On October 29, 2012, González defeated Andy Levine to win the Universal championship. This title rekindled the feud with Colón who unsuccessfully challenged him, but lead to a stipulation that Rivera, who had entered the promotion after the IWA closed, would serve as special referee during their next match at Lockout. Colón Sr. sided with González in this angle, scoring a win over his son, a returning Figueroa and "Barrabás" López. An additional hair vs. hair match was subsequently added. In the meantime, González successfully defended the title against Levine twice. At Lockout, lost the match to Colón after Rivera turned on him, starting a new angle. Their first encounter as won by the returning persona of Rey Fénix, which was adopted only for this match. González continued a two-way feud with Rivera and Colon, defeating the latter but losing in tag team action after joining Victor Jovica. After Rivera won a rematch, González retained the title in another encounter. Colón also lost an opportunity for the championship, but was joined by several other heels in an assault that concluded when Thunder and Lightning intervened on his behalf.