Lucha Underground: Ultima Lucha Dos Review - July 20, 2016

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

​Fenix, Drago and Aerostar def. The Worldwide Underground to Win the Trios Championship

No match could have kicked off the show on a better (or higher) note than the Trios Championship matchup. All six wrestlers have had history with each other in some form or fashion throughout Season 2 and their bad blood culminated in an extremely entertaining six-man tag team clash here. The in-ring chemistry between the two teams was off the charts and I loved how the heels tried to take every shortcut possible to escape with their titles intact. Additionally, I appreciated how the match wasn't one giant spotfest but rather they made the most of the ample amount of time they were allotted with solid storytelling and a fantastic final few minutes. It's difficult get excited over the Trios titles changing hands again given how many different champions we have had in Season 2 alone, but this was a remarkable match. Plus, Fenix is now the first-ever Triple Crown Champion in Lucha Underground history, so that's pretty cool.


Dragon Azteca Jr. def. Black Lotus by Disqualification

This was probably the match I was least looking forward to heading into Ultima Lucha Dos, so if any match was going to end in interference and get cut short, it was this one. It wasn't a bad bout by any means, but it lacked suspense and I simply wasn't invested in the slightest. Meanwhile, Pentagon Jr... excuse me, Pentagon Dark came off like a total badass by laying both of them out and proceeding to cut a great promo about his rebirth. Why didn't he just return with this character a few weeks ago? And where was this promo in the weeks preceding the show?

---

Lucha Underground Champion Matanza Cueto def. Pentagon Black in a No Disqualification Match

I remember their their initial encounter a few months back being a complete disappointment, so this was a significant step up from that. It may not have been an amazing match, but Pentagon did the best he could in working to Matanza's strengths and getting a good match out of him. The No Disqualification stipulation was also helpful in that regard. Unfortunately, the finish sucked. I guess it protected Pentagon to an extent, but I doubt he goes back after the belt any time soon after losing twice. Matanza has been built up as an unstoppable heel, but he isn't delivering in the role whatsoever.


Taya def. Ivelisse

I completely forgot until the commentators mentioned it that Taya had wrestled only one other singles match this season and it was against Cage in March. Honestly, this match was a letdown for me. Similar to Azteca vs. Lotus, there wasn't anything technically wrong with it, but it was starting to find its rhythm when Catrina showed up, which I will admit was awesome. It looks like Catrina will finally be moving into an in-ring role starting in Season 3 as well as resuming her rivalry with Ivelisse which was long overdue.

​
Rey Mysterio def. Prince Puma

I'm not sure if there was anyone doubting that this would be an amazing match, but either way, it lived up to my lofty expectations and then some. The crowd provided an electric environment, the video packages gave it a big fight feel, and both competitors put forth a phenomenal effort. Mysterio was at the end of his rope in WWE, yet has rejuvenated his career in Lucha Underground. There never seemed to be a dull moment and the finishing sequence was very well done. I was slightly surprised to see Puma lose clean, but Puma is on his way out anyway (after Season 3 I believe), and it solidified Mysterio's spot as the top dog in the promotion.


Overall Show

Part 3 of Ultima Lucha was undoubtedly better than the previous parts, but I still say last year's installment was greater. The opening six-man tag team match was wonderful and the main event was exceptional, but the other three matchups left something to be desired. Even the Lucha Underground Championship match had a crappy conclusion. I don't know if the entire two hours are worth watching, but definitely go out of your way to watch Puma vs. Mysterio. On the bright side, Dario Cueto smirking into the camera has he's being taken away in a cop car was a hell of a cliffhanger for Season 3. When does that start, by the way?!