ME GUSTA LUCHA LIBRE

Lucha Libre (free fighting) originates from Olympic wrestling. The sport, which began enchanting Mexican fans since the 1930s, has undergone a drastic transformation from its once structured Olympic origin. It is now, in essence, a down-n-out dirty dog fight and the rules (if any) are strange and difficult to understand. However, having educated myself via the film, “Nacho Libre”, I’m beginning to see the simplicity of it all: beat your opponent into submission.

The Luchadores (wrestlers) are mysterious warriors, concealing their true identities with multicolored masks. This is the appeal, the mystery and the excitement that has attracted legions of followers to the fantastical world of Lucha Libre.

Unbeknownst to me, until recently, a weekly Lucha Libre grudge match is being played out under my roof. Last Sunday, I had the privilege of witnessing the high-flying acrobatic moves of two novice Luchadores. (In order to protect the Luchadores’ identity I will refer to them only as: Mo-Dawg and Cuz the Fuz.) Wearing simple black and white furry masks, a departure from the tradition of a flashier concealer, these lightweight wrestlers prepared for a smack-down.

Here is the play-by-play:

Caged upon arrival, Mo-Dawg clawed at the bars ready for the attack. Cuz the Fuz anxiously paced the grounds preparing for Mo-Dawg’s eminent release. Upon the referee’s approval, Mo-Dawg sprang from her cage pouncing on Cuz the Fuz. Cuz the Fuz retaliates with a classic “rana” (a pinning position in which you hold the opponents shoulders on the mat using your legs, blocking his legs with your arms). Mo-Dawg uses agility to her advantage and turns the table on Cuz the Fuz; she squirms out of the pin, jumps on the sofa and comes at her opponent with a “plancha” (a dive move onto your opponent from above with your full body). Cuz breaks free and gives Mo a standard “tope” (head-butt). Angered, Mo emerges with an illegal move, “the Mike Tyson ear nibble”. Cuz, using her height advantage, dislodges from Mo’s menacing grip, then using her head, Cuz lifts Mo up and body slams her to the ground.

The audience is stunned. A series of “ooo’s” and “aww’s” and a couple “hey, stop’s” resonates from ring side. Alert to the crowd’s uneasiness, the two warriors withdraw to their individual niches.

Upon sensing the crowd’s relief over their retreat, the Luchadores stealthily wage an all out assault. A sequence of aerial moves, acrobatic maneuvers and intricate combinations of throws and holds commences in a rapid-fire succession. The action spills out of the ring and into the first row of the audience, at which point, the match was brought to an end for fear of audience’s safety.

No winner was declared that day, since both Lucadores were disqualified for administering illegal moves.

I am told that this battle is a regular Sunday occurrence. I have also been informed that these fine Lucadores (pictured below) outside the ring do not despise each other; in fact these warriors have a great admiration and mutual respect for one another.

VIVA LA PUCHA LIBRE!

Mo-Dawg(top) vs. Cuz the Fuz (bottom)