CMLL (Best of 2024)
Taking a look back at a truly great year and sharing some of my favorite matches.
I really enjoyed CMLL in 2023, setting the stage to really dive in further in 2024. In 2024, I found myself hooked on CMLL because of its consistent quality combined with big standout moments. The packed arenas, enthusiastic fans, and the variety and depth across the cards kept me consistently keeping up with the promotion. Making their shows more accessible via YouTube helped a lot, too. What I like most about CMLL is that it predominantly feels like wrestling for the live crowd that they also broadcast. I love that aspect along with it being a very fan-friendly style. It was so easy to just turn on any show and have as good of a time as the people in attendance were having.
When I think about 2024, three names immediately stand out: Mistico, Hechicero, and Blue Panther. Mistico was a true workhorse in his 20th anniversary year. He’s regained the reverence and respect he deserves, excelling as the centerpiece of the promotion. His trios matches had a high floor in terms of quality and he peaked with some tremendous big-time singles matches as well. Hechicero was simply brilliant all year long and gave CMLL a true contender for the most outstanding wrestler in the world. As much of a fan of his work as I am, it was great to see him ascend into more prominent positions, get more big matches, and really be embraced by the world. Finally, Blue Panther had an age-defying year. He was put in a bunch of matches that would have been “oh that’s nice” or “oh that’s cool for his age” and instead produced legitimately great, memorable ones.
Let’s get into the first set of match recommendations and then continue with more reflections.
2024 CMLL Match Recommendations: CMLL Only
My recommendations are a mix of interesting matches that provide a sense of the person, time, or promotion; they’re not necessarily a 'best of.'
This first set covers matches featuring exclusively CMLL talent because they were the core reason for CMLL’s great year.
Hechicero vs. Esfinge vs. Euforia vs. El Valiente - Mask v Mask (Sep. 13 CMLL 91. Aniversario). Excellent passion filled mask match with an electric atmosphere. Everything you could want and more.
Mistico, Atlantis Jr, Mascara Dorada vs. Hechicero, Soberano Jr, Angel De Oro (Nov. 8 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). Great and memorable trios with a red hot crowd featuring the debut of the new KeMonito.
Mistico vs. Atlantis Jr. vs. Mascara Dorada - Campeon Universal Del CMLL 2024 Semi Final (Apr. 19 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). A total thriller and a tremendously important match for establishing Dorada.
Esfinge, Flip Gordon, Titan vs Hijo del Villano III, Villano III Jr., Zandokan Jr. (Apr. 19 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). Killer match showcasing some tremendous mean rudo work on top of impressive double and triple team moves.
Mistico vs. Hechicero - Torneo Leyenda Azul Final (Nov. 29 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). A great singles main event with Hechicero having all sorts of answers for Mistico. They could have had a very good match in their sleep and instead chose something more interesting.
Zeuxis vs. Reyna Isis vs. Sanely vs. Persephone - Wrestle Dynasty International Women's Cup Qualifier (Dec. 13 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). An all offense fast-paced match that highlighted Persephone as the next one up.
Atlantis Jr, Templario, Titan vs. Ultimo Guerrero, Gran Guerrero, Stuka Jr. (Sep. 20 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). Everyone was on point in this and showcase your perfect flyers versus bases CMLL trios. Plus, KeMalito rocks out hard.
Barbaro Cavernario vs. Mascara Dorada (Jan. 19 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). My favorite of the early high-end CMLL singles matches with Barbaro providing an excellent opponent to showcase Dorada.
Mistico, Templario, Mascara Dorada vs. Soberano Jr, Angel De Oro, Barbaro Cavernario (Aug. 9 CMLL Viernes Espectacular) A perfect 2024 CMLL trios main event. The crowd is red hot. The rudos are dialed in. The tecnicos prevail.
Blue Panther vs. Hechicero (Jun. 11 CMLL Martes Populares). Starts out as this cool thing and turns into a legitimately great match with one of the best of his day versus the one of the best of today.
The next big story of the year for me was CMLL’s ridiculous depth of talent. Their heavy schedule and focus on trios matches give their large roster plenty of opportunities to improve. The mix of established stars, rising talent, promising newcomers, veterans, and legends constantly kept things interesting. Mascara Dorada continues to astonish me with his incredible dynamic offense. Neon burst up the cards with his stunning signature dives. Veterans like Ultimo Guerrero, Averno, and Stuka Jr. still deliver killer singles matches and remain rock-solid in trios. Villano III Jr. and Hijo del Villano III impressed me with their creative tandem offense. It felt like Villano III Jr. was on the verge of breaking through to the next level before his unfortunate injury late in the year. Xelhua is a joy to watch, a young throwback wrestler with loads of potential. Stephanie Vaquer was a must-see early in the year before departing. Persephone popped with her mix of power and athleticism. Skadi and Kira are a fantastic duo—good on their own and absolutely electric as a team. Soberano Jr. continues to thrive as a rudo.
And that’s just scratching the surface. Atlantis Jr., Templario, Titan, Volador Jr., Angel de Oro, Niebla Roja, Zeuxis, Zandokan Jr., Los Depredadores, La Catalina, and so many others delivered consistently throughout 2024. Barbaro Cavernario had a strong year. Virus can still give you a damn good match. Crixus is one to watch in 2025 coming off a good year and a big push in La Gran Alternativa.
2024 was also a year that brought in many outsiders to CMLL due to the promotion’s partnerships with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This resulted in several big time dream match scenarios that for me served as a bonus on top of a great year. Bryan Danielson being in his final full-time year seemed like the catalyst for the arrangement with AEW and with him came two electric matches. A one-on-one personal dream match with Blue Panther and the epic Team AEW versus Team CMLL multiman.
Let’s pause for some more match recommendations and then finish up with the real breakout star of 2024.
More 2024 CMLL Match Recommendations: AEW & NJPW Guest Stars
This set of recommendations features guest stars from partner promotions All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Blue Panther, Mistico, Ultimo Guerrero & Volador Jr. vs. Blackpool Combat Club (Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Jon Moxley) & Matt Sydal (Mar. 29 CMLL Homenaje a Dos Leyendas). Incredible must see match with an insane atmosphere. The AEW crew go full rudo mode. A special moment in time.
Hechicero vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (Jun. 22 CMLL Sabados De Coliseo). My favorite match to take place in CMLL in 2024. An excellent technical matchup with an intimate yet electric crowd. Loved every second of it.
Mistico, Mascara Dorada & Volador Jr. vs. Death Triangle (PAC, Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix) (Jul. 26 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). Another bonkers atmosphere with Penta and Fenix returning to Arena Mexico. The place is packed with Penta fans to the point that the CMLL favorites even get booed. PAC’s first time in Arena Mexico as well.
Blue Panther vs. Bryan Danielson (Apr. 5 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). This felt epic. Bryan’s personal dream match that turned into an excellent big match.
Team Mexico (Atlantis Jr., Esfinge, Euforia, Mascara Dorada, Mistico, Templario, Titan, Ultimo Guerrero, Valiente & Volador Jr.) vs. Team International (Akira, Claudio Castagnoli, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Flip Gordon, Ikuro Kwon, Kyle Fletcher, Mansoor, Robbie X, Rocky Romero & Yota) - Grand Prix Internacional 2024 Torneo Cibernetico (Aug. 23 CMLL Grand Prix Internacional 2024). Non stop hits for close to an hour. A terrific watch for all the different pairings within. Claudio really stands out and is a natural fit in CMLL.
Mistico vs. Hiromu Takahashi (Jun. 21 CMLL Viernes Espectacular: FantasticaMania). An incredible atmosphere celebrating 20 years of Mistico.
Lluvia, Zeuxis, Stephanie Vaquer vs. La Catalina, Tessa Blanchard & Willow Nightingale (Mar. 29 CMLL Homenaje a Dos Leyendas). All six bring it big time. A total blast.
Mascara Dorada & Templario vs. Rocky Romero & Taiji Ishimori (Jun. 21 CMLL Viernes Espectacular: FantasticaMania). Very good match from all involved. Templario’s popularity taking off.
Virus vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (Jun. 4 CMLL Lunes Clasico). A very good mat based match in front of an appreciative crowd.
Flip Gordon, Neon, Star Jr vs. Bad Dude Tito, Che Cabrera, Zandokan Jr. (Jun. 14 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). Tito and Che trying to make the most of this opportunity and should work more in CMLL.
Finally, I can’t talk about 2024 without mentioning the rise of KeMalito—wrestling’s one true devil. Exceptionally charismatic and endlessly entertaining, KeMalito became a sensation this year, lighting up the crowd every time he appeared. He was such a phenomenon that by the end of the year, CMLL introduced a new KeMonito to feud with him. Big things are ahead in 2025 as they’ve only just scratched the surface.
Let’s finish up with the final set of match recommendations. The incredible thing about 2024 was that there are easily another 50 matches that I could recommend.
Even more 2024 CMLL Match Recommendations: Personal Favorites
This final set of recommendations are a selection of matches that popped me throughout the year.
CMLL Welterweight Title Titan (c) vs. Villano III Jr. (Sep. 22 CMLL Domingo Familiar). Great breakthrough singles match for Villano III Jr. He hits hard, soaks in the heat and throws good punches. Lots of emotion in this one.
Atlantis, Blue Panther, Neon vs. El Valiente, Hijo Del Villano III, Virus. (Dec. 20 CMLL Viernes Espectacular). Young Neon is paired with two legends. Really enjoyed this a ton. Blue Panther looked spry and killed it.
Atlantis Jr vs. Stuka Jr. (Nov. 2 CMLL Sabados De Coliseo). Absolutely loved this. Stuka doesn’t wrestle many singles matches these days but he really brought it. Great atmosphere with Arena Coliseo all lit up for Dia De Muertos.
Stephanie Vaquer, Reyna Isis, Hera vs. Tessa, Skadi, Kira (Jun. 22 CMLL Sabados De Coliseo). Tons of great Skadi & Kira tandem work in this one. Vaquer’s peaking in CMLL before Forbidden Door.
Mistico, Mascara Dorada, Atlantis Jr vs. Volador Jr, Templario, Magnus (Apr. 30 CMLL Martes De Arena Mexico). Huge reaction for Mistico and a great fun tecnicos showing. Pure fun lucha libre.
NJPW STRONG Women's Title Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. La Catalina (Jun. 21 CMLL Viernes Espectacular: FantasticaMania). This rocked. A great showing for La Catalina. Vaquer is exceptional. Just too good. Mercedes Mone shows up after to set up Forbidden Door.
Blue Panther Jr. & Dark Panther vs. El Hijo del Villano III & Villano III Jr. (Jan. 9 CMLL Martes De Arena Mexico). The kids are alright. This match ruled. Physical, heated, awesome.
World Historic Light Heavyweight Title Match Atlantis Jr. (c) vs. Soberano Jr. (Sep. 27 CMLL Viernes Espectacular - Noche De Campeones). Great chemistry here with Soberano Jr. very into his heat seeking rudo mode. Atlantis Jr. on top of his game. More grappling than usual.
Vacant CMLL Barroco Title Xelhua vs. Vegas (Jul. 2 CMLL 71 Aniversario de Arena Puebla). Very good match and a great showing for Xelhua in particular. Vegas shows to be a nice rudo. A strong match beyond the nifty offense.
Blue Panther vs. Ultimo Guerrero (Nov. 30 CMLL Sabados De Coliseo). Great match that is all about the fundamentals. They get so much out of everything. The fans have an absolute blast with it.