Table of contents:
- Mexican Wrestling Introduction
- Mexican Wrestling from the Very Beginning
- The Legacy of Corbin James Massey
- Mexican Wrestling: Brief Contemporary Context
- The Lucha Libre Mexico Experience
- Famous Luchadores You Need to Know!
- The Wrestlers (Luchadores) Masks
- Rudos vs Técnicos
- Movies to Introduce You to Mexican Wrestling
- Lucha Libre in Mexico Conclusion
- Informative video
Mexican Wrestling Introduction
When we think of Mexico, we may think only of its beaches or its food, which is fine. However, let’s not forget that Mexico is also a cradle of athletes who have left an amazing legacy around the world. One of the sports that has the most tradition and legacy is definitely Mexican Wrestling (Lucha Libre). Without a doubt, this show combines the best of Mexican culture and folklore.
To begin with, it starts with an interesting story of its great origin, and then, it begins to mix with unique Mexican details that make this show something unique and memorable that every lover of the sport and art, should experience at least once in a lifetime.
Every moment you live inside the Arena is something very special that you will enjoy for a lifetime. The screams, the atmosphere, the acrobatics, everything is perfect to spend an incredible night with friends in Mexico City or in any other part of the Mexican Republic.
Besides, you can buy very original souvenirs that will make you want to jump from the third rope and have the time of your life. No matter what it is, if it’s t-shirts, masks, hats, stickers, anything you find related to Mexican wrestling, anyone will love it. Without further ado, let’s start this adventure through the ring, from the beginnings of wrestling, the origin of the masks, to the importance of this sport in Mexico today. Welcome and let’s fight!
Mexican Wrestling from the Very Beginning
In 1863, Enrique Ugartechea invented and designed what we will know later as Mexican Wrestling (Lucha Libre). The cornerstones of this sport are the Greco-Roman wrestling fundaments that Enrique brought to Mexico. He is considered the first Mexican wrestler and the pioneer of this beautiful artistic spectacle. Check out this article to know more about Enrique Ugarcheta.
One of the greatest factors distinguishing this spectacle is the mask (we will talk about that later). However, it is important to highlight some facts to understand its historical importance. For example, one of the most important and interesting facts is that the first masked wrestler was not Mexican. Cyclone Mickey (Corbin James Massey) was an American wrestler starting to become a professional in Texas. Later, he came to try his luck in Mexico, where he immortalized the sport entirely.
The mask already had previous antecedents in the US. The Masked Marvel had a fleeting passage in 1915. His mask didn’t look like a wrestler’s, at least compared to the ones we have today. But 20 years later, Corbin James Massey would cement a new vision for masked warriors.
The Legacy of Corbin James Massey
Corbin James was already a professional wrestler in the 1930s. He was pretty agile and strong. During a match in Texas, he caught the eye of Salvador Lutteroth, the leading promoter of Mexican wrestling. Lutteroth brought Corbin to Mexico City, and in September 1933, he made his debut in the old Arena Mexico.
A year later, Corbin returned to the arena to wrestle. Corbin did not want to be recognized on his return, so he commissioned wrestlers’ boot designer Antonio Martinez to make him a mask. Sometime later, he opted for a mask that would allow him to see and fight more efficiently.
Corbin, who became later Cyclone Mackey, saw difficulties with the first prototype. Antonio Martinez wanted nothing more to do with the mask then. The seams hurt Mackey’s face, and he convinced his designer to make other attempts.
Finally…
The seams of the new prototype were vital to the wrestler since some of its structure is still respected today. He then fought under the pseudonym of the Masked Marvel. A year later, he returned to the States and lost his mask in a fight. However, his legacy transcended being the first masked wrestler in the history of Mexico. Did you have any idea about this? Many Mexicans still don’t know it, but it’s a mix of originality and tradition!
Mexican Wrestling: Brief Contemporary Context
There are several iconic figures in Mexican cultural history. One of them is El Santo, a famous wrestler (luchador) who was a real star back in his time. He starred in many movies, such as El Santo Contra las Momias and El Santo Contra las Mujeres Vampiro.
Since the EMLL (Mexican Wrestling Enterprise) appearance in 1933, national wrestling—Lucha libre—has been at the top of entertainment in Mexico. Numerous acrobatic trips, black comedy and drama elements, and sometimes even elaborate choreography united in this unique show whose magic is still there for us to grasp.
In most cases, people in North America relate this wrestling to the WWE in the United States. Nevertheless, the Mexican Lucha Libre is older and it’s the most artistic, colorful, and impressive experience ever.
It is an extravagant way to see acrobatics and artistic movements on a higher and more extreme level. For example, a luchador (wrestler) can bring his mask into play in a memorable fight. If the other luchador is also masked, it is called mask versus mask; if the opponent is unmasked, it is called mask versus hair.
The loser of the match will be forced to give up his or her mask or, if not wearing a mask, will have to shave the head. The stakes are higher for the masked luchador because he can never wear his mask again once unmasked.
The Lucha Libre Mexico Experience
One of the things that distinguish Mexicans from other nationalities is their passion. You can see it at the stadiums, in concert halls, and, of course, during Lucha libre.
Thousands of visitors can come to those matches after a casual working day. But they come not only to watch the fight. Mexicans want to wind up some stress and relieve the pressure. The outcome of the match typically means nothing to most of them.
Instead, the important thing is being there, supporting their favorite wrestlers, relaxing, and having a good time. Folklore and tradition will remain forever at every fight you appreciate in Mexico. You can also visit the MULLME Museo de La Lucha Libre Mexicana in Tijuana. You can have an amazing experience there and feel like a real wrestler, take photographs, and do many other cool things!
🤼 Have fun and enjoy our Lucha Libre Mexico tours:
- Lucha Libre Tour Mexico City: Plus Delicious Pulque and Tacos (5h)
- Mexican Wrestling Mexico City: Watch Incredible Luchadores Plus Cantina (5h)
Famous Luchadores You Need to Know!
Since ancient times, in Rome, it was pretty usual to watch gladiator combats. Ever since, people have wanted to feel a spectacle full of passion and glory. These guys are examples of gladiators who have put the name of Mexico in the highest of wrestling. Have a look at them:
- Mistico
- Mil Mascaras
- Rayo de Jalisco
- El Huracán Ramírez
- Alberto del Río
- La Parka
- Octagón
- Perro Aguayo
- El Santo
- Blue Demon
- Rey Mysterio (born in the U.S, but with Mexican roots).
The Wrestlers (Luchadores) Masks
The most iconic detail of Mexican wrestling is its attire, with a mask being the most essential part. The current design of the masks is often inspired by pre-Hispanic patterns. This has a historic reason as Aztec warriors went to war with their faces painted, often resembling sacred animals such as jaguars or coyotes.
The masks portray Mexico and express the personality of the wrestler wearing them. Mexican Wrestling masks have recently become one of the most valued souvenirs. Hence, you can buy them almost everywhere – in the shopping mall, at the traffic lights, or even from a newspaper stall in the street.
Rudos vs Técnicos
Mexican wrestlers (known as “luchadores “) are divided into two major groups: rudos and técnicos (“rude and technical”). Rudos are baddies who play at the edge of the rules, commit fouls, and bring discord to the show. Meanwhile, técnicos have acrobatic moves and impressive skills, always fighting with honor and a great dose of spectacularity. It’s a never-ending battle of good and evil between those doing things right and those who don’t mind taking a shortcut to victory.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who you support, it’s all about having some fun and just enjoy how locals start shouting funny stuff. I recommend you to learn some Mexican slang to fully understand some of the things they shout. Trust me, it’s super funny to hear everyone there. You will love it!
Movies to Introduce You to Mexican Wrestling
Movies are a popular way to understand a little bit more about cultures. In this case, it can give you a perspective about tradition and culture in Mexican wrestling. Here are some famous movies about Lucha Libre in Mexico:
- Super Nacho
- La bestia magnífica (1953)
- Sombra vengadora vs. La mano negra (1956)
- Santo vs las mujeres vampiro (1962)
- Arañas infernales (1968)
- Las momias de Guanajuato (1972)
- Santo y Blue Demon contra el Dr. Frankestein (1974)
Conclusion
As you can see, Mexico has a tradition in many things, and one of them, is sports. In this case, sports and art combines in an incredible way. Mexican wrestling is about the show, risky landings, and acrobatic moves. It is where Mexicans go to chant to prove that life is more than an 8-hour day shift. Indeed, you need to experience this at least once in a lifetime.
It is a place where locals find themselves surrounded by same-minded people who put aside their problems for at least a couple of hours. In fact, there is a song called Los Luchadores by the famous Mexican group La Sonora Santanera. As you can see, Lucha Libre in Mexico is extremely important to Mexican culture. It is on Mexican cinema, music, nightlife, and identity.
This is a place to enjoy a glass of beer, have some family time, and watch people fighting with a delicate balance between a choreographic show and soap opera drama. Which is honestly pretty cool.
Also, you can let off steam and shout absolutely anything you want in English and Spanish (no worries, nobody is going to judge you 🙊). There’s nothing better than practicing your Spanish in las luchas! It’s a beautiful show that you can’t miss if you are in Mexico. This is the place where Mexicans find themselves, and of course, it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can find yourself too. Tell us in the comment section if you haver ever been to a Mexican wrestling spectacle. Would you like to experience one? There’s a warrior in you waiting to fight!