By Nicholas Jason Lopez

“Notes In Observance” features random thoughts and analysis on recent television shows. Quick results can be found at the bottom of the post.

(Aired 4/27/16)

Four-Way Trios Madness

– Another week of Lucha rolls on and it showed plenty of promise, as far as in-ring competition. The opening video hyped the Johnny Mundo-Cage match in a cage to determine the third holder of the seven Ancient Aztec Medallions as well as the Trios Tournament finals, where four teams, including Champions Angelico/Ivelisse/Son Of Havoc would battle with the belts on the line.

– Based off last episode’s ending where Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto and Mil Muertes crashed through the roof of Dario Cueto’s office, it made sense to follow up with a show-opening promo from Dario, who simply updated us that both men would soon return to action. Sure, whatever keeps Matanza off TV. Fine with us. Too bad he’s still LUG Champion.

– The Cage-Mundo steel cage match for Ancient Aztec Medallion #3 was strong, utilized the environment excellently and kept up a “blood feud” vibe the entire encounter. There were some nice spots here, like Mundo’s standing Spanish fly and Moonlight maneuver. Taya was also cleverly used, being a nuisance from outside the cage, often climbing the sides to attack Cage, even slipping a kendo stick to her man through the holes. Of course, rules never matter in steel cages, so she eventually made her way into the cage and it became an unofficial two-on-one match thereafter. The unprotected chair shot to Cage’s head seemed to be done for dramatic purposes, but in this day and age, was deemed unnecessary. The finish was cool since it involved Cage outwitting Taya by handcuffing her to the rope and avoiding a chair shot meant for him, hitting her instead. This led to the Weapon X to put Cage over  and seemingly served as a payoff to this mini-feud. It’ll be interesting to see what comes out of the Mundo/Taya duo, since most of this season involved them feuding with Cage. Will they manipulate their way to Medallion #4?

– The Trios Championship four-way elimination tag match between Champions Son of Havoc/Ivelisse/Angelico, Jack Evans/”Darewolf” PJ Black/Fenix, Rey Mysterio/Dragon Azteca Jr./Prince Puma and Joey Ryan/The Crew was first delayed by another newsworthy Dario announcement, as he announced Angelico had an “unfortunate accident” and wouldn’t be able to compete, leaving the Champions down a person. It appeared based off the timing of the taping that Angelico did legit injure himself in AAA at the time, but the coincidental timing of it also allowed the viewer to play the “what if” game, since it wasn’t unheard of that Dario could’ve easily had Angelico taken out. Afterwards, as we expected, there were many aspects of the main event that gave us a thriller. At one point, everyone dove to the outside with topes to go around the whole world. The tale of the first fall was good, since it showed the hesitancy of Joey Ryan and Cortez Castro (Officers Ryan/Reyes) as teammates getting them eliminated because Castro refused to tag in Ryan. Big kudos to Ivelisse’s performance here, looking like the bout’s standout. The second fall’s tale was a bit disappointing since despite Ivelisse’s efforts, a cold superkick by Black laid her out and we were guaranteed new Champions. We assumed Ryan/The Crew were to go first since they were the weakest of the four teams, but the Champs going the second fall we didn’t see coming. Nevertheless, the final fall was outstandingly entertaining, as the “All-Stars” eventually got their crowning moment and Mysterio ended up pinning loudmouth Evans to close it out, getting a big reaction.

– The final cutscene involving “Master” Vampiro and Pentagon Jr. seemed to serve as the season’s turning point for our dark, fearless luchador. From this cutscene where Vampiro poured hot candle wax on his protege and called him “weak,” it appeared there was a sign that perhaps he was being built back up for an ultimate showdown with Matanza. We’d hope for a more intriguing main event for Ultima Lucha Dos, but we can’t deny Pentagon’s popularity and if anything, he deserves to be there.

Quick Results

• Ancient Aztec Medallion #3 – Steel Cage Match – Cage def. Johnny Mundo (w/Taya) via pinfall
• Trios Championship – Four-Way Elimination – Prince Puma/Rey Mysterio/Dragon Azteca Jr. def. Jack Evans/Fenix/”Darewolf” PJ Black, Ivelisse/Son Of Havoc (Champions) and The Crew/Joey Ryan to become new Champions