Where in the world can you see “Disciples of Death” in skull masks controlled by a woman with a magic rock who licks people’s faces square off against a guy in a tiger outfit, a dwarf and a drag queen? Lucha Underground of course!

Two Luchadoras were in the spotlight last night, well more like darkness in a cold cell for Black Lotus. Darkness also follows the macabre Catrina, our other lady in the limelight. Black Lotus is not immediately facing her fate at being served on a silver platter to Matanza, the ‘man’ who killed her parents and is being made to suffer in a cage next to his. Oh Dario Cueto you son of a bitch!

Catrina however was in the temple’s main arena, escorting her new stablemates, the Disciples of Death to the ring for their debut match in trios tag team action. These three stooges and Mil Muertes are going to be – to quote Catrina’s old character of Maxine – “on-top” come the end of this season – mark my words!

Before we recap the action, it was also announced on last night’s show that the season will come to an end in eight weeks time with the special finale broadcast, Ultima Lucha. The two-hour spectacle will be Lucha Underground’s equivalent of a Pay-Per-View and feature some blockbuster matches. Oh, and an earth-shatteringly, monumental debut. ;)

The first Luchadora we witness is Black Lotus. After being ambushed by Chavo Guerrero and The Crew last week, we see that Dario Cueto has chucked her in a cell in the same room as his brother Matanza. Instead of murdering Lotus outright, he is giving El Dragon Azteca time to make the save letting her suffer in a rank prison-like environment in the same room as the man who killed her parents. That is torture alright!

Chavo Guerrero, who had just won a match, enters the room and he taunts Black Lotus, pretending to apologise for throwing her to the wolves last week. He said it was strictly business yet Lotus says that El Dragon Azteca will make him pay for his betrayal. Chavo says that with him destroying Blue Demon Jr. in the ring earlier in the night, anyone from Mexico would be stupid to mess with him.

It is time for some deliciously devious action next as Catrina escorts Barrio Negro, El Siniestro de la Muerte and Trece – the Disciples of Death – to the ring as they face off against Bengala, Mascarita Segrada and Pimpinela Escarlata. Talk about chalk and cheese!

The match was a little rough around the edges yet highly entertaining. Catrina’s involvement led to the beginning of the end for the face team in white. Catrina doesn’t care who she deals the Lick of Death too, and this time it was Pimpinela who was forced to pucker up. He normally likes a bit of tongue action yet he is not normally on the receiving end and it is not with a woman!

Following Catrina’s saliva exchange, the Disciples pounce on Pimpy and hit a triple dominator style manoeuvre for the win. This trio are mega dangerous. Watch out Angelico, Son of Havoc and Ivelisse!

After a fantastic Fatal-4-Way match ends the show, crowning the returning Drago as the number one contender for the Lucha Underground title at Ultima Lucha and ending his banishment from the temple, Catrina ambushes Dario Cueto in his office. She grabs Dario by the neck and starts to choke him out, totally incensed as to why Mil Muertes was not featured in the main event. Dario says it was only because he has never faced Prince Puma for the title in the past, yet Catrina does not want to hear it.

She asks Dario if he is standing in Mil’s way and a beside-himself Cueto screams that he does not want to upset Muertes. He says that in two weeks time, Mil can face Drago, with the winner of that match going on to face the Lucha Underground champ at Ultima Lucha. A pleased Catrina then vanishes into thin air to close the segment.

Thoughts: Another superb episode of action this week, with two women being at the front and centre of some phenomenal storytelling.

My prediction that Mil Muertes will rise to the top looks like it may be coming true. His faction members are on fire and his woman was shown to be a fearless, malicious and dangerous threat. One line in Catrina’s dialogue though makes me think that Mil won’t be facing off for the title come Ultima Lucha. Catrina said that even the monster Dario keeps in a cage is no match for Mil. Will the menacing Mil face off against the monstrous Matanza some time soon? Such an amazing line to foreshadow what could be!

There won’t be any ladies in action next week as Johnny Mundo faces off against Prince Puma next week in a All Night Long, one hour match for the Lucha Underground championship. Very interesting to see that Mundo has turned heel. It will be interesting to see the path he takes on the road to Ultima Lucha.

What will happen at Ultima Lucha then for our Luchadoras? I’m unsure if Sexy Star will feud with Pentagon Jr. and/or Superfly for another 8 weeks, yet I predict she will face off against one of them come Ultima. I see Ivelisse and her team defending against the Disciples of Death, so that will be keeping Catrina busy too. That just leaves Black Lotus. Will she finally come truly face-to-face with Matanza or maybe even face him in a match? With Dario, Chavo, The Crew and El Dragon involved, I honestly have no idea what type of match or segment could include that rowdy bunch. I can’t wait to find out though!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (June 10th, 2015): Catrina’s Lick of Death Leads The Disciples to Victory appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Forget news of a potential agreement between TNA and GFW! I’m more excited about all things Ultima Lucha, an event that is sure to create some major buzz in the wrestling world. And yes, much bigger buzz than having Vader return to TNA television!

With Ultima Lucha and the end of Lucha Underground season one just six weeks away, all of El Rey’s Luchadoras are looking to impress as their first series of action draws to a close. Although the end is in sight, rivalries are still being created whilst others are still being fiercely competed. Both Catrina and Sexy Star were in the spotlight last night as the former accompanied her man Mil Muertes to the ring for a number one contender’s match. Sexy was in action against Super Fly, the man she was forced to unmask a few months ago. He then interfered in one of her matches and attacked her, strangely defending the man who broke his arm, Pentagon Jr. This one has gotten ugly.

A clip featuring a face-off between Catrina and Ivelisse that was posted online before the show was also replayed, and well, my suspicion about Ive, Angelico and Son of Havoc‘s next opponents was right.

Sexy is already in the ring, clad with silver wings when the show starts. Following introductions from the delightful Melissa Santos, the bout begins.

Sexy gets slapped to kicks things off her she fires back with a striking chop of her own. After a display of athleticism, Super Fly kicks Sexy to the mat and hits an elbow. Sexy is thrown across the ring and kicked in the back and is then kept grounded after being hit with a back elbow. Fly (who certainly isn’t fly is we look at that god awful face paint) writhes at Sexy’s mask yet he doesn’t manage to rip it off. Super is called a bitch by Vampiro as he dropkicks Sexy.

Sexy finally fights back after being the victim of a pretty boring onslaught. She hits kicks and a knee lift followed by a pin attempt. Sexy is then knocked down however after getting a sentence’s worth of offence. Woo. Super Fly chokes Sexy in the corner before hitting a weak looking spinebuster. He seems surprised not to get the win yet he shouldn’t have been. It was like he nicely placed Sexy on the mat! Super hits a slap and kick that bound send serious sound waves throughout the temple and they send adrenaline through Sexy who fires back with a lovely Lucha armdrag.

After a neat basement dropkick and magistral cradle, Sexy stomps at Super Fly as we get a close-up of his sweat butt crack. Taking some inspiration from Maria Menounos maybe. Super gets slap happy again and then proceeds to rally off some more basic boots. He then hits a pathetic looking fireman’s carry and an even worse looking running splash. Actually, it was more like a strolling splash.

Business picks up when Super is sent to the arena floor and Sexy ascends from the top rope to the outside. The pair exchange arm drags and elbow outside before Sexy hits another crossbody in the ring. Sexy then jumps from up high yet again, this time hitting an arm drag. After some mudhole stomping, Sexy hits a leg drop as Vampiro calls Super Fly a dick. They are definitely relaxing on the language on commentary and I kind of love it.

Sexy hits a bridging suplex that bags her a near fall yet that is as near to winning as she is going to get. After being kicked in the shin, Super Fly hits a powerbomb that he then transitions into a sitout powerbomb for the win. After the match, she kicks Sexy some more and throws her out of the ring.

Another woman faring just about as well as Sexy is Ivelisse, who got introduced to Catrina backstage. Ive & Co were training in their usual argumentative, dysfunctional way only for their session to interrupted by the mistress of macabre. Catrina seductively caresses Ivelisse and explains to the group that their time as Trios Champions is coming to an end. Cue lighting, darkness and the appearance of the Disciples of Death. Once the lights are back on, Mil Muertes has appeared and he leaves with Catrina. The Disciples vanished into thin air, leaving Ivelisse and her pals flat on their backs. Their days may be numbered!

Finally, check out Catrina once again during the main event segment. She rocks the lunging catsuit as Mil rocks Drago‘s head in. This amazing match featured the line of the night from Vamp – “He is knocking shit out of the arena” as Mil Muertes hit the Flatliner on Drago to get the win, killing his chances of headlining Ultima Lucha. Mil is the new number one contender and he and Catrina enjoy a staredown with Prince Puma and Konnan to end the show. Let’s hope Catrina get kick Konnan’s ass too come six weeks time!

Thoughts: Can Catrina do any wrong? The answer is no. From bringing the sensuality with Ivelisse to showcasing her menacing attitudes at ringside, she nails everything she does. Mic work, mannerisms, antics, visual awesomeness. She has it all down. Such a phenomenal talent. I only ask she gets a little more involved in the matches, yet hopefully that will happen at Ultima Lucha.

I also enjoyed how Ivelisse was the main focus on her team in the backstage segment. Ivelisse definitely feels like the leader to me although all three have done certain things within matches that make them come across as equals. I am loving their team and whilst I would love Catrina to guide both Mil and the Disciples to gold, I wouldn’t mind seeing Ivelisse’s team keep the belts for a while longer.

The second week in a row without Black Lotus was a little disappointing. Obviously, no-one other than Puma, Johnny Mundo and Alberto El Patron had screen time last week due to the All Night Long match and I thought that the writers were seemingly start to pick up the pace with this slow burn. I guess not. And seriously, what is taking El Dragon Azteca so long to come and save her?!

I also wasn’t really a big fan of Sexy Star’s match either. For a feud so personal, it didn’t seem aggressive enough, nor did they seem to be going full throttle in my opinion. I liked Sexy’s high-flying offense, even if it was a little rough around the edges. I can’t pick fault at that though when she was pulling stuff out that you would never see from the Divas. I think my main gripe was with Super Fly, as I am not a fan of his in-ring work at all. I thought he was awful. Yes, he sold being thrown to the outside stunningly, yet his moves felt really lackluster. It was though that working with Sexy, he was going a little softer on her. His offense, other than the slaps, did not appear hard-hitting enough to me. I was bored to be honest.

I like the story that is going on between these two, yet with Super Fly’s logic, surely he should be mad at Pentagon too? Whilst Sexy took his mask, Pentagon took time off of Super Fly’s career. He still took something. Maybe if they can put across that Super Fly is just a coward and scared of Pentagon, so he thought he would take it all out on Sexy, then I would be more of a fan of that. Instead of just not addressing potential beef with Pentagon, they should have done something with that. For a show so amazing at storytelling, this was an example of a blip for them.

I really hope Sexy can pick up some momentum too in the run-up to the season finale. After beating Pentagon, I personally thought she was number one contender material, yet now she has lost three matches in a row now. One of the losses wasn’t clean, yet that is besides the point. Hopefully she can pull off another win soon to get her back on the right track towards becoming the first-ever female to hold the Lucha Underground title. I definitely think that is in her future.

Looking towards next week, if I get to see Black Lotus, Sexy gets a win and Ivelisse and Catrina interact some more, then I’ll be a happy man. Only time will tell if the Aztec Gods bookers put me in a good mood. Until I see you next for the Raw Redux, have a great weekend!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (June 24th, 2015): Super Fly Extends Sexy Star’s Losing Streak appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Lucha fans! After a week of very little action from our favourite Luchadoras, I’m back this week and I have a backstage segment, ringside appearances and a match to show you all. Catrina, Ivelisse and Sexy Star were all featured, with the latter featuring in the first eight-person tag match in Lucha Underground history. Let’s recap the action.

Catrina is the first female in view, as she gets sultry with Son of Havoc backstage. Catrina says that her Disciples of Death will soon be gunning for Trios Tag Team gold, yet in the meantime, death awaits Havoc thanks to Mil Muertes, who will face him later in the night. Ivelisse bursts onto the scene, telling the Mistress of Macabre to “back off bitch”!

LOVE IT.

Ivelisse tries to grab Catrina yet she vanishes into darkness and Ive ends up on the floor face-to-face with Havoc. Angelico walks in and witness the “moment”. He hopes they are getting back together and they tell him just to shut up. I know I wouldn’t want to be that third wheel!

Catrina and Ivelisse later appear when Havoc clashes with the number one contender to the Lucha Underground title, Mil Muertes. A really fun match here that ends up with Angelico destroyed by the Disciples of Death and Ivelisse lifeless after having the breath squeezed from Catrina. Cat getting physical finally is bloody fantastic!

Finally, Sexy Star’s downward spiral continued in the main event as she was pinned by Johnny Mundo. Albeit it wasn’t a clean loss, but it is her fourth in a row. Sexy’s star is sadly diminishing!

Thoughts: Another really entertaining week on Lucha Underground. It is really a shame that Ivelisse still isn’t mobile enough to work and I just hope that she is well enough to properly compete at Ultia Lucha. The storyline here has managed to progress well, although the story is more about the champions’ relaionships and less about a legitimate beef between them and their future challengers.

Sexy’s fourth loss in a row is really disappointing too. Yes, she was still headlining the show in a first-time ever situation, yet she has lost some serious momentum since her last win against Pentagon Jr. Can Sexy end the season on a high? Getting her hands on one of those Aztec medallions would help!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (July 8th, 2015): Catrina, Ivelisse and Sexy Star Get Physical appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Well who would have thought that our Luchadora ladies may get overshadowed by WWE’s main roster Divas?! I definitely think I would be saying that, yet this week may have been that week. That’s not to say that the Lucha lasses performed badly either – quite the opposite! This week, only Catrina and Sexy Star were on screen, yet they more than an impact. Let’s see how.

Sexy Star is first seen getting ready for her match backstage, the rubber match between her and Superfly. With one win apiece and one of the seven Aztec medallions up for grabs in last night’s match, the stakes had been raised. Sexy is seen contemplating that, looking at Superfly’s mask that she still has for some reason… and she carries it in her bag. Maybe if she ever turned heel, she could collect all of the masks she has taken from people. She is the ultimate face though, but hey, if LU want the idea for a new character I just gave you one!

Sexy’s match is up next and she comes out second, looking glorious with her silver wings attached as a piece of entrance attire. I bloody love her. Epic wings for an epic woman!

To give a little bit of background on the seven medallions: they each represent one of the seven ancient Aztec tribes. Dario Cueto promises a shot at immortality to any one of the seven holders. With a lack of championships in Lucha Undergound, initiatives like this are what makes for interesting storylines and sets LU apart from every other wrestling promotion.

And within 33 seconds, it was over! After being taunted by Superfly and knocked briefly by a dropkick, it was all Sexy. She chopped Superfly hard, kicked him a little low and then hit an impressive headscissor armbar submission for the majorly impressive win! She’s ended her losing streak in decisively impressive fashion and Melissa Santos couldn’t sound more ecstatic about it! More history making for her too as I believe this was the shortest match in Lucha Underground history – wow. An Aztec medallion is hers, yet the story isn’t over yet.

After Sexy’s win, everyone’s favourite weirdo Marty “The Moth” Martinez takes a mic and lays into Sexy. He says that her medallion has a moth embossed into it and the Moth is the symbol of his ancestors. Because of that fact, he thinks she should let him compete for it – right now!

Annoyed that this loser snatched her medallion from her, Sexy doesn’t wait for the bell to ring and she starts slapping the crap out of Marty. The official then rings the bell and Sexy is on fire from the onset. She hits Marty with several strikes before hitting both top rope and wheelbarrow armdrags. She tries to utilise a high flying move for the third time in a row, yet Marty finally is able to mount a comeback and he floors Sexy with a scoop slam.

Marty tells Sexy to quit yet instead, she fires back with a crossbody for a near fall but then she runs into a shoulder tackle. Sexy soon finds herself in a world of pain and The Moth channels The Nature Boy and locks in a Figure Four Leg Lock; a sound strategy for trying to take down a high flyer. Sexy struggles to escape for a while, yet she manages to reverse the pressure! She may be smaller yet her fight is just as great.

After Marty manages to make it to the ropes, Sexy reverses a potential slam of his into the Fujiwara Armbar once more and she makes him tap. Two submission victories in one night – get in Sexy!

In the final segment of the night, Dario Cueto conducts an official Face Off between Lucha Underground Champion Prince Puma and the #1 contender, Mil Muertes. Mil has Catrina and the Disciples of Death by his side and they utterly decimate Puma. The champion’s mentor Konnan tries to help out yet Catrina decks him with the piece of rock that seems to control Mil and his actions. Another week, another act of physicality from Catrina, and I am certainly liking it!

Thoughts: I have been crying out for Sexy Star to rebound from her successive losses as of late and it seems that the Aztec Gods heard my cry – what a way to bounce back for Sexy! The establishment of a new finisher, plus two wins in one night was amazing to see for Sexy. She defeated a major rival in majorly impressive fashion and bagged a medallion to boot. These two victories were her most emphatic yet as she made both men tap out. She didn’t win thanks to interference or a roll-up where her opponents just kick out after the three count, these were majorly decisive Xs in the Win column.

As for Catrina, I absolutely cannot stand Konnan so thank god she beat up his washed-up ass. What with all four of Catrina’s stablemates now confirmed to fight for gold come Ultima Lucha, I think every championship will be at home Beyond the Grave following August 5th. Several licks of death will be unleashed, mark my words!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (July 15th, 2015): Sexy Star Returns to Her Winning Ways appeared first on Diva Dirt.

You know your biggest show of the season is so monumentally massive when it starts one week early!

Lucha fans, the event we have all been waiting for has arrived as Ultima Lucha is here. The three-hour epic will be split across two separate episodes, with an hour of Ultima action taking place in the penultimate episode of Season One of Lucha Underground. This week, Black Lotus‘ story (that I started to think was never going to be resolved and she would be in that cage forever) continues as Dario Cueto continuous to mess with our vengeful vixen. Elsewhere on the show, Ivelisse and her dysfunctional Trios Tag Team Championship partners Angelico and Son of Havoc face off against the Disciples of Death for the titles. Ivelisse needs to watch her back though (and her still very much injured leg for that matter) as Catrina will be at ringside. I know I wouldn’t want to mess with the Mistress of Macabre!

Before I recap this week’s action, let’s first take a look at the only notable segment from last week. Following her wins over Marty “The Moth” Martinez and Super Fly two weeks ago to claim an Aztec Medallion, Sexy Star was present to place her prize into a brand new championship belt, The Gift of the Gods. Acting like a Money in the Bank briefcase, all recipients of medallions will clash in the two-hour season finale for a chance to win the belt. The seven-way match looks awesome, as do Sexy’s silver wings – flashy!

When in their possession, the match winner will have up to one year to cash in their belt for a Lucha Underground Championship opportunity. However, should they wait too long to cash in, Dario will force them to defend the Gift of the Gods, meaning the beholder cannot rest on their laurels. Furthermore, Dario mocked WWE’s “anytime, anyplace” ruling on the MITB contract, and said that the Luchadore or Luchadora in possession of Gift of the Gods must cash in their golden opportunity one week before the match will take place. Interesting stuff indeed once again for Lucha Underground!

Unlike WWE who have had the Money in the Bank briefcase on the line once (due to a Mr. Kennedy wellness policy violation), it seems that Lucha Underground are making the campaign towards cashing in a little more unpredictable as opposed to the cash-in itself!

This week’s episode starts with Black Lotus looking determined, sweaty and unamused.

A badass combo. A suited-up Dario Cueto walks into her chamber and tells her that he had hoped her being locked up next to Matanza would have allowed her to change her mind at seeking revenge. After Lotus delivers a gorgeous martial arts kick to a lighbulb, Dario then throws a major spanner in the works, explaining that his brother was not the one who killed Black Lotus’ parents, it was in fact El Dragon Azteca.

OH EM GEE.

I’m not sure whether to believe this plot twist and neither does Black Lotus. Dario says that whilst the truth hurts, it could also set you free, all whilst pointing to his key that opens his brother’s cage. This was soapy, dramatic and all kinds of crazy and I loved it. So much history and backstory has led to… next week. Boo! The segment closes with Black Lotus punching a wall repeatedly. It certainly foreshadowed that perhaps she will be smashing her way to freedom. We’ll find out next week.

Next up, it is time for Ivelisse & Co to defend their tag team titles. Death in the form of Catrina, Barrio Negro, El Siniestro de la Muerte and Trece. I for the life of me cannot remember the Disciples’ names and have to google them every damn time!

Barrio Negro goes after Ivelisse first, hoisting her to his shoulders. Honestly, this looks weak. I know Ivelisse needs protecting yet the whole situation is just not believable. Ivelisse is knocked down on the outside and attacked with her crutch. At least Ivelisse is still giving it her all and allowing a hardcore edge to her matches despite her injury. Ivelisse soon uses the crutch back at Barrio, choking him with it on the arena floor.

Later, I see the most illogical thing ever. Instead of working over Ivelisse’s injured leg to make her submit, El Siniestro applies a stretch muffler to Ivelisse’s OTHER leg. Ok then. Thankfully, business picks up female-wise shortly after as Ivelisse and Catrina face off in the ring. Like the baddest bitch that she is, Ivelisse tosses her crutches aside, hits an armdrag and then starts pummeling Catrina! Catrina manages to get on top of Ivelisse soon after and she proceeds to smash her head in with the Stone of Death!

I LOVE THAT WOMAN. Just putting that one out there.

With that, Catrina raises the stone and Barrio Negro pins a battered Ivelisse to win the belts. I love that the DoD keep attacking their opponents after the match. These lads are brutal! Adding insult to injury, Catrina mounts Ivelisse and delivers a golden lick of death.

Finally, a determind El Dragon Azteca has finally made it to the temple after about two months of travlling from his training ground to the temple. Couldn’t he have called an Uber cab? Anywho, a random hooded figure tries to stop El Dragon from entering, yet he is having none if it. He said he may die trying to help Black Lotus, yet at least he will live on. You’re not that legendary mate. Who does he think he is? A Diva Dirt Legacy Award winner he is not!

Thoughts: The first half of my prediction was right – Catrina steered her boys to success and clobbered Ivelisse with a rock so that the Disciples of Death could bring one championship to Beyond the Grave. Whilst Ivelisse’s injury has sadly destroyed her title run in terms of the wrestling side of things, it did make for great storytelling when she had the staredown with Catrina and threw her crutches to one side ready for a throwdown. That exchange was fantastic I thought.

As for the match, Ivelisse was so limited so I really can’t comment too much. She sold everything really well, yet she unfortunately was unable to perform much. Obvious high spots to what was just an ok match (sorry about it) included Barrio Negro’s unique spinning slam to Angelico, Angelico been back dropped onto the crowd seating and of course, Angelico’s dive was insane. It appears Angelico is talented then.

Despite the injury, LU was right to leave the belts on Ivelisse’s team and build a story around Ivelisse overcoming injury at various points. To strip their first Trios Champs would have been a mistake. It wasn’t a mistake for them to lose the titles now though. It happened at a big event and there’s only so many times we can watch a two-on-three match over and over. Obviously limited action here that top-notch imagery and storytelling made up for.

After a few stagnant weeks, boy did Black Lotus’ story pick up another gear. I am so intrigued to figure our Matanza actually is and what Black Lotus is going to do. Will she have a bout of Stockholm Syndrome and actually enjoy her captive life and believe Dario? I personally don’t think El Dragon will have killed Black Lotus’ parents and Dario’s confession was just a red herring, yet I am so glad that the writers went in this direction. I never expected it and it makes me that more excited for the season finale.

Speaking of that season finale, we have so much to look forward to. Sexy Star will be in seven-way action (that’s my kind of party!), Black Lotus’ quest for revenge comes to an almighty conclusion, Catrina will lead Mil Muertes to potential championship glory, and who knows, maybe the Paparazzi will show up? ;)

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (July 29th, 2015): Catrina Introduces Ivelisse to the Stone of Death appeared first on Diva Dirt.

HOLY LUCHA! How amazing was Ultima Lucha? As much as WWE’s Divas Revolution is hot right now, Lucha Underground is the modern day trailblazer for a revolution in women’s wrestling on a televised sports entertainment product. Last night’s season finale certainly did not disappoint, with appearances from Black Lotus, Catrina, Ivelisse, Melissa Santos, Sexy Star and, of course, the debuting MELINA PEREZ! That’s right, the Princess of Paparazzi is back, and all of the headlines are once again about her.

In short, Black Lotus killed someone and Melina slayed everyone. A truly captivating two-hour epic broadcast. Let’s get into the action.

Our first notable female sighting comes towards the end of the opening match of Ultima Lucha Week 2, a match that saw bitter rivals Johnny Mundo and Alberto El Patron square off. I don’t know what it is about Alberto, yet I absolutely love him as a face and strongly dislike him as a heel. His recent work has massively impressed me and I normally root for heels!

Alberto had already applied his patented cross-armbreaker to Mundo, yet managed to apply it a second time, draping over the top rope in this instance. Out of nowhere, Johnny’s on-off lady friend, Melina Perez rushes from the backstage area and into the infamous temple. The former two-time WWE Divas and three-time WWE Women’s Champion grabbed Alberto’s AAA Mega Championship from the ringside area, and she clobbers him right in the face with the title! She then picks Alberto up, throws him back in the ring and into the path of The End of the World, Johnny’s finishing move. Mundo steals a win, and it was all down to Ms Perez!

The crowd are split (get it?) as the former MNM members make-out in the ring. Alberto is enraged having lost the match, and he breaks up the love-dovey scenario. He throws Mundo the outside as Melina screams like only she can from the apron. Alberto sends Johnny through the glass panel on a door, splitting him open big time. Melina charges at El Patron, delivering a major bitch slap. Alberto responds with some slaps of his own, several straight to Melina’s tush – she just got spanked! Alberto celebrates with his AAA Title as Melina spits venom at him whilst attending to Johnny’s crimson mask.

That one is most definitely far from over. Melina is back on my TV and I couldn’t be happier! Aztec Gods, I salute you.

The next Luchadora whose story continues is Black Lotus, the woman who has endured around about 347,528 twists and turns throughout this season. She has had a season long storyline despite not actually wrestling a match.

Her trainer El Dragon Azteca arrives in her cell room to help her escape, yet Dario Cueto shows up, telling El Dragon that he is going nowhere. Last week, Dario broke the news to Lotus that his brother Matanza was in fact not the man who slayed her parents years ago like she had thought, it as in fact El Dragon Azteca, the man that saved her from being killed by Matanza when she returned to the temple for revenge. And so are the Days of Our Lives…

Black Lotus chose which side of the story she believed this week, and she is seen murdering El Dragon on the spot. Oh my god. Dario frees Lotus, and she tells him that she won’t be going anywhere with him. She got the retribution she wanted, and that’s that. Dario says that her actions will have major repercussions from Mexico, and that he is the only man who can save her. He says that they need to leave and start a new elsewhere… and Matanza is coming with them. Dario unlocks the monster’s cage, was this a trap all along?

CLIFFHANGER! Until later in the episode. Phew!

We’re back in the ring for our next segment, the only match of this week’s portion of Ultima Lucha to feature a female in action. Sexy Star is participating in a seven-way match for the Gift of the Gods Championship, a belt that acts like WWE’s Money in the Bank mixed with TNA’s Ultimate X ‘Option C’. Whoever is in possession of the belt can cash it in for a shot at the Lucha Underground Title one week later. If they don’t cash it in quick enough though, they could be forced to defend their prize!

Entrances are cut (due to most of the roster being in the actual match) as Sexy faces off with Aerostar, Bengala, Big Ryck, Fenix, Jack Evans and King Cuerno.

Sexy goes after Bengala to start off the match, knocking him into the corner with a dropkick. Big Ryck then tosses her out of the ring though. Her and Ryck definitely have some beef as it isn’t the first time they’ve crossed paths. Ryck teases diving to the outside, yet all of the combatants charge back in the ring and beat on Ryck. Sexy hits a leg drop on Ryck, yet it isn’t long before he’s dumped her out again.

Later, Sexy stomps at Bengala before traversing to the top rope. She dives onto the “Endangered Species” but gets kicked in the bits! Oh dear. Ryck then picks her up and gorilla presses her onto Jack Evans outside the ring.

After some more male-orientated action, Sexy looks set to jump over the top rope to the floor. However, she turns around into Marty ‘The Moth’ Martinez, she creepy, psychotic super-fan turned wrestler who Sexy made tap to win the medallion that qualified her for this match. Sexy hits her submission on Marty again and then he creeps out Melissa Santos by getting way too far up into her grill. She pulls off a hilarious expression and will most likely want a shower after that scenario.

Sexy recovers from her ordeal with the unhinged Martinez, and nails a diving crossbody onto Fenix, Aerostar and Evans, just after Aerostar had hit an incredible 20-foot dive! She then hits a rough diving hurricanrana on Big Ryck after being roughed up by him. King Cuerno crosses paths with her shortly after and he obliterates her with the Thrill of the Hunt.

Just when I had counted Sexy out, she returns a few minutes later, breaking up a pinfall attempt. She then goes for her very own unique pin on Aerostar yet Ryck breaks it up. The one-eyed ogre then utterly destroys Sexy with a Ryck Bottom, his variation on the Saito Suplex. Sexy doesn’t get back up again, and Fenix wins the match following a devastating Fire Driver (sit-out Tombstone) on Jack Evans.

Up next, Catrina is all leathered up as she accompanied Mil Muertes for his Lucha Underground Championship match against Prince Puma. Mil hit a sick top-rope Flatliner to win the title, and Catrina showcased a chilling Lick of Death to the first-ever LU Champ. Catrina, Mil and the Disciples of Death end the broadcast by posing with the Stone of Death and all of Lucha Underground’s titles. The Era of Death has begun!

Finally, most of Lucha Underground’s main characters are seen leaving the temple, with storylines and partnerships teased for next season. Black Lotus and Dario Cueto are seen grabbing all of the cash from his office before driving away to ensure that any brewed trouble doesn’t find them… yet. Maybe Dario wasn’t playing Lotus after all, as the two of them drive away together, along with Matanza in a box on the back. He pokes his masked face out from the side of the truck, and his identity has (kind of) been finally revealed. Lotus & The Cuetos has quite the ring to it. Maybe they should start a band?

Ivelisse’s future is also teased. We see that her tag partner Angelico has a motorbike of his own now and Son of Havok promises to win back the Trios Tag Team Titles. Havok and Ivelisse’s “Will they, won’t they?” relationship is also teased as continuing as the pair ride off on a Harley together.

Sexy Star’s season one send-off isn’t as jubilant though. She is seen tied up from head to toe in rope, as a maniacal Marty Martinez laughs at her under a swinging light. Very Joker-esque. Sexy screams in anger as Marty teases that he can’t wait for Sexy to meet his sister! The suggestion that a new Luchadora will be debuted come Season Two is a fantastic way for the current series to draw to a close. A fantastically edited shot of Dario leaving the temple as the lights are turned off plays and the TV show that become a highlight of my life has come to an end for now.

Thoughts: I just want to take this time to congratulate the entire team behind Lucha Underground for creating by far the most intriguing and refreshing wrestling product that I have ever seen. The over-the-top and gripping storylines, high-end camera work and editing plus the incredible in-ring action have combined together to create an utterly superb season of television.

The debut of Melina was a euphoric highlight of the night for me. Melina has always been one of my favourites, and I have longed for her to make a televised return to wrestling. Now that she is back, it is like she has never been away. She is a deliciously heelish ball of charisma and I cannot wait to see her mix it up in Season Two. She has already been shown as fearless, gritty, spirited and fearless in only a few minutes of TV time and I can’t wait to see her status as a game-changer continue to evolve. She has debuted a major player and I can’t wait to see how her game unfolds when LU returns. The trash-talking, camera-loving, leg-splitting, gold-winning, primal-screaming, California-dreaming bitch is back!

Black Lotus’ storyline also ended in an incredibly surprising fashion. This is a woman who I believe has had one of the best ever debut storylines ever created in wrestling. Despite not actually wrestling, she has had a one-of-a-kind story this season, one that has even involved other characters who never wrestled, whom she subsequently murdered! Her type of storyline is simply unheard of in wrestling, and it has been a pleasure to watch the soap-opera like twists and turns unfold. She has had such an impact that now her actions have caused for the setting of Season Two to seemingly change completely. Whoever wrote this storyline should get a major pay rise as Black Lotus has had one of the most fascinating backstories that I have ever witnessed in wrestling. I absolutely cannot wait to see how her allegiance with The Cuetos steps up next season.

The hint at the second ever woman versus woman match in Lucha Underground between Sexy Star and Marty Martinez’s sister is also a fantastic development and a juicy cliffhanger. Hard to believe that there has been only a sole one-on-one match between two women this season yet it just shows how the company treat their women. They are just as powerful and important as the men, whether in the ring or in managerial positions that influence the storylines greatly.

Who do I think will debut as Marty’s sister? It honestly could be anyone, yet what if it is Melissa Anderson? She had a dark match at one of the Lucha Underground tapings so the bookers must be interested in bringing her in. She has dark eyes and hair like Marty, so she could certainly make a believable sister for him. If she is as deranged as him too, then that will be a whole new character for her to take on and miles away from Cheerleader Melissa, Alissa Flash and Raisha Saaed. Now I’m going to be gutted if it isn’t her! Whoever the Lucha team choose, I’m sure I won’t be disappointed.

All-in-all, Lucha Underground has been a resounding success, and I am really going to miss recapping it for Diva Dirt. I hope that anyone who has read my Analyses has enjoyed them and will drop back by for Season Two. Whilst not yet confirmed, Catrina did tweet me to say that Season Two is on the cards.

I live in hope! Until that day arrives, I’ll see you for the Raw Redux every Tuesday. Goodbye for now Lucha fans!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (August 5th, 2015): Melina Makes a Mega Debut appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Move over Christmas Day – last night was the most anticipated night of the year as Lucha Underground returned – and it was even more crazily refreshing than ever! Three luchadoras showed their faces last night, once of whom has much greater responsibilities than ever before. The Mistress of Macabre, Catrina is now in charge and Beyoncé would be proud. WHO RUN THE TEMPLE? Catrina.

Whilst Cat still has a serious bloodlust, she is all about giving opportunities too, presenting one of the more major ones of the night to Ivelisse. The former Trios Tag Team Champion had to square off against her partners for a shot at the Lucha Underground Title. If she won, the title match facing Mil Muertes would be later on that night. Talk about high stakes for a season première!

Melissa Santos was also back conducting ring announcing duties and Black Lotus also made a return, albeit outside of the temple. Still seemingly on the run with Matanza and Dario Cueto after she murdered El Dragon Azteca, she tried to lure some new victims into Matanza’s clutches. So not only did she murder someone in Season One, she is now setting up murderous activity in Season Two. Delightful!

Let’s get into what was a superb first episode back. Make sure you watch the intro to the show featuring Vampiro and Matt Striker too – possibly the most bad-ass movie-style element I’ve ever seen in a wrestling product.

Liker all good authority figures, Catrina is our first female in the spotlight:

The temple’s office is now glamorously mystic, but of course, open for business as usual. Catrina showcases both her leniency and ruthlessness in her opening encounter – a conversation with Fenix. The temple’s Proprietor says she will let Fenix cash in his Gift of the Gods Championship next week but only if he can successfully defend it tonight against King Cuerno. She masterfully offered up an opportunity, only to practically take it away. Still as sinister and sultry as ever – love her!

After Fenix loses his title to Cuerno, we see Ivelisse, Son of Havoc and Angelico arrive at the temple:

Catrina is there to greet them, and she presents an opportunity. She says that Mil wants the three of them to face off. As a reward for going at it with each other, he will face the winner… tonight. The trio reluctantly agree knowing what is at stake. Ivelisse says that once she’s got the title, she’s coming for Catrina. Yes. PLEASE.

Before the triple threat takes place, Catrina is seen explaining what is about to go down to ring announcer, Melissa:

But of course, Catrina couldn’t just give Melissa information. She had to meander over to her, stroke her and suggestively whisper. She has this character absolutely down. WWE were so dumb to let her go.

With introductions over (and Ivelisse getting the final entrance no less!), the match begins. Angelico tries to pin Ivelisse early on, but she is quick to kick out and shrug it off. She hits a seated crucifix pin to try and get the win for herself, much to the delight of crowd, impressed by all three combatants.

Ivelisse has no time for Angelico’s Justin Bieber-looking antics during a potential test of strength and she chops Angelico and slaps the living hell out of Son of Havoc. The baddest bitch is well and truly back in the building! Ivelisse then decks Angelico with a simply stunning hurricanrana but he absolutely obliterates her with a running knee shortly after.

After a brief time out of the match, Ivelisse dives back in crossbody style, keeping Angelico down for a two count. Miss Velez’s turns her attention to her ex immediately after, chopping him before hitting 10 lightning-like kicks. Despite that great flurry of offence, it isn’t long before Havoc gets his own back, snapping her with a backbreaker before darting on top of her on the outside.

Ivelisse is seen shortly afterwards, thwarting Son of Havoc’s attempt at his finisher. TBBITB rolls up Angelico in a La Magistral fashion… and shocks herself by getting the win! Coming up in the main event, Ivelisse will be the first woman to challenge for the Lucha Underground title – WOW!

After the break, we see Black Lotus “help” three guys in a car who are looking for directions:

They have heard of an underground fight club called The Temple. Whether tricking them into thinking they are headed to the Lucha Underground arena, or if she is just taking them to what they believe is just any normal illegal fighting ring they have heard of, you can bet cut-throat intentions are on her mind. If Lotus and Cueto really have set up a place where they can lead Lucha Underground fans to a grisly fate, then that is wickedly sadistic.

Back in the actual temple, Ivelisse is staring down Mil Muertes, her attention gravitating towards him. Out of nowhere, Catrina appears, and she beckons the Disciples of Death. The callous collective ambush Ivelisse’s friends, leaving her alone in a dark, dark situation. Gulp.

Ivelisse gives it all she has in the opening moments, kicking Mil and dishing out world-record speed forearms. It simply has no effect on him, and he clubs her to the mat. Catrina looks on cackling as Mil hits a backbreaker – a move targeting a part of Ivelisse’s body that was weakened earlier in the night. Well done Matt Striker for highlighting that! He knows how to perfectly tell a story over at the announce booth. Fantastic commentator!

The Man of 1000 Deaths gets barely roughed up by Ivelisse before he tosses her like a rag doll. Picking up her up by her throat, his next weapon of choice is a hard boot to the chest. The challenger fires back with a chokehold, but Mil applies a submission of his own – a huge bearhug. After throwing her to waste, Mil chokes Ivelisse again. This time around, our challenger applies a brief triangle choke! Mil lifts Ive into a powerbomb position, but the scrappy contender elbows him in his actual temple (see what I did there?) before draping him over the top rope with an armbar!

After the hold is broken via vicious knees to Ivelisse’s ribcage, Mil is clutching at his wrist, the joint that Striker points out is the weakest in the body. Realising she has a major chance, Velez takes to the top rope. Throwing caution to the wind, Ivelisse send Mil crashing to the mat with a sensational spinning DDT!

1… 2… NO!

Mil kicks out at the last second after what was a believable display of offence from Ivelisse. The crowd are totally pumped as the first ever female champion in Lucha Underground tries to think of her next move, a play that could make her the first two-time champion! Before Ivelisse can capitalise, Catrina enters the ring, and Ivelisse grasps her throat. Ive then jolts out of harm’s way, leading Mil to spear Catrina! Ivelisse hits a schoolboy and…

1… 2… NO!

The believers are on their feet as Ivelisse was just a whisker away from a historic win. Ivelisse charges at Mil, but the champion is at the top of the ladder for a reason. She cripples her with a powerslam before sealing her fate with the Flatliner.

After the match, Catrina decides not to dish out the first Lick of Death of the season, as she wants Mil to inflict more damage. The Champion looks set to flatten Ivelisse again, but Prince Puma saves the day! He, Ivelisse and Catrina look on as all of a sudden, Pentagon Jr bolts to the ring. He hits a backstabber before BREAKING the arm of Muertes!

I need to catch my breath. That was so much epic.

Before I can gather my thoughts, Black Lotus closes the show to throw a spanner in the works:

She and the three gents from earlier greet Dario Cueto, who says that they can fight tonight for $20 a piece. Before entering “The Temple”, one of the men asks why “the chick is here”. Black Lotus’s fist to his crotch and elbow to the nose let him know loud and clear. Despite that, he and his friends enter the building. Judging by the painful sounding groans coming from inside, I doubt those boys will be venturing back out.

Thoughts: What a way to start the series! The beautiful blend of genius cinematography, outstanding in-ring action, kick-ass characters and other-worldly storylines make Lucha Underground the most captivating wrestling product on the planet. In terms of a Diva Dirt standpoint specifically, what a breath of fresh it is to see not only a female authority figure dominating the episode, but to see a woman wrestle a man in the main event and another female but the mots interesting character in wrestling history.

Let’s start with Black Lotus. She really is the most interesting character ever developed in wrestling. She has gone from a woman avenging her parents death like Batman to living long enough to see herself become the villain. She was unknowingly trained by the man who murdered her parents, and is now tainted by that tutelage. Instead of heading down the right path, she is helping orchestrate murders. She is stood in the exact same spot that El Dragon did for all of those years, knowing he killed her parents. She has now allowed someone else’s family members to die. That definitely makes her a heel. She’s a total anti-hero, but a heel nonetheless.

Random note relating to the aforementioned Black Lotus segments, who knew wrestling companies could hire guest actors who can actually act? Take note WWE (random lawyers) and TNA (Claire Lynch). Sorry to tarnish this recap with that last reference guys! I surprise myself sometimes.

As for Ivelisse’s performances, I thought she did fantastic. She is defiant and doesn’t take kindly to messing around, which are such cool qualities. The booking of her was really relatable and realistic too, something that Lucha Underground gets right each and every time. Women can hang with the men, but most of them cannot realistically go head-to-head with them in the way that mean would. Instead of being unrealistic or disrespectful to women by having men squash them, LU treats its females as intelligent forces to be reckoned with that think outside the books and exceed expectations. Through moves like her slick hurricanrana and impactful DDT, Ivelisse showcases those traits tremendously.

As for Catrina, not one negative can be uttered about her. She is scintillating and captivating, and her dangerousness matches up to her deliciousness. Superb performances from Karlee tonight.

Bring on next week. What with many new female competitors teased, I can’t wait for them to tear it up!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (January 27th, 2016): Ivelisse Bags a Golden Opportunity appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Each Friday, The Wrap will wrap up the week in women’s wrestling by compiling the week’s smaller news stories, rumors and gossip – anything not normally covered by Diva Dirt. Got a tip for next week? Send it in.

Here’s this week’s roundup, in no particular order:

* Charlotte and Sasha Banks play dodgeball in the latest episode of WWE Game Night. The WWE has also published a video giving fans a 360 degree view of the game. (Video 1, Video 2)

* Aliyah reportedly had to be helped to the back after her match with Liv Morgan at last Friday’s NXT live event. (Wrestling Inc)

* TMZ Sports caught up with Stephanie McMahon and Triple H to ask them about their midnight workouts. (YouTube)

* Charlotte and Ric Flair filled out March Madness brackets for ESPN’s Tournament Challenge. (YouTube)

* Gail Kim is now the longest reigning Knockouts Champion of all time. (Instagram)

* Lana has launched her “Sisters” webseries, having posted its premiere episode last week. (YouTube)

* WWE Network cameras filmed Becky Lynch as she put on a performance art show last Sunday. This footage will air on the second season of Swerved. (Twitter, Wrestling Inc)

* Sasha Banks recently spoke to Guide Live about competing at WrestleMania 32, Orlando hosting WrestleMania 33 and more. (Guide Live)

* Renee Young and Stephanie McMahon represented the WWE at last weekend’s SXSW. (Twitter)

* Mick Foley and his daughter Noelle are set to star in a new comedy series for the WWE Network. (Wrestling Inc)

* Xavier Woods’s UpUpDownDown channel has posted a behind the scenes video from the WWE Game Night dodgeball game. (YouTube)

* Alicia Fox and Brie Bella star in a new WrestleMania-themed Snickers ad. (Twitter)

* Trish Stratus praises Jacqueline’s WWE Hall of Fame induction in a new post to her official website. (TrishStratus.com)

* Chyna recently spoke to CBS Sports radio about why she thinks she could be inducted in the WWE Hall of Fame. (Wrestling Inc)

* Kaitlyn graces the cover of the next issue of Iron Man Magazine, which will hit newsstands at the end of the month. (Twitter)

* Brie Bella recently spoke to OK Magazine about retiring from wrestling and when she’ll start a family with Daniel Bryan. (OK Magazine)

* Eve Torres is the new ambassador for vision correction company Visian ICL. (YouTube)

* AJ Lee is featured in the WWE’s latest Five Things video, which highlights competitors that are undefeated at WrestleMania. (YouTube)

* Natalya recently took part in a Q&A for BuzzFeed. (BuzzFeed)

* Title Match Wrestling recently spoke to Catrina, Ivelisse and Melissa Santos about Lucha Underground. (Video 1, Video 2, Video 3)

* Nikki Bella continues to train for her return to the ring in a new video posted by the WWE. (YouTube)

* Alicia Fox recently spoke to Channel Guide Magazine about her career longevity, the future of the Divas division and more. (Channel Guide Magazine)

* Natalya talks to Brie and Nikki Bella about her family photoshoot and Rosa Mendes vents to her boyfriend about his trip to Vegas in this week’s Total Divas bonus clips. (Video 1, Video 2)

Got a tip for next week? Send it in.

The post The Wrap (March 18th, 2016): News from the Week in Women’s Wrestling appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Lucha Underground

According to Wrestling News Post, WWE has their eyes on one of Lucha Underground’s very own, Melissa Santos.

It appears that the most prominent idea that has been pitched is for the Luchadora to be the personal ring announcer for former United States champion Alberto Del Rio.

However, as Santos is currently signed to Lucha Underground, WWE may find some issues with snatching the star from the Lucha world.

Do you want to see Melissa in WWE? How do you feel about her potential role? Let us know your views in the comments below!

The post WWE Interested in Lucha Underground Star? appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Boom! Studios

Each week, The Wrap will wrap up the week in women’s wrestling by compiling the week’s smaller news stories, rumors and gossip – anything not normally covered by Diva Dirt. Got a tip for next week? Send it in.

* BOOM! Studios debuts Sasha Banks cover for WWE’s new Comic Series. (Comicbook.com)

* Sexy Star took to Facebook to thank fans for their support throughout her wrestling career as she begins her career in boxing. (Facebook)

* Summer Rae sat down with Good Celebrity to discuss her character, being a positive role model and her family’s DTM Foundation charity work. (Good Celebrity)

* What Culture Pro Wrestling has announced the launch of their women’s division with a match featuring Bea Priestley squaring off against Nixon Newell. (YouTube)

* Charly Caruso co-hosts her first NXT Live Event. (YouTube)

* Summer Rae earned a spot in WWE’s list of “Unbelievable NXT Origins”. (WWE.com)

* Ring Talkk reports that Paige is “major heat” for tweeting to beau Alberto Del Rio during SmackDown’s taping Tuesday night. (Ring Talkk)

* WWE Fan Council released a survey for 21 different potential ideas for WWE Network programming, including a reality show following The Miz and Maryse, a female talent search hosted by WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita and “Total NXT”, which follows six female NXT Superstars journey. (Wrestling INC)

* McKenzie Mitchell breakdowns this week’s Impact Wrestling and previews next week’s Destination X special. (Video 1) (Video 2)

* Eva Marie has uploaded a new make up video tutorial. (YouTube)

* Reddit has compiled a list of total in-ring time of WWE’s Women’s division for the first half of 2016. (Reddit)

* Becky Lynch will take part in this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International. (WWE.com)

*Catrina and Melissa Santos will also be at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con International signing autographs at the Entertainment Earth Booth. (Twitter)

* This week’s Women of Honor match features Mandy Leon against Hania. (YouTube)

The post The Wrap (July 8th, 2016): News from the week in women’s wrestling appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Lucha Underground

On last night’s Lucha Underground mid-season finale Sexy Star, Catrina, and Mariposa were the focus of brief vignettes that highlighted things to come for our luchadoras in the Temple.

Up first, after Cage demolishes newcomer Veneno, Sexy Star rushes out to attack Veneno. She accuses him of planting those spiders and messing with her head!

Life Lessons: Don't spit in the wind, don't tug on Superman's cape and don't plant spiders around Sexy Star's gear #LuchaUnderground

— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) January 12, 2017

Then shortly after this, Prince Puma trains for a showdown with Mil Muretes. He’s obviously distressed, thinking about Vampiro and his previous Grave Consequences Match. Catrina appears and talks to him about the voices he now hears since being resurrected.

She says it’s never the same after you die and she hears the voices too. 

Prince Puma is in a darker place #LuchaUnderground

— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) January 12, 2017

Closing out the show is Marty “The Moth” Martinez as he stalks his next victim, Melissa Santos. However, someone gets to him first. As the lights turn back on, it’s Mariposa who has turned the tables on this insect!

Lucha Underground is expected to return sometime this Summer.

#LuchaUnderground will return with New Episodes – SUMMER 2017 pic.twitter.com/UfaTU0KZTH

— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) January 12, 2017

However, in the mean time, LU is promoting a collection of greatest hits that will air next week and possibly every Wednesday until the show returns:

WEDNESDAYS Relive some of the most heart-pounding, gut-wrenching death-defying GREATEST HITS of #LuchaUnderground 8 pm ET on @ElReyNetwork! pic.twitter.com/9T0BqKtzZ2

— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) January 12, 2017

Keep your eyes on this space for upcoming Lucha Underground news, including the mid-season premiere date. Episodes can be purchased on iTunes.

What did you think of last night’s episode? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Sexy Star continues to hunt for her stalker on the mid-season finale of Lucha Underground appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Melissa Santos/imdb..com

Though Lucha Underground is on hiatus until the summer, ring announcer Melissa Santos is keeping busy, appearing on the new season of The Celebrity Apprentice.  TVInsider caught up with Santos to talk about her role on the show, discuss how she got into ring announcing, her role in Season 3 of LU and more.

Highlights from the interview are below: 

On being cast as the Boardroom Secretary on the show: “It wasn’t something that came about easily, because the people at Celebrity Apprentice didn’t believe I could maybe tone it down. They saw that I could be a bit over-the-top on Lucha Underground, and my dresses were a little bit sexier there. I sat in one of their pre-tapings, and it worked out. I could talk forever about the men and women who were some pretty brilliant people. I enjoyed working with them. It’s so sad to watch them at times in the boardroom situation. I was so emotionally involved, but I couldn’t say anything. I wanted to pat them on the back and feel for them.”

On how she became a ring announcer:  “I can’t really say I specifically looked at a particular ring announcer to study. I did do my research. I looked at Howard Finkel and Lilian Garcia, who is beloved in WWE and has such a long career there. I watched the way they worked. I looked at them and thought, ‘This is the way it’s supposed to be as far as diction goes. However, I wanted to do it my own way.’It wasn’t a purposeful thing. I just allowed myself to do what felt right for me. I made sure there was an excitement I was going to create for the audience. I wanted to make it unique for each announcement.”

On being contacted by the WWE: “It was for something completely different. It was not something I wanted to do. I like what I’m doing at Lucha Underground, and whatever they were offering me wasn’t anything I would enjoy like I do at Lucha Underground. Also, I’m an actress, so contracts are a little bit tight there. They can be a bit controlling. I want to do movies. I want to do other things and branch out. Lucha Underground allows me to do that. I’m happy where I’m at.”

On her excitement for the rest of Season 3 of LU to air: “I can’t wait to continue the storyline that you guys see evolving, That is what is beautiful about Lucha Underground and what sets it apart from any product out there. Ring announcer jobs are really important, but people aren’t usually there to see the ring announcer. Now the show has given me this place and allowed me to build a foundation with the fans. They are probably the reason I’m in a storyline right now, because they follow me. It’s because of them that maybe the producers and writers thought, ‘Why not give her a storyline?’ I don’t think that would have happened in any other promotion.”

Go here to read the full interview.

What do you think about her role on LU? Will you be watching The New Celebrity Apprentice? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Lucha Underground’s Melissa Santos talks about her role on The New Celebrity Apprentice appeared first on Diva Dirt.

ShopImpact.com

Each week, The Backpage will wrap up some of the smaller news stories, rumors, editorials and gossip making the rounds in women’s wrestling. Got a tip for next week? Send it in.

* Pre-orders for new “Team Allie” T-shirts are available up on ShopImpact.com. (ShopImpact.com)

* ProWrestling.com examines some of the missteps in Bayley‘s booking since joining the main roster. (ProWrestling.com)

* Wrestling DVD Network reports that a new Charlotte Flair documentary 3-disc DVD set is in the works for release in late 2017 through 2018. (Wrestling DVD Network)

* WWE releases NXT interviewer Andrea D’Marco. (Squared Circle Sirens)

* Carmella chats with Steve Migs & AJ Francis to discuss being called up to main roster and WrestleMania 33. (YouTube)

* Taya, Melissa Santos and Johnny Mundo speak with Bust to discuss the representation of women displayed on Lucha Underground. (Bust.com)

* Squared Circle Sirens lists names, photos and information on women participating in this week’s WWE tryouts being held in Dubai. (Squared Circle Sirens)

* Cageside Seats looks at the absence of Becky Lynch and why she may not be so quick to assist Charlotte Flair. (Cageside Seats)

* Netflix’s upcoming GLOW series releases a new trailer. (Twitter)

* Impact Wrestling President Ed Nordholm tells Pro Wrestling Sheet that the blowout between The Jarretts and Bob Ryder during last week’s set of television tapings was “resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.” (Pro Wrestling Sheet)

* While no official injury had been announced, a group photo shows Ember Moon‘s arm was seen in a sling, indicating there was indeed a legit injury during the last set of NXT tapings. (Wrestling INC)

* WWE is now trying to turn Charlotte Flair babyface to become the lead on SmackDown Live. (Cageside Seats)

* Vickie Guerrero reflects back on her WWE career on Alundra Blayze‘s Full Throttle Podcast. (Sound Cloud)

The post Week ending April 29th, 2017 appeared first on Diva Dirt.

The Cueto Cup continues on tonight’s Lucha Underground and our Luchadoras enter the fray as Mariposa faces off against Fenix.

Lucha Underground has released a preview for tonight’s episode:

“Get ready for another action packed round of the Cueto Cup in this week’s “Lucha Underground.” Tensions run high and emotions get hot this Wednesday, June 21st at 8:00pm ET on El Rey Network as Marty “The Moth” Martinez’s obsession with Melissa Santos resumes. Outside the ring, Rey Mysterio and Johnny Mundo prepare for the ultimate match, but only one can be left standing. Don’t miss new one-hour episodes of the lucha libre wrestling series from Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Burnett Wednesdays at 8:00PM ET on El Rey Network.”

LU also released a video clip hyping Mariposa and Fenix’s matchup:

Lucha Underground airs tonight at 8 pm ET on the El Rey Network. Episodes can also be purchased on iTunes and Seasons One and Two are available on Netflix.

Are you excited for this match up? What else do you want to see during tonight’s show? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Mariposa takes on Fenix tonight as the Cueto Cup continues appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Lucha Underground

Welcome back to the Temple this week, Believers! The Cueto Cup continues this week and so does the twisted relationship between the Martinez siblings.

The first half of the season left us with a glimpse of Mariposa turning on her brother, who as we know likes to stalk and torture his victims. His latest infatuation is with Melissa Santos.

This week’s episode opens up with Melissa and Fenix innocently flirting while Marty “The Moth” Martinez creeps in the background:

Melissa approaches Fenix, who says he wants to win the whole tournament. Melissa says, she’ll bet on it and he responds by promising to win the tournament for her. Marty looks on from an abandoned building.

Later on in the show Marty defeats Saltador in a first round Cueto Cup match. After the match we’re taken backstage to Marty’s abode as he stands in a room with a bunch of pictures of Melissa pasted on the wall. He takes a picture of her out of his tights and talks to it. He then licks it. He starts smelling makeup and sees Mariposa in a compact mirror.

Mariposa walks in the room and asks “Do you remember what father taught us?” When Marty responds “Family always first,” she tells him that his lust for Melissa has made him week. She will be facing Fenix later and if victorious, it’ll be her versus her brother and she promises to hurt him.

He asks her if he remembers how they used to play? (what? I mean, things have always seemed off but, what?) and she slaps him across the face.

After that segment, Kobra Moon makes an appearance alongside Pindar. She commands him during the match when the bout comes close and taunts his opponent, laying in cheap shots when the ref’s back is turned. He defeats Mascarita Sagrada in the first round of the Cueto Cup.

We get to our main event of the night, which is Fenix vs Mariposa:

Mariposa comes out to a chorus of boos from the crowd while Fenix is met with support. Commentary puts over his triple crown status, the first ever to hold all three belts in the Temple.

Fenix shows good sportsmanship by extending his hand but Mariposa slaps it away. They square up but Fenix backs Mariposa into the corner. Mariposa comes back with clotheslines and attempts at kicks and strikes. He blocks them all.

Mariposa pushes him back and runs at him but she eats a dropkick in the jaw by Fenix. He comes at her but Mariposa kicks him repeatedly.

She forces him down with a tilt-a-whirl DDT and a drop kick. He rolls out of the ring. Mariposa comes after him with more kicks. She transitions into a huricanrana from the ring apron. She forces her boot in his face before rolling him into the ring.

She continues clubbing him down in the ring. Mariposa remains in control with a wheelbarrow slingshot maneuver off the ropes but Fenix won’t stay down. She makes him run the ropes but Fenix comes back with a release German Suplex.

She rises to her feet as Fenix primes himself for a super kick. She stretches out her hand to stop him and he hesitates before kicking the side of her face. He covers her but she refuses to give up.

Fenix gains control of the match and raises Mariposa up for a powerbomb. Mariposa reverses it into a sunset flip powerbomb instead! They start trading blows again and Mariposa rolls out of the ring to collect herself. Fenix goes for a 619 but Mariposa avoids it with a kick to his gut.

Mariposa goes up for a monkey flip but Fenix reverses it and they fight on the turnbuckle. Fenix hits her in the face. He sets her up for another high risk maneuver but Mariposa avoids it. She goes for a crossbody off the top rope but Fenix catches her. He stuns her with a Fenix driver for the win.

Marty comes out after the bout and attacks Fenix. Fenix wards off the Martinez siblings to end the show as Melissa blows him a kiss.

Thoughts: I enjoyed how this episode revolved around the siblings. When we last left off the earlier part of the season, Marty and Mariposa had moved on from Sexy Star and cracks were showing in their relationship. I am glad they are moving forward with such continuity.

This new feud with Fenix is giving rise to more character progression for him, which is a good thing. He’s always been a paper thin character, in my opinion, despite having quite the run. He was briefly chosen by Catrina in Season One as her champion but I’m glad we’ve moved away from that all together. The pairing with Melissa also gives her some more vulnerabilities and deepens her role in the Temple.

Kobra Moon continues to kill it in her role and I’m really enjoying the hold she has on her tribe. She aces all the classic heel traits and it’s refreshing to see a woman with such control.

And the match between Fenix and Mariposa was solid. I was disappointed to see Mariposa lose. I think the next logical step for her character is to face her brother head on soon and this would have given her the opportunity to do so. However, I can also see LU wanting to slow burn it. Marty is definitely not done with Melissa and he’s not done creeping around the temple.

I do want to see Mariposa in action more often though. I get the feeling that we haven’t seen everything she has up her sleeve and involving her in other feuds in the Temple will serve her character well in developing her more. I have a feeling that she could turn herself around while keeping her sadistic tendencies. But, one of the things I like about LU is its ability to give us characters regardless of alignment so good or bad, shades of grey is always something to root for when viewing a character as a wholly developed, well written, entity.

Also, I want to point out props to the brand for having Mariposa vs Fenix as the main event and having it be the most natural thing ever. It always warms me to see the women make such an impact.

What did you think of last night’s episode? What do you want to see Mariposa do next? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (June 21st, 2017): So I creep appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Welcome to this week’s Lucha Underground review, believers! Last week Taya got involved in Sexy Star‘s Cueto Cup Match to help her Worldwide Underground comrade PJ Black.

This week Taya takes on Jeremiah Crane in a second round Cueto Cup match. Before the two meet in the ring, however, Taya issued this warning:

She promises Jeremiah that the Worldwide Underground will take over the tournament, any means necessary. She says she plans to do the same to him like she did to Ivelisse when she beat her at Ultima Lucha Dos.

Their match up is first on this week’s episode:

Taya makes quite the entrance as Jeremiah observes. The action starts off quick with Jeremiah rushing head first into her. Taya stops him in his tracks, yelling STOP! He looks at her and she smacks him across the face.

She poses for a second while Jeremiah brushes it off. He immediately sends her to the ground with a hard kick. She rolls out of the ring to collect herself and Jeremiah rushes headlong at her, knocking her down with a flying shoulder block.

Jeremiah clears out the first row as Taya lays on the chairs. He does a victory lap around the ring before hitting Taya with a cannonball into the chairs. Taya slowly tries to make it to her feet but Jeremiah grabs her first. He hoists her up but she scrambles off his shoulders and into the crowd. He starts crawling up the balcony but Taya starts pummeling him with blows.

He grabs her by the throat but she pokes him in the eyes. She continues hitting him and eventually he hurtles to the ground. She jumps off the balcony and hits Jeremiah with a cross body. She throws him back into the ring. She pounces on him and continues her assault with punches.

She runs at him in the corner but Jeremiah evades her, hits her hard in the face with his knee. She looks shocked as the camera pans in. Jeremiah looks at her with crazy in his eyes as he winds up for another hit but Taya kicks him right in the groin. She then runs at him with triple hits, her body, a clothesline and her knees.

She pins him but it’s not enough. She kicks him in the face several times, egging him to “come on!” He grabs her check but she start slapping him in the face and chest. He returns the fire. He pins her, but it’s not enough. She crawls to the corner as he gets ready to hit her again. He comes at her but she kicks him right in the jaw.

He screams no and punches the side of her face. He tries to pick her up but she balances on his shoulders again and hits a Canadian Destroyer. She goes up to the top rope but here comes Sexy Star!

Jeremiah takes advantage of the distraction, hitting Taya in the back. He kicks her in the face and buckle bombs her into the opposite corner. She reverses another attempt at a manevour with a surprise pin but it’s no dice.

Jeremiah kicks her in the face. He hits the Cranial Contusion to advance in the Cueto Cup. After the match Sexy Star walks into the ring, puts on brass knuckles, and knocks Taya out.

Later on in the show Catrina makes an appearance with Mil Muertes as he takes on Paul London. The Rabbit Tribe try to distract him but Mil didn’t come to play. He takes him out and Catrina delivers the lick of death after the match.

Famous B and Beautiful Brenda are up to no good as they continue to try and recruit Texano to their side.

Fenix then squares off against Marty “The Moth” Martinez. Mariposa interferes multiple times, but the final time she tries to attack Fenix with an “Aztec Pride” lunch box, Melissa Santos grabs the lunchbox to stop her. This leads to a pin fall.

However, after the match, Marty uses a fork from the lunchbox to attack Fenix as Mariposa holds back Melissa, making her watch the carnage.

Thoughts: I’m very disappointed that not one woman has advanced in the tournament now. However, I do appreciate how intense this match was and how hardcore bouts seem to be Taya’s forte. She’s a master story teller when it comes to bringing the match to another level and mixing in her character beats. This was a really fun match.

I enjoy Jeremiah’s work so it was interesting watching both these fiery people go up against each other, each bringing their own version of crazy. I also very much love the constant, fast-paced action. I could watch them wrestle all day at this pace and because the match was so unpredictable, the audience was able to really rally around Taya. I was rallying around her too even if her stable is full of arrogant weasels. She’s the only one in her group that stands on her own and doesn’t need assistance.

Sexy Star continues to blur the lines of her pure babyface character. She does have an edge about her that hasn’t been brought out since her No Mas match with Mariposa. It’s this part that’s coming out even more after she got screwed last week. I’m curious to see where this feud leaves her. Taya and Sexy had beef earlier this season, where will they go next?

So, is Mil not injured at all after Jeremiah attacked him a few weeks ago? I’m surprised to see him win. Catrina was by his side as usual, did she work some kind of magic that we haven’t seen yet?

Mariposa continues to do her job fantastically well, helping her brother in this match despite losing. What is the end game here with Melissa? Will they abduct her, will they abduct Fenix? Melissa isn’t a wrestler and I’m curious how her role will evolve.

What’s with Famous B and Beautiful Brenda’s obsession with Texano? I haven’t written much about her but she continues to crush her valet role. She’s more than just a valet, she’s an integral part of Famous B, showing others that he can transform lives.This is really neat and these side plots are always entertaining.

What did you think of this week’s episode? What’s next for Melissa? What will Sexy Star do now? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (July 12th 2017): Taya serves up some brutality before Sexy Star gets her revenge appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Welcome to this week’s Lucha Underground review! Let’s jump into the action. Our first Luchadora sighting of the night is Mariposa as she accompanies her creepy brother to his match.

Her brother Marty “The Moth” Martinez takes on Argenis.

With Mariposa at ringside, the Martinez siblings prove too much for Argenis. A shove into the ring post from Mariposa busted Argenis wide open. He was not able to recover and lost the bout.

After the match Marty rips the mask off Aregenis’ face as Melissa Santos looks on in disgust.

The Moth requests a microphone. He asks Melissa if she liked him taking off Argenis’ mask before throwing it at her. He says that’s not the mask he wants. It’s Fenix’s and he’s going to get it at Ultima Lucha Tres.

Fenix comes in from behind and deals two super kicks to each sibling! Fenix grabbed the microphone and accepts the match. He says it’ll be a Mask vs. Hair stipulation!

Later on our only Luchadora in action is Sexy Star as she goes up against Joey Ryan for some retribution for disturbing her Mask vs Mask Match last week.

Sexy Star begins the match off with hard chops to Joey’s chest. She continues to pummel him with strikes. They create some distance between each other before she’s able to plant him with a nice tornado DDT.

She then goes for a cover but it’s not enough. Soon she flies up with a tilt-a-whirl head scissor that grounds Joey. She evades an attempt at his comeback and hits him with a rolling pin. Joey kicks out and she continues assaulting him in the corner with hard slaps.

They go back and forth and Joey is able to ground Sexy. He picks her up and flattens her with a backbreaker. All of a sudden Taya comes down the stairs and joins the audience holding a Sexy Star sign. Joey is able to get Sexy into a submission while Taya mocks Sexy’s fans.

The Worldwide Underground's @TheTayaValkyrie doing some next level trolling there #LuchaUnderground

— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) August 31, 2017

Joey then plants Sexy with a body slam. Johnny reaches for his lollipop in his shorts and tastes it as Sexy looks on in as she composes herself. Sexy makes a comeback and tosses Joey by his chest hair on the ground. She does it several more times before she hits a drop toe hold on Joey.

She performs a Three Amigos while Taya continues mocking her from outside the ring. She goes to the top rope but gets distracted by Taya. They start fighting outside the ring.

Sexy gets back into the ring and walks into a super kick by Joey. She goes down for the count and Joey wins.

After the match he tries to make her lick his lollipop but Cortez Castro makes the save.

Thoughts: I just want to put this out there, I am deeply disturbed and disappointed in what Sexy Star has been doing the past few months. I do NOT condone her actions. When you’re in the ring, you put your body into someone’s hands and trust them to work with you and protect you.

These episodes were taped 14 months ago and I’ve just got such a bad taste in my mouth from this Rosemary situation and from what happened with Taya this summer in AAA, I am no longer a fan of Sexy’s. I’ve been quite supportive of her in the past because despite her in-ring shortcomings her character and in-ring storytelling was fantastic. However, I really hope from here on out she’s not as much of a focus in the Temple anymore.

Onto her segment, I thought it was oddly ironic and fitting for Taya, who carries real life heat against Sexy, to come down to the ring and distract Sexy enough we get some catharsis in an unexpected win from Joey Ryan. It looks like it’s shaping up to be Sexy vs Taya for Ultima Lucha and I’m rooting for Taya all the way. She’s really grown on me and I’m happy she’ll be working with GFW in the near future.

Sexy did well in her match here with Joey and I don’t want to comment further on her personal interactions with other people.

Onto Mariposa, I want to see more from and for her. We still haven’t seen much of her in the ring and I know she’s got moves up her sleeve. I would like to see her face off against other competitors instead of always backing up her brother. It intrigued me when they teased family turmoil earlier this season but then, that was just dropped for this focus on the Melissa Santos infatuation. I’m perplexed because Mariposa is a talent with deep knowledge of her craft. I’d like to see that more please.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (August 30th, 2017): Outside interference appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Melissa Santos is pregnant with her first child.

The Lucha Underground ring announcer took to social media to announce that she and fellow Lucha Underground star Brain Cage are expecting come 2018 by sharing the following photo:

#babycage2018 ???? pic.twitter.com/B0pUmw4os3

— Melissa Santos (@ThisIsMelSantos) September 6, 2017

Swolverine, wolverbaby, and the MILF https://t.co/UBejcNFtGn

— Brian Cage (@MrGMSI_BCage) September 6, 2017

From everyone here at Diva Dirt, congratulations to the parents-to-be!

The post Melissa Santos announces pregnancy appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Last week Lucha Underground celebrated a huge milestone as the show reached 100 episodes.

During the landmark event tensions between the Martinez siblings and Fenix and Melissa Santos boiled over.

Tonight Melissa Santos steps into the ring with her partner Fenix to take on Marty “The Moth” Martinez and Mariposa.

Lucha Underground released this preview for tonight’s show: “Love is a battlefield on the newest “Lucha Underground” as Marty “The Moth” Martinez teams with Mariposa to take on Fenix and Lucha Underground’s ring announcer, Melissa Santos. There’s no stopping in the name of love. High stakes and higher consequences, unravel the bitter rivalries with a 7-Way Gift of the Gods Title Match. More Ultima Lucha plans are made Wednesday, September 20 at 8:00PM ET. Don’t miss new one-hour episodes of the lucha libre wrestling series from Emmy Award-winning producer Mark Burnett Wednesdays at 8:00PM ET on El Rey Network.“

Additionally, last week Catrina was able to get her hands on the gauntlet. However, it was short lived as Cage immediately snatched it back. Mil Muertes and Jeremiah Crane were able to distract him though and Dario Cueto picked up the gauntlet during the chaos.

Will we have a follow up to this story tonight?

Lucha Underground airs tonight at 8 pm ET on the El Rey Network. Episodes can also be purchased on iTunes and Seasons One and Two are available on Netflix and Amazon.

Are you excited for tonight? What else do you want to see during the show? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Ring announcer Melissa Santos enters the ring to wrestle on tonight’s Lucha Underground appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Welcome to this week’s Lucha Underground review, Believers! We’re back at the Temple this week for some interesting action.

Last week LU celebrated a huge milestone, its 100th episode! In preparation of Ultima Lucha and the season finale, tensions ran high and stakes were elevated.

The feud between the Martinez siblings and Fenix and Melissa Santos is kicking into high gear as the ring announcer steps into the ring for the first time.

We start the show off with a training montage for this week’s match up.

Melissa does well but at the end of their sparring session she tries to unmask him. This leads to Fenix explaining the importance of his mask: it allows him to be reborn as someone who matters.

Melissa says it doesn’t matter whether or not he has a mask, he still matters to her. He grabs her as she walks off and they kiss, aww (as someone not fully into Fenix, this romance angle is really sweet).

As the show rolls on they really hype Melissa’s debut as a competitor, very welcoming and refreshing, she is the voice of LU after all.

We get to our match and Famous B, stepping in for Melissa, and Beautiful Brenda announce each team.

one of the most anticipated debuts for the #LuchaUnderground fanbase. @ThisIsMelSantos enters the Temple for the first time as a fighter! pic.twitter.com/LnNbZ1QgoJ

— Andrew (@TypeAndrew) September 21, 2017

The match begins with Fenix taking on Mariposa. They tie up and Mariposa works Fenix over as they go into a series of reversals and mat wrestling. Mariposa poses before slapping Fenix. He hits her hard back. She comes back with a mat slam and elbow drop.

Fenix comes back and hit Mariposa with a kick. Mariposa tags out and in comes Marty “The Moth” Martinez. Fenix continues to control the match with high risk maneuvers. He uses the ropes to tie up Marty and continues his dominance.

Fenix hits a tope suicida move to ground Marty. He tosses him back in and eggs Marty on. Melissa tries to tag in but Fenix hesitates. Marty capitalizes on this indecisiveness as Melissa just looks on.

In comes Mariposa and she bites Fenix’s mask before elbow dropping him. She starts working over Fenix’s legs before tagging in Marty again. Fenix is able to hit a super kick on Marty and he starts crawling over to Melissa. Marty tries to dominate Fenix but Fenix reverses him and Marty goes right into a stiff kick by Melissa.

Melissa comes in with a sitting cross body. Fenix and Melissa work together as Melissa punches Mariposa in the face. They both kick Marty in the gut and then in the jaw. They do the same to Mariposa as Mariposa falls down and hits her brother in the groin.

Fenix helps Melissa into a body scissor and then wheel barrow as she goes for a pin. Both the siblings kick out of the cover and the match continues. Melissa grounds Marty in a rest hold while Fenix goes up to the top but Mariposa hits Fenix off and he goes tumbling down. Melissa scrambles to see if Fenix is OK. Marty drags her away. Melissa smacks him in the face while Mariposa ties Fenix to the ropes. Melissa scrambles away but Marty continues to stalk her.

Melissa gets back into the ring where both siblings corner her. Melissa screams and tries to fight but both siblings corner her and perform a pedigree type move on her to win the match. The siblings continue to toy with Melissa as Fenix tries to ward them off.

After the match commentary runs down some of the card for Ultima Lucha Tres.

• Ivelisse makes her return to face Catrina
• Last Luchadora Standing Match between Sexy Star and Taya

@RealIvelisse vs the beautiful Goddess of Darkness @KarleeLeilani ? a Ultimata Lucha Tres can't wait to see this match #LuchaUnderground pic.twitter.com/ObAwM7TZ4t

— DECAY Jovan Mailk? (@JovanMailk2) September 21, 2017

Thoughts: This week’s story was simple and made very clear from the outset, this is the rise of Melissa as she steps into the ring for the first time to face her stalker. With Fenix by her side she did well enough but sometimes love is not enough. This is an interesting angle.

We have greatness, goodness, and virtue represented by Fenix and Melissa Santos, a budding young romance as well. And on the other side is sadomasochistic, perverted, twisted siblings that want nothing more than to watch pretty things burn. I was hoping all along to see more of Mariposa but ring work is secondary to the world building and story telling LU strives to make meaningful.

Wrestling can be anything you want and LU continues to push the boundaries of what it can be.

My criticisms of this half of the season still remain. It’s as if the show wasn’t sure what it wanted to be when it returned and our luchadoras took a back seat, which was strange since the promotion has always been fantastic when representing its women. That representation was seen strongly here by how much commentary and the show tried to hype Melissa’s appearance as a competitor.

Now, we have two match ups slated for Ultima Lucha Tres. One of which I hope is the end of Sexy Star’s stay in the Temple. It’d be fitting for Taya to see her out and ironic in a way, especially after all the controversy surrounding AAA.

I’m very excited for Ivelisse to return! Last week Catrina got a hold of the gauntlet but it didn’t last, now Ivelisse is back and that love triangle story can get all sorts of development since it also looks like Mil Muertes may face Cage and Jeremiah Crane at the Ultima Lucha event. This should be a great one!

Side note: for those concerned about Melissa, since she just announced a pregnancy, this episode was taped almost two years ago, so don’t worry, she did not wrestle pregnant.

What did you think of this episode? Do you want to see more of Melissa in the ring? What do you think of the two matches that are so far set for Ultima Lucha? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (September 20th, 2017): The road to Ultima Lucha appeared first on Diva Dirt.