While scrolling through X this afternoon, I came across a post from Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, and as it turns out, today is National Lucha Libre Day.
“Today, on National Lucha Libre Day, we proudly celebrate our tradition and all the members who are part of our family, wrestlers and fans alike,” AAA posted.
Back in 2016, our Claire Elizabeth reported that the Mexican Senate had officially declared September 21 as National Lucha Libre Day. The date honors the first show held by CMLL (then EMLL) on September 21, 1933 — an event widely considered the birth of lucha libre in Mexico.
I’ll admit, I never really got into lucha libre, despite growing up near the border. Sure, I’d catch it here and there. My favorite was Octagón because he looked like a ninja. I also loved the announcers shouting “¡El rudo! ¡El rudo! ¡El rudo!” whenever the villains bent the rules.
I became more familiar with lucha libre in the mid-’90s through WCW, which spotlighted cruiserweights like Rey Misterio Jr., Psicosis, and Juventud Guerrera. Although their athleticism was incredible, I was less drawn to the constant trios matches typical of Mexican lucha libre. I preferred singles action, which were harder to find on the shows I saw.
That changed with the arrival of Lucha Underground in 2014.
I never made it to “The Temple” in L.A., but I did catch an LU show at the 2016 Escondido Tamale Festival. That day, my wife and I enjoyed amazing food while watching Johnny Mundo, Penta, and my guy Mil Muertes tear it up.
Although it had a short run, Lucha Underground was something special — great wrestling, larger-than-life characters, and a cinematic style that felt fresh, thanks to filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. The show also gave fans a real taste of Mexican culture. Case in point: Grave Consequences — LU’s version of a casket match — perfectly captured the spirit of Día de los Muertos.
If I had known sooner, I would have gotten you all a present. To make up for it, I’ve included one of my favorite matches from Lucha Underground down below.
Wherever you are, Cagesiders, Happy National Lucha Libre Day! Tell me how you’re celebrating and give me a list of your favorite lucha stars, memories, or matches in the comments section.
