Lucha Underground Review - June 1, 2016

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​Son of Havoc def. Daga

Matt Striker mentioned on commentary that Havoc was branching off on his own, but I'm surprised his split from Ivelisse wasn't addressed in a backstage segment or something. I guess it makes sense following their loss of the Trios Championship, but it will be sad to see them go their separate ways, or at least for now. As well-wrestled of a match as this was, I found it difficult to invest in the action. There wasn't anything on the line and no consequences, so I didn't have any incentive to cheer for one guy over the other. Plus, Kobra Moon didn't factor into the finish at all like I thought she would, but it will be interesting to see where her storyline with Daga goes next.


Trios Champions Johnny Mundo, PJ Black and Jack Evans def. Rey Mysterio, Dragon Azteca Jr. and Prince Puma by Disqualification

This wasn't the same spot-fest they contested one week ago, but it was still exciting, nevertheless. I appreciated how they told a different story with the heels working over the babyfaces throughout and how there was more of a focus on Prince Puma this time. Mundo, Black and Evans have such tremendous chemistry together that I'm glad their reign wasn't cut short. Striker defended Puma's actions by saying he was simply doing what the heels did behind the referees, but (and this might have been just me) I got the feeling they might be teasing a heel turn for Puma. Consider me intrigued.

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Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto def. Cage

This was a different dynamic than what we're used to seeing from Cage. He typically thrives when up against smaller opponents (hell, he got a good match out of Chavo Guerrero last week) whereas Cueto seems extremely limited when not in multi-man matches. Despite that, they worked well together here, and this might have been the best bout he's had in singles competition to date. Granted, I don't know if it deserved the "this is awesome" chants it received from the crowd, but they picked up the pace nicely down the stretch and I enjoyed the final few minutes. Cage losing clean was slightly shocking, but it gives Matanza credibility as champion at least.


Overall Show

The main event exceeded expectations, the trios tag team match was highly entertaining and the opener was pretty good for what it was, so all things considered, this was a great edition of Lucha Underground. There wasn't much storyline progression, but at least the wrestling was above-average. I'm curious as to who is next to challenge Matanza for the gold since he has already knocked off most of the promotion's top stars. I suppose that's something to look forward to in the coming weeks.