International Wrestling League (IWL) (Liga Internacional de Lucha Libre in Spanish) is a professional wrestling promotion based in Deportivo Tlalli, in Tlalnepantla, Mexico State.
It was founded as Independent Wrestling League on August 13, 2010 by Martín Amaro, with Octavio Rivero as the head booker. In late 2010 Rivero was replaced by Amaro's niece, Ángeles Rubio, under whom IWL started a working agreement with Perros del Mal Producciones. Rubio would leave the promotion for personal reasons in April 2011. He was followed as the head booker by wrestler Fantasma de la Ópera, who started a working relationship with AAA. On May 28, 2011, it was announced that Fantasma de la Ópera would be replaced by Valerie Richter.[1] In a press conference held on June 21, 2011, Richter announced that the company would change its name to International Wrestling League.[2]
IWL was the first Mexican wrestling promotion to broadcast a live Internet pay-per-view.[3] The iPPV was called "The Mad Man Takes Over Mexico!" and was aired on July 3, 2011. American hardcore wrestler Mad Man Pondo was the headliner in this show.
On July 15, 2011, Richter announced that IWL will incorporate a timekeeper, a ringbell and time limit for the matches,[4] something that is common in the U.S. and Japan, but unheard of in Mexico. On January 4, 2012, Richter announced that she had parted ways with IWL due to creative differences.[5]
Daga defeated Aeroboy, Black Fire, Eterno, Fantasma de la Ópera, Freelance, Lobo Metálico, Low Rider, Mike Segura, Naruto, Tormento, and Violento Jack in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match to become the inaugural champion.
After Bestia 666 and X-Fly had on multiple occasions defended the title without IWL's authorization, the promotion announced that they would no longer recognize the title and would have it replaced by the new IWL International Tag Team Championship.
Los Porros defeated La Secta Negra (Cerebro Negro, Fantasma de la Ópera and Radge) in the final of one night "Cuadrangular de Tríos" to become the inaugural champions.
Defeated Atomic Star, Corcel Infernal, Pequeno Demonio, Shadow, Super Colt and Templario in a Seven Way Elimination Match to become the inaugural champion.