http://www.cheap-heat.com WWE, TNA, ROH, NJPW - Blogs, Reviews, Top Lists, Indy News & Results Sun, 20 Sep 2015 01:35:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.3.1

http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-6315/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-6315/#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2015 22:35:06 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews AAA Angelico Brian Cage Dario Cueto Lucha Libre Lucha Underground Matt Striker Pentagon Jr. Pro Wrestling Sexy Star Texano Vampiro Willie Mack wrestling WWE http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=12222 Bienvenidos amigos! It's your favorite gringo that HABLA's the LINGO! What's happening on this bright and beautiful Thursday morning? My name is Mark Adam Haggerty and I am back again to talk about the number one Lucha Libre promotion north of the border. Of course I'm talking about Lucha Underground, where the action is fast […]

Bienvenidos amigos! It's your favorite gringo that HABLA's the LINGO! What's happening on this bright and beautiful Thursday morning? My name is Mark Adam Haggerty and I am back again to talk about the number one Lucha Libre promotion north of the border. Of course I'm talking about Lucha Underground, where the action is fast and furious and the competition is electric! Let's not waste any time with the usual pleasantries. I'm jumping right into this week's episode, starting with the opening festivities.

This week's episode started with a slew of vignettes and videos per usual, revolving around the Trios Championship Titles and the ongoing saga of Black Lotus and Chavo Guerrero. Chavo Guerrero has been tasked with keeping an eye on Black Lotus as she hunts for the man who killed her family. Chavo isn't on Lotus's trail however, but rather sitting down inside Dario Cueto's office. He tells Dario that Lotus is there and looking to kill Dario's brother, Matanza. Dario says that it was Chavo's job to get to Lotus before she could reach the Temple, but Chavo says Dragon got to her first. "In fact," Chavo continued, "He's offered to erase my debt down in Mexico if I agreed to protect her." After a moment's hesitation, Chavo assured Dario that "a Guerrero is only truly loyal to the highest bidder." Cueto smiled, "I want Black Lotus on a silver platter." He opened his desk drawer and began to retrieve stacks of hundred dollar bills. "So what does that cost me?" Chavo told Dario that instead of money, he wanted "round the clock protection from Mexico." Dario dropped the dollars back into his desk and said, "Fine. Now that we've got that out of the way. Tell me what you really want."

The Temple is on fire—or en fuego—and burning up to the beats of Los Rayobacks, while Vampiro and Matt Striker sit ringside. The first match tonight is a one-on-one match between the insanely agile Jack Evans and Argenis. Jack comes to the ring, walking on his hands and showing off his one-of-a-kind talents. Once inside the ring, Evans got up close and personal with a camera man at ringside, and told the cable television world that he is "the best ever," and that he "invented modern lucha libre." Matt Striker tells us a little something about Jack Evans before the match might even begin: he was trained in the "Hart Family Dungeon." Before the bell, Dario Cueto exits his office and calls to Argenis: "You come from a great family of luchadors, but let's face it—nobody really cares about you." Jack Evans hyped Dario's claim by once again playing to the camera: "That's true! That's true!" Dario continued, much to the chagrin of Evans: "And Jack Evans, you've had one match with us. And as impressive as you are—you lost! So why would I care about this match? Because Dario Cueto's going to make it interesting!" Dario held another Aztec Medallion, one of the seven he began bestowing upon his competitors just a few weeks ago. Dario says that the Medallion will "bring great fortune to the man who holds it."

This match starts off with both wrestlers receiving considerable support from the crowd, but Jack Evans gets the advantage in the early going. He betrays Argenis during the initial handshake and this match is off and running. Argenis launched Evans into the air and kicked his tailbone—sort of like a GTS but in the rear end. Jack came back with an innovative maneuver wherein the referee was used for support. Picture a 619—but the official is the top rope. If kicks were water then the ring would be drenched; both men use their educated feet to the best of their ability, until Jack Evans heads to the top rope in an attempted finishing sequence. Argenis knocks him from his perch, but Evans counters with a flying reverse arm bar, almost earning him a victory via submission. This match is all about Jack Evans, who is a true SUPERSTAR, in every sense of the word. Argenis gets the upper hand and provides a high flying plancha to Evans on the outside. Evans comes back with a moonsault from the ring apron, followed by an attempted hurricanrana, turned to a power bomb against the balcony railing. Back inside the ring, both individuals jockey for position, in mirrored unadulterated attempts at earning the Aztec Medallion. After much back and forth, Jack Evans achieved victory with a backslide pin in the center of the ring. Very awesome opening contest; with three competing promotions on Wednesday night, this might have been the best opener.

Backstage Daivari Delavar and Big Ryck are rejoicing about their Trios Title opportunity tonight. They need to find a third member, and Ryck suggests his "cousin," the Mack, better known to independent audiences as Willie Mack. Brian Cage comes out of the shadows and asks why they would pick Mack if they could have him? Cage delivers a cheap shot to Willie Mack, and two square off in a highly stylized backstage brawl, with Ryck and Delavar on hand as spectators. Cage wins without issue and the three leave as the Mack is left lying on a pile of wreckage.

Down the hall, Chavo Guerrero is chatting with Black Lotus. He tells her that he had the chance to talk to Dario Cueto, and he agreed to let her compete inside the Temple. She asks about Matanza, and Guerrero responds with: "All in good time." He tells her to get ready, because her first match inside the Temple is tonight. Lotus doesn't trust Chavo, and can sense something might be coming. She turns and Chavo goes to attack; she swings the locker door open and fights back, causing Chavo to call out for back up. The Crew make their entrance and Lotus makes quick work of them before being blindsided by Chavo with a steel pipe. Chavo is holding a set of handcuffs, and the scene fades out to the sound of the cuffs clicking around Lotus's wrists.

We head back into the Temple for our next match—the Trios Championship is on the line between the title holders and the team of Daivari, Ryck, and Cage. Vampiro says that he "isn't feeling" how Big Ryck comes to the ring smoking a cigar, nor does he like how Daivari drinks a cocktail while making his entrance. Ivelisse is still on crutches, although she hasn't had any trouble in mixing it up alongside her partners since being injured. In fact, the audience is chanting for Ivelisse as she hobbles down the steps, while Angelico carries her crutches. Things start off between Angelico and Brian Cage. I know his name is just "Cage" in Lucha Underground, but I prefer to call him by his full name. The SoCal powerhouse takes his liberties with the South African high flyer. Cage has had his sights set on the championship scene since arriving in Lucha Underground. Believe it or not, his in-house quest for gold predates the Trios Titles themselves, and tonight he might just be on the path to success. Delavar Daivari and Son of Havoc are the next Luchadors to enter the fray, and the heel team captained by Delavar remains seated in firm control. After a quick return from Angelico, Cage uses his strength to overcome the champion, and plants him in the middle of the canvas with a power slam. Big Ryck enters the match for the first time, which coincidentally or not, is the first time that Ivelisse isn't lobbying for a tag. Angelico is on the receiving end of a three-on-one assault, clear across the ring from his partner, Son of Havoc. Cage hits Angelico with a beautiful delayed brainbuster, with a little support from Big Ryck. Angelico fires back, but can't regain the edge, suffering a power bomb in the process. For the record, I would have loved to see Cage versus Mack, but this match is pretty entertaining considering the "squash element" of it all. Ivelisse popped up on the apron in an attempt to tag her partners, despite her obvious ailment. Daivari attacked Ivelisse, which garnered the attention of the official long enough so as to afford Texano the chance to make a run-in! He clubbed Big Ryck across the back of the skull and distracted Daivari from Angelico and Son of Havoc. Havoc finished this match with a Shooting Star Press to Delavar Daivari, retaining the titles for his team in the process.

We're back in Dario's office once more when Chavo arrives, and orders the Crew to "bring her in." Dario smiles, looking up from whatever he was working on. Black Lotus is brought before "El Jefe" with a gag in her mouth, and her arms behind her back. Dario says that he has something special place for her—right across from his brother, "so he never gets lonely again."

Tonight's main event is a submission match between two arch rivals in Pentagon Jr. and Sexy Star. Don't be fooled by her name or looks, Sexy is without question one of the top female performers in the world. She was part of the original Aztec Warfare match to declare the first ever Lucha Underground Champion, and is now defending a number of male competitors, who were crippled at the hands of Pentagon Jr. Sexy was forced to wrestle her friend Super Fly in a mask versus mask match, that resulted in Super Fly's exodus from Lucha Underground. Following the match, Pentagon struck and broke Super Fly's arm with his dreaded arm bar. We head into commercial, and when we return, Pentagon Jr. is regaling the �Faithful' with a tale comprised of zero fear: "Sexy Star, tonight I promise that I am going to break you. It's a sacrifice that I'm making for my Master." Before Pentagon could finish his monologue, Sexy attacked with a forearm smash, signifying the official start to this match. Senior referee Marty Elias is on hand to call the action, and does so while Pentagon goes to work on Sexy Star. He hammers away with a number of strikes and offensive blocks, rather than going straight to his strength, which is submission wrestling. When Pentagon finally takes things to the mat, Sexy is quick to return the action by rolling Pentagon and applying a front under-hook face-lock. Pentagon got out of harm's way and this match degenerated to a fight on the floor where the high flying Sexy Star reigned supreme. This was an impressive back and forth match where both luchadors were forced to cater to the others' style; Sexy Star had to meet Pentagon in terms of mat technique, while Pentagon needed to contend with Sexy's aerial arsenal. Sexy had the match won, when Super Fly returned and attacked Sexy Star. He kicked her in the head and powerbombed her, before feeding her to Pentagon Jr. Pentagon applied his patented package driver and finished Sexy with a modified stretch, not unlike a bow-and-arrow hold.

The bell rang and Pentagon wasn't finished with Sexy Star! He threw referee Marty Elias to the outside of the ring, and sought to break Sexy's arm, the same as he did countless other wrestlers in week's past. Vampiro saw this from the commentary position and threw his headset to the table. He sprinted toward the ring and dove into action for the first time since the debut of Lucha Underground last year! Vampiro hit Pentagon with a huge body block, giving Sexy Star the chance to escape. They stared one another down as the fans chanted for Vampiro. Vampiro was ready to fight, but decided to leave the ring instead. After the credits rolled, Vampiro was in the backstage area, staring into a dirty mirror while the voices in his head began to drown out his conscious thoughts. He head butted the mirror several times, until he show faded out, leaving us with a ton of questions.

What do I think? I think this might go one of two ways. I think the obvious guess is that Vampiro will return to in-ring action as the conquering savior over the evil powers of Pentagon Jr. But how about this idea—Vampiro is Pentagon's master. He stopped Pentagon because he didn't want to see harm come to someone he cared about, perhaps? A reverse Anakin Skywalker deal? Maybe? Possibly? Or maybe he didn't want Pentagon to take it that far—yet. I like how they're using Vampiro as a character for the first time, after allowing him to be featured as a peripheral part of the show for so long. Very intrigued by what's to come, and excited about the possible news on the way regarding the future of Lucha Underground.

Until next time, please LIKE "The B+ Players Podcast" on Facebook, and FOLLOW me on Twitter for all the latest and greatest updates courtesy of Cheap-Heat and Daily Wrestling News!

http://www.cheap-heat.com/interview-with-cage/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/interview-with-cage/#comments Mon, 25 May 2015 11:55:45 +0000 DPM Interviews Brian Cage Cage Chris Kanyon Lucha Underground http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=11956 “The Monster” Diego Piacentini and “The Master” Marco Piva-Dittrich are the right men for any mission, however impossible. Today they are with a man… well, not really a man… HE’S A MACHINE… THEY CALL HIM CAGE! WtW: Welcome on WtW. В Looking at your physique, one might think you started as a bodybuilder before embarking on […]

“The Monster” Diego Piacentini and “The Master” Marco Piva-Dittrich are the right men for any mission, however impossible. Today they are with a man… well, not really a man… HE’S A MACHINE… THEY CALL HIM CAGE!

WtW: Welcome on WtW. В Looking at your physique, one might think you started as a bodybuilder before embarking on a pro wrestling career: is it so?

Cage: That’s false and I think a lot of people assume that because of my body, but I’ve wanted to be a wrestler since I was 10 years old and I just happened to get into bodybuilding because of wrestling. I graduated at 155 pounds, and knew that wasn’t going to work if I wanted to be a wrestler, so I started training and trying to build size for wrestling as I began to learn how to wrestle. I didn’t compete in my first competition until the Summer – excuse me, the Spring of 2012: I had already been a pro wrestler for at least 7 years.

WtW: Why did you pick the name “(Brian) Cage”?

Cage: I backyard wrestled in high school and went under the name Rage. I realized that name was terrible and I went through a stack of Marvel cards putting together their character names and real names along with some of my own and mixed and matched the top 25, then I narrowed it down to the top 3 which I can’t remember, but I know one was Brian Cage; the more I said it the more I liked it, and it sounded cool yet like a real name, so I went with that.

WtW: You started your career with Chris Kanyon. What role did he have in your development as a wrestler?

Cage: Kanyon was a great friend and someone I idolized and wanted to emulate in the ring. I give him all kind of credit and claim him as my original trainer.

WtW: At the beginning of your career, were you more attracted by Puroresu, Lucha Libre or American-style pro wrestling?

Cage: I like all wrestling, but definitely probably American style since that was what I was most used to.

WtW: Can you tell us more about The Night Claw?

Cage: It was a character I came up with when that Dusty Rhodes told me that I needed something in order to stand out in FCW. He said I was a hell of a worker, one of the best, but I needed something to set me apart from everybody else; he also said that I look like Wolverine so I should come up with some sort of vigilante superhero character and I got it from the Amalgam comic series Dark Claw which was a combination of Batman and Wolverine.

WtW: Last year you took part in a tournament to become the new TNA X-Division champion: how would you enjoy wrestling an Ultimate-X match?

Cage: Ultimate X is a hell of a match, unique and creative: I think that would be right up my alley, I would love to do it.

WtW: You are a typical “big man”; how does it feel wrestling against luchadores and high flyers? How do you need to adapt your style?

Cage: Wrong again: if you’ve watched any of my stuff you'll realize I’m not a typical big man, I’m anything but. I’m unique, one of my own, and I have a versatile hybrid style.

WtW: Now that Lucha Underground was renewed for a second season, where do you think it can get in a medium/long term perspective?

Cage: The sky’s the limit for Lucha Underground.

WtW: В Recently you also worked in AAA; what is the difference between Lucha Underground and AAA from a worker’s point of view?

Cage: Lucha has a much different style and approach, the technology… everything about it is different, outside of the pack; then there’s some of the same luchadores in Triple AAA and in Underground.

WtW: Who is your favourite person (not necessarily your favourite worker) in the business? And who is the worst individual you’ve ever crossed paths with?

Cage: Best person I’ve came across… man, I don’t know, there’s quite a few good friends I have. Rod Zapata, who is a WWE referee; my good friend Brandon Bonham from PWG who also does the music for the highlight reel, Chris Dickinson, Marko Estrada, of course Chris Kanyon, Timothy Thatcher, old school Oliver John, Norman Smiley, Dr. Tom Pritchard… definitely Drake Younger, and some good promoters: Dan from MCW, Drew Cordova from Beyond Wrestling, Fern from DCW, Heat from MWE… then… I don’t know, there’s tons of others but those are all trainers, wrestlers, referees, promoters.

I don’t really dislike anyone, I’m pretty easy to get along with and enjoy other people's company, but the two that ruffled my feathers and I never buried the hatchet with are Roland Alexander and Manny Fernandez.

WtW: Who was your favourite wrestler before you started training to become a pro wrestler yourself? What did you admire in him?

Cage: As noted before, Chris Kanyon. He was phenomenal I think, and highly underrated. His bumping into selling your punches… and most important his offense, super-creative, super-original… I mean, who's better than Kanyon? Other favorites growing up were Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon, but when I started wrestling I definitely wanted to be a combination of Chris Kanyon, Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho.

WtW: What are your short, medium and long-term targets?

Cage: Short term, medium term, long term, all the same to me: I want Underground to blow up, I want to become the Triple A mega champion, the PWG world champion and make my debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

WtW: What do you answer to people claiming that “wrestling is fake”?

Cage: People who say it's fake are retarded and don’t know anything. Predetermined… yes, we know the outcome, but it's not fake, it's so far from fake. It hurts. I’ve plenty of injuries to prove it. The motion is real, the physicality is real, the athleticism is real, the moves are real, the fans are real. Wrestling is more real than just about anything on television.

WtW: Thank you very much Cage; is there anything you want to add?

Cage: Thanks a lot for this interview man, and to all my fans in Italy… it’s a pleasure to have your support and it's crazy to think that this kid from Chico, California who loves wrestling could have fans across the world like that.

See you soon!

To the others columns see on wethewrestling.net

http://www.cheap-heat.com/indy-power-rankings-indypowerrankin-for-the-week-of-april-6th-2015/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/indy-power-rankings-indypowerrankin-for-the-week-of-april-6th-2015/#comments Wed, 08 Apr 2015 21:05:32 +0000 IndyPowerRankings Indy/Puro/Lucha Brian Cage Cheerleader Melissa FIP independent wrestling indies Indy Power Rankings PWG Ricochet Roderick Strong ROH Ron Mathis Santana Garrett SHIMMER SHINE Tag Team Top 5 tag teams wrestling http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=10971 Indy Power Rankings for the Week of April 6th, 2015   #1 Santana Garrett (@BrittanyTNA)-The single biggest victory of the entire weekend had to belong to Santana Garrett as the NWA Women's World Champion (and Ring Warriors Champion) defeated Mia Yim on 4/3 to add the SHINE Title to her massive collection. Not only that, […]

Indy Power Rankings for the Week of April 6th, 2015

#1 Santana Garrett (@BrittanyTNA)- The single biggest victory of the entire weekend had to belong to Santana Garrett as the NWA Women's World Champion (and Ring Warriors Champion) defeated Mia Yim on 4/3 to add the SHINE Title to her massive collection. Not only that, she continued her dominance of independent wrestling as she defeated La Rosa Negra on 4/4 to retain the NWA and SHINE Titles to go 2-0 for the week. She has made an impact in the Indy Power Rankings in 2015 like no female before her and it's only fitting that she gets her first #1 after one of her biggest victories to date. Congrats to Santana! Cheap plug, go back and listen to her Tag Team Top 5 Reveal Interview here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/elitepodcastnetwork/2015/03/25/indy-power-rankings-tag-team-top-5-reveal-ft-santana-garrett-brittanytna

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#2 Drew Galloway (@GallowaySpeaks)- Last week's #1 only falls one spot this week, but he continued to do what he does as the EVOLVE, DGUSA Open the Freedom Gate, ICW, DCW and OCW Champion defeated Marty Scurll at BCW on 4/4 to retain the Evolve and Dragon Gate titles and then at RPW on 4/5 he defeated Doug Williams to retain the Evolve, Dragon Gate and ICW titles to go 2-0 for the week. He's one of the very few people on the indies right now (along with Santana Garrett and a handful of others) that have a legitimate shot at catching Akira Tozawa for the #1 spot in the 2015 IPR 100 and with all the titles he has amassed, he's going to have plenty of shots to build on his impressive 2015.

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#3 Brian Cage (@MrGMSI_BCage)- "The F'N Machine" has been "getting his shit in" all year long as he currently holds the IWF and FSP Titles. Over the weekend he defeated El Patron Alberto at AAA on 4/20 and then defeated Biff Busick at PWG on 4/3 to go 2-0 on the week. With a PWG World Title shot in his future, Brian Cage has a great chance to REALLY make an impact on the Indy Power Rankings as he's still searching for his elusive first #1 ranking after having a great 2013 and struggling a bit last year. Will this monster finally win the PWG World Title and grab his first #1 ranking in the next few months? Time will tell.

В

#4 People's Champ. Luxford (@Luxford_13)- What a fantastic weekend for one of Australia's finest as he went 4-0, winning a big tournament Down Under. That being said, it was also the fan support in the online voting competition that earned him this high ranking. He definitely had a legitimate argument for the #1 spot this week, but it was his fans who again, helped him get this great ranking. This is actually the second time he has won the online voting competition after coming from behind to edge out Nick Iggy for the People's Champ award this week.

#5 Ron Mathis (@RonMathis13)- The Rockstar Pro (and PDW Heavyweight and Remix Pro Riot) Champion has been getting mentions all year long but has been unable to really break through…that is until this week. On 4/3 he defeated Matt Tremont in a No DQ Match to retain the title and then followed that up with another victory the same night vs. Jake Crist in an impromptu match to retain the title. Pretty impressive stuff from a guy who has been VERY consistent throughout the year and is just now starting to get the true recognition he deserves. One thing's for sure, he doesn't plan on giving up that Rockstar Pro Title any time soon, which bodes very well for the rest of his 2015.

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#6 Roderick Strong (@RoderickStrong)- The PWG World Title holds a lot of weight among the official voters and you need to look no further than this past weekend to see proof of that fact. Let's not forget he is also the FIP World Champion. That being said, he picks up a big win and another title defense of the PWG Title vs. Zack Sabre Jr. on 4/3. With 5 wins in his last 6 matches outside of ROH, Roderick Strong is having a phenomenal year and a bit of a career resurgence. "The Messiah of the Backbreaker" has been very impressive this year and we expect that to continue moving forward.

В

#7 Hideki Suzuki- Very good week for the NEW Wrestle-1 Champion after he defeated KAI for the title on 4/1 and then followed that up by successfully defending his ZERO1 United National Heavyweight Title vs. Takafumi Ito 4/5. A 2-0 week (and 4 straight wins) moves him to the #7 ranking this week, which is the highest ranking to come out of Japan this week. With as dominant as some of the various wrestlers have been in Japan in 2015, this is a rarity. That being said, with Suzuki starting to collect titles the way he is, he's likely going to be making frequent appearances going forward.

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#8 Stu Odyssey- A 3-0 weekend earns him his very first ranking this week as it was his shear amount of wins that got him into the Top 10. This UK talent has had an up and down 2015 so far, but weekends like this are the type of thing that he can really start to build on if he can pick up frequent bookings…and wins. Very few of the wrestlers on the Indy Power Rankings poll this week had more than two victories, so Odyssey stood out. Circumstances helped, but he'll have his chance to really prove himself in future weeks this year.

#9 Cherry (@cherry514)- A 3-0 week gets this strong lady in as she won a 13 Person Catch The Wave 2015 Qualifying Battle Royal on 4/4 and defeated Sakura Hirota the same day. On 4/5 she teamed with Leon at Diana 4 ^th Anniversary Show in Korakuen to defeat Kaho Kobayashi & Yuu Yamagata. Like Odyssey before her, it was her shear number of wins that likely got her into the Top 10 this week. She wrestles frequently as the Union Pro Fly to Everywhere World Champion, so perhaps we'll see her again in the near future in the rankings.

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#10 Cheerleader Melissa (@FutureLegendCF)- One of the very best (female) wrestlers in the world really hasn't made frequent appearances in the Top 10. For all of her success, she just hasn't been able to breakthrough with a flawless weekend. After losing in the finals of the ChickFight Tournament last week, she bounced back with a victory over Vanessa Kraven at NCW Femme Fatales XVII to slip into the Top 10 this week. With momentum on her side, we may start seeing more frequent appearances from her in the Indy Power Rankings this year.

Others missing out/receiving votes:

Hy Zaya

Frank Wyatt

Ricochet

Akira Tozawa

LuFisto

Shane Douglas

Nick Iggy

Liam Watson

Jason Kincaid

Jac’oby Boykins

T-Hawk

Fenix

Chet Sterling

Jake Parnell

Mikey Wild

Adam Thornstowe

Chase Brown

Damien Wayne

Ken Lee

Big Damo O’Connor

Lana Austin

Will Ospreay

Mexicutioner

Drugz Bunny

Matt Riviera

Daisuke Sekimoto

Missy Hyasshit

Chris Hero

Kongo Kong

BUY OUR SHIRTS! Shirts being added all the time at: http://prowrestlingtees.com/indypower

Our Website (where YOU can participate in the weekly online poll voting): http://indypowerrankingsipr.wordpress.com/ Our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/IndyPowerRankings

Also search "Indy Power Rankings" for our open Facebook group where anyone on the indies can promote their various merchandise, fan pages, and upcoming events

Our Twitter: @IndyPowerRankin

Our Instagram where we SPOIL the Indy Power Rankings/Tag Team Top 5 #1 every Monday and Tuesday Night before you'll see it anywhere else: @IndyPowerRankings

You can listen to the IPR Live with new co-host John R. Gray here (this week we have a special discussion regarding Athletic Commission and Unions in wrestling with a TON of HUGE guests!): http://www.blogtalkradio.com/elitepodcastnetwork/2015/04/08/iprlive-athletic-commission-union-discussion-w-john:gray-many-more

Check out the Indy Power Rankings Reveal on Filling the Void (this is a special "Bringin' the Heat" episode where several IWA Mid-South talents will come on to discuss last week's cancellation. NO HOLDS BARRED): http://www.blogtalkradio.com/fillingthevoidrn/2015/04/07/indy-power-rankings-weekly-reveal -show

Check out the 8th edition of Tag Team Top 5 Reveal on Elite Podcast Network (with guest Mary Elizabeth Monroe):

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/elitepodcastnetwork/2015/04/08/indy-power-rankings-tag-team-top-5-reveal-ft-mary-elizabeth-monroe

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http://www.cheap-heat.com/updated-wwn-live-event-cards-for-wrestlemania-31-weekend/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/updated-wwn-live-event-cards-for-wrestlemania-31-weekend/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2015 18:36:39 +0000 Cassidy Haynes Indy/Puro/Lucha AR Fox Austin Aries Biff Busick Brian Cage Caleb Konley Chris Hero DGUSA Dragon Gate USA Drew Galloway Drew Gulak Drew McIntyre Ethan Page EVOLVE Johnny Gargano Justin Gabriel PJ Black Rich Swann Ricochet Roderick Strong SHINE SoCal Val Timothy Thatcher TJ Perkins TNA Tommy End Uhaa Nation Wrestlemania WWE WWN WWN Live http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=10467 EVOLVE returns to Florida on April 17th and 18th. Tickets go on sale today in the DGUSA.tv Shop. The events are: EVOLVE 41 The Orpheum 1915 E. 7th Ave. Ybor City, FL Belltime: 9pm EVOLVE 42 4801 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, FL 32808 Double header with FIP! FIP Belltime: 4pm EVOLVE Belltime: 7pm he following […]

EVOLVE returns to Florida on April 17th and 18th . Tickets go on sale today in the DGUSA.tv Shop. The events are:

EVOLVE 41
The Orpheum
1915 E. 7th Ave.
Ybor City, FL
Belltime: 9pm

EVOLVE 42
4801 W. Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32808
Double header with FIP!
FIP Belltime: 4pm
EVOLVE Belltime: 7pm

he following events are taking place as part of the WWNLive Experience in San Jose:

EVOLVE 39 – Thursday, March 26th – 8pm PST , 11pm EST – www.WWNLive.com

EVOLVE Title Match
EVOLVE Champion Drew Galloway defends vs. “Darewolf” PJ Black

New Stipulation: DGUSA Open The Freedom Gate Title Match
DGUSA Open The Freedom Gate Champion Johnny Gargano defends vs. AR Fox

A Wrestling Odyssey Rematch
Timothy Thatcher vs. Drew Gulak

Just Announced: Six Man Tag Team Attraction
Ricochet, Rich Swann & Uhaa Nation vs. Caleb Konley, TJ Perkins & Brian Cage w/SoCal Val

First Time Ever Match
Chris Hero vs. Ethan Page

Pro Wrestling Clinic
Biff Busick vs. Tommy End

EVOLVE 40 – Friday, March 27th- 3pm PST , 6pm EST – www.WWNLive.com

First Time Ever Dream Match
Ricochet vs. PJ Black

Bonus Main Event – Non-Title
EVOLVE Champion Drew Galloway vs. Uhaa Nation

Grudge Tag Team Match
Johnny Gargano & Rich Swann vs. Caleb Konley & Brian Cage with So Cal Val

Special Challenge Match #1
Chris Hero vs. Biff Busick

Special Challenge Match #2
Timothy Thatcher vs. Tommy End

Special Attraction Match
AR Fox vs. Ethan Page

Just Added: Pro Wrestling Clinic
Drew Gulak vs. TJ Perkins

WWN Supershow – Saturday, March 28th – 4pm PST , 7pm EST – www.WWNLive.com

Champion vs. Champion (if both retain their titles at EVOLVE 39)
EVOLVE Champion Drew Galloway vs. DGUSA Champion Johnny Gargano

Generation Next vs. The New Generation
Austin Aries & Roderick Strong vs. Ricochet & Uhaa Nation

Dareworlf vs. Daredevil
PJ Black vs. AR Fox

Grudge Match
Chris Hero vs. Timothy Thatcher

SHINE Presents A Six Woman Tag Team Match!

Plus more with Rich Swann, Biff Busick, Drew Gulak, Tommy End, Ethan Page and Premier Athlete Brand members Caleb Konley, TJ Perkins and Brian Cage with So Cal Val

http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-31115/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-31115/#comments Sun, 15 Mar 2015 05:18:40 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews Angelico Argenis Brian Cage Cage Catrina ECW Fenix Ivelisse Ivelisse Velez Johnny Mundo Josh Barnett King Cuerno Konnan Lucha Libre Lucha Underground Matt Striker Melissa Santos Mil Muertes MMA NJPW NWA Pentagon Jr. Prince Puma Son of Havoc Vampiro WCW http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=10412 Viva La Lucha Libre Lucha Underground 3/11/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty I was walking down the street in Beverly Hills just yesterday morning when what should I see, but a group of teenagers wearing gray and black "Lucha Underground shirts." Viva la Lucha Revolucion! Ladies and gentlemen my name is Mark Adam Haggerty coming […]

Viva La Lucha Libre
Lucha Underground 3/11/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

I was walking down the street in Beverly Hills just yesterday morning when what should I see, but a group of teenagers wearing gray and black "Lucha Underground shirts." Viva la Lucha Revolucion! Ladies and gentlemen my name is Mark Adam Haggerty coming at you from the sunny and sandy beaches of Southern California where I am literally sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean with my feet in the water. I'm here with you as always to break down the comings and goings of Lucha Underground on the El Rey Network, so without further ado, let's talk about the good and bad from this week's episode.

The show begins with a series of flashbacks to previous weeks involving several luchadors and their already established programs. Pentagon Jr. is still praying to an unknown leader; Ivelisse and Angelico prepare for intergender competition with Son of Havoc as referee; and King Cuerno is still on the hunt for his most sought after prize—Johnny Mundo. The crowd inside the Temple is just as electric as always, ready for some of the highest impact wrestling action in America. Amandititita is performing once again, getting the �Faithful psyched for the opening contest as Vampiro and Matt Striker introduce ring announcer Melissa Santos.

Pentagon Jr. enters the arena amidst a sea of fog and strobe lights. The crowd chants "Zero Fear" in Spanish, referencing Pentagon's own mantra. Argenis makes his way down toward the ringside area—we haven't seen much of Argenis since his initial debut with Lucha Underground, but he'll prove to be Pentagon's greatest challenge in over a month. Pentagon's highly impressive skill set gets the best of him when he immediately rolls into a kick by Argenis, allowing the smaller luchador the opportunity to send him spinning with an airplane head scissors. As is the name of the game in Lucha Underground, both men spill to the outside of the ring where Argenis capitalizes with a high-risk aerial assault. Argenis brings his opponent back into the squared-circle, where Pentagon Jr. jumps up to meet his attack. Back in action again, Pentagon turns the tables, only for Argenis to reverse into a hurricanrana from the top rope. The camera leaves the ring for a moment to show the most recent celebrities in attendance, including wrestler, MMA-fighter, and NJPW broadcaster Josh Barnett. Argenis fights valiantly but is bested by the ruthless Pentagon Jr. who achieves victory after employing a litany of offensive maneuvers, sealing the deal with his dreaded arm-hook submission. Following the bell, Pentagon reminded us who he is—he is "ZERO FEAR!"

Back from the break and Catrina is tip-toing around the locker room where Fenix is contemplating the current love-triangle threatening to end his career. She emerges from the shadows and warns Fenix what he's up against in a warrior like Mil Muertes. She claims the only way to defeat him—is to bury him. The backstage segments continue with another vignette highlighting the ongoing feud involving Konnan, Prince Puma and Cage. Konnan is working toward forging a solid steel cane that he then displays by breaking cinder blocks with a single swing.

Melissa Santos introduces the South African sensation Angelico who waits patiently for his opponent, the "baddest bitch in the building," Ivelisse. She enters the arena dressed like a boss, with a scarf stretched across her face, playing to the cameras and fans inside the Temple. Finally, Santos introduces the special guest referee Son of Havoc. Matt Striker and Vampiro both act as if this wasn't already announced, but I'll chock that up to bad broadcasting, not poor producing. Havoc enters the ring and right away tells Ivelisse that he's prepared to call this down the middle. The same as last time, Angelico is unprepared to deal with wrestling a woman, instead opting to duck her kicks and reverse the rest of her offense. Eventually they're both forced to engage in a meaningful way which leads both luchadors to an advantage. Ivelisse twists and turns from the top rope to the outside where Angelico is thrust into the front row of the audience. Ivelisse enters the ring, waiting for Angelico, and gives Son of Havoc—the referee—a high five. The fans grow angry with the heelish tendencies of both Ivelisse and the official, backing Angelico as he gains the offensive in whatever way he can. Angelico lifted Ivelisse into a suplex lasting a 5-count from the crowd until the former developmental Diva turned the momentum in her favor by applying a full body submission hold. Angelico gets out of the hold and signals for his finishing maneuver, a variation of the razor's edge, but Havoc drags Ivelisse out and to safety. Angelico kicked Ivelisse in the head, knocking her out and proceeded to make the pin in a very provocative way, forcing Havoc to make the count.

Mil Muertes is alone in the locker room staring into a mirror. He lifts his head and pulls his mask on. Catrina's voice is all that becomes audible, reminding Mil of his troubled past and promising a match with "grave consequences." Next week Fenix will go one-on-one with Mil Muertes in a "Coffin Match."

The main event is already set to take place with the first-ever cage match in Lucha Underground history. Melissa Santos explains the rules and three ways to win—pin, submission, or climbing out. King Cuerno enters the Lucha Underground Temple to a regal reception from the Temple Believers. He carries the buck head crown per usual, placing it on the corner turn post. His opponent is the former ECW champion Johnny Mundo, who can't seem to break away from his dumb "Shaman of Sexy" pose and fur coat, no matter how ridiculous they look. The cage is similar to the cages of old, used in the NWA and WCW, where the top only reaches 8-10 feet in height. Senior official Marty Elias is inside the steel cage as the action starts kicking up right from the bell. This match is quite different from the majority of bouts we've seen in LU since its inception; most Lucha Underground competition involves a number of high spots to-and-from the outside of the ring. Mundo is the first to leap from an elevated position, hitting the steel cage in its corner and spring boarding back onto King Cuerno. Johnny Mundo is far more experienced in this sort of match, but it doesn't take long for King Cuerno to find his bearings and gain the upper hand. Cuerno climbed the cage and stepped to the center, off of which he leapt onto Mundo with a vicious splash. Neither man is keen to escape the ring just yet as their feud is based on pure hatred, rather than competition. Johnny Mundo proceeds to take a header directly into the bottom of the cage, and Cuerno rakes his face across its grating. Cuerno is the first to try and escape, pointing toward the top of the cage and started his ascent toward victory. Johnny Mundo sprung back into action, stopping the "King" and struggling to keep the offense. Johnny tries for a series of pins—because why would a good guy escape the cage—but to no avail.

This show is phenomenal with booking these kinds of matches sans commercial breaks, and that's because the owner of the network—Robert Rodriguez—is heavily involved with the production of Lucha Underground. Cuerno continues trying to escape the ring while Johnny tends to rely more on pin falls or submissions to attain victory. When Johnny does try and escape, Cuerno comes back with a powerbomb off the cage and down to the floor. The crowd begins chanting "this is awesome," standing on their feet and competing with alternating rounds of "Johnny Mundo" and "Let's Go Cuerno." King Cuerno goes for the win, but Johnny stops him by attempting to pull off his mask. Cuerno starts to lose his mind, as King Cuerno's face has legitimately NEVER been seen—that's a shoot. They both fall from the top of the cage and Marty Elias begins the double count, reaching seven before they can get to their knees and begin to rise to meet the other's punches. Johnny switches from punches to forearms and sends Cuerno into the steel cage. They trade shots on one another, each using the steel as an inanimate tag team partner. A huge European uppercut by Cuerno and Mundo is on the ground, but not for long. Mundo hits Cuerno with a big Spear, leveling both individuals until Elias is forced to make his count again. Johnny hits his feet after the count of six, and starts to climb the cage in the same corner as the buck head mask. Vampiro points out the danger of the buck's antlers in such close proximity to the action; Johnny slams Cuerno's face into the cage, sending Cuerno down onto the mat below. Johnny is inches from victory by jumping to the outside but instead decides to jump INTO the ring, hitting King Cuerno with a variation on Jeff Hardy's "Whisper in the Wind" for the 1-2-3. Johnny Mundo closes out Lucha Underground by climbing the cage and raising his fist with the rhythm of the crowd's roar: "Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!"

Another excellent edition of a television series that appears to be growing by the week. After listening to several interviews with producers and talent alike, courtesy of "The Wrestling Compadre Slamcast" on the Afterbuzz Network, I'm more excited than ever to see what's in store in the coming weeks, months, and even YEARS ! Until next time this has been Mark Adam Haggerty, reminding you to keep checking out Cheap-Heat and to follow me on Facebook by LIKING "Mark Haggerty's Pro Wrestling."

http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-21815/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-21815/#comments Sat, 21 Feb 2015 01:16:50 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews AAA Alberto El Patron Angelico Bael Big Ryck Black Lotus Brian Cage Cage Castro & Cortez Chavo Guerrero Dario Cueto Ivelisse Ivelisse Velez Lucha Underground Mascarita Sagrada Matanza Matt Cross Mil Muertes Mr. Cisco NXT Pimpenela Escarlita Prince Puma Sexy Star Son of Havok Super Fly Texano Texano Jr. The Crew Vampiro Wrestling Society X http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9867 Viva La Lucha Libre Lucha Underground 2/18/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty It's another down-and-dirty week for the stars of Lucha Underground, who left no shortage of blood and tears inside the squared circle. In fact I'm positive Sexy Star finished the main event with fewer teeth than before. The developing controversy involving "Black Lotus" […]

Viva La Lucha Libre
Lucha Underground 2/18/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

It's another down-and-dirty week for the stars of Lucha Underground, who left no shortage of blood and tears inside the squared circle. In fact I'm positive Sexy Star finished the main event with fewer teeth than before. The developing controversy involving "Black Lotus" is further explored over the course of the broadcast, but the real story inside the Boyle Heights Temple is the championship title hunt. What will become of the Lucha Underground championship, and how will the AAA heavyweight rivalry between Patron and Texano affect the legitimacy of the homegrown belt? This week was action packed from start to finish, "book-ended" by duel main events, featuring the surprise return of Big Ryck. So let's take a few moments and celebrate this week in Mexican wrestling excitement—it's "Viva La Lucha Libre!"

Matt Striker is the first face we see this week, as he and Vampiro sit ringside per usual, preparing for an epic night of international athleticism. The opening contest is the first of the "book-ended" double main event, featuring Chavo Guerrero in his quest to defeat the sinister Mil Muertes. This rivalry stems from their initial interaction during Lucha Underground's debut, where a then-babyface Chavo Guerrero came to aid Blue Demon against the monstrous Mil. Muertes is without his usual valet Catrina, which makes no difference as he sets to square off against Chavo. Mil gains the upper hand from the early going, using his size-advantage and knowledge of the ringside area to dissect the former world champion. Before long, Catrina appears on the staircase and descends down into the Temple, where Mil soon becomes distracted by her venomous allure. Chavo attempts a Dragon-steiner out of the corner but is caught by Muertes, who commands respect out of the life-long "cruiserweight." Mil becomes enamored with Catrina once more, allowing Chavo the chance to reach a steel chair at ringside. He wallops the giant, but doesn't cause any damage—Mil Muertes stood his ground. Senior referee Marty Elias called for the bell, awarding the match to Mil on account of disqualification. But the battle was far from over. Muertes took Chavo in one arm and delivered a flooring Flatliner onto the chair. Catrina attempted to leave, but Mil forced her into the ring and guided her face alongside that of Chavo's. He commanded her to lick Guerrero's face, the same as she has done to Mil's previous victims. When she refused, Mil decided to give her a Flatliner as well. The crowd screamed as Muertes prepared to break her neck, but the carnage came to a screeching halt thanks to Fenix. The high-flying luchador sprinted to the squared-circle, retrieved Catrina, and retreated from whence he came. As they escaped, Catrina looked back at Mil and punctuated the predicament with a deep kiss to her hero, Fenix.

Just before the commercial break, we see Black Lotus, the mysterious Asian woman from weeks past, picking her way into the dark hallway leading to Matanza's cell. Back from the break and Dario Cueto is in his office speaking with the Crew. The trio is now official, sporting identical jerseys with their names embroidered on the back. This is especially helpful for those of us having trouble remembering which one is Cisco and which one is Castro—we all know who Bael is! Dario tells the group that he is rewarding them for their hard work with a main event match tonight. But "El Jefe" requires proof that the way they dismantled Big Ryck was more than just a fluke, he wants them to take out whomever may oppose the Dario Cueto regime. Tonight the Crew will need to defeat "three unlikely heroes"—Sexy Star, Mascarita Sagrada and Pimpenela Escarlata. Dario calls them freaks, saying that he's sick of how popular they've become, and wants the Crew to "hurt them so bad, that they never come back."

Back inside the Temple and we get to see my favorite Mariachi band on American television, Mariachi El Bronx! The group plays to an enthused number of fans, as Ivelisse and Son of Havok take the stage. Ivelisse takes the microphone, and tells the Faithful that since Havok can't seem to win a match, she'll take his place tonight against Angelico. This doesn't seem to sit well with Havok, but he does as he's told and vacates the ring, allowing the "baddest bitch in the building" the chance to shine. Angelico enters and is at first unaware of how to mix-it-up with a female competitor. He keeps her at a safe distance and thwarts her offense all he can before tying up and treating her just the same as any luchador. Angelico is an incredible talent who has the total package necessary to succeed. He's talented, he's good looking, he's tall, and he can speak despite having a thick South African accent. I think Angelico is perhaps one to watch in regards to NXT poaching Lucha Underground wrestlers come the tail-end of their contracts. Ivelisse walked away with a hard-fought win over Angelico, proving that she has what it takes, while Son of Havok might not. Following the bell, Angelico asked for the mic and said, "Ivelisse—if you ever want to go one-on-one with me without your boyfriend around, it’d be my pleasure.” The couple staggered out in disbelief while the defeated Angelico winked and stood tall as though winning the bout.

Up next is the highly-anticipated in-ring debut of former AAA world heavyweight champion Texano Jr. In addition to holding the belt longer than anyone in history, over two years, Texano was also the youngest AAA champion in history. That is, until Alberto El Patron reemerged on the Mexican wrestling scene and took it– stole it, as Texano might say. The young former-champion is set to engage with Lucha legend Super Fly, but before the match can get underway, Vampiro presents a pre-recorded interview with Texano en Español! The interview began on a positive note, with Vampiro introducing him as a world renowned wrestler known in Japan and Mexico. But when Vamp' referred to Texano Jr. as an ex -AAA champion, the 30-year old cowboy took exception. "You are in the presence of a top star," he began, "And I will be the next superstar in the Lucha underground.” Vampiro begrudgingly disagreed, saying Patron is the man because he is the one in possession of the title. Texano became enraged, saying that Patron stole the belt, and that the only reason he's in Lucha Underground is to destroy Alberto El Patron and take what's his. The match is finally able to begin where Texano Jr. and Super Fly start with a seesaw of chain wrestling until Texano gains the edge through a series of well-placed knife-edge chops. Super Fly, the veteran, is not to be outdone by a punk kid such as Texano, and leaps from the top rope, catching the former-champion with a flying cross-body. Texano, now groggy, managed to return the favor in the form of a beautiful can-opener leg drop followed by a rolling neck breaker for the 1-2-3. When the bell sounded, Alberto El Patron appeared at the top of the stairs, ready for vengeance following last week's blindside assault. Texano ran for cover, but was cut-off by Patron, who dragged him back into the ring and proceeded to beat him with his own bull rope.

Backstage in Dario Cueto's office once more and the "Machine" known as Cage walks through the door, wearing the tattered and torn title belt around his neck. He demands a championship match, an opportunity Dario would love to give him, but the truth is that Prince Puma is still the Lucha Underground champion. And the last time Cage wrestled Puma, he lost. Dario says that he's going to give Cage another chance—next week the "Machine" will have a non-title bout with Prince Puma, and if he wins, will receive a championship match in the very near future. Cage reluctantly agrees, but warns Cueto he'd better get a "real" title belt and not some "Aztec piece of crap." Cage exits, and passes an infuriated Chavo Guerrero on his way out. Chavo has his gear packed and his bag draped over his shoulder and tells Cueto that he's had enough. He's going home to be with his family—Chavo quits! Dario completely no-sold Guerrero's resignation by simply saying, "Whatever Chavo. I wish you the best in all your future endeavors." Chavo was even angrier, but Cueto assured him that the doors to his Temple are always open.

Black Lotus is sneaking through the darkened depths of the Temple, down in the bowels of Boyle Heights. She's managed to locate Matanza and infiltrate the secret passage without needing to steal Cueto's key. As she drew closer to the caged beast, she spoke soft but definitively: "So this is where he keeps you locked up? When I was a little girl all I wanted to be when I grew up was the woman who killed you with my bare hands."

The final break has come and gone and we're locked in for the main event six-person tag contest. The Crew is already in the ring awaiting the "Freaks," as Dario referred to them. The festive music soon begins to play and Sexy Star leads the mini sensation Mascarita Sagrada and the eccentric exotico Pimpenela Escarlata to the ring. Dario says that he's sick of how popular these characters have been, which begs the question as to why he brought them to his Temple in the first place? The Crew dominates through most of the match with the mismatched trio of Star, Sagrada and Escarlata gaining individual advantages but never as a whole. The Crew is a long-time team and used proper ring psychology to single out each Luchador until they were effectively eliminated. By the midway point, both Mascarita Sagrada and Pimpenela Escarlata were nowhere to be seen, allowing the Crew to capitalize on a 3-on-1 advantage over Sexy Star. The three Mexican gangsters put her through her paces, kicking her face so hard that blood gushed from between her lips as she struggled to regain composure. Sexy is finally able to even the odds by administering an abundance of arm-drags and high-flying offense, as well as a low-blow which pops the crowd like nothing else. While I'm still not one to walk the "Bael Trail," I'm starting to come around to Mr. Cisco and Castro Cortez, a journeyman duo dating back to the dark days of Wrestling Society X. Sexy Star still appears to be the only active member of her team with Sagrada and Escarlata recuperating on the outside mats. The Crew attacked Sexy with a fury of kicks, and simultaneously signaled that the end was near. As the Crew prepared the finish the job assigned to them by Dario Cueto, their arch enemy Big Ryck arrived on the scene. Ryck was now clean shaven and sporting an eye-patch thanks to the attack he suffered at the hands of the Crew. The Distraction played well for Sexy Star as she was able to take advantage of Bael and secure a pinfall in the process. Ryck entered the ring alongside a bloody-mouthed, yet-victorious �Star. The Crew cursed both Big Ryck and the Lucha Underground fans as they retreated into Dario's office, humiliated after having been defeated by Sexy Star.

Big Ryck's return might spell certain doom for the Crew, but what does it mean in terms of his presence in the locker room? For months, Ryck ran roughshod over Lucha Underground, making a number of enemies in the wake of his destruction. Who, if anyone, can Ryck rely on to even the odds against Dario Cueto and the Crew? Next week's episode will feature the long-awaited rematch between Cage and Prince Puma, whereby if Cage is victorious, he will earn a championship title match in the near future. Until then, this has been Mark Adam Haggerty with "Viva La Lucha Libre."

http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-2415/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-2415/#comments Fri, 06 Feb 2015 22:31:55 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews AAA Alberto El Patron Angelico Brian Cage Cage Catrina Chavo Guerrero Chavo Guerrero Jr. Dario Cueto Drago El Rey Network Fenix Ivelisse Ivelisse Velez Johnny Mundo King Cuerno Lucha Libre Lucha Underground Mark Burnett Matt Striker Mil Muertes Pentagon Jr. Son of Havok Vampiro http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9556 Viva La Lucha Libre Lucha Underground 2/4/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty Only one month into an electrifying calendar, and the stars inside the Boyle Heights Temple are already delivering "Match of the Year" caliber contests. Welcome back to the most analytical examination of what is quickly becoming the most exciting hour in professional wrestling […]

Viva La Lucha Libre
Lucha Underground 2/4/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

Only one month into an electrifying calendar, and the stars inside the Boyle Heights Temple are already delivering "Match of the Year" caliber contests. Welcome back to the most analytical examination of what is quickly becoming the most exciting hour in professional wrestling in America—Lucha Underground! We're here with another in-depth breakdown of everything going on courtesy of AAA, Mark Burnett, and the El Rey Network. Last week's show was one of the more slower-paced episodes since �Underground debuted in the autumn of 2014, but that's not to say it didn't create buzz over events still yet to unfold. This week continued building toward a larger story but introduced various elements formerly unknown to the television viewers, so let's get right into it with the opening contest—this is "Viva La Lucha Libre!"

The �Faithful' inside the Temple are on fire, rocking to the rhythm of the house band now-known as Mariachi El Bronx. Sitting ringside as usual are Matt Striker and Vampiro who is wearing the coolest jacket—well, the coolest jacket Vampiro's ever worn. The action inside the ring is immediately underway with the introduction of Son of Havok and Ivelisse. Both individuals competed in the Aztec Warfare battle royal for the Lucha Underground title, but neither has been seen on El Rey since. The crowd isn't shy when it comes to telling Havok how they feel about him, chanting "loser" over and over until Ivelisse had enough. "I am tired of reading all the tweets on social media about Son of Havok saying that he sucks," she began, "Let me tell you something: I don't date losers. A'ight? If you have a problem with him, then you have a problem with me too—the baddest bitch in the building!" Havok's opponent in this opening contest is the exhilarating sensation from South Africa known as Angelico. He makes his way to ring side with a spring in his step, representing Lucha Underground to the fullest with his black Lucha t-shirt. The match was off and running and within a few moments of back and forth interaction, Havok gained the lead and even the support of the fans. Through a varied course of high adrenaline offense including a sit-down face buster and a litany of aerial maneuvers, Havok turned the tide and had no problem going hold-for-hold with the fan-favorite Angelico. The end came however, when a series of precarious close-calls involving Ivelisse ended with Son of Havok inadvertently spearing his girlfriend off of the apron. It was just a matter of rolling the masked rudo into a pinning predicament before Angelico walked away with the 1-2-3.

Back from the commercial and the number one non-wrestling personality in sports entertainment, Dario Cueto, is on hand offering an olive branch to a once despised rival. "Welcome back, I haven't seen you since Aztec Warfare." Across from Cueto was Johnny Mundo, inside the Temple again and ready for battle. "I know we've had our issues in the past," Cueto continued, "But since you've been gone, we've both had time to cool off." Dario is a business man who can recognize a good opportunity when it's sitting in front of him, and therefore requests another "5-star match" from Mundo, this time against Cage. "You mean that �ham-bone' that tore apart your title belt," questioned Johnny? "You better get a new one." Matt Striker and Vampiro are still sizzling from the first match-up, and are preparing to introduce Famous B—a Southern California local who is fixing to square off against one of the most fearsome competitors in Lucha Underground, Pentagon Jr. Before the match can get started, a vignette rolls once again highlighting the intricacies of Pentagon as well as his dedication to martial arts: "Look into my eyes! I am Pentagon Jr. No fear!" The match lasts only moments before B succumbs to the incredibly tactile technique of Pentagon, who sets his opponent up for defeat with a vicious spike package pile driver. Once B's skull hit the canvas he was completely knocked out, awakened only by the excruciating agony inflicted by Pentagon, who ended the encounter by ignoring the official and snapping the arm of Famous B.

Deep in the darkened �dungeons' beneath the Temple, Cueto sits solemnly staring into a cell. "The news of this temple and what we are doing here is spreading." Cueto toyed with the mysterious key dangling around his neck, "Such a shame you can't enjoy it with me." The question as to what lock the key might open has been answered, but to whom is Cueto speaking? Another mysterious reveal suggests that the unnamed Asian woman who accosted Dario last week is looking for whoever—or whatever is trapped in the bowels of the Boyle Heights building. The allure of Lucha Libre continues as two babyface competitors take to the ring in a true test of "good" versus "evil." Aerostar is dressed in white, and according to Matt Striker represents the "Heavens" in this metaphorical battle against Drago—a supernatural superstar said to be from the Depths of Hell. Drago's hard-hitting ground game and Aerostar's high-flying airborne assault prove to be complimentary components as this contest roars on with very few moments to rest. The formidable Drago walks away with a win after outwitting the younger tecnico , but neither man leaves the ringside area until they shake hands and hold their arms high in a sign of mutual respect. Backstage before the main event can begin, Fenix is hard at work applying his strongest strikes to the dusty old Everlast bag, perhaps in an effort to hone his greater assets in preparation for his next world title battle. Catrina comes out of the shadows, with Mil Muertes nowhere in sight. She touched the tattoo on Fenix's chest, an artistic rendering of a dream-catcher. "Does this protect you from nightmares," Catrina asked? Before Fenix could respond, she kissed him, deeply and passionately with a final warning, not to let Mil find out: "He'll bury us both alive."

Up next is the main event, an impromptu grudge match having nothing to do with the sort of respect we saw a few moments ago, and everything to do with rising to the top of the Lucha Underground roster: Johnny Mundo is set to go one-on-one with Cage. As the Machine walked to the ring, he wore the tattered remains of the Lucha Underground title around his neck, laughing and taunting the Temple Faithful as he sauntered into the squared-circle. The match was rather even, with a slight edge going to Mundo in the early going until a powerbomb on the outside rendered the former Shaman of Sexy motionless. Vampiro picked this close call alongside the stairs to point out the danger in wrestling so close to the steel steps: "Did you know if you fell and hit your head on those steps you could DIE ?" It was at this time that King Cuerno made his presence known, if only to the television audience, when he began watching from within the rafters. Back inside the ring, Cage's domination continued with an enormity of powerful offense as well as unpredictable agility including a springboard moonsault to a downed Johnny Mundo. An Irish whip sends Johnny into the corner, but a leap-frog hoists him up and over the head of Cage, where he's unfortunately caught in a modified Alabama-jam. The back and forth is intensifying as Mundo attempts his patented "Starship Pain" to no avail, but lands on his feet and soars across the turnbuckle to Cage on the outside. The match ended by disqualification when King Cuerno finished stalking and began to hunt; he struck near the ringside area when he tripped Mundo and knocked him off the apron. Cuerno's assault continued after the bell, attacking Johnny's left leg with a steel chair and the merciless metal turnbuckle post. When all was said and done, Dario Cueto exited his office and restarted the match: "Hold on Johnny! Now that we're friends, I can't let your 5-star matches end like that!" Cage re-entered the equation and proceeded to systematically dissect Johnny Mundo, beginning with his already injured leg. "Is Dario Cueto being a dick," asked Vampiro, who couldn't comprehend why this contest was still going on. Cage finalized the destruction with a Gory Special into a flat-liner, earning himself another victory.

The show was over and just like always, Matt Striker and Vampiro wished the viewers a wonderful week and thanked them for their continued patronage of the El Rey Network. But instead of fading to black and a Mark Burnett logo, the cameras went back inside Dario's office, where a knock at the door startled the promotor. "Show's over," he yelled, attempting to scare away whomever may be bothering him. But rather than another knock, a voice echoed through the doorway, "Oh no, we're just getting started." Dario turned and stood face-to-face with a world-renowned heavyweight champion from AAA and WWE: "My name is Alberto El Patron," he said with a smile, "But you already knew that."

The unexpected arrival of Alberto El Patron was a perfectly valid reason to fast forward through the show, but why would you want to miss an entire hour jam-packed with the most consistent professional wrestling on the planet? What might we expect to see inside the Temple as 2015 continues to unravel in new and exciting ways? Who is Pentagon's master now that he's seen Chavo Guerrero for what he truly is? Will a new belt be bestowed upon Prince Puma, or will Cage's torn title be the symbol of Lucha Underground? And who the hell does Dario Cueto have locked away in the Temple? Hopefully we'll get the answers, plus a dozen more questions this time next week with another exciting installment of "Viva La Lucha Libre!"

http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-12815/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-12815/#comments Sun, 01 Feb 2015 14:26:19 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews Bael Big Ryck Brian Cage Cage Catrina Dario Cueto Fenix King Cuerno Lucha Underground Matt Striker Mil Muertes Prince Puma Ricky Banderas Ricochet Super Fly Vampiro http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9451 Viva La Lucha Libre Lucha Underground 1/28/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty Are you a man, or are you a machine? Whatever you answered, you're probably in the right place if you're looking for the most courageous column when it comes to Lucha Underground on the El Rey Network. Ladies and gentlemen my name is […]

Viva La Lucha Libre
Lucha Underground 1/28/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

Are you a man, or are you a machine? Whatever you answered, you're probably in the right place if you're looking for the most courageous column when it comes to Lucha Underground on the El Rey Network. Ladies and gentlemen my name is Mark Adam Haggerty, here with you each and every week to discuss the outrageous happenings inside the Lucha Underground Temple. This week's episode answered several questions but left us with an inordinate number of plot twists. What will become of the Lucha Underground title and what does Dario Cueto have in store for the competitors in Boyle Heights? Let's find out what happened on this week's episode of Lucha Underground.

The show begins with a recap featuring the events of previous weeks and slowly fades into a musty gymnasium where Cage is pumping iron. Lucha Underground promotor Dario Cueto enters with the same smug grin he had when he paid the Crew to take down Big Ryck. "I've heard of taking the bull by the horns," Cueto tells Cage, "But you take the bull by the huevos !" After complimenting Cage, he informs the new luchador that tonight is his lucky night, tonight he will get his match—with Puma! Inside the Temple the crowd is ready for another exciting night of high flying action courtesy of Mark Burnett, AAA, and the El Rey Network. The band from previous episodes is featured in a much more prominent capacity, complete with a front man dressed as Che Guevara. It seems that every week Matt Striker is getting less formal, sitting beside Vampiro who spends the entire opening segment attempting to "raise the roof." The opening contest on the card is a clash of styles featuring the Brutish Mil Muertes taking on the man who nearly became champion when he battled Prince Puma, Fenix. Fenix's high-risk offense seems to be just the thing to wear down the armor-plated defense of Mil Muertes. For weeks I've cried over my distaste for Ricky Banderas, but I've come around to this most successful demonic character he's created for Lucha Underground. The match doesn't last long and proves to be little more than Fenix dancing around the imposing monster with a plethora of high spots, caught off guard from time to time by a fist or a boot by Muertes. Come the final bell it was Fenix, the underdog, who managed to defy the odds and defeat the terrifying Muertes, a man who is now being sold by Striker and Vampiro as a mere pawn being played by his beautiful keeper Catrina.

One of the most impressive aspects of Lucha Underground since its inception has been the overtly cinematic backstage sequences, used to develop characters such as Prince Puma and King Cuerno. Next in line for a Hollywood-style push is the self-described "Machine" known simply as Cage. Cage walks down the dirty pathways of central Los Angeles, only to be attacked by a gang of ruffians. Their strength in numbers are no match for the sheer force packed into each punch thrown by Cage. One individual even hits the championship challenger over the head with a beer bottle—an action that takes no toll on Cage, other than to anger the monster further. When the scene concluded, Cage was still walking tall and ready to take the title from Prince Puma later in the evening. The in-ring escapades continue with trios warfare, featuring all three members of the Crew as they engage with Argenis, Super Fly, and Aerostar. The Crew is coming fresh off of their turn on former leader Big Ryck the previous week, and even my man BAEL is out for a blood as the Lucha Underground express continues moving at top speed. Trios matches, as described by Vampiro, are commonplace in Mexican culture and have been a part of Lucha Libre since the beginning. Each team had its own series of impressive spots including a top rope hurricanrana by Aerostar on Cisco that took out the remaining members of the Crew. But it was the Crew who would have the last laugh, employing their strong bond to help overcome the formidable trio of tenured AAA luchadors standing across the squared circle.

Following the second bout of the evening, Vampiro and Matt Striker begin to introduce an interview that appears to have the former Juggalo Champion absolutely speechless. Well, nearly speechless as he did say, "You could cut the knife with the intensity." They throw it to the footage from earlier in the day—a sit down featuring Vampiro alongside Konnan and the Lucha Underground Champion Prince Puma. As Vampiro introduces his guests, he begins to ask Prince Puma questions relating to his inaugural reign as champion. However instead of allowing Puma to respond, Konnan jumps in and fields each inquiry himself. Finally Vampiro snaps and tells Konnan how sick he is of him jumping in and shooting his mouth off. The two WCW and Lucha legends continue to exchange words, at one point Konnan says, "You're going to get shredded like ropa vieja!" Uh—okay, so for anyone who doesn't live in Southern California or Texas or any Latino-influenced area, ropa vieja is a Latin American food that literally translates to "Old Clothes." Very strange choice of verbiage, K-Dawg. Before the altercation could become too heated, Puma interjected himself amongst the now seething former champions, both of whom were throwing challenges toward the other.

The main event has happened upon us much quicker than in weeks past, perhaps due to the lackluster undercard and plethora of pre-recorded promos and cinematic segments. Prince Puma enters the Temple with Konnan escorting him to ringside for the first time since the show debuted. Cage is truly a monster who dwarfs Puma, and even makes the portly retired-wrestler Konnan appear small by comparison. During Cage's entrance, Puma immediately delivers a receipt from the previous beat down by performing a beautiful swan dive over the top rope and into the arms of Cage. The match is soon off to a rough start for the champion who quickly begins to realize he's no longer in the ring with Johnny Nitro and Ezekiel Jackson. Cage has no use for flash, and does his talking with powerfully abrasive stiff workmanship inside the ring. A northern lights suplex by Puma is expertly reversed into a chokehold by Cage, which tells the tale of their interplay throughout the bout. As Puma began to mount his offense, Cage pushed the referee into the ropes in an attempt to ground the champion, who was ascending to the top rope. The move was grounds for disqualification, however the referee elected to continue the match—until Cage hit Puma with a deliberate. The bell sounded, but the carnage had just begun as Cage hit Puma with a textbook Flat-liner shades of Chris Kanyon. Konnan entered the ring hoping to stop the Machine from attacking his "padawan" further. Instead Cage used the championship belt to deliver a crippling blow to Konnan, laying him out in the middle of the ring. Konnan was now covered in blood, Puma was decimated, and Cage stood tall with the championship belt in his hands. He raised his arms with the title, and in a display unlike anything I've ever seen, tore the title belt in two. The championship was destroyed. Cueto peered through the venetian blinds of his office, pleased with what he had seen. Suddenly an unexpected presence surprised him and planted him firmly against his desk. It was the mysterious Asian woman TV audiences have seen lurking since the debut of Lucha Underground. She tells Dario she's looking for a man that owes her—a man she swears is inside the Lucha Underground Temple.

One of the slowest installments of Lucha Underground to date, and perhaps my least favorite episode since the show began—nearly four months ago! That's a pretty good record when it comes to must-see wrestling television. While the hour was lacking in adrenaline-pumping excitement, we were privy to a groundbreaking title defense, as well as the first words spoken by the mysterious woman we've seen stalking certain luchadors in the Temple since the debut episode. What will happen now that Cage has destroyed Puma's championship, and incapacitated his mentor Konnan? We'll find out next week on Lucha Underground! Until then this is Mark Adam Haggerty inviting you to keep it here with Cheap-Heat for all the latest and greatest newsworthy nonsense you've come to expect from the wrestling industry.

http://www.cheap-heat.com/results-international-wrestling-federation-iwf-the-chosen-one-12315-mesa-arizona/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/results-international-wrestling-federation-iwf-the-chosen-one-12315-mesa-arizona/#comments Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:28:27 +0000 Cassidy Haynes Indy/Puro/Lucha ACH Biff Busick Brian Cage Chris Hero Drew Galloway Evan Daniels International Wrestling Federation IWF Jacob Austin Young Joey Ryan Kevin Krunk Matt Cage Matt Jackson Matt Sydal Nick Jackson Shane Strickland Shaun Ricker Tommaso Ciampa Trevor Lee Uhaa Nation Young Bucks http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9226 The following results are from a recent International Wrestling Federation live event. В The event took place on January 23rd, 2015 from the The Arizona Event Center in Mesa, Arizona:   Dark Match Kevin Krunk defeated Evan Daniels IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Semi Final Uhaa Nation defeated Matt Sydal IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Semi Final Chris […]

The following results are from a recent International Wrestling Federation live event. В The event took place on January 23rd, 2015 from the The Arizona Event Center in Mesa, Arizona:

Dark Match
Kevin Krunk defeated Evan Daniels

IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Semi Final
Uhaa Nation defeated Matt Sydal

IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Semi Final
Chris Hero defeated ACH

Singles Match
Matt Cage defeated Jacob Austin Young

IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Semi Final – ICW Heavyweight Title Match
Drew Galloway (c) defeated Tommaso Ciampa

IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Semi Final
Brian Cage defeated Biff Busick

Singles Match
Shaun Ricker defeated Joey Ryan

Tag Team Match
Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) defeated Shane Strickland and Trevor Lee

IWF Heavyweight Title Tournament, Final – 4-Way Match – IWF Heavyweight Title Match
Brian Cage defeated Chris Hero and Drew Galloway and Uhaa Nation – TITLE CHANGE!!!

http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-12115/ http://www.cheap-heat.com/viva-la-lucha-libre-lucha-underground-12115/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2015 01:07:32 +0000 Mark Adam Haggerty Other Reviews Reviews Alberto El Patron Bael Big Ryck Brian Cage Cage Championship Wrestling From Hollywood Chavo Guerrero Jr. Cisco Cortez Dario Cueto Drago Fenix King Cuerno Lucha Libre Mariachi Mariachi Loco Mascarita Sagrada Matt Striker Pentagon Jr. Pimpenela Escarlita Prince Puma Sexy Star Super Fly Vampiro WWE http://www.cheap-heat.com/?p=9149 Viva La Lucha Libre Lucha Underground 1/21/15 Written by Mark Adam Haggerty If you're looking for the most up-to-date and consistent coverage of Lucha Libre in America, then you've come to the right place. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mark Adam Haggerty and this is "Viva La Lucha Libre"—the once-weekly review and critique chronicling […]

Viva La Lucha Libre
Lucha Underground 1/21/15
Written by Mark Adam Haggerty

If you're looking for the most up-to-date and consistent coverage of Lucha Libre in America, then you've come to the right place. Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Mark Adam Haggerty and this is "Viva La Lucha Libre"—the once-weekly review and critique chronicling the fastest rising wrestling promotion in the industry today, Lucha Underground. A champion was crowned two weeks ago and since then the action has only escalated. How did this week's episode fare by comparison? Let's start talking about the January 21st edition of Lucha Underground.

Lucha Underground begins per usual with a sweeping display of Los Angeles including close-up shots of the US Bank building, the tallest structure in LA. Matt Striker and Vampiro welcome the audience at home while trying to hear themselves speak over the in-house band currently electrifying the faithful inside the Temple. The first match on Lucha Underground this week is a tag team contest pitting the "Crew" of Big Ryck against the colorful duo of Mascarita Sagrada and Pimpenela Escarlata. The Crew consists of Cisco and Cortez, with the enigmatic Bael at ringside as well. Cisco swipes the spotlight from the ring announcer and instructs her to call him Mr. Cisco, and with that the match is underway! Castro Cortez and Mr. Cisco are actually solids hands inside the ring with over a decade of experience each, they might be the last legitimate "journeyman wrestlers" in the industry. Escarlata is by far the most popular Luchador in the match, wowing the Southern California crowd with his seemingly out-of-context repertoire of spectacular stunts. Unfortunately the fiercely formidable team of Sagrada and Escarlata proved no match for the experienced comradery exhibited between Cortez and Cisco. The fancy footwork of Pimpenela Escarlata would be his undoing as Cisco took advantage, lifting the exotico in the air for a stun-gun down onto the knees of Cortez, knocking the air out of Escarlata's lungs and securing the win for the Crew.

Big Ryck who had emerged on the scene halfway through the match entered the ring, cigar-in-hand and ready to deliver a powerful message to the faithful, as well as his cronies standing in the squared circle. Ryck handed his half-smoked cigar to Cisco and proceeded to speak. "I'm here to let every single one of you know," he turned to the Crew, and continued, "Every single one of you. We all must appear, before the judgement—of Big Ryck." With his final words spoken, the Crew launched an unforeseeable assault on their now-former leader, knocking Ryck to the canvas and continuing their onslaught with a kendo stick stashed at ringside. As the brutality ceased, Cisco smoked the cigar Ryck handed him and an even more devious idea dawned on the defunct leader of the Crew. Bael and Cortez used all their might to hold the superheavyweight down to the mat, as Cisco kneeled and lowered the burning ember of the cigar into Ryck's open eye. He held it there against Ryck's thrashing attempts at relief for several seconds, until finally the Crew ceased and exited the Temple. Matt Striker would later tell us that Ryck was off to a nearby hospital and that we'd be updated with his condition, however no news ever came about what would happen to Big Ryck's right eye.

Back from break and Dario Cueto is in his office paying inordinately large sums of money to members of the Crew. He tells them that if they continue watching his back, he'll dig even deeper—presumably for more money, but perhaps a title shot might be in store for members of the Crew? Back at the announce desk and Vampiro has a special interview he filmed with the newest member of the Lucha Underground roster, the man who dismantled Prince Puma after his title match last week with Fenix, Cage. Sitting across from one another, Vampiro has a great interview style that stays objective but pushes boundaries in order to play "devil's advocate." He tells Cage that there's a lot of heat on him, and wants to know what makes him think he deserves a top spot after just one week. Cage tells him that he doesn't care about the heat, that Lucha Underground isn't some high school where he's trying to be the most popular wrestler, and that his time is now. Vampiro scorns the dangerous monster once more saying, "I look at you and all I see is a kid with big arms and a big ego." Cage tells him that anyone who's ever been in the ring with him knows that he's a machine, and even challenged Vampiro to step back inside the ring, should he ever want to try his fate.

The next bout features Super Fly in one-on-one action against the highly skilled Pentagon Jr. Pentagon dominates the entire match, using the ringside environment to his advantage. As Super Fly gets some momentum in his favor, the same mysterious Asian woman from episode's past appears in the crowd, this time wearing a "Staff" t-shirt and a backstage pass around her neck. No time to focus on the questionable curiosities of this unknown entity, as this match is over in just a matter of moments. The more conservatively-styled Pentagon hoisted �Fly into a pile driving predicament, only to secure the legs and deliver a decisive package pile driver. Following the final bell, Pentagon spoke in Spanish although subtitled for us gringos: "I thought Chavo Guerrero was a legend. I thought he could help me. But you know what? He is a fraud! But the more important thing is I know there is someone willing to join forces with me, and is willing to help me! Because I am Pentagon Jr! No Fear!" To whom might the Mexican talent with the Japanese influence be referring? Could the mysterious woman we've seen since day one have anything to do with Pentagon's recent revelation, or might it be Blue Demon—the man who got his revenge against Chavo last week? I suppose it could also always be El Patron, but I imagine he has bigger things in mind when he makes his Lucha Underground debut.

Lucha Underground goes in directions than the WWE would ever dream to, especially in the next matchup of Sexy Star versus Mariachi Loco. Mariachi is an interesting character; described by Striker as an Anaheim waiter, working for tips when he's not working for the fans. Striker even says Mariachi has been known to accept dollar bills from the fans at ringside, but apparently only in contests where he comes out on top. When describing Sexy to the audience at home, Striker makes mention of popular WWE women's champions such as the Fabulous Moolah, Trish Stratus, and Lita—to which Vampiro replies, "What?! Come on. Maybe Moolah." Striker asked Vampiro where he would put Sexy in line with those other competitors, leaving the former Juggalo champion almost speechless, "Uh—I mean, I think Sexy is a little bit beyond…" The match moves forward as Sexy Star lays into Mariachi Loco, maintaining the edge from beginning to end until finally nailing the coffin shut with a variety of fantastical maneuvers, earning the 1-2-3 in the process. I'll be interested to see who Sexy Star is booked against now that her bitter rivalry with Chavo Guerrero has presumably come to an end.

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The main event has been building since the infantile weeks of Lucha Underground when King Cuerno and Drago were first introduced to the faithful inside the Boyle Heights Temple. Cuerno and Drago each enter with their usual fanfare and ritualistic behaviors until finally this, "Last Luchador Standing" match is set to commence. Almost immediately, the �rudo' known as King Cuerno tosses his adversary onto the arena floor where many of the most compelling moments of their rivalry have already occurred. The ovation from the crowd keeps Drago from losing momentum, but the demonic �tecnico' is soon devastated by Cuerno who performs a beautifully executed running sit-down powerbomb on the outside, a maneuver Matt Striker refers to as a "Bubba Bomb." Striker does that a lot, whether it's on Lucha Underground or Championship Wrestling from Hollywood; he even referred to the double-team finisher by the Crew as a, "3D into a Code Breaker." Call me old fashioned, but I much prefer the technical names given to moves that clearly define the action therein. Both Striker and Vampiro touch upon Cuerno being a hunter, citing examples such as the way he physically dissects Drago from a standing position down to one knee. Drago manages to gain the advantage, but only for a short while as Cuerno's lightning quick reflexes make his dreaded "Arrow from the Depths of Hell" virtually inescapable. Former WWE referee Marty Elias, now serving as Lucha Underground's senior official, begins to count Drago while Cuerno rummages around under the ring in search of a weapon. After more back and forth interplay involving the same sort of table from the previous week, Cuerno finally finds the answer to his problem—rope. Cuerno continued his attack on Drago until he lay defenseless in the ring. King Cuerno strung strand after strand of thick rope around the torso of Drago, effectively tying him to the bottom turnbuckle. Try as he might to escape, there was no hope for Drago as Marty Elias had already reached a count of ten by the time Cuerno finished wrapping his enemy in rope.

Another exciting show on the El Rey Network—perhaps less action-packed than previous episodes, but this week's installment helped to set the stage for several programs going forward. Coming out of tonight's event, Big Ryck has a personal vendetta to settle with The Crew; Pentagon Jr. teased someone "willing to help him" in Lucha Underground; Cage spelled out his agenda for Vampiro; and the rivalry between King Cuerno and Drago has reached an insurmountable climax. What else can we expect from the death-defying Luchadors of what's soon becoming the second most popular wrestling program in America? Join me next week for another edition of "Viva La Lucha Libre."