Promo Azteca

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Promo Azteca
AcronymAZTECA(S)
Founded1995
Defunct1998
StyleProfessional wrestling
Lucha libre
Hardcore wrestling
HeadquartersTijuana
Founder(s)Fuerza Guerrera (PROMELL)
Konnan (AZTECA)
Owner(s)Konnan
Jorge Rojas
ParentTV Azteca
FormerlyPromotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre

Promo Azteca (AZTECA, originally known as Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre, PROMELL) was a professional wrestling promotion that was founded in Tijuana, Mexico, by Fuerza Guerrera in 1995. It was taken over by Konnan and Jorge Rojas the following year and was home to many of the luchadors wrestling for World Championship Wrestling (WCW) during the late-1990s.[1][2]

Promo Azteca sought to become the third national wrestling promotion in Mexico with the support of Televisión Azteca, the country's second-largest television network; however, WCW eventually withdrew its support and banned luchadors under WCW contract from working for Promo Azteca. Promo Azteca was unable to recover from this loss and closed at the end of 1998.

History[edit]

Promo Azteca had its origins in 1995 under the Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre banner owned by Fuerza Guerrera. Guerrera initially co-promoted shows with AAA until selling the company that same year to Konnan, Jorge Rojas and the TV Azteca network. In October 1996, Konnan left AAA after a falling out with owner Antonio Pena and brought a number of its younger stars with him[3][4][5] including, most notably, Juventud Guerrera, Rey Misterio Jr., Super Calo, La Parka and Psicosis.[6][7][8]

Many were competing in World Championship Wrestling's (WCW) new cruiserweight division at the time and shared much of Konnan's frustrations with AAA's management over money. These luchadors were on limited contracts in WCW which meant they were paid only for the nights they worked rather than receiving a yearly salary. Once leaving the AAA, however, this left them with a lot of spare time and few opportunities to work in Mexico. One of the key reasons Konnan took over Promo Azteca was to establish a place where he and other luchadors could compete when they were not wrestling in the United States. WCW agreed to let those under contract continue wrestling in their native country when they were not needed at live events. He and Rojas envisioned these wrestlers as Promo Azteca's main stars.[6]

Notable talent[edit]

In addition to the former AAA talent that followed Konnan to Promo Azteca, older veterans such as Angel Azteca, Blue Panther, Cien Caras, Máscara Año 2000 and Universo Dos Mil were also involved.[9] In early 1997, Konnan formed a version of the New World Order with Damián 666, Halloween, Psicosis and Los Villanos (Villano IV and Villano V).[10] Other WCW luchadors to regularly appear in Promo Azteca included El Dandy, Hector Garza, Lizmark Jr. and Norman Smiley.[8]

The promotion featured a number of then-unknown wrestlers who would become major stars in Mexico and the United States during the next decade, including Ephesto (then known as Pantera del Ring), Mr. Águila, Toscano, Último Guerrero, Último Rebelde, and El Zorro. Super Crazy, in particular, was considered the standout star of its cruiserweight division. He rose to prominence during a feud with Venum Black,[11] which culminated on March 6, 1997 in a "mask vs. hair" Lucha de Apuestas, or "bet match", that Super Crazy won,[12] and later found success in the U.S. with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).[8][13]

Some visiting Japanese wrestlers made their first appearances in Mexico with Promo Azteca such as CIMA, Kaz Hayashi and Yoshihiro Tajiri.[8]

Style and television[edit]

Promo Azteca was presented as a "rebel" wrestling promotion, similar to Extreme Championship Wrestling in the United States.[7] It is notable for introducing "hardcore wrestling" and other elements of American-style pro wrestling to Mexican audiences. One of these, the one-fall match, was later adopted by AAA.[8] Promo Azteca had the support of TV Azteca,[14][15] one of the largest networks in Mexico,[6] and from which the promotion's name was derived. TV Azteca was eager to compete against Televisa, which aired both AAA and CMLL television programming.[16][17] Its American counterpart ECW, on the other hand, struggled for years to secure a spot on a U.S. television network. Promo Azteca's televised events aired weekly on Friday nights from October 1996[18] to March 1998.[19] Promo Azteca TV was reportedly set to resume after the 1998 FIFA World Cup, but the show did not return to television.[20] Though it did not air in the U.S., the series was covered by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Role in the Mexican and U.S. promotional wars[edit]

I had amassed so much talent in my promotion, which was called Promo Azteca, because I changed the way wrestling was shot, I changed the way wrestling was produced. I was doing a lot of stuff, like, instead of the best 2-out-of-3 falls, which is very corny to me, I would only do one fall. I was just really revolutionizing the product so all the young guys really wanted to be with me, plus I had access into WCW. So I was basically cherry-picking the best wrestlers from both promotions [AAA and CMLL] and, I mean, I almost put Peña out of business. Almost. And for the first time in more than 70 years, Paco Alonso, the owner of Arena Mexico, had to give out guaranteed contracts which he'd never done in his career. So both of them had an axe to grind with me and so when Eric made me close up shop, you know, some wrestlers went [back] to either company [but] some wrestlers were never able to get work. And I was like the "Lee Harvey Oswald" [of lucha libre], you know what I'm saying?

- ROH Straight Shootin' Series (2006)[21]

At the time of Promo Azteca's founding, a major promotional war was being fought between Mexico's two major promotions: AAA and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL).[22] The emergence of a "renegade" promotion such as Promo Azteca added to an already chaotic situation in the world of lucha libre. Promo Azteca enjoyed an exclusive partnership with World Championship Wrestling,[23] partially due to Konnan's involvement in developing WCW's cruiserweight division. This encouraged many luchadors to defect from AAA and CMLL in the hopes of working for the U.S. promotion.[4][22][24] Kevin Quinn, Steele, Super Astro and The Headhunters were among CMLL talent to jump to Promo Azteca.[23] When La Parka, Máscara Sagrada and other luchador enmascarados left AAA for Promo Azteca, however, the promotion countered by having other wrestlers portray the originals resulting in two versions wrestling on national television.[11][25] The departure of La Parka was an especially serious setback for AAA[26] and he was later blackballed by the promotion. According to Konnan, he and other AAA stars were also denied work by promoters upon returning to Mexico in 2001.[27]

Promo Azteca also had a role in the U.S. promotional rivalry between WCW and the World Wrestling Federation. Konnan, convincing many of WCW's interest showcasing lucha libre-style wrestling, was able to lure Mexican talent away from the WWF's fledgling cruiserweight division.[4] Víctor Quiñones, a key figure in the CMLL-WWF talent exchange agreement, jumped to Promo Azteca in September 1997.[24] That same month, WCW President Eric Bischoff brokered a meeting with Konnan and rival CMLL promoter Paco Alonzo. Bischoff, interested in CMLL's talent and association with Televsia, was reportedly unable to negotiate a truce between the two men.[23] Konnan was also upset over Mike Tenay filming CMLL wrestlers that summer for a series of documentary shorts on Mexican wrestling. It was speculated by the Pro Wrestling Torch that WCW's interest in CMLL was partly motivated by curbing the power of Konnan's crew of Mexican talent in WCW.[28]

Demise[edit]

For a brief time, Promo Azteca's superior talent and backing from TV Azteca threatened to overtake both AAA and CMLL as the Mexico's top lucha libre promotion.[24] In November 1997, Pro Wrestling Illustrated ranked Promo Azteca among the top promotions in the world.[1] However, its success was short-lived. WCW, fearing its luchadors would become injured, withdrew its support and banned those under contract from working in Promo Azteca.[7] Konnan's wrestling career in the U.S. also prevented him from devoting his full attention to Promo Azteca. The promotion struggled for a while longer, largely relying on regulars in the Mexican independent wrestling scene, but was ultimately unable to recover from losing the WCW luchadors. It held a few interpromotional shows with CMLL before quietly closing its doors at the end of 1998.[8]

Alumni[edit]

Male wrestlers[edit]

Abismo Negro
Atlantis
Brazo de Plata
Crazy Boy
Damián 666
Hijo del Santo
Hector Garza
La Parka
Konnan
Máscara Sagrada
Negro Casas
El Oriental
El Pantera
Rencor Latino
Rey Misterio Jr.
Shiima Nobunaga
Shiryu
Skayde
El Steele
Último Guerrero
Super Crazy
Olímpico
Tajiri
Universo 2000
Vampiro Canadiense
Volador Jr.
El Zorro
Birth name:[a] Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Andrés Alejandro Palomeque González Abismo Negro 1997
Unknown Agente 1998
Unknown Aladino 1998
Unknown Alan Stone 1997–1998
Unknown Alas de Fuego 1997
Ron Rivera American Wild Child 1997
Unknown Andy Barrow 1996–1998 [29][30][31]
Juan Manuel Zúñiga† Ángel Azteca 1996–1997 [31][32][33]
David Camarena Ángel Blanco Jr. 1996 [34]
Unknown Ángel de los Niños 1998
Unknown Angelito Azteca / Super Muñequito 1996
1998
Unknown Animaniac 1998
Unknown Antifaz del Norte 1996–1998 [30][31][32]
José Muñoz Apolo Dantés 1997–1998
Unknown Apolo Star 1997
Andrés González La Araña Negra 1997
Unknown Arandú 1998
Unknown Arlequín 1998
Unknown Aspid 1997
Unknown Atlantis 1997–1998
Unknown Atomico Ramirez 1998
Unknown Ave de Fuego 1996
Unknown Azteca Imperial 1998
Unknown Bad Boy 1997
Unknown Bala 1997
Raúl Gutiérrez Barba Negra / Robotman 1997–1998
Unknown† Barón Siniestro 1997
Juan Manuel Rodriguez† Bestia Salvaje 1997–1998
Unknown Black Dragon 1997–1998 [29][31][33]
Unknown Black Jaguar 1996
Norman Smiley Black Magic 1997–1998 [35][36][37][38]
Unknown Black Maravilla 1997
Juan Alanís Black Shadow Jr. 1997
Unknown Black Shury 1997
Unknown Black Templar 1998
Unknown Black Templar Jr. 1998
Jesus Toral López Black Warrior / Black Panther 1996–1998 [29][36][37]
Jeremiah Ross Blitzkrieg 1997WCW
Genaro Nevarez Blue Panther 1996–1997 [30][31][1]
Juan Alvarado Nieves† El Brazo 1996–1998 [29][31]
José Aarón Alvarado Nieves† Brazo Cibernético 1996–1998 [29]
José Alvarado Nieves Brazo de Plata 1996–1998
Daniel Alvarado Nieves Brazo de Platino 1998
Unknown Break Demon 1997
Unknown Bufalo 1998
Unknown Bufalo Azteca 1998
Unknown Bufalo Salvaje 1997
Unknown Caballero Águila 1996–1997
Unknown Caramelo 1998
Unknown Carinoso 1998
Unknown Carta Brava Jr. 1998
Unknown Catemoco 1997
Unknown Centella Verde 1998
Unknown Centella Verde Jr. 1997–1998
Unknown Chacal Ruiz 1997
Manuel Ortiz Partida Ciclope / Halloween 1996–1998
Carmelo Reyes González Cien Caras 1996–1998 [29][31][32][1][39]
Unknown Cirio 1998
Unknown Clímax 1998
Unknown El Cobarde 1997
Gabriel Hernández La Cobra 1996–1997
José Luís Romero Colt 1996–1998 [29][35][40]
Unknown Colt Master 1997
Unknown Comando I 1997
Unknown Comando II 1997
Unknown Crazy Boy 1997
Unknown Crazzy Man 1997–1998
Roberto Fernández Barrón Cyborg 1996–1997 [29]
Leonardo Carrera Gómez Damián 666 1996–1998 [29][35][41]
Unknown Damián el Guerrero 1997
Roberto Gutiérrez Frías El Dandy 1997–1998 [29][1][42]
Unknown Delfin Plateado 1998
Unknown El Demente 1997
Unknown Depredador 1996 [43]
Unknown Diamante de Oro 1997–1998
Unknown El Divino 1998
José Arellano Dos Caras 1996
Alejandro Jiménez Cruz Dr. Cerebro 1997
Juan Manuel González Barrón Dr. Wagner Jr. 1996–1998
Unknown Dragon de Oro 1996 [31]
Unknown El Duende 1998
Unknown Duende I 1998
Unknown Duende II 1998
Unknown Duende III 1998
Sergio Garduño† Emilio Charles Jr. 1996–1998
Unknown Enemigo Público 1997
Unknown El Enfermero Jr. 1996 [43]
Unknown Enigma de Plata 1998
Enrique Vera Rodríguez Enrique Vera 1996–1997 [40]
Unknown Enterrador de la Muerte 1998
Mario Pérez Jiménez† Espectrito 1997–1998 [40]
Unknown Espia Jr. 1997
Unknown Espíritu Guerrero 1998
Unknown Estrella de Fuego 1998
Unknown Estrella Dorada 1998
Unknown Extrano 1998
Juan José Hernández Ornelas El Fantasma 1996–1997
Edmundo Ibaes Salas Fantasma de la Quebrada 1998
Unknown Fantasy 1997
Unknown Fantomas 1997–1998
Jorge Luis Casas Ruiz Felino 1997–1998
Unknown Felino Salvaje 1997
Unknown El Fierito 1996
Unknown Filoso 1996
José Ángel Nájera Sánchez Fishman 1998
Unknown Flash Tiger 1997
Felipe Castellanos Fobia 1996 [40]
Unknown Forajido 1997
Unknown Fuego 1998
Unknown Fuego 2000 1997
Unknown Fuerza Guerrera 1996
1998
Unknown El Fugitivo 1998
Unknown† Furia Guerrera 1996
Unknown Gakic 1996
Unknown Galaxia R-2 1998
Unknown El Galgo 1996 [40]
Unknown Gallo Astral 1998
Alejandro Alcala Gallo Boy Z 1998
Unknown Gallo Galactico 1998
Unknown Gambito 1997–1998
Unknown Gavilan Martinez 1998
Unknown Genaro Contreras 1997
Unknown Geo 1997
Miguel Ángel Guzmán Velázquez El Gitano 1996–1997 [29][30][31]
Unknown Goku 1996–1997
Unknown Gran Genio 1998
Unknown Gran Guerrero 1998
Unknown Gran Misterio 1997–1998
Unknown Gringuito 1998
Ricardo Gonzalez Guerra C-3 1998
Unknown Guerrero de la Noche 1998
Jorge Luis Herrera Halcon Negro Jr. 1997–1998
Victor Santiago Headhunter A 1997–1998 [23][44]
Manuel Santiago Headhunter B 1997–1998 [23][44]
Héctor Solano Segura† Héctor Garza 1997–1998 [29][1][42][2]
Juan Carlos Gonzales El Hijo del Diablo 1997–1998 [45]
Unknown El Hijo de Huracán Ramírez 1996–1998 [34]
Jorge Guzmán El Hijo del Santo 1996–1998 [46]
Unknown Hipnosis 1997
Daniel García Arteaga Huracán Ramírez 1996–1997
Unknown Huracán Ramírez Jr. 1996–1998 [34][47]
Unknown Indio Nakoma 1997–1998
Luz Lorena Velarde Murillo La Infernal 1997
Unknown Infierno Man 1997
Gerardo Hernández Estrada Jerry Estrada 1997–1998 [35][36]
Unknown El Jibarito 1997
Unknown Jinete de la Muerte 1998
Unknown Jinete Magico 1997–1998
Shinchiro Yoshida Jiraiya 1996–1997
Unknown Joe Rivera 1998
Unknown Juan Barrio 1998
Takahiro Suwa Judo Suwa 1997
Unknown Junior Kiss 1997–1998
Felipe Flores Zamora Jurassico 1996–1998 [30][31][35]
Unknown Jungla 1996–1997 [43]
Eduardo Aníbal González Hernández Juventud Guerrera 1996–1998 [32][35][41][48][49]
Unknown Kamikaze 1996–1997
César Baltazar de Lucio Valencia Karloff Lagarde Jr. 1997
Johnny Lezcano Smith† Kato Kung Lee 1997 [29]
Unknown Kevin Quinn 1997 [41][23]
Unknown Killer 1997
Unknown King Lover 1998
Manuel de los Santos The Kiss 1997–1998
Charles Ashenoff Konnan 1996–1998 [30][36][1][41][2]
Javier Arturo García Ku Klux Klan #1 1997
Arturo Casco Hernández† La Fiera 1997–1998
Adolfo Tapia Ibarra La Parka 1996–1998 [29][32][37][1][42][2]
Jesús Alfonso Huerta Escoboza La Parka Jr. 1997–1998
Victor Manuel Resendiz Ruiz Latin Lover 1997
Unknown León Dorado 1998
Juan Baños† Lizmark 1997–1998 [37][50]
Juan Carlos Baños Lizmark Jr. 1997–1998 [29][31][35][36][39]
Unknown Lobo Rubio 1997
Unknown Lobo Vikingo 1998
Katsumi Kanai Lyguila 1996–1997
Blas Columba Lynx / Violencia 1996–1998
Unknown Macana 1998
Unknown El Macho 1998
Unknown Mágico 1998
Katsumasa Kuroki Magnum Tokyo 1997
Unknown Maguito Fantasma 1997
Pedro Olveda González Makabre 1998
Unknown† Mandingo 1996
Felipe Rojas Elizalde Maniacop 1998
Jesús Reyes González Máscara Año 2000 1996–1997 [29][32][39][42]
Antonio Gómez Medina Máscara Mágica 1997
Unknown Máscara Sagrada 1996–1998 [29][31][1][39][25]
Unknown Máscara Sagrada Jr. 1997
Unknown Maverik 1998
José Torres Santiago Mazambula 1997
Mario Fuentes Médico Asesino Jr. 1997
Gerardo Campos Poza Mega 1998
Unknown Mega Elektra 1998
Aaron Rodríguez Mil Máscaras 1997–1998
Roberto Castillo Misterioso 1996–1997 [40]
José de Jesús Pantoja Flores Mogur 1998
Unknown El Mohicano / Mohicano I 1997
Unknown Monje Chino 1998
Juan Valdez Valentino Mosco de la Merced 1997–1998
Unknown Motocross 1997–1998
Unknown Mozambique 1996
José Delgado Saldaña Mr. Águila 1997–1998 [29][35]
Unknown Mr. Crimen / Mr. Krimen 1998
Unknown Mr. Niebla 1996–1998
Unknown Mr. Tempest 1998
Unknown Muneca Oriental 1997
Unknown Murciélago Infernal 1997
Unknown Neblina 1997
José Casas Ruiz Negro Casas 1997–1998
Unknown Neo 1997
Ezequiel Antonio Rivera Ninja de Fuego 1996–1997 [29][34][31]
Unknown Nygma 1996–1997 [29][30][31]
Joel Bernal Galicia Olímpico 1997–1998
Unknown Operativo 1998
Noé Astro Moreno León El Oriental 1997–1998
Miguel Ángel Nava Orito / Oro Jr. 1997–1998
Unknown Oso Vikingo 1998
Unknown Pachuco 1996–1997 [30]
Unknown Pachulli Van 1997
Unknown Pancho Robles Jr. 1997
Unknown Pandillero #1 1996–1997 [40]
Unknown Pandillero #2 1996–1997 [40]
Luis Abelardo Hernández Cruz El Pandita 1998
Francisco Javier Pozas El Pantera / América 1996–1998 [29]
Unknown Pantera del Ring 1996–1998 [30][31][33]
Unknown Pantera Gris 1998
Unknown Payasito I 1996–1997 [31]
Unknown Payasito II 1997 [31]
José Ramírez Pepe Aguayo 1997
Unknown Pepe Pueblo 1998
Norberto Salgado Salcedo Pierroth Jr. 1997–1998 [29][36][37][42][51]
Unknown Piloto Suicida 1998
Pedro Ortiz Villanueva Pirata Morgan / Violencia 1996–1998 [30][31][32][52]
Daniel Núñez Hernández El Potro 1997
Salvador Quintana Potro Salvaje 1998
Dionisio Castellanos Torres Psicosis 1996–1998 [32][33][1][41][2][48]
Unknown Rayde 1997–1998
Unknown Rayo de Jalisco Jr. 1996–1998
Jesús González Monroy El Rayo Tapatío I 1996–1997
Víctor Manuel González Monroy El Rayo Tapatío II 1996–1997
Renato Cortes Rencor Latino 1998
Arturo García Ortiz Rey Bucanero 1997–1998
Miguel Ángel López Díaz Rey Misterio 1996–1998
Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio Rey Misterio Jr. 1996–1997 [1][41][2][48][6][7]
Julio Islas Rueda Rey Pantera 1997
Unknown Rey Vikingo 1997–1998
Unknown El Rayo Tapatio I 1996–1997 [40]
Unknown El Rayo Tapatio II 1996–1997 [40]
Aldo Ortiz Ricky Santana 1998
Jesús Reza García† Robot R-2 1998
Victor Manuel Vargas Abreu Rocky Santana 1996–1997 [31]
Rudy Valentino Rudy Valentino 1997
Unknown Sable 1997
Unknown El Sagrado 1998
Rafael Herbert Reyes El Salsero 1996–1998 [29][30][31][49]
Daniel López El Satánico 1996
1998
Unknown Scandalo 1996–1997 [34][31]
Rafael Núñez Juan Scorpio Jr. 1997–1998
Unknown Sendero 1997
Unknown Sergio Romo Jr. 1996–1997
Unknown La Serpiente Rockera 1997–1998
Unknown Shamu 1996
1998
Nobuhiko Oshima Shiima Nobunaga 1997
Kazuhiro Hayashi Shiryu 1997–1998 [35][53]
José Luis Jair Soria Shocker 1996–1998
Unknown Shu el Guerrero 1996–1997 [31][43]
Unknown Shurican / Shuriken 1997–1998
Antonio Sánchez Rendón El Signo 1996
César Cuauhtémoc González Barrón Silver King 1997–1998 [29]
Jorge Rivera Serrano Skayde / Elektra 1996–1998 [29][30][31]
Unknown Solar #1 / El Mariachi 1996–1997 [29]
Pedro Buenrostro Torres Solar #2 1996
Unknown Sparks 1998
Unknown Spawn 1998
Othoniel Trejo Starman 1998
Sean Morley El Steele 1997 [36][23]
Unknown Stranger 1997
Unknown Streep 1997
Unknown Sueño Chicano 1996
1998
Unknown Sumatra 1998
Tatsuki Fuji Sumo Fuji 1997
Unknown Super Aladino 1998
Juan Zezatti Ramírez Super Astro 1997–1998 [36][23]
Unknown Super Black 1997–1998
Rafael García Sánchez Super Caló 1996–1998 [29][31][33]
Francisco Pantoja Islas Super Crazy 1997–1998 [13][54][12][55]
Daniel Lyon Super Dragon 1997
Jorge Vega Oriel Super Elektra 1996–1998 [31][32][48]
Unknown Super Muñeco 1997–1998
Ramón Ibarra Banda Super Parka 1997–1998 [29]
Unknown Super Pinocho 1998
Unknown Super Ratón 1998
Yoshihiro Tajiri Tajiri 1998
Oziel Toscano Jasso Tarzan Boy 1996–1998 [29][30][31][32][35][36]
Unknown Taurus 1997
Unknown Tawa 1997
Juan Jáuregui† El Texano 1997–1998 [29]
Unknown Thunderbird 1996 [43]
Celso Reyes Daza Tiburón 1996 [30][31][33]
Unknown Tigre Blanco 1997
Unknown Tinieblas Jr. 1997–1998 [35][36]
Unknown Tom Mix 1997
Unknown Tom Mix Jr. 1997
Unknown Tony Boy 1998
Antonio Cirio Flores Tony Cirio 1997
Javier Espinosa Romero Tony Rivera 1997–1998
Jose Allon El Torero 1997–1998 [29][35]
Unknown Tornado Negro 1998
Unknown Tramposito 1998
Unknown Turok 1998
Edgar Luna Pozos Ultimatum 1996
Unknown Ultimo Gitano 1997
José Gutiérrez Hernández Último Guerrero 1996–1998 [29][30][31][33][56]
Jesús Parra Ramírez Último Rebelde / Súper Punk 1996–1998 [30][31][33][35][56]
Andrés Reyes González Universo 2000 1996–1998 [32][39]
Ian Hodgkinson Vampiro / Vampiro Canadiense 1996–1998 [29][31][37][1][42][52]
Juan Miguel Escalante Grande Vaquerito 1997
Unknown Vato Loco I 1997
Unknown Vato Loco II 1997
Jullián Carrillo Venum Black 1997–1998 [35][13][54][12]
Unknown Viajero del Futuro 1998
Arturo Díaz Mendoza Villano III 1997–1998 [29][31][35][51]
Tomas Díaz Mendoza Villano IV 1997–1998 [29][51]
Raymundo Díaz Mendoza Jr. Villano V 1997–1998 [29][31][51]
Jesús Luna Pozos Virtual 1997
Unknown Viper 1997
Ricardo Carreño Virus / Damiancito El Guerrero 1997–1998
Ramón Ibarra Rivera Volador Jr. 1998
Unknown Wolf 1996
Unknown Wolverine 1997–1998
Ulises Ángel X-Man 1998
Unknown Zafirito 1997
Ismael Reyes Ham Zapatista 1996–1997 [34][31]
Jesús Cristóbal Martínez Rodríguez El Zorro 1996–1998 [29][30][31][32][35][39]
José Paz Zumbido 1998
Unknown Zurikan 1998

Female wrestlers[edit]

Birth name:[a] Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Guadalupe Olvera La Amapola 1998
María Cristina Valle Flores La Chola 1996
1998
Unknown La Diabólica 1997–1998
Unknown Flor Metálica 1997–1998
Unknown Galilea 1998
Irma Eugenia Águilar Morales Irma Águilar 1997
Irma Morales Muñoz Irma González 1996
Sandra González Calderón Lady Apache 1997–1998
Unknown Lady Connors 1997
María Dolores González Lola González 1996
Unknown La Mohicana 1997–1998
Blanca Rodríguez Princesa Blanca 1997–1998
Unknown Princesa Zareth 1997
Dolores Hernández La Rebelde 1996
Héctor Navarro La Sombra 1998
Tania de Lourdes Díaz Alvarez Tania 1996
1998

Mini-Estrella wrestlers[edit]

Mascarita Sagrada
Pierrothito and Tzuki
Birth name:[a] Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Aguirre, Roberto Rodriguez|[[Bracito de Oro|Roberto Rodriguez 1996–1997
Unknown Bracito de Plata 1996 [31][40]
Unknown Dragoncito de Oro 1996–1997
Alejandro Pérez Jiménez Espectrito II / Guerrerito del Futuro 1996
1998
Unknown Fuercita Guerrera 1996 [30][29][40]
Enrique Del Rio Jerrito Estrada 1996–1998 [29][40]
Vicente Serrano Mascarita Mágica 1998
Domingo Fuentes Daniel Mascarita Sagrada 1996–1998 [30][40][57]
Unknown Mini Andy Barrow 1997
Unknown Mini Elektra / King Flashito 1996–1998 [31]
Unknown Mini Konnan 1997–1998 [29][40]
Unknown Mini Rey Misterio Jr. 1997–1998 [29]
Unknown Mini Star 1998
Unknown Mini Super Calo 1997–1998
Unknown Octagoncito / Panterita 1996–1998 [30][40]
Rolando Fuentes Romero Pequeño Cochisse 1997
Unknown Pierrothito 1997–1998
Raymundo Rodríguez Piratita Morgan 1996–1998 [30][40]
Unknown Último Dragoncito 1997

Stables and tag teams[edit]

Tag team/Stable(s) Members Tenure(s)
Los Bravos Fuerza Guerrera and Juventud Guerrera 1996
Los Comandos Comando I and Comando II 1997
The Headhunters Headhunter A and Headhunter B 1997–1998
Los Hermanos Dinamita Cien Caras, Máscara Año 2000 and Universo 2000 1996–1997
Los Hooligans Último Guerrero and Último Rebelde 1996–1997
Los Kamikazes Goku, Jiraiya and Lyguila 1997
Los Nuevos Brazos Brazo Cibernético, Brazo de Platino and El Brazo 1998
Los Pandilleros Pandillero #1, Pandillero #2 and Pandillero #3 1996–1997
Los Payasitos Payasito I and Payasito II 1996–1997
New World Order Konnan, Damián 666, Halloween, Psicosis, Villano IV and Villano V 1997
Los Rayos Tapatios El Rayo Tapatio I and El Rayo Tapatio II 1996–1997
Los Vatos Locos Vato Loco I and Vato Loco II 1997
Los Villanos Villano III, Villano IV and Villano V 1997–1998

Managers and valets[edit]

Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Victoria Ann Moreno Lady Victoria 1998 [45]

Other personnel[edit]

Birth name: Ring name(s): Tenure: Notes
Unknown Fuerza Guerrera 1995–1996 Promoter
Charles Ashenoff Konnan 1996–1998 Promoter[23][4]
Booker[13][54]
Jorge Rojas Jorge Rojas 1996–1998 Promoter
Víctor Quiñones Víctor Quiñones 1997 [36][23]
Company name to Year
Company name: Years:
Promotora Mexicana de Lucha Libre 1995–1996
Promo Azteca 1996–1998
Notes
† ^ Indicates they are deceased.
‡ ^ Indicates they died while they were employed with Promo Azteca.
WCW ^ Indicates they were part of a talent exchange with World Championship Wrestling.

Footnotes[edit]

  • a – Entries without a birth name may indicate it is not a matter of public record, as is often the case with masked wrestlers in Mexico where their private lives are kept a secret from the wrestling fans.[58]

Championships and programming[edit]

Championships[edit]

Promo Azteca promoted championships
Championship Champion Notes
Promo Azteca Heavyweight Championship Pirata Morgan The heavyweight title of Promo Azteca. It was established in 1998 and was defended through the year. Pirata Morgan was the only champion[52]
Promo Azteca Middleweight Championship Pantera The secondary title of Promo Azteca. It was established in 1997 and was defended through the year. Pantera was the only champion[59]
Championships recognized by Promo Azteca
Championship Champion Notes
IWC World Heavyweight Championship La Parka The heavyweight title of the International Wrestling Council. It was defended in the promotion from 1997 to 1998.[60][61]
IWRG Intercontinental Middleweight Championship Pantera A secondary title of the International Wrestling Revolution Group. It was defended in the promotion during 1997.[62]
LAWA Middleweight Championship Super Caló A secondary title of the Latin American Wrestling Association. It was defended in the promotion during 1997.[63]
Mexican National Lightweight Championship Virus The lightweight title of Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre. It was defended in the promotion during 1998.[64]
Mexican National Welterweight Championship El Torero The welterweight title of AAA. It was defended in the promotion during 1997.[65]
WWO Heavyweight Championship Tinieblas Jr. The heavyweight title of the World Wrestling Organization. It defended in the promotion during 1997.[66]

Programming[edit]

Programming Notes
Promo Azteca TV (1996–1998) Broadcast exclusively on TV Azteca.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

Specific[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Official Wrestling Ratings". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. London Publishing Co.: 65 November 1997. ISSN 1043-7576.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Ratings Analysis". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. London Publishing Co.: 66 November 1997. ISSN 1043-7576.
  3. ^ "K-Dog". Kokomo Tribune. Kokomo, Indiana: Thomson Corporation. June 10, 1999. Konnan broke ties with AAA and formed a new promotion in Mexico called Promo Azteca.
  4. ^ a b c d Letawsky, Craig (2002-04-23). "Ask 411 04.23.02 – Booger Red, Marrianna, Albright, Superstar Billy Graham". Columns. 411mania.com. Archived from the original on 2009-07-28. Retrieved 2010-05-30.
  5. ^ Fonseca, Miguel G. (November 30, 2012). "Los veteranos de AAA; Miguel G Fonseca nos cuenta sobre los luchadores que no sólo se convirtieron en leyenda en la lucha libre; también aportaron al gran éxito de lo que hoy es la AAA" [The veterans of AAA] (in Spanish). Fox Sports Latinoamérica. En 1996 se da un cisma en la compañía, y numerosas estrellas parten a una efímera promotora llamada Promo Azteca, y al mismo tiempo obtienen contratos en la inolvidable WCW. [In 1996 a schism occurred in the company, and stars departed to a fleeting promotion called Promo Azteca, and at the same time got the unforgettable WCW contracts.]
  6. ^ a b c d Mysterio, Rey; Roberts, Jeremy (2009). Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask. New York: Simon and Schuster. pp. 149–151. ISBN 1-4165-9896-0.
  7. ^ a b c d Heos, Bridget (2012). Rey Mysterio: Giant Killer. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. p. 24. ISBN 1448855381.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Boutwell, Josh (October 20, 2012). "LUCHA SPOTLIGHT: Remembering Promo Azteca". WrestleView.com.
  9. ^ Rasmussen, Dean (May 1997). "BRUISER BRODY! bleeds half as much as DORY FUNK JR! EMLL! whips PROMO AZTECA!'S keister in this weeks tape watching with the 16 man Match of the FREAKIN year! and gear up to ball up your cyberfist and punch me in the virtual stomach as I pick the best of the half year!". Death Valley Driver Video Review: 42.
  10. ^ "WCW Monday Nitro – Monday 1/12/97". DDTdigest.com. January 1997.
  11. ^ a b Boutwell, Josh (May 10, 2014). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
  12. ^ a b c Centinela, Teddy (March 6, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 1998: Súper Crazy desenmascara a Venum Black… Satánico traiciona a Emilio Charles Jr". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  13. ^ a b c d Molinaro, John. "SLAM! Wrestling Bios: Super Crazzy". Canadian Online Explorer. SLAM! Sports. Archived from the original on July 23, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  14. ^ Sammond, Nicholas (2005). Steel Chair to the Head: The Pleasure and Pain of Professional Wrestling. Durham: Duke University Press. p. 128. ISBN 0-8223-3438-0.
  15. ^ Boutwell, Josh (February 8, 2014). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
  16. ^ Joseph, Gilbert; Rubenstein, Anne; Zolov, Eric (2001). Fragments of a Golden Age: The Politics of Culture in Mexico Since 1940. Duke University Press. p. 354.
  17. ^ "La historia de TV Azteca en la Lucha Libre". Adictosaldeporte.com. March 2016.
  18. ^ "AZTECA: 1996-10". TheCubsFan.com.
  19. ^ "AZTECA: 1998-03". TheCubsFan.com.
  20. ^ "June 15, 1998 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Full JYD Bio, WCW files lawsuit against WWF, tons more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. July 25, 2015.
  21. ^ Ashenoff, Charles (November 5, 2006). "Konnan". ROH Straight Shootin' Series (Interview). Interviewed by Jim Cornette. New York: Ring of Honor.
  22. ^ a b Zellner, Kris (October 11, 2015). "The Original Mistico Returns to CMIL:The Lucha Report". PWInsider.com.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Powell, Jason (September 11, 2002). "5 Yrs Ago: WCW News – Flair and Arn upset with NWO spoof". Pro Wrestling Torch.
  24. ^ a b c Centinela, Teddy (August 29, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 2010: Fallece El Espanto II… 1997: Guerra de empresas: Luchadores del CMLL y de AAA a Promo Azteca". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  25. ^ a b Levi, Heather. The World of Lucha Libre: Secrets, Revelations, and Mexican National Identity. Durham: Duke University Press. p. 123. ISBN 0-8223-4214-6.
  26. ^ Zellner, Kris and David Bixenspan (16 November 2015). "Between the Sheets #17: November 10–16, 1996 with Dave Prazak". PlaceToBeNation.com (Podcast). PWO-PTBN Podcast Network. Event occurs at 02:11:52. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
  27. ^ Powell, Jason (August 25, 2001). "Torch Talk: Konnan on being at the Final Nitro" (PDF). Pro Wrestling Torch. 1 (667): 6.
  28. ^ Powell, Jason (August 15, 2002). "5 Yrs Ago: Bischoff fires Syxx, scolds Flair for showing his ass". Pro Wrestling Torch.
  29. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao Promo Azteca (Producer). Promo Azteca (VHS). Mexico: RF Video.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Promo Azteca (Producer) (November 22, 1996). Promo Azteca 11/22/96 Mexico (VHS). Mexico: RF Video.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj Rasmussen, Dean. "PROMO AZTECA TV (2/97-3/97)". Death Valley Driver Video Review (55).
  32. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Rasmussen, Dean (May 1997). "BRUISER BRODY! bleeds half as much as DORY FUNK JR! EMLL! whips PROMO AZTECA!'S keister in this weeks tape watching with the 16 man Match of the FREAKIN year! and gear up to ball up your cyberfist and punch me in the virtual stomach as I pick the best of the half year!". Death Valley Driver Video Review (42).
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h "Promo Aztecas Middleweight Title Tournament 1997". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Pro Wrestling History Supercards & Tournaments.
  34. ^ a b c d e f Alvarez, Bryan (December 16, 1996). "Promo Azteca". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
  35. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Rippa, Phil. "Promo Azteca". Death Valley Driver Video Review (90).
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Centinela, Teddy (August 29, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 2010: Fallece El Espanto II… 1997: Guerra de empresas: Luchadores del CMLL y de AAA a Promo Azteca". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  37. ^ a b c d e f "Vampiro Profile". Online World of Wrestling.
  38. ^ Rasmussen, Dean (April 6, 1998). "The Monday Night Jericho Workrate Report". OtherArena.com. Ollie & Dean's Monday Workrate Reports.
  39. ^ a b c d e f Centinela, Teddy (April 18, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 1997: Steel (Val Venis) se convierte en Campeón Mundial de Peso Completo CMLL al vencer al Rayo de Jalisco Jr". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved May 31, 2016.
  40. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Alvarez, Bryan (December 9, 1996). "Promo Azteca". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
  41. ^ a b c d e f Extreme Championship Wrestling (Producer). International Invasion of ECW (DVD). United States: RF Video.
  42. ^ a b c d e f Centinela, Teddy (July 4, 2015). "En un día como hoy… 1997: Rey Mysterio reaparece en México con Promo Azteca… Hijo del Santo es destronado por Felino". Súper Luchas (in Spanish). Retrieved July 11, 2009.
  43. ^ a b c d e Alvarez, Bryan (December 30, 1996). "RESULTS". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
  44. ^ a b Feinstein, Rob (Interviewer). The Headhunters Shoot Interview (DVD). United States: RF Video.
  45. ^ a b Apter, Bill (August 1998). "Names Makin' News". Inside Wrestling. 30 (8). London Publishing Co.: 9.
  46. ^ Alvarez, Bryan (December 16, 1996). "Promo Azteca". Wrestling Observer. Campbell, California.
  47. ^ Boutwell, Josh (May 25, 2016). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
  48. ^ a b c d Schneider, Phil (December 7, 2015). "On The Road: IWC 11/10/97". Death Valley Driver Video Review. Archived from the original on June 22, 2016.
  49. ^ a b "Juventud Guerrera Profile". Online World of Wrestling.
  50. ^ "LUCHA LIBRE STAR LIZMARK HAS DIED". 1wrestling.com. December 17, 2015.
  51. ^ a b c d "National Atomicos Title (Mexico)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
  52. ^ a b c Westcott, Brian (1999). "Promo Azteca World Heavyweight Title History". Solie.org. Solie's Title Histories.
  53. ^ Schneider, Phil. "NEW JAPAN TOP OF THE SUPER JUNIORS 1998 TV MATCHES". Death Valley Driver Video Review (80).
  54. ^ a b c "Super Crazy Profile". Online World of Wrestling.
  55. ^ Boutwell, Josh (August 30, 2015). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
  56. ^ a b Boutwell, Josh (February 7, 2015). "Viva la Raza!: Lucha Weekly". WrestleView.com.
  57. ^ "National Mini-Estralla Title (Mexico)". Wrestling-Titles.com. Puroresu Dojo. 2003.
  58. ^ Madigan, Dan (2007). "Okay... what is Lucha Libre?". Mondo Lucha a Go Go: the bizarre and honorable world of wild Mexican wrestling. HarperCollins Publishers. pp. 29–40. ISBN 978-0-06-085583-3.
  59. ^ "Promo Aztecas Middleweight Title Tournament 1997". ProWrestlingHistory.com. Pro Wrestling History Supercards & Tournaments.
  60. ^ "AZTECA: 1997-02". TheCubsFan.com.
  61. ^ "AZTECA: 1998-08". TheCubsFan.com.
  62. ^ "AZTECA: 1997-11". TheCubsFan.com.
  63. ^ "AZTECA: 1997-12". TheCubsFan.com.
  64. ^ "AZTECA: 1998-10". TheCubsFan.com.
  65. ^ "AZTECA: 1997-07". TheCubsFan.com.
  66. ^ "AZTECA: 1997-10". TheCubsFan.com.

General[edit]

Further reading[edit]

External links[edit]

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