Rey Mysterio: Nacho Libre Is Number One

Real recognizes real, and Rey Mysterio is giving props to an absolute Lucha Libre legend, Nacho Libre.

Rey Mysterio is recognized as the greatest Luchador of his generation, but many others paved the way for him before his debut. Names like Médico Asesino, El Santo, Blue Demon, and others all popularized Lucha before Rey Mysterio laced up his boots. However, while all of those men have starred in movies, Mysterio knows that the actual number one Lucha movie legend is Nacho Libre.

Appearing on Brown Bag Mornings, Mysterio spoke about the rich tradition of Lucha Libre and the significance of the masks worn by the competitors.

“The mask itself, like you said, it’s very powerful. It’s a lineage. It’s a symbol of what we do in the ring, the pride that we carry, and not because of me, but because of my ancestors, my uncle, the ones who came before my uncle. The lineage of lucha libre and the culture of lucha libre has been represented over the years. It started in 1930. In the 50s, that’s when we had El Santo, Blue Demon come out with the movies. In the 90s, the new generation was coming out, El Hijo del Santo, Blue Demon Jr. We carry this mask to represent our culture, what we love.”

Asked where Nacho Libre fits into the lineage of Lucha Libre, Rey immediately cracked a joke and said, “Number one.”

There you have it. The character portrayed by Jack Black in a 2006 movie is considered the top Luchador of all time, as stated by the man many would consider the GOAT of that style.

Elsewhere in the interview, Mysterio said that now is the perfect time for young wrestlers of all styles to break into the industry. Read more here.

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