MEXICO CITY (AP) — He’s everywhere: around stadiums, on the streets, drinking beer in bars. The anonymous masked wrestler became one of the world’s defining images. world cup In Mexico, it is often seen among crowds of Lucha Libre enthusiasts.
travelers from all over the world We have lost the magic of a sport that, along with soccer, is a national passion. Inside the wrestling fortress, they will forget about the football frenzy for a few hours and experience a unique evening. as Spain played a tough match against Uruguay. Tens of thousands of fans watched another epic showdown in Guadalajara. Místico and Mascara Dorada vs. Beast Moltos and Sammy Guevara at the iconic Arena Mexico, also known as the Cathedral of Lucha Libre.
“It was just amazing. It was so much fun,” said Andy Winston, from Manchester. Andy Winston has traveled with his family to all three World Cup host countries – Canada, the US and now Mexico – while supporting England. “You can’t come to Mexico and not come see Lucha Libre. It’s a great tradition and a classic.”
Fans cheered in the stands and cheered on their favorite players wearing sports jerseys from various national teams, including England, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Colombia, Spain and, of course, Mexico. Enrique Nunez dos Santos from Brazil said: “It was a great night, much better than I could have imagined.” “Everything connects with the spectacle as if it were real.…There’s a huge energy.”
Pro wrestling with Mexican DNA
Mexican Lucha Libre dates back to the early 20th century. The style combines techniques from American and Greco-Roman wrestling with elements of aerial acrobatics and performance. Soon, this unique combination developed its own identity and became part of the country’s DNA. It was declared part of Mexico City’s cultural heritage in 2018.
“Lucha Libre is in our roots. For almost 93 years, Lucha Libre has been part of our Mexican people and a calling card for Mexicans,” explained World Wrestling Council spokesperson Julio Cesar Rivera.
The match is based on the eternal struggle between good, also known as tecnico, and evil, which takes the form of “rudos” (bad guys) in the ring. In the ring, they blend sports, theater, and tradition. Of particular note are the iconic mask.
Masks are often vibrant and colorful, but sometimes intimidating, depicting superheroes, animals, and other iconic figures. Rather than simply hiding their faces, wrestlers embody alter egos, cultural heritage, and mystical powers within the ring. As a result, each mask is meticulously designed to convey a unique visual language rich in personal and cultural significance.
The gladiator is protected by a mask, takes on a secret identity, and becomes a symbol of the nation. Therefore, to protect their mystery, they rarely reveal their real names.
“Lucha Libre is my life,” said the 30-year-old wrestler known as Star Black. As a child, he helped his grandparents sell masks at a small local store. “I started getting obsessed with masks, capes, aerial maneuvers, Lucha Libre moves, and one day I decided to try training.” He then became an idol himself.
Soccer fans succumb to the magic of the ring
Lucha Libre is already popular attraction The arrival of the world’s biggest soccer event has seen masks and impromptu brawls spill out of the ring among tourists visiting Mexico.
With prices rising in other countries, Mexico has become a popular base for tourists to stay before traveling to watch teams play in other host countries, said José Ángel Garfías Frias, a lucha libre expert at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
“Lucha Libre was already popular, but because of the World Cup, the arenas are even more crowded, and you can see many tourists wearing jerseys and shirts of their national teams,” Garfias said.
Around Mexico’s stadiums, masks rival the number of national flags, with vendors proudly displaying both. FIFA safety regulations prohibit the wearing of masks inside the stadium, but fans were seen wearing them anyway. FIFA referred to the code of conduct in response to a request for comment, but did not respond to subsequent questions about enforcement.
Garfias said the two national sports have had a close relationship for decades. One of the best-known examples is Gabriel Pereira, the Argentine soccer player who famously donned a Místico mask after scoring a goal for Mexican club Cruz Azul. Figures like America Salvaje also stand out in the ring. Inspired by Club America, the iconic 1970s wrestler wore a mask featuring the team’s colors.
“Lucha Libre is Mexican. It’s part of our identity. And it’s as popular as soccer,” said Claudio Diaz, one of the many masked men who took to the streets of the capital to celebrate Mexico’s second victory and a place in the finals.
And even though soccer remains the country’s absolute passion, for many, Lucha Libre, regularly visited on Friday nights by die-hard fans of all kinds, has become a truer reflection.
“I don’t think soccer represents us Mexicans that much. Lucha Libre represents us even more,” said wrestler Dragon Legendario. “People from all walks of life come here, from grandmas to businessmen to women who own small restaurants. We have fans of all kinds.”
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