El Rey Network's Lucha Underground has to be the most loved, least (legally) watched show in wrestling history.
While the producers are hopefully working on ways to get the first season available to more viewers, the show's final episode - the two hour conclusion of Ultima Lucha - will air this Wednesday at 8PM Eastern. In advance of that, a video from one of the greatest things about LU, the kayfabe promoter Dario Cueto, has arrived.
And with all things El Jefe, it's awesome.
When Lucha Underground debuted last Fall, I was among many who rolled their eyes and said, "not another heel authority figure". Thirty plus shows of Cueto as an amoral, sniveling mastermind has changed everyone's opinion - and he rubs that in our faces while touting his numerous successes in the above video:
Almost ten months ago I told you that I had opened my doors to the best fighters from all over the world...to either kick ass, or get their ass kicked. And that is exactly what happened.
I told you that this is not a stadium where children can cheer for their heroes. Did I lie about that? No.
I told you this is a temple, my Temple, where we would honor ancient traditions like courage, athleticism and, my personal favorite, violence. Did El Jefe steer you wrong? No.
But despite the millions of believers that have witnessed my brilliance, there are millions more who doubted me, observers who claim they know what happens behind my Temple doors. Luchadors who say that they're worth more bucks than what I'm offering to pay, when they don't have the huevos to compete in my arena. And fans who cry that they're sick of authority figures...well - News Flash - Dario Cueto is the ultimate authority figure, and there's nothing you can do about it.
He also gets in some shots at his competitors (although a show without a contract for more episodes isn't really competition per se for WWE, but don't tell Dario that):
I am the man who has brought change to professional wrestling and made it exciting again. I have offered unique opportunites, and equal opportunities and now, I offer you, the greatest spectacle in the world of underground fighting. I call it Ultima Lucha. This isn't your granddaddy's wrestling show.
Our biggest worry is, of course, that there won't be more episodes of Lucha Underground after Wednesday. But El Jefe says there will be, and while I wouldn't say I trust him, I believe him, because...
And I make one more promise to you. After Ultima Lucha, there will be no more doubters. Because it will be the greatest night in the history of lucha libre. And, it's just the beginning.
How do I know?
Well, because I'm Dario Cueto.