The epic saga of gods vs men in an underground fight club known as Lucha Underground continues tonight (Aug. 23) on El Rey Network at 8pm ET/PT. A title tilt, the Cueto Cup final, and a lucha de apuesta are on the slate.
This episode has been a long time in the making. Ten weeks ago, a 32 luchador tournament, known as the Cueto Cup, began. Also announced prior to the Cueto Cup was a megastar clash for the Lucha Underground championship. The winners will square off against each other at a later date in the main event of Ultima Lucha Tres.
Let’s preview tonight’s sanctioned fisticuffs.
Mask vs Mask: Sexy Star vs Veneno
This is a case of two unrelated stories coming together. Mysterious spiders have been bothering Sexy Star while on her tuffet eating curds and whey protein. Upon first seeing the arachnid-themed Veneno debut, she assumed he was the culprit and pummeling commenced.
Fast forward to last week in Dario Cueto's office, Joey Ryan spoiled Cortez Castro's cover as Veneno. Being the matchmaking extraordinaire that he is, Cueto booked a mask vs mask contest. The intention is that Sexy Star will squash the spider to reveal a rat cop. If that scenario plays out, expect bad things to happen to Castro.
X-Factor: Who's really behind those spiders? The mastermind must enjoy pestering Sexy Star. What better way to screw Sexy than to play a part in losing her mask.
Cueto Cup Final: Prince Puma vs Pentagon DARK
Who will win the #CuetoCup? Pentagon Dark or Prince Puma? Find out on an all-new #LuchaUnderground WEDNESDAY 8p ET @ElReyNetwork! pic.twitter.com/1508abdHKx
— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) August 18, 2017
Prince Puma defeated Ricky Mandel, PJ Black, Dante Fox, and Fenix to earn his birth in the final. Pentagon DARK's path included victories over Argenis, Drago, Texano, and Mil Muertes. He's only one for four in broken arm attempts from that list but wrecked the limbs of Aerostar, Famous B, and Beautiful Brenda to make up for it.
The two do have bad blood dating all the way back to early in the second season. If memory serves correct, their feud centered upon being number one contender to then champ Mil Muertes. Pentagon probably tried to break Puma's arm at some point. That type of deed tends to make people angry at you.
X-Factor: What is Vampiro's endgame? He has been a mentor to both. Now, ex-protege Pentagon will battle current protege Puma to win the Cueto Cup. Is Vampiro working the long con for vengeance as these two finally fight? Vampiro couldn't strong-arm Puma into it, however, helping Puma have success would mean Puma would eventually have a match with Pentagon. With someone capable of destroying Pentagon on his side, will Vampiro break out the barbwire bat from behind the commentary desk?
Let’s say Puma wins tonight. Then what? Puma would compete for the Lucha Underground championship, but why would Vampiro care about that if Pentagon has already been terminated? That makes me think there is more than meets the eye to Vampiro’s master plan than simple revenge. Raising a dude from the dead requires major motivation aside from cool match, bro.
Lucha Underground Championship: Johnny Mundo vs Rey Mysterio
Later this month, Johnny Mundo defends the #LuchaUnderground Title against Rey Mysterio on @ElReyNetwork. Here's the tale of the tape... pic.twitter.com/fVChllqfKr
— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) August 7, 2017
Since Dario Cueto made the match official, we have been treated to professional promo videos, matches against the other's right hand man (PJ Black and El Dragon Azteca Jr.), Mundo blasting Mysterio's son, and an opportunity to talk shit which ended as a locker room clearing brawl. Enough hype. The match is tonight.
Later this summer, Rey Mysterio challenges Johnny Mundo for the #LuchaUnderground Championship in an epic showdown of the best vs the best. pic.twitter.com/X7dIHvGfoI
— Lucha Underground (@LuchaElRey) July 27, 2017
X-Factor: How many people will interfere? Mundo has four as backup in Worldwide Underground, but they've made many enemies. Mysterio has had El Dragon Azteca Jr., Sexy Star, and Mack on his side. The winner of the Cueto Cup might fancy a spot at ringside for up close viewing. Let's not forget that Matanza is also in the building, and he wants to literally destroy Mysterio. Personally, I'm crossing my fingers for the no interference swerve, so we can witness a classic one-on-one matchup to remember.
Who are your picks to win tonight? Over/under on how many luchadores have a helping hand in Mundo vs Mysterio? How long will Vampiro stay silent on commentary this week? Enjoy all the action at 8pm ET/PT along with a steaming bowl of spider stew.
El Rey is available via the cable and satellite providers list on their webpage here. If one of those is your hook-up and you can't find the channel on your box, reach out to them and ask for it. If you don't see your provider listed or you've cut the cord, you can find El Rey on the streaming subscription services Sling (here) and fubo.tv (here). Or you can order the episodes on iTunes here and on Amazon here. Seasons one and two are available on Netflix here.
NOTE: Spoilers are out there for these pre-taped broadcast, but many Cagesiders don't partake. If you are going to post or discuss spoilers for this show before they happen, or results of future shows, please use the spoiler bar in your comment.