Cartel allegedly killed 2 ‘lucha libre’ wrestlers in Mexico
MEXICO CITY — Authorities in Mexico confirmed Monday {that a} “lucha libre” wrestler had been discovered lifeless over the weekend within the north-central state of Guanajuato.
The state prosecutors’ workplace stated the physique of a wrestler often known as “Maremoto,” or “Tidal Wave,” had been discovered dumped behind a Nationwide Guard barracks Saturday within the metropolis of Irapuato.
And native skilled wrestling promotors cancelled a deliberate match Sunday, citing the loss of life of “Maremoto” and one other wrestler identified by his ring identify, “Lepra,” or “Leprosy.”
“Out of respect for the family of our colleagues Lepra and Maremoto, and as an indication of mourning, our occasion Sunday Aug. 28 is cancelled,” match promotors Promociones Freseros Brothers stated in assertion.
The prosecutors’ workplace had earlier confirmed the loss of life of “Lepra.” Native media gave his actual identify as Salvador Garcia, and stated he might have labored a day job within the municipal authorities of Irapuato.
As a result of the game just isn’t well-paid, at the very least on the native stage, many wrestlers work day jobs.
Each males had been reported kidnapped in Irapuato final week.
Over the weekend, photographs circulated on social media of a banner signed by the Jalisco New Era Cartel that was discovered close to one of many our bodies.
The banner accused the 2 males — together with a 3rd wrestler identified by his stage identify “Juventud Rebelde” who was gunned down in Might — of working for a rival gang. The Jalisco cartel is understood by its initials, CJNG.
“To the colleagues of the Lucha Libre career, the CJNG has nothing in opposition to you personally,” the banner learn. “The occasions involving ”Juventud Rebelde ‘Jerry’, Lepra Salvador and Maremoto had been direct assaults.”
The banner claimed they had been concerned with the Santa Rosa de Lima gang, which has been preventing turf battles in opposition to the Jalisco cartel in Guanajuato for years.
Lucha libre has suffered in recent times, particularly in the course of the coronavirus pandemic, when virtually all matches had been cancelled, and an unusually excessive quantity if wrestlers died of COVID-19. However not like norteño musicians, lucha libre wrestlers had till now largely escaped drug cartel violence.
Lucha libre wrestling is a quintessentially Mexican pastime. It’s the second most-followed sport within the nation, after soccer.
The game options theatrical stunts and a practice of “rudos” — villainous, rule-breaking dangerous guys — and “tecnicos” — the good-looking good guys.
