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Penta El Zero M has enjoyed quite the successful run in AEW. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion and current AEW World Trios Champion, with Death Triangle partners PAC and his brother, Rey Fénix, has amassed a lot of popularity over the years. His impactful lucha libre style combined with endless charisma has made Penta a fan favorite very quickly. However, prior to joining AEW, he achieved notoriety and success in the Lucha Underground promotion. Going by the name Pentagon Jr., he became one of the most popular competitors in the entire company and showcased his talents to a whole new audience.
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Lucha Underground Was A Different Type of Wrestling Company
Debuting in 2014, Lucha Underground separated itself from other companies by embracing a gritty, cinematic style that was unlike anything else at the time. It brought some of the independent scene’s biggest stars and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide stars together, creating a truly unique product. A lot of big talent from Lucha Underground, including Fénix, Santos Escobar, Ricochet, Thunder Rosa, and many more would compete in the promotion and sign with bigger promotions following Lucha Underground’s shutdown in 2018. However, Pentagon Jr. was arguably the biggest star made in the promotion and achieved the most success in it.
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Pentagon Jr.'s Rise To The Top In Lucha Underground
Pentagon Jr. was one of the first AAA wrestlers to sign with the promotion and made his debut on the third episode of Season 1. Competing against Fénix and Drago, he would be unsuccessful in his first outing in the new promotion. He developed his catchphrase of “Cero Mideo” or “Zero Fear”, something that he continues to use to this day. Initially a heel, Pentagon went on a spree of breaking the arms of his opponents, referring to this as a sacrifice to his master. Following a weeks long feud with commentator Vampiro, the two competed in “Cero Miedo” match at Ultima Lucha. Following a bloody and violent match, and after breaking Vampiro’s arm, it was revealed that he had been Pentagon’s master the whole time.
In Season 2, Pentagon attacked reigning Lucha Underground Champion Mil Muertes, breaking his arm and thus becoming face in the process. He unsuccessfully challenged for the title in a match against Muertes and Prince Puma, and then again against Matanza Cueto where Pentagon was brutally dismantled and written off television. Afterwards, he returned with the Pentagon Dark persona after receiving further training from Vampiro. However, he was unsuccessful once again at Ultima Lucha Dos against Matanza. He then abandoned Vampiro and set out on his own.
Pentagon Jr. Becomes Lucha Underground Champion Twice
Season 3 saw Pentagon’s further pursuit to rebuild himself and finally claim the Lucha Underground Championship. He competed against the Black Lotus Triad, El Dragon Azteca Jr., and Rey Mysterio. At Ultima Lucha Tres, Pentagon defeated Son of Havoc in a ladder match to claim the Gift of the Gods Championship, which he could cash in for a Lucha Underground Championship match. Ultima Lucha Tres closed with Pentagon cashing in on Prince Puma, following his defeat of Johnny Mundo, and winning the Lucha Underground Championship. It also saw the reunion of Pentagon and Vampiro.
In Season 4, Pentagon retained his title against 19 other competitors in Aztec Warfare, a royal rumble style match where you are eliminated by pinfall or submission. He also defeated Cage, Matanza, and Hernandez. He would lose the title to Marty “The Moth” Martinez on the September 19, 2018 episode but became number one contender a week later after winning a four way match. His final match before Ultima Lucha Cuatro was against Reclusa.
Ultima Lucha Cuatro had Pentagon face Martinez once again in a “Cero Miedo” match. Once again, it was violent and bloody, seeing both wrestlers go to war for the championship. In the end, Pentagon won, with Vampiro handing him the title. However, Jake Strong would cash in the Gift of the Gods Championship, just like Pentagon had on Prince Puma, to win the title and close the show. Lucha Underground shutdown following the show.
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Lucha Underground Helped Make Pentagon Jr. A Star
Pentagon gained acclaim during his time in the promotion, even getting featured in Rolling Stone. He gained a fan following and was consistently over throughout his time in the promotion. “Cero Miedo” is still chanted throughout arenas to this day.
The momentum that Pentagon had gained while in Lucha Underground would catapult him to more promotions and more championships. He competed in PWG and Impact Wrestling before signing with AEW and also competing in AAA. His time in Lucha Underground made him a star for years to come.
