Lucha Underground: Reenter The Temple [CVERSE]

falling_star · December 11, 2021

A brief squall sets a cape flapping in the wind, a mysterious man in a mask and cape stands atop a brick building somewhere in Queens. Lights flash around the eyes of his mask as he surveys the scene below, watching the steam of the city rise up from the streets below him. He has one last task to complete here in New York. here on the other side of the Time Stream, before going back to his own time.

The first of his tasks had been easy, disposing of the powerful Gauntlet of the Gods by putting it in a locked safe and dropping it into the East River. That Gauntlet had fueled The Machine into a near-unstoppable force when he was supposed to play host to an Aztec god; it would surely corrupt all who sought to wear it.

The masked man is Aerostar, time travelling luchador from the future of another dimension. He has made his way through a rift in the Time Stream to this world, the Cornellverse some call it… and he has one more souvenir from another world to leave here. He had been surveying the city for a way to cast The Key into obscurity; it couldn’t be allowed to stay with The Gauntlet because the energy would be too easy to trace across the Time Stream.

So, as ornate as The Key is, he should be able to convince a pawn shop owner of its value as a display piece. The pawn shop he saw across the street below would have to do; the Time Stream wasn’t going to be open much longer, and the last thing Aerostar wanted was to be trapped in an unfamiliar universe.

The bell over the door tinkled as Aerostar entered and saw a man behind the caged counter in a cheap suit, already grinning like a snake oil salesman as the masked luchador came into his store.

“What can I do ya for, friend?” the man grinned. “Looking for an engagement ring for that special lady? In a pinch for some cash or… uh, woah, what’s with the getup there, pal? Did I miss Halloween?”

“Si,” Aerostar nodded with a smile as he approached the counter. “And, I need whatever I can get for this,” he said, putting The Key, made of iron with an inlaid gold medallion, down where the shopkeep could reach it for inspection.

“Wowza,” the salesman says excitedly as he takes it, ready with his magnet. “Now, real gold won’t stick ta’ this, my friend, honest. Just a test I gotta’ run, comprende?” Aerostar nodded, trying to choke down a cross word or two… if only this pawnster knew what he had in his hands.

The medallion in The Key passes the test, and shopkeep gulped to keep from showing any further excitement.

“So, tell me, friend,” he says, leaning closer to the bars of the cage the keep him safe from any nerdowells with ill intentions. “Whatcha need some cash for? Selling a prize antique like this?”

“Just need to get home,” Aerostar tells him.

“Well, uh, let’s see,” the man says, scratching at the gold with his fingernail and then holding it up to bite it. “I guess I could offer, I mean… couple hundred? You looking for a loan or trying to sell?”

“Sell,” the time-travelling luchador answers simply.

“Three hundred, whaddya think of that?” the man, Frank, according to the nametag on his cheap suit asks.

“Okay,” Aerostar nods. “That’ll get me there.”

“This go to anything?” Frank inquiries. “Or just a showpiece?”

“Just a showpiece,” Aerostar answers.

“You sure? Looks like it could open something over in Gramercy Park,” Frank presses.

“I’m sure,” the impatient luchador retorts. Frank examines The Key further, running his fingers over the gold medallion softly.

“Yeah, yeah, looks Mexican… like you,” Frank says with a nod. “No disrespect, of course, nothing against Mexicnas. It’s just… “

“Do you want it or not?” Aerostar asks, holding his hand out for the money.

“Okay, okay,” Frank nods, counting out three hundred dollar bills, and sliding them across the counter for Aerostar.

“Thanks for coming to Honest Frank’s,” the pawnster smiles as he admires The Key, not unlike Gollum holding The One Ring.

“Si…” Aerostar says cautiously as he takes the money. “Just be careful, amigo. Don’t go digging too deep into things, okay? It’s just an antique.” Honest Frank runs his fingers over the symbols on the golden medallion… seven of them in total, each representing an ancient Aztec tribe.

“Yeah, yeah, friend,” Franks smiles as he palms The Key and looks up to wave goodbye but the masked luchador is already gone.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi there! So, as some of you may remember, I ran this concept about a year ago but, like my TCW dynasty that was running at the same time, the save file was lost due to an operating system corruption on my laptop. I have been toying with the idea of revisiting it for some time now, including just picking up where I left off... but, for whatever reason, I cannot match the conditions present in the original save to do it correctly. So, instead, I'm going full reboot! Some of what you read will be familiar at first if you followed the six episodes of my original CVerse Lucha Underground offering, but it's also going to be different because who wants to read the same thing all over again? I hope you enjoy the ride as much as I enjoy the CVerse Lucha Underground concept-- it was probably my most highly praised effort on the forums, and I've been here a looong time. Animo!

falling_star · December 11, 2021

Title History

LUCHA UNDERGROUND TEMPLE CHAMPIONSHIP

Mascara Muerte

(Won S01, E01 in Aztec Warfare)

LUCHA UNDERGROUND TRIOS CHAMPIONSHIPS

THE RABBIT TRIBE

(Won S01, E08 in Trios Tourney Finals)

THE GIFT OF THE GODS

FIRST CHAMPION TBD

AZTEC MEDALLION HOLDERS

DEER (HUNTER) MEDALLION - Extraordinario Jr.

BIG CAT MEDALLION - Pablo Rodriguez

EAGLE MEDALLION - "The Hitman" Ernest Youngman

MOTH MEDALLION - Acid

DEATH MEDALLION - Logan Wolfsbaine

REPTILE MEDALLION - TBD

RABBIT MEDALLION - TBD

falling_star · December 11, 2021

Show History

Thursday nights at midnight, become a Believer and join the Underground... Lucha Underground!

SHOW HISTORY

Season 1, Episode 1 - Aztec Warfare

Season 1, Episode 2 - Death Has Arrived

Season 1, Episode 3 - The Anguish of The Father

Season 1, Episode 4 - Death Whistle

Season 1, Episode 5 - Death Or Glory

Season 1, Episode 6 - Lucha de Apuestas

Season 1, Episode 7 - The Cursed Prince

Season 1, Episode 8 - Down The Rabbit Hole

Season 1, Episode 9 - Son of a Legend

Season 1, Episode 10 - Lucha Extraordinaria

Dalton · December 11, 2021

LU 2: Electric Boogaloo~!

falling_star · December 11, 2021

The Key, and more

Honest Frank sat in his office behind his desk, The Key sitting beside an ashtray with a smoldering cigar tucked on the lip. Frank was clacking away at his computer keyboard, looking for answers about the symbols on The Key.

“Says here, there was seven ancient Aztec tribes,” he says to himself, grabbing his cigar and taking a pull. “And looks like each one a’ dem has a symbol on The Key! Hot damn!” He tucks the cigar into the lip of the ashtray again and takes a swig from his watered down, nearly empty rocks glass. “Deers, cats, rabbits, moths, eagles… and, ewww… reptiles, and death?? Not my cuppa tea, dat stuff.”

It was well into the night now, and Frank was still at his work office after paying three hundred dollars for The Key. So far, he had learned the symbols were Aztec and related to the seven tribes and… that was it.

“Sumbitch, getta load a these!” he hollars to no one, finding pictures of seven golden medallions that match the symbols on his key. “Ah, that’s some gold right there. Says here that, ‘when combined, the seven ancient medallions will bestow The Gift of the Gods!’ I dunno what that is, but I want me some a’ dat! ‘The medallions must be won in combat that takes place at… The Temple.’”

Frank turns his heads from the computer screen to The Key, picking it up once again and looking it over.

“My Key… could open a Temple??” he gasps. “Oooh, dat masked freak don’t know who ol’ Frank is, I never let a payday get away!”

And so, Frank clacked away the night at his keyboard, learning all he could about the ancient Aztec tribes, the seven golden medallions, The Gift of the Gods, The Temple, and more. His searching led him to the name of a local thug with west coast connections…

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falling_star · December 11, 2021

#3 - Sayeed Ali

Honest Frank stood in a cold alleyway behind his pawn shop, cigar tucked in his lip and burning bright as he puffed at it while rubbing his hands togethers. Finding this guy’s name had taken all night, and tracking him down had taken days on top of that. But, any minute now, he had a meeting with Sayeed Ali, a local gangbanger with east coast connections who could supposedly lead him to The Temple.

“You Frank?” a husky voiced Ali asks as he enters the alley, catching the pawnster off-guard for a moment.

“Woah, woah, yeah, easy,” Frank says, taking his cigar from his mouth and waving his hands defensively.

“Listen, I got some dudes out west that say they know what you looking fo’,” Ali tells him. “The Temple ain’t in no Mexico like you was thinkin’, it’s out in Boyle Heights.”

“Boyle Heights? An ancient Aztec temple in the California ghetto? You think I’m stupid or sumthin’?” Frank asks, annoyed.

“Nah, man, I ain’t believe it either but my homie here in Queens got a couple a’ cousins out there, said they used to street fight at The Temple when some poser tried to open it up. Some big, burly Aztec dude come around talkin’ ‘bout ‘you ain’t El Jefe’ and beat the tar outta’ e’rybody, Temple ain’t been open since,” Ali monologues .”Aztec dude said Jefe would have The Key.”

“The Key?” Frank asks, diamonds in his eyes. “My Key?”

“Yo Key, dawg,” Ali assures him. “Let me take you out there, introduce you to the homies, see if we can’t get this Temple open for business and make some ducketts.”

Frank nods.

“Frank’s all about making ducketts, my friend,” he grins.

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falling_star · December 11, 2021

THE BOYLE HEIGHTS CONNECTION

Sayeed Ali, Gravedigga, and Mobstar make up The Boyle Heights Connection, a trio of gangbangers from Queens, New York who have relocated to Boyle Heights. Sayeed Ali helped Honest Frank find his way to The Temple, where they linked up with the cousins of a fellow gang member of Ali's who has moved out west.

Brutal, vicious, and hardcore, nothing will stand in the way of them and the winner's purse every time they step into the ring at The Temple in Boyle Heights. Favored by Honest Frank for their aid in finding The Temple itself, he plans to give them an easy path to gold and glory in Lucha Underground.</div>

falling_star · December 11, 2021

Arrival

Honest Frank steps out of the taxi in front of an old warehouse in Boyle Heights, closing the door and looking in disbelief at the rundown building.

“Man, these cab prices out west,” he complains to himself. “And this place is some kinda temple? Please!” he scoffs as he walks around the exterior a bit, the walls littered with flyers and graffiti promoting all manner of concerts, movies, and… fights? At The Temple in Boyle Heights? “Man, what is going on around here? Some quack in a mask sells me a key, and the story leads me here?” Honest Frank questions himself before heading to the front door. He finds a faded symbol, partially covered over with flyers.

“What’s this?” he asks, running his hand over the dull red outline of a luchador’s mask before producing the key to an oversized lock on the door from his pocket. “Oh my gawd, it works!” he exclaims as the door unlocks, and he hears a loud crackle coming from inside. A puff of dust escapes, and Frank starts coughing and waving his hand around in front of his face. Quickly pocketing the key, he takes a step inside the temple and begins to look around.

“Woah!” he exclaims as he takes in the dusty, dimly lit area inside the building. “I’m still not seeing a Temple, but, my gawd, what a place for wrestling! And I thought I left it all behind in Queens,” he chuckles to himself while checking the ropes of the ring. Then something catches his eye: the words “OFFICE” on a door off to one side. “Well, guess it’s my office now,” he smiles to himself and heads towards the door.

Inside the office is a desk with a small bull statue sitting on it, chairs on either side. Frank immediately goes to the other side of the desk and begins checking the drawers one-by-one. In the first few he finds nothing, but then one is glowing as he opens it.

“Hell-oooo,” he whistles as he pulls the drawer open to find seven golden medallions inside, each one with a symbol from his key to the Temple and representing an ancient Aztec tribe. He picks them up to examine them each, one at a time… the first has a deer, the second has a big cat, the third an eagle, the forth an Aztec death skull, the fifth a moth, the sixth a reptile, and the seventh a rabbit. “I found ‘em!!” he exclaims.

“The Gift… of the Gods…” he hears a thickly accented latino man say.

“Whatsat?!” Frank jumps, looking around for the source of the voice but he still seems to be alone. “The Gift of the Gods?” he asks himself, playing with the pile of gold medallions on the desk. “Well, my desk now… my office, too,” he says as he pulls up one of the chairs and continues playing with the medallions. “So…. The Temple, huh? I guess I can get used to that… does that make me an emperor??” he ponders, and something starts to stir from one dark corner of the office behind the door.

An average sized but ripped figure emerges wearing a brightly decorated mask, unseen by Frank at first but then he falls out of his chair with surprise.

“What the… ?!?!” he exclaims as he falls to the floor.

“Are you… El Jefe?” the masked figure asks.

“What is with all these luchadors in my life all a’ sudden??” he questions. “Last guy shows up in my shop, gives me this, and disappears,” he says, producing the Key to the Temple to show the masked luchador.

“You ARE El Jefe!” the man exclaims, bending his knee to Honest Frank and bowing his head. “I am the Aztec Guardian, and I am cursed to guard the Temple for eternity, El Jefe… I am sworn to do your bidding, and all that is required to keep the Temple safe from outsiders.”

“My own personal bodyguard, huh? I could get used to the treatment ‘round this place,” Frank smiles when he’s finally calmed down from the scare of the Aztec Guardian emerging. “El Jefe, that means boss, right?” he asks, and the Guardian nods. “So, I’m the boss, I’ve got my own Temple, I’m flush with gold all of a sudden,” he smiles. “I think I like it here.”

“You must summon the warriors,” Guardian tells Frank as the New Yorker relaxes in his chair and kicks his feet up.

“Warriors? What are you talking about?” Frank asks.

“The luchadores,” Guardian says. “Summon the warriors to the Temple for lucha… the Temple demands combat, the Temple demands violence.”

“Violence? Why violence? Can’t I just… rent the place out or something? Count my money?” Frank ponders.

“No,” the Guardian says flatly. “Jefe has always demanded violence, combat, competition at the Temple. You are El Jefe now, you may summon who you wish… the descendents of the Aztec tribes will come, the great warriors of the west will come, and the greatest luchadores Mexico has to offer will come.”

“Really?” Frank asks, sitting up in his chair once again. “I have that kind of power at my beck and call? I like the sound of that!”

The Guardian stands and takes a step forward, turning a rolodex on the desk around for Honest Frank to see. “Your contacts, El Jefe,” he says. “Many will be pleased to know the Temple is open once again… many crave the Temple Championships, many crave the Gift of the Gods.”

“The what now?” Frank asks.

“Come, El Jefe… I will show you,” the Guardian says, leading Frank out of the room.

In another room, there are trophy cases setup with five different belts. In the highest case is the Lucha Underground Temple Championship, beneath that is a belt with seven empty slots known as the Gift of the Gods, and below those two are three cases with the Lucha Underground Trios Championships.

“The Temple Championship… the Gift of the Gods… and the Trios Championships…” The Guardian explains.

“The Gift of the Gods? So, the medallions… ??” Frank questions.

“Yes,” the Guardian responds. “A warrior must earn a medallion for a chance at the Gift of the Gods. When seven luchadores possess medallions, there will be a Gift of the Gods lucha for the title. El Jefe decides the rules.”

“And what if I don’t want to follow those rules?” Frank inquires.

“But… these are the rules of the Temple,” the Guardian responds in confusion. “It is El Jefe and The Guardian’s jobs to enforce the rules of the Temple.”

“I get it, I get it,” Frank says with a hint of irritation.

“So, if I got this right,” Frank begins. “I’m El Jefe, you’re the Aztec Guardian of the Lucha Underground Temple… in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. These are the prizes the Temple has to offer,” he says, motioning at the trophy cases. And it’s my job to invite people here to try and claim them?”

“Yes, El Jefe,” the Guardian answers.

“Hmmmm… alright,” Frank finally answers. “I invite Aztec descendents, luchadores, wrestlers, street fights… whoever I want to try and claim the prizes that the Temple… no, that I have to offer them.

“Yes, El Jefe,” the Guardian responds again, almost monotonous.

“El Jefe,” Frank ponders as they walk back out into the Temple proper. “And this is my Temple… and it only cost me three hundred Benjamins. I can get used to this…”

</div>

falling_star · December 11, 2021

Pablo Rodriguez

Pablo Rodriguez stands in Honest Frank’s office at the Boyle Heights Temple, obviously irritated with their exchange so far.

“Frank, is it?” Rodriguez asks, and Frank nods. “You have no idea what you’ve come across here… the power of the Temple,” he pleads in his lightly accented voice. “It always, always draws evil, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep fighting it!”

“Evil, you say? All I hear is money,” Frank answers, Aztec medallions still on his desk. “I hear fights, I hear promotion, I hear crowds… I… hear… money!!”

“Damnit, Frank, listen to me!” Pablo pleads. “There is a reason that Key was supposed to stay lost! How did you even find your way here from New York??”

“Well, word on the streets travels,” Frank answers. “Even in gangs, across state lines, it wasn’t too hard to get word of where to go and how to get here. Now, these?” he asks, motioning to the medallions. “These were a surprise. And the Guardian over here?” he motions to The Aztec Guardian standing over his shoulder. “Another nice surprise. It’s like having my own personal golem or something, he just does what I say. And, I’m sorry, Pablo, or, Father, is it?”

“Priest of Pain,” Pablo says coyly.

“Riiiight,” Frank answers. “Well, Pablo, I’ve already sent out word far and wide.”

“The warriors are on their way,” Aztec Guardian adds.

“You don’t know what you’ve awakened!” Pablo Rodriguez pleads, but Frank waves him off, drunk off the power of the medallions and all the potential of the Temple.

“You don’t know what I’ve been through!” Frank shouts. “A career, essentially wasted! A pawn shop, broken down until some masked freak walks in and offers me this!” Honest Frank now wears the Key to the Temple on a chain around his neck. “This is power beyond my wildest dreams, compadre… you ain’t shutting me down. Not before I even get started.”

“If you wish to make changes to the Temple, you must win the Gift of the Gods,” Aztec Guardian adds.

“I don’t need the Gift of the Gods!” Rodriguez shouts. “I am chosen by the Gods themselves! My family were the Guardians of this Temple until you cheated me out of my birthright!”

The Aztec Guardian smiles wide at this accusation.

“Birthright or not, you are not the Guardian of this Temple, Pablo Rodriguez,” the Guardian tells him confidently.

“You don’t even care that Máscara Muerte has awakened from his slumber, do you?!” Rodriguez shouts at Frank and The Aztec Guardian.

“Mask a’ what?” Frank questions.

“Máscara Muerte!” Rodriguez yells. “The Mask of Death himself! The God of The Death Tribe!”

“And he’s coming to my temple?” Frank asks; Rodriguez nods. “A God in my Temple? That’s money!!”

“You greedy fool!” Rodriguez accuses Frank, but he doesn’t seem deterred.

“You call it greed, I call it smart,” Frank says. “Hey, I’m just being honest,” he gives a trademark smile.”Money talks, and, as they say, bulls--- walks, my friend, so…” Frank gestures to his office door. Pablo Rodriguez slams his hands down on Frank’s desk.

“Damnit, Frank!” he shouts

“Language, father!” Frank says with mock offense.

“You’ll rue this day!” Rodriguez promises, adjusting his collar as The Aztec Guardian steps forward to shield Honest Frank.

“You’ll take your leave now!” the Guardian snarls, and Rodriguez steps back, gulping and nodding before leaving the office.

“The Death Tribe?” Frank asks the Guardian once Pablo Rodriguez is gone.

“Yes, El Jefe,” the Guardian answers. “Representatives of many tribes will arrive at the Temple to compete in Lucha Underground… even gods.”

“Excellent,” Frank grins.

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falling_star · December 11, 2021

THE DEATH TRIBE

Máscara Muerte (Frankie Perez) | Babau | Moroi | Zombi (Zombie Boy)

Rumored to have wandered the Valley of Mexico for centuries until receiving the call to the Temple in Boyle Heights, The Death Tribe and their leader, Máscara Muerte (which means The Mask of Death) have arrived at the Temple despite the warnings of Pablo Rodriguez. Máscara Muerte has his sights set on the Lucha Underground Temple Championship, and will let nothing stand in his way in his quest to claim it. With his servants The Night Terrors and Zombi in tow, he believes that claiming the Championship will get him one step closer to the Gauntlet of the Gods, but he has no idea that it has been hidden by the time traveling luchador Aerostar, nor will he have an easy task at hand with the Priest of Pain standing in his way.

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falling_star · December 12, 2021

Gods & Hunters

“So, the padre tells me death is comin’ to The Temple,” Frank says to the Aztec Guardian as he snuffs out what remains of his cigar. “Buncha… weirdos in masks, or somethin’ like that, right?”

“Mascara Muerte is not just a weirdo in a mask,” the Guardians answers. “The Mask of Death takes over it’s vessel, it is the human embodiment of the Mictlantecuhtli.”

“Mickey-what-now?” Frank mocks.

“This is serious, El Jefe!” the Guardian snaps.

“Yeah, yeah, I get it,” Frank waves him off. “God of Death in human form… seems a lil’ extreme for a wrestling ring or even a fighting pit.”

“The Temple is powerful beyond belief, El Jefe,” the Guardian answers. “Many will come to claim its glory for their own. Mascara Muerte will make them choose: death, or glory.”

“And all I see is dollar signs, my friend,” Frank says as he takes a fifth of whiskey from the bottom drawer of his desk and pours himself a rocks glass. “Death or glory equals dollar signs in my eyes, paying customers lining up around the street to get into my Temple and see these warriors do battle.”

“The Believers are not yours to exploit, El Jefe,” the Guardian insists, but Frank waves him off again.

“Whose exploitin’ anyone?” Frank asks before taking a swig from his glass. “I’m just chagrin’ a nominal fee to come see the fights, same as any good promoter.”

The Guardian sighs in quiet exasperation before nodding his head.

“Si, El Jefe,” he resigned himself to answering.

“Alright, now, I need some more specifics,” Frank tells the cursed Guardian. “You say warriors from all over the world will seek The Temple? Who?”

“The answer is unclear,” the Guardian answers in his near-monotonous, thickly accented voice.

“Unclear?? What do you mean ‘unclear?’” Frank responds in irritation.

“I am a Guardian, not a seer,” the masked bodyguard replies.

“Ugh!” Frank bemoans the situation, sitting up in his chair again and starting to play with the Aztec medallions on his desk. “So, what about these guys?” Frank asks, tossing the Aztec coin depicting a deer head on the desk towards the Guardian. “Like, are there actual deer on their way to the Temple?”

“No,” the Guardian answers simply. “This is the medallion of a hunting tribe… trophy hunters will be on their way to claim the prizes of the Temple.”

“Aah, trophy hunters,” Frank says, understanding now as he slides the medallion back into a pile with the rest. “So, trophy hunters, do-gooders, and the embodiment of evil are all on their way to my Temple… along with who knows what else. I shoulda made everybody RSVP!” he chuckles to himself, and the Guardian nods.

Frank continues to move and stack the medallions playfully until he comes across the big cat medallion.

“So, trophy hunters, you say? Surely there must be conflict… violence between… these two tribes?” he asks, pushing the big cat medallion across the desk for the Guardian to see.

“Si,” the Guardian answers. “Hunters will surely seek the great Silver Tiger along with the Temple’s prizes.”

“The great Silver Tiger? I got, uh… mythological creatures and such comin’ to the Temple?” Frank asks in amazement.

“I told you, Jefe, there will be Gods who seek the prizes of the Temple,” the Guardian answers.

“And this great Silver Tiger is a god?” El Jefe asks.

“To some,” the Guardian nods. “Worshippers of the great Silver Tiger are likely to arrive with him.”

“Another god… in my Temple…” Frank folds his fingers as he kicks his feet back up, admiring the big cat medallion.

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falling_star · December 12, 2021

CULT OF THE SILVER TIGER

Silver Tiger | Amo Del Gato | El Jaguar | Tigre Salvaje Jr. | Darkness Cat

From The Obsidian Pyramid high in the Sierra Madre mountains, the great Silver Tiger has chosen to make his presence felt at the Temple! Along with his followers, Amo Del Gato, the fearsome duo of Los Gatos Salvaje, and the sneaky Darkness Cat, the Cult of the Silver Tiger seeks golden prizes to lay at the feet of their idol. The mythical beast and his followers want to lay claim to the treasures of the Temple as tribute to the great Silver Tiger, and what better tribute could there be than five different gold belts and seven different gold medallions? But, as is always the case for the mythical big cats, representatives of the hunting tribe are likely to not be far behind.

<hr>

JOJI of THE HUNTING TRIBE

JOJI is a loner, a product of living alone and in El Desierto, the Mexican badlands. He comes to the Temple from a long line of hunters, seeking the ancient Aztec medallion of his tribe; the holder of the medallion is said to be gifted the greatest senses a hunter could ask for, and the powers of the medallion are needed by any hunter attempting to takedown the great Silver Tiger!

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falling_star · December 13, 2021

Mythical Creatures

<img alt="yrGZmIw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yrGZmIw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0ctaodS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0ctaodS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

“So, you’s tellin’ me that I’ve got gods and mythical creatures, and what else comin’ to The Temple?” Frank asks the Aztec Guardian as he sits behind his desk. “We got, uh, royalty comin’ or someinth’?”

“You are already in the presence of royalty, El Jefe,” the Guardian respons.

“Wha.. ?!” Frank asks, nearly falling out of his chair.

“I am an Aztec Prince, cursed to guard the Temple,” the Guardian tells him. “My royal bloodline has faded into obscurity in my time as Guardian, but I am royalty all the same.”

“So, a Prince in my temple already,” Frank replies. “Should I be expecting Kings and Queens as well? Princesses and Jacks and Knights? The rest of the chessboard?”

“There will be many… but, yes, I sense the King of Snakes will be coming with his servants,” the Guardian warns.

“King of… Snakes?! I hate snakes!” Frank complains.

“The King is sure to want some of The Temple’s treasures to legitimize his claim to the throne,” says the Guardian.

“Throne?” Frank asks in confusion. “There a throne in here you haven’t showed me yet?”

“No,” the Guardian answers flatly. “The Snake Pit has many who fight for supremacy… The Snake King is not the only one with a claim to the throne.”

“The King ain’t the only one who… right,” Frank rolls his eyes. “Well, like I said, I hate snakes! Keep ‘em out!”

“I don’t care, keep ‘em out!” Frank insists. “I. Hate. Snakes!”

“You must allow all comers their chance at the prizes the Temple has to offer, Jefe,” the Guardian informs Frank, but the shady businessman seems undeterred.

“I don’t care,” he says. “I don’t like snakes, I don’t like rats, and I don’t like spiders.”

“But, still… the King will come,” the Guardian persists.

"Then it's your job to guard the Temple from some snake laying claim to the Temple Championship, if it comes down to it!" Frank rules.

"Si, El Jefe," the Guardian answers hesitantly as Honest Frank leans back in his chair, a pleased smile on his face as he picks up the reptile Aztec medallion and starts to play with it.

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falling_star · December 13, 2021

THE REPTILE TRIBE

<img alt="lAPIxNc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAPIxNc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="wLogVxq.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/wLogVxq.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="abOlkJ4.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/abOlkJ4.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Rey Serpiente (Snake King) | Marvel Malloy | Storm Spillane

Rey Serpiente (literally, The King of Snakes) has been lying in wait for the Temple doors to open, ready to claim the Lucha Underground Temple Championship for himself, even if he has to win the Gift of the Gods to do it. In his quest for claim the Throne in The Snake Pit, Serpiente has seemingly enthralled two of the hottest indie wrestling talents out there today, Marvel Malloy and Storm Spillane, together known as The American Cobras. The men now have reptile eyes and cold blood running through their veins, doing Rey Serpiente’s bidding and helping him on his way to glory.

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DarK_RaideR · December 13, 2021

I'm liking what I'm seeing so far...

falling_star · December 13, 2021

<img alt="yrGZmIw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yrGZmIw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Isl1Rdr.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Isl1Rdr.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Sayeed Ali enters Honest Frank's office, still looking back out on the Temple with a hint of amazement on his face.

"Yo, homie," he says as he closes the door. "You finna tell me dat place out there is a Temple? Dat you opened with that gold key you bought off some masked freak?"

"Yes, sir," Frank nods, feet up on his desk next to the pile of Aztec medallions.

"And you done found alla dat gold just sittin' in the desk drawer?" Ali questions, and Frank nods again. "Man, homie, if I woulda known alla dat, I'da looted this place up myself a long time ago! Boyle Heights Temple, s**t... least me and da crew was able to help get you out here from Queens, know whut I'm sayin'?"

"Ah, yes, and I need to thank you and the crew for that, don't I?" Frank smiles as he sits up in his chair.

"Yo ducketts was good, we straight homie," Ali waves him off, but Frank is insistent.

"No, no, I didn't say I needed to pay you, we both know this meeting'd be a whole lot different if you didn't have your cash-in-hand already," Frank says, drawing a slight chuckle from Ali as he nods in agreement.

"Straight up, straight up," the gangster says as he nods.

"Alright, so let me thank you... by offering you a chance at some of the prizes the Temple has to offer," Frank says. "What say I offer you a chance at the Lucha Underground Temple Championship, and I offer your crew a chance at the Lucha Underground Trios Championship?"

Ali nods and smiles, slowly offering his hand out for dap; Frank flubs it, and goes to shake his hand instead. After a brief moment of awkwardness, they settle on clapping hands together and nodding.

"Me and the homies always lookin' for loot, Frank," Ali tells him. "You know, I like you man... you a' honest guy, Frank."

"Honesty?" Frank smiles. "That's what I do, and it's hard to find in a rough world like this. So, I'll see you on opening night?"

"You know it," Ali nods, snapping his fingers and turning to leave the office. "Me and the homies gonna GET! THIS! LOOT!" he shouts into the empty temple before closing the office door and leaving.

Frank sits there for a moment watching the office door, then grabs one of the Aztec medallions, death, and leans back in his chair again, twirling the medallion around in his fingers. After a beat, the Aztec Guardian emerges from the shadows in the office.

<img alt="0ctaodS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0ctaodS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

"Do you really think he can win, Jefe?" the Guardian asks.

"What?! Woah! Jeez!!" Frank is startled by his appearance. "You been there the whole time?" The Guardian nods. "Do I think he can win what? The gold?" Frank shrugs. "All's I know is he helped get me here through some contacts in Queens, I owe him one."

"But the Temple Championship can only be claimed when it is vacant through Aztec Warfare," the Guardian explains.

A faint sound of a ghost crowd can be heard chanting Animo! Animo!

"Aztec Warfare??" Frank questions. "What's that?"

Animo! Animo!

"A battle between 20 luchadores, an ancient tradition... the only way to claim the Temple Championship when it has been vacant. The Believers will know."

Animo! Animo!

"Yeah, you just said the same thing a different way," Frank groans. "You're gonna have to tell me about this... Aztec Warfare..."

Animo! Animo!

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falling_star · December 13, 2021

<img alt="MBWPmqL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MBWPmqL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TNhGLDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TNhGLDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="nLLSN1M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nLLSN1M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Acid | Acid II | The Great Avatar

Many Believers know of Acid’s time on the American indies, but few know what happened to him after the closing chapters of the East Coast Wars.Those among the true Believers, however, know that he headed to the far east, to The Land of the Rising Sun, to compete with the best junior heavyweights the world has to offer. That’s where this war began: the war between Acid and The Great Avatar.

Their battles began early in their travels, and they have competed against one another everywhere from underground fight pits to the biggest arenas in Japan… and now their war brings them to The Temple in Boyle Heights. But Acid did not come to The Temple alone, he brought a lieutenant in the form of his trainee, Acid II. The war is far from over, and it just might kick off during Aztec Warfare.

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falling_star · December 13, 2021

THE EAGLE TRIBE

<img alt="n9y6SiO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n9y6SiO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="oqg8QlQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oqg8QlQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Gm3ohWz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Gm3ohWz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

American Flash | Americana Jr. | Dragon Americano

The descendants of The Eagle Tribe relocated from Aztec land into California and the greater United States of America, integrating into American society and many finding their way into Americanized lucha libre known as professional wrestling. But the call of The Temple has brought together three such descendants to compete for the glory of the red, white, and blue. Each man is a high flying, star spangled threat to all who stand in their way as they attempt to claim the treasures of The Temple for the glory of their nation.

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falling_star · December 13, 2021

<img alt="5H46xGD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5H46xGD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BdXj8UA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BdXj8UA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="dNzWH4T.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dNzWH4T.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Mr. Lucha III | Extraordinario Jr. | Jayson Van Pelt

Three more luchadors join the Underground ranks, and they are all, in a word, sensational. Mr. Lucha III is this generation's iteration of long legacy in Mexican lucha, and he seeks to make his name where the original Mr. Lucha first plied his trade: Lucha Underground! Next, Extraordinario Jr., an exciting luchador from south of the border, is another sensational lucha legacy joining the fold. He's been in all the big leagues, and now he's come to the Temple! Last, but certainly not least, is Jayson "The Sensation" Van Pelt, an arrogant young luchador who has competed all over the world. Word has it than when he heard of Mr. Lucha III and Extraordinaro Jr. joining Lucha Underground and heading for the Temple, he wasn't far behind. Ever the glory hound, The Sensation has made it clear he not only wants the Lucha Underground Temple Championship, but he's coming to collect masks!

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falling_star · December 13, 2021

S01E01 - Aztec Warfare <div style="text-align:center;"> <div style="padding: 10px; border: 6px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FFFFFF; max-width:80%; ";"> <div style="text-align:center;"> <img alt="DWkqE0D.png?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/DWkqE0D.png?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Announce Team: Lee Bambino and CJ Weston Location: Boyle Heights Temple Show Rating: 39 <div style="text-align:right;">SEASON 1, EPISODE 1</div> The Temple in Boyle Heights is packed as we open the first episode of Lucha Underground! The Believers are going crazy, several people in the crowd are wearing luchador masks or holding up signs with phrases like Animo! and Viva Lucha Underground written on them. It isn't long before we settle on the ring, where the attractive and charismatic Nicole Kiss is waiting with a microphone. <img alt="rtKbCkg.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rtKbCkg.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> "Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome lucha legend, ‘The Priest of Pain’ all the way from El Monasterio, Pablo Rodriguez!” Nicole announces to a chorus of cheers, the camera crew conveniently finding a group of kids with Pablo Rodriguez shirts and signs as the luchador makes his way into The Temple. <img alt="VlKho3J.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VlKho3J.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Welcome viewers, welcome Believers, to Lucha Underground!” CJ Weston commentates as Rodriguez makes his way to the ring. “CJ Weston along with Lee Bambino here and we are just minutes away from Aztec Warfare! But, first, we’re about to hear from the most popular man in Lucha Underground, the Priest of Pain himself, Pablo Rodriquez!” “Believers!” Pablo announces once he gets to the ring, soaking in the cheers. “I thank you for your adoration, but I come bearing grim news… The Death Tribe comes! Mascara Muerte has awakened, and he is leading his minions to The Temple as I speak! The Mask of Death cannot be allowed to enter The Temple or claim it’s prizes! Tonight, The Temple opens for the first time in decades, and tonight we observe Aztec Warfare!” The crowd cheers, but just then, the lights in The Temple begin to flicker and grim cackling can be heard as smoke pours out from under the ring. “Dios mio! I warned you!” Pablo bellows. “I tried to warn El Jefe!” Rodriguez points to the door to Honest Frank’s office, the yet-to-be-seen El Jefe presumably inside. Pablo tries to bail as the cackling gets louder, and two masked minions come crawling out from under the ring. <img alt="l1o3zxH.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/l1o3zxH.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="alKrZPY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/alKrZPY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> The Night Terrors, Babau and Moroi swarm Pablo Rodriguez as he attempts to flee, Moroi tripping him up and Babau leaping on top of the Priest of Pain to begin pummeling him. Punches and stomps follow, smoke still wafting out from under the ring. “Don’t go anywhere Believers, we’ll be right back!” Lee Bambino shouts as we go to our first commercial break. <div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 30</div> When we return from the commercial break, the carnage outside the ring has been cleared, but Babau and Moroi are now huddled together in one corner of the ring while Nicole Kiss timidly stands in the middle of the ring, eyeing The Night Terrors cautiously. "The following lucha is a tag team match, and it is scheduled for one fall!" she announces.. "In this corner, from the Darkest Reaches of Your Mind…. Babau… Moroi… The Night Terrors!" Some generic, 80’s sounding guitar rock begins playing in The Temple and the Believers cheer as a quartet make their way out onto the entrance platform and stairs. <img alt="mkEqWdw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mkEqWdw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="AFbyolf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/AFbyolf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="WzX1wyG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WzX1wyG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Hn5Z1zf.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Hn5Z1zf.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Making their way to the ring, accompanied by Charlie California and Becca... Rockin’ Ryan Turner and Stan ‘ The Man’ Manna, The Rock City Express!” The foursome air guitar and swagger their way to the ring, the crowd eating up the semi-comedic act and cheering them relentlessly while Babau and Moroi scare Nicole Kiss out of the ring. THE NIGHT TERRORS VERSUS THE ROCK CITY EXPRESS “The Night Terrors, of course, are members of The Death Tribe,” Lee Bambino reminds us on commentary. “The Death Tribe led by, as Pablo Rodriguez warned us earlier, The Mask of Death himself, Máscara Muerte,” CJ Weston adds. “And, not only does he have The Night Terrors at his disposal but he also has, is this true, a zombie?” “That would be Zombi, CJ,” Bambino corrects. “Aztec lore says that in order to turn a man into a zombie, he must have his heart ripped out by the hand of a god.” “Is Máscara Muerte a god?!” Weston asks in bewilderment. “The human embodiment of the God of Death, I am told,” Bambino informs us. In the ring, after some brief back-and-forth, The Night Terrors are in control and set up Stan Manna for their Sleep Paralysis double-team finisher and the win in the first-ever Lucha Underground match. <div style="text-align:right;">WINNERS: THE Night Terrors MATCH RATING: 23</div> “The winners of the match,” Nicole Kiss announces as The Night Terrors stack the bodies of Ryan Turner and Stan Manna in the center of the ring. “The Night Terrors!” “What a way to start Lucha Underground,” Bambino says as the camera settles on the small announce desk at ringside. “But now, it’s almost time… can you feel it, CJ?” “I can feel it, Lee,” Weston replies. “The Believers are ready, and it is almost time for Aztec Warfare!” “But, first, we’re going to hear from just a few of the luchadores set for competition tonight,” Bambino continues. “Twenty luchadores will enter, only one will walk away with the Lucha Underground Temple Championship!” <img alt="5H46xGD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5H46xGD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Mr. Lucha III is backstage to cut a promo, talking about the legacy of his mask. “I may not descend from an Aztec tribe, but my mask comes from a great lineage,” he explains. “Mr. Lucha I, my uncle, mi tío, is one of the most legendary luchadores in all of Mexico and now I wear the mask in Lucha Underground! Aztec Warfare, twenty luchadores enter, only one survives… and it will be Mr. Lucha tres!” <div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 37</div> We come back from the commercial break centered on the announce desk. “Believers, we are just moments away from Aztec Warfare!” Bambino exclaims. “That’s right, Lee, but first, let’s meet one more luchador coming from south of the border to the underground,” Weston says. <img alt="BdXj8UA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BdXj8UA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “My name is Extraordinario Jr.,” the masked luchador begins as a video shows off some of his impressive moveset. “I come to Lucha Underground as the sensation of Mexico. No one can put on a show like Extraordinario Jr.” A clip of his extraordinary Siempre Peleando finisher is shown. “I will outlast 19 other luchadores. I will put on the show. I will be sensational, and I will show Jayson Van Pelt who is the real sensation in Lucha Underground!” <div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 55</div> “Believer, it is ti--” Bambino begins, but the lights in the arena start to flicker in much the same way they did when The Night Terrors made their entrance earlier in the evening. Low cackling and smoke come from the entrance again, and out comes Máscara Muerte. <img alt="OhPdCFd.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OhPdCFd.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Tick tock… tick tock… it is time!” Muerte growls. “Aztec Warfare begins, and it is time to claim MY prize. No one can hide from death for I am inevitable! Let the war begin, now bring me my first victim!” <div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 50</div> “The following lucha,” Nicole Kiss begins after entering the ring and showing fear toward Máscara Muerte, “is AZTEC WARFARE! Twenty luchadores will enter, two men beginning in the ring, the rest joining them at random in timed intervals. Let’s… LUCHA!!” AZTEC WARFARE “Máscara Muerte is already in the ring, I guess entering Aztec Warfare at number one,” Bambino says. “I guess so, but my question is, who would want to enter at number one? It’s just bad strategy, in my opinion,” Weston comments. “Who needs strategy when you’re death?” Bambino questions, and Weston concedes his argument. Generic rock music begins to play, and the second luchador to enter Aztec Warfare comes into the Temple… <img alt="WzX1wyG.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/WzX1wyG.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Now entering the Temple, from Rock City USA,” Kiss announces. “Charlie California!!” California plays air guitar on his way down the stairs, headbanging and getting the crowd into it. “The leader of The Rock City Express is on his way to the ring,” Bambino observes. “Yeah, but I think he needs to get serious real quick before he gets in there with Muerte,” Weston says. The bell rings as California gets into the ring, and Muerte is immediately on the attack! Clubbing blows to the back and a vicious front kick sends Charlie into the corner. “Muerte lining him up…” Weston leads as Muerte waits in the center of the ring, waving California forward. Eventually, the man from Rock City USA does come forward and Muerte levels him with a vicious Buzzsaw Kick that makes the crowd and the announcers all gasp. “Oh my God!” Weston exclaims. “How is his head still attached?” Muerte picks California up and dump him over the top rope for the first elimination. <div style="text-align:right;">CHARLIE CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “I think it’s important at this post to clarify for all the Believers,” Bambino explains. “In Aztec Warfare, as you can see we have our officials Dwight Kumas and Quincy Jargon at ringside. In a normal battle royal, the only way to be eliminated is to be thrown over the top rope and have both feet touch the floor, but not in Aztec Warfare!” “That’s right, Lee, a luchador can also find themselves eliminated should they be pinned or submitted,” Weston adds. “But who’s next?” Bambino questions. They don’t have long to wait before some generic, patriotic American rock music begins to play. <img alt="n9y6SiO.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/n9y6SiO.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “A descendant of the Eagle tribe, I’m told,” Bambino says. “American Flash is here in Lucha Underground along with two of his brothers in arms to win the Lucha Underground Trios Championship but it is every luchador for themselves in Aztec Warfare, every luchador out for the gold!” Flash hurries down the steps and slips into the ring, immediately sprinting towards the opposite ropes and gaining a head of steam before cannonballing into Muerte’s midsection! Muerte bounds backwards into the ropes, but doesn’t go down! “Muerte is not, by any means, a big man, but he will not go down!” Bambino exclaims as Flash tries a handspring elbow to no avail. Flash bounds off the ropes again and rushes towards Muerte, leaping into the air and getting smacked right in the head with another vicious Buzzsaw Kick! The sound resonates throughout the Temple, and the believers gasp once again at the sickening sound. “That little man is dead!” Weston declares. Muerte picks him up, but while he is in the process of throwing him over the top rope the next entry is already beginning… <div style="text-align:right;">AMERICAN FLASH HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <img alt="MBWPmqL.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MBWPmqL.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “The legendary Acid is in the Temple!” Weston exclaims as Acid makes his way down the stairs, pointing at Muerte the whole time. Just like Flash before him, Acid enters the rings and immediately charges the ropes and comes off with a crossbody that takes Muerte down! “There he goes!” Bambino calls, Acid immediately going to the top rope and waiting for Muerte to get up. A dropkick puts him back down, and Acid is a house on fire! “The Believers are feeling it!!” Bambino exclaims. “Not many people in North America have seen Acid in a long time, and they seem to have missed him!” “I know I have, Bambino, he’s my kinda guy,” Weston adds, noting that Acid is a rudo despite the warm reception. “Yes, and we might have a chance to see that here, because here comes babyface fire!” Bambino calls as participant number five starts to make their entrance <img alt="MPPI6lV.png" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MPPI6lV.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “The Amazing Fire Fly is here!” Bambino calls as he charges the ring to start helping Acid with Muerte, but Acid trips him up and starts putting the boots to him. “What’d I tell you, Bambino? My kinda guy!” Weston laughs. With three luchadores in the ring now, we’ve got a match going but it truly is every man for himself as none of them can get along long enough to form a temporary alliance. After a few spots, it’s time for our sixth entrant… <img alt="TNhGLDM.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TNhGLDM.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “His mentor already in the ring, here comes Acid II,” calls Weston as the masked luchador makes his way down the stairs and into the ring. Mentor and protege go to work on Muerte together, Fire Fly trying to join in before Acid kicks him in the midsection and nails him with an Acid Rain Bomb out of nowhere! “Oh my God, he killed him!” Weston screams as Amazing Fire Fly rolls out of the ring and falls to the floor. “He’s not eliminated,” Bambino notes as Acid and Acid II go to work on Muerte. Muerte fights back as he can, but as we get ready for our seventh entrant it looks like he’s in trouble as the pair try to force him over the top rope… <img alt="nLLSN1M.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nLLSN1M.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Now, this man right here might just have something to say about how Acid and his protege are faring,” Bambino calls as The Great Avatar makes his way down to the ring. “This man’s Japanese rivalry with Acid is the stuff of legend!” Weston calls as Avatar enters the ring and immediately puts a stop to the attempted elimination by attacking Acid. A few punches and kicks, and the attack is over because Acid II is there to aid his mentor while Muerte recovers in a corner. Acid and Acid II turn their attention from Muerte to Avatar now, working him over as we get ready for the eighth luchador to enter the Temple… <img alt="5H46xGD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5H46xGD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Mister… Lucha… Tres!” Bambino calls as the masked legacy makes his entrance to the Temple. “Mr. Lucha III charges the ring and goes right for Acid with an elbow, and he’s got one for Acid II as well!” Lucha III helps even the odds, he and Avatar teaming up to fight with Acid and Acid II while Muertes lies in wait in the corner. “Muerte is smart here,” Weston says on commentary. “He’s letting the rest of them fight it out while recuperating in the corner.” “Can’t disagree with that,” Bambino adds. The fracas in the ring continues until it is time for luchador number nine, Máscara Muerte begins cackling in the corner as smoke pours from the entrance… <img alt="ZbnuTxn.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ZbnuTxn.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Zombi shambles out of the back, not from the entrance door but from the far side of El Jefe’s office, and slowly shuffles to the ring. “What is… wh-what is this??” Bambino questions, obviously trying not to laugh. “Zombi,” Weston answers. “Muerte’s undead servant.” Zombi rolls into the ring near Muerte, and suddenly there seems to be a standoff… Muerte and Zombi in one corner, Acid and Acid II in another, Avatar and Lucha III in another. After a brief staredown and some smacktalking, all six men rush to the center of the ring as a wild brawl breaks out. Fists and sweat are flying as each duo wars with the other two. “Wait just a minute!” Bambino cries out on commentary. “What’s that?!” “Oh my God!” Weston screams as Amazing Fire Fly appears on top of El Jefe’s office! “Where did he come from?!” “Where is he going??” Bambino asks. “Only one way to go!” Weston screams as Fire Fly takes a flying leap off the top of Jefe’s office and onto the pile of wrestlers in the ring with a dazzling tope suicida. “OH MY GOD!!” “They’re going down like bowling pins!” Bambino cries as Fire Fly lies atop the pile of luchadors for a moment before starting to get up. He gets up and celebrates for the crowd for a moment as they start the first of many chants in the Temple…. Animo! Animo! “The Believers love it!!” Weston calls. “And they love Fire Fly here in the Temple!” Bambino adds. He goes to pick up Muerte, but Zombi grabs his wrist out of nowhere and sits up. “Zombi didn’t feel a thing!” Weston cries out as he gets to his feet, and grabs Fire Fly by the throat. Muerte is up now as well, and Zombi holds Fire Fly in place for a vicious Buzzsaw Kick from Muerte before dumping over the top rope. <div style="text-align:right;">AMAZING FIRE FLY HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “After that amazing display, Amazing Fire Fly has been eliminated!” Bambino laments. The fight in the ring resumes again, continuing to rage on as the Believers cheer on the tecnicos and boo the rudos, awaiting the tenth entrant into the match. “We are almost at the halfway point,” Bambino notes as music begins to play. <img alt="29Hgcxp.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/29Hgcxp.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Dragón Neón is out next, hurrying down the stairs and climbing to the top rope before entering the ring, hitting a moonsault press on Zombi and getting up to celebrate. Zombi is down for only a few seconds sitting up again, and Weston loses his mind on commentary. “The undead luchador is up again!! What will take him down??” Weston cries. A side fight splinters off from the main group in the ring, Mr. Lucha III following The Great Avatar to the outside when Acid and Acid II roll him out in an attempt to isolate him. Neón goes toe-to-toe with Máscara Muerte for a moment, but Zombi is right there again to pull him off and restart the double-team beating; Neón is soon in danger of being thrown over the top rope by both men. <img alt="Gm3ohWz.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Gm3ohWz.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Dragón Americano is out now, another descendent of the Eagle tribe, of course we saw American Flash earlier,” Bambino calls as Americano makes his entrance. “Yeah, he didn’t last long,” Weston snarks. Americano hits the ring and goes to save Neón from The Death Tribe, the cameras showing us Acid brawl with Mr. Lucha III while Acid II has his hands full with The Great Avatar. The referees are trying to get them to go back into the ring, but the carnage will not be contained at the moment. “This ring is filling up awfully quickly,” Bambino notes as we have eight luchadors already in the Temple, and it’s almost time for the twelfth overall entrant to make their appearance. <img alt="oqg8QlQ.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oqg8QlQ.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Americana Jr. is another descendant of the Eagle tribe, his mentor Americana is a legend in Japan!” Weston calls as American Jr. rushes the ring to save his brother Dragón Americano from being eliminated by Muerte and Zombi, Dragón Neón at their feet near the apron after going over the top but not the ringside area. Americana makes the save, and goes to check on his partner… but Muerte grabs him! “Kill Switch! Kill Switch!!” Weston screams as Muerte hits his actual finisher on Americana Jr., then directs Zombi to make the cover. Kumas is there to count the pinfall. <div style="text-align:right;">AMERICANA JR. HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> Before the pinfall has even been done, Muerte has Americano up and hits him with another Kill Switch! Muerte screams at Zombi, who moves over from Americana Jr. and makes another pinfall. <div style="text-align:right;">DRAGÓN AMERICANO HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “That puts Muerte at two eliinations, Zombi at three,” Bambino notes as the refs clear the losing members of the Eagle tribe out of the ring. “And here we go with lucky number thirteen,” Weston snarks as our next entrant makes his entrance. <img alt="4qzxUvY.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4qzxUvY.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “The Great Silver Tiger is here!” Bambino exclaims as the Tiger God makes his entrance. “The Great Silver Tiger, the God of the Panther Tribe, the leader of The Cult of the Silver Tiger… whatever you want to call him, he… is... here!” Weston excitedly adds as Silver Tiger makes his way to the ring. He finds Dragón Neón and promptly plants him with Silver Tiger Driver for a pinfall elimination. <div style="text-align:right;">DRAGÓN NEÓN HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “Oh my God!! Someone else is up there!” Weston screams, Acid II standing atop El Jefe’s office with The Great Avatar. Down below, Acid has planted Mr. Lucha III on a table and is trying to direct his protege to leap off and put him through the table, but he’s got his hands full trying to fight off The Great Avatar. While all of this is going on, it’s time for another entry! <img alt="ySjnRh9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ySjnRh9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Sayeed Ali, the leader of the BHC, Boyle Heights Connection,” Weston calls as the gangster makes his entrance. “The man who helped El Jefe get to Boyle Heights and locate the Temple has arrived!” Ali seems more concerned with what is going on atop El Jefe’s office than making his way into the ring; Avatar and Acid II are fighting back-and-forth, near the edge, threatening to knock one another off. Avatar finally gains the upperhand, grabbing Acid II. Mr. Lucha slides off the table and starts brawling with Acid just as Avatar lifts Acid II up… “OH MY GOD!!” Weston screams as they leap off the top of the office, and Acid II gets planted through the table with an Avatar Driver Mk. II! “AVATAR DRIVER MARK TWO!!” Bambino screeches as the camera shows us the heap of table and luchador on the outside. Mr. Lucha III forces Acid back into the ring. Avatar and Acid II look in no condition to go anywhere, and the cameras go back inside the ring as Sayeed Ali finally makes his way in and heads straight for Mr. Lucha III and Acid to help the heel regain the upperhand. It isn’t long before he lifts Mr. Lucha III up and hits him with a GHB Driver for the pinfall. <div style="text-align:right;">MR. LUCHA III HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “And Sayeed Ali takes the first step towards claiming the Temple Championship,” Weston notes as Mr. Lucha III is rolled out of the ring. <img alt="BdXj8UA.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BdXj8UA.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> Extraordinario Jr. is out next. “Only five luchadors left to go,” Bambino notes as Extraordianrio Jr. makes his entrance to the ring, heading straight to the top and coming down on a group of luchadors with a corkscrew plancha. SIlver Tiger is the only luchador not caught up in the move, and he pounces on the opportunity to grab the undead Zombi and throw him over the top rope. <div style="text-align:right;">ZOMBI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <img alt="F4jP1N8.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/F4jP1N8.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> JOJI is the next luchador to join the fray, and he heads straight for Silver Tiger. “JOJI is a descendant of the deer tribe, or the hunting tribe, and he would love nothing more than to bag the Great Silver Tiger!” Bambino exclaims. He takes the fight to Silver Tiger as other brawls continue all over the ring, Acid II and The Great Avatar finally starting to stir from the rubble outside and crawl towards the ring. Acid helps his protege, guarding him in a corner but The Great Avatar is easy pickings for Sayeed Ali… or so it would seem, as The Great Avatar clings to the top rope for dear life and fights elimination. Muerte goes to the corner to square off with Acid, rekindling their fight from earlier in the match. Animo! Animo! “The cry of the Believers, the war cry,” Bambino explains as the Believers in the Temple chant while the fight rages on in the ring. <img alt="dNzWH4T.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/dNzWH4T.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Jayson “The Sensation” Van Pelt, enters at number seventeen,” Bambino exclaims. “JVP, if you didn’t know,” Weston adds as Van Pelt stands at the top of the stairs and does a pose that might be familiar in another universe, thumbs pointing to his shoulders as he says his initials, “J… V… P!” He heads to the ring and goes right for Extraordinario Jr.. While Acid and Muerte brawl, JOJI and Silver Tiger continue to fight, and Sayeed Ali has given up on trying to eliminate The Great Avatar. He turns his attentions to the still-recovering Acid II, but in a shift of fates, Avatar and Acid II team up to eliminate Ali! <div style="text-align:right;">SAYEED ALI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <img alt="2hbfz4t.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/2hbfz4t.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “And here comes Silver Tiger’s loyal lackey, Amo Del Gato!” Bambino says as entrant number eighteen makes his entrance. He immediately goes to work aiding Silver Tiger with eliminating JOJI. <div style="text-align:right;">JOJI HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> Acid is back over with his protege now, and together they team up to take out The Great Avatar. <div style="text-align:right;">THE GREAT AVATAR HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> They turn around to a double clothesline from Silver Tiger and Amo Del Gato, Tiger connecting with Acid II and putting him out while Amo Del Gato narrowly misses the elimination of Acid, who lands on the apron and rolls back inside the ring. <div style="text-align:right;">ACID II HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <img alt="lAPIxNc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/lAPIxNc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “Rey Serpiente, the King of Snakes!” Bambino calls as the second to last entrant makes his way to the ring. “Honest Frank can’t be pleased with a snake in his Temple!” Weston calls. “You wanna get in there and get rid of him?” Bambino questions with a laugh. “No, not at all,” Weston laughs. In their fighting, Extradordinario Jr. and JVP take each other out over the top rope. <div style="text-align:right;">EXTRAORDIANRIO JR. HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <div style="text-align:right;">JAYSON VAN PELT HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “And I think there’s only one person that can be number twenty…” Weston says as the operatic music from earlier begins. <img alt="VlKho3J.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/VlKho3J.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> “The Priest of Pain, Pablo Rodriguez!” Bambino calls as the final entrant makes his way to the ring to join Máscara Muerte, Acid, Silver Tiger, Amo Del Gato, and Rey Serpiente. At first, the tecnico Priest of Pain seems outnumbered by the rudos, but fan favorite rudo Acid switches sides before a big brawl breaks out. The first casualty is Amo Del Gato, who finds himself pinned after an Acid Rain Bomb. <div style="text-align:right;">AMO DEL GATO HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> Rey Serpiente hits the Snake Bite on Silver Tiger to put him away. <div style="text-align:right;">SILVER TIGER HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “We are down to four!” Bambino announces. “Acid, Rey Serpiente, Pablo Rodriguez, and the man who entered at number one, Máscara Muerte,” Weston informs us all. Rey Serpiente pairs off with Acid while the Priest of Pain turns his attention to the man, nay, the god, he has been here to battle all along, Máscara Muerte. Acid and Serpiente end up battling on the top rope, jockeying for position to hit their move but neither can get it until Acid finally hefts Serpiente up and, letting the momentum carry them, plunges over the top rope and through a table with an Acid Rain Bomb! <div style="text-align:right;">ACID HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <div style="text-align:right;">REY SERPIENTE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> “And then there were two!” Bambino decrees, Pablo Rodriguez and Máscara Muerte unphased in their brawling by the eliminations. “And the battle continues,” Weston says. “The tale as old as time, good versus evil!” “Man versus god,” Bambino asserts. The last several minutes of Aztec Warfare is a one-on-one encounter between Muerte and Rodrgiuez, the Mask of Death throwing everything he can at Rodriguez but finding himself unable to get him thrown over the top rope. Rodriguez goes for the Sinner’s Salvation as soon as he gets the upperhand, but finds it countered into a vicious Buzzsaw Kick! “That move has finished luchadors in Aztec Warfare already tonight!” Weston says. “But can it finish the Priest of Pain?” Bambino asks. “No!” Weston answers, Rodriguez catching himself on the ropes as Muerte attempts to throw him over and rolling back into the ring. Muerte pulls him back up, and ANOTHER Buzzsaw Kick puts Rodriguez down. Muerte goes for a pinfall this time, but only gets a two count! “He’s going for the Kill Switch!” Weston shouts as Muerte picks him up again, but Rodriguez counters! “Final Judgement!! Will that do it?!” Bambino questions, but the move only gets a two count. Both men are down when Babau and Moroi crawl out from under the ring! “What are they doing here?! They’re not supposed to be involved in Aztec Warfare!” Bambino shouts. “I don’t think it matters,” Weston asserts. “There aren’t many rules in Aztec Warfare, and I don’t think this goes against any of them!” The Night Terrors hit the ring and put the boots to the Priest of Pain, Muerte cackling as he hoists himself up and starts directing traffic. They go for a Sleep Paralysis but Rodriguez reverses! Final Judgement to Moroi, Sinner’s Salvation on Babau!! But the distraction has done it’s job, Muerte has Rodriguez… KILL SWITCH!! 1… 2… 3!!! <div style="text-align:right;">PABLO RODRIGUEZ HAS BEEN ELIMINATED</div> <div style="text-align:right;">WINNER, AND NEW LUCHA UNDERGROUND TEMPLE CHAMPION: MÁSCARA MUERTE <img alt="tdogk2w.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/tdogk2w.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> MATCH RATING: 45</div> “The Death Tribe controls the Temple Championship!” Bambino cries. “What does this mean for the Temple?” Weston ponders. “What does this mean for the Believers?! We’ll see you next week!” Bambino signs off. <img alt="qCH9WMX.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qCH9WMX.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> </div></div></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53841" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AUTHOR'S NOTE: From this point is where things will start to vary more greatly than from the original thread. I was too proud of Aztec Warfare not to have it kick things off again, but the copy-and-paste from my original thread ends here, and the story continues. Thanks for reading Believers!</div></blockquote>

falling_star · December 13, 2021

<div style="text-align:center;"> <div style="padding: 10px; border: 6px solid #000000; margin:10px;background: #FFFFFF; max-width:80%; ";"><img alt="fLXXJsi.png?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fLXXJsi.png?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /> IF YOU GO CHASING RABBITS... YOU KNOW YOU'RE GOING TO FALL... COMING SOON TO LUCHA UNDERGROUND...</div></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="53841" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thanks for the kind words and votes of confidence so far... it feels great to be back at work on this!</div></blockquote>

falling_star · December 13, 2021

The Medallions

<img alt="yrGZmIw.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/yrGZmIw.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="0ctaodS.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0ctaodS.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

The scene fades in on El Jefe’s office where Honest Frank sits behind his desk smoking a cigar, feet kicked up near the pile of golden Aztec Medallions.

“So, here’s what I’m thinkin’,” Frank says as the camera pans back to reveal the Aztec Guardian standing stoically nearby. “You’s sayin’ the luchadores that come to the Temple will fight over these ancient medallion thingies, and I get to put them up for grabs?” The Guardian nods. “And when all seven a’ these things is togetha, they make the Gift of the Gods?” Another nod. “Hmmmm…”

Frank puts his feet down and sits up in his chair, spreading the pile out into a line on his desk before taking another pull from his cigar.

“Each one represents a, whatcha call, tribe? And we got guys from the tribes already here in the Temple… I bet guys want their own tribal medallions from their descendents or whateva. Man, I can… I can do whatever I want to make guys jump through hoops for these things,” Frank leans back smuggly.

“They must be earned through lucha, Jefe,” the Guardian reminds him.

“Yeah, yeah, I can’t just give ‘em away, and who would wanna?” Frank chides. “But there’s nothin’ says I can’t stack the deck in my favor for the final showdown… make sure I handpick my next Temple Champion, someone who can take down Muerte.”

“You wish to dethrone the God of Death, Jefe?” the Guardian inquires.

“I mean, why would I want some vengeful god hangin’ around my Temple? Ready to strike me down whenever the mood hits him and take my Temple for himself?” Frank asks.

“You seem paranoid, Jefe… Máscara Muerte seeks only the glory the Temple offers, not the Temple itself,” the Aztec Guardian tries to put Frank’s worries at ease.

“Who wouldn’t want this place for themselves?” Frank asks. “I mean, I came across it at a pawn shop, coulda just as easily won it in a game a’ cards or somethin’! You tellin’ me a god wouldn’t cut me down and take it, just because? Make it a… a… a Temple a’ Death or somethin’?!”

The Guardian doesn’t have a reply.

“That’s what I thought,” Frank says confidently.

“¿Y el padre? Pablo Rodriguez?” the Guardian asks.

“The padre? That goody-goody?” Frank scoffs.”What, so he can donate the gold to orphans? I think not… no, I got a guy in mind… I just gotta get word back east…”

</div></div>

falling_star · December 14, 2021

S01E02 - Death Has Arrived

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Announce Team: Lee Bambino and CJ Weston

Location: Boyle Heights Temple

Show Rating: 50

<div style="text-align:right;">SEASON 1, EPISODE 2</div>

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The Temple in Boyle Heights is full of Believers, and they kick into high gear as the music of Pablo Rodriguez plays over the speakers. The Priest of Pain makes his entrance and stands atop the steps that lead down to the ring soaking in his warm reception and smiling for a brief moment before he’s all business again.

“This man is a lucha libre legend!” Lee Bambino tells us all, and CJ Weston begrudgingly agrees.

“You know, I hate to give you credit, Bambino, but you’ve done your homework on this one,” he snarks. “Of course, this man is known far and wide outside the Temple, but now he is here to wage war on Máscara Muerte and The Death Tribe!”

Rodriguez makes his way to the ring as the announcers banter, and then begins his promo.

“Vengeance, as they say, is a sin,” Rodriguez begins. “I struggle to come to terms with my feelings about Máscara Muerte and The Death Tribe as a man of faith because of all they take away… because of all they’ve taken away from me. You see, before I became a luchador, before I even dedicated my life to God… I was a man of passion, a man with a family… a man with a lover.”

The crowd is hanging on Rodrgiuez’s every word as he explains his Lucha Underground backstory.

“But then… The Death Tribe came to my village,” he says grimly. “They came demanding sacrifice for their god… demanding an offering to Death itself. My family…” he trails off, the faintest tear in his eye as he takes a brief moment to compose himself. “My family burned at their hands! The woman I loved… the people who raised me… an entire village of good people… sacrificed in the name of Máscara Muerte! Not many escaped, but, by the grace of God, made it out alive. Before I took up the word of God, I swore vengeance… my mind should be clear of my sins, but not this one; not this one. My mind will never be clear, my heart will always be heavy… until I rid this world of Máscara Muerte, until I banish him to the realm beyond for good!”

“He’s putting it all out there,” Bambino says somberly.

“This is a man who has lost everything!” Weston adds.

“So… I must come to the Temple,” Rodgriguez continues. “I knew as soon as I heard that Máscara Muerte would feel it’s call, that his hunger would demand sacrifice… I will not let it happen again. The Death Tribe may have claimed the Temple Championship for its own, but mark my words: not for long. I don’t care what I have to go through, I will have my showdown with Muerte… I will have my vengeance, and Muerte will feel God’s Wrath!”

The Believers go wild at the threat of violence, while Bambino tosses things to commercial on commentary.

“Don’t go anywhere, Believers, we will be right back!” he says.

<div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 51</div>

When we return from the commercial break, Nicole Kiss is in the ring smiling and ready to start her announcing duties.

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“The following lucha is scheduled for one fall!” she happily announces as the Believers cheer. “Now heading to the ring, from the Land of the Rising Sun… The Great… Avatar!”

“Believers, do we have a treat for you to kick off tonight’s episode of Lucha Underground,” Bambino explains as some generic, classic Japanese koto music plays and The Great Avatar makes his way to the ring.

“That’s right, fresh off of their brutal showing in Aztec Warfare last week, El Jefe himself has demanded to see more,” Westons says.

“I mean… these two went off the roof of Jefe’s office last week!” Bambino reminds us, a short replay off Great Avatar taking Acid II off of the office with an Avatar Driver Mk. II through a table from Aztec Warfare.

“And his opponent, from parts unknown, being accompanied to the ring by Acid…. Acid II!”

Mentor and protege make their way to the ring, Acid whispering a few things to Acid II before he gets in the ring.

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THE GREAT AVATAR VERSUS ACID II

“We saw some of the potential a singles matchup between these two could have last week,” Weston reminds us once again. “This week, there aren’t eighteen other luchadors in the ring, it’s just one-on-one.”

“Is it, though? I mean, we’ve got Acid on the outside of the ring,” Bambino observes as the luchadors lock-up in the ring. Both men seem to still be hurting from Aztec Warfare, and the pace never really gets to where the crowd thinks it should be during this lucha; instead of the fast-paced spotfest, the masked men showed off their slower, more technical abilities with Acid II and his mentor playing a few dirty tricks during the bout to take control in different spots.

The ending sequence does speed up the pace a bit, but it’s too little, too late to save the crowd. Some fast-paced reversals and a missed Acid Rain Bomb attempt from the rudo allow The Great Avatar to take control and eventually pick-up the win with a normal Avatar Driver Mk. II in the ring, which is still quite a dazzling move to behold.

<div style="text-align:right;">WINNER: THE GREAT AVATAR

MATCH RATING: 42</div>

“Don’t go anywhere, Believers, we’ll be right back!” Bambino pitches to commercials once again.

We return to a cinematic promo, showing off the wilds of Mexico and showcasing some of the big cats found there. A voice over begins…

”When the Aztecs roamed the land, many people believed in the hero god, Quetzalcoatl…”

We see a painting of the great Queztacoatl rising from the ashes of a sacrifice.

”But others looked to his brother, Tezcatlipoca, the great jaguar, for guidance… “

Another painting, this time of Tezcatlipoca in his great jaguar form, also known as Tepeyolloti. This fades into a shot of a black, pyramidic temple, the camera beginning to pan up the massive set of stairs on a visual journey towards the top.

“Tezcatlipoca offered his blessings to many but his favored were the Jaguar Tribe, a tribe of skilled warriors and passionately dedicated Aztecs who offered frequent and bountiful sacrifices in his name…”

A line of obsidian mirrors begins halfway up the steps, reflecting the sun’s heat and setting visual flares off on the camera.

“Among these warriors was a man who Tezcatlipoca blessed with the spirit of the great silver tiger, and he became the warrior king of his tribe…”

As we reach the top, a symbol is emblazoned on the flat top of the pyramid where four figures stand; it is the same symbol that appears on the Big Cat Medallion, one of seven medallions that make up the Gift of the Gods.

“His bloodline was blessed by the aura of the great silver tiger, his ancestors would become royalty like him, favored in the eyes of Tezcatlipoca…”

The camera scans across four figures, all with one knee bowed to the man who stands before them.

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”The great silver tiger is sworn to protect his tribe and their sacred cats from the hunters…”

A brief flash of the Deer Medallion, and footage of JOJI’s showdown with Amo Del Gato and ]Silver Tiger during Aztec Warfare last week.

“I am the great Silver Tiger...” the man standing at the front speaks

The camera settles behind the bowed, masked figures and finally shows the man standing before them.

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“And I have come to Lucha Underground… for glory.”

<div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 35</div>

“That, Believers, was the great Silver Tiger, he and his followers have come to Lucha Underground, as he said, in search of glory,” Bambino says on commentary as we return to the Temple.

“But if there’s anyone in Boyle Heights who has anything to say about, it’s going to be this man right here,” Weston says as we see a dreadlocked man in a loincloth making his way to the ring.

“The following lucha is scheduled for one fall!” Nicole Kiss announces in the ring in her excited announcing style. “Coming to the ring, from El Desierto... The Hunter, JOJI!!”

“And his opponent!” Kiss continues. “From the Obsidian Pyramid… Amo… Del Gato!”

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JOJI VERSUS AMO DEL GATO

“These are two luchadors involved in an eternal war,” Bambino explains.

“JOJI is a descendant of the Deer Tribe of hunters, while Amo Del Gato worships the great Silver Tiger,” Weston continues for his partner. “Silver Tiger, of course, along with the rest of his followers--”

“Cult,” corrects Bambino.

“If you insist,” Weston clears his throat before continuing. “Tiger, Amo Del Gato, and the other three we saw have all descended from Tezcatlipoca’s Big Cat tribe, so, what we’re about to see is a war that has been raging for hundreds of years.”

JOJI works a slow, methodical, stalking hunter style of wrestling to start the match while Amo Del Gato uses his quickness to avoid the hunter. These two were both on their game, and they clicked well, working a fast-paced lucha-style match that the crowd got into. A fitting opening bout for the feud between JOJI and The Cult of the Silver Tiger, with Gato looking like he would get the win several times before JOJI picks up the win with a JOJI Miracle Explosion.

<div style="text-align:right;">WINNER: JOJI

MATCH RATING: 46</div>

“JOJI the hunter picks up the victory, and takes his first steps towards the Silver Tiger,” Weston says. “Don’t go anywhere, Believers ,we will be right back!”

“Welcome back to Lucha Underground, Believers,” Bambino says as we return from commercials.

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Some generic rock music plays, and out walks Jayson “The Sensation” Van Pelt, thumbs pointing to his shoulders and bouncing as he gets the crowd to chant his initials along with him, “J… V… P!”

“Here comes Jayson The Sensation, or JVP, if you will,” Weston says.

JVP makes his way to the ring with a smug grin on his face before taking a microphone.

“My name is Jayson Van Pelt, but you can call me J… V… P,” he begins. “And I am the most sensational athlete in Lucha Underground, despite what some… well, let’s just say, masked freaks might have to say,” JVP says to a chorus of jeers. “Now, I may not have come out on top in Aztec Warfare, but there’s no shame in losing to a god, no matter how godly you might be yourself.”

“Oh, come on,” Bambino scoffs. “This guy is full of himself!”

“He’s certainly full of something, Bambino,” Weston replies.

“Now what I’d like right now--” JVP goes to continue, but he’s interrupted by some upbeat electronic music and smoke pouring from the entryway as Extraordinario Jr. makes his entrance into the Temple to cheering Believers. He hops down the stairs and shows off for the Believers for a moment, twirling around in his cape and showing off his magnificent mask.

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“Here comes a sensational luchador in his own right, Extraordinario Jr!” Bambino exclaims as the silver & purple luchador enters the ring with a microphone of his own.

“Jayson… Jayson, can you hear yourself?” the luchador asks. “You talk about losing to a god, but you lost… to me.”

“That’s right, Bambino, these two took each other out during Aztec Warfare last week,” Weston reminds us and his colleague.

“Lose? To you??” JVP scoffs. “Please, masked man. I threw your ass over the top rope, and you dragged me down with you!”

“I think they call that… losing,” Extraordinario jokes as the Believers laugh at JVP’s expense.

“Alright, you sonuvabitch!” JVP sneers. “You wanna go?” Extraordinario nods with a smile on his face, still laughing at how hot JVP is getting over the whole situation. “Let’s get this going!! Get me a referee! Nicki? Get in here and do your job dollface!”

<div style="text-align:right;">SEGMENT RATING: 54</div>

Nicole Kiss doesn’t look enthused at all as she climbs the steps and gets into the ring while Dwight Kumas charges out from the back to officiate the match.

“The following lucha is scheduled for one fall! First, in this corner, from Montreal, Quebec, Canada… Jayson… The Sensation… Van… Pelt!”

“Believers, this is not our scheduled main event tonight,” Bambino says between introductions. “We have a trios bout yet to come that is supposed to be our main event, but it looks like these two men can’t wait!”

“His opponent, from Mexico City, Mexico…. Extraordinario Junior!” The masked luchador climbs the ropes and points to the skies for a moment, soaking in the cheers of the Believers before taking off his cape and getting ready for the bout.

JAYSON VAN PELT VERSUS EXTRAORDINARIO JR.

“Unlike our first two matches,” Bambino explains, “which concerned feuds years, if not centuries, old… these two men are a fresh rivalry in Lucha Underground.”

“JVP says no one is more sensational, and Extraordinario Jr, well, extraordinary is his name, brother,” Weston adds.

These two show the Believers just what this feud is all about, trying to one-up each other for the first several minutes of the match and coming to a stalemate at every turn until JVP takes control with an eye poke. That seems to be the story of the match from there, Extraordinario gaining the upper hand only to have JVP cheaply take it away and continue to claim his own greatness loudly to all of the Believers. JVP has Extraordinario doubled over and goes for his Axe Kick finisher, but his masked rival moves out of the way to take Van Pelt down with an enzugiri.It’s all Extraordinario from there,picking up a well-earned victory with his impressive Siempre Peleando finisher.

<div style="text-align:right;">WINNER: EXTRAORDINARIO JR.

MATCH RATING: 53</div>

“We’ll be right back with our main event, Believers!” Bambino says as the show heads to its last commercial break.

When we come back, Nicole Kiss is in the ring again and ready to do her announcing duties.

“The following lucha is a trios match, and is scheduled for one fall! First, coming to the ring from Beyond the Grave… Mascara Muerte, Babau, Moroi… The Death Tribe!” she announces, slinking away and looking a tad disturbed as they come near her in the ring.

“And their opponents, accompanied to the ring by Becca… from Rock City USA… Charlie California, Rockin’ Ryan, and Stan The Man… The Rock City Express!” The trio of wannabe rock stars come out air guitaring and playing to the crowd, dressed in semi-matching leather gear and black & neon tiger-print wrestling tights.

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THE DEATH TRIBE VERSUS THE ROCK CITY EXPRESS

“Welcome back, Believers, it is main event time in the Temple,” Bambino greets us as the bell rings.

“We have our first trios match, and surely these two teams are wondering what El Jefe has to say about the Lucha Underground Trios Championships,” says Weston.

“Muerte already holds the Temple Championship, but now The Death Tribe sets their sights on trios gold and, perhaps, Charlie California is looking for a little bit of revenge on Muerte after his quick exit from Aztec Warfare last week.”

California does, indeed, look to be out for revenge as he insists on starting the match even though Moroi is in for his team. The story of the match actually builds to California getting a hot tag to enter the match against Mascara Muerte; he comes in like a house of fire, ready to cut down The Mask of Death but Muerte does not sell any shot. One after another, until it looks like Charlie might actually take him down, rocking him with a lariat. But when California charges off the ropes to come in for another, Muerte chops him down with a vicious Buzzsaw Kick just like he had in Aztec Warfare. From there, a Kill Shot finishes things for the rock stars and they fall to The Death Tribe.

<div style="text-align:right;">WINNERS: THE DEATH TRIBE

MATCH RATING: 48</div>

“Another victory for The Mask of Death,” Weston says. “And his tribe, perhaps one step closer to Lucha Underground Trios gold!

“We’ll see you next week, Believers!” Bambino signs off.

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falling_star · December 14, 2021

The Rabbit Tribe

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The Aztec rabbit appears on screen before rhythmically pulsing a few times, then exploding and burning away to a black screen. A white bunny hops into frame near the top of the screen, then continues to hop forward, getting closer and closer to the screen as if it were traveling along a path from the farthest reaches of the back of the screen towards the front. When its face fills the screen, it stops for a moment and sits there, lifeless look in its eyes as its nose & whiskers twitch.

"We've followed the little... white... rabbit," a breathy voice says before breaking out into a riotous cackle; no one is on screen, just a very close-up view of the stoic rabbit’s little head.

"We're almost heeeereeeee!!" another oddball voice exclaims, the first one still laughing madly.

"Now, now, there's no need to be so serious!" a third voice orders the first two; the laughter stops and the screen goes completely black once again. Suddenly, a new, unsettling, psychotic laughter begins, soon joined by the original laughing voice and then the oddball laughter of the second voice we heard. The laughter continues for an uncomfortable amount of time before it ceases, and the Aztec rabbit appears on screen once again.

"We're coming to the Temple, coming to the Temple, coming to the Temple..." the three voices begin to chant in singsong, the Aztec rabbit twitching and shaking in-time with the voices for a moment before the screen fades to black once again.

THE RABBIT TRIBE

COMING SOON TO LUCHA UNDERGROUND

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falling_star · December 14, 2021

Aztec Guardian's Secret

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The Aztec Guardian is on his knees before a secret altar hidden with the Temple, incense smoldering on a plate and a clay bowl of burnt offerings on a low table before him. He breathes in some of the smoke billowing towards him, then breathes it out as he opens his eyes… he seems to be talking to something he sees in the sacrificial burnt offerings.

“El Jefe is different this time, Great Spirit… he knows not of our traditions, he respects not our traditions. Es un hombre irrespetuoso. He has summoned a man to the Temple to do what I am tasked to do… to protect the integrity of our sacred grounds. He knows not my power… knows not implacabilidad.”

The Guardian breathes in some smoke again, then exhales much more briskly this time… noise from the background starts to make it clear that a show is taking place in the Temple.

“I have not even been seen by the Believers, they know not my presence in the Temple,” he says. “I am kept hidden… but such is my fate.”

We can see the conflict in the Guardian’s eyes as he stares into the smoldering bowl.

“I am bound to the Temple… but I am not bound to El Jefe.”

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Lucha Underground: Reenter The Temple [CVERSE]

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