Ultima Lucha Tres began last week and continues this Wednesday. On tap are two Luchadora matches, a ton of men’s matches, and two other matches that inadvertently involve women in the Temple.

Let’s take a look at what’s to come:

Mask vs Hair Match: Fenix vs Marty “The Moth” Martinez

This half of Season Three saw Marty set his sights on Melissa Santos as Melissa and Fenix’s relationship began heating up.

Meanwhile, Mariposa has been watching her brother in the shadows, waiting to see if Melissa was palatable enough to join their family.

Two weeks ago the couple came face to face with Marty and Mariposa in the ring. Fenix and Melissa’s love wasn’t enough to withstand the twisted siblings, however, and Marty and Mariposa won the match, but not without sending a message to Melissa first.

Now Fenix and Marty will meet face to face to settle this rivalry in a Mask vs Hair Match! Will Melissa or Mariposa get involved?

Gauntlet of the Gods 3-Way Match: Cage vs Jeremiah Crane vs Mil Muertes

A love triangle between Catrina, Mil Muertes, and Jeremiah Crane has been brewing all season.

Although Jeremiah was brought to the Temple by Ivelisse, his real goal was to reunite with former lover Catrina. Rejecting his advances, Catrina still played mind games with Jeremiah in order for him to do her bidding.

Fast forward to several months ago and the shocking revelation that Catrina is Captain Vasquez’s daughter. With that reveal came another huge development, Cage’s gauntlet is a gateway for the gods and Vasquez needs to get her hands on it. She tells Catrina to have Mil bring it to her.

Catrina went face to face with Cage to try and grab the gauntlet but she was no match for him. This brought Mil and Jeremiah into the picture and now all three will collide at Ultima Lucha for ownership of the gauntlet. Who will survive and what will it mean for Catrina if she doesn’t obtain this item? Is there a chance that Ivelisse will get involved?

Check out last week’s preview of Ivelisse vs Catrina and Taya vs Sexy Star.

Lucha Underground airs tomorrow night at 8 pm ET on the El Rey Network, with Ultima Lucha Tres airing these next three weeks. Episodes can also be purchased on iTunes and Seasons One and Two are available on Netflix and Amazon.

What matches are you excited for? Who do you think will win? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Ultima Lucha Tres Preview Part II appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Welcome to this week’s Lucha Underground review! It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for. A rivalry years in the making finally reaches its conclusion this week!

I know we’re all salivating for the action so, let’s jump into it.

Ivelisse has returned and she immediately confronts her boyfriend Jeremiah Crane. They start arguing and it’s apparent Jeremiah is telling her he wants to end things. Ivelisse continues to ask who this mystery woman is before he finally tells her it’s Catrina who he’s really in love with.

She says she doesn’t need him or any man and when she’s done beating Catrina, she’s coming for him! He calls her a b*tch and she winds up kicking him across the room into a bathroom stall.

"Hey babe, I'm in love with your enemy and the person you're wrestling tonight"
He got off easy #LuchaUndergroundpic.twitter.com/a1rXOVXXIc

— Vinnie Massaro (@snoringelbow) October 5, 2017

After this encounter we get to our anticipated match up of the night. Catrina is accompanied to the ring by Mil Muertes before the match begins.

Catrina beckons for Ivelisse to arrive. Ivelisse comes running into the squared circle from the back and spears Catrina to the ground. She ground and pounds Catrina into the mat.

The crowd goes wild and immediately supports Ivelisse. Catrina comes back and is able to turn the tables. She rolls Ivelisse out of the ring and they continue fighting back and forth. They slap each other hard across the chest before Catrina tosses Ivelisse on the ground.

Catrina goes into Dario Cueto’s office and grabs a glass bottle. Ivelisse goes after her and barges right into a bottle in her face. Catrina pulls Ivelisse up off the floor and smashes another bottle in her face. Catrina hits another bottle over Ivelisse’s head.

Now bleeding, Ivelisse catches her breath but Catrina comes at her again and starts dragging her body by her hair up the stairs into the audience. Ivelisse sits on the middle step and Catrina kisses her. She goes in again but Ivelisse smacks Catrina away smashes her head into the guardrail.

They continue their way into the crowd as Catrina trails behind Ivelisse. As Ivelisse begins to make her way back to the ring, Catrina kicks her in the face. Catrina starts baiting Ivelisse but Ivelisse kicks her hard in the neck. Ivelisse grabs Catrina’s head and starts bashing her head into a nearby chair.

Catrina makes her way back into the ring and moves toward her sacred stone, which is sitting in a corner of the ring. Ivelisse follows her and hits Catrina with a back elbow in the corner. Ivelisse distances herself from Catrina again and starts to go back to hit her but Catrina comes out of the corner with a spear of her own. Catrina performs her signature double underhook driver. She goes for a cover but Ivelisse kicks out.

Catrina goes back to the corner for her stone. She tries to hit Ivelisse with it but Ivelisse kicks her away. She hits a spine buster on Catrina and then Ivelisse grabs the stone. Catrina gets up and hits Ivelisse in the gut. They start fighting over the stone.

Ivelisse hits her with the stone and then plants her with a DDT for the win!

And that's why @RealIvelisse ain't nothing to mess with! #LuchaUnderground #UltimaLuchaTres pic.twitter.com/WBYOAA2jEr

— (scary nickname TBD) (@TypeAndrew) October 5, 2017

Ivelisse holds up the stone in celebration as the crowd showers her with approval but then out of nowhere Jeremiah hits Ivelisse with a hammer. He continues to hit her previously injured ankle with a hammer. Catrina slithers into the ring for her stone and then leaves.

After the match, Fenix squares off against Marty “The Moth” Martinez in a Mask vs Hair match.

This past season the Martinez siblings chose Melissa Santos as their next toy. A few weeks ago Fenix and Melissa stepped into the ring against the Martinez siblings but their love wasn’t strong enough to withstand the power of The Moth and Mariposa.

During the match Mariposa tried to help her brother gain the upper hand several times.During the match Fenix landed on Mariposa outside the ring and took her out. During this scuffle Marty basically starting arguing with Mariposa as she tried to recover. Mariposa argued back, gave him the middle finger and walked off.

Melissa gets involved briefly as a distraction while Marty tries to rip Fenix’s face off. However, Marty corners her and she slaps him and kicks him in the groin while Fenix recovers and makes a come back.

A bloody and partially unmasked Fenix would capture a win and together with Melissa would shave Marty’s head! Before Marty’s head would get shaved Mariposa came down to the ring and it looked like she was about to help Marty, but no she hits him in the face with a chair! She then handcuffs him to the banister so Fenix and Melissa can shave his head.

What did you think of last night’s hair-raising episode of #LuchaUnderground? Miss it? Get it on @iTunes: https://t.co/YIoBDacj8r pic.twitter.com/b2YAZhxzYD

— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) October 5, 2017

When you say "a little off the top" but owe the barber money #angrymoth #martythemoth @martincasaus #luchaunderground #motharmy pic.twitter.com/ALMb2cZfDu

— Martin Casaus (@martincasaus) October 5, 2017

Thoughts: This match was never going to be a technical masterpiece but that’s OK because a very long feud such as this deserves a violent climax. Catrina also hasn’t properly entered the ring in some time so it was to be expected that her skills weren’t going to be as deep as more experienced wrestlers in the Temple. None the less, Ivelisse was a great dance partner for her.

The match was vicious and tight. I appreciate the risks involved, especially the willingness on Ivelisse’s part to bleed. It’s not often that we see women with crimson masks and it means a lot to have women exhibit this to be on the same playing field with the men. Ivelisse’s character is a tough as nails, no nonsense, empowered woman.

And I’m pleased that off the bat we saw a confrontation between her and Jeremiah. I feel that if she wasn’t injured earlier this season, we might have ventured into different territory with them. However, I’m so glad they did this confrontation and revelation right away and she knew about his infatuation with Catrina.

This automatically put more fire under her to finally beat Catrina once and for all. Catrina did exceptionally well here as well. She’s more of an enigmatic presence and mysterious character, and to see her go after Ivelisse with such savagery was right in line with everything we know about her.

The story told was also solid. Ivelisse has finally conquered her demons. However, with Jeremiah’s inclusion at the end of the match, I can’t help but wonder if this writes her off for a possible next season or if this just puts forth another demon that she has to vanquish when LU returns? Ivelisse is the strongest woman in the Temple next to Taya and I enjoy her story of overcoming her injuries and set backs, I hope someday she’ll get her due and become the second woman to win the LU Championship.

Onto the second match, I really want to see Mariposa strike out on her own and it looks like we may be heading that way, I hope. I feel as though her in ring talents get wasted sometimes. We definitely have not seen everything that she can do!

The match itself was great and Melissa got to exact some revenge by shaving Marty’s head, this is the right ending for their story. This was a great episode!

In the upcoming week we’ll be seeing a Last Luchadora Standing Match and I know Taya is going to bring it! Additionally, a battle for the gauntlet will take place, will Catrina get involved?

What did you think of last night’s episode? What do you think will happen with Ivelisse now? Do you want to see Catrina in the ring again? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (October 4th, 2017): Bloody retribution appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Hola a todos (hello everyone, according to Google Translate) and welcome to the Lucha Underground Analysis! Everyone’s favourite Diva Dirt writer Bobby has got a lot of personal projects on the go right now and relinquished Lucha recapping duties. Although I enjoy reading his work too, you guys are stuck with me now. Sorry. I bloody love Lucha Underground though and think it is the best show on TV so hopefully I can bring a similar level of enthusiasm and passion to the table!

I am taking over the LU Analysis at a landmark moment for the brand as they celebrate their twentieth episode. In 20 hours, so many amazing stories and rich, inspiring characters have been created and quite frankly, it is breathtakingly magical how amazing this show is.

Everything about this show is completely different to other mainstream wrestling offers. With stunning camera filming reminiscent of a TV drama with over-the-top characters and storylines that would fit right into Days of Our Lives, Lucha Underground provides a fresh, unique take on wrestling right with the fundamentals. Then you mix in the character of the show (the mysterious temple, the authentic mexican music) and the phenomenal wrestling and you are onto a winner.

Did I forget the golden, no – platinum element of the show that is the way the women are represented. In 20 weeks, there has only been a sole one-on-one match between two women. But that’s far from a bad thing. The rest of the time, the ladies have been killing it on the mic, bossing it in main events and owning major storylines that dominate the brand.

The cherry on top is the surprisingly brilliant combination of Matt Striker and Vampiro on commentary. Matt Striker is awesome, yet I had no idea that Vampiro would be the unsung hero of Lucha Underground. I’m not just saying that either because he always retweets my insane praise. Ahem.

Before we discuss this week’s epic Ivelisse action, as we have reached a milestone episode with a new writer on-board here, how about we recap what the girls have been getting up to so far? Let’s take a look at…

~ The Ladies of Lucha ~

Black Lotus

Kicking us off is the most surprising hire in Lucha Underground, the incredible Angela Fong. Angela wrestled as Savannah back in FCW before transitioning to a short lived ring announcer/backstage interviewer role on ECW. She is naturally-gifted in the ring yet she sadly barely wrestled following her WWE release in June 2010. Some four and half years later, Angela was back on a weekly wrestling show and I couldn’t have been happier to hopefully see her potential flourish.

Angela goes by the name of Black Lotus in Lucha Underground, and she is one of the most mysterious characters in wrestling in… well – forever. Originally seen scouting matches rocking the leather, people thought she was looking to form a stable to take to the top of the temple standings. Oh how those people were wrong.

Black Lotus made her intentions clear at the end of Episode #12, when she ambushed Lucha Underground’s on-screen owner, Dario Cueto in his office. Throwing him into his chair, she is looking for a man that owes her. Despite not seemingly having a name for who she is looking for, she did utter the word Matanza, spanish for ‘slaughter’ or ‘killing’. Could that be the name of the presumed luchadore she is looking for?

Her search intensified in subsequent weeks, as Dario Cueto seems to have more to do with this story than we first thought. Dario was seen talking to an imposing shadow, telling it that “she” was on the look-out. Although a “little girl back then, you should see her now”. If anyone wasn’t already hooked, they should now to glued to the screen.

Following that, Black Lotus was able to locate where the man/monster/thing she was looking was perhaps hiding somewhere within the temple. Looking at him/it in a cage, she said:

“So… this is where he keeps you.”

“When I was a little girl… the only thing I wanted to be when I grew up, was to be the woman who killed you with my bare hands.”

Following those words, someone placed a bag over her head and then we last saw Black Lotus over a month ago tied up in the boot/trunk of a car. As she is a woman who openly admitted to wanting to kill someone, I doubt this is the last we’ve seen of Black Lotus. This has been the longest wait ever. I am so desperate to know what has happened to her and who Matanza is – if indeed that is his name – and what Dario Cueto has to do with it all.

Catrina

Catrina makes my heart melt and petrify all at once. The sultry and seductive siren has liaised with both life and death during her time inside the temple, as she has stood by the sides of both “The Man of 1000 Deaths”, Mil Muertes and the high-flying riser from the ashes, the immortal Fenix.

For weeks, fans were waiting for Mil Meurtes to desecrate another opponent so that they could see Catrina’s reaction thereafter. After Mil’s matches, Catrina would grab the fallen head belonging to one of Mil’s victims and perform the now infamous #LickofDeath.

Her control over Mil Muertes began to wither over the weeks and the destructive duo experience some trouble in paradise. Well, more like trouble Beyond the Grave. Catrina chose life, aligning herself with Lucha Underground’s ultimate underdog, forging a majorly transformative new path in the process. Her new-found alliance was sealed last week when she unleashed her most powerful #LickofDeath yet, ending the wicked ways of her former man Mil Muertes as part of – in my opinion the Match of the Year so far – Grave Consequences. Basically, a Casket Match yet 100% more dramatic.

Who knows what the future holds for Catrina and Fenix. I’d quite like to see her wrestling career rise from the ashes mind. As much as she makes a fantastic valet, I’d love to see her mix it up in the ring once again.

Ivelisse

If you weren’t already aware of the “Baddest Bitch in the Building”, take note.

Former WWE Tough Enough contestant, TNA Gut Check participant and (most importantly) SHINE Champion Ivelisse Velez has made her way to Lucha Underground where she has proven to be a women filled to the brim with killer confidence and some killer kicks.

Ive is the girlfriend of Son of Havoc, a masked luchador with a hipster beard, impressive abs and unbelievable in-ring ability. Ivelisse matches him perfectly (with the exception of the beard) so you would think they had been pretty successful thus far, right?

Wrong.

Son of Havoc hasn’t quite got the win/loss record he wanted, and even Ivelisse got her first win over a guy that Son of Havok had lost to. Whilst happy at the time, Ivelisse was not impressed after seeing that her boyfriend helped her defeat Angelico. In a rematch that Son of Havoc acted as referee, Ivelisse somehow managed to lose, escalating the tension to a whole new level. Only time will tell to see where this one goes…

Melissa Santos

Lucha Underground’s resident ring announcer is Melissa Santos. This mistress of the microphone has a beautiful accent and strong delivery and sets herself apart from any ring announcers that I can think of.

Despite not being involved in any storylines, Melissa is the only lady we are guaranteed to see each and every week, and she looks bloody fantastic doing it!

Sexy Star

Imagine being in the final four of Lucha Underground’s equivalent of the Royal Rumble and also winning the main event of an episode. Awesome right? Well Sexy Star has done just that.

Sexy Star is Fearless with a capital F. In the early days of LU, she bested Ivelisse in the only all-female match in the series’ history and she was also embroiled in one of the show’s hottest feuds with Chavo Guerrero. She sent that snake packing.

Currently Sexy is looking for her next big opportunity, and she isn’t afraid to stand up to an imposing challenge in-order to achieve it. Whether it be demanding a chance at immortality to Dario Cueto, or trying to kick the asses of The Crew or Big Ryck, Sexy is gunning for glory and gold, two things she will definitely be achieving sooner rather than later.

Now you know the 5 Ladies of Lucha, I think we should see what some of them got up to this week.

Gorgeous in green, Melissa Santos can be seen announcing the first match of the night between Angelico and Son of Havok. Unlike other promotions, LU actually has the camera take a look at their ring announcers – how nice of producer extraordinaire Mark Burnett.

Melissa then introduces the Open Road riding Son of Havoc and Ivelisse, who ascend via the higher entrance above the crowd. Matt Striker jokes at strained relationships being unheard of in wrestling as this tumultuous twosome lock eyes with their South African rival.

Throughout the match, Ivelisse shouts at her boyfriend for taking too much time to make his next move, or she suggests what he should be doing next. The pace quickens towards the end, with some edge-of-your-seat near falls. Son of Havoc finally gets the opening he needs, as Ivelisse and even the announcers urge him to hurry up and take his chance at a much needed victory.

SoH gets to the top rope before taking to the microphone. In front of the audience in attendance and the entire world, Havoc berates Ivelisse’s annoying attitude and dumps her on the spot! He then hits a breathtaking Shooting Star Press for the win!

Ivelisse is livid, as you can expect, yet not one to go down without a fight, she kicks Angelico’s face off just to make herself feel slightly better. Every little helps I guess.

Thoughts: A rather big change in direction concerning one of our female luchadors this week! As with most of the time in wrestling, this one is far from over. Ivelisse will now no doubt want to make Havoc’s life a living hell and if she can dish some damage out to Angelico too in the process, the Baddest Bitch will do that too.

What is your favourite Lucha Underground moment featuring the ladies so far? I’d love to chat about the show in the comments or via Twitter. Hopefully I’ll speak to you soon!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (March 25th, 2015): Ivelisse Kicks and Screams appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Hello guys and gals, and welcome to this bi-weekly edition of the Lucha Underground Analysis!

When we last left you, Sexy Star emerged victorious in some trios action over The Crew with a minor assist to Big Ryck, Catrina looked to be finished with Mil Muertes and onto Fenix, Ivelisse defeated Angelico and began to show who wore the badass shredded pants in the relationship with Son of Havoc, and Black Lotus was mysteriously taken as she inched closer to uncovering the mystery of the temple.

Where will we be at with these two episodes? Let us find out!

We first travel down a road, when suddenly a car comes into motion. Through the trunk of this car, we see Black Lotus tied up in the trunk. Excuse me?!

Backstage, we head to Dario Cueto’s office where Sexy Star is there. She’s sick of men jumping into her matches to save her! Has Sexy been reading these reduxes? Because she’s not alone on that. She explains to Dario that she is capable and strong enough to go at her business with no assistance. He asks if she has a problem with Big Ryck for assisting her last week, but she disregards that and says that her problem is with The Crew.

The Crew are the ones who sent not just her partners, but her friends, to the hospital last week. She promises they will meet the same fate at the hands of her, and Dario asks if she wants Big Ryck instead. Sexy Star reiterates that she doesn’t want to team with anyone, but Dario lets her know that he meant as an opponent. Oh??

He adds that Ryck has a problem with The Crew as well, and so whoever wins between the two of them would get to fight The Crew. He adds that no man will come to rescue her during this, and she nods approvingly at the announcement. Yes Lucha Underground! Yes!

Right at the end of the episode, we return to the car carrying Black Lotus. Dear god this music is giving me the creeps. Suddenly, the trunk opens and she tries to gain a sense of her surroundings as a voice asks what she knows about Lucha Libre. He then says “Come with me” and bends down to grab her as I contemplate how I’m going to survive the impending nightmares to come with that final shot. Good lord.

Mid way through the rubber match between Fenix and Mil Muertes, Catrina walks out and surrounds the ring to do a little scout session. She watches on as Muertes emerges victorious after a vicious beating that culminated in the flatliner while eylocked with her. The two of them have an intense stare off post match, as he summons her inside the ring and she hops up onto the apron. Mil approaches her and the rock, with him ordering her to lick Fenix.

Catrina stands up to him! She shakes her head no, and he grabs her by the throat! The rock drops to the ring canvas as he hoists her inside the ring by the throat and shoves her into a corner. Fenix then grabs the rock and clocks Muertes right in the head, proceeding to nail a sharp kick and save Catrina. Gasp! Catrina proceeds to grab the stone herself, crawl over him and lick his entire body from stomach to head. Fenix looks kind of concerned, but stumbles a bit as she then pulls him in for a huge kiss!

This perfect woman.

In Dario Cueto’s office, Ivelisse claims she deserves to be #1 contender for defeating Angelico two weeks ago. She is the baddest bitch in this – Dario cuts her off. He says no offense, but defeating him doesn’t make her #1 contender for anything. Son of Havoc and Angelico both stand behind her, as he claims her win was only due to interference. Because of this, if she wants to prove herself, she gets a rematch next week. And to make sure there’s no interference, Son of Havoc will be special guest referee! She grabs him by the beard and they make their way out, as Angelico closely follows behind.

We head to the ring as ring announcer Melissa Santos introduces the following lucha. As if we needed any further proof Lucha Underground is breaking gender barriers in wrestling, a male wrestler gets the non-televised entrance and the woman doesn’t. Vindication!

Ryck stands ready to fight, as Sexy Star’s music hits and out she struts from the back. She removes her coat and poses for the fans as Ryck hands off the cigar and stands toe to toe with her. The crowd is firmly behind Sexy Star, who gives him a small shove and some shots to the chest. He stands unaffected, but she goes for the knees and lands a front dropkick! Irish Whip attempt to no avail, but she scores with a kick to the face. Star dodges out of the ring and heads up top, taking him down with a crossbody! Ryck yells at her to take the countout, but the crowd wants Sexy back in.

She slides back in! Sexy Star continues to try and do anything she can to take him down, but Ryck lifts her up with a nasty chokeslam attempt… before gently dropping her and forcing her shoulders to stay down for the three count. Welp.

The Crew is out to take Ryck down, but Sexy gets back up to fight them off! Unfortunately, she gets a knee to the face. It doesn’t stop her! She then gets thrown down to boos from the crowd, before lifted back up and sent into the ropes where they hit a flapjack into a codebreaker. Ryck then fights them off as he stands tall to end the segment.

Thoughts: Another solid few weeks of Lucha Underground. I do understand that they only have an hour of time, so I’m not going to hold that against them when it comes to wishing people could be on every episode. I am happy that they’re keeping all four women in storylines and they’re continuing at least with a segment or a match every two weeks.

The Sexy Star segment was probably my favorite thing from this, because it spoke with so much truth. I’ve mentioned before how I wish her matches didn’t have to always end with assistance or roll ups to attain a victory, and I LOVED the determination she showed when speaking the same thing. It added so much to her character that I honestly needed to see because until this, I just kind of thought she was fine with the wins as long as they were wins. That’s fine and all, but to know she doesn’t want to win with help shows her as more of a huge babyface that she can be.

When it comes to the match itself, I understand it. To be honest, I don’t think there was any believable way she could defeat someone of Ryck’s size, even if it was a roll up victory. When she’s facing The Crew, sure, but Ryck is a monster and so I understand needing him to emerge victorious in order to continue his feud with The Crew since it adds a layer of believability for him to take them on solo. I do still sort of wish the finish was a little different, but that’s just a minor complaint because so much of the match was Sexy not backing down. Ryck is literally like 3x her size and she still refused to show any fear, and I just think that’s such an important and great way to go.

Catrina continues to peak my interest, which she could honestly do by just showing up for like two seconds and leaving right after. She has so much star quality, but I have to be honest and say I want more speaking promos! The girl is a gift to the microphone, and while I think she completely sold the post-match segment (I 100% believe she nails the seductive, mysterious look better than anyone I’ve ever seen), I still want to hear her more.

Ivelisse didn’t have too much going on, but next week looks to be big for her and I cannot wait. She nails every promo she gets, whether it’s 2 seconds or 20 minutes long, and I think Lucha Underground is giving her the perfect platform to speak and show off what a great character she can be.

One big thing that I love about this trio is that Ivelisse is calling every single shot. These two men aren’t doing a damn thing to her, and even the match with Angelico is devised because of her own complaint to Dario. It feels so rare that we see a stable… well, I guess I should call them opponents, but just two guys in general that completely surrender as the female takes center stage in their feud. Next week sounds like it’s going to be a ton of fun!

Black Lotus, I honestly have no idea what’s going on but I can’t say I’m not interested to find out. That last segment was so creepy, and I think her storyline has really been the most unique thing about the show. It’s their strongest connection in terms of filming more like a television show than a wrestling show, and I think Angela is nailing this role to perfection. To be honest though, I’m kind of bummed we didn’t get anything in the second week. I mean she closed the show the week before so I assumed she’d at least be featured, but here’s to hoping for next week!

Overall, it’s been very fine. I have to be honest though and say that ever since Aztec Warfare ended, I feel like my excitement is a little below where it was in the first few months. It’s nothing against the product or the quality or anything like that; I guess I just sort of expected a lot more for the women after seeing how big they were building Sexy Star up in the first few months.

Like she was a major player, and while I still think she’s featured well, she feels a little lost to me compared to where she was before. Not in an incredibly detrimental way or anything, but I just kind of want to see her in a big feud that will elevate her towards the title as I felt the Chavo one was.

I know I’ve said it before, but I really think it’s time to bring in a division. Or at the very least, maybe one or two new girls who will wrestle actively as opposed to managing. I know people might say they only have an hour long show, but there are guys debuting still so I don’t see why a few more women can’t. It would prove to bring a bit of spice into the mix since all four women are pretty much working separately from one another and (I believe) we’ve only actually had one female singles match since it started back in October.

I’m still enjoying the ride we’re being taken on and I appreciate everything they’re doing, but I want to be honest about it. I’m keeping my patience because I understand they’re still super new, but if I had a wishlist of things to come, it would definitely involve some newer additions. Preferably Taya Valkyrie, La Rosa Negra and Jennifer Blake! And Kendall Skye if you really want to reach into my ultimate dream come true scenario.

That’s it for now!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (February 25th & March 4th, 2015): Licking, Challenging, Fighting & Being Kidnapped by the Man appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Good day everyone! And welcome to your new Lucha Underground Analysis covering the weeks of February 11th and 18th.

February 11th brings us some additional advancement in Catrina and Ivelisse’s respective stories, but the 18th is absolutely filled with every woman you can think of!

Yes, yes, Catrina… Ivelisse… Black Lotus… Sexy Star… Melissa Santos, they’re all there! And they all (okay sans Melissa) have storyline advancement that leaves me clamoring for more so let’s get underway!

In the midst of Fenix taking on Argenis in a hard fought battle, Catrina suddenly emerges from up the stairs and climbs down to scout the action at ringside. Ruh roh…

Fenix goes on to emerge victorious, as Catrina crawls inside the ring and seductively licks the face of Argenis while keeping her eyesight locked on Fenix. I’m honestly not sure anyone gives a better seductive glare than Catrina.

From there, we head backstage to hear Catrina speaking.

Mil grabs her by the neck and screams that he needs absolutely nothing! From there, he sets her back on her feet and walks off, leaving her a little unsure of what to do next.

Also check out Ivelisse as she manages Son of Havoc for a singles match dedicated to her against Johnny Mundo below:

As Mil Muertes takes on Chavo Guerrero, Catrina, again like the preceding episode, makes her way down the steps… only this time, she seems to also have his stone in her hand. She seems to be dragging the stone as a sort of control mechanism over him, but this just provides a distraction for Chavo to whack him with a steel chair and get the DQ. Mil isn’t fazed though, as he drills Guerrero with the flatliner on the chair.

He orders Catrina to come lick Chavo, but she refuses. This sparks Muertes to drag her in by the hair and push her down. She continues to resist, and he grabs her by the neck! Mil sets Catrina up for the flatliner! Psyche! Fenix leaps into the ring and saves Catrina from harm’s way with a missile dropkick to Mil. The two head outside the ring as Catrina applies a lip lock on Fenix right in front of Mil!

Following this, we head backstage to see Black Lotus! She opens a door in the temple and ascends up a staircase as we head to a commercial break.

Also watch Dario Cueto set up a trios no disqualification match involving Sexy Star below:

Following this, it’s singles match time!

Out to the ring we go, as Ivelisse and Son of Havoc step inside the ring. She has a microphone in hand, and announces that tonight, Son of Havoc was supposed to face Angelico. However, she’s watched him lose week after week, and so tonight… she’s handling his battles for him! Ivelisse orders Angelico to get his ass down to the ring and fight the baddest bitch in the building!

I live for this.

Angelico’s oddly addicting theme song hits, as he steps inside the ring and we get ready for some intergender action.

A sharp kick asap, as Ivelisse tries to capitalize on Angelico’s apprehension to fight a woman. Drop toe hold by Angelico, as he offers to help her up. She kicks him a few times, but then misses a few. She scores with a knee, then slapping him in the face for trying to disrespect her. Another kick connects, with her then leaping onto the second rope. He tries to extend his hand, that of which she takes. Her other palm then goes to smacking him in the chest as she leaps off with a hurricanrana from the ropes! Nice!

Angelico starts to get serious now, as Ivelisse nails a nice kick, followed by a sharp one! She runs off the ropes, but gets lifted into the air and slammed down. Son of Havoc now on the ring apron, nailing a kick to Angelico which allows him to stumble back into a roll up victory by Ivelisse.

Angelico now has a microphone and says it’d be his pleasure to go one on one with her without Son of Havoc around. He then shoves Havoc off the apron as the two head out to the back.

Black Lotus! She bursts in through a door as we return to the scene, spotting something rattling around.

What. I think someone just put a black bag over her head and swept her away. Color me intrigued…

Match time again! Melissa Santos introduces the following no-dq trios match as The Crew stands in the ring already. Their opponents, Mascarita Sagrada, Pimpinella Escarlata and Sexy Star step out from the back to Sexy’s theme! The crowd goes crazy for all three, and the match begins with all members of The Crew taking out their opponents. Outside the ring, Bael and Sisco slap Sexy Star in the chest as Castro beats Pimpinella down in the ring with a kendo stick. Mascarita and Sisco go at it inside the ring as Star continues to recover on the outs.

Sexy now in the ring! She chops Cortez in the ring, but he slams her back. Huge kick to the head and then a sliding pair of boots to the face. Womp womp. She slides outside again as Mascarita becomes their target. Mascarita looks to be done, as Pimpinella already is… leaving it 3 on 1 as Sexy must fight the three men on her own.

The fans chant for her as she gets cornered, but she slides in the ring and tries to fight them off. Wheelbarrow armdrag! Kick to the groin! Ow, Sexy gets a big right hand and a HUGE DDT off the ring apron! Yesss!

She gets grabbed by the hair and hoisted back inside, but she escapes and lands a few chops/kicks. Unfortunately, she then gets taken down. Sexy escapes a maneuver attempt and hits a rolling suplex. She’s then bodyslammed down to the canvas as Cisco heads up top… but she fights back! Top rope hurricanrana attempt, but Cisco catches her and goes for a powerbomb. She fights off and lands the rana! Just a nearfall.

Now they all beat her down and look to go for her mask, but Big Ryck appears and distracts them long enough for Sexy to get the roll up victory for her team! Big Ryck and Sexy Star stand tall as The Crew must come back another day to mess with these two.

Thoughts: I’m loving that each of the four women looks to have a substantial role moving forward, especially Black Lotus who is probably intriguing me the most right now just because I have absolutely no idea where this could be headed. Her storyline is something I’ve never seen a wrestling show do before, and I can’t wait to find out what they have in store. Who’s in the cage that she wants to kill? And who put that black bag over her head (unless I completely saw that scene wrong)? These are questions I can’t wait to see answered, but as for now I’m loving the little twists and turns we get to see her character make on this journey.

Catrina’s story is something I think plays much better on screen than it did when I first heard about it. I still think it’s a little too soon for her and Mil to split. I mean the show has only been airing for a few months and they were one of the first established duos with a legitimate backstory that stemmed years upon years, so it feels kind of weird that they’re already being split up this early on. I do enjoy the story, however, and I think Lucha Underground shines in presentation. Reading spoilers for this show does it no justice, because the segments and the abilities these people have to carry their stories needs to be seen to fully be experienced in the way it’s intended. Fenix and Catrina’s chemistry is completely there so far, and I loved the aftermath spot of Mil dragging her inside only for Fenix to save her and get planted with a lip lock for his service. It’s not a story we’ve never seen before, but it’s one that can continue to work when you’ve got people involved who now how to play it and put a different spin to it. Great job!

Ivelisse’s story finally makes Son of Havoc’s losing streak get put into perspective. Over the course of the first taping, I was concerned with him losing so much… but now I get that they were going for establishing them as a duo where she’s supposed to be disappointed in him. It’s a story I feel like I’ve seen before, but again, this time it has a modern day spin that I appreciate so much where it’s the woman in control who is mad at the guy for constantly being the weaker member of the team. As far as the match itself goes, I’m kind of mixed. I just want to have faith that a woman can get a victory over a man without needing distraction from another man, but I actually think the finish worked here because Son of Havoc can now say he’s the reason she won, which will go on to cause more tension between the two. Like the other two stories, I’m very excited to see what Lucha Underground has in store for this, because the new aspect of Ivelisse being the dominant, in control half is something I want to see far more of before it disappears.

I loved everything about the main event, to be honest. They could’ve easily had it be Mascarita in Sexy’s position, being the one to outlast the other two until Big Ryck saved him. The fact they chose Sexy and had her put into this big storyline that closed the show is just great, and I liked that she got to constantly fight back against the men without showing any signs of weakness. Was she beat down at times? Yes. But she got right back up and countered their attacks every chance she got. Like I said before, I do want to eventually see a woman cleanly beat a man with no assistance or roll up needed, but also like Ivelisse’s, I actually think this worked perfectly because it established a feud that we can engage with moving forward in seeing Ryck and Sexy team up against the three. Ryck’s massive size basically counts as two people anyways, so I feel like the sides seem fair even if they’re numerically uneven.

Overall, another fun two weeks with Lucha Underground and I especially loved seeing everyone get featured and everyone’s stories advanced on the February 18th episode. I’m not sure how I’ll handle the reduxes moving forward as I think we get a little bit more match heavy in upcoming weeks, so we’ll likely go on a case by case basis and determine if there’s enough to cover.

Until next time!~

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (February 11th & 18th, 2015): Formidable Foes and Relationship Woes appeared first on Diva Dirt.

I’m baaaaaack!

Hello faithful Lucha following, and welcome to the first Analysis in a few weeks, as well as the first of the new year. Following a brief holiday break used to build hype for the crowning of Lucha Underground’s very first champion, it’s time to find out just who is going to walk out of Aztec Warfare making history.

And that’s what I primarily love about this promotion in a nutshell (even though I’ve repeated it about 50 times)… it can literally be anyone. This isn’t a match where I’ve pretty much narrowed down the likely contenders and the rest are just filler. They’ve done an exceptionally great job of making every single person seem important, or at least appear that they can score an upset if need be.

I’m going into this watching the episode for the first time, therefore I don’t know what happens and that’s just the way I like it. To the video!

We head to the temple where some exquisite ritual dance is going on to promote Aztec Warfare! Dario stands in the ring with the title on his shoulder, claiming that this is going to be a monumental year for the promotion. Tonight is Aztec Warfare, and the rules are that 20 competitors enter, one per 90 seconds after the first two, and they can be eliminated by pinfall or submission. Not only that… but anything goes! It’s essentially a No-DQ Royal Rumble meets Vickie Guerrero Divas Championship Invitational (if it wasn’t one fall to a finish) and I’m so, so ready.

Being that I believe the match lasts the entire episode, please understand that while I LOVE me some Lucha Underground, I will only give brief match recapping when a female isn’t involved. I write enough as it is, I don’t need to make you sit through a recap the size of Crime & Punishment.

Without any further ado, we get things started with our first two entries…

The crowd is pumped as Mundo and Fenix engage in a stare off before going to war as we kick things off. Both men exchange moves for the opening ninety seconds, before we begin a crowd countdown!

The fans are not here for Cisco at all, and can I just get it out of the way that I can’t say his name without thinking of The Thong Song? Anyways, he kicks Johnny out as Fenix gains control and the two then double team him to score the elimination!

We head to a break and return to see the countdown in process as out comes our next entrant…

Cuerno ends up getting both competitors in opposing corners and taking them down with a set of knees and monkey flip. He then leaps outside the ring with a HUGE dive! The countdown is underway again, as Fenix jumps off the top rope as well!

It’s Mr. Ivelisse himself! Son of Havoc methodically steps down the stairs and then jumps right into the action with a huge mule kick. He squares off with Mundo, then showing off impressive athleticism as we await the countdowns impending return.

Pimpi! Escarlata goes insane with some nice moves on Fenix and Cuerno… sealed with a kiss to Fenix! He then targets the referee, but Cuerno puts a stop to it.

My favorite (not counting Catrina, Ivelisse, Sexy Star or Angela Fong of course)! Puma and Mundo restore their rivalry instantly, that of which has been building since the premiere back in late October. A beautiful moonsault off the ropes for just a two count as the action continues, soon followed by the countdow—

Gasp! Wait! Angela Fong Alarm!

We have an Angela Fong sighting, as she looks on from the crowd and continues her scouting while the clock counts down to our next entrant…

Double gasp!

Holy plot-twist! I wasn’t expecting Ivelisse at all as I assumed it would be comprised of the same 20 from the two ten person bouts we saw back in December.

But I am so, so ready.

Ivelisse zooms out from the back and heads up top, leaping off with a beautiful hurricanrana to King Cuerno! She then gets taken onto the ring apron, but decks Fenix with a huge jump kick, followed by a rope assisted tornado DDT! Pimpi tries to go after her, but then goes for Cuerno instead and receives a dropkick. Ivelisse continues watching on, as she ends up decking Pimpi with a sick spin kick. Son of Havoc goes up top as Ivy sets Pimpinela up… and bam! Havoc scores with a huge shooting star press for the elimination.

Cuerno targets Havoc, then turning his attention back to Ivelisse as she stands right up to him with some kicks. Countdown time!

Ivelisse continues trying to fight through these competitors, but gets taken down by Drago and rolls towards the outside. Drago continues dominating, before Ivelisse runs in and interrupts King Cuerno’s finisher to kick him right in the abdomen. For her troubles, Cuerno then hoists her up and drills her with Thrill of the Hunt… sad face right now.

Countdown is back!

Fenix takes another huge dive out to Cuerno, as all of these candidates brawl on the outside until Puma and Havoc get back inside the ring. Puma with a huge kick!

Puma then scores a monstrous flipping dive over the top rope, as the countdown starts up once again.

Cortez and Bael immediately target Mundo and Puma as all hell has essentially broken loose on the outside to boot. Fenix now paying the price as well, and we’re back with another count!

Ricky with a nifty dropkick, then targeting I believe it was Cuerno on the outside. Puma hits a variety of beautiful moves, eliminating Bael!

Mundo goes after Cortez and then scores the victory as well!

Talk about bad timing… just when you think you’ve eliminated an entire stable, out comes our next entrant…

Ryck storms down as Puma and Mundo look on and we head to another brief break. Upon the return, Ryck just enters the ring (Side Note: The way Lucha Underground handles commercials without making you feel like you’ve missed a ton of stuff is a personal favorite thing of mine). He goes crazy on everyone, nailing Ricky with a chokeslam for the easy elimination.

Thrill of the Hunt! Drago is gone!

I can’t keep up! Mundo with a crucifix on Cuerno for the one, two, three!

The countdown is back on! 3… 2… 1…

Pentagon runs right into the ring, but it’s Big Ryck who feels the pain early as Puma and Mundo hit a double team superkick! Everyone is going crazy, as Puma gets drilled with a huge powerbomb on the knee… and then Fenix with a backdrop bomb! We’re back for our next entrant…

Super Fly with an array of quick maneuvers, decking Mundo with a dropkick and nailing a hurricanrana to Fenix. The crowd is in love with what they see, as everyone continues going to town on each other.

Ruh roh…

Chavo decks Super Fly with the chair! Womp womp.

So much for friendships! Chavo then blasts Pentagon Jr. with the chair and hooks the leg.

Might we also take a moment out to give credit to our faithful ring announcer, Melissa Santos for keeping up with the eliminations and informing us of what goes on throughout the match? Lord knows she is my savior at times when I’m trying to type and can’t make my eyes look at both the match and this post simultaneously.

Countdown!

Brief commercial break, as we then return to see Sagrada with a series of crossbodies to Chavo… until he then gets taken down. The crowd gets behind him and he proceeds to send Chavo out with a headscissors! Fenix now combatting with him as Sagrada leaps off the ring apron right into a huge dropkick!

5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

Success!

She goes right for Chavo with a wheelbarrow arm drag! He headbutts her in the stomach and goes for a suplex outside… but she lands on the ring apron and kicks him off, then jumping with an attack as the crowd gets behind her! Ryck and Sagrada fight each other in the ring, but Ryck scores the elimination with a huge clothesline.

Loco runs down the steps as I think he is becoming my new favorite guy (behind Puma) if just for that backstory alone. He goes after Ryck immediately, executing a beautiful never-ending double team combination! Puma back in the ring now as he goes toe to toe with Loco! Noooooo, Ryck decapitates Loco… but to my happiness, he doesn’t go for a cover! No wait, he does. Kick out!

Countdown!

Muertes and Catrina eloquently step down, with him going right for… well, everyone. No, Muertes, noooo! Flatliner… but again to my happiness, no cover! No, wait, he’s covering. And just like that I’m upset seeing my newfound fav eliminated.

Ryck and Muertes have a huge stare down between monsters, as they fight each other off briefly to not much avail at all. Catrina continues to watch on, as Sexy Star is back inside! They’re all going after Ryck and Muertes, but it’s quickly backfiring for now. Fenix and Chavo each score the pin over Big Ryck!

Fight Sexy Star fight! And in the case of needing a back-up plan, fight Puma, Fenix and Muertes fight! Suddenly my odds of attaining a champion I support heavily are looking snazzy. Chavo whacks Fenix right over the head with the chair and… noooo!

Here we go! Sexy Star is staring right into the soul of Chavo Guerrero and his chair, as she takes the gloves off and shows no fear. He swings! But she kicks! Sexy now unleashes on Chavo, kicking him and going crazy until he grabs her and slams Star back first on the chair. Guerrero places the chair on her face and steps on it, now heading up top until Blue Demon Jr. runs in and attacks Chavo!

Sexy now has the chair! Chavo turns and BAM! She whacks him and covers. One… two… three! Sexy Star eliminates Chavo!

We’re down to four! And this scene displays, in a nutshell, why I love Lucha Underground. Mil Muertes, Prince Puma, Johnny Mundo and our very own, Sexy Star, stand in each corner of the ring as the last remaining participants. Following a brief commercial, we return to see the four still standing off, as Muertes tries to nail a clothesline on Star… only, she matrixes out! Sexy now on the attack as Puma and Mundo target Mil. They commence a double team, with Star nailing a headscissors takedown on Mundo, followed up with a hurricanrana to Puma! She gets the crowd fired up, but Muertes spears the taste out of her to score the elimination. Tears.

We are now down to Muertes, Puma and Mundo as Catrina looks on from the outside. Mundo goes to work on Mil, but Puma takes him down and tries fighting the giant himself. Beautiful running plancha by Mundo, with slight assist to Muertes. Mil with a suplex back into the ring, as Mundo continues the brawl. Superplex attempt! Puma now in for a double team superplex!

All three men are down as Catrina looks concerned, begging for her client to take the title. Puma drills Mundo with a sharp kick, as Catrina now gets involved! He grabs her by the hair and brings her to the ring apron, as Mil charges trying to take him down. Puma ducks, and he nearly collides with Catrina! Thankfully, he stops short though. Johnny Mundo runs off the ropes and goes for a kick, but Muertes moves and he BLASTS Catrina! Holy shit.

*INSERT CATRINA GIF*

I need a pause break right now because you know my love of the woman with a thousand wrestling personas, but I never, ever, ever saw that coming. Is it possible for me to like her more than I already did? Because I didn’t think it was but I think I might. That was incredible.

They all take a second to pause in shock, as Mundo tries to deny blame but Muertes attacks. Puma with a springboard set of knees! They both leap off the ropes with a set of 450’s and eliminate Muertes!

Catrina is still down on the outside, as the crowd is going apeshit! We’re down to Puma and Mundo, the perfect final two as far as I’m concerned because these are the same duo we started our journey watching. Muertes carries Catrina to the back as the two stand off in the ring, exchanging holds with Puma on the early advantage. The fans look to be on the side of Puma, as Mundo locks in a single leg Boston Crab! Puma struggles hard, trying to escape, and finally does!

A “This is Awesome” chant breaks out, with Mundo sending Puma to the corner. He goes for a springboard maneuver, but Puma blocks it and sends him outside.

Oh hey random shot of two women in the crowd… are you upcoming valets?

Back into the action, Puma slaps Johnny in the face and the two ascend to the top rope. Puma with a MONSTER standing C4! One… two… NO. Johnny kicks out and the electric crowd breaks out in a “Lucha” chant. Puma goes back up top, but Johnny gets to a vertical base and they’re both on the second rope again. Johnny with a reverse hurricanrana from the top rope! Jesus.

Johnny goes for and nails The End of the World… two count! Both men fighting each other as much as they can right now, with Johnny in control as a child in the crowd can’t even look and has to shield his face. Johnny goes up again, looking to hit a C4 of his own, but Puma escapes! He knocks Johnny down. He’s up top! 630 SPLASH! One, Two… THREE!

Prince Puma celebrates and I love everything. Konnan is now out to scout him, and I lied, I don’t love that. But I love everything else!

Thoughts: What can I say that I didn’t already? I love this show and this is the perfect episode to sum up why. We had one match that took place over the full hour, to crown their first ever champion, and not only did they put Sexy Star in it, but they also gave us a really fun Ivelisse moment, allowing her to be in the match as well. Catrina got a huge spot to boot, and even Angela Fong’s storyline continued despite there being no segments or anything but this one match. Nothing was dropped, everything had a purpose… it just rocked my world. They even allowed Sexy Star to score an elimination over her arch rival with the assist of Blue Demon Jr., perfectly returning him into the story while sort of giving hers a fitting conclusion so she can move on to something else now that he’s back.

The final four staredown was everything to me, and I just love how she stood toe to toe with the men without backing down or showing any signs of weakness. So many times we see the woman take on a timid role in these intergender bouts. She has to look like she’s scared or afraid of what will happen should the man take her down. Here, Sexy Star was ready to throw down. She was putting her dukes up and she wasn’t having any of their crap. It wasn’t even just one man she was doing this to, but it was three. I love it and I want it in every company.

I also want to give credit for putting Ivelisse in the match, because I was so not expecting to get two women at all. They didn’t even restrict her either! Sure, she was an early elimination, but she got to shine and hit a variety of great maneuvers on some of the other competitors first. My one problem with Lucha Underground so far is that I feel both Ivelisse and Son of Havoc deserve a bit more spotlight on them than they’ve been getting, and I get all of these were taped together so I’m fine with waiting to see if that changes heading into the upcoming ones. Tonight was a good night for the duo though, as even in defeat, I feel this is one of the better showings we’ve gotten to see from Havoc (in terms of being allowed to show off how athletic and great he is) and it’s by far my favorite match Ivelisse has had so far since she can be a bit more wild and free fighting the men, without needing to restrict herself to a more heelish moveset. So fun!

I know I say it a lot, how Lucha Underground is breaking down gender roles when it comes to wrestling, but tonight was just the epitome of it. I love that they aren’t afraid to put women in such an even spotlight. Crowning a champion is a big deal – crowning your FIRST is an even bigger deal. I just can’t get over the fact they placed two females in it, and then one of them advanced to nearly winning. It rocks my ever loving world.

And can we discuss Catrina? I need to.

I said it above, but I never expected to see her take that kind of bump… especially on a show that was filmed in the first batch of tapings when she was still just freshly returned to the wrestling scene. My jaw fell to the floor and the entire arena sold the crap out of it. Seeing them all stop in the ring, the crowd being so electric, and her absolutely looking like she was just bulldozed for the entire rest of her time out there. She can do no wrong for me, and tonight just went on to show that she still has tricks up her sleeve to pull out whenever possible. I’m so ready to see what’s next for Catrina, and I hope it involves a handicap match against Mundo to get retribution for what he did. Puma now being champion would be the perfect way to set up a three way feud between them, or if Puma has another challenger to get through, Mundo vs. Muertes is absolutely ready to go following tonight.

There’s just so many good things to talk about, and then on top of it, we still get continuation with Angela! I’m suspecting we won’t find out what her character is really up to until the new tapings take place, so for now, I’m very much enjoying the brief segments. As long as the continuity remains each week, they can take all the time they need to in order to ensure the payoff is worth it.

Also, yes for Prince Puma! Ricochet is so great and I could not be happier with their selection for the inaugural champion.

In closing, I lied and actually did write my version of a Crime & Punishment sized redux, but I couldn’t help myself. I really, really like how 2015 is starting out. There’s actual variety in mainstream wrestling now, with WWE doing solid work, NXT turning into its own special entity, TNA returning to TV and New Japan getting a ton of buzz at the moment in addition to Lucha Underground. I even personally went back and watched a years worth of AAA matches over the few week break following my introduction to Lucha Underground (as the roster contains some of the same persona’s thus I felt familiarity… side note: SIGN JENNIFER BLAKE PLEASE) so I can add that to my weekly viewing as well. Sure, WWE is in the lead as far as North American audiences go, but I don’t mind that as long as I personally have different outlets to check out. I like knowing that if one episode isn’t my cup of tea for a certain week, there’s others that are consistently ready to make my happiness levels skyrocket. It’s really all I could ask for and it’s really all I want. Keep it up everyone!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (January 7th, 2015): Catrina Will Shock & Angela Will Stare as We Crown a Champ in Aztec Warfare appeared first on Diva Dirt.

“Lucha! Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!”

The sound of the crowd located inside one Boyle Heights Temple… or me currently sitting at a table preparing to start this weeks episode of Lucha Underground? The decision is yours.

Good evening everybody! And welcome to another week of Lucha Underground. It is I, faithful Bobby here to catch you all up on the happenings of the fearless female foursome (my new nickname which is probably a fail but can stay for now) comprised of Sexy Star, Ivelisse, Catrina and Angela Fong. Wait a second, make that five because I always give some shout outs to Melissa Santos as well.

Trying really hard not to make this a 5000 word essay as per usual, so let’s jump right into the action as we open things up with some exotico on havoc action!

Melissa Santos promptly introduces our first competitor, Son of Havoc, and he stands in the ring alongside resident badass, Ivelisse! His opponent is known as… wait a sec. Ivelisse has a mic again and my excitement level grows to new heights. She screams for everyone to shut up, before popping at the fact that ever since Son of Havoc arrived at the temple, he has been made to look like nothing more than a joke. In his first match, he wrestled a woman, and last week he faced off against “half a man”. Ivelisse isn’t taking any prisoners tonight.

She screams out that he is sick of the disrespect! If the two of them wanted to deal with this treatment, they wouldn’t have signed a seven year contract to fight in this dump! Instead, they would be living in Nashville, likely in a biker gang taking down their enemies aka members of rival clubs (Note: I may have spiraled off into Sons of Anarchy talk again, let me stop).

Son of Havoc then takes the microphone and says he is challenging anyone in the back to come down to the ring if they have the balls, and face him man to man. Suddenly, out dances a new wrestler to the temple, Pimpinela Escarlata! Showing more rhythm than I could ever dream of, Pimpinela has the crowd on their feet. Unfortunately though, Ivelisse is disgusted. Son of Havoc doesn’t seem to be here for it either, as shown by his ambush from behind. Pimpinela gets the upper hand fast though, and absolutely DRILLS Havoc’s chest with a chop. Escarlata then latches hands and heads up to the top rope, walking across and leaping off with a crossbody… onto Ivelisse!

She rolls out of the ring, as Pimpinela gives jazz hands but then gets tripped up. Havoc nails a chop back, then Irish whipping Escarlata into the corner and continuing the assault. Pimpinela ducks another attack, as the crowd want to see a kiss! Irish whip into the opposing corner, as Pimpinela flips over and then climbs to the top. Escarlata with the leap… and nails an arm drag! Son of Havoc rolls outside, but gets met with a rolling senton off the ring apron. Ivelisse doesn’t appreciate any of this, but she doesn’t phase Pimpinela, who leaps off with a missile dropkick. She then proceeds to hop onto the apron and distract ol’ Pimp (another nickname I’m trying out) long enough for Havoc to take control with a hip toss into the bottom turnbuckle.

Havoc goes for the cover, but Pimpinela kicks out. Knife edge chop connects, as Havoc chokes Pimpi, before distracting the ref for Ivelisse to provide some extra help. They go for another Irish Whip, with Pimpinela flipping over the ropes, but unfortunately slipping off the ring apron and to the floor outside. Insert Ivelisse! She’s popping off with some kicks, as now she drags Escarlata over to be met with an elbow off the turnbuckle from Havoc. NICE! Son of Havoc taunts Pimpinela’s dance moves, then nailing a handspring elbow before missing a crossbody. Ivelisse provides some additional assistance for Pimpi to fall in a sunset flip, but just a two count.

The fan favorite fires up! A hip toss connects, as Ivelisse runs inside and receives one for herself. Here comes Mascarita Sagrada! He chases Ivelisse around the ring and to the back, as Pimpi kisses Havoc (I guess… weird camera angle) and rolls Havoc up for the three count! Mascarita and Pimpinela dance around the ring as Havoc and Ivelisse continue to plot their impending domination.

Back out to the ring we head, as Melissa introduces the next competitor making their debut in the temple… Famous B! New life mission – find out what the B stands for. Unfortunately for B, his opponent is the destruction causing Mil Muertes. BUT fortunately for us, Mil means Catrina! And Jesus, she looks better and better every week. The duo walk down the steps and into the ring as he kneels down and kisses the powerful stone carried in her palm. From there, Catrina removes his added costuming and we get underway as Muertes absolutely destroys Famous B with an early attack.

Muertes continues to pummel him, then dragging B over to the ropes where Catrina spins him around and snaps the back of his head off the ropes! She begins pounding on the ring apron, firing Muertes up to continue his absolute domination as he slams Famous B down. Mil fires up and then DRILLS B with his running spear, before hoisting him up and dropping down with the flatliner for the quick victory. In comes Catrina, as this time we get a different spin on her post match tactics! Mil picks Famous B up and locks him in a full nelson as she sensually struts over and latches her hand around his throat. Catrina then proceeds to execute the #LickOfDeath, which cannot be sanitary at all, especially when not having a mask in between the contact… yet it does add to her mystique perfectly and thus I support it (as long as she remains healthy and agrees to this).

In the midst of a match pitting Drago against King Cuerno, Drago gets taken down with a dropkick. Suddenly, in walks Queen of FCW, Angela Fong, aka our mystery woman in black, as she approaches the ring through the crowd this time. Angela scouts the action between both competitors as the match continues, and Drago eventually leaps to the outside with a huge dive taking our Cuerno! This doesn’t look to please her, as she angrily storms off to the back and the bout continues on to see Cuerno emerge victorious via Thrill of the Hunt!

It’s time for the main event! Melissa Santos introduces the following tag team match, as Chavo Guerrero slowly walks out first. Once inside the ring, his tag team partner, Pentagon Jr. follows suit and has some pretty funky music. Next up, their opponents!~ First up, Sexy Star! Sexy walks down the stairs in her fancy coat, blowing a kiss to the fans and executing a bit of posing as her partner, Fenix, then pops out. Oh I’m 100% into this theme song too. Fenix hops inside the squared circle as he and Sexy Star look ready to go.

All four stare offf with one another, as Fenix takes Pentagon down quickly with a superkick and Star decks Chavo with a dropkick! Fenix with a huge springboard dropkick, but Pentagon now has Sexy by the hair. He sends her outside and turns back around, noticing Fenix ready to go. Huge flipping hurricanrana scores! Chavo now getting inside the ring to go one on one with Fenix, as both men lock up and Guerrero takes the early advantage with a snapmare. Fenix tries to counter out, and eventually does as he connects with a dropkick.

Tag into Sexy Star! She hits a dropkick and nails a few shots to follow up, but then Chavo knocks her down. He grabs her by the hair and tags in Pentagon, who continues choking her. Tag back in to Chavo, as he taunts her until she slaps her way out and tags Fenix back in. Fenix now going crazy with a comeback, and nails a SICK kick. Chavo immediately gains control again, tagging in Pentagon. Nasty powerbomb gets a two count, as Sexy Star begs for a tag.

Fenix unfortunately gets taken down with a chop to the chest, before tagging back into Chavo who leaps in with a kick. The two taunt Sexy Star, before Chavo locks in a chokehold and nails a dropkick. Pentagon in now as the crowd gets behind Fenix, and he nails a handspring cutter! Spin kick follows up and Sexy Star tags in! She takes both men down with some punches and kicks, mudhole stomping Chavo and giving Pentagon a headscissors. Sexy Star hits a boot, but then gets taken down. Chavo goes for a Boston Crab, but Fenix leaps off the top rope with a mule kick and takes out Pentagon in the process.

Sexy with a HUGE twirling DDT! She then ascends to the top rope and hits a spinning dive to Pentagon outside! Back inside the ring, Chavo gets thrown out and Fenix nails a humongous spinning takedown (because I have no other name to use) to take out all three! Chavo rolls back into the ring as Sexy climbs up top. She jumps with a crossbody, but he catches her and slams her down to the mat. Chavo is climbing. Noo…. Ahh! Fenix kicks Chavo outside. Back in, Sexy flips through a Powerbomb attempt by Pentagon and looks to be going for a code red… but he stops that and instead looks to signal for the Easy Driver. Fenix runs inside and hits a superkick, thus sparking Pentagon to fall into the code red! Star drags him over to the corner and Fenix leaps off with a huge set of knees as she hooks the leg and gets the three count! Chavo is certainly not happy at all.

Thoughts: Starting off with the main event, I found it to be enjoyable overall, but some parts did feel slow and/or lacking a little. Until the dives toward the end, it didn’t grab me in the excitement that Lucha Underground matches usually do. Now I completely understand you can’t exactly have the men doing insane moves to Sexy because it defies the laws of gravity, but even when Fenix was legal I felt it came off more like a match we’re used to seeing on free TV in terms of how the action went with a lot of methodical pacing and heel tactics coming into play. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but based on some of the previous main events we had seen, I’ve kind of set myself up to expect a lot of craziness (in a good way) from matches in the promotion.

That’s not to say the craziness didn’t ensue, because things definitely picked up towards the end. Sexy’s DDT and dive outside, followed up by Fenix’s were breathtaking. I know that her moveset has its detractors, and I won’t fight against it because for the most part she did stick to kicks and shots with a headscissors in between, but those two towards the end really took my breath away, and I just love seeing her being given such a platform. It’s honestly gotten to the point where I’m not even surprised seeing her mix it up with the guys anymore, and that’s what I love the most about it all.

Do I want to see her do some different things? Yes. We got a little taste of new material tonight, but the impatient part of me just wants more more more. I think she’s skilled in the ring, and regardless of how her moveset comes off, I really love the presence she brings. Even when she walks out from the back in her coat, she just brings a certain aura to the screen that I don’t get from anyone else. It’s cool!

Ivelisse getting to speak more is also a cool thing, primarily because I’m in love with her promo ability. She just sounds like such a cocky badass when she has something to say, and she really knows how to rile the crowd up without having to play the “Mean Girls” type role we see from a lot of heels in womens wrestling. It’s just something different and I really enjoy it.

Even though I think it might come off a little strange when she talks down about women facing men, I feel like it does fit her character. She doesn’t want to see women facing men and getting lauded for it unless it’s HER that’s doing the beating. So in her character’s eyes, Son of Havoc facing a woman is something to find unfair because the woman getting that opportunity isn’t her. It just works for me, and I absolutely love the two of them together. I kind of wish he’d win some more matches, but as long as the pair keep appearing and rocking this look they’ve got going on (with added mic time), I’m not complaining one bit.

Oh, and her interference is A+. If I had a recommendation for their tapings in January (unless I just imagined they were taping then), I want to see them in handicap matches. WWE did it briefly with Paul Burchill and Katie Lea, where the two of them would be allowed to face a male superstar 2 on 1. Given how much she interferes, I want to see it transitioned into that because I think it’ll put a new spin on the intergender aspect and not take anything away from Sexy Star. With Ivelisse’s, you could paint it as being sort of cocky and heelish in that they’re outnumbering a male opponent to get the upperhand, whereas Sexy’s is more about being understood as her wanting to be seen as equal and fighting against the odds.

Not as much to say on Catrina and Angela this week, but I am, of course, continuing to love their roles. We didn’t get a Catrina promo this go around, however, given the frequent nature of them, I’m okay with it. I do want to see her be given the opportunity to rock a microphone in the temple like Ivelisse did tonight, but because of the mystique their characters bring, I can see why they might be against it for now. Still, to me, her handling it would be fine and not take anything away from their forceful presence. I pretty much just want to hear Catrina talk every day of my life, okay. Is that too much to ask?! Just kidding. But in all seriousness, I love her role. I’m sure eventually it will lead to the ring, but for now it’s allowing her the platform to establish herself before that day comes and I’m 100% here for it.

I’m starting to wonder what’s up Angela’s sleeve, because last week I thought perhaps she’d enter a feud with Ivelisse… only this time it wasn’t Son of Havoc’s match she was scouting, and Mascarita wasn’t there either. My guess is that she’s just looking at everyone in an attempt to sink her teeth into whoever impresses her the most. Being that it could very well be someone who hasn’t debuted yet, and I have no earthly idea who all is contracted to Lucha Underground that hasn’t been on screen already, I’m not going to even fathom a guess. Much like Catrina, I hope we eventually get to see Angela compete down the road. For now though, the shock of Angela Fong being in wrestling again hasn’t yet worn off, so I’m just going to keep sitting back and going “Holy crap, it’s queen of FCW, Angela Fong” every time she walks out in that black leather, and I’m going to love every second of it.

That’s it for this week! Join me again next time (hopefully) when we have another fun filled hour of Lucha to discuss!~

Bobby

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (December 3rd, 2014): The Fearless Female Foursome Continue Their Fantastic-ness appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Holy Moses.

First of all, I definitely have to wish all American readers a Happy Thanksgiving (and if you’re like me, Happy Black Friday that actually begins Wednesday night)! I just got in from doing some spending because I can never own too many TV Show DVD’s, so you can bet your ass the first thing I’m about to do is sit down and indulge in my wrestling spirit animal, Lucha Underground!

I really can’t do this justice to type out a preview for tonights stacked line-up, so I’m going to hold off this week and let everyone head in without my blabbering. Just know we’ve got a lot to cover, and I cannot wait to do so.

First up in tonights bountiful festivities, we head to the ring as our trusty and talented announcer, Melissa Santos, informs that the following lucha is scheduled for one fall. Up first? He is accompanied my benevolent lord and savior of the squared circle, Catrina! He is the one and only, Mil Muertes!~

Together, the duo strut down the entrance steps and into the ring, and might I add Catrina looks pretty darn incredible tonight? Because she does. The terrifyingly terrific twosome step inside the ring and execute their team pose as Catrina hands out the stone for him to kiss before the bell.

Out next is his opponent for the night, Drago! Drago is also known as the luchador with one of the coolest attire/costumes I’ve ever seen. Woo lord, he got in the ring quick. I’m guessing that was an edit, but hey, edits have to be made to fit in the timespan so they have to go somewhere right?

The crowd is immediately into Drago, as Mil ambushes him from behind and begins the beat down. The temple is NOT amused by this, but Mil doesn’t care as he lands a sick chop. Drago runs off the ropes and nails a slick, quick flip off the back, knocking aside a few punches but then getting booted into the corner. He dodges out and hits a kick, before climbing to the top rope and delivering a sick corkscrew crossbody! Mil, being the more powerful of the two though, quickly kicks out.

From there, Mil takes control with a standing powerslam and delivers some boots to the chest and head area. Catrina alert! She slams her hand on the ring apron to cheer her man on, and by the looks of things, it’s certainly paying off as he sends Drago flying to the outside and nearly into the fans. Mil then slides outside the ring and… oh Jesus, a nightmare inducing shot of King Cuerno sitting atop the stage staring down at the match greets us.

Mil slams Drago’s head off various sections of the temple and the crowd gets behind his opponent even louder. Muertes places Drago’s head on the ropes and backs up a bit, taking the referee’s eyesight with him and allowing Catrina to snap his neck! The fans boo our queen of mean, as she just smirks and soaks it all in. Cuerno continues to scout, as Muertes hits a huge powerslam for another near fall.

Suddenly, Muertes spies Cuerno watching and continues the assault. The fans are still quite unhappy, but Drago quickly fixes that with a kick to the side of the head! He begins to fight! Shots and kick combo’s commence, ending it up with a nice leg sweep for a two count. Drago then nails a NICE springboard DDT. Again, just a two count. From here, Drago climbs up top and leaps off, but Mil speeaaaars the loving crap out of him. He’s completely done, as Mil then hoists him up and hits the flatliner. One… two… three! Mil remains undefeated and Catrina enters the ring. We know what this means! She steps over the fallen body of Drago, then proceeds to kneel down and grab his head. Her tongue escapes her mouth and slides up the side of his mask.

#LickOfDeath

Cuerno continues to watch, as Catrina sweeps some dirt on the fallen Drago and celebrates with Mil as the duo engage in a kiss and head to the back. Perfection.

Afterwards, Cuerno walks down the steps and steps inside, crawling towards Drago and delivering a huge sit out driver. He then slithers out and follows in Mil & Catrina’s footsteps as we head to a commercial break.

Backstage, we see Dario Cueto Jr. approach the seductively ferocious team of Mil Muertes and Catrina (Catrina Promo Alert!!!!). He compliments them on Mil’s victory tonight, but Catrina is not here for petty congratulatory messages.

YES. Short, sweet, and with a special serving of on point side-eye. Dario, looking as terrified as I am thrilled, quickly wanders off after finding out what we have all known, in that Catrina will forever be one step ahead of you even on your best day.

Back out to the temple we go, as Melissa Santos introduces our next opponent participating in singles lucha, Son of Havoc! … AND IVELISSE! Okay, she’s not competing. But she’s here, and as the baddest bitch in the building, that’s all I ask.

The pairing appear looking like they just walked out of a Sons of Anarchy style bank robbery, and I love every second of it. I also love the added beard tugging Ivelisse displays, which gains complete bonus points in my book. His opponent for the evening is none other than Mascarita Sagrada!

On a completely unrelated note, I’m adding Melissa Santos to my “How on Earth did a mainstream company never swipe you up and turn you into a star before Lucha Underground?” list. She has got such a great voice for announcing, it’s crazy.

Okay, back to the action. Mascarita greets the entire temple on his way to the ring, and has some of the most inspiring entrance music ever. No matter how inspiring it is though, Ivelisse isn’t having any of it… as made evident by her bending down on one knee and swinging hands in an attempt to mock him.

Following a commercial break, we return as the action gets underway with Son of Havoc and Ivelisse poking fun at Sagrada. This doesn’t last too long though, as Mascarita runs off with a headscissors takedown and Ivelisse heads outside as the bell sounds. Wheelbarrow arm drag, followed up with another variation off the ropes as he rolls through and taunts Team Tough Enough outside the ring. Our temple fans absolutely love Mascarita, but Havoc walks right back in and goes for a choke. He signals for the slam portion of a chokeslam, however, Sagrada rolls through! Just a two count.

Mascarita runs off the ropes, but Ivelisse trips him up! Like Catrina earlier, the crowd is absolutely sickened by her behavior. And also like Catrina, she doesn’t care. Son of Havoc then gains the upper hand with a huge tossing slam and begins beating him down and around the ring. Mascarita up top as Havoc goes for a gorilla press and absolutely nails it, before capitalizing with a beautiful standing moonsault. He starts to gloat, and then…

AND THEN…

Every single remaining prayer I have in this world is answered. A stunning woman dressed in black who we know as Queen of FCW (Hey it was a real title, I’m not JUST stating my opinion), Angela Fong, begins sharply walking down the stairs and scouting the action going on much like Cuerno did earlier, but with a little (okay a lot) less creepiness to it. She looks so badass, I need every piece of information on her character stat!

Okay, focus… focus. Back in the ring, Son of Havoc continues the beatdown… and we get another shot of Angela… and I again begin to lose focus because I’m so happy and completely dead. Havoc nails a huge boot to the chest, and Angela leaves us! No, come back please. But I have to admit, she’s got me intrigued so if you must head out, I understand.

As we go back into our match, Son of Havoc goes for a cover but Sagrada kicks out. Ooooh! He gets thrown out to the side off the ring and Ivelisse drills him with a sick knee to the face. Have I mentioned enough how much I love the interaction managers have here? Because I do. Especially when it involves our baddest bitch kneeing a man in the face. She rolls him back in and taunts the fans, allowing Havoc to obtain a cocky pin cover for a near fall. He goes for a kick, but Mascarita rolls through, runs off the ropes, and dives outside onto Ivelisse! I guess that’s definitely one way to stop her knees.

He snaps Havoc’s neck off the ropes as Ivelisse gets back up and he chases her around the ring! She finally cowers in Son of Havoc’s arms, as Sagara leaps off the top rope and takes Havoc down with a crossbody! Mascarita rolls back inside the ring, with Havoc not far behind, as Sagrada delivers a double headscissors into a victory roll for the pinfall win! Ivelisse channels her inner fury, looking beyond pissed with Havoc’s loss.

Up next, Sexy Star takes on Chavo Guerrero!

Following a commercial break, we return to the Boyle Heights Temple and become greeted by the entrance of Sexy Star! Sexy walks out from the back in a stunning coat, looking a bit more serious and less fun tonight, given what has lead up to this match. Out next is her opponent, Chavo Guerrero, and he looks a bit scary in his poised strut to the ring. Sexy warms herself up inside as the music stops and the bell sounds.

Chavo and Star eye each other down, as she shoves him back to not much avail. Chavo piefaces her, as she runs off the ropes and tries to take him down… again, unfortunately not to much avail. Chavo drags her down by the hair and begins stomping on her face, then hoisting her up and drilling her face into the turnbuckle. He plants a big kiss on her, but she smacks him across the face and dodges out of the way from an attack. Run off the ropes into a hurricanrana! She has a chair!

Sexy bangs it on the canvas and wants to return the favor he paid her, no matter if it costs the win or not. GASP! Sexy Star kicks the referee right in his groin and calls for the DQ, as she blasts the chair around the ring and Chavo begs for her to stop. Suddenly, from behind comes a masked luchador named Pentagon Jr., and he now has the chair. He seems undecided who to strike, but before he can pick, Chavo has Sexy by the hair once again and in comes Fenix!

Fenix leaps off the ropes and kicks the chair right into Pentagon Jr’s face, then hitting a back kick to take Chavo out. From there, Sexy Star runs off the ropes, he hoists her up over himself, and she flies off with a hurricanrana to Pentagon Jr. WOW! Fenix and Sexy pose as they have the upperhand, while Pentagon Jr. and Chavo crawl to the back in anger.

Thoughts: Talk about satisfying! Jesus. I never kept up with spoilers because since this was a new product and all, I wanted to go in knowing as little as possible to make it as exciting as possible, so I had no idea Sexy Star was going to continue having such an impact working with men, and I had absolutely ZERO clue Angela Fong was about to walk out in her black leather. Needless to say I pretty much lost my entire mind throughout this episode, so let’s hit on each person one by one!

Sexy Star is just incredible. I’m not even going to take any shots at WWE or TNA for not embracing intergender because while I think it can work, I do get their sponsors might see it as some sort of domestic-esque issue given how prevelant that has been in the media. Instead, I’m just going to say that I really really enjoy the fact we have an alternative that can embrace it. We don’t need to see it everywhere, and I genuinely believe the fact we don’t see it anywhere else is what makes it so special here.

The booking of this match was just great to me, and it made Sexy Star look so strong. Some might say her low blow was heelish, but I think it was more that she just wanted to beat the shit out of Chavo and if he (the referee) was going to stand in her way of doing that, she was going to take him out. Clearly the fact she grabbed the chair in the first place showed that she didn’t care about winning, so hitting the ref was of no concern to her. Incorporating Fenix and Pentagon Jr is an EXCELLENT choice to me, because while I didn’t cover their three way a few weeks ago since no woman was involved, it was ridiculously insane, they (Fenix and Pentagon) are incredible, and I cannot wait to see what Fenix and Sexy Star can do as a team. We already saw one move tonight, and I absolutely loved it.

Ivelisse was on fire throughout Son of Havoc’s match! I LOVE her attitude and fiestiness. Normally I would hate seeing her majority of the time as a manager because of how much she has to offer in the ring, but given the fact managers can have so much interaction, I’m actually very into it. I wasn’t sure if they were keeping her and Havoc as a team, but I’m so glad they did. They fit perfectly, and I think they bring a different dynamic because Catrina & Mil are a bit more dark and dominant, whereas these two are badasses that may not be able to bulldoze opponents like Mil can, but they’ll do anything to reach the top even if it doesn’t always pay off.

Her involvement throughout was so strong, and not once did I ever forget she was present throughout. A lot of the times, managers tend to just be allowed to stand and clap or slam their hands on the ring. While I don’t mind that, I love when they get to be a force. Ivelisse, given how much of a force she is when competing, is not someone I buy just standing to the side. She is, however, someone I buy whacking her knee into Havoc’s opponents faces and getting taken out by flying dives. She just brings such an edge that I don’t think anyone else has, and that’s what makes this group of women work. They’re all so distinct and bring a different identity to Lucha Underground, but all of them fit and have a place that feels like only they could obtain it. So, so good.

Catrina is, was, and always will be perfect to me. Tonight proved that she can literally say all of two sentences and not only hold my attention, but also both impress and intrigue me to the fullest. Her delivery just never fails. She literally feels unhuman to me (in the best way!) because I have so rarely ever felt this captivated by someone in wrestling. Her mannerisms, the look she gives whoever she’s talking to, the posing… it’s such tiny little trinkets but that’s what makes her her. You’d think I’d run out of things to praise this woman on considering I’ve been doing it on the site since late 2011, but I just don’t because I feel like every time I see her on screen I become more and more blown away by how good she is and continue finding additional credit she deserves to be given.

Going forward, Catrina is someone I eventually do want to see wrestle, especially after viewing Knockouts Knockdown where I was absolutely flabbergasted by how competent and great she looked in the ring. That’s not a knock at her ring work, but instead in the sense that she revealed it was the first bump she had taken in two years so I wasn’t sure what level to expect her on. To me, she looked pretty darn awesome, not even just for someone who hadn’t taken a bump in two years, but for a wrestler period. I think for now, though, she has a role and she fills it very, very well. When the time comes where the story makes sense for her to wrestle, it will be all the more worth it because each and every week, we’re growing to know more about her as Catrina and, at least speaking on my behalf, I’m starting to finally be able to separate her from Maxine. I’ll always love the Maxine character, but no matter how much talent you have, you’ve got to evolve as time goes on and that’s exactly what she’s doing as Catrina. It’s sort of a new step. Sure, the work is as excellent as ever, but it just has a different spin on it, and that’s what I love the most. I cannot wait to see what she brings to us not only the coming weeks, but in 2015 as a whole.

Angela! Jesus lord almighty. Okay, let me give you some backstory for anyone who doesn’t know me. There have only been three contracted women I’ve ever seen wrestle that I have genuinely been beyond upset and forever disgusted over the fact they were not given any chance at all to shine on the main roster (Raw and SmackDown) of WWE. Those three women are Kendall Skye, Maxine, and Angela Fong. The fact that one of them got signed to Lucha Underground? Mindblowing. I was on the floor asking what I’d done to deserve such a treat. But two?… I’m going to need oxygen.

I just loved Angela Fong so much in FCW. To say she had potential would be an understatement, and this girl was given absolutely zero to work with when she got called up. I still to this day have nightmares over the fact that while she was absolutely killing it in every way possible at developmental, most fans only knew her as an interviewer and a ring announcer (so basically she was the original JoJo).

I’m so freaking excited she’s back in a wrestling promotion, and while I knew she was signed from the press release a few months ago, I had no idea she debuted on these tapings at all. To be honest, I had just been assuming she was waiting until their next batch, so imagine my surprise when out she walks wearing all black and scouting that match like nobody’s business. I have zero idea whatsoever where this role is leading, but I’m already 100% in, even if only because she was rocking the black leather and looked like she was ready to kick some ass on her way backstage.

Like Catrina, I do eventually want to see Angela wrestle. Unlike Catrina, however, I have nothing recent to go by, so I’m more than happy with Angela becoming a manager for now until she feels comfortable in her wrestling to be able and have some matches. It’s been a while since she’s stepped inside the ring, and with how much I’ve missed seeing her, I don’t want to rush it and be disappointed. Gradually working her into a role so we get to know more about her is the way to go, and I’m very happy she’s taking on this sort of mysterious talent scout role. I kind of would like to see her form a group, or at least a tag team, if I’m being honest. I just feel like Catrina capitalizes on the dark and mysterious singles valet, whereas Ivelisse has the badass version down too. Seeing Angela with an assortment of people would automatically make her stand out as a manager since we don’t currently have a female doing that, and overall I think even if she debuts with one person, more could be added and it could really take off as something great.

Phew. Okay, I actually somehow survived a show where they blessed me and did exactly as I wanted by spreading women in just about every segment so I could recap it from top to bottom. Thank you Lucha Underground. If there’s anything in wrestling I’m thankful for, it’s you. I’ve said 500 reasons why already, so you know them I’m sure. Just please keep being amazing and never leave me. I don’t need a full fledged women’s division at the moment, and honestly I don’t even really want one right now because I love how special and how unique each of these women feel. With Sexy Star wrestling men, we can still get our wrestling fix and that works just fine for me. You’re doing so much right and it makes me happy that a lot of positive buzz is spreading. Here’s to hoping YOU become the baddest bitch in the professional wrestling building come 2015!

Until next week (hopefully!),
Bobby

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (November 26th, 2014): Sexy Star Shines, Ivelisse Impresses, Catrina Captivates & Angela Arrives appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Greeeeeetings! Yes I know, this is late. Unfortunately life got in the way and there were tests I needed to go fail (Okay, I scored a D but it’s the failing thought that counts).

Anyways, enough about me… another Wednesday has passed and that means my personal favorite promotion, Lucha Underground, has bestowed upon us another episode to enjoy!

This week, Catrina takes the night off… BUT(!) we head back into the ring as Sexy Star faces Ivelisse in our first ever womens singles match for the company. Because I’ve delayed your recapping already with my awful test-taking, I’m going to jump right into the action and not stall any longer (promise!).

We immediately begin the show off with ring announcer, Melissa Santos, in the ring and ready to announce some lucha action. Also in the ring is none other than Sexy Star, making her grand return after being taken out of action by a vicious chair shot two weeks ago at the hands of Chavo Guerrero.

GASP!

Sexy Star has a microphone, and she speaks in Spanish but we are treated to subtitles at the bottom. She calls him a stupid coward and proclaims that the next time she sees him, he better bring that chair again because that’s the only way he will EVER beat her. She is going to embarrass him for what he did to Blue Demon. She is going to kick his ass for what he did to Mascarita Sagrada! And ultimately, for laying his hands on her, she with the hands of a true queen will FINISH the Guerrero Dynasty.

I need resuscitation.

Her opponent? Ivelisse! Ivelisse steps out from the back AND she has a microphone too! What have I done to deserve this blessed gift from the lord and savior of Boyle Heights? Ivelisse demands everyone shut up and her music stop playing because she has something to say. She makes fun of Sexy Star’s emotion and claims that Sexy got exactly what she deserved for messing with someone tougher than her. She can’t believe Sexy Star thinks she belongs with the boys, and proclaims Star to in no way be the baddest luchadora around here.

She steps into the ring and insults Sexy Star for hiding her “ugly face” behind an equally as hideous mask. Ivelisse feels that deep down in her core, Sexy Star (and all of the people in the temple) know that SHE is the baddest bitch in this building!

Take my money, Lucha Underground. Take it all. Take it now.

With that, Ivelisse blows a kiss and makes fun of Sexy Star, but ultimately receives a smack across the face for her troubles! We now get underway as Ivelisse charges and takes her down as the crowd goes wild! Sexy with a headlock from the get go until Ivelisse fights out and goes for a hip toss, but Sexy counters into one of her own! Arm drag! A little off spot, but they recover as Sexy Star matrixes through a clothesline attempt and nails a kick to the midsection! Hurricanrana! Front dropkick!

She charges for Ivelisse, but Velez moves out of the way and slams her face first into the corner. She starts choking Sexy Star out before taking her to the center of the ring and tossing her across the canvas. The crowd now begins an 80% Sexy Star/20% Ivelisse chant, as Velez tries to score the pinfall but ultimately isn’t able to. She slams Star’s face into the canvas and drags her around, before hoisting Sexy up as Star fights out! They trade kicks as Ivelisse takes control once again and starts nailing a few shots to the chest. She goes for a cover, but only gets a two.

Chin lock now applied, with the addition of a nose rake! Sexy tries to fight out, but Ivelisse is fish hooking! Star finally fights out as they trade shots and nasty chops. Sexy Star with a codebreaker! Both women try to reach a vertical base with the crowd split 50/50. Clothesline! Back elbow! Clothesline again! The crowd is into Sexy, as she mimics Chavo Guerrero’s multiple suplexes for just a two count. Sexy Star rakes on the hair, which sparks Ivelisse to SMACK the taste out of her mouth. Guillotine into a DDT! Just another two. Ivelisse can’t believe Sexy has kicked out, but this just goes to piss her off even more. She argues with the ref, but this allows Sexy Star to drop toe hold and roll her up for the win. Sexy celebrates, as Ivelisse lives to be angered another day!~

Thoughts: I’m a little split on this week as a whole, but just a little as I still very much enjoyed what we got. We’ll start off with the positives first and foremost… I LOVED the promo work! I am obsessed with the fact that they allow Sexy to speak spanish and give us a translation below. It also speaks to how well she can portray her emotions and really get into the acting aspect considering she has to use her facial expressions to sell what she’s saying to the audience who can only speak English… and that’s no easy task when 85% of your face is covered with a mask.

To me, it also continues to differentiate her from a lot of her fellow luchadors around (as if she needed anything more to do so) and just completes the full package of being a star overall. Her promo came off so strongly, and I’m beyond excited that it looks like they’re going to fully commit to this being an intergender feud and treat it as any regular program we’d see between two guys or two girls.

Ivelisse absolutely killed me as well. We needed this after how limited her introduction was, and I felt she by far delivered with the ball she was given to run with. Her promo was on fire, especially the part where she stood on the steps and screamed for everyone to shut up because this was her time to speak. I’ve never really gotten to see her work a mic like this on FCW or TNA from what I can remember, so I was kind of blown away at how much she’s grown as a performer since the days of Tough Enough. I loved her delivery of the “baddest bitch” line, in particular. She just really shined overall and it pains me that no company swooped her up (for good) when they had the chances. I’m just going to count it as a blessing in disguise though, because I kind of want to hear her scream that she’s the baddest bitch in the building on a weekly basis.

The match as a whole was a little off for me personally. Maybe I was so amped from the promos, but there seemed to be a lot of small edits here and there where you could tell the shot was changing to cover something up. I didn’t think it was a bad match at all though, but the edits did distract me a bit if I’m being honest. However, I’m not going to be one of those people that point blame at anyone because like I said a few weeks ago, this is a brand new promotion and a lot of people might just need time to click with their fellow roster members in order to find out what will work and what won’t.

I think as time goes on (especially when we get past the first batch of episodes taped which is where I will really be intrigued to see the growth), everyone will shine even brighter and we’ll get to see so much more than we’re getting now, which is already great in its own right. I mean there’s no way to improve your product than to test things out and see what works, and the same can be said when it comes to facing someone new in a ring, especially in an environment like this where you can’t face off on live events to speed up the comfortability. The more you get to work with them, the better your matches become and I really hope we get to revisit Ivelisse and Sexy in a singles match down the line when they get time to work more.

Overall I still felt this was a very good week if only for the promos. Ivelisse and Sexy Star both rocked that mic like nobodies business, and the future is looking bright in the form of an intergender feud between Star and Chavo Guerrero. I just hope they can still find a way to utilize Ivelisse because she is too good to be set aside. You embrace intergender, so maybe have Son of Havoc take out his frustrations over losing to Sexy Star on Ivelisse? I don’t want to take away the specialness of Sexy Star wrestling men, but I think that could actually work in its own right because there would be an actual story behind it since the tale was that he recruited Ivelisse as backup and she hasn’t gotten the job done yet, whereas he at least beat her in their singles match on the premiere.

The moral of this story, however: Catrina and Sexy Star’s roles are perfect… just give me more Ivelisse please!

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (November 19th, 2014): Sexy Star Meets the Baddest Bitch in the Building appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Welcome to the land of a thousand deaths!~ It is I, Bobby, ready to be your tour guide as we enter the Boyle Heights temple and get ready for a night you shan’t soon forget.

K, I tried my best mysterious Catrina impression to greet you and I hope it worked. Either way, let’s get into tonights wonderful third episode of Lucha Underground! If you’ll remember, last week we saw the debut of Catrina and Mil Muertes, as well as a kick ass mixed tag featuring Sexy Star and Chavo Guerrero teaming up against Son of Havoc and Ivelisse. Then, in the conclusion of the episode, Chavo whacked our masked luchadora over the head with a steel chair and sent Sexy Star to the hospital.

Because of this, our high flying savior is out of action this week. But never fear, because Lucha Underground has taken it upon themselves to again meet all of my needs. Last week, I said I would like Catrina promos to fill the screen every week, or at least every week we have no women in action so that I still have something woman-wise to redux about (Don’t worry… I may be in the process of trying to convince our bosslady Erin to rename the site as Diva-And-Prince-Puma-Dirt.Com. Will keep you all updated!).

I am just too giddy over the fact I get to recap Catrina/Karlee/Maxine/Liviana/Candy Girl/Resident Lord and Savior’s promos on a week to week basis again, that I’ll make myself shut up now so we can get started!

We head backstage to see Chavo Guerrero (fresh off his chair shot to Sexy Star/beatdown to Blue Demon Jr. last week), meet up with Konnan. Konnan discusses how Chavo has always been considered family to him, so he wants to give a heads up. La Raza in Mexico found out about what he did to Blue Demon Jr. last week and it’s only a matter of time before they find out what he did to Mascarita earlier on in tonight’s episode. Because of this, Konnan wants to give him some advice — He needs to become extinct just like a ghost or a comprehensive immigration bill (Side note: WHAT?!). He warns Chavo that they’re coming, before walking off.

Suddenly, the lights flicker and Chavo turns around to see Mil Muertes before him! But with Mil comes the heaven sent ruler of the microphone… the goddess of the Boyle Heights temple… the one… the only… Catrina!

From there, out to the temple ring we go! Our announcer, Melissa Santos, introduces a competitor currently in the ring… that being the one and only Ricky Mandel. His opponent? Accompanied by the beautiful, Catrina (Side note: Not sure who adds more flattering adjectives before they say Catrina between Melissa and I), from Beyond the Grave… Miiiiiil Mueerrtesss! The power couple/associate & client duo step out from the back. One looks scary, one looks beautiful, and because I thought I couldn’t overly love either video packages or Catrina more than I already did, they combine them both into one and I get my own personal moment of sheer bliss.

WHAT in God’s Green Earth is this utter brilliance? I was going to type out all of her lines like I usually do in these segments, but I can’t do it justice so I am instructing all of you to watch this video package. I have chills, and it may make me come off ridiculous to admit that, but bring on the ridicule.

Back to the temple, Mil and Catrina continue their path down the steps and enter the ring. She carries his red stone of power and control, as they execute their team pose and she removes his coat. She then heads outside, gives Mil a kiss, and prepares to watch her client destroy another victim.

Mandel ducks an attack attempt, but his quickness doesn’t help him out for long as Muertes quickly gets the upper hand with a takedown. Mil goes for a bodyslam, however, Ricky fights out and nails a few punches and clotheslines to minimal effect. Yowza! Mil then completely tackles him to the ground, before sending him to the corner and chopping the ever loving mercy out of his chest. Catrina definitely approves what she’s seeing, and this is made all the more obvious as Mil distracts the referee and she grabs onto Ricky’s hair, snapping his neck off the ropes for good measure!

Ricky tries to fight out, but the power advantage for Mil is just too much. Catrina now ascends to the ring apron so she can get a closer look, but much to her dismay, Mandel hits a dropkick! Ricky tries to capitalize, and nails a few shots. He climbs to the top rope and goes for a double axe handle, only he eventually gets sent into lala land when Mil scouts it coming and decks him right in the face. Catrina claps! Muertes hoists Ricky up and drills him with the flatliner, scoring the victory as Catrina steps back into the ring. She bends down and places her knee on Ricky’s midsection, before lifting his lifeless head up and planting another patented #LickOfDeath.

With that, Catrina and Mil perform a little makeout sesh in the ring as she holds his hand up in victory!

Thoughts: I’m trying so hard to not start out the thoughts process with my usual fawning over the show, but it’s so hard you guys. I just, I mean the video package. I’m such a vignette spaz, and this was like movie quality! It gave Mil Muertes such a powerful backstory — one that we don’t usually see — and they COMPLETELY nailed it. That’s the best part to me about the filming style. It might have come off very cheesy in a typical vignette because a lot of the times, people associate wrestling as needing to separate itself from the scripted-ness of movies or tv shows and instead focus on realism. To me though, that takes the fun out of a lot of it. With Lucha Underground, because they film this like a legitimate movie and present themselves as wanting to be compared to that style, it allows them to go outside the box with these backstories and nail the execution in a way that I don’t think would work otherwise.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt when it’s being narrated by Catrina, who is, on a serious note, one of my favorite talkers of all time and I have no qualms admitting it. She just has a way to make what she says seem so powerful and so legit… like you can tell she truly believes in what she’s saying and it’s not just a regular promo or script to her. I am not someone who picks apart anyone’s acting because lord help us if my uncharismatic, monotone self ever had to cut a promo or do anything of the sort, but I just think she is so above & beyond good at what she does and that’s why I’ve never forgotten about her work on Redemption (and why I’m so happy she’s returned to us). No matter what part you present to her, she nails it every time and the day she steps in a Lucha Underground ring to wrestle will be the day the heavens bestow upon me the ultimate gift I never thought I’d get to see again. Also, please make #LickOfDeath trend loyal brethren! It would be the best gift to the universe (or just me, but we’ll go with universe) ever.

In the Sexy Star front, I’m perfectly okay with her not being shown tonight to sell the injury and the brutality of what Chavo did last week. I would’ve liked perhaps a bonus and gotten a little video or something checking up on her, but you never know what we might get next week or even the week after that. I cannot wait to see how she returns, and if she legitimately embarks on an intergender feud, either while they await Blue Demon Jr. to return or after he does. This was a short week female wise, but I still watched & enjoyed the entire show from start to finish and I cannot wait to see where we go from here. When what you’re putting out is so fun, it’s a pleasure to watch whether there’s anything to solidify recapping it or not.

See you next week (hopefully!)
Bobby

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (November 12th, 2014): Catrina Dishes Out Some Backstory… and a Few Licks of Death appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Oh holy night, the stars are briiiiightly shiiiining.

It’s officially time to delve into episode two of our new, hidden professional wrestling gem, Lucha Underground! If you’re stopping in for the first time, be sure to check out last week ahead of feasting on tonight’s delectable goodness, for last week seems like a small taste of what we could expect in comparison to all that this weeks episode brought to the table.

Oh yes, Lucha heard my pleas to put women in as much as possible so I can recap the entire show, and have rewarded me big time! For you see, this go around, we are treated to a bunch of redux-able segments and matches!~

In an attempt to gain a measure of revenge on Son of Havoc after losing last week, Sexy Star has enlisted in a male partner, Chavo Guerrero, while Havoc brought some back-up as well, in the form of current SHINE Champion (and fellow Tough Enough alumni!), Ivelisse Velez! Together, the four will square off in a mixed tag team match, however, in Lucha Underground, this doesn’t mean you can only face off against your gender, for everything is fair play.

In addition to that, we get the arrival of my longtime holy spiritual leader… the first woman who made recapping a joy and a pleasure for me in life, Karlee Perez! Formerly known as Maxine, she will now go under the alias of Catrina… and she will also have no PG rules toning her character down. I already can’t form enough words to adequately describe my happiness, so let’s jump right into the action in chronological order!

We head to the commentary table, where Matt Striker and Vampiro are discussing last weeks episode in which Dario Cueto Jr. (Head authority figure of LU) vowed to bring in a new luchador to deal with Blue Demon Jr. as best as can be. The man who has been called upon? Mil Muertes. And let me tell you, he is not coming alone! We head to a hype vignette featuring a female voiceover that I recognize anywhere.

“For every man — no matter his strength, his ability, his heart — one thing is certain… a thousand deaths are coming. Mil Muertes (insert spanish phrasing I won’t even attempt spelling out)”

Catrina!

We head out to the temple, where ring announcer Melissa Santos announces the following lucha to be scheduled for one fall. Already in the ring (boo!) is the team comprised of both Son of Havoc as well as his new recruit, Ivelisse! (Side note: I have to comment on how much I love their look together. So badass.) Their opponents, out first, Chavo Guerrero! Annnd the female we were introduced to last week, Sexy Star!

Chavo and Havoc (I may botch and write Havok… please forgive me.) start things off as the crowd is red hot! They lock up as Chavo takes control with a snapmare into a headlock. Havoc fights out and even though it doesn’t do any damage, nails a ridiculously cool landing backflip. Unfortunately for him, he gets met with a shot of boots to the face as Chavo goes for his beard. Ivelisse does NOT look pleased with what is transpiring, as the crowd breaks into a “Chavo” chant. Son of Havoc now with the upper hand, as Ivelisse assists him by kicking Chavo in the back. He nails a chop to the chest and tags in Velez!

Ivelisse steps into the ring and goes on the attack asap, decking Chavo with a flurry of kicks to the midsection. She follows it up with some shots right towards the facial area, as he shoves her back… only this just goes to position her right into the crouching spot needed to DECK him with a side-jump kick to the face. Cover! Just a one count. Ivelisse continues to capitalize, before tagging Son of Havoc back in. Havoc with an Irish Whip, but Chavo kicks him in the face and nails a clothesline. He craaawwwwls, and yes! Tag into Sexy Star!

Sexy runs in and immediately hits a flying headscissors takedown! Roll through! Matrix! Super kick! I cannot keep up with her, and I love every second of it. She hits another shot to the jaw, before posing and then running off the ropes for a… no! Son of Havoc takes her down. Ivelisse now looks pleased with what she’s seeing, as she tags in and goes to work on Sexy. Velez starts beating her face into the mat, but Sexy fights out and the pair trade vicious shots. Sexy looks to send Ivelisse into the ropes, but Ivelisse counters through it and hits another sick jumping kick to the face! She then drags Sexy Star over and tags in Son of Havoc, presumably looking to continue his female beatdown mission from last week.

Havoc enters to a chorus of boos, then going for a standing moonsault that gets blocked by Sexy Star’s knees! Tag into Chavo, who goes crazy with a comeback attempt before finishing it off with a rolling Liger kick in the corner. He looks to complete the job, but Ivelisse charges in to break the pin up. This brings forth Sexy Star to take her out with a running hurricanrana as the pair brawl around the ring. Star then tosses Velez outside and leaps off the ring apron with a pair of knees! The crowd loves what they’re seeing — well, until Son of Havoc nails a standing enziguiri to the back of Chavo’s head inside the ring. He signals an impending end as he runs off the ropes, but Chavo counters with a dropkick and heads up top! Frog splash! Instead of pinning though, Chavo tags in Sexy Star, who charges forward with a wheelbarrow victory roll! One… Two… Three!

Sexy gains retribution over Havoc, and a newfound friendship with Chavo Guerrero! Again though, if we visit our “How Happy is Ivelisse Right Now” meter, I’d say we’re registering on the “wants to kill something” levels. This is not good (unless it brings her back next week in which I’m all here for destruction!)

We head to another video hype package for Mil Muertes, which shows Blue Demon Jr. training backstage… until, that is, he’s approached by a sensual, captivating, personal holy leader of mine, Catrina! She walks up and gently pokes him on the shoulder, which sparks him to turn around and see… no one there. He shakes it off, but then faces forward again as Catrina struts out from a shadowy background and enters the scene.

“Blue Demon Jr… I am an associate of Mil Muertes. Mil sends a message…”

She then debuts what will become known as the #LickOfDeath, where she licks the side of his mask!

“… A taste before a thousand deaths.”

With that, Catrina nudges him away and walks back into the shadows. He looks concerned with what’s to come… as he should be.

Back at commentary, Matt Striker reveals that last week’s main event introduced the world to a brand new luchador, therefore tonight will be no different. From there, we head to the ring as Blue Demon Jr. stands ready and waiting to meet his opponent. Melissa Santos prepares the introductions for the match, as the lights then go near pitch black (sans a shining spotlight), and out comes Mil & Catrina!

Hand in hand they strut, Catrina looking determined as ever for her client to destroy every man (or woman) in his path. The duo make their way into the ring, executing a pose that sends shivers up my spine in excitement. It appears that Catrina and Mil share a bond strong enough, he allows her to hold some sort of red device that is of great importance to him, as she removes his coat and we get underway with our main event!

Oooh, it seems in addition to letting the men and women mix it up, Lucha Underground also doesn’t shy away from a little client/associate makeout sesh (whatever gets the job done, right?). The bell sounds as Mil goes right on the attack! He decks Blue Demon with a ton of kicks, then following it up with a chop and some knees to the back. They almost immediately head outside, as Mil dominates Blue Demon Jr., eventually slamming his face off the commentary table! They head back inside the ring (well, Mil throws Demon in, if that counts.), as the dominance continues. Demon counters! Arm drag! Blue Demon ducks a set of shots to the face, nailing a front dropkick and chopping Mil in the corner.

Blue Demon Jr. hits a slap, as Catrina hops onto the ring apron to distract him, allowing Mil to take him down. But what comes next?? Catrina kicks Blue Demon square in the jaw with her heel! Managers can get involved and this makes me so happy. She doesn’t stop there, for after that Catrina grabs onto the back of his mask and hops off the ring apron, which simultaneously slingshots his throat off the ropes and he falls backwards. Muertes nails a few more chops and sends Demon into the corner, but Blue Demon fights back! Bulldog! Just a two count.

Blue Demon continues to fight, as Catrina looks on a little concerned. He heads to the top rope, but Mil gets to a vertical base quick enough to put a stop to that. Mil then drops Blue Demon with a lungblower, but he kicks out! Muertes heads up top, soaking in the boos, as he leaps off but meets a pair of boots to the face. DDT! Just a two count. Blue Demon goes back to the chops, this time going for open palm smacks and transitioning into punches. Muertes fights out of an Irish Whip attempt, then charging forward like a damn bull and tackling Blue Demon Jr. to the ground!

From there, Mil fires up as the crowd boos him on (but Catrina claps, and that counts as a million cheers!). He awaits Blue Demon Jr. to get up, before running forward and decking him with a charging flatliner. Hook of the leg — one… two… three! Catrina steps back into the ring to celebrate with Mil, but before the celebration can begin, Mil starts beating Blue Demon Jr. down as Catrina hands the red stone back over. Wait! Suddenly, Chavo Guerrero is back in with a chair to fend Mil off of the man that he, himself, faced in the opener of last weeks show. Catrina quickly steps out from behind, as Mil rolls out the ring.

Blue Demon Jr. then gets up from behind to check on what Chavo’s doing, but BAM! Chavo lays him out with a chair shot to the head. Heeeeeeel turn!~ The crowd is not having this at all, with Chavo beating Blue Demon Jr. down and referees running out from the back. Catrina is absolutely loving what she sees, as Chavo decks the refs and goes back to Blue Demon Jr. He picks up the chair once more, and here comes some random men from the back looking to save Blue Demon Jr, but ultimately paying the price with continued chairs to the head. Wait! It’s Sexy Star! Chavo’s partner from the tag earlier tonight charges down the steps and into the ring. She pleads with him to put the chair down and stop, wondering what has gotten into him. His response? CHAIR SHOT TO SEXY STAR!

The crowd is absolutely enraged, as Chavo soaks everything in and some crew wheel a stretcher out from the back to tend to Sexy, Blue Demon and the random luchadors. Guerrero takes a seat in the very chair used to create so much damage, laughing at how fired up the fans are over his actions tonight. The staff wheels Blue Demon Jr. out, as Chavo blows a kiss to the downed Sexy Star and we end the show with a shot of the ambulance transporting Blue Demon to a local medical facility.

Has Chavo won the money Dario Cueto put up last week? Because clearly this is the biggest statement one has made thus far (aside from Catrina gracing us with her presence). I’d like for them to wait a few weeks though because I’m ready for some Sexy Star revenge.

Thoughts: I love this. I love it so much. You’re all going to get beyond annoyed with me if this is all I can say over the entire course of its run when we’re only in week two, but I can’t help it. I genuinely have so much excitement for this show, and while I was impressed with week one, tonight completely outshines it and I have no problems admitting that.

My one setback about last week was that the matches (outside the main event) felt either a little short or off in parts. Personally, I gave them a little bit of a break since it was their first show and going from absolutely nothing (in terms of not even being an already functioning company who had been running live events or something of that nature) to a huge network backing wrestling promotion wasn’t going to be absolute perfection right out the gate.

To be honest though… week two was about as damn near close to perfection as I could imagine.

Maybe it’s my continued watching of the WWE and TNA, both fine products on their own, but both kind of interchangeable when it comes to the way they present themselves. Sure, there are differences, but neither is entirely its own entity in the way that Lucha Underground is to me. Just the filming style, the segments, the video packages, the crowd… everything is presented in a different way that we’ve not really seen before (or at least recently). They even fixed a few of the small things I was silently hoping they’d mend, like not putting every single shot to the commentary table in that corner shaky camera angle (I appreciate what they were going for, and I do really like it, just toned down more like this week as opposed to episode one where it felt a little too much), and the crowd was clearly larger for the show this week which made things feel even better from a viewer perspective.

The main thing though, is that every match got time and every match felt important. On any other promotion, Prince Puma and Johnny Mundo‘s opening tag match would have main evented. Sexy Star and Ivelisse would only be allowed to fight one another. Mil Muertes and Catrina would’ve maaaaybe got a short hype video and a quick squash. Here though? Mundo & Puma opened the show (which I loved because as a huge fan of Puma, I don’t want him to main event every week and bulldoze through people… this gives him much more excitement in my opinion), setting a hot, rapid pace of what was to come, all while allowing Mil Muertes to main event and make his debut feel all the more impactful, giving it some added oomph since it was going to be the quickest of the evening’s matches. In addition? Sexy Star got retribution over Son of Havoc, and we got an awesome mixed tag team match with a commentary team that promoted it as being set in the year 2014 where women are actually equal to, if not better than men in various fields, so why not let them show it in wrestling?

Can you imagine Jerry Lawler or JBL saying this? I’d probably sooner get John Cena in a Lucha Underground ring before that would ever happen.

Speaking of the tag, I absolutely loved it! It got (or at least felt like it got) more than enough time, with everyone serving a great purpose and getting to do special spots. If I had one complaint, I would’ve liked to see some additional airtime devoted to Ivelisse’s introduction because that’s the one thing I didn’t like. Not only did we barely hear anything about her backstory other than Son of Havoc recruited her, but she didn’t even get an entrance. I hate complaining about a show I love so much, but if I had to focus on one point that should’ve been a tad different, it would be that. Hopefully we get something more in the coming weeks though!

Catrina… Catrina… Catrina… I’ve officially died and gone to heaven. My dream since the untimely demise of NXT Redemption has been to get this woman back on a wrestling based show. All this time I thought my only hope was TNA, but then Lucha Underground was basically born into this world and grew up right before my very eyes in the span of two months and she has come to make my dreams come true. I already said last week that I couldn’t wait to see her take on a character with no PG boundaries, and she did not disappoint.

Those video packages gave me so much life, I can’t even lie or downplay it. I am SO glad they realized this duo is a force to be reckoned with and didn’t treat them as anything less. Catrina getting to speak should be a requirement of every episode, and I love that they took an even different spin on the video packages they do by promoting she and Mil Muertes up with multiple different vignettes spread throughout the hour as opposed to restricting it to only one to be shown during their entrance. It was perfect, and set their debut up SO well. Please just give me a Catrina video every week. Or at least every week there’s no females in action.

Oh… and no big deal… can we just talk about how their second episode ever ended with a man on woman chair shot, setting up an intergender feud to come down the line? Please never stop embracing this mixed gender love, Lucha Underground. It may have seemed like a small way to set yourself apart when you formed, but it is huge and much, much appreciated.

This week was just brilliant, and I’m sorry I can’t say bad things about it because I’m going to end up sounding like a broken record, but I just can’t. They have literally made my dream of a promotion come true. From the talent they sign to the impeccable way they film, it’s just my everything and I do not want to live in a world where it doesn’t exist.

Okay, I’ll shut up now so I actually have something to hopefully say next week.

Bobby

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (November 5th, 2014): A Night of Arrivals, Attacks & a Whole Lot of Show Stealing appeared first on Diva Dirt.

Guys.

GUYS.

It’s here! Like a gift sent from above, the wrestling promotion I have been beyond excited for more than any other in some time is upon us, and it is Lucha Underground! We’ve seen the roster update news (I mean, as soon as Karlee/Maxine/Catrina/Jesus was announced, you had to know I’d be all over this recap, right?). We’ve seen a few short video introductions. But tonight we get the first full fledged episode to judge for our very own eyes.

Did it live up to the seemingly impossible hype I created in my head? No, it didn’t. It exceeded it! And I’m proud to bring forth the first review of hopefully many years worth to come. Sooo without any further ado, let’s go ahead and jump right into the action just as soon as I take a second to recover from how phenomenal Johnny Mundo (WWE’s John Morrison) vs. Prince Puma (Ricochet of Dragon Gate USA/EVOLVE/PWG) truly was.

We head to the temple as our announcer for the evening, Melissa Santos, introduces a luchador already in the ring known as Son of Havoc. His opponent? The one! The only! Sexy Star! Sexy makes her way out from the back with a huge (and equally as cool) silver winged cape spread out on her back. The crowd is going crazy for her, as she glides around the ring and steps inside, continuing to flow her cape around and pose on the turnbuckle as we head to a… to a… video package! Also known as one of my favorite things in all of wrestling — Hashtag Proud Video Package Nerd.

The video introduces us to Sexy Star, with her admitting that before she discovered lucha, she looked in the mirror and saw a woman who was afraid. She came from a world of abuse and even contemplated suicide… until she was saved by the art of lucha. It showed her that women can be as strong and as tough as a man, but not only that — they can even kick ass better than a man can. Every time she laces up her boots, it’s for all of the young girls out in the world who need to get out on their feet and escape living in fear. She trains for every girl who doesn’t need to be afraid. And she wins for every girl out there who needs a hero because every woman is sexy and every woman is a star. She fights for every woman because she will never be afraid again! My chills, they know no bounds.

Back to the ring, Son of Havoc has the microphone and claims that wrestling a woman is beneath him. He requests Sexy Star exits the ring and gets counted out, that of which she looks to be obeying. The referee begins his count, but once Son of Havoc turns around to taunt the crowd, Sexy runs back inside and starts beating him down! He tries to shove her off, but she comes back swinging each time. Son of Havoc eventually takes her down and goes for a moonsault off the ropes… however, Sexy Star rolls through! She nails a hurricanrana! It looks like she wants to follow it up with a wheelbarrow-esque move, but Son of Havoc simply shoves her off face first. He then sends her into the corner and she tries to springboard off until he catches her once again.

Havoc tries to hit a little Snake Eyes action on her, but she escapes from behind and pushes him square into the corner! Star springs forward, leaping over the ropes and onto the ring apron. She smacks him right in the face and hops off with a crossbody! One… no! Sexy charges from the ropes trying to keep the momentum going, however, ultimately gets a backbreaker for her troubles. The damage has been done, as Son of Havoc quickly capitalizes by covering her and attaining the three count… but that’s okay because Sexy Star will be back to wow us all in no time!

First Thoughts: I love this so so so so much. First though, let me mention that this is a program which is much more appreciated and better served by watching the full hour long episode. There’s just so many different spins they put on their version of a televised pro wrestling show that will not be appreciated if you just watch the one segment recapped above and nothing more.

Match Thoughts: As far as the action goes, I thought it was definitely solid but obviously a little short. That’s okay though, because this is their first show and they were only given an hour instead of the advertised two that (for some reason) were pulled at the last second, so I can’t fault them. My favorite part of this, though, had to be Sexy Star’s introduction. Let me preface this by saying I was surprised enough that they debuted her on their opening night because with all of the individuals already on the roster, I sort of expected the premiere to be devoted towards getting the top men’s angles over with the women coming a few episodes down the road just because we’ve sort of been trained in wrestling to expect the men will come first. But not only did they prominently feature Sexy Star, they devoted a damn near Academy Award winning hype video explaining her backstory. My jaw hit the floor.

She lost, but I think they went so above & beyond to get the focus put on her that I’m okay with this. She got the entrance and the exposure, and I think more first time watchers are going to remember that over the fact she didn’t win in the end. Also, can I add that I freaking love them for embracing Intergender action? A) Because I miss it, and B) It already sets them apart.

They don’t really have enough women yet to have a full fledged division, but after seeing this I’m not sure I want one just yet. Sexy Star feels so special getting to take on the guys. It makes her come off exactly as she identifies, in that of a star. Bringing in a few more women is something I, of course, want to see. I just kind of like the small feel to things for now that I wouldn’t want it to get overcrowded and for these matches to lose their spark and their appeal.

A lot of why I don’t like small divisions when it comes to other companies is because the matches become stale when they have to face each other over and over. Here, though, the women can wrestle the men and get involved with them, which gives these girls new opportunity to become their own identity. Sexy Star will stand out from Ivelisse who will stand out from Catrina and Angela Fong and Holly Michelle. They each bring something different to the table, not only in their looks but also their roles within the show, and while I GREATLY encourage additional signings, I want that uniqueness to stay present so that each person has their own appeal.

Overview: From the classic film style backstage segments to the insanely great production quality (seriously, I cannot pride it enough) to the talent itself, Lucha Underground kicked off with such a bang and I love what they’re doing. They’re not trying to be the typical mainstream wrestling promotion with the fancy colored spotlights and huge arenas. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, but we already have those. They want to be seen differently — as a hidden gem of sorts, but also one that knows if you want to be taken seriously on a big network like this and if you want to get people’s attention, you’ve got to make your product look good while maintaining those differences. Somehow, they managed to master the art of accomplishing both the true underground feel as well as the starpower and A+ production which is just unreal to me.

It’s not only that, but they’re doing something so so right that wrestling just hasn’t seen in such a long time. They’re going outside the box with their setup and they’re signing talent that deserve to be seen on a wide stage without dropping the ball on them. Whether it’s bringing demanded exposure to deserving people like Ricochet and like Sexy Star, both of whom I am continuously baffled other companies haven’t swooped up and made household names, or vice versa by bringing the TV spotlight back to also deserving people like Catrina/Maxine, Angela Fong and Ivelisse Velez that those same companies foolishly let slip through the cracks, Lucha Underground is just absolutely killing me in all the right ways (if that makes sense).

It’s almost like a second chance of sorts when it comes to those individuals. They can finally get that spotlight they should have gotten in their first runs with a major company, but this time they get to truly show and express what makes them them with no limitations and nothing holding them back. I mean, it’s no secret my love for Maxine’s days on NXT Redemption are unrivaled, so the thought of her getting to play a character that doesn’t have to abide by strict sponsorship rules and regulations? I want it and I want it now.

Lucha Underground just really seems to know talent, no matter what background you come from, and they embrace it. You can actually be a valet and get signed to do that! You don’t have to train and either immediately be a wrestler or nothing at all if you’re already great at the character aspect, just as long as you have an identity, embrace it, and go full out to make yourself special either through your actions in the ring and/or on the microphone. It just feels like such a refreshing, deserved spin on things that the sometimes stale mainstream world has seriously needed a dose of.

Fingers crossed this proves to be the success I hope for. El Rey is still a brand spankin’ new network so I have no idea what sort of ratings they get or hope their shows will attain, but I just wish to wake up and have this be a hit that commands attention for everything they’re trying to do. I have full respect for every company out there that is giving talented individuals a place to gain exposure and show what they can do, but Lucha Underground just draws me in so much more than the competitors right now. Sure, it’s only been one episode so I could very well be jumping the gun… but at least I’m excited. And at least I’m passionate. This is all I want from wrestling, and this is what things like NXT Redemption and now Lucha Underground are giving me.

As mentioned above, I do want to see them sign even more talented individuals because lord knows there are a ton of other people on my exposure wishlist (Johnny Gargano! Athena! Caleb Konley! Alex Koslov! Mia Yim! Kendall Skye!) that could either get their deserved consecutively booked TV spotlight for the first time, or be that case of showing other companies the gems they missed out on utilizing to their fullest the first go around.

The sky is the limit for Lucha Underground, but I’m all in and I’ll see you guys each Thursday I can with these recaps (so PLEASE Lucha, just give me something woman related that I can chat about. I don’t care if it’s a five second beautifully produced backstage segment… I just want to talk about you as much as possible).

See you next week (hopefully!~),
Bobby

The post Lucha Underground Analysis (October 29th, 2014): A Sexy Star is Born 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.

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.

Ultima Lucha Tres began last week and continues this Wednesday. On tap are two Luchadora matches, a ton of men’s matches, and two other matches that inadvertently involve women in the Temple.

Let’s take a look at what’s to come:

Mask vs Hair Match: Fenix vs Marty “The Moth” Martinez

This half of Season Three saw Marty set his sights on Melissa Santos as Melissa and Fenix’s relationship began heating up.

Meanwhile, Mariposa has been watching her brother in the shadows, waiting to see if Melissa was palatable enough to join their family.

Two weeks ago the couple came face to face with Marty and Mariposa in the ring. Fenix and Melissa’s love wasn’t enough to withstand the twisted siblings, however, and Marty and Mariposa won the match, but not without sending a message to Melissa first.

Now Fenix and Marty will meet face to face to settle this rivalry in a Mask vs Hair Match! Will Melissa or Mariposa get involved?

Gauntlet of the Gods 3-Way Match: Cage vs Jeremiah Crane vs Mil Muertes

A love triangle between Catrina, Mil Muertes, and Jeremiah Crane has been brewing all season.

Although Jeremiah was brought to the Temple by Ivelisse, his real goal was to reunite with former lover Catrina. Rejecting his advances, Catrina still played mind games with Jeremiah in order for him to do her bidding.

Fast forward to several months ago and the shocking revelation that Catrina is Captain Vasquez’s daughter. With that reveal came another huge development, Cage’s gauntlet is a gateway for the gods and Vasquez needs to get her hands on it. She tells Catrina to have Mil bring it to her.

Catrina went face to face with Cage to try and grab the gauntlet but she was no match for him. This brought Mil and Jeremiah into the picture and now all three will collide at Ultima Lucha for ownership of the gauntlet. Who will survive and what will it mean for Catrina if she doesn’t obtain this item? Is there a chance that Ivelisse will get involved?

Check out last week’s preview of Ivelisse vs Catrina and Taya vs Sexy Star.

Lucha Underground airs tomorrow night at 8 pm ET on the El Rey Network, with Ultima Lucha Tres airing these next three weeks. Episodes can also be purchased on iTunes and Seasons One and Two are available on Netflix and Amazon.

What matches are you excited for? Who do you think will win? Sound off in the comments below.

The post Ultima Lucha Tres Preview Part II appeared first on Diva Dirt.