Showing posts with label LU. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LU. Show all posts

Sunday, January 22, 2017

BREAKING NEWS: Pentagon Jr. Leaves AAA, Name Change


Pentagon Jr. may have been one of your favorites in Lucha Underground and on the independents, but  that may no longer be the case. It just so happens that Pentagon Jr. has left AAA in Mexico. This is the major promotion along with CMLL. If you ask me, don't bother with AAA. It's just not that great of a promotion and it was a genius idea for Pentagon to leave and tour the indpendants.

This is not the only name that left AAA recently. Daga and Darza Jr. have both left with Pentagon. The other well known Luchador to leave was actually Pentagon's brother, Fènix. Both Fènix and Pentagon will now begin to tour around the world, but not as the names we once knew them. AAA owns  the names "Fènix" and "Pentagon Jr." Lucky for both men, only minor changes have been made to their names.

You may have been noticing already that Fènix has been going by the name of "Rey Fènix" in promotions like AAW. Pentagon will be next to follow. His name will be changed to "Penta El Cero Miedo". The name is a bit of a change, but nothing that we haven't seen from Pentagon in the past. His signature taunt is "Cero Miedo", but it just doesn't seem like a right fit in his name. Who knows. We'll see where this goes. 

Fènix and Pentagon have been in the US before. We've seen them in promotions like AAW and PWG, but they may show up even more often now after this decision. Right now, it definitely seems like it's for the better. Pentagon and Fènix can now go around and surely get more opportunities than when they were signed to AAA. Who knows. Maybe a TNA or ROH signing could be on the way (even though I would hate to see both in TNA).

Friday, October 21, 2016

Lucha Underground: Payback Time (Review: 10/19/16)

Ladies and Gentlemen, sound the mariachi band, cue the commentators and let anarchy ring throughout the temple! Yes my readers, welcome to another Lucha Underground Review! I am the "Local Hero" Cameron Mcdonley, alongside my trusty keyboard to give you the best review of the chaotic ride that is Lucha Underground. With that said, let's cut the talking, because there's a lot of action we have to experience during this fine hour.

The show opens with Prince Puma preparing for his war with Mil Muertes later on in the show when Vampiro appears, once again offering his managerial services to the face of The Temple. Puma clearly rejected that offer, stating that he'd rather die by Mil's hands than to live by his. Vampiro makes his prediction known to him that he thinks Prince Puma will make "The Man Of 1,000 Deaths" die by his hands. This was a segment I found highly intriguing, because I can visualize how this angle will take shape, with the twisted human being who once set Sting on fire managing a man that is usually a very prideful individual. It'd be like James Mitchell going to WWE and managing a heel John Cena, but not quite. Anyway, the vignette left me very interested, and I'd like to see where this leads to.
Rating: 3/5

Our opening match is once again another product of Dario's Dial of Doom, as Killshot was selected by the hand of the wheel to try his hand at ripping the Lucha Underground title from the cannibalistic monster's grasp. He ultimately did not obtain the victory, as Matanza Cueto defeated his newest challenger in a 20 minute display of physicality, notably from Killshot himself, as he displayed a really solid level of intensity and passion we don't usually see from him. Matanza was not slacking in the aggression department either, as he hit a sickening uppercut to the side of his opposition's head in the midway point of this match. Great match.
Rating: 3.5/5

After a solid and noteworthy title match, an unidentified man with dog-tags similar to the former soldier walked very eerily to the ring. Killshot noticed who he was and embraced him, but was only met with an inverted axe kick and a spinning brainbuster from his once brother-in-arms. Although we do not know his name, it was very clear who he was, because he whispered "You left me for dead" as he dropped his dog-tags on the chest of Killshot. I hope we can get some information on his character name and a further look into his backstory, because this whole ordeal seems extremely intense right off the bat.
Rating: 3.5/5 

Preceding another vague "They'll Be Here Soon" promo, the Trios Champions (Aerostar, Fenix and Drago) entered the ring for what seemed to be another Trios contest when the owner of this esteemed establishment, Dario Cueto himself, shook up the course a bit by offering another flavor, a triple threat match between the champions! It wasn't just for the sick enjoyment of Dario however, as a number twenty spot in the Aztec Warfare match on November 9th was on the line! We were definitely treated to a masterpiece here, as all three of these high-caliber luchadors fought through blood, sweat and possible brain damage for a late entry into a battle royal where the Lucha Underground Championship was up for grabs. There was an excessive amount of high-flying maneuvers from Fenix, but that does not change the overall feeling of the match, as the crowd was hot for all of it and Drago had a decisive victory with a destroyer DDT that looked like he shattered Aerostar's neck. When wrestlers can make it look like they're killing each other, you know they've put on a contest that is one to remember.
Rating: 4/5 

From there, we cut to a brief backstage segment between Cobra Moon and Drago. Moon was almost ordering Drago to win the championship at Aztec Warfare 3 for their tribe. Drago angrily notified her that he left her tribe dozens of years ago before screaming into the sky in frustration. It may have been short, but it was still enjoyable, as it was used to further what seems to be a new storyline for both Cobra Moon and Drago. I hope they do something worthwhile with this, but then again, they don't need me wishing or hoping because I can almost guarantee you that this will be at least fun to watch over the next few weeks or even more if they take it that far.
Rating: 3/5 

Dario Cueto is doing absolutely nothing in his office when a desperate and frustrated Johnny Mundo storms into his office with a bargain for a Gift Of The Gods championship match with Sexy Star next week. Mundo briefly mentions what happened at the end of episode 1 in 2014 when Dario offered him the highest payout in the show's history before handing him the briefcase in desperation to get at least one singles championship in Lucha Underground. Mr. Cueto accepts the money and signs the match, making it set in stone for next week's show.
Rating: 3.5/5



The time has come, the clock has struck noon and the two baddest gunslingers are going at it in the temple! It is Prince Puma going to war once more with his arch-nemesis Mil Muertes in a clash that will eclipse any level of intensity that these two had in any of their past encounters! A war it most certainly was, as this time there was no hesitation, no methodical movement as these two bitter enemies didn't think twice about attempting to eviscerate the other throughout the entire match. Every single move from these two gladiators was done with conviction. Although neither man were killed off in this match, it seems like Muertes has met his match, as Puma pinned him cleanly in the ring for one of the most shocking outcomes in the show's short, but illustrious history.
Rating: 4.5/5 

This brilliant episode ends with a final segment, cutting to Rey Mysterio's training grounds, where he was seen conversing with Chavo Guerrero Sr, otherwise known as Chavo Classic to nostalgic fans who watched WWE in the Ruthless Aggression Era. The former NWA and AWA breakout star, the man who innovated the moonsault was presented with a ultimatum from the King Of Lucha Libre that no parent should be forced to partake in. He either blackballs his own son from the Guerrero family, or Rey himself is leaving that family altogether. This rivalry has surely become incredibly personal, as a legendary family is now caught in the crossfire of what has been a dangerous rivalry so far.
Rating: 4.5/5 



Full Show Rating: 4.85/5

This show was in my opinion, the best episode of this new season, as we were treated to three entertaining matches, segments that were undoubtedly intense, and storylines for the near future were given the seeds to be planted and turned into something worthwhile. Not much else to say, I enjoyed myself watching this, and I hope everybody reading this did as well.

That statement concludes this review, I am the "Review Guy" Cameron Mcdonley signing off, hopefully I will see you all soon. Goodnight everybody!

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Lucha Underground Review! (10/5/16)

Salutations ladies and gentlemen, I am the Local Hero, the Review Guy, Cameron Mcdonley, and here I am with another review! This time around, we take a trip to Boyle Heights, into The Temple for another exciting edition of the hottest wrestling show in recent memory, Lucha Underground! Let's cease the introductions, all discussions come to a grinding halt as we get to another review of this entertaining show!

The first visual we see after the usual intro is the owner of this Temple, Dario Cueto ready as ever to name his brother's next victim with his Dial Of Doom. The wheel spins until it stops on the name of Prince Puma. Cueto then cuts a scathing promo on Puma, mentioning how he was the inaugural champion and that his brother is more dominant than he'll ever be with the gold around his waist. This was a really good way to open the show and it set up a very noteworthy main event for later on in the show.
Rating: 3/5 

The match that is the beginning explosion to wrestling's action movie counterpart is between the fearless Ivelisse and the mentally impaired Mariposa, who herself was accompanied by her less than sane brother, to put it kindly. This was most definitely the match you would expect from these two women, as they showed in this match that the women are very capable of hitting harder than the men. The shots were very stiff, as Ivelisse struck with the hardest kicks I've ever seen. You could see Mariposa buckle every time her opposition inflicted punishment. However, she hit twice as hard when she retaliated, making this a highly even and competitive match. Ivelisse obtained the victory with a beautiful Canadian Destroyer which lead to an immediate pinfall. Marty The Moth ambushed her after the contest, leaving his fallen enemy helpless to an eventual two-on-one assault. An intense affair to kick off the festivities for tonight.
Rating: 3.5/5 

We cut back from break with Dario conducting a phone conversation with somebody unknown when Johnny Mundo opens his office door uninvited, demanding a Lucha Underground title match. Mr. Cueto made it very clear that he will not have any plans to put him in that title picture, which infuriated the "Wednesday Night Delight". He requested a Gift Of The Gods title match in visible desperation, to which he was shot down again, instead met with the announcement that Jack Evans will face the champion Sexy Star next week. Mundo left his office mentioning something about divine intervention before slamming the door behind him.
Rating: 3.5/5 

Before we take a commercial break, there is a very creepy unusual promo with the screen flashing repeatedly, cutting back to a bunny. The segment ended with white words over a black background which read "They'll be here soon". I don't know what to rate this segment, as it was clearly a promo for a debut or return, but I have a hard time guessing who this character could be. It was definitely mysterious and left me guessing, which did its job in that sense, but it was incredibly vague. I'll just wait and see what this turns out to be before I give it too negative of a rating.
Rating: 3/5 

Our co-main event match of the show was match two of this best of five series between Brian Cage and Texano. This was far from a bad match, as these two did everything in their power to put the other away for the three count or a submission, but the eventual winner of this battle was "The Machine" Cage with a devastating sit-out cyclone slam, which by all intents and purposes was a variation of the F-5. A much better match than I thought it would be going in, which is a great sign, because last week I was honestly opposed to this series. If it means we'll be getting three more matches like this count me in! It could end very abruptly if Cage gets a third victory next week, but I don't see that happening, so let's all just sit back and enjoy this very intense and competitive ride, filled with bone-jarring slams and unbelievable feats of athleticism and agility from two large men.
Rating: 4/5 

Ivelisse is in the locker room seemingly collecting herself from that post-match assault when her boyfriend, Sami Callihan makes his appearance in the locker room! The two discuss the match and how Callihan will kill them, when his woman tells him that she can handle herself. God, I love that Sami Freakin' Callihan is on this show! With him and his girl, who is arguably one of the best female wrestlers paired up in storyline side by side, the possibilities are endless, and the sky is the limit as to where this could end up. I'm very stoked to see how this all plays out, hopefully an intergender match between the two? One can only hope...
Rating: 3.5/5 

The wait is finally over, and our much anticipated main event match is finally upon us, as Prince Puma opposes "The Monster" Matanza Cueto on the other side of the ring for what is sure to be a phenomenal Lucha Underground Championship. On all accounts, it was far from phenomenal, it was fantastic! Both wrestlers displayed their strongest maneuvers and assets throughout the match, as this was absolutely as far away from your usual Matanza match as you can get. There was a legitimate fear in the eyes of his brother Dario at ringside numerous times during the contest every time Puma became just a split-second closer to ending their reign of terror once and for all. Towards the end, Matanza was momentarily incapacitated by a detrimental and much needed 630 splash from his adversary when Mil Muertes runs into the ring and spears his bitter rival in half, nearly knocking his boots off with the impact and the force of that rib-shattering attack. At the order of Catrina and her stone, "The Man Of 1,000 Deaths" decimated Puma with a single Flatliner and then leaving the ring. Matanza added on to the already inhuman punishment with a Wrath Of The Gods, successfully retaining his championship. Prince Puma may have come as close as anyone to dethroning the champion, but the question still remains: Who will cease this unstoppable monster dead in his tracks?
Rating: 4.5/5 

Killshot is training in an abandoned gym when Joey Ryan finds him. Ryan notifies him that there are some papers from his past, presumably before he ever entered the Temple. When questioned by the former Military combatant, he sarcastically asks "What do I look like, a detective?". Killshot then glares at the papers, which read "You left me for dead" written in black ink. The show closes with Killshot staring forward, refusing to take his attention off of Joey Ryan as he leaves the gym.
Rating: 4/5

Full Show Rating: 4.5/5

This was a far from weak edition of Lucha Underground, as many storylines were branched upon, the matches were enjoyable and awesome, and the debut of Sami Callihan was just too great to even describe. I can't wait to watch the episode next week, as we know it is gonna be a stacked show every single episode.

That culminates our review, I am the Local Hero Cameron Crash, saying goodbye for now, and I hope to see you soon with another fine review!!

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Lucha Underground Review: September 28th, 2016

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha! That's right ladies and gentlemen, it is indeed time for another Lucha Underground review, courtesy of Cameron Mcdonley, the Man of 1,000 Reviews. This one was a very stacked show, with very good matches and seeds planted for future angles so without further ado, let's flip out of the ring and into this great show!

As a precursor to the normal intro, we see a backstage segment involving Dario Cueto and Sexy Star, who is the current Gift Of The Gods Champion. Dario says that Sexy Star should fear having that championship around her waist, because if she ever fights his brother Matanza, she would be destroyed like the rest of his opponents.
He also announces an Atomicos match between the Trios Champions, herself and Worldwide Underground later on in the show.  After he leaves, Johnny Mundo appears, making Sexy very aware that he could be the next Gift Of The Gods Champion very soon.
Rating: 3/5 

Following the usual band playing and the commentators welcoming us to the show, we get a match between Sinestra De La Muerte and a much more intense Prince Puma. The match was a lot more calculating and psychology-based than a lot of Puma's matches in The Temple, and the Believers saw every minute of that evident newfound dark intensity. Every kick, strike, submission hold and even the natural high spots in his arsenal were all met with a luchador who wrestles with more purpose than ever before. He connected brutally with a spinning Michinoku Driver at the end, but with Mil Muertes watching at ringside, he picked up his already destroyed opponent for a Flatliner obviously intended to mock the Man of 1,000 deaths. Muertes and Puma brawl furiously after the match with Puma getting the upper hand, forcing Catrina's hand to send her man packing. This feud is definitely far from over.
Rating: 3.5/5 

Preceding the match and the commercial break after it, Dario Cueto is seen in his office with Cortez Castro, trying to counterfeit non-existing care for his former Crew member. He promises to bring the real killer to justice, which is foreshadowing something happening later on in the season, I can't quite put my finger on it. He books Castro in a match against Pentagon Dark, which at this point is like feeding a premature infant to the wolves.
Rating: 3/5 

Immediately succeeding the segment, we cut straight to the match between Cortez Castro and Pentagon Dark. It didn't last too long, but there was a lot of stiff shots landed on the opposing sides, including the sequence at the end which concluded with one of the most vicious Package Piledrivers I've ever seen. Out of all the moves in the match, that one seriously made me wince seeing it. Thank God Lucha Underground doesn't show post-match replays, because many viewers at home would have excruciating pain in their neck looking at that spot. I really hope that isn't the end for Castro, I would very much appreciate seeing this storyline progress further than just getting his arm broken by a psychopath. Pentagon cuts a profanity-laced promo on Chavo Guerrero and El Dragon Azteca, stating that he doesn't even respect his own mother, which is dangerous for either one of them. Short promo, but it certainly got the point across, that's for sure.
Rating: 3/5 

This episode was seriously so fun to watch, the time seemed to pass by, as I asked myself "Is the co-main event already happening?" Yes, it is already upon us, and a fun match it was! The aggression was an incontrovertible integral part of this match, as there was no letting up or pulling any punches in this contest. For all the comedic value of Jack Evans and the high spots of Mundo & Aerostar, Drago, PJ Black, Taya and Sexy Star all left with considerable welts and bruises on their bodies. Taya seemed like she was injured after the match and Sexy was busted open at the corner of her eye, but other than that, it was an incredibly solid match that I enjoyed throughout.
Rating: 4.5/5 

We discontinue the ringside feed to see Catrina in her lair with Mil Muertes. She grabs Sinestra De La Muerte, snaps his neck, and puts his soul into her body, effectively killing somebody she brought to life in the first place. She then turns to Mil and says that he "needs this" before transferring Sinestra's soul into his body, turning his eyes red once more. I have a gut feeling, we're gonna see a different side of Mil Muertes and Catrina that we've never seen in the past, I can sense it.
Rating: 3.5/5 

The main event is right now! Chavo Guerrero goes one on one against El Dragon Azteca Jr, with Rey Mysterio Jr as the special guest referee! Now this was easily the best match of the night by far, as these two had a great encounter. You had your perfect mixture of high-flying, physical shots, technical wrestling and psychology, all thrown together into one exceptional competition. Storytelling was also a major factor in this match, as you could see the frustration of Rey and Chavo with one another throughout the heated bout. It reached a immovable breaking point when Guerrero striking Rey, provoking him to retaliate with a punch. Azteca acquired the victory with a hurricanrana and a noticeable fast count from the "official", preventing Chavo from eventually getting his hands on Pentagon Dark. Rey impacted his bitter rival with a 619. ending the in-ring portion of the show.
Rating: 4.75/5 

Heretofore we went off the air, a promo hyping the return of Black Lotus as she was eyeing the temple while sitting next to a group of ninjas was depicted om the screen. Looks like she'll be coming back soon, hopefully as a heel still working under the guidance of Dario Cueto. Good promo overall, not much to say
Rating: 3/5


Full Show Rating: 4.5/5


As much as all good things must come to an end, I was dreading the conjecture of this review, as I had a great time writing it. Sadly it has to come, but not to worry, I'll be back with a review of the final TNA Impact tomorrow and an All-Star Extravaganza review shortly after the PPV goes off the air. As for tonight, this is Cameron Mcdonley saying Goodbye Everybody!

Saturday, September 17, 2016

News: ECW Killed Proffesional Wrestling?


Recently in an interview with a wrestling site ECW legend Tommy Dreamer was talking about UK wrestling and how when he signed with the WWE that he would scout this young British talent and he would hire them to the company so a lot of the British superstars you saw today has came from

Then, later in the interview the journalist asked Tommy Dreamer about wrestling today and how it's declined in quality so much after the last 20 years and he replied with this. "I think ECW spurred a lot of garbage wrestling. Guys would look at myself and Sandman and think that they could put on a T-Shirt and sweatpants and call themselves a wrestler. There’s a lot more to it. There are some seriously great workers out there in the UK."

================

When thinking about the situation he does, unfortunately, have a great point. Anyway my question is what do you guys think the cause in the decline of wrestling was? I say that people aren't willing to venture to different companies like ROH and Lucha Underground. Talent over there are slowly earning more recognition but it's 10x less what they truly deserve.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Lucha Underground Review 9/14/16

Hello, Cameron Mcdonley here and it is my distinct honor to welcome you to my first blog. We're kicking things off in a huge way with a review of a critically acclaimed wrestling program known as Lucha Underground. There's a lot to discuss regarding this week's edition so let's get to it!

The show begins with footage from after Ultima Lucha Dos went off the air, as Joey Ryan, Cortez Castro and Captain Vasquez are sitting in frustration as to what they just heard unfold between Dario Cueto and Mr. Cisco. Castro fights with Joey Ryan and vows to get revenge for Cisco, but Vasquez tells him there's a war much bigger than getting retribution for his friend.
Rating 4/5 

After we get the usual opening band and monologue from Matt Striker and Vampiro, our first in-ring segment of the night is a match (if you wish to call it that) between Dr. Wagner Jr and Mascarita Sagrada. The match ends in under a minute as Dr. Wagner gets a pinfall victory over the little man while Famous B watches with a cocky smirk on his face
Rating 3/5

We switch gears from that match to go to another one, this time it's a little bit more competitive between Mil Muertes and Argenis, albeit still utter brutality on the part of the Man Of 1000 Deaths. While Catrina pops the crowd with her famous Lick of Death, here comes Prince Puma to clear the ring of the two, making it well known that he's taking the advice of Vampiro very seriously.
Rating 4/5 

For the rest of the night before the main event, we get segments branching the angle between the LAPD and Dario Cueto, including two very notable ones where Joey Ryan tells Dario he's gonna cover up Cisco's murder and revealing his own partner Cortez Castro to be a police officer. Cortez is obviously very unaware of this as he tells Vasquez he's on her side and he gets sent to the temple. If I were to make a prediction right now, Cortez Castro is probably the first one to be killed off in this series.
Rating 5/5 

After an hour of domination by the heels and segments branching together a great angle, we get to our main event, a Weapons Of Mass Destruction match between Marty The Moth and Killshot. Without spoiling too much of this gruesome match, these two destroyed each other beyond belief with a whole arsenal of weapons at their disposal for 35+ minutes until Killshot risked life and limb to take out Marty Martinez and end their feud once and for all. Judging from his hand gestures and dialogue to the ring announcer Melissa Santos, I see things ending up becoming even darker between them than they are now.
Rating 5/5   

Overall, the entire show was a treat to watch, as per usual. It always leaves me wanting more at every twist and turn, and I can say with the upmost sincerity that I can't wait for next week's episode!


Full Show Rating: 4.5/5 


Well that's it for this review, I'll see you all later tonight with a review of Ring Of Honor Wrestling, episode 260. Until then, this is Cameron Mcdonley saying goodbye everybody!