeks could mean two days. Mephisto talked about his win. The Gladiatores also had post-match interviews with Titan and Mephisto. The title match was good, though nothing must see when they’ve had a few already.

Mr. Niebla appeared to be in no condition to perform and should not have been allowed to go to the ring. Whoever was running the show was aware, because Niebla did not enter from the top entrance (for fear he’d fall down the stairs?) Niebla did his usual bit of climbing to the top rope to pose, only he immediately lost his balance and fell to the floor. The cameras cut away from Niebla at that part, realizing what was going on. Negro Casas & Rey Bucanero quickly finished the first fall before Niebla could get in the ring, while Volador held Niebla on the outside and untied his mask. The rudos didn’t seem to want Niebla in the ring in the second fall, but he still got in. After a couple moments of being lost, they set up Volador for a handspring double elbow, only Mr. Niebla was way not in the normal position to take it. Volador immediately pulled off Niebla’s mask to end the match and stormed to the back. Volador did it on purpose to end the match early. Mr. Niebla might have known it was coming from the setup. Everyone else seemed surprised, though the rudos had a better idea of what was going on. The match time was just over two minutes, close to four minutes including the break between falls (went longer than usual.)

I don’t know that Mr. Niebla was drunk, but he has admitted alcohol addiction He’s been suspended from CMLL many times for similar incidents. They usually seem to happen on Tuesdays, which may just be because CMLL has a lot less management paying attention to Tuesday shows. CMLL never announces or acknowledges a suspension, Niebla simply disappears from cards for at least three weeks. Niebla hasn’t had a problem this year, but he had CMLL absences last July and October that might have been the same issue. The only upcoming CMLL card is listed on is the Anniversario show. Niebla is also scheduled to be in the main event of the PALL debut show on Friday. He’s worked indie shows while being suspended from CMLL in the past and it’ll be more up those promotions if they still want ot use him. Mr. Niebla was headlining that show, I think, because Lucha Memes and other promotions were really happy with Niebla’s performances on their shows of late.

You can most people who know him really like Mr. Niebla because others with the same issues probably wouldn’t get the same seemingly unlimited chances. It’s not sure if those unlimited chances are helping him.

CMLL (TUE) 08/28/2018 Arena Coliseo Guadalajara [CMLL]
1) Carlo Roggi, El Chakal, Mr. Apolo b El Alteño, Rielero, Vaquero Jr.
2) Magnus, Oro Jr., Star Black b Espanto Jr., Espíritu Negro, Guerrero de la Muerte
tecnicos took 2/3.
3) Disturbio, Misterioso Jr., Sagrado b Drone, Fuego, Guerrero Maya Jr.
rudos took 2/3
4) Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Tritón b Cuatrero, Forastero, Sansón
tecnicos took 1/3.
5) Carístico, Diamante Azul, Matt Taven DQ Cavernario, La Bestia Del Ring, Rush
Tecnicos took 1/3, the last when Rush fouled Caristico.

On Saturday, CMLL put up a video saying Magnus would be out two weeks after taking Universo 2000 Jr.’s Black Hammer, which was obviously a worked injury. He was out about two days.

CMLL, being very sneaky as to the outcome of the Anniversario show, has started a series of talking about past big Rush wins in hair matches. And only Rush wins. They mention his 2010 win over Loco Max to start. These things might be more effective is CMLL posted the video of the match. I can do that.

A handheld and slightly edited version of the Caristico title win over Ultimo Guerrero is up on YouTube.

Lucha Underground is up to episode 12 of the season, “Til Death Do Us Part”. That’s not ominous at all! Matches Happenings on the show:

  • XO Lishus vs Jack Evans in a No Mas match
  • Drago vs Jake Strong
  • Johnny Mundo & Taya get married

Ricky Mundo seems likely to mess with the wedding. It’s just not clear exactly how.

AAA officially announced shows for the 09/07 TV taping in Cancun & the 09/08 Hard Rock Hotel show in Riviera Maya, which does not appear to be a TV taping this year. The Cancun show is as was announced a few weeks ago. The September 8 AAA show has Psycho Clown & Fenix against Hijo del Fantasma & Brian Cage. That’s a bit of a problem since the September 8 The Crash show has Penta & Fenix vs Caristico & Volador. The Crash announced first, but I suspect the new AAA champion will end up working the AAA show. Fenix hasn’t said anything yet.

Fenix wants to defend his title against Dr. Wagner Jr.

RIOT has Fanboy on 09/29. Matches announced

LuchaWorld has the latest news update.

+LuchaTV has a new edition of their podcast.

Lineups

CMLL (MON) 09/03/2018 Arena Puebla
1) Arkalis, Black Tiger, Tigre Rojo Jr. vs Policeman, Rey Apocalipsis, Toro Bill Jr.
2) El Audaz, Fuego, Stigma vs Cancerbero, Disturbio, Virus
3) Kráneo, Stuka Jr., Volcano vs Ephesto, Luciferno, Mephisto
debut of Volcano
4) Mistico & Rush vs Gran Guerrero & Último Guerrero and Cuatrero & Sansón and Flyer & Volador Jr.

Lots of stuff going on here. A four-way tag team main event is strange. They seemed headed to something Rush/UG related and perhaps that’ll still be happening. This looks like a short show. The main event will turn into three matches, but they’ll be one fall matches and tend to be on the quick side. It’s possible another match may be added.

Volcano, Kraneo’s new big friend, makes his debut. They’ve changed the spelling not to conflict with “Vulcano”. I would be surprised if Stuka is also a Gorilla but I don’t rule it out.

Toro Bill Jr. makes his first appearance here in 15 months. He hasn’t been a regular since he and Rey Apocalipsis stopped teaming together. If I remember right, at least Apocalipisis and maybe Toro Bill claimed they had no idea why CMLL stopped booking them together, but they also stopped teaming on indie shows as well. They recently reunited on an indie show and now they’re back together here.

Still no sign of Raziel. I think it has to be an injury at this point.

DTU (TUE) 09/11/2018 Arena Aficion
1) Dayami, Destino, Luigi vs ?, Josh Sniper, Zarkoth
2) Hermes vs JitsuDevil BoyMoria
3) Jimmy vs Douki
4) Paranoiko & Pesadilla vs El Exótico & Kevin
5) Kaleth & Tiburón vs Diva Salvaje & Jessy Ventura
6) Crazy Boy & LuFisto vs Dany Demanto & Mary Apache and Chik Tormenta & Joe Lider
7) Masashi Takeda vs Aero Boy vs Crazy King

The usual Arena Aficion show will have a death match on top. Mary Apache is working these shows but Faby is not, so the Faby/LuFisto match must be happening elsewhere.

LLB , Lucha Memes (SUN) 09/16/2018 Arena Lopez Mateos
1) Abadón, Juan Diego, Juan el Ranchero vs El Divino, Hijo Del Brazo De Platino, Ninja de Fuego
2) Lady Maravilla vs Keyra
3) Drako, Fantasma de la Ópera, Ovett vs Ángel o Demonio, Carta Brava Jr. (IWL), Corsario Negro Jr.
4) Alas de Acero, Aramis, Iron Kid vs Belial, Dragón Bane, Impulso
5) Mike Segura & Templario vs Fly Star & Freelance
6) Octagón & Satánico vs Demus & Pirata Morgan
7) Hechicero vs Daga
8) Nicho el Millionario vs Rush
no rules match

09/16 is going to be a busy day and everyone’s starting to fill in their matches. Nicho burned a Los Ingobernables shirt as a setup to this match. I like this card better than the PALL show Friday.

Fly Star’s been trying to get “El Diablo” over as either a name or a nickname since the day after he lost his mask. I’m not giving in yet.