Why Masks Are So Important To Lucha Libre Wrestling Culture, Explained
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In an interview with Los Angeles Times,Rey Mysterio had spoken regarding how he got involved in professional wrestling. He recalled watching his uncle wrestle, saying, “the crowd would go wild. And witnessing something very spectacular, filled with colorful outfits, capes and masks. So I wanted to be a part of this world right away. And the mask was one of the main reasons.” In lucha libre, a style of wrestling which originated in Mexico, the mask is one of the signature features of the style. While not every luchador wears one, everyone knows that the mask is something that holds an incredible amount of importance.
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The History And Meaning Behind The Mask In Lucha Libre
While lucha libre originated in the mid-1800s by Enrique Ugartechea, it was not until the 1930s when the mask was introduced to lucha libre. As the story goes, El Ciclón McKey was the first to don a mask in the ring. That first leather mask was created by a saddlemaker named Don Antonio Martinez. While McKey was American, the importance of the mask was quickly integrated into lucha libre. In addition, the mask came to also draw from Mexican heritage. Specifically, it drew from the traditions of the Aztecs and the Mayans, who were the indigenous people of Mexico.
As the lucha libre scene grew in Mexico, so did the number of luchadors who wore masks. They were not simply just a part of the act. They encompass an entire identity for someone. When luchadors are seen in public, they are seen in their masks. There is a strict divide between their private life and what fans get to see of them. El Santo, one of lucha libre’s biggest names, was even buried in his mask when he passed away in 1984. Throughout history, these masks have also been passed down through generations. Stella Kae of Cabra Sports stated, “Lucha Libre masks are considered sacred in Mexico, and mask vs mask matches carry more significance than world championship titles.”
To lose your mask is the worst thing that can happen to a luchador. Kae elaborates on this, saying, “to lose it is supposed to be like losing a piece of yourself. For some, it can be so humiliating that it signifies the end of their career…His mask, which symbolized his honor, is retired and cannot be used again.” In addition, one of the most disrespectful acts another luchador can do is to rip or remove the mask of another luchador.
Many Wrestlers Carry The History Of Lucha Libre Proudly
Throughout decades, fans have witnessed some of the most iconic masked luchadores in history reach major heights. Names such asEl Santo, Blue Demon, and Mil Máscaras are regarded as some of the biggest legends ever in Mexico. Rey Mysterio, Jr. is arguably the most famous masked wrestler to ever compete in WWE and is one of the most beloved wrestlers in the history of the company. In addition, competitors such as Penta El 0 M, Rey Fénix, Dragon Lee, Bandido, Dralístico, and many more all continue to proudly carry the tradition of the mask in professional wrestling today. The influence of the lucha libre mask has extended beyond Mexico as well. There have been countless wrestlers around the world who have adopted the lucha libre style and mask.
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Lucha Libre Makes An International Impact
With such a history and importance behind the mask in lucha libre, it is something that fans will only continue to see. Within Mexico, there are two major promotions. Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, or CMLL, has existed for just about as long as the lucha mask has and is the oldest active promotion in professional wrestling. In addition, there is also Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, or is it better known Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Both companies have relations with major promotions all around the world, which has helped to expose more audiences to the lucha libre style and culture.
The mask in lucha libre has in many ways taken on a life of its own for whoever wears the mask. Luchadores who wear the mask wear it with the utmost pride and honor, protecting it at all costs. Santos Escobar, who formerly wrestled as El Hijo Del Fantasma and inherited the mask from his father, said to Sports Illustrated (h/t 411Mania), “For the first 19 years of my professional career, I was wearing a mask. That comes with a very different style and a very different responsibility.” The lucha mask is iconic and one of the most recognizable features in all of professional wrestling, with an incredibly deep, interesting history and tradition behind it.
