The El Rey Network issued the following:
EL REY NETWORK AND MARK BURNETT'S ONE THREE MEDIA ANNOUNCE PRODUCTION START ON 'LUCHA UNDERGROUND'
Hour-Long Weekly Series, Shooting in Los Angeles, To Feature Five 'Luchadores' From Popular Lucha Libre AAA Franchise
Premiering Wednesday, October 8th at 8:00 PM ET/PT, High-Octane Series Anchors New Night of Original Unscripted Programming; Network Also Unveils Series Key Art
Austin, TX– August 27, 2014 – El Rey Network puts its spin on lucha with "Lucha Underground", an original action-packed series from Emmy Award®-winning producer Mark Burnett's One Three Media. Production will begin on September 6th in front of a live audience in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The character-driven, freestyle wrestling series is set to debut Wednesday, October 8th at 8:00 pm ET/PT.
On August 17th in Mexico City in conjunction with the TripleMania XXII produced by Lucha Libre AAA El Rey Network revealed the names of five Luchadores joining "Lucha Underground" directly from Lucha Libre AAA. They are: Blue Demon, Jr, son of the legendary original Blue Demon and is the first Mexican and the second masked wrestler to win the NWA World Heavyweight Championship; Sexy Star, who has held the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship and FILL Women's Wrestling Championship; Fenix, the inaugural AAA Fusión Champion (March 2013) has also wrestled in Japan for Pro Wrestling Noah and Pro Wrestling Wave; Drago is a dead dragon, a character brought back to life as an immortal being, to protect La Parka in the last fight against his enemies; and Pentagon Jr. who has spread terror and fear in his adversaries without exception since his introduction in the 2012 War of the Titans. Additional Luchadores will be announced shortly.
"Not since 'The Contender' premiered has a new series combined this level of drama and athletic competition." said executive producer Mark Burnett. "Our Luchadores are fantastic, the action will be intense – and this season is just the beginning."
Scott Sassa, El Rey Network's Vice Chair, said: "The 'Lucha Underground' franchise is perfect for El Rey Network. It features good versus evil, intense action, humor, drama, great characters and most important great stories from two of the best storytellers in the business- Mark Burnett and Robert Rodriguez. It's the perfect time and they are the perfect team to bring lucha to America."
Currently, Lucha Libre's colorful world of freestyle wrestling is a huge draw in its home country of Mexico with over 85% of television audiences tuning into the high-flying antics of this popular franchise. Each week "Lucha Underground" will bring drama, excitement and action to U.S. audiences as the masked heroes and villains battle it out in the ring for wrestling supremacy.
"Lucha Underground" is produced by One Three Media in association with FactoryMade Ventures for El Rey Network. Executive producers are Mark Burnett, Eric Van Wagenen (also showrunner) and Brian Edwards of One Three Media; Dorian Roldán from Lucha Libre AAA; Alejandro Garcia and Antonio Cué Sánchez-Navarro; El Rey Network co-founder Robert Rodriguez; and FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. The series will be distributed internationally by One Three Media
Source: PWInsider
Former WWE star Evan Bourne and his brother Mike Sydal have both turned down deals for the new El Rey Network Lucha Underground series that AAA is involved with. We noted before that The Young Bucks and Frankie Kazarian also turned down deals. Many wrestlers are hesitant to sign with the series due to the terms of the deal and the discrepancy in pay being offered to various talents.
Former WWE Tough Enough participant Martin Casaus has signed on for the series. Former WWE creative writer Chris "Big Dick Johnson" DeJoseph will be working on production for the series. Indie stars Ricky Reyes and B-Boy have also signed on for the project. El Rey previously announced Luchadores Fenix, Pentagon Jr., Sexy Star, Drago and Blue Demon Jr.
Other names confirmed to have been offered deals include John Morrison, Konnan, Hernandez, Ricochet, Joey Ryan, Candace LeRae, Rocky Romero, Scorpio Sky, Matt Cross and Ivelisse Velez. As noted, Chavo Guerrero was also offered a deal and is expected to wrestle as well as work backstage. Tapings begin this weekend so El Rey was trying to get a majority of the deals signed yesterday.
As noted earlier, El Rey Network and AAA are filming the new Lucha Underground series in L.A. this weekend. We first reported this afternoon that Matt Striker will be the lead play-by-play man for the series, while Vampiro will be joining him on commentary.
Former WWE writer Chris DeJoseph is serving as the executive producer and head writer of the series. He is running the project on a daily basis and is considered by most to be one of the bosses. Dorian Roldan has not had much of a presence in dealing with the production crew or talent. The 27 year old is a minority investor in the project.
DeJoseph is high on Chavo Guerrero and several other former WWE superstars for the project. He believes the familiarity of faces such as Ezekiel Jackson, Chavo Guerrero and John Morrison will help bring viewers to the series, despite their lack of lucha background. In fact, while Guerrero has worked Texas area indies before being signed by WCW in the 1990s, he has never worked traditional lucha libre matches.
AAA will use about 10 wrestlers and personalities from their Mexican company for the series. Ricochet is said to be pushed as one of the top stars. Ricochet and several other stars originally balked at signing on for the project, but Lucha Underground softened their stance on their contracts after a hardline approach. They are still hopeful of bringing in AR Fox, Uhaa Nation and many others on a per night deal. If this happens, there is a concern over how it will go over with the locker room because of the deals they were forced to sign.
Uhaa and Ricochet on a weekly program please make it work!
Anyone watch this yet? I have it recorded, but haven't watched it yet.
Matt Striker is amazing by explaining moves and history. Vampiro on the otherhand meh. The wrestling is really good.
I don't get the channel it's on, so unless it's put online or hulu or something like that, I won't be watching.
Quote from: Chris Shields on November 03, 2014, 09:47:25 PM
I don't get the channel it's on, so unless it's put online or hulu or something like that, I won't be watching.
Its on Youtube broken in parts what I found.
It is also found in full on Dailymotion.
Lucha.UnderGround.2014 - OCT- 29 WEBRip.x264 (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x28x74i)
I for one HOPE El Rey will see the potential of this and find a way to get it on something like Hulu, but right now that network doesn't necessarily have anything except some part of the Dusk Til Dawn series on Netflix...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6GwLoTswic (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6GwLoTswic)
Here it is on Youtube. I think it might be an official Lucha Underground account. In any case, good show. I got a kick out of it.
Lucha Underground S01E03 2014-NOV-12 HDTVx264 (http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2a2std)
Episode 3
Just looking at that thumbnail, Chavo traded in wrestling with a midget wrestler and making a nice pay check on global TV to wrestling with a midget wrestler and making an alright pay check on regional TV
Quote from: The Soul of Philly on November 13, 2014, 07:29:43 PM
Just looking at that thumbnail, Chavo traded in wrestling with a midget wrestler and making a nice pay check on global TV to wrestling with a midget wrestler and making an alright pay check on regional TV
This mini isn't a money hungry assclown.
I've watched the first 2 episodes, and a little bit of the 3rd episode. Initial thought was that it felt a lot like the short lived MTV promotion, Wrestling Society X, but with a lucha flare to it. The matches have been decent, and the backstage stuff has been solid, as well as having a different feel than the usual backstage stuff. It's decent, but it's one of those that could become cheesy very very quickly. Overall, it's not a bad watch if you've got about 50 minutes to spare, but if you're having to choose between this and say NXT, this would be choice numero dos.
Quote from: The Soul of Philly on November 13, 2014, 07:29:43 PM
Just looking at that thumbnail, Chavo traded in wrestling with a midget wrestler and making a nice pay check on global TV to wrestling with a midget wrestler and making an alright pay check on regional TV
He doesn't even actually wrestle the guy. He kicks him in the face after the mini wrestled some other dude.
huh women get to wrestle men. I wasn't expecting that.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- The AAA & El Rey Lucha Underground promotion will resume tapings on January 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. These plans aren't confirmed yet but the idea is to do a Saturday and Sunday taping every other week or every other few weeks from now through April.
- Lucha Underground continues to have negotiations with several talents. We noted last week that top indie tag team The Young Bucks tweeted about an "insulting" offer they received from the promotion. LU officials weren't happy with the tweet but they are still trying to sign the duo.
Willie Mack and former TNA Knockout Sarita (Sarah Stock) are also in talks with the promotion. It appears Guam Olympic wrestler Jeff Cobb will also be starting on the next season. Cobb had a WWE tryout in 2014 but was not signed. He reportedly did the best in his tryout camp and was phenomenal in every athletic drill but the age factor was working against him as he's in his 30's and most of the amateur wrestlers that WWE has signed have been bigger than Cobb.
Their show this week was really good. One match for the Title and it made the Title seem SO important.
This show is always fun, although Matt Striker is really starting to grate with me as a commentator. This sounds funny coming from someone like me, but he's just too smarky. I get the fact that he's trying to appeal to that crowd, but when he's not going on about 'insider' terms and making up stories about stuff, he's actually a half decent play by play guy. If he could tone the smark down and be a little bit less fanboyish, he's really help this product.
Still, the show is a lot of fun and looks different from anything else in wrestling. It won't change your life but it's a fun 45 minutes.
Lucha Underground Presents: Vampiro interviews Prince Puma and Konnan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjLnuy7Vztg#ws)
Above is an exclusive clip for tonight's new episode of Lucha Underground. In the video, Vampiro interviews Prince Puma and Konnan about being the first "Lucha Underground" champion.
Whooooo Hooooo
El Rey is now on Dish (channel 253), so I now get this. This and getting AXS TV for NJPW makes me happy.
Lucha Underground 2/11/15: Alberto El Patrón Speaks His Mind (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMwNxQ5VKLc#ws)
- Above is Alberto El Patron's promo from this past week's episode of Lucha Underground.
- Vince Russo will be heading to Los Angeles next week and will be hosting a Q&A with Lucha Underground ring announcer Melissa Santos. He will also be attending the Lucha Underground TV tapings. I had heard that Russo was going to be meeting with Lucha Underground, however a source at Lucha Underground denied it and said that he is simply covering the show for his website and will be conducting interviews.
Dave Meltzer noted in The Wrestling Observer that Russo is in talks with Lucha Underground and that Executive Producer Eric Van Wagenen was pushing to hire Russo. Van Wagenen denied the report on his Twitter, writing, "The Observer article is wrong. Although I appreciate Mr. Russo's support of @LuchaElRey, I have never met, spoken, or corresponded with VR."
- The Observer also reported that former WWE star Shawn Daivari worked the last set of television tapings and started an angle with El Texano Jr.
Quote from: jagilki on January 30, 2015, 07:56:48 AM
Whooooo Hooooo
El Rey is now on Dish (channel 253), so I now get this. This and getting AXS TV for NJPW makes me happy.
Yeah it's also on Dish's online/streaming device app Sling tv for those of us without cable or dish.
Just saw a few highlights, looks kinda cool. I dont get the channel, but luckily they post a 2min highlight recap of every show so that will do just fine. Just saw that roided up dude (not big zeke) and thought oh great....same shit different day, The Cage guy, then saw this...
Top 50 Moves of Brian Cage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-nON0Z-OEY#)
How isnt this guy in WWE? Has the vince look, did the grind through the indys that marks will appreciate and can flat out wrestle. Sean o'haire 2.0
Yeah, Lucha has some talent down there and not even just talking about the Mexican luchadores!
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
By making Rey Mysterio the face of AAA and Lucha Underground, officials there are hoping that Mysterio's popularity with the Mexican-American community, as well as in Mexico, is strong enough that his name can help both brands get a better TV presence.
Rey is expected to be pushed as Lucha Underground's top star beginning with their next set of tapings on March 21st.
There's been a feeling within WWE that the longer Rey was kept off WWE TV, the less it would mean when he debuted with a new promotion.
Quote from: Fnord on March 05, 2015, 02:00:47 PM
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
By making Rey Mysterio the face of AAA and Lucha Underground, officials there are hoping that Mysterio's popularity with the Mexican-American community, as well as in Mexico, is strong enough that his name can help both brands get a better TV presence.
Rey is expected to be pushed as Lucha Underground's top star beginning with their next set of tapings on March 21st.
There's been a feeling within WWE that the longer Rey was kept off WWE TV, the less it would mean when he debuted with a new promotion.
Best 7th round pick I ever made lol
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
While Rey Mysterio is still expected to debut with Lucha Underground at their next set of tapings this weekend, the deal was not finalized as of this week.
Mysterio is looking to wrestle limited dates because of his knee problems. Rey's feeling is that he can wrestle for three or four more years if he picks & chooses his dates but if he works a regular schedule, he likely won't have much time left in the ring. Most of Rey's wrestling bookings will be for either AAA in Mexico or Lucha Underground.
On a related note, Rey has been pitched the idea of having his own merchandise line separate from any wrestling company. The products would be aimed at Latinos and kids.
- Lucha Underground officials are interested in bringing former TNA X Division wrestler Sonjay Dutt in.
- While it hasn't been officially announced yet, people at Lucha Underground are under the impression that a second season has already been ordered by The El Rey Network. Tapings resume this weekend and they have tapings ordered past episode 39 as the first season was to include 39 episodes. Another sign of a second season is that El Rey recently released promotional materials for network growth and pushed Lucha Underground as a flagship program.
The only reason is they just crowned Trios champions and that tourney hasn't happened yet.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Lucha Underground officials are really starting to crack down on fans bringing mobile devices into their tapings because of the feeling that they are sending out news and spoilers.
- Former WWE and TNA star Shawn Daivari is now using the name DelAvar Daivari in Lucha Underground.
- Former stars JTG and Shad Gaspard of Cryme Time were at the recent Lucha Underground tapings looking for work.
Sorta reviving this from the dead since Ultima Lucha is almost upon us.
So stoked for that, by the way.
- With many questions surrounding Lucha Underground's second season swirling, Executive Producer Eric Van Wagenen took to Reddit and explained the obstacles the company is facing.
"Let's break it down into parts, if and when and where. There is very little doubt in my mind about the if. I'd say it's a 99.9% chance that a second season is happening. LU is a partnership and each of the partners are committed to making season two happen. The `to be continued' at the end of Ultima Lucha was not just us trolling you. It was more of a promise. The issues about money and production costs are indeed real, although vastly overstated. We didn't spend $20 million–not even close. El Rey is one of the best networks I've ever worked with, but what they have to spend doesn't quite cover the costs of a show like Lucha Underground. So our choices are to either raise the money from another source, or make the show cheaper.
"We are currently looking for a second broadcasting partner, either a streaming service or even an additional broadcast network. We are also aggressively going after foreign sales, sponsorships and integrated partners. Those deals take time to secure, and that is why there has been a delay in announcing an official pick-up. The when of this is what's up in the air. Of course we'd like to be back on the air in October, but realistically that date is likely to push. I'd put January of 2016 as the latest date of our return. The where is being debated and is part of option two. Los Angeles is expensive. As much as we all want to stay in Boyle Heights, we may need to investigate a different location for season two. There are other locations with tax incentives or where resources are cheaper. Of course, story-wise, we can make anything work. We all saw Dario leave the temple and where he ends up is anyone's guess."
As we've mentioned before, Lucha Underground talents still haven't been given a date for filming of season 2, but have been told they can accept bookings through the end of the 2015 year.
Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer had looked over a copy of Lucha Underground's contracts. Meltzer said in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Lucha Underground has options after every season, and the company can terminate a deal after each one. Also, the company's no-compete clauses extend until six months after the talent last appears on TV.
I thought no compete clauses were deemed inhumane after a bunch of stuff with WWE?
Jonny Mudo talked about this on the podcast with Stone Cold ... those cut scenes that are movie quality are the most expensive and that's probably where most of the money needs to be raised/cut.
Quote from: Rob on August 13, 2015, 06:50:21 PM
I thought no compete clauses were deemed inhumane after a bunch of stuff with WWE?
Isn't Lesnar the only one to challenge them in court?
Quote from: Gravedigger on August 13, 2015, 07:16:05 PM
Isn't Lesnar the only one to challenge them in court?
Nah Del Rio fought them I believe and won a sum.
http://www.inquisitr.com/1459211/wwe-news-alberto-del-rio-wins-court-case-against-vince-mcmahon-and-wwe/ (http://www.inquisitr.com/1459211/wwe-news-alberto-del-rio-wins-court-case-against-vince-mcmahon-and-wwe/)
I thought Punk disputed it as well and the reason they're now all called independent contractors is because competing is something they need to do n order to provide for family.
They've been called independent contractors for decades. It's a way to avoid paying tax and benefits/pensions as they'd have to if they were classed as employees. Also means they can't be recognised in a union. It used to be fine back in the territory days because it was true - guys could leave and go to another territory to work. These days, with there really being only one place to work in the US, it's really out dated and untrue.
Similarly, the contracts WWE have means they can't take work elsewhere or do anything without WWE permission - which is the exact opposite of the definition of an independent contractor.
Total scam.
Punk, Lesnar and Del Rio all challenged the no compete clauses and won. Punk didn't sue them and I didn't think Del Rio did either. I thought both were settled without the need for litigation. In fact I'm sure neither of them went to Court due to the bad publicity issues WWE would have, they settled them both before it went to Court. Especially the Del Rio one because no way in hell WWE would go to Court against a guy who was fired because he slapped a guy for making a racist comment to him - a guy who WWE still employed at the time and took no action against. I believe he's since left the company.
Brock sued them because we he left WWE, his no compete was for any sport for 10 years. This was because WWE let him out of his contract. He argued it was an unfair contract term and won - which allowed him to go to the NFL, UFC etc. I think he actually breached it by going to NJPW and then won the Court case after WWE sued him. It's why in NJPW he changed the name of the F5 to The Verdict! Classic.
Most of these contract terms in wrestling are all BS until they're decided upon by a Court of law.
I mean sure if you sign a contract that's legally binding but I just can't see how people can prohibit you fairly from providing for your family, especially when a company like Lucha Underground aren't going to be paying mega bucks in the first place.
Lucha Underground announced on Twitter that they will return for a second season in 2016 some time on the El Rey Network. The following was issued to us tonight:
EL REY NETWORK, MARK BURNETT AND UNITED ARTISTS MEDIA GROUP GREENLIGHT SECOND SEASON OF 'LUCHA UNDERGROUND'
Professional Wrestling Series Goes Back Into Production In Fourth Quarter 2015
Austin, TX– September 21, 2015 – El Rey Network and Emmy Award®-winning producer Mark Burnett and United Artists Media Group today announced that the Lucha Libre wrestling series "Lucha Underground" will return for a second season. The action packed, character-driven series will go back into production in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles in the fourth quarter of 2015 and will premiere on El Rey Network in early 2016.
"We brought together some of the best athletes from lucha libre and wrestling to fight in Los Angeles this year on 'Lucha Underground'. It was fresh, it was compelling and it got the attention and created buzz across the entire wrestling world," said Executive Producer Mark Burnett.
El Rey Network Chairman and Founder Robert Rodriguez, said: "The explosive combination of athleticism and storytelling makes for such great television and I'm so pleased that this legendary wrestling tradition will continue to have a home on El Rey Network."
Ancient tradition, extraordinary athleticism, and a flare for theatrics combine in El Rey Network's wrestling series, "Lucha Underground". The riveting original introduces American audiences to the high-flying aerial maneuvers, slingshot moves, dramatic masks, intricate, rapid-fire combinations and distinctive wrestling techniques of lucha libre, one of Mexico's most popular sports. Fans will have a ringside seat as masked villains and heroes face off to battle for wrestling supremacy. It provides enthusiastic viewers with an incredibly visceral and explosive experience with a focus on the artistry, originality, intense action and over-the-top characters that has come to define this phenomenal fan-favorite. A celebration of lucha libre's long-standing Mesoamerican heritage and culture dating back to 1863, this is programming that must be seen to be believed.
"Lucha Underground" is produced by United Artists Media Group in association with FactoryMade Ventures and AG Studios for El Rey Network. Executive producers are Mark Burnett, Eric Van Wagenen (also showrunner) and Brian Edwards of United Artists Media Group; Dorian Roldán from Lucha Libre AAA; Alejandro Garcia and Antonio Cué Sánchez-Navarro from AG Studios; El Rey Network co-founder Robert Rodriguez; and FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. The series will be distributed internationally by United Artists Media Group.
You hear that? It's the sound of everyone in FWL getting ready to pick up LU mainstays again.
Next year...
I guess it depends HOW early next year. Our season ends a month or so before WM, so there's a slim chance lol
- Former WWE NXT Superstar Solomon Crowe and Tessa Blanchard, daughter of WWE Legend Tully Blanchard, were among those that worked dark matches at this weekend's Lucha Underground tapings. We should have full spoilers from the tapings soon.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Lucha Underground will have to raise funds or sign deals to bring in money for their fourth season. They reportedly have enough money for the third season tapings through mid-May and are planning on having all TV taped through summer 2017 after those tapings are over.
Lucha officials are also trying to get a movie produced for 2018.
In regards to the company losing money, a source noted to The Wrestling Observer that after two seasons, the company has lost slightly less than half of what TNA lost after 10 years in business.
They should go to Netflix.
Quote from: Fnord on February 18, 2016, 01:10:21 PM
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Lucha Underground will have to raise funds or sign deals to bring in money for their fourth season. They reportedly have enough money for the third season tapings through mid-May and are planning on having all TV taped through summer 2017 after those tapings are over.
Lucha officials are also trying to get a movie produced for 2018.
In regards to the company losing money, a source noted to The Wrestling Observer that after two seasons, the company has lost slightly less than half of what TNA lost after 10 years in business.
This has apparently been debunked by the producer of the sho, can't find the tweet though.
Lucha Underground Added To ITunes; Details, Prices And Season Passes
Lucha Underground has been doing surprising ratings during season two thus far, and it appears that the company will have an even bigger opportunity to grow, as they're now on one of the world's largest streaming services.
The El Rey Network product has finally been added to ITunes, where you can purchase the whole first season for $44.99 in high definition, or $34.99 in standard definition.
The first season is 39 episodes, which you can also purchase individually for $2.99 (HD) OR $1.99 (SD). There is also a seaon pass for season two available for $39.99 (or $29.99) in SD.
For many viewers, this will be the first opportunity to see Lucha Underground in high definition, as DirecTV doesn't carry an HD feed of the El Rey Network.
Sweeeeeeeeet
The El Rey Network issued the following today:
EL REY NETWORK AND MARK BURNETT'S HIGH-FLYING WRESTLING SERIES 'LUCHA UNDERGROUND' RELEASED EXCLUSIVELY ON ITUNES
The Complete First Season and Season 2 Season Pass (Episodes Available Next Day After Air) Are Now Available on iTunes (U.S.)
Los Angeles – March 1, 2016 – FactoryMade Ventures has announced the addicting original "Lucha Underground" is available exclusively on iTunes starting today. Coined by Slate as "one of the most riveting shows on TV" and "the best-kept secret in pro wrestling" by RollingStone.com, the action-packed, high-flying lucha libre wrestling series from Emmy Award®-winning producer Mark Burnett, MGM, Robert Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures and Skip Film is now available at itunes.com/LuchaUnderground for $1.99 SD / $2.99 HD per episode, $34.99 SD / $44.99 HD for Season 1, and $29.99 SD / $39.99 HD for a Season 2 Season Pass.
"Lucha Underground" content on iTunes includes all 39 episodes from Season 1, the first five episodes of Season 2, and additional new episodes the day after they air on El Rey Network (Wednesdays at 8PM ET/PT). Starting today through March 28th, fans can get the Season 2 premiere of "Lucha Underground" for free, and the Season 2 trailer will be available for free indefinitely.
Ancient tradition, extraordinary athleticism, and a flare for theatrics combine in El Rey Network's wrestling series, "Lucha Underground," currently in season two premiering every Wednesday at 8PM ET/PT. The riveting original introduces American audiences to the high-flying aerial maneuvers, slingshot moves, dramatic masks, intricate, rapid-fire combinations and distinctive wrestling techniques of lucha libre, one of Mexico's most popular sports. Fans have a ringside seat as masked villains and heroes face off to battle for wrestling supremacy. The weekly series provides enthusiastic viewers with an incredibly visceral and explosive experience with a focus on the artistry, originality, intense action and over-the-top characters that have come to define this phenomenal fan-favorite. A celebration of lucha libre's long-standing Mesoamerican heritage and culture dating back to 1863, this is programming that must be seen to be believed.
"Lucha Underground" is produced by MGM Television in association with FactoryMade Ventures for El Rey Network. Executive producers are Mark Burnett and Eric Van Wagenen (also showrunner); Dorian Roldán from Lucha Libre AAA; Alejandro Garcia and Antonio Cué Sánchez-Navarro; El Rey Network co-founder Robert Rodriguez; FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa and Skip Chaisson of Skip Films and El Rey Network. The series airs on El Rey Network and is distributed internationally by MGM Television.
"Lucha Underground" Social Media
facebook.com/LuchaUnderground
twitter.com/LuchaElRey
instagram.com/luchaunderground
youtube.com/elreynetwork
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Lucha Underground has seen promising numbers for season two, regularly reaching over 100,000 viewers on their two Wednesday broadcasts. However, there's been a major push to get the show more clearance.
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Lucha Underground is close to a deal with Netflix.
It's said that as it stands, that Netflix would only get the first season, but the deal with iTunes would still contain the second season. This is usually the case, as television shows don't usually hit Netflix until well after the season ends.
We spoke to Lucha Underground Executive Producer Chris DeJoseph recently, who confirmed to us that Eric Van Wagenen had been in talks with Netflix about a partnership.
El Rey is still only available in 40 million homes, much less than other major wrestling shows. Lucha Underground was available on demand for a while before they finally got on Itunes last month.
Netflix is a serious move, good on em. Help LU get the exposure it deserves.
Just for Pancho...
(https://45.media.tumblr.com/446be9fb9f2579f5d9b82f8faa87a3df/tumblr_nm64c4pgYE1tt2jjyo2_500.gif)
Real enjoyed Aztec Warfare 2....as a guy who has severe hated for everything post WCW Rey Mysterio....I was even surprised with the entry. Loved Joey Ryans strategy as well, and the new champ looks like one hell of a wrestler.
I could have done without the corny cinder block bit, but the rest was top notch. Got the bad taste of Raw out of my mouth.
CALLIHAN TO LUCHA UNDERGROUND!
I think this is going to be absolutely awesome. Callihan has a really unique style that I think will blend really well with Lucha.
Imagine...Callihan/Fenix, Callihan/Pentagon, Callihan/Muertes and Callihan/Drago!
(https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xlt1/v/t1.0-9/12806231_10153343247596933_5043694057657705270_n.jpg?oh=2d797058d92255cc5bdd673c8a65cbf6&oe=579041CC)
There have been recent reports that Lucha Underground may be signing a deal with Netflix. However, I have been told by sources that Lucha Underground is close to finalizing a deal with Hulu. The deal would be for two seasons with an option for a third season if the current deal stays intact. Both season one and two are also currently available on iTunes as well.
Currently the show is available on the El Rey Network, although fans are able to stream El Rey live online at fuboTV.
A new episode of Lucha Underground airs tonight at 8:00PM ET/PT on El Rey Network. The episode features music by Robert Rodriguez's rock band, Chingon, while Dario Cueto will make his return to the temple.
Quote from: Fnord on March 30, 2016, 02:54:14 PM
There have been recent reports that Lucha Underground may be signing a deal with Netflix. However, I have been told by sources that Lucha Underground is close to finalizing a deal with Hulu. The deal would be for two seasons with an option for a third season if the current deal stays intact. Both season one and two are also currently available on iTunes as well.
Currently the show is available on the El Rey Network, although fans are able to stream El Rey live online at fuboTV.
A new episode of Lucha Underground airs tonight at 8:00PM ET/PT on El Rey Network. The episode features music by Robert Rodriguez's rock band, Chingon, while Dario Cueto will make his return to the temple.
Who is your source?
Dario Cueto
WTF is Hulu?
Quote from: Cory on March 30, 2016, 04:59:17 PM
WTF is Hulu?
It's a Netflix type thing but specializes in current series (for example Gotham or the 100), it will air the episode 24 hours after it premiers on regular tv.
Raw and Smackdown are great to watch on Hulu because they are condensed to 90 minutes.
But yeah, I have Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, the combined cost still being much cheaper than cable, I don't know how cable companies are still in business tbh.
Any, sorry for going off-topic, hope that answers your question Cory.
Hmm, its not available here in Canada...which leads me to assume its a US only service....man I hope they can land Netflix instead and reach a far broader audience.
....or watch them land Netflix and still get the strict availability laws where its still US only.
Quote from: Cory on March 30, 2016, 07:29:56 PM
Hmm, its not available here in Canada...which leads me to assume its a US only service....man I hope they can land Netflix instead and reach a far broader audience.
....or watch them land Netflix and still get the strict availability laws where its still US only.
It's not unheard of for shows and movies to be on both services. But when it comes to shows, Netflix has a waiting period, then dumps an entire series at a time. I assume Netflix would be interested in buying the first season of LU, and then get the second a month or two after it has aired... whereas Hulu would be showing an episode every week, but does not keep an archive of past episodes for all shows (especially if the Netflix has access to older episodes)
Seems to me LU should try reach a deal with both companies.
I can finally watch Lucha Underground on TV. Switched over to Time Warner and they have El Rey (I lost AXS TV and Pop, so no NJPW or TNA). On Demand only had the episode from 2 weeks ago, so I still haven't watched the Aztec Warfare one, but I watched tonight and I really enjoyed it. I've kind of kept up with it, but I haven't watched every episode because the streams I found were either low quality or had ads out the ass. Now though, I'll be watching it on a weekly basis.
http://watchwrestling.to/ (http://watchwrestling.to/) has the Lucha show ever week to view. I've watched it here with no problems as of late.
- Lucha Underground star King Cuerno was reportedly offered a spot in WWE's Global Cruiserweight Series tournament and wanted to go but AAA and Lucha Underground wouldn't give him the OK. Cuerno is signed to a seven-season deal but wasn't at the season three tapings and hasn't wrestled for AAA since March 4th.
Quote from: Fnord on March 31, 2016, 11:03:33 AM
http://watchwrestling.to/ (http://watchwrestling.to/) has the Lucha show ever week to view. I've watched it here with no problems as of late.
this, use this for NXT as well. Only thing thats annoying is you cant fullscreen
MVP says he's heading to Lucia Underground. Colour me interested.
I full screen it...
Quote from: BamBamBunglow on April 01, 2016, 02:02:01 PM
MVP says he's heading to Lucia Underground. Colour me interested.
What color is that? BLACK!
RACIST!!!
- Lucha Underground announcer Melissa Santos was among those backstage for WrestleMania 32 last night. PWInsider notes that there was talk a few weeks back of WWE having interest in her.
- Ivelisse, who suffered a similar fate last year, announced on Twitter this weekend that she'd sustained another fracture of her leg. Ivelisse was kept as an on screen character for Lucha Underground while injured.
At the Season 3 tapings this weekend
Where do they do the tapings?
Quote from: Gravedigger on April 09, 2016, 05:41:41 PM
Where do they do the tapings?
Warehouse in Boyle Heights.
Season 3 is gonna be interesting.
I heard MVP got fired before he really started. Apparently gave away some storyline on his podcast. Which considering how far they tape in advance that I know who the champion is in 2017, seems a bit harsh.
Quote from: Duckman on April 14, 2016, 06:32:03 AM
I heard MVP got fired before he really started. Apparently gave away some storyline on his podcast. Which considering how far they tape in advance that I know who the champion is in 2017, seems a bit harsh.
It's in the contract though. Rule #1 Don't get fired
I guess. Still seems harsh considering the circumstances. Not that I'm fussed, MVP sucks.
- Dave Meltzer noted on this week's Wrestling Observer Radio that there have been talks of possibly recasting Prince Puma on Lucha Underground in the event that Ricochet leaves the company. It's also been said that Ricochet was made a large offer to remain there.
thought they had him locked up for awhile ... but can not blame Ricochet , his stock is very high at the moment.
Lucha Underground was very good this week. 4 matches. The Main Event was a "No Mas" match, which was basically an I Quit match between Sexy Star and Mariposa. It was very entertaining with Sexy Star actually saying "FUCK YOU" when the ref asked her at one time. Sexy Star was all bloody by the end of the match. I liked the the chair shot to the vagina, too. lol
And then Graver Consequences next week!! Double casket matches!!
Quote from: ¿PapaPancho? on May 07, 2016, 06:55:30 PM
And then Graver Consequences next week!! Double casket matches!!
I wonder what in the hell that actually will be lol....put a dude in a small casket then stuff it in a bigger one!
Quote from: Cory on May 07, 2016, 08:56:03 PM
I wonder what in the hell that actually will be lol....put a dude in a small casket then stuff it in a bigger one!
I think it means Dario or Katrina go in the casket if their perspective monster loses
I think it just means we're getting more opportunites for casket spots.
BTW: Pancho, are you attending any further LU tapings in the near future? (Is anyone, for that matter?) Because I'm actually gonna be going next Sunday, and I'm curious to see if this means any kind of MFX meetup (last time I had something similar was the time me, Marc, and Josh met up at Marc's comedy show lol)
Quote from: Fnord on May 07, 2016, 05:10:58 PM
Lucha Underground was very good this week. 4 matches. The Main Event was a "No Mas" match, which was basically an I Quit match between Sexy Star and Mariposa. It was very entertaining with Sexy Star actually saying "FUCK YOU" when the ref asked her at one time. Sexy Star was all bloody by the end of the match. I liked the the chair shot to the vagina, too. lol
Yea, it was a damn good show and that Main Event was a star making performance for Sexy Star. The screaming FUCK YOU! at the ref, fighting out of so many submissions, and of course the cunt-chair-to.
Going to make an effort to get back into this, I must admit I was a little bit disappointed by the quality of matches in this season so much, and I've only watch one episode since Aztec Warfare.
Quote from: Alex Smiley on May 08, 2016, 02:46:14 PM
I think it just means we're getting more opportunites for casket spots.
BTW: Pancho, are you attending any further LU tapings in the near future? (Is anyone, for that matter?) Because I'm actually gonna be going next Sunday, and I'm curious to see if this means any kind of MFX meetup (last time I had something similar was the time me, Marc, and Josh met up at Marc's comedy show lol)
You'll definitely enjoy it. Sucks they stopped serving beer during the tapings.
Won't be at any tapings soon my schedules pretty booked with work and graduations beginning soon.
Sexy Star... been a star since season 1...it in her theme music
Wasn't a fan of that casket match personally.
I'm gonna watch it after Smackdown. I'll let ya know how I feel then. :)
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter
We've noted how WWE has had interest in Lucha Underground announcer Melissa Santos, who was backstage at WrestleMania 32 in Dallas. The interest remains but the obvious issue would be what her contract situation with Lucha Underground is.
WWE has apparently had discussions about what they would do with her. One idea mentioned had Alberto Del Rio being re-packaged with Santos as his personal ring announcer, similar to the role Ricardo Rodriguez used to work.
- The third season of Lucha Underground will premiere on Wednesday, September 7th at 8pm ET on the El Rey Network.
Quote from: Fnord on July 28, 2016, 09:02:17 PM
- The third season of Lucha Underground will premiere on Wednesday, September 7th at 8pm ET on the El Rey Network.
It aired yesterday and it was totally worth it!
Quote from: ¿PapaPancho? on September 08, 2016, 01:36:41 PM
It aired yesterday and it was totally worth it!
I do wish Pentagon Dark would have gone over, but it worked well with what they did and with the post match he still looks like a bad ass.
Quote from: Chris Shields on September 08, 2016, 03:01:17 PM
I do wish Pentagon Dark would have gone over, but it worked well with what they did and with the post match he still looks like a bad ass.
Rey JUST beat Puma at UL2. Dark showed he can hang but was concentrated on more than just the W.
Quote from: ¿PapaPancho? on September 08, 2016, 06:47:16 PM
Rey JUST beat Puma at UL2. Dark showed he can hang but was concentrated on more than just the W.
I was honestly surprised that he beat Puma. I thought they were maybe gonna do a bit of a passing of the torch kind of deal. The match was awesome either way. With Pentagon, I just like him. I was rooting for him to win.
Is there anywhere you can watch past seasons?
http://watchwrestling.tc/category/weekly-indys/lucha-underground/ (http://watchwrestling.tc/category/weekly-indys/lucha-underground/)
Quote from: Gravedigger on September 08, 2016, 10:55:38 PM
Is there anywhere you can watch past seasons?
You can also support and get a season pass on iTunes. Worth the buy my friend
I watch it , damn good opening to the season and looking forward to seeing more. love the Vamprio / Prince Puma interaction at the end.
Quote from: ¿PapaPancho? on September 08, 2016, 11:36:34 PM
You can also support and get a season pass on iTunes. Worth the buy my friend
I second this. I bought the season pass on iTunes last year and with apple TV/my computer I watched it in high quality with no ads. I dunno how much it is, but for what i believe is 30+ episodes this season, it's worth it.
I pick up el rey just to watch this , Got it on sling tv. more cable channels less money
That weapons of mass destruction match... HOLY SHIT! ;D ;D ;D :sparta: :vwf: :knight: ;D ;D ;D
Just finished it epic match. LU is killing it!
You gringos are welcome.
Holy Shit ... epic match
i really like the overall story of Lucha U. I want to learn more about the amulet
Quote from: Black Death on September 16, 2016, 11:19:41 PM
Holy Shit ... epic match
i really like the overall story of Lucha U. I want to learn more about the amulet
I actually want to know more about how Dario ended up working for Doctor Claw. Oh come on, I couldn't be the only one who saw that mysterious guy at the beginning of episode one of this season and thought holy crap aztecian doctor claw
yeah my same thought also lol
think he was one of the gods ... our least represents them. The Temple is built to gather death and violence to strengthen the gods and bring forth there return.
plus how did that amulet get broken in half... now is Katrina the little girl in the flashback or is it Captain Vasquez.
Quote from: Black Death on September 17, 2016, 07:43:05 PM
plus how did that amulet get broken in half... now is Katrina the little girl in the flashback or is it Captain Vasquez.
Well the way the transition was set up, it was Captain Vasquez who was the little girl. Plus Katrina has said she is only 100 something years old way too young to have been around during the time of the Aztecs.
Quote from: Chris Stern on September 18, 2016, 12:11:48 PM
Well the way the transition was set up, it was Captain Vasquez who was the little girl. Plus Katrina has said she is only 100 something years old way too young to have been around during the time of the Aztecs.
Maybe that's when they met and Katrina back stabbed Vazquez ... 100 year fued bitches!!!!
Quote from: ¿PapaPancho? on September 18, 2016, 04:14:14 PM
Maybe that's when they met and Katrina back stabbed Vazquez ... 100 year fued bitches!!!!
Sounds right ...women hold grudges for a long time.
Quote from: ¿PapaPancho? on September 18, 2016, 04:14:14 PM
Maybe that's when they met and Katrina back stabbed Vazquez ... 100 year fued bitches!!!!
'
Maybe they were once friends , Katrina was corrupted by the dark side to steal the Amulet , being it only works on women. She was only able to one-half of it. One thing for share the Amulet going to play a big role moving forward.
jack it picks up , just keep watching
It starts slow but damn it starts to pick up to explosion
might do a viewing party on Friday and run a Lucha Underground marathon, think it would be fun. Have you guys stop in and we can chat about it .
Quote from: Jack on April 03, 2017, 09:04:26 PM
Ok, so I know that all the hype is around Wrestlemania 33 right now and the post WM Raw that's happening as I type this...but I'm loving Lucha Underground so much it's crazy. Every match is great. Every character is fun to watch. I love that show seems to have a 'regular match' a 'building match' and a 'PPV blow off main event'. The way they layer their stories so that each show has a build and a blow off is awesome. I think I like just about every character as well. So cool.
Again, I'm watching old stuff, so probably a boring post to read (I'm in the middle of Season 1, Ep. 24 which is when they crown the first Trios Champions) and the way the show unfolds is so great. It's simple, but it's perfect. Even the 'surprise' team that comes out...I totally forgot about them!
Also, it's kind of fun to be enjoying WWE 2k17 as I'm watching this because there was so many 'create a wrestler' attire options that I thought were just kind of random boots and tights and wrist bands but now I'm seeing are clearly Lucha Underground wrestlers.
If you have Netflix, you should really check this show out.
Also, I really hope other companies like RoH try going the Netflix route soon. Such a good way to watch wrestling.
Welcome to me years ago. Support the product by buying a season pass on iTunes and get the shows the night they air if you don't get el Rey
Quote from: Jack on April 12, 2017, 08:23:05 PM
Just finished season one and it was so good. Also just saw episode 1 of season 2 and it set the stage so well!
They only have 2 seasons on Netflix. How many seasons have the done? I don't want to google for fear of spoiling something.
Speaking of:
[spoiler]When Pentagon Jr. breaks Mil Meurtes' arm, I popped harder than I have for any wrestling moment in a long time. No one is safe! I love it! [/spoiler]
We are currently in season 3. They have aired the first half of it with the second half beginning to air soon. If you truly want to support the company by the season pass on iTunes or watch on the el Rey networks
Tickets are free but very limited. Season 3 wrapped last year, and there hasn't really been word on Season 4 tapings yet. Honey, if they do more live events outside the Temple, I'll be more than happy to keep you informed!
By the way, I'm stoked for the second half of this season to air because I got to go to a taping last May. A lot of fun, and I low key can't wait to see myself on tv lol
Wow, I totally missed that. Autocorrect strikes again! Haha
Unless you know someone trying to go to a taping you better be quick with that email response when it goes online. I've been to a few tapings and they are way fun live.
Man....Matanza/Jeff Cobb is probably my favourite big man in wrestling today, unbelievable worker. I think maybe the issue with Matanza is he's supposed to be a heel and Cuerto is his manager....but Cuerto is like a tweener so it comes off weird....but as far as in ring work Matanza > Mil.
Season 3 was kinda meh in comparison but still obviously great....id just say maybe the weakest stretch of the 'series'.....then again you get to see Paul London as like some acid tripping bunny threeway thing and its pretty awesome.
Quote from: Jack on August 25, 2017, 07:00:56 PM
Ultima Lucha is set up and seems to be a good show.
A little bummed at the Cueto Cup and the way Lucha has been going though. Most of the tournament seemed pretty obvious who would win and any of the matches that were interesting got so bogged down with interference or count outs that it made the tournament kind of a joke. Even matches like Meurtes vs Pentagon, which could have been an Ultima Lucha main event in my opinion, was watered down with backstage stuff and kind of tipped their cards at who was winning a week early. Also, I'm a fan of Puma but really felt like it was time for Pentagon to go over, the guy is by far the most popular person on the show.
Rey and Puma always feel a little forced at this point to me. Same with Dragon Azteca, but he loses enough that it doesn't bother me.
Still enjoying this show, just hope they get away from all the interference and bogus match outcomes quickly because it's starting to water down the matches quite a bit.
Anyone else on here still watching?
Still watching though disagree on Puma and Rey. Having been there live they ARE that popular. Pentagon too but he's not on the level of Rey Mysterio
Still watching, still enjoying and really looking forward to Ultima Lucha Tres. Sadly though, it looks like that is going to be the last episode of the show. It was recorded over a year ago (June 2016), and they did that crazy 3 month break because they were trying to hopefully get something in place for a 4th season. The word is that they have been losing money at a staggering rate. I heard that they've lost as much in 2 years, as TNA has in 10.
Quote from: Jack on September 13, 2017, 03:32:00 PM
I've heard they already started filming Season 4? Maybe I'm wrong though.
Excited to see Mundo vs Puma...though with it being career on the line, hard to not think it's Puma's way out of Lucha Underground to go somewhere else, which makes me sad.
I haven't seen anything about it, and with Mundo and Taya joining TNA, Richochet's comments about "douchebags in an underground fight club", the debacle with Sexy Star, Pentagon and Fenix using different names and doing a lot more indy bookings, I have my doubts.
I hope that they continue, but I have serious doubts. Every report says that they are losing money at an alarming rate. The network they're on is a bit obscure, and they've had trouble finding sponsors. Plus, it's been so damn long since last season ended. That break for 3 months, was a network decision because they were trying to figure out how to keep things going.