Promo Azteca
Acronym | AZTECA(S) |
---|---|
Founded | 1995 |
Defunct | 1998 |
Style | Professional wrestling Lucha libre Hardcore wrestling |
Headquarters | Tijuana |
Founder(s) | Fuerza Guerrera (PROMELL) Konnan (AZTECA) |
Owner(s) | Konnan Jorge Rojas |
Parent | TV Azteca |
Formerly | Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre |
Promo Azteca (AZTECA, originally known as Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre, PROMELL) was a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Tijuana, Mexico, by Fuerza Guerrera in 1995. It was taken over by Konnan and Jorge Rojas the following year and was home to many of the luchadors wrestling for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the late-1990s.[1][2]
Promo Azteca sought to become the third national wrestling promotion in Mexico with the support of Televisión Azteca, the country's second-largest television network; however, WCW eventually withdrew its support and banned luchadors under WCW contract from working for Promo Azteca. Promo Azteca was unable to recover from this loss and closed at the end of 1998.
History
[edit]Promo Azteca had its origins in 1995 under the Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre banner owned by Fuerza Guerrera. Guerrera initially co-promoted shows with AAA until selling the company that same year to Konnan, Jorge Rojas and the TV Azteca network. In October 1996, Konnan left AAA after a falling out with owner Antonio Pena and brought a number of its younger stars with him[3][4][5] including, most notably, Juventud Guerrera, Rey Misterio Jr., Super Calo, La Parka and Psicosis.[6][7][8]
Many were competing in World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) new cruiserweight division at the time and shared much of Konnan's frustrations with AAA's management over money. These luchadors were on limited contracts in WCW which meant they were paid only for the nights they worked rather than receiving a yearly salary. Once leaving the AAA, however, this left them with a lot of spare time and few opportunities to work in Mexico. One of the key reasons Konnan took over Promo Azteca was to establish a place where he and other luchadors could compete when they were not wrestling in the United States. WCW agreed to let those under contract continue wrestling in their native country when they were not needed at live events. He and Rojas envisioned these wrestlers as Promo Azteca's main stars.[6]
Notable talent
[edit]In addition to the former AAA talent that followed Konnan to Promo Azteca, older veterans such as Angel Azteca, Blue Panther, Cien Caras, Máscara Año 2000 and Universo Dos Mil were also involved.[9] In early 1997, Konnan formed a version of the New World Order with Damián 666, Halloween, Psicosis and Los Villanos (Villano IV and Villano V).[10] Other WCW luchadors to regularly appear in Promo Azteca included El Dandy, Hector Garza, Lizmark Jr. and Norman Smiley.[8]
The promotion featured a number of then-unknown wrestlers who would become major stars in Mexico and the United States during the next decade, including Ephesto (then known as Pantera del Ring), Mr. Águila, Toscano, Último Guerrero, Último Rebelde, and El Zorro. Super Crazy, in particular, was considered the standout star of its cruiserweight division. He rose to prominence during a feud with Venum Black,[11] which culminated on March 6, 1997 in a "mask vs. hair" Lucha de Apuestas, or "bet match", that Super Crazy won,[12] and later found success in the U.S. with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).[8][13]
Some visiting Japanese wrestlers made their first appearances in Mexico with Promo Azteca such as CIMA, Kaz Hayashi and Yoshihiro Tajiri.[8]
Style and television
[edit]Promo Azteca was presented as a "rebel" wrestling promotion, similar to Extreme Championship Wrestling in the United States.[7] It is notable for introducing "hardcore wrestling" and other elements of American-style pro wrestling to Mexican audiences. One of these, the one-fall match, was later adopted by AAA.[8] Promo Azteca had the support of TV Azteca,[14][15] one of the largest networks in Mexico,[6] and from which the promotion's name was derived. TV Azteca was eager to compete against Televisa, which aired both AAA and CMLL television programming.[16][17] Its American counterpart ECW, on the other hand, struggled for years to secure a spot on a U.S. television network. Promo Azteca's televised events aired weekly on Friday nights from October 1996[18] to March 1998.[19] Promo Azteca TV was reportedly set to resume after the 1998 FIFA World Cup, but the show did not return to television.[20] Though it did not air in the U.S., the series was covered by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Role in the Mexican and U.S. promotional wars
[edit]I had amassed so much talent in my promotion, which was called Promo Azteca, because I changed the way wrestling was shot, I changed the way wrestling was produced. I was doing a lot of stuff, like, instead of the best 2-out-of-3 falls, which is very corny to me, I would only do one fall. I was just really revolutionizing the product so all the young guys really wanted to be with me, plus I had access into WCW. So I was basically cherry-picking the best wrestlers from both promotions [AAA and CMLL] and, I mean, I almost put Peña out of business. Almost. And for the first time in more than 70 years, Paco Alonso, the owner of Arena Mexico, had to give out guaranteed contracts which he'd never done in his career. So both of them had an axe to grind with me and so when Eric made me close up shop, you know, some wrestlers went [back] to either company [but] some wrestlers were never able to get work. And I was like the "Lee Harvey Oswald" [of lucha libre], you know what I'm saying?
At the time of Promo Azteca's founding, a major promotional war was being fought between Mexico's two major promotions: AAA and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).[22] The emergence of a "renegade" promotion such as Promo Azteca added to an already chaotic situation in the world of lucha libre. Promo Azteca enjoyed an exclusive partnership with World Championship Wrestling,[23] partially due to Konnan's involvement in developing WCW's cruiserweight division. This encouraged many luchadors to defect from AAA and CMLL in the hopes of working for the U.S. promotion.[4][22][24] Kevin Quinn, Steele, Super Astro and The Headhunters were among CMLL talent to jump to Promo Azteca.[23] When La Parka, Máscara Sagrada and other luchador enmascarados left AAA for Promo Azteca, however, the promotion countered by having other wrestlers portray the originals resulting in two versions wrestling on national television.[11][25] The departure of La Parka was an especially serious setback for AAA[26] and he was later blackballed by the promotion. According to Konnan, he and other AAA stars were also denied work by promoters upon returning to Mexico in 2001.[27]
Promo Azteca also had a role in the U.S. promotional rivalry between WCW and the World Wrestling Federation. Konnan, convincing many of WCW's interest showcasing lucha libre-style wrestling, was able to lure Mexican talent away from the WWF's fledgling cruiserweight division.[4] Víctor Quiñones, a key figure in the CMLL-WWF talent exchange agreement, jumped to Promo Azteca in September 1997.[24] That same month, WCW President Eric Bischoff brokered a meeting with Konnan and rival CMLL promoter Paco Alonzo. Bischoff, interested in CMLL's talent and association with Televsia, was reportedly unable to negotiate a truce between the two men.[23] Konnan was also upset over Mike Tenay filming CMLL wrestlers that summer for a series of documentary shorts on Mexican wrestling. It was speculated by the Pro Wrestling Torch that WCW's interest in CMLL was partly motivated by curbing the power of Konnan's crew of Mexican talent in WCW.[28]
Demise
[edit]For a brief time, Promo Azteca's superior talent and backing from TV Azteca threatened to overtake both AAA and CMLL as the Mexico's top lucha libre promotion.[24] In November 1997, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Promo Azteca among the top promotions in the world.[1] However, its success was short-lived. WCW, fearing its luchadors would become injured, withdrew its support and banned those under contract from working in Promo Azteca.[7] Konnan's wrestling career in the U.S. also prevented him from devoting his full attention to Promo Azteca. The promotion struggled for a while longer, largely relying on regulars in the Mexican independent wrestling scene, but was ultimately unable to recover from losing the WCW luchadors. It held a few interpromotional shows with CMLL before quietly closing its doors at the end of 1998.[8]
Alumni
[edit]Male wrestlers
[edit]Birth name:[a] | Ring name(s): | Tenure: | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Andrés Alejandro Palomeque González | Abismo Negro | 1997 | |
Unknown | Agente | 1998 | |
Unknown | Aladino | 1998 | |
Unknown | Alan Stone | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Alas de Fuego | 1997 | |
Ron Rivera | American Wild Child | 1997 | |
Unknown | Andy Barrow | 1996–1998 | [29][30][31] |
Juan Manuel Zúñiga† | Ángel Azteca | 1996–1997 | [31][32][33] |
David Camarena | Ángel Blanco Jr. | 1996 | [34] |
Unknown | Ángel de los Niños | 1998 | |
Unknown | Angelito Azteca / Super Muñequito | 1996 1998 |
|
Unknown | Animaniac | 1998 | |
Unknown | Antifaz del Norte | 1996–1998 | [30][31][32] |
José Muñoz | Apolo Dantés | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Apolo Star | 1997 | |
Andrés González | La Araña Negra | 1997 | |
Unknown | Arandú | 1998 | |
Unknown | Arlequín | 1998 | |
Unknown | Aspid | 1997 | |
Unknown | Atlantis | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Atomico Ramirez | 1998 | |
Unknown | Ave de Fuego | 1996 | |
Unknown | Azteca Imperial | 1998 | |
Unknown | Bad Boy | 1997 | |
Unknown | Bala | 1997 | |
Raúl Gutiérrez | Barba Negra / Robotman | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown† | Barón Siniestro | 1997 | |
Juan Manuel Rodriguez† | Bestia Salvaje | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Black Dragon | 1997–1998 | [29][31][33] |
Unknown | Black Jaguar | 1996 | |
Norman Smiley | Black Magic | 1997–1998 | [35][36][37][38] |
Unknown | Black Maravilla | 1997 | |
Juan Alanís | Black Shadow Jr. | 1997 | |
Unknown | Black Shury | 1997 | |
Unknown | Black Templar | 1998 | |
Unknown | Black Templar Jr. | 1998 | |
Jesus Toral López | Black Warrior / Black Panther | 1996–1998 | [29][36][37] |
Jeremiah Ross | Blitzkrieg | 1997WCW | |
Genaro Nevarez | Blue Panther | 1996–1997 | [30][31][1] |
Juan Alvarado Nieves† | El Brazo | 1996–1998 | [29][31] |
José Aarón Alvarado Nieves† | Brazo Cibernético | 1996–1998 | [29] |
José Alvarado Nieves | Brazo de Plata | 1996–1998 | |
Daniel Alvarado Nieves | Brazo de Platino | 1998 | |
Unknown | Break Demon | 1997 | |
Unknown | Bufalo | 1998 | |
Unknown | Bufalo Azteca | 1998 | |
Unknown | Bufalo Salvaje | 1997 | |
Unknown | Caballero Águila | 1996–1997 | |
Unknown | Caramelo | 1998 | |
Unknown | Carinoso | 1998 | |
Unknown | Carta Brava Jr. | 1998 | |
Unknown | Catemoco | 1997 | |
Unknown | Centella Verde | 1998 | |
Unknown | Centella Verde Jr. | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Chacal Ruiz | 1997 | |
Manuel Ortiz Partida | Ciclope / Halloween | 1996–1998 | |
Carmelo Reyes González | Cien Caras | 1996–1998 | [29][31][32][1][39] |
Unknown | Cirio | 1998 | |
Unknown | Clímax | 1998 | |
Unknown | El Cobarde | 1997 | |
Gabriel Hernández | La Cobra | 1996–1997 | |
José Luís Romero | Colt | 1996–1998 | [29][35][40] |
Unknown | Colt Master | 1997 | |
Unknown | Comando I | 1997 | |
Unknown | Comando II | 1997 | |
Unknown | Crazy Boy | 1997 | |
Unknown | Crazzy Man | 1997–1998 | |
Roberto Fernández Barrón | Cyborg | 1996–1997 | [29] |
Leonardo Carrera Gómez | Damián 666 | 1996–1998 | [29][35][41] |
Unknown | Damián el Guerrero | 1997 | |
Roberto Gutiérrez Frías | El Dandy | 1997–1998 | [29][1][42] |
Unknown | Delfin Plateado | 1998 | |
Unknown | El Demente | 1997 | |
Unknown | Depredador | 1996 | [43] |
Unknown | Diamante de Oro | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | El Divino | 1998 | |
José Arellano | Dos Caras | 1996 | |
Alejandro Jiménez Cruz | Dr. Cerebro | 1997 | |
Juan Manuel González Barrón | Dr. Wagner Jr. | 1996–1998 | |
Unknown | Dragon de Oro | 1996 | [31] |
Unknown | El Duende | 1998 | |
Unknown | Duende I | 1998 | |
Unknown | Duende II | 1998 | |
Unknown | Duende III | 1998 | |
Sergio Garduño† | Emilio Charles Jr. | 1996–1998 | |
Unknown | Enemigo Público | 1997 | |
Unknown | El Enfermero Jr. | 1996 | [43] |
Unknown | Enigma de Plata | 1998 | |
Enrique Vera Rodríguez | Enrique Vera | 1996–1997 | [40] |
Unknown | Enterrador de la Muerte | 1998 | |
Mario Pérez Jiménez† | Espectrito | 1997–1998 | [40] |
Unknown | Espia Jr. | 1997 | |
Unknown | Espíritu Guerrero | 1998 | |
Unknown | Estrella de Fuego | 1998 | |
Unknown | Estrella Dorada | 1998 | |
Unknown | Extrano | 1998 | |
Juan José Hernández Ornelas | El Fantasma | 1996–1997 | |
Edmundo Ibaes Salas | Fantasma de la Quebrada | 1998 | |
Unknown | Fantasy | 1997 | |
Unknown | Fantomas | 1997–1998 | |
Jorge Luis Casas Ruiz | Felino | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Felino Salvaje | 1997 | |
Unknown | El Fierito | 1996 | |
Unknown | Filoso | 1996 | |
José Ángel Nájera Sánchez | Fishman | 1998 | |
Unknown | Flash Tiger | 1997 | |
Felipe Castellanos | Fobia | 1996 | [40] |
Unknown | Forajido | 1997 | |
Unknown | Fuego | 1998 | |
Unknown | Fuego 2000 | 1997 | |
Unknown | Fuerza Guerrera | 1996 1998 |
|
Unknown | El Fugitivo | 1998 | |
Unknown† | Furia Guerrera | 1996 | |
Unknown | Gakic | 1996 | |
Unknown | Galaxia R-2 | 1998 | |
Unknown | El Galgo | 1996 | [40] |
Unknown | Gallo Astral | 1998 | |
Alejandro Alcala | Gallo Boy Z | 1998 | |
Unknown | Gallo Galactico | 1998 | |
Unknown | Gambito | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Gavilan Martinez | 1998 | |
Unknown | Genaro Contreras | 1997 | |
Unknown | Geo | 1997 | |
Miguel Ángel Guzmán Velázquez | El Gitano | 1996–1997 | [29][30][31] |
Unknown | Goku | 1996–1997 | |
Unknown | Gran Genio | 1998 | |
Unknown | Gran Guerrero | 1998 | |
Unknown | Gran Misterio | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Gringuito | 1998 | |
Ricardo Gonzalez | Guerra C-3 | 1998 | |
Unknown | Guerrero de la Noche | 1998 | |
Jorge Luis Herrera | Halcon Negro Jr. | 1997–1998 | |
Victor Santiago | Headhunter A | 1997–1998 | [23][44] |
Manuel Santiago | Headhunter B | 1997–1998 | [23][44] |
Héctor Solano Segura† | Héctor Garza | 1997–1998 | [29][1][42][2] |
Juan Carlos Gonzales | El Hijo del Diablo | 1997–1998 | [45] |
Unknown | El Hijo de Huracán Ramírez | 1996–1998 | [34] |
Jorge Guzmán | El Hijo del Santo | 1996–1998 | [46] |
Unknown | Hipnosis | 1997 | |
Daniel García Arteaga | Huracán Ramírez | 1996–1997 | |
Unknown | Huracán Ramírez Jr. | 1996–1998 | [34][47] |
Unknown | Indio Nakoma | 1997–1998 | |
Luz Lorena Velarde Murillo | La Infernal | 1997 | |
Unknown | Infierno Man | 1997 | |
Gerardo Hernández Estrada | Jerry Estrada | 1997–1998 | [35][36] |
Unknown | El Jibarito | 1997 | |
Unknown | Jinete de la Muerte | 1998 | |
Unknown | Jinete Magico | 1997–1998 | |
Shinchiro Yoshida | Jiraiya | 1996–1997 | |
Unknown | Joe Rivera | 1998 | |
Unknown | Juan Barrio | 1998 | |
Takahiro Suwa | Judo Suwa | 1997 | |
Unknown | Junior Kiss | 1997–1998 | |
Felipe Flores Zamora | Jurassico | 1996–1998 | [30][31][35] |
Unknown | Jungla | 1996–1997 | [43] |
Eduardo Aníbal González Hernández | Juventud Guerrera | 1996–1998 | [32][35][41][48][49] |
Unknown | Kamikaze | 1996–1997 | |
César Baltazar de Lucio Valencia | Karloff Lagarde Jr. | 1997 | |
Johnny Lezcano Smith† | Kato Kung Lee | 1997 | [29] |
Unknown | Kevin Quinn | 1997 | [41][23] |
Unknown | Killer | 1997 | |
Unknown | King Lover | 1998 | |
Manuel de los Santos | The Kiss | 1997–1998 | |
Charles Ashenoff | Konnan | 1996–1998 | [30][36][1][41][2] |
Javier Arturo García | Ku Klux Klan #1 | 1997 | |
Arturo Casco Hernández† | La Fiera | 1997–1998 | |
Adolfo Tapia Ibarra | La Parka | 1996–1998 | [29][32][37][1][42][2] |
Jesús Alfonso Huerta Escoboza | La Parka Jr. | 1997–1998 | |
Victor Manuel Resendiz Ruiz | Latin Lover | 1997 | |
Unknown | León Dorado | 1998 | |
Juan Baños† | Lizmark | 1997–1998 | [37][50] |
Juan Carlos Baños | Lizmark Jr. | 1997–1998 | [29][31][35][36][39] |
Unknown | Lobo Rubio | 1997 | |
Unknown | Lobo Vikingo | 1998 | |
Katsumi Kanai | Lyguila | 1996–1997 | |
Blas Columba | Lynx / Violencia | 1996–1998 | |
Unknown | Macana | 1998 | |
Unknown | El Macho | 1998 | |
Unknown | Mágico | 1998 | |
Katsumasa Kuroki | Magnum Tokyo | 1997 | |
Unknown | Maguito Fantasma | 1997 | |
Pedro Olveda González | Makabre | 1998 | |
Unknown† | Mandingo | 1996 | |
Felipe Rojas Elizalde | Maniacop | 1998 | |
Jesús Reyes González | Máscara Año 2000 | 1996–1997 | [29][32][39][42] |
Antonio Gómez Medina | Máscara Mágica | 1997 | |
Unknown | Máscara Sagrada | 1996–1998 | [29][31][1][39][25] |
Unknown | Máscara Sagrada Jr. | 1997 | |
Unknown | Maverik | 1998 | |
José Torres Santiago | Mazambula | 1997 | |
Mario Fuentes | Médico Asesino Jr. | 1997 | |
Gerardo Campos Poza | Mega | 1998 | |
Unknown | Mega Elektra | 1998 | |
Aaron Rodríguez | Mil Máscaras | 1997–1998 | |
Roberto Castillo | Misterioso | 1996–1997 | [40] |
José de Jesús Pantoja Flores | Mogur | 1998 | |
Unknown | El Mohicano / Mohicano I | 1997 | |
Unknown | Monje Chino | 1998 | |
Juan Valdez Valentino | Mosco de la Merced | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Motocross | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Mozambique | 1996 | |
José Delgado Saldaña | Mr. Águila | 1997–1998 | [29][35] |
Unknown | Mr. Crimen / Mr. Krimen | 1998 | |
Unknown | Mr. Niebla | 1996–1998 | |
Unknown | Mr. Tempest | 1998 | |
Unknown | Muneca Oriental | 1997 | |
Unknown | Murciélago Infernal | 1997 | |
Unknown | Neblina | 1997 | |
José Casas Ruiz | Negro Casas | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Neo | 1997 | |
Ezequiel Antonio Rivera | Ninja de Fuego | 1996–1997 | [29][34][31] |
Unknown | Nygma | 1996–1997 | [29][30][31] |
Joel Bernal Galicia | Olímpico | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Operativo | 1998 | |
Noé Astro Moreno León | El Oriental | 1997–1998 | |
Miguel Ángel Nava | Orito / Oro Jr. | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Oso Vikingo | 1998 | |
Unknown | Pachuco | 1996–1997 | [30] |
Unknown | Pachulli Van | 1997 | |
Unknown | Pancho Robles Jr. | 1997 | |
Unknown | Pandillero #1 | 1996–1997 | [40] |
Unknown | Pandillero #2 | 1996–1997 | [40] |
Luis Abelardo Hernández Cruz | El Pandita | 1998 | |
Francisco Javier Pozas | El Pantera / América | 1996–1998 | [29] |
Unknown | Pantera del Ring | 1996–1998 | [30][31][33] |
Unknown | Pantera Gris | 1998 | |
Unknown | Payasito I | 1996–1997 | [31] |
Unknown | Payasito II | 1997 | [31] |
José Ramírez | Pepe Aguayo | 1997 | |
Unknown | Pepe Pueblo | 1998 | |
Norberto Salgado Salcedo | Pierroth Jr. | 1997–1998 | [29][36][37][42][51] |
Unknown | Piloto Suicida | 1998 | |
Pedro Ortiz Villanueva | Pirata Morgan / Violencia | 1996–1998 | [30][31][32][52] |
Daniel Núñez Hernández | El Potro | 1997 | |
Salvador Quintana | Potro Salvaje | 1998 | |
Dionisio Castellanos Torres | Psicosis | 1996–1998 | [32][33][1][41][2][48] |
Unknown | Rayde | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Rayo de Jalisco Jr. | 1996–1998 | |
Jesús González Monroy | El Rayo Tapatío I | 1996–1997 | |
Víctor Manuel González Monroy | El Rayo Tapatío II | 1996–1997 | |
Renato Cortes | Rencor Latino | 1998 | |
Arturo García Ortiz | Rey Bucanero | 1997–1998 | |
Miguel Ángel López Díaz | Rey Misterio | 1996–1998 | |
Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio | Rey Misterio Jr. | 1996–1997 | [1][41][2][48][6][7] |
Julio Islas Rueda | Rey Pantera | 1997 | |
Unknown | Rey Vikingo | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | El Rayo Tapatio I | 1996–1997 | [40] |
Unknown | El Rayo Tapatio II | 1996–1997 | [40] |
Aldo Ortiz | Ricky Santana | 1998 | |
Jesús Reza García† | Robot R-2 | 1998 | |
Victor Manuel Vargas Abreu | Rocky Santana | 1996–1997 | [31] |
Rudy Valentino | Rudy Valentino | 1997 | |
Unknown | Sable | 1997 | |
Unknown | El Sagrado | 1998 | |
Rafael Herbert Reyes | El Salsero | 1996–1998 | [29][30][31][49] |
Daniel López | El Satánico | 1996 1998 |
|
Unknown | Scandalo | 1996–1997 | [34][31] |
Rafael Núñez Juan | Scorpio Jr. | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Sendero | 1997 | |
Unknown | Sergio Romo Jr. | 1996–1997 | |
Unknown | La Serpiente Rockera | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Shamu | 1996 1998 |
|
Nobuhiko Oshima | Shiima Nobunaga | 1997 | |
Kazuhiro Hayashi | Shiryu | 1997–1998 | [35][53] |
José Luis Jair Soria | Shocker | 1996–1998 | |
Unknown | Shu el Guerrero | 1996–1997 | [31][43] |
Unknown | Shurican / Shuriken | 1997–1998 | |
Antonio Sánchez Rendón | El Signo | 1996 | |
César Cuauhtémoc González Barrón | Silver King | 1997–1998 | [29] |
Jorge Rivera Serrano | Skayde / Elektra | 1996–1998 | [29][30][31] |
Unknown | Solar #1 / El Mariachi | 1996–1997 | [29] |
Pedro Buenrostro Torres | Solar #2 | 1996 | |
Unknown | Sparks | 1998 | |
Unknown | Spawn | 1998 | |
Othoniel Trejo | Starman | 1998 | |
Sean Morley | El Steele | 1997 | [36][23] |
Unknown | Stranger | 1997 | |
Unknown | Streep | 1997 | |
Unknown | Sueño Chicano | 1996 1998 |
|
Unknown | Sumatra | 1998 | |
Tatsuki Fuji | Sumo Fuji | 1997 | |
Unknown | Super Aladino | 1998 | |
Juan Zezatti Ramírez | Super Astro | 1997–1998 | [36][23] |
Unknown | Super Black | 1997–1998 | |
Rafael García Sánchez | Super Caló | 1996–1998 | [29][31][33] |
Francisco Pantoja Islas | Super Crazy | 1997–1998 | [13][54][12][55] |
Daniel Lyon | Super Dragon | 1997 | |
Jorge Vega Oriel | Super Elektra | 1996–1998 | [31][32][48] |
Unknown | Super Muñeco | 1997–1998 | |
Ramón Ibarra Banda | Super Parka | 1997–1998 | [29] |
Unknown | Super Pinocho | 1998 | |
Unknown | Super Ratón | 1998 | |
Yoshihiro Tajiri | Tajiri | 1998 | |
Oziel Toscano Jasso | Tarzan Boy | 1996–1998 | [29][30][31][32][35][36] |
Unknown | Taurus | 1997 | |
Unknown | Tawa | 1997 | |
Juan Jáuregui† | El Texano | 1997–1998 | [29] |
Unknown | Thunderbird | 1996 | [43] |
Celso Reyes Daza | Tiburón | 1996 | [30][31][33] |
Unknown | Tigre Blanco | 1997 | |
Unknown | Tinieblas Jr. | 1997–1998 | [35][36] |
Unknown | Tom Mix | 1997 | |
Unknown | Tom Mix Jr. | 1997 | |
Unknown | Tony Boy | 1998 | |
Antonio Cirio Flores | Tony Cirio | 1997 | |
Javier Espinosa Romero | Tony Rivera | 1997–1998 | |
Jose Allon | El Torero | 1997–1998 | [29][35] |
Unknown | Tornado Negro | 1998 | |
Unknown | Tramposito | 1998 | |
Unknown | Turok | 1998 | |
Edgar Luna Pozos | Ultimatum | 1996 | |
Unknown | Ultimo Gitano | 1997 | |
José Gutiérrez Hernández | Último Guerrero | 1996–1998 | [29][30][31][33][56] |
Jesús Parra Ramírez | Último Rebelde / Súper Punk | 1996–1998 | [30][31][33][35][56] |
Andrés Reyes González | Universo 2000 | 1996–1998 | [32][39] |
Ian Hodgkinson | Vampiro / Vampiro Canadiense | 1996–1998 | [29][31][37][1][42][52] |
Juan Miguel Escalante Grande | Vaquerito | 1997 | |
Unknown | Vato Loco I | 1997 | |
Unknown | Vato Loco II | 1997 | |
Jullián Carrillo | Venum Black | 1997–1998 | [35][13][54][12] |
Unknown | Viajero del Futuro | 1998 | |
Arturo Díaz Mendoza | Villano III | 1997–1998 | [29][31][35][51] |
Tomas Díaz Mendoza | Villano IV | 1997–1998 | [29][51] |
Raymundo Díaz Mendoza Jr. | Villano V | 1997–1998 | [29][31][51] |
Jesús Luna Pozos | Virtual | 1997 | |
Unknown | Viper | 1997 | |
Ricardo Carreño | Virus / Damiancito El Guerrero | 1997–1998 | |
Ramón Ibarra Rivera | Volador Jr. | 1998 | |
Unknown | Wolf | 1996 | |
Unknown | Wolverine | 1997–1998 | |
Ulises Ángel | X-Man | 1998 | |
Unknown | Zafirito | 1997 | |
Ismael Reyes Ham | Zapatista | 1996–1997 | [34][31] |
Jesús Cristóbal Martínez Rodríguez | El Zorro | 1996–1998 | [29][30][31][32][35][39] |
José Paz | Zumbido | 1998 | |
Unknown | Zurikan | 1998 |
Female wrestlers
[edit]Birth name:[a] | Ring name(s): | Tenure: | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Guadalupe Olvera | La Amapola | 1998 | |
María Cristina Valle Flores | La Chola | 1996 1998 |
|
Unknown | La Diabólica | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Flor Metálica | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Galilea | 1998 | |
Irma Eugenia Águilar Morales | Irma Águilar | 1997 | |
Irma Morales Muñoz | Irma González | 1996 | |
Sandra González Calderón | Lady Apache | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Lady Connors | 1997 | |
María Dolores González | Lola González | 1996 | |
Unknown | La Mohicana | 1997–1998 | |
Blanca Rodríguez | Princesa Blanca | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Princesa Zareth | 1997 | |
Dolores Hernández | La Rebelde | 1996 | |
Héctor Navarro | La Sombra | 1998 | |
Tania de Lourdes Díaz Alvarez | Tania | 1996 1998 |
Mini-Estrella wrestlers
[edit]Birth name:[a] | Ring name(s): | Tenure: | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Aguirre, Roberto Rodriguez|[[Bracito de Oro|Roberto Rodriguez | 1996–1997 | ||
Unknown | Bracito de Plata | 1996 | [31][40] |
Unknown | Dragoncito de Oro | 1996–1997 | |
Alejandro Pérez Jiménez | Espectrito II / Guerrerito del Futuro | 1996 1998 |
|
Unknown | Fuercita Guerrera | 1996 | [30][29][40] |
Enrique Del Rio | Jerrito Estrada | 1996–1998 | [29][40] |
Vicente Serrano | Mascarita Mágica | 1998 | |
Domingo Fuentes Daniel | Mascarita Sagrada | 1996–1998 | [30][40][57] |
Unknown | Mini Andy Barrow | 1997 | |
Unknown | Mini Elektra / King Flashito | 1996–1998 | [31] |
Unknown | Mini Konnan | 1997–1998 | [29][40] |
Unknown | Mini Rey Misterio Jr. | 1997–1998 | [29] |
Unknown | Mini Star | 1998 | |
Unknown | Mini Super Calo | 1997–1998 | |
Unknown | Octagoncito / Panterita | 1996–1998 | [30][40] |
Rolando Fuentes Romero | Pequeño Cochisse | 1997 | |
Unknown | Pierrothito | 1997–1998 | |
Raymundo Rodríguez | Piratita Morgan | 1996–1998 | [30][40] |
Unknown | Último Dragoncito | 1997 |
Stables and tag teams
[edit]Tag team/Stable(s) | Members | Tenure(s) |
---|---|---|
Los Bravos | Fuerza Guerrera and Juventud Guerrera | 1996 |
Los Comandos | Comando I and Comando II | 1997 |
The Headhunters | Headhunter A and Headhunter B | 1997–1998 |
Los Hermanos Dinamita | Cien Caras, Máscara Año 2000 and Universo 2000 | 1996–1997 |
Los Hooligans | Último Guerrero and Último Rebelde | 1996–1997 |
Los Kamikazes | Goku, Jiraiya and Lyguila | 1997 |
Los Nuevos Brazos | Brazo Cibernético, Brazo de Platino and El Brazo | 1998 |
Los Pandilleros | Pandillero #1, Pandillero #2 and Pandillero #3 | 1996–1997 |
Los Payasitos | Payasito I and Payasito II | 1996–1997 |
New World Order | Konnan, Damián 666, Halloween, Psicosis, Villano IV and Villano V | 1997 |
Los Rayos Tapatios | El Rayo Tapatio I and El Rayo Tapatio II | 1996–1997 |
Los Vatos Locos | Vato Loco I and Vato Loco II | 1997 |
Los Villanos | Villano III, Villano IV and Villano V | 1997–1998 |
Managers and valets
[edit]Birth name: | Ring name(s): | Tenure: | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Victoria Ann Moreno | Lady Victoria | 1998 | [45] |
Other personnel
[edit]Birth name: | Ring name(s): | Tenure: | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Unknown | Fuerza Guerrera | 1995–1996 | Promoter |
Charles Ashenoff | Konnan | 1996–1998 | Promoter[23][4] Booker[13][54] |
Jorge Rojas | Jorge Rojas | 1996–1998 | Promoter |
Víctor Quiñones | Víctor Quiñones | 1997 | [36][23] |
Company name to Year | |
---|---|
Company name: | Years: |
Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre | 1995–1996 |
Promo Azteca | 1996–1998 |
Notes | |
† ^ Indicates they are deceased. | |
‡ ^ Indicates they died while they were employed with Promo Azteca. | |
WCW ^ Indicates they were part of a talent exchange with World Championship Wrestling. |
Footnotes
[edit]- a – Entries without a birth name may indicate it is not a matter of public record, as is often the case with masked wrestlers in Mexico where their private lives are kept a secret from the wrestling fans.[58]
Championships and programming
[edit]Championships
[edit]- Promo Azteca promoted championships
Championship | Champion | Notes |
---|---|---|
Promo Azteca Heavyweight Championship | Pirata Morgan | The heavyweight title of Promo Azteca. It was established in 1998 and was defended through the year. Pirata Morgan was the only champion[52] |
Promo Azteca Middleweight Championship | Pantera | The secondary title of Promo Azteca. It was established in 1997 and was defended through the year. Pantera was the only champion[59] |
- Championships recognized by Promo Azteca
Championship | Champion | Notes |
---|---|---|
IWC World Heavyweight Championship | La Parka | The heavyweight title of the International Wrestling Council. It was defended in the promotion from 1997 to 1998.[60][61] |
IWRG Intercontinental Middleweight Championship | Pantera | A secondary title of the International Wrestling Revolution Group. It was defended in the promotion during 1997.[62] |
LAWA Middleweight Championship | Super Caló | A secondary title of the Latin American Wrestling Association. It was defended in the promotion during 1997.[63] |
Mexican National Lightweight Championship | Virus | The lightweight title of Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. It was defended in the promotion during 1998.[64] |
Mexican National Welterweight Championship | El Torero | The welterweight title of AAA. It was defended in the promotion during 1997.[65] |
WWO Heavyweight Championship | Tinieblas Jr. | The heavyweight title of the World Wrestling Organization. It defended in the promotion during 1997.[66] |
Programming
[edit]Programming | Notes |
---|---|
Promo Azteca TV | (1996–1998) Broadcast exclusively on TV Azteca. |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]Specific
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Official Wrestling Ratings". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. London Publishing Co.: 65 November 1997. ISSN 1043-7576.
- ^ a b c d e f "Ratings Analysis". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. London Publishing Co.: 66 November 1997. ISSN 1043-7576.
- ^ "K-Dog". Kokomo Tribune. Kokomo, Indiana: Thomson Corporation. June 10, 1999.
Konnan broke ties with AAA and formed a new promotion in Mexico called Promo Azteca.
- ^ a b c d Letawsky, Craig (2002-04-23). "Ask 411 04.23.02 – Booger Red, Marrianna, Albright, Superstar Billy Graham". Columns. 411mania.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-28. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
- ^ Fonseca, Miguel G. (November 30, 2012). "Los veteranos de AAA; Miguel G Fonseca nos cuenta sobre los luchadores que no sólo se convirtieron en leyenda en la lucha libre; también aportaron al gran éxito de lo que hoy es la AAA" [The veterans of AAA] (in Spanish). Fox Sports Latinoamérica.
En 1996 se da un cisma en la compañía, y numerosas estrellas parten a una efímera promotora llamada Promo Azteca, y al mismo tiempo obtienen contratos en la inolvidable WCW. [In 1996 a schism occurred in the company, and stars departed to a fleeting promotion called Promo Azteca, and at the same time got the unforgettable WCW contracts.]
- ^ a b c d Mysterio, Rey; Roberts, Jeremy (2009). Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask. New York: Simon and Schuster. pp. 149–151. ISBN 1-4165-9896-0.
- ^ a b c d Heos, Bridget (2012). Rey Mysterio: Giant Killer. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 24. ISBN 1448855381.
- ^ a b c d e f Boutwell, Josh (October 20, 2012). "LUCHA SPOTLIGHT: Remembering Promo Azteca". WrestleView.com.
- ^ Rasmussen, Dean (May 1997). "BRUISER BRODY! bleeds half as much as DORY FUNK JR! EMLL! whips PROMO AZTECA!'S keister in this weeks tape watching with the 16 man Match of the FREAKIN year! and gear up to ball up your cyberfist and punch me in the virtual stomach as I pick the best of the half year!". Death Valley Driver Video Review: 42.
- ^ "WCW Monday Nitro – Monday 1/12/97". DDTdigest.com. January 1997.
- ^ a b Boutwell, Josh (May 10, 2014). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
- ^ a b c Centinela, Teddy (March 6, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 1998: Súper Crazy desenmascara a Venum Black… Satánico traiciona a Emilio Charles Jr". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
- ^ a b c d Molinaro, John. "SLAM! Wrestling Bios: Super Crazzy". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Sammond, Nicholas (2005). Steel Chair to the Head: The Pleasure and Pain of Professional Wrestling. Durham: Duke University Press. p. 128. ISBN 0-8223-3438-0.
- ^ Boutwell, Josh (February 8, 2014). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
- ^ Joseph, Gilbert; Rubenstein, Anne; Zolov, Eric (2001). Fragments of a Golden Age: The Politics of Culture in Mexico Since 1940. Duke University Press. p. 354.
- ^ "La historia de TV Azteca en la Lucha Libre". Adictosaldeporte.com. March 2016.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1996-10". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1998-03". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "June 15, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Full JYD Bio, WCW files lawsuit against WWF, tons more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. July 25, 2015.
- ^ Ashenoff, Charles (November 5, 2006). "Konnan". ROH Straight Shootin' Series (Interview). Interviewed by Jim Cornette. New York: Ring of Honor.
- ^ a b Zellner, Kris (October 11, 2015). "The Original Mistico Returns to CMIL:The Lucha Report". PWInsider.com.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Powell, Jason (September 11, 2002). "5 Yrs Ago: WCW News – Flair and Arn upset with NWO spoof". Pro Wrestling Torch.
- ^ a b c Centinela, Teddy (August 29, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 2010: Fallece El Espanto II… 1997: Guerra de empresas: Luchadores del CMLL y de AAA a Promo Azteca". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
- ^ a b Levi, Heather. The World of Lucha Libre: Secrets, Revelations, and Mexican National Identity. Durham: Duke University Press. p. 123. ISBN 0-8223-4214-6.
- ^ Zellner, Kris and David Bixenspan (16 November 2015). "Between the Sheets #17: November 10–16, 1996 with Dave Prazak". PlaceToBeNation.com (Podcast). PWO-PTBN Podcast Network. Event occurs at 02:11:52. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
- ^ Powell, Jason (August 25, 2001). "Torch Talk: Konnan on being at the Final Nitro" (PDF). Pro Wrestling Torch. 1 (667): 6.
- ^ Powell, Jason (August 15, 2002). "5 Yrs Ago: Bischoff fires Syxx, scolds Flair for showing his ass". Pro Wrestling Torch.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao Promo Azteca (Producer). Promo Azteca (VHS). Mexico: RF Video.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Promo Azteca (Producer) (November 22, 1996). Promo Azteca 11/22/96 Mexico (VHS). Mexico: RF Video.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj Rasmussen, Dean. "PROMO AZTECA TV (2/97-3/97)". Death Valley Driver Video Review (55).
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Rasmussen, Dean (May 1997). "BRUISER BRODY! bleeds half as much as DORY FUNK JR! EMLL! whips PROMO AZTECA!'S keister in this weeks tape watching with the 16 man Match of the FREAKIN year! and gear up to ball up your cyberfist and punch me in the virtual stomach as I pick the best of the half year!". Death Valley Driver Video Review (42).
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Promo Aztecas Middleweight Title Tournament 1997". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Pro Wrestling History Supercards & Tournaments.
- ^ a b c d e f Alvarez, Bryan (December 16, 1996). "Promo Azteca". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Rippa, Phil. "Promo Azteca". Death Valley Driver Video Review (90).
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Centinela, Teddy (August 29, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 2010: Fallece El Espanto II… 1997: Guerra de empresas: Luchadores del CMLL y de AAA a Promo Azteca". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f "Vampiro Profile". Online World of Wrestling.
- ^ Rasmussen, Dean (April 6, 1998). "The Monday Night Jericho Workrate Report". OtherArena.com. Ollie & Dean's Monday Workrate Reports.
- ^ a b c d e f Centinela, Teddy (April 18, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 1997: Steel (Val Venis) se convierte en Campeón Mundial de Peso Completo CMLL al vencer al Rayo de Jalisco Jr". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Alvarez, Bryan (December 9, 1996). "Promo Azteca". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
- ^ a b c d e f Extreme Championship Wrestling (Producer). International Invasion of ECW (DVD). United States: RF Video.
- ^ a b c d e f Centinela, Teddy (July 4, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 1997: Rey Mysterio reaparece en México con Promo Azteca… Hijo del Santo es destronado por Felino". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved July 11, 2009.
- ^ a b c d e Alvarez, Bryan (December 30, 1996). "RESULTS". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
- ^ a b Feinstein, Rob (Interviewer). The Headhunters Shoot Interview (DVD). United States: RF Video.
- ^ a b Apter, Bill (August 1998). "Names Makin' News". Inside Wrestling. 30 (8). London Publishing Co.: 9.
- ^ Alvarez, Bryan (December 16, 1996). "Promo Azteca". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
- ^ Boutwell, Josh (May 25, 2016). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
- ^ a b c d Schneider, Phil (December 7, 2015). "On The Road: IWC 11/10/97". Death Valley Driver Video Review. Archived from the original on June 22, 2016.
- ^ a b "Juventud Guerrera Profile". Online World of Wrestling.
- ^ "LUCHA LIBRE STAR LIZMARK HAS DIED". 1wrestling.com. December 17, 2015. Archived from the original on December 26, 2015.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c d "National Atomicos Title (Mexico)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
- ^ a b c Westcott, Brian (1999). "Promo Azteca World Heavyweight Title History". Solie.org. Solie's Title Histories.
- ^ Schneider, Phil. "NEW JAPAN TOP OF THE SUPER JUNIORS 1998 TV MATCHES". Death Valley Driver Video Review (80).
- ^ a b c "Super Crazy Profile". Online World of Wrestling.
- ^ Boutwell, Josh (August 30, 2015). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
- ^ a b Boutwell, Josh (February 7, 2015). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
- ^ "National Mini-Estralla Title (Mexico)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
- ^ Madigan, Dan (2007). "Okay... what is Lucha Libre?". Mondo Lucha a Go Go: the bizarre and honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling. HarperCollins Publishers. pp. 29–40. ISBN 978-0-06-085583-3.
- ^ "Promo Aztecas Middleweight Title Tournament 1997". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Pro Wrestling History Supercards & Tournaments.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1997-02". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1998-08". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1997-11". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1997-12". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1998-10". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1997-07". TheCubsFan.com.
- ^ "AZTECA: 1997-10". TheCubsFan.com.
General
[edit]- Hernández, Carlos (January 17, 1997). "TvAzteca y Televisa ponen en la lona a la lucha libre". La Jornada (in Spanish). Mexico City: Desarrollo de Medios S.A. de C.V. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- "AZTECA". TheCubsFan.com. 2016.
- Boutwell, Josh (October 20, 2012). "LUCHA SPOTLIGHT: Remembering Promo Azteca". WrestleView.com.
- Hernández, Carlos (January 17, 1997). "TvAzteca y Televisa ponen en la lona a la lucha libre". La Jornada (in Spanish). Mexico City: Desarrollo de Medios S.A. de C.V. Retrieved June 9, 2016.
- Zellner, Kris and David Bixenspan (16 November 2015). "Between the Sheets #17: November 10-16, 1996 with Dave Prazak". PlaceToBeNation.com (Podcast). PWO-PTBN Podcast Network. Event occurs at 02:11:52. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
Further reading
[edit]- Feinstein, Rob (Interviewer). Shoot Interview With Konnan (DVD). San Diego, California: RF Video.