Luchadores vs. Everything explores a forgotten piece of wrestling history
This new book details how it all came together–from the ring to the reel
Contents for The Week in Wrestling:
Lita on Luchadores vs. Everything
An inside look at the past week in wrestling
A mystery box appears in WWE
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Lita on Luchadores vs. Everything
Wrestling fans, prepare to learn about a whole new world:
Lucha libre films.
There is an untapped realm of lucha libre movies from decades ago where masked heroes waged war against Dracula and his brides, Frankenstein and his daughters, werewolves and monsters. The films are a fascinating time capsule from wrestling history, and everything–yes, everything–about those movies is detailed in the new book Luchadores vs. Everything.
“It’s a chance to reintroduce these films through a whole new lens,” said Amy Dumas, who had a Hall of Fame wrestling career in WWE as Lita. “That’s what this book is.”
Those words from Dumas are a snippet from her interview that runs in the book. She broke into wrestling in 1997 after traveling to Mexico to soak up as much knowledge as she could about lucha libre, and that period of time left a lasting impression.
“I went to Mexico City to learn,” said Dumas. “I loved how the artistic nature was woven in and the mystery behind the masks. I felt like I was let into this secret society. Every time I learned something, I wanted to learn more. I remember watching Emilio Charles wrestle, and the crowd loved it so much they started throwing him tips into the ring. I couldn’t throw my pesos fast enough. I knew pretty quickly that that was where I needed to be.”
Written by Viviana García Besné, the Luchadores vs. Everything book explores the golden age of lucha cinema. Its history is traced back to the very first El Santo films that were shot in Cuba in a period of time coinciding with Fidel Castro’s rise to power. Dozens of lucha libre films are detailed throughout the 400-page book, including ones like Enigma De Muerte, which stars Mil Mascaras, and Santo vs. La Hija Del Frankenstein.
A Kickstarter campaign is helping the book get printed as a deluxe collectors hardcover edition. The campaign, which launched on February 5, reached its initial goal in one hour. It runs until February 26, allowing a discounted price for anyone who wants to pre-order the book. There are also multiple different tiers to support the project.
“If you’re passionate about lucha libre, this is the book you want,” said Dumas. “This is the book that will tell you more. That’s for people who just want a taste, as well as the die-hards.”
This past week…
WWE is honoring AJ Styles next Monday on Rawin Atlanta, Georgia. That is the perfect spot to have family and friends present to celebrate Styles. Now for the million dollar question: will it be announced that Styles has signed a new Legends contract with WWE?
Je’Von Evans–and not Gunther or Dom Mysterio (at least not yet)–is headed to the Elimination Chamber match courtesy of winning a triple threat on Raw.
Did anyone else see the footage of the break-in of the old WWE headquarters… and think of the Mean Street Posse? Come on, it couldn’t have just been me.
MJF defeated Brody King over the weekend in Australia at AEW’s Grand Slam show, and Hangman Page beat Andrade to become next in line for a title shot. Their title match will happen at the Revolution pay-per-view next month. But another fascinating development is that Kenny Omega wrestles Swerve Strickland tonight on Dynamite, and the winner will be thrust into the thick of the title picture.
After last fighting in December of 2016, Ronda Rousey is returning to MMA to fight Gina Carano, who hasn’t fought since 2009. Their bout will take place this May on Netflix.
Jericho isn’t inside that box
This past Monday on Raw, a box appeared with the instructions not to open until February 28, which is the date of Elimination Chamber. Considering it was a person-size crate, it instantly fueled speculation that Chris Jericho will emerge from it.
If Jericho is returning to WWE, it won’t be in that box. There is no certainty of when his AEW contract officially expires, but at this point, it is fair to imagine that Jericho will not be part of WrestleMania.
If he becomes a free agent in April, then the most likely destination for Jericho is WWE on the famed Raw after WrestleMania.
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