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Lucha libre

For over 60 years, Arena México has been considered the Cathedral of Lucha Libre in Mexico and the world. Originally designed to accommodate just over 17,000 people, over the years the capacity has been reduced to only 13,700 seats.

Salvador Lutteroth González, known as the father of Mexican lucha libre, was responsible for closing the old Arena México – now a parking lot – to proceed with the construction of the current building. Francisco Bullman directed the construction of the new venue, having previously directed the Arena Coliseo on Perú Street and participated in the construction of the Torre Latinoamericana.

It was inaugurated on April 27, 1956, with Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” as the godfather and a star-studded lineup featuring El Santo and Médico Asesino against Blue Demon and Rolando Vera, with the former emerging as the victors. Thousands of battles have been fought in its ring – five per week – featuring legendary wrestlers such as Espectro, Cavernario Galindo, Huracán Ramírez, Rayo de Jalisco, Atlantis, Último Guerrero, Mil Máscaras, Conan, and many more. It is said that no matter how tough or skilled you are, if you haven’t wrestled in Arena México, you’re not a true luchador.

The Cathedral is also the birthplace of future wrestling stars, such as the Nueva Generación Dinamita. Inside, the Lucha Libre School trains aspiring wrestlers under the guidance of teachers like Arturo Beristain, Arkángel, and Tony Salazar, considered one of the best in the world.

Arena México is an iconic venue where all the rules are broken and social classes disappear, where every fight feels like the end of a war and hearts race with every presentation. Experience an epic battle with the best food at Arena México, including Freedom, a recent buffet service offered for a more comfortable and private event experience. It is full of colors, legendary battles, and fans from all over the world who give their all with cheers, screams, and the occasional insult.

 

History of Lucha Libre

Lucha Libre is a style of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico in the early 20th century. The sport is characterized by its high-flying moves and acrobatics, as well as the colorful masks worn by the wrestlers. The masks are an integral part of the sport, often representing the wrestler’s persona and symbolizing their commitment to the craft.

Lucha Libre gained popularity in Mexico in the 1930s, thanks in large part to Salvador Lutteroth González, who organized the first wrestling events in the country. Lutteroth’s events featured masked wrestlers, many of whom became household names, and he is often credited with creating the modern version of Lucha Libre.

Over the years, Lucha Libre has become a cultural phenomenon in Mexico and other parts of the world. It has inspired comic books, movies, and video games, and has even been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

One of the key figures in the development of Lucha Libre was Salvador Lutteroth González, who is often referred to as the father of Mexican wrestling. Lutteroth was a wrestling promoter who organized some of the earliest wrestling events in Mexico. He founded the Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (Mexican Wrestling Enterprise) in 1933, which helped to popularize the sport and turn it into a national obsession.

In the early days of Lucha Libre, the sport was largely dominated by American wrestlers, who were known for their brawling style and their use of weapons in the ring. However, Mexican wrestlers soon began to develop their own unique techniques and moves, which emphasized agility, speed, and acrobatics.

One of the most iconic figures in the history of Lucha Libre is El Santo, who was a masked wrestler who competed from the 1940s until the 1980s. El Santo became a national hero in Mexico and was known for his incredible athleticism and his signature silver mask. Other legendary wrestlers who helped to popularize the sport include Blue Demon, Mil Mascaras, and Rey Misterio Sr.

Over the years, Lucha Libre has become an integral part of Mexican culture, with wrestling events drawing huge crowds and generating a lot of excitement and buzz. The sport has also spread to other parts of the world, with Lucha Libre events now taking place in countries like the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

The sport was heavily influenced by American professional wrestling, but over time, it developed its own unique style and identity.

 

The future of Arena México

Arena México continues to be a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of Lucha Libre in Mexico. It has been a witness to countless historic battles, and its walls hold memories that will last a lifetime.

As the sport continues to evolve, Arena México remains a vital part of the Lucha Libre landscape. The venue has undergone renovations over the years, but it still retains its classic charm and atmosphere. Today, the Arena México is not just a place to watch wrestling matches, but also a cultural center that hosts a variety of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and other performances.

Looking ahead, the future of Arena México seems bright. With a new generation of wrestlers emerging, and a growing international audience, Lucha Libre is poised to continue its legacy of thrilling performances and unforgettable moments. And as long as there are fans who love the sport, the Arena México will continue to be a vital part of the Lucha Libre community, both in Mexico and around the world.

The Arena Mexico is not just a wrestling venue, it’s a cultural institution that has played an important role in shaping Mexican identity and popular culture. It’s a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to watch some of the most exciting and thrilling wrestling matches in the world. With its rich history and tradition, the Arena Mexico will continue to be a beloved landmark in Mexico City and a symbol of the enduring popularity of Lucha Libre.

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