Lucha Libre: Mexico’s wrestling heroes, premiered their new video game last weekend at the 2010 E3 convention in Los Angeles. I was lucky enough to be a part of it as their Ring Girl for the game.
These are STARS in Mexico. Here you wouldn’t know their face. In Mexico you would be lucky to even see their face. They do not remove their masks in public, as they are so famous they would be mauled “similar to Beatle-mania”. Their masks are a part of them, their character, their life, everything. Some are even buried in them. When they put on that mask everything transforms.
It is a cultural phenomenon that dates back to the 1920’s and is passed from generation to generation. Grandfathers, Fathers, Sons, Grandsons; they all fight. They are trained since childhood in the art of fighting, falling, landing and taking hits that would split most people’s livers.
This is real. It is not staged. The trained AAA fighting moves are similar in style so they know how to expect others to fall, but nothing is guaranteed. I have seen injuries while working with Lucha Libre that would send an ordinary man to the hospital.
Not even the audience is safe. Half of the battle is fought outside the ropes. The “Rudos” don’t always play by the rules, they use various objects in their fighting (chairs, signs, velvet ropes, etc.) It is expected of them and fans Eat It Up! Fifty percent of Lucha Libre is based on fan approval. The success of a Luchador is how you turn the crowd ON.
Fans purchase and wear masks of their favorite characters. The persona of the character is based around their mask and costume. For example, the famed luchador La Parka; wears a “Skeletor” type costume and comes out dancing to Thriller. The rest you have to see to believe.
Beating them at their own GAME!
Having a career in athletics and stunts, I was excited about being a part of this new game, Lucha Libre. I never dreamed I would be inside the ring, but as usual I was game. G4 television had me in the ring with Psycho Clown performing throws and flips. It was exhilarating. I GET IT. It made me want to be a Luchador-a!
Game launch is August 9, 2010 (8-9-10) for all consoles.
Jaimarie this was a wonderful article and very educational read it on my lunch break now all I can think of is playing this game. Oh and I love that you talked about La Parka he’s my favorite luchador he was so good in WCW.