I've been blessed with a career where I get to travel and have conversations with the artists and people who drive the art forms I dedicated my life to observing. I've been to Japan for Star Wars, I've crossed America for Comic Books and Pro Wrestling. Now I've traveled to Mexico for Lucha Libre.
Admittedly, my relationship with Lucha Libre is new and it started directly because of AEW’s international partnership with El Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, known as CMLL. The world's oldest operating wrestling promotion.
In early 2024, the stars of CMLL officially arrived in AEW after some preliminary crossovers in 2023. I was blown away, not just by the athleticism that we have come to expect from the world's finest luchadors. But, particularly, the technical wizardry of the master known as Hechicero.
Not long after his debut in AEW, Hechicero faced off against Bryan Danielson. Two of the World’s greatest technical wrestling masters. I thought I had seen it all but Hechicero was using moves and transitions I had never even imagined before.
I was completely taken. I needed more. I paid for CMLL’s YouTube subscription service at the Fan Leyenda tier and I never looked back. I have been watching weekly ever since. By the time CMLL announced they were doing a crossover event with THE POKEMON COMPANY of all places, I knew I had found a new home for my heart.
Fast forward two years. My Lucha Libre fever is at a peak. I’m not as knowledgeable as say, someone like the legendary Lucha fan Roy Lucier. But I have a collection of masks. I watch the shows and have rotated CMLL into Dirt Sheet Radio’s regular coverage.
I spread the word in American wrestling circles as best I can because I genuinely think CMLL is one of the most fun pro wrestling experiences you could have at home right now.
But it was time to take it one step further. It was time to visit the Cathedral in person and baptize myself in the religious experience that is an Arena Mexico Lucha Libre event.
Mexico is a beautiful country full of rich history, culture, hardworking people and gorgeous architecture. I wasn't prepared for how familiar everything would seem. I'm a New Yorker from the Bronx. As it turns out, that foundational multi-cultural experience was more useful than I ever could've imagined.
My Spanish is about 40% fluent but I understand it pretty perfectly so I never really had an issue with the language barrier. My experience may not be exactly the same as yours but Mexico City is VERY accommodating to Americans.
There is nothing in the world like Arena Mexico. But before I can even get into the building, we have to talk about the unbelievable vendor experience outside.
For starters Technically these are knock offs and technically you're not supporting the actual luchadors when you buy from these vendors. HOWEVER, the selection of masks, shirts, toys, posters, old magazines and assorted trinkets is absolutely incredible. You will be tempted to spend all of your money. I personally filled up my bag to the brim and spent more money than I'd like to admit.
You're fighting traffic and squeezing your way through a crowd of thousands but it is a MUST EXPERIENCE part of the trip when you're going to watch a Lucha Libre show at Arena Mexico
After you get passed security in the front of the building, you're treated to a culture rich tapestry of artwork in the lobby by the merchandise stands.
Beautiful Mexican artwork with mask designs of legends gone by. The stands themselves may not seem like much compared to the vendor experience outside but there are enough exclusive items with CMLL official patches that you won't be able to leave the arena without at least a Mask or T-shirt.
Of course, once you get down to the nitty gritty and get into the arena where the action takes places, it's off to the races. You are in for some of the greatest in ring action you will ever see in person.
You can expect this kind of high octane, top speed Lucha action on a weekly basis. But I was here for a special week in the year. Semana Internacional or International Week.
AEW is in town for their annual Grand Slam: Mexico event. The only American TV Wrestling company to ever run events in Arena Mexico, let alone broadcast live. CMLL, MLW and New Japan Pro Wrestling also send talent over for the CMLL Men’s Grand Prix, which is one of CMLL’s biggest events of the year. 11 men represent Mexico. 11 men represent the rest of the World. They face off in a Torneo Cybernetico style elimination match.
There is also a preliminary Tuesday show that features the best of each promotion facing off in interpromotional matches. I was allowed to attend all three events.
Watching from home, you can tell it's a great time to be in the audience at Arena Mexico. But you really don't know exactly how incredible the atmosphere is until you attend a Friday Night Viernes Spectacular event. The regulars in the building are UNBELIEVABLY loud and passionate.
The sound of thousands of women screaming when Soberano Jr comes down the steps will genuinely shake your core. As will the roar of the crowd when Hechicero wins the 2026 CMLL Grand Prix by defeating the evil European Foreigners, gaining revenge for Mexico’s loss to Europe during the World Cup.
Because I understand Spanish, I can hear the sometimes outrageous things said by hecklers and even supportors which would never get by in an American audience. The difference in live event culture is wonderful. I hope the continued interest in international expansion never gets in the way of the freedom these people feel to express themselves.
(There was a small period where another international promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling, made some changes to pacify western fans and that was not taken very well by the fanbase or wrestlers.)
Ultimately, I left Arena Mexico knowing two things.
1) Every wrestling fan needs to do this once in their life time.
2) But once was not enough for me. No matter what else happens in this life of mine. I need to come back.
Until then, gracias CMLL. Gracias, Arena Mexico. 🇲🇽