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Lucha Underground Season 2: First Half Awards

By Manolo Has Pizzazz
El Rey Network on YouTube

We are at that halfway point through season two (episode 13 out of 26?). So much awesomeness has happened in so little time. Let's take a moment to look back at all the action as I hand out some awards.

If you are new to the Lucha Underground scene, you can catch it Wednesdays at 8pm ET/PT on the El Rey Network or buy season one and season two on iTunes. See if El Rey is available in your area.

Drum roll, please.

Best Newcomer: Taya

Taya is full of charisma and won over many fans with her toughness. It helps that she has the perfect look and character to associate herself with Johnny Mundo.

I don't anticipate her winning this award at the end of the season. Other newcomers may be better in the ring and will probably have more prominent roles going forward, but Taya has made the biggest impression so far in my eyes.

Contenders: Joey Ryan, Rey Mysterio, El Dragon Azteca Jr., Matanza

Breakthrough Character: Famous B

Famous B went from jobber in season one to robber in season two. This is a guy that had very little fanfare. His zany commercials changed all that. Add in the fly white suit and beautiful business card. Now, he is one of the most eagerly anticipated characters in the whole temple.

Contenders: Jack Evans, Aerostar

Sixth Man Award: Jack Evans

For those that don't watch basketball, the Sixth Man Award goes for the best player to come off the bench. I'm converting that to the best person outside the main event scene.

The Dragonslayer has been wonderful to watch. His masterful mix of comedy with exciting wrestling makes him stand out from the pack. If he has a match, I'm definitely eager to tune in. It doesn't matter the opponent.

Contenders: King Cuerno, The Mack

Favorite GIF: King Cuerno's den

A perfect image to pump up Cuerno's continued feud with Fenix. It concisely encapsulates what the character is all about. Plus, it is really cool to look at.

Contender: Marty's rich kid montage

Most Outrageous Moment: Siniestro de la Muerte ripping out hearts

How do you top season one's moments of a literal man dragon and a murder? Oh, how about an undead minion ripping out the black hearts of his partners then absorbing their power. Something ordinary like that will do.

Contenders: Vampiro's hallucination of vamping on his doctor's throat, Aerostar as a time traveler, Undercover cops, Bathroom nunchuck fight

Best Character: Dario Cueto

Cueto has a true aura of excitement every time he is on screen. The first moment we saw him in season two got a squeal of delight out of most Believers. Every appearance is meaningful. He progresses storylines with ease and always makes other performers look better. I might have to start calling this the Dario Cueto Award.

Contenders: Johnny Mundo, Pentagon Jr.

Best Match: Matanza vs Mil Muertes

This wasn't the most athletic match nor did it feature a clinic in technical wrestling. It was pure slobberknocker and actually delivered the goods of HOSS FIGHT fantasticness.

The thing that made the match so special was the story surrounding it. It wasn't just two unstoppable forces colliding. It was also about control on a grander scale. With Dario Cueto and Catrina at ringside, all four performers played their part spectacularly. The ending was bonkers as the two mammoth men crashed to a furious finish and a cliffhanging tease for war.

Contenders: Fenix vs King Cuerno in the season opener, Mil Muertes vs Prince Puma vs Pentagon Jr.

Best Moment: Pentagon Jr. snapping the arm of Mil Muertes

A complete surprise wrapped up in the tastiness of pure craziness. Nobody saw that coming. A plucky mischief-maker crippled death to lift the roof off the Temple. Cero miedo indeed.

To add to its importance, it became the impetus behind great scenes like Catrina ghosting out of Pentagon's arm breaker, Catrina slapping Vampiro, Pentagon going after Dario's arm, and Matanza making Pentagon humble.

Contenders: Dario Cueto's return at Aztec Warfare 2, Prince Puma speaking, Mil Muertes flatlining Matanza through the roof

MVP: Mil Muertes

Longtime readers might claim Mil markdom bias, and I won't disagree. However, he has been the focal point of the show due to possessing the Lucha Underground championship for most of season two. Everyone's actions were geared toward gunning for him. Mil had that burden placed upon him and delivered in each moment he was called upon. After starting like a boss upon his mighty throne, Mil has been a part of most of season two's best matches as he battled Ivelisse, Prince Puma, Pentagon Jr., Fenix, and Matanza.

Contenders: Dario Cueto, Matanza

How do these awards stack up to your picks? Any categories not included? While waiting for Wednesday's episode, check out Johnny Mundo as he destroys machines to hype Cage in a cage.

Lucha! Lucha! Lucha!

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