Lucha Underground: Ultima Lucha Tres Review - October 18, 2017

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Matanza Cueto def. Dragon Azteca Jr. in a Steel Cage Match

I've never been the biggest fan of either of these guys, but this was an enjoyable opener to the show. The David vs. Goliath dynamic they had going enhanced the story of the matchup for me and Matanza tossing Azteca through the cage wall was absolutely awesome. Unfortunately, even in Lucha Underground, people manage to get involved in Steel Cage matches, and in this instance, it was the returning Black Lotus, who we haven't seen in many months. She not only did she cost Azteca the match but she also attacked Matanza afterward and called out Dario Cueto for being a liar. Dario admitted to lying to her about who killed her parents (or something like that) before having Matanza lay her out. Thus, that was a fitting way to conclude that story.

Mil Muertes def. Cage and Jeremiah Crane in a Three-Way Elimination Match for the Gauntlet of the Gods

This was an all-out war as Muertes, Cage and Crage beat the holy hell out of each other and utilized the extreme environment nicely. All three men put forth an exceptional effort and the audience ate up everything they did. It didn't really matter who won, but it was a good win for Muertes before he was ambushed by King Cuerno, who I could have sworn left the show since we hadn't seen him since Ultima Lucha Dos I don't think.

Prince Puma def. Johnny Mundo in a Title vs. Career Match to Win the Lucha Underground Championship

Similar to Mundo's match against Rey Mysterio last month, this was well on its way to being an amazing match before the unnecessary interference from The Worldwide Underground. I understand that's been the story of his title reign since the start with them helping him hold onto the gold, but on a stage such as Ultima Lucha, I would have much rather preferred if they were banned from ringside. On the bright side, the crowd popped huge for all the shenanigans involving them, including when referee Rick Knox went flying over the top rope (a sight I never thought I'd see). There was one too many nearfalls by the end, but it was an incredibly entertaining match, nonetheless.

Pentagon Dark def. Prince Puma to Win the Lucha Underground Championshipand End Puma's Career

These two already had an outstanding match in the finals of the Cueto Cup, so it wasn't imperative that they had the same match here. Instead, they focused on the storytelling with Pentagon breaking Puma's arm early on and Puma attempting to battle back. It took quite a bit for Pentagon to beat Puma, and once he did, it was with the help of Vampiro, who apparently double-crossed Puma. I've been saying for a long time now that Pentagon has been one of the promotion's most underutilized stars, so it was cool to see him capture the championship at long last as well as be Puma's final opponent.

Overall Show

Season 2 of Lucha Underground ended on an underwhelming note in my opinion, but Season 3 did not disappoint in leaving fans anxiously anticipating a fourth season. Based off everything that happened in those final few minutes (Dario is dead!), you would think that there are plans in place to bring back the show at some point, but that remains to be seen until it's officially picked up. If nothing else, they went out on a high note with another above-average night of wrestling, a hot title change and a notable departure. That closing sequence reminded me how much I'll miss Lucha Underground in its absence, assuming it will return eventually. And on behalf of the Believers, I think I can say it would be a massive shame if it didn't.