In just a few days the yearly sports entertainment extravaganza known as WrestleMania will invade the Bay Area. This year’s headliner will feature Brock Lesnar taking on Roman Reigns. With all things wrestling on the brain here at ‘LLERO we thought it was a good time to salute the Latino stars of today and yesteryear who paved the way for the next generation of Latino superstars in the WWE.
Pedro Morales
Often overlooked, this brawling Boricua had a very underrated career. Having held the then WWF (today known as the WWE) heavyweight championship title for 1,027 consecutive days (5th longest ever amongst professional wrestlers), Morales singlehandedly began to attract the Latino fan base to the WWF in the 70s. During his career he faced the best of the best with memorable showdowns against the likes of Bruno Sammartino, Don Muraco and Greg Valentine. Deservingly, he went on to become the very first Latino to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. Respect!
Signature Move: Due to the fact that there is no video of Don Pedro executing his signature move, ‘LLERO decided to give you the next best thing: The Boston Crab.
Titles Held: First Triple Crown Champion in WWE history; WWF United States Champion; WWF World Heavyweight Champion; WWF Tag Team Champion; Intercontinental Champion.
Tito Santana
Though “El Matador” never won anything above the Intercontinental Championship, Tito Santana was the Latino face of the WWF in the ‘80s and was more than able to hold his own against the top WWF superstars. He is also one of two wrestlers (including Hulk Hogan) to have appeared in the first nine WrestleMania events. He faced a who’s who of opponents from the Hulkster himself to The Undertaker. Known for throwing a fist up while yelling, “Arriba!” the Mexican-American wrestler became an instant fan favorite and icon to Latino communities who watched the WWF as religiously as I did as a child.
Signature Move: The Flying Forearm.
Titles Held: WWF Tag Team Champion; Intercontinental Champion.
Rey Mysterio
Honoring his heritage while paying homage to old school Lucha Libre traditions, Rey Mysterio wears his heart on, well, his mask. Since jumping on the scene in 1996 and debuting with the WWE in 2002, the diminutive, yet deadly masked “giant-killer” has captivated audiences with his high-flying, gravity defying maneuvers and Chicano flare.
Signature Move: 619 Kick
Titles Held: WCW Tag Team Champion; Cruiser Weight Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion; Intercontinental Championship; WWE Champion; World Heavyweight Championship.
Eddie Guerrero
Arguably the greatest Latino wrestler (his catchphrase was “Viva la raza!”) to have ever held court in the squared circle, Guerrero’s phenomenal talent came with personal demons. Eddie Guerrero’s greatest foe was simply himself. Frequently battling alcohol and drug abuse, the Mexican-American marauder whose catchphrase, “I Lie! I Cheat! I Steal!” often rang true as he simply got in his own way. Yet he still had more than his share of memorable moments during his run in the 90s and 00s including defeating the monstrous Brock Lesnar to win his first ever WWE Championship title. Rest In Power.
Signature Move: The Frog Splash.
Titles Held: WCW United States Heavyweight Champion; WCW Cruiserweight Champion; WWE European Champion; WWE Tag Team Champion; United States Champion; Intercontinental Champion; WWE Champion; ECW Champion.
Alberto Del Rio
Sure, the hombre is only a few years into his WWE tenure, but in a short span of time he’s advanced by leaps and bounds. Debuting in 2010, Del Rio quickly ascended to WWE Champion status in no time and is currently the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. I think it’s safe to say that the current Latino face of the WWE has a future as bright as the golden trunks he dons when competing. Del Rio will be putting his title on the line at this year’s WrestleMania when he takes on Jack Swagger, a victory that will certainly elevate him to a new level and audience.
Signature Move: The Cross Armbreaker.
Titles Held: WWE Champion; World Heavyweight Champion.
