Lucha Underground Highlights, Backstage News On Chavo's Influence, Exec On Differences With WWE
- You can check out highlights from last night's episode of Lucha Underground in the video above.
- Chavo Guerrero is calling a lot of the shots behind the scenes at Lucha Underground. It is said to be similar to how Bully Ray's influence backstage in TNA was. In addition to being a senior agent in charge of laying out matches and finishes for most matches, Chavo is also a liaison between the boys and One Three Media, the production company behind the tapings.
Chavo also continued to push for the wrestlers to slow down and do more mat work at the final tapings for the year, even with the luchadores, who are more well known for the aerial style of wrestling. One source noted that Chavo was frustrated that younger wrestlers, as well as even Johnny Mundo (f.k.a. John Morrison), were going too fast and has been adamant that the match pacing slows down. They felt that the 44-year old Chavo was having trouble keeping up and a that a slower style worked to his benefit.
- As noted earlier, AAA talents Drago, Fenix Jr. and Pentagon Jr. missed the first set of Lucha Underground tapings due to visa issues. They will be appearing after the third episode airs next week. It will be interesting to see what style is emphasized in January when even more Mexican luchadores start to come in for the tapings, many of whom are not familiar with the more mat-based style. A source close to Chavo believes that he can quickly teach the luchadores to become acclimated to a more Americanized style.
- Rob Wolkenbrod of dailyddt.com recently interviewed Lucha Underground Executive Producer Eric Van Wagenen, which you can read here. During the interview, Wagenen discussed how the product differs from WWE and TNA.
"We want to bring a completely different look and feel to sports entertainment," said Van Wagenen. "We think that there are many wrestling fans who are looking for something fresh and different. WWE and TNA's focus is the live event business, whereas our focus is creating a compelling television series."