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Lucha Underground Episode 39 (Aug. 5, 2015): Rundown & Review

A fitting episode 39 of Lucha Underground is in the books. In case you're still trying to find it, the show airs Wednesdays at 8pm ET/PT on El Rey and Saturdays at 4pm ET/PT in Spanish on UniMas. Catch up on last week's episode and watch the bruising battle between Cage and the Mack. Also, check out an exquisite hype video for Vampiro and a message from Dario Cueto.

In case you missed it, get news that a second season is 99.9 percent happening. Zentrification provided a preview and GIFs for Ultima Lucha. Peruse the open thread discussion amongst viewing Cagesiders. Hollywood Chris Hall gave his weekly slam about hour one of Ultima Lucha and also why Lucha Underground is the greatest wrestling series of all time. J.K. McMillen persuades you about Vampiro vs Pentagon, Jr. being an all time favorite hardcore match. Mrsilentg analyzes the stories for season two.

Now, on to the show...

"Dedicated to the memory of the original rudo "Rowdy" Roddy Piper."

Banging intro video to get us pumped. Melissa Santos greets us, "Welcome to Ultima Lucha!"

Surprise numero uno: Michael Schiavello is on commentary in Vampiro's chair. I'm a big fan of his style. Hopefully, he gels well with Matt Striker.

Johnny Mundo vs Alberto El Patron

Mundo started the match with evasive tactics until El Patron caught up and threw him into the office wall then the announce table. El Patron also worked Mundo's arm by smashing it against the announce table. Mundo escaped by hiding under the ring, then he turned the tide by giving El Patron a face full of dust. Mundo proceeded to throw El Patron from wall to wall. For any viewers questioning why there was no count out at the beginning, I can only assume that Cueto issued a mandate to let violence rule.

Once the action finally entered the ring, the two stars duked it out with agile physicality. Highlights include El Patron with a snapping reverse suplex off the top rope, rope-hung lung blower by Mundo, running corkscrew by Mundo to the outside, and El Patron with his patented rope-hung double stomp which Mundo returned the favor later on.

After the stomp, Alberto slapped on the arm bar. Mundo quickly rolled their bodies to the ropes for a break of the hold. After some back and forth action, Mundo cleanly executed the End of the World, but El Patron kicked out at two.

Chaos broke out after Mundo pulled the referee in front of Alberto's super kick. El Patron reversed Moonlight Drive into an arm bar. Mundo tapped but the ref was incapacitated from the super kick. Once Mundo broke free, the action went to the corner. Alberto slapped on another arm bar over the ropes. Someone ran over and clocked El Patron with the AAA title.

It's Melina! I didn't recognize her at first since she was dressed in a Hardy brother costume. Melina rolled Alberto into place for the End of the World. The ref regained consciousness and counted to three. Mundo and Melina kissed in celebration.

Alberto was none too pleased. He grabbed Mundo from behind to throw him out of the ring. El Patron smashed Mundo into the walls and chairs before hurling him through a window. Schiavello erupted, "The big kabosh!"

Melina attacked Alberto and received a spanking for her trouble. Melina consoled a profusely bloody Mundo. Matt Striker echoed my exact thought, "Holy shit!" Alberto winked at Melina before leaving.

Dario Cueto, Black Lotus, El Dragon Azteca, & Matanza dungeon segment

El Dragon Azteca enters the holding tank when he sees Black Lotus in her cell. She inquires, "Have you come for me?" Dragon Azteca replies in Spanish with English subtitles, "I'm getting you out of here."

"Are you now?" Dario Cueto is on the scene. "You broke an ancient treaty entering my temple, but you never have been a man of honor." Matanza growls in the background as Dragon Azteca makes a face of indignation. Cueto continues, "Now, what was the punishment for breaking the treaty? Ahhh, that's right. Death."

Cueto takes off his key necklace. Dragon Azteca warns, "Don't do it, Cueto." More growling from Matanza. Cueto states, "I don't have to." That's when Black Lotus seizes the moment for revenge and grabs Dragon Azteca from behind in a choke hold. Cueto nonchalantly swings his key necklace around his finger as Black Lotus delivers a death punch to the spine of Dragon Azteca.

As Dragon Azteca's body slinks to the ground, a look of worry washes over Cueto's face. Without hesitation, Cueto unlocks the door for Black Lotus and extends his hand, "Come with me." She declines, "No. I got what I wanted. No more."

Cueto frantically explains, "Do you realize what you've just done? You just started a war. And the only one who can protect you now is Dario Cueto. Come." This time Black Lotus takes his hand.

"Where are we going?" Cueto answers, "This place is too dangerous. I must build a new temple." Black Lotus turns back, "What about him?" Cueto smiles, "He's coming with us." Cueto unlocks Matanza's cell.

Cero Miedo match: Pentagon, Jr. vs Vampiro

No disqualifications, no count outs, and anything goes. Get the full match here.

Vampiro is billed as from the underbelly of Mexico. He comes out with his black and white makeup and dressed as a pope. On commentary, Striker puts over the differences between Ian and Vampiro.

Pentagon ambushed from behind with chair shots to the spine. Striker pointed out the injury history of Vampiro's spine. Brawling into the crowd. Back on the floor, Pentagon delivered a fireman's carry slam onto the concrete floor. More chair shots to the spine of Vampiro. The ref called off the match and Vampiro exited on a stretcher.

Back from commercial break, Vampiro beat up the paramedics to free himself from the stretcher. Vampiro went back to the ring to finish the fight. A major hardcore brawl ensued.

Highlights include Pentagon being slammed onto thumbtacks, Vampiro missing an aerial attack to land on the thumbtacks, long tube light bulb being smashed over Vampiro's head, Pentagon cutting into Vampiro's scalp then licking the blood, Vampiro hip tossing Pentagon onto a long tube light bulb, Vampiro ripping Pentagon's mask, Vampiro bashing a long tube light bulb over Pentagon's head, and a belly to belly superplex slamming Pentagon onto thumbtacks and light bulb shards.

Vampiro brought a table into the ring and lit it on fire. Pentagon moved quickly to slam Vampiro through the fiery table. Vampiro's clothes caught flame and he rolled to the opposite side of the ring away from the fire extinguishers. Thankfully, the crew hustled and put out the flames. Pentagon went for the cover and earned the victorious three count.

Pentagon took to the mic, "Maestro." Vampiro rolled over and shouted, "Break it, motherfucker." He continued shouting for Pentagon to break his arm, so Pentagon obliged. Snap!

Back on the mic in Spanish with English subtitles, "Master, I finished what I promised." In English, "Where are you, master?!?"

Vampiro got a mic, "Pentagon! You're looking for your teacher... (Si, cabron.) Well, let me tell you something. As your teacher, you are ready, my son." Pentagon bowed at Vampiro's feet, then the two embraced in a hug.

Gift of the Gods: Aerostar vs Bengala vs Big Ryck vs Fenix vs Jack Evans vs King Cuerno vs Sexy Star

Seven-way match. First pin or submission will win the Gift of the Gods title. Big Ryck is in shorty short trunks for the first time and Fenix is barechested with no shirt this week.

The match began as a melee with Big Ryck throwing each competitor out of the ring one by one. Ryck ran the ropes to build up steam for an aerial attack, but all six luchadores sprang into the ring to pummel him before lift off.

The match was an exciting mishmash after that. Highlights include Aerostar with a step up and over the rope aerial maneuver onto Fenix, Fenix catching an Aerostar crossbody and turning into a vicious scoop slam to the floor, Bengala with a rope-hung backbreaker to Cuerno, and Aerostar with a third story plop onto bodies below.

Back in the ring, Sexy was gearing up to fly when Marty "The Moth" attacked her from behind. Sexy kicked his butt once again and sent him out of the ring to the feet of the seated Melissa Santos. Sexy then executed a flying crossbody onto legal participants.

More highlights include Cuerno with a Thrill of the Hunt to Sexy Star, Bengala with a spread legged springboard drop kick to Cuerno and Fenix, Bengala monkey flipping Cuerno onto Fenix, Bengala with a corkscrew to the outside onto Fenix, Cuerno with an Arrow from the Depths of Hell onto Bengala, and Aerostar turning a guillotine choke from Evans into a package DDT.

Big Ryck and Sexy Star faced off in the ring. Ryck brutally rag dolled her with his Rock Bottom maneuver. At that point, Daivari hit the ring with a chair. Two chair shots later, Daivari yelled, "You're fired!"

Jack Evans tried to capitalize on the situation with a springboard flip onto Ryck, but Cuerno broke the count. Cuerno then trapped Evans in a sweet surfboard Dragon Sleeper. Fenix leaped for a flying leg drop onto the two before Evans could surrender. After some fast paced back and forth between Evans and Fenix, Fenix broke free from a tarantula submission and hammered Evans' skull with knees in a fireman's carry position. Firedriver by Fenix. 1, 2, 3. Fenix won the treasure trove. Cuerno was shown with a steely eyed glare as Fenix celebrated.

Texano vs Blue Demon, Jr.

Blue Demon was announced as now residing in South Beach, Miami, Florida. He was flanked by the Crew, who were in sharp suits. Both had blue ties with Cisco donning a blue bandana and Cortez sporting a blue pocket square.

Cisco handed a blue card to Melissa Santos. "Due to his legendary status, Dario Cueto has granted Blue Demon's request to make this match no disqualification."

This was a short fight before shenanigans took over. Texano successfully fought off all three to start. Texano was steamrolling Blue Demon. After a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, spinebuster, and sitout powerbomb, the Crew stomped Texano.

Blue Demon teased a Kendo stick assault, then Chavo Guerrero limped to the ring with a chair. Blue Demon and Chavo had a stand off possibly arguing over who gets to thrash Texano. There was a small tease that Chavo was trying to save Texano, but I wasn't buying it for one second. Chavo connected with the chair to Texano's back.

Chavo handed his chair over to Blue Demon so he could smash Texano as well. Blue Demon stood with his foot on Texano's chest for the win. Chavo and Blue Demon hugged in an effort to display a new alliance.

Lucha Underground championship hype segment

A real short video of Puma and Mil each walking the back hallways to the ring set the mood right.

Lucha Underground championship: Prince Puma vs Mil Muertes

"By order of Dario Cueto, there must be a winner."

Both Puma and Mil entered with their full outfits. Puma wrestled with a yellow mask, instead of his black mask from two weeks ago. Catrina wore a cape. Her entrance with Mil looked like a ghoulish wedding walk down the aisle.

Ding. After some fisticuffs and a headscissors takedown by Puma, Mil had a running goozle to send Puma over the top rope. The two then battered each other outside the ring. Action spilled into the stands. Puma actually hit Mil with a random shoe. Puma also used Catrina as a battering ram.

Mil had some fun by tossing Puma into the fan seats. Mil tried to throw Puma into the wall, but Puma ran up the wall for a fliparoo to escape. Puma then leaped off the ring post for a beautiful spinning kick.

After some more wall smashings, Mil powerbombed Puma onto the ring steps. Puma quickly regained his fighting spirit and dropkicked a chair into Mil's face. Puma attempted a suicide dive only for Mil to whack his head with a chair. Schiavello called, "Prince Puma is out here. He's astro traveling."

The action finally took place in the ring with Puma showing off tremendously athletic escapes, counters, and reversals. At one point, Puma dodged Mil, who ended up running head first into a chair. Puma then pulled off a fireman's carry into a kick maneuver. Pin cover but only a two count for Puma.

The rough and tumble fight commenced. Highlights include Mil with a strong scoop slam, rolling flip kick by Puma, Northern Lights suplex rolled over to a different suplex by Puma, Mil suicide spearing Puma onto a table outside, Mil powerbombing Puma through a table, twirling chokeslam by Mil, and a 630 back splash by Puma for a two count.

Puma went back to the well for a second 630 back splash, but this time Mil moved as Puma came crashing down to the mat. Mil then powered up for a crushing spear. Flatliner by Mil. 1, 2, no! Puma kicked out.

Right hand smash by Mil. Mil dragged Puma over to the corner as Puma did his best to get some kicks in. After Puma kicked Mil again in the head, Puma climbed the turnbuckle. Mil landed some punches of his own to stun Puma. The two battled for position on the top turnbuckle. Head butts by Puma sent Mil down. Puma perched a little too long as Mil rocketed back up and threw down a Flatliner off the top turnbuckle. 1, 2, 3! New champion, Mil Muertes. Amazing.

Catrina gave Puma the Lick of Death. Her Disciples twitched down to the ring. Catrina and her formidable four stood tall with all their gold to create an imposing image.

Closing video

It started with Black Lotus packing up all of Dario Cueto's office drawer cash into a bag along with some other important items. Cueto stood staring out the window into the temple. "Dark times are ahead. You got the money? Go on, move. We have to leave now." The two exit as Cueto shuts the door only to return for retrieval of his red bull statue.

Black Lotus hopped into a black SUV with Cueto driving. Being lugged behind is a horse trailer for Matanza. There is a huge hole in the side and we finally see a glimpse of Matanza. He has a leather mask with dark eyes.

Fenix has the Gift of the Gods belt over his shoulder as he slides into a gorgeous gold Pontiac Firebird. Fenix pulls out to joy ride down the street. Outside the garage sits King Cuerno in his truck ready to stalk his newest prey.

Underneath a swinging light is a maniacal Marty Martinez. "You think I'm some kind of joke?" Sexy Star is off to the side tied up from head to toe. Marty forewarns, "Well, you won't be laughing when you meet my sister." Sexy screams as Marty loses his mind flapping his arms.

Son of Havoc walks up to Angelico on a dirt bike. Havoc proclaims, "We're going to get those titles back. See you down the open road." Angelico nods then drives off. Havoc walks over to Ivelisse on a chopper. "What do you say, babe, one last ride?" With a smile, Ivelisse says, "Just shut up and get on." Havoc hops on the back with Ivelisse in the driver's seat. They cruise off.

Aerostar and Drago share a forearm handshake. Drago speaks, "Till we meet again, my friend." Aerostar nods. Drago leaves the building to morph into a dragon and fly away. Aerostar exits afterward. Sparks fly as he shoots up to the cosmos.

Pentagon asks, "Master, where are we going now?" A cloaked Vampiro informs, "To a dark place." (I think that's what he said.)

The white hoodied man from last week put on the mask of El Dragon Azteca and spray paints a question mark on the Lucha Underground sign at the temple.

Dario Cueto is moving without moving. He is gliding down the entrance path away from the ring. Cueto stares into the camera as the lights turn red and he smiles. To be continued...

"Dedicated to the memory of the original rudo "Rowdy" Roddy Piper."

Review

Fantastic finish to a remarkable season. To be honest, I didn't feel that way after my initial viewing. Not that it was bad, I just wasn't fully satisfied with how things played out. Part of that is on me, since I had certain preconceived expectations going in. One negative is that I didn't feel like any feuds got resolved. After knowing all the outcomes and watching a second time, I was left with a much more favorable impression.

The Lucha Underground championship bout was excellent. The atmosphere was electric. Repeated viewings allowed me to really appreciate the performance of both wrestlers. With all the interference throughout the night, I was for sure expecting the Disciples of Death to play a role. To my surprise, Mil won clean. With that stink cloud off my mind, the second viewing was tremendous. Puma continued to amaze with his innovative moves and Mil's monstrous brutality was every bit the powerful force he has been portrayed.

Cudos to Catrina. Great performance. She added so mush by doing so little. She was subtle in her reactions but hit just the right note each time. My favorite look was her expression of concern as Puma nailed his 630 back splash.

The Gift of the Gods did not disappoint. The finish was awesome with Fenix kneeing Jack Evans in the head then executing his Firedriver. Everyone get a little bit of spotlight, especially Aerostar with his fall from the heavens. Big Ryck was built back up as a dominant force. Best of all, King Cuerno will be coming for Fenix and that should be dope.

The Cero Miedo match was intense. I didn't necessarily enjoy it, but it was good storytelling nonetheless. Those kind of hardcore matches aren't really my cup of tea, although the light bulbs and table fire made me yelp with wide eyes. I'm going to miss "good times" Vampiro. That character really grew on me over the season.

Mundo vs El Patron was another match that got better upon repeat viewing for me. I was eager to see an encore of their prior wrestling tour de force. All of the action outside of the ring to begin was frustrating and made me lose some enthusiasm. While it wasn't as good as their first encounter, it still turned out to be enjoyable with a different style. Bloody Mundo was quite the visual. Wow. And hey, Melina! The lovebirds being reunited on TV makes me happy, even if they are scallywags at present time.

I was actually digging the Blue Demon/Texano match until all the extracurricular activity took over. One good thing coming out of this match is the dastardly potential with a Chavo/Blue Demon union. These guys are the sleazeballs of the temple. I also really liked the Crew looking dapper to fit in with Blue Demon's South Beach image.

The commentary was alright according to my personal taste. Each had a good performance individually but didn't combine as well as a team. I like a pairing to have natural chemistry with the color analyst having their own unique brand of humor. One might not classify Vampiro as a humorous fellow, but he had his moments just being himself. With Striker and Schiavello, I wasn't feeling the chemistry. It came across as them taking turns doing play by play. Very little back and forth banter. I'm going to chalk that up to not being accustomed to each other yet. I do like both separately, so I think they can become a quality team if they are paired together for season two.

Saving the best for last once again, the closing video was bonkers. Every single thing about it was absolutely amazing. It's tough to pick a favorite part, but I'll go with Fenix getting into his Firebird with Cuerno slyly on his trail. I desperately hope they post a couple short continuation videos during the offseason.

In last week's poll, Hernandez's willingness to be whipped by fans in the Believer's Backlash match earned respect from 78% of the 216 votes. I'm not sure if that will turn out to be Hernandez's swan song for Lucha Underground, but I'm going to miss him if that is indeed the case.

Thoughts and theories about the episode? Favorite part of the closing video? Is Konnan still alive? How long will Catrina reign supreme? Which was your favorite match from Ultima Lucha? Watch the Lucha Undergound championship match again to soak up the greatness.

The FanPosts are solely the subjective opinions of Cageside Seats readers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cageside Seats editors or staff.