Lucha Libre Unmasked

The article presents a rock-solid argument, and it definitely clarified some of the cultural significance of lucha libre in Mexico, which I had long assumed but never had time to research.

However, I don’t think it’s completely fair to say that “is still a low-midcarder” in the WWE. He won the World Heavyweight Title at Wrestlemania in 2006, although this largely assumed to be a result of the WWE’s attempt to cash in on the death of Misterio’s close ally, (and fellow Latino American) Eddie Guerrero, the year before.

Tellingly, the mask Rey wore for his championship victory was a custom design by his wife, patterned after the designs of global luxury clothing brand Luis Vitton. 

Likewise, what I *do* think is worth pointing out is the deliberate effort to “re-brand” Misterio as as a Mexican-*American* in WWE—in particular, his signature moves are referred to as the 619 (a Tiger feint kick, named in reference to the area code of San Diego, CA, where Rey grew up) and the West Coast Pop (springboard hurricanrana, and obviously named to highlight his affiliation with California).

All of this seems to be a deliberate effort to move away from the Mexican origins of lucha libre—coded as parochial by an audience unfamiliar with its physical grammar, as noted in the essay.

Comment by Paolo Cruz from Pasig City, NCR, Philippines — January 31, 2007 @ 1:31 am