90 Years of CMLL: 1990's
The success of Atlantis, the greatness of Negro Casas, and an increased TV and international presence highlight the decade.
It’s 1933 in Mexico City and the promotion that would come to be known as CMLL begins as EMLL (Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre). Fast forward to 2023 and the company produces a series of videos commemorating their 90th anniversary. These are their highlighted moments and images celebrated throughout the series along with a few extra notes that I found interesting.
Watch the full CMLL produced series with this YouTube Playlist. I’ve started linking to matches mentioned where available usually on the date!
(Note: I’d recommend opening this in a web browser so you can see all the images.)
Don’t miss the bonus notes section at the end and check out this YouTube Playlist of 20 selected CMLL matches from the 1990’s.
1990’s
1990: After nearly 40 years, EMLL returned to broadcast television with one of the first major events occurring on February 9. Stars included Los Brazos, Mascara Sagrada, Atlantis, Ulises, Gran Markus, Los Destructores, Ringo Mendoza, Pierroth, Octagon, and more. The first cage match with Sangre Chicana defeating Fabuloso Blondy (Jul. 1). A packed Arena Mexico witnessed Rayo De Jalisco Jr. unmask Cien Caras in one of the promotion’s biggest matches (Sept. 21). The match was dubbed La Lucha de la Guitarra (‘The Guitar Fight’) with Cien Caras ambushing Rayo with a guitar during his entrance. Atlantis achieved another huge victory by unmasking Kung Fu (Oct. 26).
1991: CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) was born on May 24 to provide wrestlers with opportunities to compete at an international level. CMLL initially operated out of Arena Pista Revolución under the leadership of Paco Alonso and soon became the identity of EMLL. Qualifiers for new world championships in all weight classes began. Fuerza Guerrera unmasked El Gallo Tapado (Mar. 8). El Satánico won a hair vs. hair match against Kato Kung Lee (Jun. 21). In September, a wrestler’s strike halted operations in Arena México and Arena Coliseo. The main grievances was wrestlers believed televised matches hurt live attendance. The strike lasted for two weeks forcing events to relocate to Naucalpan.
1992: Lucha Libre was recognized by the National Museum of Popular Cultures highlighting its impact on Mexican popular culture worldwide. One of the era’s most controversial matches took place with Blue Panther versus Love Machine in a mask vs. mask match. Love Machine used a martinete (illegal piledriver) resulting in his disqualification and unmasking while Blue Panther was hospitalized (Apr. 3).
1993: American wrestler Fabuloso Blondy won a bloody hair vs. hair match over El Brazo (Feb. 19). CMLL found a new home on Canal 22, Mexico’s cultural channel (Jul. 22). Aat CMLL’s 60th Anniversary Show, Atlantis unmasked Mano Negra (Oct. 1). Tragedy struck on October 26 at Arena Coliseo when Oro collapsed in the ring and passed away. It followed another dark moment back on December 25, 1979 when Sangre India also lost his life in the ring at the same arena.
1994: On April 15, La Fiera lost his hair to Emilio Charles Jr. and Rayo De Jalisco Jr. won the first-ever International Grand Prix tournament (Gran Prix Internacional) defeating King Haku in the finals. As part 61st Anniversary celebrations, Ricky Santana took El Texano’s hair (Sept. 30). Águila Solitaria defeated Antifaz in a mask vs. mask match (Sept. 29).
1995: In the precursor to Homenaje a Dos Leyendas (“Tribute to Two Legends”) at Arena Mexico, Sangre Chicana defeated La Fiera in a hair vs. hair match (Mar. 17). The Salvador Lutteroth Trophy was contested for (Mar. 21). In the second edition of La Gran Alternativa, a rookie showcase, Shocker was crowned the best rookie, sponsored by Silver King (Apr. 7). At Arena Pista Revolución, Mr. Niebla unmasked Estrella de Plata (Mar. 30).
1996: The first free lucha libre broadcast aired on 660 AM organized by CMLL and the Mexican Institute of Radio and Television to celebrate Three Kings Day with commentators Javier Vargas “Vitorino,” Jorge Sánchez, and Javier “Gusano” Llanes (Jan. 3). The main event saw Los Brazos defeat Mano Negra, El Satánico and Gran Markus Jr. At Arena Mexico, Héctor Garza won the first Torneo Copa Jr. (Junior Cup Tournament) (Mar. 1). Rambo won a bloody hair vs. hair match against El Brazo (Mar. 22). At Arena México’s 40th anniversary, Rambo defeated Humberto Garza Jr. in another hair match (Apr. 19). Finally, Rambo won the hair of Brazo De Oro (Aug. 30)! Legendary ring announcer Javier Vargas López passed away after an event at Arena Pista Revolución (May 4). Vitorino pioneered lucha libre radio coverage, was the first Mexican announcer to broadcast in Japan and was the director of Box y Lucha magazine. Black Warrior unmasked El Bronco at Arena Mexico (Jul. 19).
1997: CMLL went on its first official tour of Japan from February 2 to 6 including Korakuen Hall and Komazawa Arena in Tokyo. The final event at Arena Pista Revolución is headlined by Felino, Negro Casas and La Fiera against Arkángel de la Muerte, El Hijo del Gladiador, and Mano Negra (Jun. 8).
1998: At Arena Coliseo, Rencor Latino launched his career taking the mask of Apolo Chino (Jun. 9). Rencor Latino would go on to become Averno a few years later. As part of the CMLL’s 65th Anniversary Celebration, Último Guerrero scored a major victory unmasking Mr. Águila (Sept. 11). Olímpico won the mask of Halcon Negro Jr. (Oct. 30).
1999: The legendary Cavernario Galindo passed away (Jul. 19). At Arena México, the first Homenaje a Dos Leyendas (“Tribute to Two Legends”) honors Salvador Lutteroth González and El Santo. In the main event, Scorpio Jr. loses his mask and Bestia Salvaje loses his hair in a mask & hair vs. mask & hair match against El Hijo Del Santo and Negro Casas (Mar. 19). Último Guerrero won the Gran Alternativa tournament, sponsored by Blue Panther. At the 66th Anniversary Show, Mr. Niebla unmasked Shocker. Mr. Niebla won exclusive rights to the character over the future Mr. Mexico (Aug. 20). The colossal Gigante Silva arrived.
Up next, a phenom soars to record heights in the 2000’s.
I put together a YouTube Playlist of 20 CMLL Matches from the 1990’s to watch!
Bonus Notes
The major news of the 90’s was promoter Antonio Peña breaking away from CMLL to form his own promotion, AAA in 1992. A lot of key talent would follow Pena including Konnan, Cien Caras, Fuerza Guerrera, Eddy Guerrero, Love Machine, Heavy Metal, Blue Panther, El Hijo Del Santo, Octagon, and more. AAA would also use talent from the fading UWA talent like Los Villanos, El Canek, and Dos Caras as well as rising young talent like Rey Misterio Jr., Psicosis, and Juventud Guerrera. La Parka became a quick sensation.
Negro Casas and Dr. Wagner Jr. are two of the most prominent names not mentioned above. Both played huge roles in CMLL throughout the decade. Casas had a legendary feud with El Hijo Del Santo. Wagner became a big star in CMLL and his success would translate to New Japan. Playing off his family’s history, Wagner formed a La Ola Blanca of his own with El Gran Markus Jr. and El Hijo del Gladiador.
El Dandy and El Satanico’s feud highlighted the early part of the decade.
Vampiro became a huge star in short order. Chris Jericho had great success as Corazon De Leon. Ultimo Dragon established his reputation in CMLL. Norman Smiley did very well as Black Magic.
Shocker was a big breakout star late in the decade.
Blue Panther returned full-time to the promotion in 1998 and formed Los Laguneros with Dr. Wagner Jr. and Black Warrior.
A new version of Los Infernales formed to close out the decade with Satanico, Ultimo Guerrero, and Rey Bucanero.