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Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 10/26/16: Stayin’ Alive
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 10/26/16)
Stayin’ Alive
– The opening video highlighted the Best-Of-Five Series between Cage and Texano where Cage held a 2-0 lead, reminded us of Johnny Mundo’s relentless quest to have anything to do with the Lucha Underground Championship as his attempt to buy his way in with Dario Cueto worked since this episode’s main event would see Mundo challenge Lucha Underground Gift Of The Gods Champion Sexy Star for the belt. Finally, we saw the last interaction between Ivelisse and her new boyfriend Jeremiah, or the former Sami Callihan/Solomon Crowe. With this ensemble, we had potential for another easy week in the Temple.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 10/5/16: In The Cards
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 10/5/16)
In The Cards
– Season Three’s wheels roll on, as we’ve seen Dario Cueto brandish his new concept called “Dario’s Dial Of Doom,” which is essentially Raw Roulette to decide new challengers for his brother, Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto. A funny parody of an idea taken too seriously, there were some credible names present. The opening video showed the latest victim when The Mack was unsuccessful in his attempt to uncrown the Monster. Again, Vampiro’s suggestion to Prince Puma to “go after the big guy” Mil Muertes was emphasized as we saw a glimpse of their past physicality. Also shown was the first match of the Best-Of-Five Series between Texano and Cage for “The Ultimate Opportunity” where Cage emerged the winner.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 9/7/16: Back In Business
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 9/7/16)
Back In Business
– Anybody familiar with Lucha Underground will tell you that when they’re on, they’re on fire. Such examples would be season one and all it entailed. From the rich cinematic cutscenes to the extensive jaw-drop performances in the ring, it was clear LUG was out to change the pro wrestling status quo. Then, season two happened and some of that got lost along the way. Luckily, this was the start of season three and where we already heard rumors that this season got things back “on track,” we’d have to see it for ourselves to believe it. The opening cutscene with Dario Cueto and Councilman Delgado recapped how he got bailed out of jail with his previous charges dropped. He received back his money clip, gold watch, cell phone and a giant key. He had a conversation in a car with Delgado and an unnamed figure who flashed an iron glove (or something similar) and threatened Cueto not to waste his time again. To sum it up, Cueto officially announced that the beloved Temple was back in business. Well by golly, color us excited.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 7/20/16: Ultima Lucha Dos Part III
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
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 7/20/16)
Ultima Lucha Dos Part III
– We wish we could write about Lucha Underground’s second season with more enthusiasm, but we cannot. Now don’t get us wrong. In terms of what makes the show work (cinematic elements, outrageously stellar in-ring action, diverse roster, etc.), we still had plenty of that here. Where things didn’t go as smooth was in the long-term storytelling. Where season one ended with Catrina/Mil Muertes in a stranglehold of the Temple branded a “Much Darker Place” was perfect as a start for season two and the show carried on like it usually does, until we hit the abomination that was Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto and his disappointing debut where he simply and senselessly took down LUG’s greater warriors (Pentagon Jr., Fenix, Cage to name a few) and his slow, no-sell style began to affect the top of the card and in turn, the show. The fact that Matanza is still involved with this Championship was sickening. Albeit, one thing handled correctly was the use of Pentagon Jr. to this point. He disappeared after being destroyed by Matanza and Vampiro began to torture him to prepare for another battle, to which then he won his way to the one-on-one match. Pentagon is arguably LUG’s hottest act and it was no surprise he’d be involved with the Title. At least they got that right. Anyways, this episode left us a bit helpless, but we’ll get to all that excitement shortly. The opening video reminded us of season two’s good parts and set up how we got matches like the Lucha Underground Trios Championship battle between Champions The Worldwide Underground against Drago/AeroStar/Fenix, Ivelisse against Taya, Pentagon Jr. against Matanza and then the “Dream Match” in Rey Mysterio and Prince Puma.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 6/29/16: The Prince Vs. The Student
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 6/29/16)
The Prince Vs. The Student
– It’s everybody’s favorite time of the year – Ultima Lucha time. At least Ultima Lucha Uno had us that way. Season two has been a mixed bag of ups and downs, but the train’s near a solid stop, it’s up to LUG to take it upon a smooth sail. The opening video focused on Mil Muertes’ “rebirth” thanks to Catrina in spite of King Cuerno’s hunter mentality to take him down and a battle was set for them. Also in that package was highlights of what closed last week’s show – a bold challenge from Prince Puma to Rey Mysterio and Mysterio’s humbled acceptance. Ultima Lucha Dos was upon one week’s wait and the hype was on.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 6/22/16: Strange Bedfellows
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 6/22/16)
Strange Bedfellows
– After Cage’s unsuccessful attempt to uncrown Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto via a “cash-in” of the Gift Of The Gods Championship, it was apparently decided that the GOTG needed to come back into play again for an episode’s purpose. Okay, that’s fine, but giving away all seven in one hour could be exhausting. That’s what we were in for, as evidenced in the opening video. Also highlighted were Mascarita Sagrada’s slump since under the managerial wing of Famous B/Brenda as well as the El Dragon Azteca Jr.-Black Lotus storyline, as Dario Cueto played both of them like a fiddle.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 6/15/16: Six To Survive
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 6/15/16)
Six To Survive
– Lucha Underground was back on the prowl with one of those “whole hour” matches, which when worked correctly, goes smooth to perfection. The opening video focused on the LAPD storyline as well as how Vampiro built up Pentagon Jr. after he was decimated by Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto to take out Chavo Guerrero and earn a spot onto the winning team last week, which put him in a “Six To Survive” elimination match which would also involve Ivelisse, King Cuerno, Johnny Mundo, Taya and Fenix. The winner of that match would go on to fight Matanza for the LUG Championship at Ultima Lucha Dos. Oh and as well as the fact that Catrina reawakened Mil Muertes once more and he was probably out for blood, at least by the sight of his eyes…
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 6/8/16: Six-On-Six
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 6/8/16)
Six-On-Six
– The opening video showcased storylines this episode revolved around – the “Los Angeles Police Department” storyline where Captain Vasquez, Officer Reyes and Officer Ryan were on a hunt to take down Dario Cueto for good to the extent of a sting operation, the “Dragon Slayer” storyline that showed a rivalry between Drago/AeroStar and Jack Evans/”Darewolf” PJ Black and lastly, “Resurrection” storyline with the anticipated return of Pentagon Jr. after the man of “Cero Miedo” was put down uneventfully by Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 5/11/16: Graver Consequences
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 5/11/16)
Graver Consequences
– The opening video decently hyped elements of this episode’s focus – the Trios Championships, the LAPD storyline and of course, the “Graver Consequences” main event between Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto and Mil Muertes for the Title. Yup, nothing like tag teams, cop drama and coffins to make your blood boil.
Notes In Observance – Lucha Underground 4/27/16: Four-Way Trios Madness
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.
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