‘Lucha libre’ shows American wrestling the ropes

PHOENIX — As the lights dim, Queen’s “We Will Rock You” blares over the loudspeakers. A crowd of 1,500-plus roars as the luchadores are introduced. Fans of all ages have gathered for yet another Sunday afternoon lucha libre matchup at La Gran Mercado to cheer on their favorite masked wrestlers.

Spanish for “free fight,” lucha libre is filled with acrobatic maneuvers, choreographed kicks, slaps and tag team assaults. It’s a slight departure from American wrestling, which is heavily promoted using the chiseled athletes of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and its knockoffs via cable television and pay-per-view main events.

This brand of entertainment, however, is a bit more bare bones. It has been around for decades in Mexico and now found success inside and outside the city’s core of Latino wrestling fans.

“It’s something new,” says Taylor Santos, of South Phoenix. “This is my first time seeing lucha libre live and I must admit, the luchadores put on quite a show for the crowd. I like how rowdy the crowd gets here. It’s kind of funny watching moms, dads, teens and toddlers cheer on their favorite masked fighters.”

The luchadores – or “wrestlers” – vary in age from teens to late 30s. Each luchador performs “in character” to the event. Unlike most American wrestlers, they wear decorated masks and prefer not to reveal their true identity to the audience.

However, Sergio Vega is one of the few luchadores at La Gran Mercado who prefers to be unmasked when performing.

“He is my favorite,” says lucha libre fan Aaron McCauley. “I attend this event on a regular basis and I love how energetic Vega is with the crowd. He uses his charm and athletic ability to excite the audience. I feel he works really hard to be the best.”

The luchadores practice three times a week to perfect their stunts and routines for Sunday’s event. It is a physically demanding sport that can cause serious injuries to luchadores if they are not properly prepared.

But most wrestlers find the enthusiastic fans worth their pain and time.

“It’s a great place for the family. The atmosphere is fun and admission is affordable,” says Lauren Elaine of Central Phoenix , who brought her husband and 10-year-old son to the event. “I even find it entertaining when the wrestlers are introduced. It’s a show any age can enjoy.”

The events are held every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at La Gran Mercado, a swap-mart venue near 35th Avenue and Buckeye Road. Admission is $1 but free for children 12 and under.

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>>Email the editor at aklaw@zoniereport.com.