The fans scream out in excitement in a little arena in Los Angeles. It's Lucha Underground and it's a new wrestling promotion. Kinda...
See, Lucha Underground is really interesting, as it's one part wrestling show, one part TV show. A casual fan might say, "Well, isn't all wrestling on TV a TV show?". Not really. Yes it's on TV, but it's more of a sporting event with promo's scattered through out the program. Lucha Underground, instead of just the normal wrestler talking to the camera promo, is actually recording little spots in between matches and putting a more dramatic element to wrestling than normal.
The first couple episodes for me were a feeling out process. I was interested in seeing what they had to offer as far as wrestling goes, but I also wanted to see what this one hour program was all about. Lucha Underground advertised itself as lucha style wrestling the likes we don't see on american television, and for the most part I think they've delivered.
There are some potential break-out stars getting some recognition too. Where as we have Johnny Mundo (aka John Morrison from WWE), and Chavo Guerrero Jr, in Lucha Underground we're also introduced to some new wrestlers. Prince Puma seems to be the one they are building the promotion around and I have to say, his athleticism is extraordinary. In the third and fourth episodes, they've introduced Drago, who's look is super cool, with a long slithering tongue and Fenix. Innovative and exciting moves make me want to watch more of these guys.
And the filmed theatrics they put in make you view the show as a classic television show. For instance, Mil Muerte's first match was against Blue Demon Jr, and before the match they had Mil Muerte's manager, Catrina, tap Blue Demon Jr on the back, and as he turned around, she wasn't there. Then she appeared in front of him. It works when it's recorded and filmed in the appropriate way and the viewer can suspend their belief enough to buy in, because we know it's filmed. But we've seen wrestling promotions try this live and in my opinion, it just doesn't work. This type of filmed segment is a strength I think for Lucha Underground and I'm interested in seeing what else they come up with.
The first two or three episodes were a little promo/film heavy, most likely because they were still not only introducing wrestlers, but also hyping the ones they want to push, like Prince Puma.
The 5th episodes aired this past week and I'm really getting into it. The wrestling is great and the production is great. It's pre-recorded, so I'm hoping on the next wave of television tapings to try and check this thing out in person.
Lucha Underground is definitely worth a watch.
 |
| Prince Puma Sketch by Ron Tucker |
No comments:
Post a Comment