How Mexican Wrestling Has Influenced WWE – WWE is the biggest wrestling organization in the world and boasts fans from all corners of the globe. The most prestigious events are eagerly anticipated and feature the very best the sport has to offer. Although it can trace its history back decades and has taken inspiration from a range of wrestling hotspots, there is one that has had a particularly strong influence – and continues to do so in the present day.
The wrestling style that originated in Mexico and is more well-known as Lucha Libre is incredibly vibrant and exciting and it is easy to see the way it has influenced today’s WWE and other wrestling organizations. Literally meaning “free fight”, that spirit is present in the ring at any Lucha Libre event and has now been translated into the wider WWE arena.
With WWE becoming even bigger on a global scale, with sold out prestige events and featuring on the sportsbooks at Online Sports Betting, the future is undoubtedly bright. But any sport is nothing without its past and it is fair to say that the greatest wrestlers in the world owe some kind of debt to the stars and style of Lucha Libre.
The Look
It is not as if all Mexican wrestlers dress the same. Some of the most legendary grapplers of all time, such as Eddie Guerrero, have donned the more classic, basic, look and ended up beating all-comers in the process. But one of the most instantly recognizable traits of Lucha Libre – and the associated Luchadores – is the colorful masks and outfits on display.
The mask is hugely important to Lucha Libra culture and initially came from a desire to keep the fighter’s identity a secret. These days the style of the mask is much the same as it ever was but bright colors are used to brighten the spectacle further. Rey Mysterio is probably the most well-known mask-wearing fighter to feature in WWE and his traditional Mexican wrestling look proved so popular that there are now countless other examples.
Wrestling is such a visual treat that is not surprising that the Luchador look and style has proved popular. Anything that adds to the spectacle of WWE is always welcome and it is fair to say that this extravagant fashion style plays an important role in attracting more diverse audiences.
The Acrobatics
It is not as though WWE was never the thrill-a-minute spectacle we all know and love today. But much of the elaborate acrobatics and maneuvers come straight from the traditional Lucha Libre events. High-flying moves are commonplace in Mexican wrestling and WWE crowds have taken to techniques as they have been introduced over the years.
Once again, Rey Mysterio is credited with bringing many of the Lucha Libre techniques to WWE but there its influences can be seen in a range of other wrestlers. The drama and spectacle of these elaborate moves and grappling styles make events even more enjoyable for the fans and can add to the overall atmosphere.
The Events
WWE and most other wrestling events and organizations don’t really need any help in putting on a show. It is what the fans want to see and there are always favorite wrestlers and captivating storylines to boost enjoyment and involvement. But Mexican wrestling has definitely lent its traditions to the big events we see today – and nowhere more so than in the inclusion of multi-wrestler match-ups.
Tag team bouts are hugely popular and although they are not directly imported from the Mexican wrestling tradition, the introduction of even grander affairs are very much something that is beloved in Lucha Libre. Bringing a large number of wrestlers into the ring at any one time is always going to go down well with the crowd and the added drama is definitely something that is seen in Mexican wrestling.
High excitement and acrobatics are common in Mexican wrestling – Source: Unsplash
Viva Lucha Libre!
The way Mexican wrestling and Lucha Libre culture has influenced and added to American wrestling – and WWE in particular – cannot be overstated. The drama and spectacle of the big modern events come straight out of the playbook of traditional Mexican bouts. But the most special element of the relationship is that it is ever-evolving.
Mexican-American culture can be celebrated in the wrestling ring as the techniques, athleticism, and enhanced storytelling is transformed into something new that takes all the best bits from the past. The masks and costumes may be the most instantly recognizable aspect of Lucha Libre culture but it plays just one part of the spectacle.
Lucha Libre has always been embraced by WWE and the wider wrestling community and is an excellent example of how complementary cultures can learn from each other and go forward together to make things even better. WWE is lucky enough to draw inspiration from many different cultures and histories but one of the most important and impactful has been the Mexican style of Lucha Libre. Long may that continue!
