Lucha Underground (Season 2, Episode 1: “A Much Darker Place”)
Boyle Heights, CA (The Temple)
January 27, 2016
Commentators: Matt Striker & Vampiro
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
The season two premiere of Lucha Underground opens up with Vampiro being interviewed by doctors at the “Youseff Florio Clinic” with it revealed that Vampiro has been locked up in the clinic since Ultima Lucha. Vampiro says he has not having any nightmares, hallucinations, or violent thoughts. All the while clips of his violent match with Pentagon last season are shown. The doctor pulls out a prescription for an antipsychotic and he says that Vampiro must take two of them per day. The doctor asks Vampiro to promise to stay away from things and people that trigger his violent impulses. Vampiro jumps up and slams the doctors face into the table repeatedly as well as choking out a security guard as well. Vampiro bites the doctors next and it is revealed that it was just a daydream. Vampiro promises the doctor he will stay away and as he is shown leaving Matt Striker picks him up from the hospital. Vampiro asks Striker if he still has a job and Striker says, “well… we have an invitation to return to the temple, but things have changed and it is a much darker place.” Vampiro smiles and looks down at his bottle of pills as Striker pulls away.
Catrina is shown in Dario’s office as Fenix walks in holding the beautiful Gift of the Gods Championship. Catrina says that she wondered if Fenix had the guts to return to the temple and says that just like a “Fenix” to not know when to stay dead. Fenix says that he is more alive than ever and he is back to gain revenge on Mil Muertes and win the Lucha Underground Title. Catrina says that Fenix possesses the Gift of the Gods and if he wants to face the champion, it is his right, but as the ruler of the Temple it is her right to make him wait a week (a rule that Dario put on the title so that the fight can properly be promoted). She says that Fenix can have his match as long as he is still the champion next week because there has been a man hunting Fenix for months, and he wants Fenix’s title tonight. She makes Fenix vs. King Cuerno for the Gift of the Gods Title tonight! Catrina tells Fenix that Mil Muertes will be watching and he appears sitting at the top of the Lucha Underground stage in a throne.
Matt Striker thanks the fans and says that the fans are the reason they are back for season two. Matt Striker says that Mil Muertes is running the Temple now as it seems Catrina is doing his bidding.
Gift of the Gods Title: Fenix (c) vs. “The Hunter” King Cuerno
Cuerno looks up at Muertes as he comes to the ring. This is the first Gift of the Gods Title defense ever as Fenix became the first champion at last year’s “Ultima Lucha.” As the bell rings a “Lucha Libre” chant breaks out. Cuerno starts things off with a wristlock and then an armdrag to Fenix but Fenix responds with an armdrag of his own and then he rolls backwards into a Spinning Headscissors Takeover. They exchange leg sweeps but then Fenix catches Cuerno with a Standing Moonsault for an early one count. Fenix attempts a Spinning Enziguri but Cuerno ducks it and then rolls out of the ring. Fenix goesf or a Sliding Dropkick but Cuernon blocks it and then spins Fenix around into a Hanging Spike DDT on the floor! Cuerno hits the Arrow From The Depths of Hell dive through the ropes onto Fenix on the floor! Cuerno rolls Fenix back in the ring and gets the first nearll of the match. Hijo del Fantasma’s evil twin argues with the referee and then puts the boots to Fenix. Cuerno whips Fenix into the ropes and Fenix attempts a Handspring Back Elbow, but Cuerno catches Fenix in midair and attempts a Back Suplex. Fenix blocks it and then ducks a clothesline followed by a Springboard Missile Dropkick! Fenix charges at Cuerno in the corner but Cuerno lifts him high up into the air. Fenix catches his balance and lands on the top rope, and then hits a Double Spring Flying Armdrag on Cuerno! Fenix hits a Back Kick and then a big right hand followed by a Back Handspring into a Fenix Cutter! Fenix hits a dropkick sending Cuerno to the floor and then Fenix hits the beautiful Springboard Corkscrew Plancha onto Cuerno on the floor! Fenix lights Cuerno up with chops and then tosses him into the ring. Fenix whips Cuerno into the corner and hits a Cartel Kick in the corner! Cuerno answers with a huge Lariat out of the corner as Fenix hit the ropes again! Cuerno goes for another Lariat but Fenix ducks under it and hits a huge Superkick! Fenix hits the ropes but runs into a Leaping Thrust Kick to Fenix! The fans chant “this is awesome” as both men are down. Cuerno gets back to his feet and tosses Fenix into the ropes but Fenix bounces off the ropes with the Fenix Cutter again and locks in the Dragon Sleeper as he hits the mat all in one fluid motion! Cuerno fights the hold and sweeps the legs of Fenix and then lifts Fenix up in the Surfboard while also locking Fenix in a Dragon Sleeper of his own! Cuerno then releases the hold and slams Fenix’s face into the middle turnbuckle! Cuerno charges at Fenix but Fenix lifts Cuerno up to the top rope and hits a huge Uppercut! Fenix climbs up with Cuerno and then jumps onto the back of Cuerno with a Ghetto Stomp knocking Cuerno off the top to the mat! 1…2…NO Cuerno kicks out! Fenix hits a series of strikes followed by an attempt a Rolling Cutter but Cuerno catches him in midair with the Thrill of the Hunt! 1…2…NO Fenix kicks out! Cuerno backs Fenix into the corner and kills him with chops and stomps! Cuerno charges at Fenix in the corner but eats another Superkick from the high flying daredevil! Fenix leaps to the middle rope and then Springboards to the top for the 450 Splash, but Cuerno moves out of the way. Cuerno lifts Fenix up for the Thrill of the Hunt but turns it into a Package Piledriver for the pin!
Winner & NEW Gift of the Gods Champ: Cuerno via pinfall (Package Piledriver)
After the match Cuerno looks up at Mil Muertes as he holds the Gift of the Gods Title.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Son of Havoc, Ivelisse, and Angelico are shown arriving to the Temple.
Havoc, Ivelisse, and Angelico want a shot at the Trios Title but Catrina says Mil wants to see them fight each other. Havoc says they spent the better part of a year trying to get on the same page and Catrina won’t tear them apart. Catrina says that Mil has agreed that if they face each other then the winner gets a shot at the Lucha Underground Title…tonight! They agree to the match and Catrina says the match is next. Ivelisse says when she gets the title she is coming for Catrina.
Catrina walks out and tells Melissa Santos to come to her and then she whispers something to her. Santos announces that the winner of this next match will immediately face Mil for the title!
Catrina approaches Cuerno backstage and tells him to remember their agreement. He tells her that she has nothing to worry about and neither does Mil.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
Lucha Underground Title #1 Contenders Triple Threat: Ivelisse vs. Son of Havoc vs. Angelico
Havoc grabs Angelico in a side headlock but Angelico shoves him away and Ivelisse puts Havoc in a headlock. Angelico then grabs Ivelisse from behind and rolls her up for a nearfall and then Havoc catches Angelico with a Sunset Flip for a nearfall of his own. Ivelisse rolls Havoc up for a nearfall as well. They do a three way test of strength and Ivelisse kicks Angelico in the leg and then slaps the piss out of Havoc. Havoc whips Ivelisse into the corner and charges right into a boot. Ivelisse climbs up top and dives off with a Hurricanrana on Angelico! Ivelisse charges at Angelico but he moves and then Havoc charges right into an elbow from Ivelisse. Angelico then comes flying in with a disgusting Shuri-Knee to the face of Ivelisse! Havoc hits the Handspring Back Elbow on Angelico followed by a Springboard Cross Body for a nearfall! Ivelisse rolls to the floor and Angelico comes back with some nasty strikes capped off with a Flying Knee. Angelico then connects with the Jackie Chan for another nearfall. Ivelisse climbs up top but Angelico cuts her off and then climbs up with her for a Superplex, but Havoc stops him and lifts Angelico up in an Electric Chair! Angelico blocks it and then goes for a German Suplex but Havoc blocks it and moves out of the way as Ivelisse dives off the top with a Flying Cross Body on Angelico for another nearfall. Havoc pulls Ivelisse off of Angelico and then eats some nasty chops from Ivelisse! Ivelisse hits a series of round kicks to the chest of Havoc and then sidesteps a charging Angelico who runs into Havoc. Ivelisse hits a Leaping Enziguri to Angelic for a nearfall and then attempts a Running Bulldog on Havoc, but Havoc counters into a Spinning Backbreaker! Angelico tries to toss Havoc to the floor but Havoc uses his athleticism to stay in the ring and then tosses Angelico to the floor. Havoc hits a Tope Suicida through the ropes onto Angelico on the floor! Havoc then hits another Tope Suicida onto Ivelisse on the other side of the ring! Angelico charges into an Enziguri back in the ring and then Havoc hits a Springboard Ghetto Stomp followed by a Standing Moonsault for a nearfall! Havoc sets up for something in the corner but Ivelisse trips him from the floor and runs into a backdrop from Angelico. Angelico knocks Ivelissse to the floor but then Havoc lays Angelico out with a Flying Forearm. Havoc climbs up top only for Angelico to cut him off with a Leaping Enziguri! Angelico climbs up with Havoc for a Superplex but Havoc blocks it hits a Frong Superplex to the mat! Havoc then gets back to his feet on the top but Ivelisse crotches him and then catches Angelico in a La Magistral Cradle for the pin!
Winner & NEW #1 Contender: Ivelisse via pinfall (La Magistral Cradle)
Ivelisse looks up at Mil on his throne as we go to a break.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
375 miles away from the Temple a trio of guys are shown arriving at some warehouse. Black Lotus approaches the men and asks if they are lost. One of the guys says that they heard of an underground fight club called “The Temple” that had just opened up. She smiles at them and tells them to come with her.
Mil Muertes comes down from his throne for the first time as Catrina walks out from her office as well.
Main Event for the Lucha Underground Title: Mil Muertes (c) w/Catrina vs. Ivelisse w/Angelico & Son of Havoc
This is the first time a female has ever challenged for the tile. The Disciples of Death come down to the ring and attack Angelico and Havoc as Mil holds Ivelisse in a Full Nelson making her watch. The Disciples drag Angelico and Havoc to the back as Ivelisse will be on her own in this match.
—-COMMERCIAL BREAK—-
As the bell rings Mil pie faces Ivelisse and then he just shrugs off a series of forearms and kicks from Ivelisse and slams her to the mat. Muertes lifts Ivelisse up and hits a Backbreaker and then she stretches the back of Ivelisse. Mil slams Ivelisse into the corner and grabs her by the hair and tosses her clear across the ring. Mil lifts her up to her feet and hits a Big Foot to lay her out again. Mil goes for a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker but Ivelisse catches him in a Hanging Guillotine! Mil counters into a Bearhug and then he just tosses Ivelisse away. Mil chokes Ivelisse and Ivelisse grabs her in a Hanging Armbar! Mil lifts Ivelisse up in the air but Ivelisse turns it into a Hanging Armbar over the ropes! Mil gets pissed and starts kneeing the piss out of Ivelisse to break it. Ivelisse climbs up top as Mil sells the arm and connects with a Tornado DDT out of the corner! 1…2…NO Mil kicks out! Catrina gets in the ring but Ivelisse grabs her and then sees a charging Mil coming and moves out of the way as Mil Spears Catrina! Ivelisse rolls him up! 1…2…NO Mil still kicks out! Ivelisse gets back to her feet and charges at Mil right into a huge Spinebuster followed by the Flatliner! 1…2…3!
Winner & STILL World Champ: Muertes via pinfall (Flatliner)
Catrina teases giving Ivelisse the Lick of Death but instead just tells Mil to hit her with the Flatliner again. Puma King runs out and nails Mil with a Superkick! Puma drags Ivelisse out of the ring and brings her to safety while also daring Mil to chase him. Suddenly Pentagon Jr. appears behind Mil to a MASSIVE pop and hits Mil with the Backstabber! Vampiro looks shocked at what his student is doing and then he teases that he is going to break Mil’s arm and he does it as the fans erupt! Mil is selling the arm huge as Pentagon stands tall in the ring!
As the credits are rolling the three guys that were looking for “The Temple” arrive at a warehouse with Black Lotus with Dario standing at the entrance holding his key. She tells Dario that the guys want some underground fighting but Dario warns them that it can “get pretty violent” inside. One of the guys taunts Lotus so she kicks his ass and another guy says they love violence. Dario charges them each $20 to guy inside and then he uses the key to open the door meaning that it is Matanza inside. One of the guys asks who is fighting tonight. Dario responds, “you are” and closes the door as we hear the guys screaming inside.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
If you looked up the meaning of the phrase “starting off with a bang” then a video of the season two premiere of Lucha Underground should start playing. They threw a ton at us in the first show and it was absolutely terrific. Everything about season one that hooked us was there, maybe even better. There are so many plotlines and stories inside going on that we obviously don’t know exactly where things are going on.
Catrina and Mil Muertes are running the Temple while Dario is running a new temple far away from the original with his brother, Matanza, fighting. It is obvious that we will have some confrontation and a Dario return at some point, likely with his brother.
Fenix and Cuerno put on an awesome match, with some of the most fluid, fast paced, high flying action you will see. They have put on some amazing matches in AAA in the past but this was their first one-on-one encounter in Lucha Underground and hopefully it is the first of many. They teased an alliance between Cuerno and Muertes which is likely done by Mil to keep Fenix away from him as Fenix has been his biggest enemy. Though he also has Puma King and now Pentagon Jr. breathing down his neck (more on that later).
The 3-Way between Havoc, Ivelisse, and Angelico was great with a ton of great action and made sense for Catrina to keep them fighting instead of going after the Disciples titles. That match was great but it was nothing compared to the title match between Ivelisse and Mil.
They worked that Main Event so incredibly well that is was honestly shocking. Lucha Underground has had some terrific man vs. woman matches in the past but I have to say that this was probably the best. The worked up to the eventual nearfall and submission attempts from Ivelisse some amazingly with Mil just toying with her and Ivelisse refusing to stay down. They were able to give Ivelisse a fighting chance by her past encounters with men as well as her MMA background with much of the match being her going after Mil’s arm with submissions. The fans reactions to Ivelisse’s nearfalls and submissions just made the match and the atmosphere that much better. Striker’s excited commentary also added to it. That reaction and the sheer excitement the fans felt is something that can only happen when the fans are given a reason to care about a character and be invested in it. So everytime someone like Jim Cornette goes on a rant and shits on Lucha Underground saying that it isn’t “real wrestling” that is what frustrates me. It is pro wrestling to the very core! Not just the athleticism and competitive nature of the matches but the stories they are telling in and outside of the ring. It causes the fans to be truly invested and care for the character and you get amazing moments like Lucha Underground delivers us. I truly cannot wait to see what else this company has in store for us!
– Promo/Segment of the Night: Vampiro’s return to the temple
– Match of the Night: Fenix vs. Cuerno (***1/2)
– Overall Grade: A