Then, what is Lucha Libre?
The Mexican style of pro-wrestling. Loosely translated - "free-fight".
Lucha Libre is a mix of all styles: Submission wrestling, high flying, comedy,
and brawling. Lucha libre
is more than Mexican pro wrestling. There is an extraordinary level of artistic
expression through costuming and bravado performance. The morality play is
at work, with clear-cut heroes and villains engaged in a struggle enjoyed
by entire families - and it's common to see grandparents with their kids and
grandkids take up a whole row of seats at a show. Lucha libre's spirit spills
out of wrestling arenas and into popular action cinema, TV comedies and game
shows, comic books and porno novels, kids fashions, snack food, amusement
park rides, and anywhere else the image of a masked wrestling hero might look
good.
LEARN ABOUT LUCHA LIBRE
What are grounds for disqualification
in a match?
Pulling an opponent's mask off, low blowing your opponent, executing a "Martinete"
(Head First Move such as Piledriving or Tombstone), excessive punishment (rudisimo
excessivo), throwing your opponent over the top and onto his partners on the
floor.
Why are there two referees?
Its basically easier to keep track of the fast paced action of six luchadors,
especially the multiple/simultaneous submissions and pinfalls that typically
occur. Usually one referee
is a tecnico (clean) and the other likes the rudos (heels). It obviously adds
a bit of spirit to the match when one referee conveniently misses that low
blow thrown by the rudo and even greater triumph when caught in the act by
the techinco ref.
Why do they always have these
mask and hair matches?
Think of it as the equivalent to a Title vs Title match in North America,
as this invokes substantial fan interest (can you say ticket sales?). Masks
and Hair are more important than titles in Mexico. It is the ultimate in insult
to have lost your mask or your hair to your rival, as it marks clear superiority
by your opponent. In return, wrestlers will receive substantial payoffs when
losing their mask, usually the equivalent of one-years salary.
How are the rules different
from American style wrestling?
90% of the matches are 2 out of 3 falls and are six man tag matches called
Relevos australianos. There are 2 referees to keep track of all the action.
When you hit the floor your partner can come in and take over with no tag.
Before the match a captain is named. Each team has one captain and to end
a fall you have to either pin the captain or make him submit or pin the 2
other members of the team or make them submit. Single
fall matches are called Super Libre matches and the rules are basically the
same as the American style.
