1. Negro Casas (73) – (5′ 8”, 185 lbs, 31 yr. pro): Casas had what could be best described as a re-awakening of sorts in 2009. Showed a lot more charisma in 2009 as part of La Peste Negra, which was something he hadn’t shown in recent years. Began a hot feud with Mistico. Won the CMLL World Welterweight Title from Mistico at the 3/20 Dos Leyendas show. The two continued to feud for the next 6 months leading up to the big Anniversary match in September. The amount of time this feud lasted was pretty amazing considering how short-term booking/thinking there is in wrestling nowadays. Despite being the rudo in this feud and during 2009, Casas had a large portion of the fan base on his side due to the popularity of the La Peste Negra trio and the number of fans who don’t particularly like Mistico. The Anniversary match was a bit disappointing when compared to some of their earlier matches. Casas lost the hair match, but at the next show wore a wig during a trios match, which resulted with the tecnicos pulling it off and humiliating “El 4:40″. Casas continued to be an effective veteran rudo and he was then placed in a feud with young tecnico Mascara Dorada. He was victorious in this feud, but did a good job of elevating Mascara Dorada.

2. Mistico (3) – (5’7”, 165 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Top star in CMLL and despite being a tecnico, gets a mixed reaction at the various CMLL arenas. He’s still one of the few top drawing wrestlers (on an individual basis) in Mexico despite all the boos. Made his New Japan debut at the Wrestle Kingdom III 1/4 show in a trios match teaming with Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi against Averno, Gedo and Jado. He made his second trip to New Japan for a match on February 15th were he defended the CMLL World Welterweight title against Mephisto. Made it known publicly that he wanted a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. Meanwhile in Mexico, Mistico had begun a feud with Negro Casas which led to a co-main event matchup between these two at the Dos Leyendas show on 3/20/09 at Arena Mexico. Casas won the CMLL World Welterweight Title from Mistico. After that match, CMLL set-up a rematch and again Casas won. Both matches were good and that led CMLL in the direction of building the Casas-Mistico feud as the headline match for the Anniversary show in September. The feud also involved Super Sky Team (Mistico, Volador Jr. & La Sombra) vs. La Peste Negra (Casas, Felino & Mr. Niebla) in trios matches. CMLL also had about 3-4 additional singles matches between the two in the months and weeks leading to the Anniversary show. New Japan brought Mistico in a third time and on August 15th, Mistico won the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title from Tiger Mask. The match got mixed reviews from several fans. Mistico defended that title against Casas as a precursor to the big mask vs. hair match at the Anniversary show. Won the big mask vs. hair match against Casas on 9/18. The match wasn’t quite at the level of the first 2 matches, but still drew a good crowd. Mistico would then feud with Japanese legend, Jushin “Thunder” Liger, who traveled to Mexico for the month of September with the intentions of bringing back the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title. Mistico was victorious against Liger. Mistico made a fourth trip to Japan and on November 8th lost the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title to Tiger Mask. Mistico then spent the final part of the year battling all CMLLL rudos.

3. El Mesias (9) – (6’0”, 245 lbs, 12 yr. pro): With Cibernetico gone from AAA, El Mesias a wrestler brought in under a combination gimmick of La Parka (AAA) and Cibernetico, became the top tecnico for AAA. He started the year out as the AAA Mega Champion battling against Konnan’s Foreign Legion. As part of getting him over, he would cut promos apologizing to the Mexican fans for his past transgressions and would ask for forgiveness and tell everyone he would fight to defend Mexico. The promos did help him gain some acceptance as its pretty difficult for Mexican wrestling fans to root for Puerto Ricans. Defended the AAA Mega Championship against Chessman at Rey De Reyes and was later confronted by the debuting Dr. Wagner Jr. The two faced off at Triplemania XVII in what was considered a Match of the Year and saw Dr. Wagner Jr. win the title. El Mesias continued to challenge Doc. Cibernetico made his AAA return and sided with El Mesias against Dr. Wagner Jr., but that alliance soon broke up when Cibernetico turned on El Mesias. El Mesias feuded with both Dr. Wagner Jr. and Cibernetico. Regained the AAA Mega World Title at Guerra De Titanes on 12/11 from Dr. Wagner Jr.

4. Black Terry (10) – (5’6”, 176 lbs, 35 yr. pro) Another veteran luchador who is enjoying a newfound stardom thanks to the internet and the number of fans able to watch him more now than in previous years. For years best known as part of the trio of Los Temerarios. His style is a combination of traditional mat wrestling and a mix of good old brawling, which makes his matches all the more enjoyable to new fans looking for something different to currrent wrestling. Competes primarily on the independent circuit, but is perhaps best known for his matches in IWRG. Formed the awesome trio of Los Terrible Cerebros with Dr. Cerebro and Cerebro Negro. The trio held the Distrito Federal Trios Championship throughout 2009 and faced some really tough competition. Has had a long running feud with Negro Navarro, which led to some heated trios matches between Los Terrible Cerebros and La Dinasita de la Muerte (Navarro & Los Traumas).

5. Ultimo Guerrero (2) – (5’8”, 210 lbs, 19 yr. pro): The CMLL World Heavyweight Champion for all of 2009. The leader of Los Guerreros del Atlantida, which consists of Atlantis and Rey Bucanero. Had a feud with other rudos like Los Hijos Del Averno, who sided with Villano V. Won a mask match against Villano V at the Dos Leyendas show on March 20th at Arena Mexico. He followed that up by winning the CMLL Universal Tournament, which was a tournament consisting only of other title-holders within CMLL. In the tournament had victories over Volador Jr., Mistico, Negro Casas and El Hijo Del Texano. Successfully defended the CMLL World Heavyweight Title against a number of opponents like Rey Mendoza Jr. (Villano V), Ephesto, Hector Garza, Jushin “Thunder” Liger and Yujiro. Part of the Mexico vs. Japan feud as well.

6. Dr. Wagner Jr. (12) – (5’10”, 216 lbs, 24 yr. pro): Began 2009 as an independent wrestler competing throughout Mexico, primarily for Los Perros Del Mal and the UWA Requiem shows. His negative comments about CMLL seemed to put him on their black list and this soon would open the door for him to join AAA. Made his AAA debut at Rey de Reyes confronting El Mesias, the AAA Mega Champion at that time. Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. El Mesias immediately became one of the AAA’s top two feuds, except this one featured a battle of tecnicos as Dr. Wagner Jr. had entered the promotion as a tecnico and brought with him a strong fan base (which originally hated his jump to AAA). He headlined Triplemania XVII against El Mesias and won the AAA Mega World Title in a match that drew praise as a Match of the Year Candidate for 2009. He soon made the switch to work as a rudo and formed a faction with his brother (Silver King), Electroshock and Ultimo Gladiador called Los Wagnermaniacos. He successfully defended the AAA Mega Title and feuded with El Mesias and Cibernetico.

7. Negro Navarro (13) – (5’7”, 198 lbs, 35 yr. pro): One of Mexico’s true “maestros” of lucha libre as he’s quite possible the best technical wrestler in that country. His traditional style of lucha libre is a throwback to what was used in the past and thanks to Navarro has become rather popular among the online die-hard wrestling fans. Prior to garnering a cult-like following online for his current style, he was best known for being part of one of Mexico’s greatest trios, Los Misioneros de La Muerte w/ El Texano and El Signo. Formed a new version of that trio with El Signo and Black Power in 2009 on the independent circuit. Navarro primarily competes throughout the independents, most notably for IWRG. Has had a long-running rivalry with Solar I. Their matches are usually considered exhibitions to the traditional lucha libre style. Teamed with his sons, Los Traumas, as the feared trio of La Dinasita de La Muerte. As part of that trio, they faced off against the top trios in IWRG like Los Terrible Cerebros, Los Piratas, and Los Oficiales. Has also had a long running feud with Black Terry.

8. El Hijo del Texano (94) – (6’1”, 220 lbs, 11 yr. pro): 2009 was a breakout year for this second-generation wrestler in CMLL. He established himself as a main event rudo in CMLL. Part of the rudo faction of Los Hijos del Averno. He also formed a successful team with El Terrible and also held the Occidente Tag Team Titles for the entire year. The two were supposedly suspended early in 2009 from wrestling in Guadalajara after an incident with a drunk fan in that Arena. Had a feud early in 2009 with Maximo, which was a continuation of their feud in 2007 after Hijo del Texano had turned on Maximo and cost his trio (along with Sagrado) the Mexican National Trios Titles. Maximo had never forgiven Hijo Del Texano for this double-cross (~!). Their feud led to a hair match at Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara were Hijo del Texano would come out victorious. Won the NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship from Atlantis on April 5th in Guadalajara. He took part in the CMLL Universal Tournament and reached the finals were he lost to Ultimo Guerrero. Was involved in feuds with Shocker and Toscano. Along with El Terrible, the team challenged La Sombra and Volador Jr. for the CMLL World Tag Team Titles. Late in the year, began feuding with New Japan’s Team No Limit (Yujiro & Naito). El Hijo del Texano and El Terrible beat Yujiro and Naito in a hair match on December 4th at the Sin Salida show at Arena Mexico.

9. Mr. Niebla (49) – (5’9”, 187 lbs, 19 yr. pro): Ever heard the Johnny Cash song called “Man In Black”? The song is basically Cash explaining why he wears black like for the poor, the beaten down, etc. Well, Mr. Niebla decided he would wrestle for the dirty and ugly of this world. He added spots in his matches that were considered disgusting like the Nasty Boys “Pit Stop” and even going the extra mile of smelling other people’s armpits. Under this new persona, Mr. Niebla showed more charisma than in previous years and despite being a rudo became a crowd favorite. Had some pretty great promos and interviews. The leader of La Peste Negra with Felino and Negro Casas. Big feud for ’09 had to be his part in helping Negro Casas in his feud against Mistico and also bringing out Casas personality once again as a rudo. La Peste Negra and Super Sky Team had some fun matches including one in which both teams worked the opposite style to please fans as La Peste Negra’s popularity was only overshadowed by the loud rudo section’s dislike of Mistico. Very talented wrestler, but he’s a bit unreliable and it probably has costs him opportunities throughout his career.

10. La Sombra (7) – (5’10”, 175 lbs, 6 yr. pro): Young high-flyer who is considered a future superstar in CMLL. Started getting a big push in 2008 and in 2009 he established himself as a main-eventer. Won the CMLL World Tag Team Titles with Volador Jr. from Averno & Mephisto on January 16th at Arena Mexico. The duo went on to hold on to the tag team titles throughout 2009 against some pretty good competition. Briefly held 3 championships in CMLL as he was also one-third of the Mexican National Trios Champions and also held the NWA World Welterweight Title. The trio of La Sombra, Volador Jr. & Sagrado eventually dropped the Mexican National Trios Titles to Poder Mexica and in May, La Sombra lost the NWA World Welterweight Title to rival Mephisto. Despite the titles held, La Sombra really became a headliner when he and Volador Jr. were joined by Mistico to form Super Sky Team. The trio became CMLL’s top headline tecnico group and faced off against all the top rudos, primarily feuding with La Peste Negra and Los Hijos del Averno. Expect to see a lot more from La Sombra as CMLL is quite high on him.

11. Volador Jr. (36) – (5’7”, 170 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Established himself as a main eventer in 2009 after finally getting a push in 2008. He was one of the top 3-4 tecnicos in CMLL throughout 2009. Exciting high-flyer. Tag team with La Sombra was considered the best of 2009 by many. The team won the best tag team award given by CMLL via fan voting. Volador Jr. and La Sombra won the CMLL World Tag Team Titles from Averno and Mephisto on January 16th at Arena Mexico. The team went on to successfully defend the titles throughout the year against various challengers such as the former champions (Averno & Mephisto), El Hijo del Texano & El Terrible, members of the Guerreros del Atlantida and La Peste Negra. Along with Sagrado, La Sombra & Volador Jr. also held the Mexican National Trios Titles, but lost those early in February to Poder Mexica. While that trio had suffered defeat, Volador Jr. and La Sombra would soon become part of the headlining tecnico trio of The Super Sky Team with Mistico. The trio feuded with Los Hijos del Averno, La Peste Negra and Los Guerreros del Atlantida. Had a feud with Averno and challenged him for the NWA World Middleweight Title.

12. Fabi Apache (32) – (5’3”, 139 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Part of the long-running Apache Family Saga that had her feuding with her husband, Billy Boy, and Sexi Star. The Apache family storyline has become quite a soap opera and it has also allowed Fabi Apache not only to show how talented she is in the ring, but she’s been able to show how great she can be in promos and in skits. She teamed frequently with Aerostar, who at the start of the storyline had a crush on Fabi and would later on profess his love to her. She turned him down and told him she just wanted to be friends, which Aerostar agreed to. Fabi also teamed with her sister, Mari Apache and father, Gran Apache. Fabi also began to provide relationship advice to Pimpinela Escarlata, who had fallen in love with Gato Eveready. She teamed with Aerostar to win the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles on September 6th from El Oriental and Cinthia Moreno. Fabi and Aerostar continued to feud with Billy Boy and Sexi Star throughout the year in many stipulation matches including a cage match at Verano de Escandalo were the loser had to drop his/her mask or hair. Billy Boy lost, but Fabi would soon find that she had become a target of Konnan’s Foreign Legion. She was attacked after this match. Fabi vs. Sexi Star soon became the focal part of the Apache Family feud as the family feud itself was secondary. Fabi lost the Reina de Reinas title to Sexi Star in a bull terrier match at the Heroes Inmortales show (held on 9/26/09). At Guerra de Titanes, Fabi lost a hair match to Sexi Star, but it ended with some controversy as Fabi didn’t get her head shaved. This left some fans upset, but the promotion didn’t really make a big deal about it. It did add more fuel to the feud between herself and Sexi Star.

13. Averno (6) – (5’9”, 174 lbs, 13 yr. pro): One of CMLL’s to rudos. Leader of Los Hijos Del Averno faction. Began the year holding 3 titles: CMLL World Tag Team Titles (w/ Mephisto), CMLL World Middleweight & NWA World Middleweight Titles. Averno and Mephisto lost the CMLL World Tag Team titles to Volador Jr. and La Sombra early in 2009 and continued to feud with them throughout the year. Had a really good match with La Sombra on January 19th in Arena Puebla for the NWA World Middleweight Title. Appeared on New Japan’s “Wrestle Kingdom in Tokyo Dome 1/4/09 show in a trios match, teaming with Gedo & Jado vs. Mistico, Taguchi and Prince Devitt. Won the mask of Plata on August 8th in an indie show in Lagos de Moreno. Long-time rival of Mistico, which continued in 2009 as part of the Hijos del Averno vs. Super Sky Team matchups. He also had a singles feud with Volador Jr.

14. Mascarita Dorada (22) – (4’5”, 110 lbs, 10 yr. pro): The top mini luchador in Mexico. Wrestled primarily for CMLL in Mexico, but he toured quite a bit to other countries. Wrestled for the Ultimo Dragon Produced “Lucha Fiesta” show in March. He also tours with El Hijo Del Santo’s Todo X El Todo shows in Europe. He won Mini of the Year for 2009 in CMLL’s award fan voting and the luchablog’s 2009 La Tapatia Awards. Feuded with Pequeno Damian 666 and have had some very good matches, but also memorable moments in their matches. Won the mask of La Sombrita in a cage match in Puebla on March 6th on a show titled “Infierno En El Ring”. He was also part of the CMLL minis vs. CMLL Puebla Locals feud in late August. Continues to be one of the most exciting high-flyers in lucha.

15. Trauma II (NR) – (5’9”, 154 lbs, 7 yr. pro): One of the most improved wrestlers in 2009. Teams with his brother (Trauma I) and his father (Negro Navarro) as part of the Dinastia de la Muerte trio. He and his brother also form one of the top independent tag teams in Mexico. Smaller than his brother, but improved significantly and quicker in 2009. His wrestling style is similar to his father’s technical and submission style. Worked primarily for the IWRG promotion, but also wrestled for DTU and other independent promotions. Beat Zatura for the IWRG IC Lightweight Title on June 18th at Arena Naucalpan in a match nominated for Match Of The Year. Lost the title two months later to Avisman. He also had a singles match against his brother late in the year in Arena Lopez Mateos. Most fans will remember 2009 for the amount of quality trios in IWRG and Trauma II was part of another match that placed very high for Match of the Year honors when teaming with his brother and father against Los Terrible Cerebros on April 16th. The Dinastia de la Muerte vs. Los Terrible Cerebros was one of the better feuds of 2009.

16. Freelance (29) – (5’1”, 125 lbs, 8 yr. pro): IWRG’s premier tecnico worker. Known for his death-defying, high-flying spots that in 2009 resulted in quite a few scares during matches. He bounced back from several scary moments and still kept wrestling the same style he’s use to. An interview out of Mexico had Freelance claiming he wanted a match with CMLL mini, Bam Bam, but Freelance later refuted what was said in the interview. He did say he would like to wrestle Bam Bam and some of the CMLL minis, but didn’t use the brash tone that was portrayed (by him) in the interview. Had a 3-way feud with Bushi and Dr. Cerebro over the IWRG IC Lighweight Title. It led to a hair match between himself and Dr. Cerebro, in which he lost to Dr. Cerebro. Late in the year, he began feuding with long-time rival Avisman, who had just won the IWRG Lightweight Title from Trauma II. Lost his hair in the finals of a relevos suicidas tournament to Oficial Fierro, who was his teammate in the tournament.

17. Oficial 911 (25) – (5’8”, 185 lbs, 8 yr. pro): Part of the popular IWRG rudo trio of Los Oficiales. The trio continues to be successful in the promotion and in 2009 held the IWRG IC Trios Titles throughout the year. They faced plenty of competition for those titles from Los Terrible Cerebros, Los Piratas, La Dinastia de la Muerte, etc. Oficial 911 had more success as a singles wrestler than his fellow officers in 2009 as well. Challenged Fuerza Guerrera for the IWRG IC Welterweight Title early in the year. He also won two masks in 2009. After forming a very brief detective tandem with Jack, with the help of the other Oficiales, Oficial 911 won Jack’s mask in a multi-man cage match on November 1st at Arena Naucalpan. He followed that up on December 3rd with a victory over Bushi in a mask match.

18. Hector Garza (18) – (5’11”, 209 lbs, 17 yr. pro): Garza spent the year as a main event level tecnico in CMLL. Nicknamed El Querubín, which translated is Cherub, an angel, which is something that is part of his shtick as he also gets referred to as “El Innocente” (the Innocent One) when doing something heelish, he kneels in prayer to show he’s innocent of any wrong-doing. Talented worker and like many headliners, has a habit of sticking to some type of comedy shtick in certain matches. Teamed with La Mascara and El Hijo del Fantasma to capture the CMLL World Trios Titles on January 18th, 2009 from Ultimo Guerrero, Atlantis and Negro Casas. They went on to hold the titles throughout the year. Garza was also the top contender to the CMLL World Title held by Ultimo Guerrero in 2009. They had 3 singles matches in 2009 including one in Puebla were Garza had a scary fall from a botched tope suicida. Garza’s son was shown crying in the crowd. Garza came out of it okay.

19. El Hijo del Perro Aguayo (5) – (5’9”, 194 lbs, 14 yr. pro): The leader of the Perros Del Mal faction and also the man in charge of the Perros Del Mal Promotion (seconded by Damian 666). Possibly the most charismatic wrestler in Mexico and a very good worker. Competed primarily for his own promotion, but also wrestled for other independent promoters throughout Mexico and also for a few lucha promotions in the US. Had feuds in 2009 with Dr. Wagner Jr., L.A. Park and El Hijo Del Santo. He spent the majority of his time trying to get his new promotion off the ground and by late 2009, they had a few TV shows, but the promotion due to having mostly independent wrestlers appear always has guys come and go from the promotion (Dr. Wagner Jr., Cibernetico, etc.).

20. Pierrothito (76) – (5’1”, 165 lbs, 18 yr. pro): The best wrestler to have donned the Pierroth gimmick from Norberto Salgado (Pierroth Jr.) as he’s one of the best rudos, not only amongst minis, but overall in CMLL and is a very good worker. Won the mask of Shockercito in a 14-mini cage match on January 11th at Arena Mexico. He’s also one of Mascarita Dorada’s main rivals. In August, Pierrothito was involved in a feud that involved other CMLL minis against CMLL Puebla locals at Arena Puebla. The minis banded together after a match were they faced the regular-sized Puebla locals, which included an early attack on Tzuki, who was laid out and taken out of the match. Both sides threw out challenges on the Puebla TV show and on Tercera Caida. The feud led to a cage match were Pierrothito won the mask of CMLL Puebla local, Mr. Rafaga. Pierrothito also held the Mexican National Lightweight Title throughout the year, which he defended successfully against Electrico on September 25th at Arena Mexico.

21. Mascara Dorada (68) – (5’8”, 172 lbs, 4 yr. pro): A complete turnaround for Mascara Dorada in the span of about 16 months under that gimmick. Seemed to buckle under the pressure working with the regular CMLL roster and in the buildings outside of Guadalajara. CMLL saw something in him early and rather than forget about him and keep him lower on the card, they decided to continue to work on him by placing him in with veteran rudos throughout the year and have him win key matches early in 2009 to establish him as a potential star. Won the CMLL Super Lightweight Title in a torneo cibernetico on April 7th, 2009. He spent the majority of the first half of 2009 matched up against veteran rudos, Felino and Virus. Later in the year, he was placed in a feud with Negro Casas. The sky’s the limit with Mascara Dorada as he fits the mold of the type of tecnicos CMLL likes to use and at a young age appears to be near main-event level.

22. Virus (28) – (5’5”, 174 lbs, 24 yr. pro): Talented CMLL midcard rudo. Gets a lot of praise from fellow wrestlers. Became somewhat of a fill-in member of Los Infernales when El Satanico decided to cut back on his wrestling schedule and instead concentrate more of his time to his commitments in Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara. Had a rivalry with Mascara Dorada and even challenged Mascara Dorada for the CMLL Super Lightweight Title in August. In late 2009, he received a bit of a push in CMLL as they made him the leader of a new rudo faction called Los Cancerberos. That faction worked primarily in trios and tag team matches against the midcard tecnicos. Teamed with Polvora to challenge Stuka Jr. and Fuego for the Arena Coliseo Tag Team Titles in December. Virus is also achieved a goal of his by becoming a trainer at Arena Mexico in 2009.

23. Valiente (20) – (5’7”, 180 lbs, 13 yr. pro): One of the best and innovative high-flyers in Mexico. Lost a considerable amount of weight early in 2009 and while some fans miss the chubby look, he’s continued to look great in the ring. Had a really good match on April 3rd at Arena Mexico against Virus. Also won a torneo cibernetico on June 19th at Arena Puebla by pinning Virus. His run of good luck continued as he beat Sangre Azteca on August 16th at Arena Mexico for the Mexican National Welterweight Title. Successfully defended the title for the first time against Dragon Rojo Jr. on October 30th. He spent most of the year in the mid-card and semi-main event spots for CMLL.

24. Dr. Cerebro (61) – (5’6”, 180 lbs, 13 yr. pro): Long-time IWRG regular has been in the promotion for over 10 years. He’s one of the better wrestlers in Mexico and has held practically every title (besides the Heavyweight crown) in IWRG. Held the Distrito Federal Trios Titles with Cerebro Negro and Black Terry. The trio is known as Los Terrible Cerebros. They have also feuded with every trio that passed through IWRG, but they’re most notable feud was with Negro Navarro and his sons, Los Traumas. The first day of 2009, Dr. Cerebro won a stipulation cage match were he beat long-time partner in crime, Cerebro Negro and took his hair. He also was involved in a 3-way feud over the IWRG IC Welterweight Title with Bushi and Freelance. The feud led to yet another victory for Dr. Cerebro in a hair match as he beat Freelance on February 19th in Arena Naucalpan. Had a feud with Juventud Guerrera during the summer as part of the IWRG vs. Super X feud. Lost two hair matches in 2009 to Juventud Guerrera and to Mike “El Suicida” Segura.

25. Oficial Fierro (23) – (5’8”, 183 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Member of one of IWRG’s top trios, Los Oficiales. Held the IWRG IC Trios Titles. Had his usual great year in trios action with Los Oficiales as they faced some solid competition in the promotion. In November, he was in a relevos increibles tournament were the last team remaining in this tournament would have to face off putting either their hair or mask on the line. Fierro teamed with Freelance. The duo lost to Oficial 911 and Jack in the semifinal. Won the Final singles match and took Freelance’s hair. If you are not familiar with Los Oficiales, you are missing out. Not just a fun trio to watch, but the outfits are awesome.

26. Sangre Azteca (17) – (5’7”, 178 lbs, 13 yr. pro): Leader of the Poder Mexica trio, which originally consisted of Sangre Azteca, Dragon Rojo Jr. & Black Warrior. The trio won the Mexican National Trios Titles on February 3rd from Sagrado, La Sombra & Volador Jr. in a good match at Arena Mexico. Trio looked very promising. Later in the year, Misterioso II replaced Black Warrior in the trio as Black Warrior had decided to quit CMLL. Held the Mexican National Welterweight Title for over 2 and a 1/2 years. Lost the title to Valiente on August 16th at Arena Mexico. In late December, he challenged El Hijo del Fantasma for the CMLL Middleweight Title. He’s been one of the better talents in CMLL and cuts a very good promo. He seems to have the complete package to become a headliner in CMLL.

27. Jack Evans (27) – (5’8”, 165 lbs, 10 yr. pro): Known for his acrobatic and break dancing moves. Evans started the year as part of Konnan’s Foreign Legion. He teamed frequently with long-time friend, Teddy Hart. Evans was part of those El Zorro rants were Teddy and Nikki had no idea what El Zorro was talking about, but Jack seemed to get the gist of what El Zorro was saying. Jack was beginning to hear some cheers as his style was/is better suited to being a tecnico. Brutally attacked Juventud Guerrera backstage in defense of Konnan. Juvi had to get surgery on his nose and had other injuries. Friction between Jack Evans and Teddy Hart started to appear during the AAA Cruiserweight Title tournament. Prior to their quarterfinals match in the tournament, Teddy and Jack agree to no punches to the face. After Jack won the match, Teddy was very upset and felt Jack went back on his word for striking him in the face. The two slowly began to disagree and finally weeks prior to the Triplemania XVII show, Teddy and the rest of the Foreign Legion attacked Jack Evans outside the arena. Evans returned as one of Joaquin Roldan’s surprises representing team AAA at Triplemania XVII in the match for control of the promotion. Jack spent the remainder of 2009 feuding with Teddy Hart (along with the rest of the Foreign Legion) and chasing the AAA Cruiserweight Title. Late in the year, he became allies with Rocky Romero and Marco Corleone. Teamed with Corleone in tag matches against La Hermandad 187.

28. Oficial AK47 (24) – (5’9”, 190 lbs, 14 yr. pro): Part of the highly respected trio of Los Oficiales with Oficial 911 & Oficial Fierro. The trio is considered to be one of the best in the last 3 years. They held the IWRG IC Trios titles throughout 2009 and faced a number of challengers. They successfully defended against top trios like Los Terrible Cerebros, La Dinastia de la Muerte (Navarro family), Los Piratas, and other make-shift tecnico and rudo trios. Was able to survive several stipulation matches (hair/mask, cage, relevos increibles tournaments, etc.), which is a pretty significant thing when wrestling in IWRG. Very good rudo and good all-around wrestler.

29. Stuka Jr. (26) – (5’9”, 190 lbs, 5 yr. pro): Exciting high-flyer, who’s part of CMLL’s midcard and is usually placed highly amongst lucha fans lists of the most underutilized wrestlers in the promotion. Along with Flash (later Fuego) held the Arena Coliseo Tag Team Titles. The team had a feud with Los Infernales early in 2009. Usually part of the trios midcard matches against some of CMLL’s strong midcard trios like Los Guerreros Tuareg, Poder Mexica and members of Los Cancerberos. As the year progressed seemed to have established himself as a tecnico in the semi-main event mix. In December, formed a trio with Mascara Dorada and Metro, which showed a lot of promise.

30. El Terrible (67) – (6’1”, 231 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Banner year for El Terrible. One of the more charismatic rudos in Mexico. Mostly a brawler. Frequent tag team partner of El Hijo del Texano. The pair held the Occidente Tag Team Titles throughout 2009. They were also suspended early in 2009 from Guadalajara for a fight with a fan. Although, the suspension was shorter than normally reported. Part of the Hijos del Averno faction. Terrible was also involved in the Mexico vs. Japan feud for the second half of 2009. Along with Hijo del Texano, they were successful in handing Team No Limit (Yujiro & Naito) a loss and head shaving at the 12/4 “Sin Salida” show.

31. Casandro (30) – (5’5”, 170 lbs, 20 yr. pro): The best “exotico” performer in lucha libre. Don’t be fooled by the ‘exotico’ gimmick, Casandro is one of the best workers in Mexico as he’s capable of working a technical, brawl or spot-fest style of match. Competes primarily on the independent circuit in Mexico. He joined Los Perros Del Mal and received high-praise from Hijo del Perro Aguayo, who spoke well about him on an edition of Tercera Caida. Made a great impression with Perros Del Mal including doing a risky high plancha off the lighting rail. Wrestled more frequently outside of Mexico. He is part of the LuchaVaVoom promotion and wrestled for lucha promotions out in the west and southwest of the US. He also had a brief run with TNA. Casandro also toured Europe in 2009 with as part of El Hijo del Santo’s group of luchadores.

32. Blue Panther (1) – (5’7”, 194 lbs, 31 yr. pro): One of the legends in lucha libre. Also known by his nickname, “El Maestro Lagunero”. Despite losing his mask in 2008, has still continued to be one of the better wrestlers in Mexico. The one major problem for him is that without the mask, he just doesn’t come across at the same level he did with his mask. His in-ring work and his ability to work with less-talented luchadores, keeps him still near the top as a semi-main and trio-main event guy. Challenged Averno for the CMLL Middleweight Title in late May and later in the year challenged Averno for the NWA Middleweight Title. Blue Panther was also part of the Mexico vs. Japan feud.

33. Suicida (97) – (5’6”, 167 lbs, 18 yr. pro): Mike Segura, or “Suicida”, is probably best known to lucha aficionados for his insane highspots which include topes that usually result in both he and his opponent going over the Arena Naucalpan ringside guardrail and into the first couple of rows of seats. This has also led Segura into becoming a crowd favorite amongst fans attending Arena Naucalpan shows, but among die-hard lucha libre fans worldwide. He competed for a number of independent promotions in 2009, but he’s best known for his work in IWRG. He also made appearances for DTU. Upon returning to IWRG, he began feuding with Avisman and Bushi, while teaming with Freelance. The feud led to a 4-way hair match, which Freelance lost to Avisman. At the 8/20 “Festival de Mascaras”, he and Freelance teamed up wrestling under their old mask gimmicks (Segura as Orito and Freelance as Panterita) against the duo of Dr. Cerebro and Cerebro Negro. Later in the year, IWRG held relevos increibles matches were the final losing team would be forced to have a hair match. The team of Dr. Cerebro and Suicida lost and had to face each other in a singles hair match, which Suicida lost.

34. Jushin Liger (NR) – (5’7”, 209 lbs, 26 yr. pro): Japanese wrestling legend made his way to Mexico late in 2009 in an attempt to recapture the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title from Mistico. He became a part of the Japan vs. Mexico feud. During an episode of TVCDeportes wrestling news show, Tercera Caida, Liger remained in-character, which was rather amusing to watch as the hosts and Okumura were expecting him to break character and give non-kayfabed responses. When asked about Chris Benoit, he only spoke of his wrestling style and their matches. At one point during the interview, Liger was asked what he thought of Mexican wrestlers (Okumura translating the questions) and he replied with them being inferior to him. Okumura with a shocked look, made sure he wasn’t thrown under the bus and said CMLL was great and that he (Okumura) thought there were a lot of luchadores very capable of working in Mexico. This didn’t please Liger (who still stayed in-character during Okumura’s hasty response). Teamed with Naito, Yujiro and Okumura in an 8-man tag at the CMLL 76th Anniversary show against a team comprised of rudos and tecnicos defending Mexico. The Japanese won. He was immediately challenged by Ultimo Guerrero, which resulted in Liger getting a shot at the CMLL World Heavyweight Title. Match was relatively short. Liger finished his trip of Mexico by unsuccessfully beating Mistico for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title.

35. Hijo del Fantasma (62) – (5’11”, 198 lbs, 9 yr. pro): One of the young tecnicos that CMLL is grooming as a future superstar. Works the high-flying tecnico style that CMLL likes. Being a second-generation wrestler (son of Fantasma, who also happens to be the president of the Box y Lucha commission in Mexico City) also helps. He’s fluent in English, which could at some point make him a target for one of the top U.S. wrestling promotions. This has allowed him to pave his way into working international tours for CMLL in Europe. On January 18th, along with La Mascara and Hector Garza, won the CMLL World Trios Titles from Ultimo Guerrero, Atlantis and Negro Casas. They were a dominant trio in 2009 as they defended the titles against the top rudo trios like La Peste Negra, Los Hijos del Averno and Poder Mexica. Trio known as Los Angeles Rebeldes was also voted by fans at cmll.com as the Trio of the Year for 2009. Hijo del Fantasma also experienced some success as a singles wrestler. He won the CMLL World Middleweight Title from Averno on July 21st at Arena Mexico.

36. Pimpinela Escarlata (NR) – (5’9”, 189 lbs, 21 yr. pro): The “First Lady of Wrestling” had a strong year in 2009. Has been for years the top exotico when it comes to work-rate, but in the last couple of years, Cassandro has surpassed him in the ring. Pimpi is still a very good worker, but AAA focuses more on storylines and in 2009, Pimpi was part of a few. Was part of a group of tecnicos who showed their support to Super Porky (Brazo de Plata) and later joined forces as the “Super Amigos”. They not only helped Porky, but sided with Joaquin Roldan in his war with Konnan and the Foreign Legion. Pimpi usually worked the “relevos de locura” matches and during those matches started getting into the Apache Family Storyline and also through their previous friendship in the “Super Amigos” and teaming in these types of matches got closer to Gato Eveready. AAA would show backstage skits were Pimpinela would profess his love to Gato Eveready and Gato would turn him down by saying he thought of him as a friend and nothing else. Fabi Apache then started to provide Pimpinela with relationship advice and ways to conquer Gato Eveready’s heart. The storyline led to a double date with Gato/Pimpi and Aerostar/Fabi, which was wrecked by Billy Boy, Sexi Star and Decnnis. The whole Gato-Pimpi angle was pretty popular with fans, but AAA just squashed it at that point. Pimpinela adds great comedy to matches he’s involved in with the wacky sexual innuendos and threatening to kiss everyone in matches.

37. Mephisto (16) – (5’9”, 198 lbs, 21 yr. pro): One-half of the long-running CMLL team of Los Sicarios del Infierno with Averno. He’s also part of the Hijos del A Ver No faction with Averno, Ephesto, El Terrible & Hijo del Texano which is one of the top heel groups for CMLL. Had a long-running feud with the Super Sky Team (La Sombra, Mistico & Volador Jr.). Mephisto and Averno lost the CMLL World Tag Team Titles to La Sombra and Volador Jr. in January. They continued to challenge for the titles. They had a title match at the Sin Salida show on 12/4 that was nominated for Match of the Year in 2009. He beat La Sombra on May 28th for the NWA World Welterweight Title in Acapulco. Was one of the first CMLL wrestlers to react to Blue Demon Jr’s claims about the NWA Championships by publicly stating that he was the rightful champion and if they (Demon and the NWA) wanted it, they knew were to find him. Along with Averno and Ephesto, the trio was also a top challenger to the CMLL trios titles. Had a brief tour with New Japan, appearing on the 2/15/09 show as a challenger to Mistico in a CMLL World Welterweight Title match. Talented wrestler, who makes a very good secondary heel in the Hijos del A Ver No faction.

38. Pequeño Damian 666 (19) – (5’3”, 176 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Mini rudo has been a regular with CMLL. Remained with CMLL, despite his fellow Cachorros Del Mal quitting and going independent early in 2009. He was Bam Bam’s top challenger for the CMLL World Mini’s Title. He’s usually in matches that are considered show-stealers in CMLL. Toured Japan in 2009. While in Japan had a match with Mascarita Dorada for Ultimo Dragon’s “Lucha Fiesta 2009″ show. Also had a feud with Shockercito, which ended with Shockercito beating him in a hair match on June 2nd at Arena Mexico. Won the copa Herdez Del Fuerte at Arena Mexico on July 19th in a torneo cibernetico.

39. Amapola (46) – (5’3”, 130 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Veteran CMLL ruda and holder of the CMLL World Women’s Championship for over 2 years. Defended the title against long-time rivals Dark Angel (Sarita) and Marcela. She’s had long running feuds with both women. Her matches with Marcela are usually very good. Very talented and one of the better female wrestlers in Mexico. She’s been the lead ruda for the last couple of years in CMLL and besides Princesa Blanca (due to her family ties) there doesn’t seem to be any other ruda in CMLL who can replace Amapola at the top. Changed her look this year. Going from long-hair to shorter hair. She also was voted female wrestler of the year for 2009 by fans at cmll.com.

40. Chessman (14) – (6’0”, 231 lbs, 13 yr. pro): Fantastic bump taker, which in today’s AAA means he’s going to do something over-the-top like fall off a dome cage as the big spot on a show. Teamed with The Psycho Circus to win the Mexican National Atomicos Championship from La Secta/Black Family on January 18th, 2009. One week later, they were stripped of the titles after they attacked Vampiro. Joined Konnan’s Foreign Legion. Top contender to the AAA Mega Championship. Lost to El Mesias in a dome cage match at the annual Rey de Reyes show. Was on the losing end of the AAA vs. Foreign Legion cage match at Triplemania XVII. Had a bloody feud with former HellBrother teammate, Charly Manson, over the summer. The Chessman-Charly feud was suppose to be the highlight of the Heroes Inmortales event in September with a hair match, but just days prior, Charly Manson quit the promotion over a money dispute. Charly’s brother, Electroshock took his spot in the match and had his head shaved as per stipulation.

41. El Hijo Del Santo (11) – (5’7”, 185 lbs, 28 yr. pro): A lucha libre legend and one of the all-time greats. Continued to be blackballed by Paco Alonso and CMLL, which hurt his visibility on television. Is still one of the best in Mexico. Due to being blackballed by CMLL, economic problems, opening a store in Mexico and his international tours, Hijo del Santo had a limited schedule in Mexico in 2009. His European tours get very good response from those who have attended the shows. In Mexico, he worked primarily for independent promotions, primarily the Perros Del Mal promotion and NWA Mexico were his main rivals have been Hijo del Perro Aguayo, Blue Demon Jr., and L.A. Park. During the summer, he made his return to AAA as the big surprise in Joaquin Roldan’s war with Konnan over the AAA promotion. El Hijo del Santo led Team AAA to victory and helped Joaquin Roldan regain control of AAA at Triplemania XVII. He only wrestled that one match for AAA and returned to the independents. Hijo del Santo also made the decision to unite his Todos X El Todo promotion to the Perros Del Mal promotion.

42. Cerebro Negro (92) – (5’7”, 182 lbs, 18 yr. pro): Long-time IWRG wrestler and frequent tag team partner of Dr. Cerebro. The Cerebros formed a trio with veteran Black Terry known as “Los Terrible Cerebros” and they had some great matches in 2009. The trio spent the majority of the year feuding with some of the top trios in IWRG like Los Oficiales, La Dinasita de La Muerte (Negro Navarro & Los Traumas) and Los Piratas. Los Terrible Cerebros held the Distrito Federal Trios Titles throughout 2009. The trio was also top challengers to the IWRG IC Trios Titles held by Los Oficiales. Lost his hair in two matches in early 2009. First against Dr. Cerebro in the final of a “Losers Advance” cage match on January 1st, followed by losing his hair again in March in a multi-person cage match were the last man remaining in the cage had to either drop his mask or hair.

43. Sexy Star (NR) – (5’2”, ?? lbs, 3 yr. pro): Started her career in Monterrey and in a short period of time made her way into AAA. When first joining AAA, she worked as a tecnica, but was soon placed into the Apache Family Feud as a “friend” of Billy Boy. She soon switched to the ruda side as Billy Boy’s alleged mistress. In 2009 she took her heel persona to new heights as she worked as a cocky heel that would spray fans with perfume, prance around the ring in celebration, worked the cowardly heel spots and cut great promos. Her one glaring weakness is her in-ring work, but everything else overshadows that and she usually is in with the Apache Sisters or Cinthia Moreno. It isn’t noticeable unless with weaker opposition. Teamed numerous times with Billy Boy in stipulation matches against Fabi Apache & Aerostar. Won the Reina de Reinas title from Fabi Apache at the Heroes Inmortales show on September 26th, 2009. She also beat Fabi in a hair match at the Guerra de Titanes show on December 11th. That led to some controversy as Fabi didn’t get her head fully shaved and just got a short haircut. There were rumors as to why Fabi didn’t get her head fully shaved. Sexy Star even used it to continue their feud by claiming Fabi went back on her word.

44. Yujiro (NR) – (5’10”, 220 lbs, 5 yr. pro): One half of Team No Limit with Naito. He seemed to be a quicker learner and adapted to lucha a little sooner than Naito. Team No Limit along with Shigeo Okumura and Jushin “Thunder” Liger feuded with all Mexican tecnicos and later rudos. Yujiro spent the summer feuding with Shocker. He was involved in the cage match were he and his fellow Japanese teammates had to fend off several Mexicans to save their hair. Beat Shocker to win La Copa Puebla on September 7th. Won the 2009 Gran Alternativa by teaming with Okumura, who replaced Semental after attacking him. Win was considered controversial as Okumura has been wrestling for a really long time and that tournament is geared towards elevating a younger wrestler. CMLL decided to use the tournament to add more fuel to the Japan vs. Mexico feud. On October 16th, Yujiro beat Black Warrior in a hair match. Yujiro and Naito lost a hair match on December 4th to the team of El Terrible and El Hijo del Texano. Team No Limit would return to Japan a few days later.

45. Aerostar (34) – (5’7”, 152 lbs, 6 yr. pro): One of the premier high-flyers in the world. Perhaps best known for his innovative highspot called “La Dormilona” and for his involvement in the Apache Family feud. Teamed frequently with Fabi Apache in her feud with Billy Boy and Sexi Star. Aerostar revealed that he wanted to be more than just friends with Fabi Apache, but Fabi turned him down due to having a bad breakup and just wanted to remain friends. Of course, most guys would have blown off Fabi after hearing the word “friends”, but Aerostar is a nicer person than most of us and said he was perfectly fine as friends. Aerostar was also okay with Pimpinela and Gato Eveready’s relationship, which made for some funny skits were Aerostar would tease Gato over his situation. Aerostar and Fabi even went on a double-date to help Pimpinela conquer Gato’s heart, but they were attacked by Billy Boy, Sexi Star and Decnnis. Besides his involvement in the Apache Family storyline, Aerostar won the Alas de Oro tournament. Aerostar and Fabi Apache also won the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles from El Oriental & Cinthia Moreno.

46. Atlantis (21) – (5’8”, 202 lbs, 26 yr. pro): Veteran rudo and long-time mainstay in CMLL. Part of CMLL’s Guerreros Del Atlantida with Ultimo Guerrero and Rey Bucanero. Came into 2009 holding 2 titles, but lost both in the first half of 2009. On January 18th, lost the CMLL trios titles (held along with Casas and Ultimo Guerrero) to Hector Garza, El Hijo del Fantasma & La Mascara in Guadalajara. Also lost the NWA World Light Heavyweight Title to El Hijo del Texano on April 5th in Guadalajara. Despite the losses, continued to be a top challenger for numerous titles. He and Ultimo Guerrero challenged for the CMLL World Tag Team Titles held by La Sombra & Volador Jr. Atlantis was also involved in the Mexico vs. Japan feud. He continues to be a headliner, ranks among the better technical wrestlers, and despite being a rudo is still very popular with the fans.

47. El Zorro (8) – (5’9”, 201 lbs, 16 yr. pro): The man responsible for all AAA finances while the Foreign Legion was in charge of the promotion. Had some of the strangest promos were no one really knew what he was talking about, which made them funny. Spent the first half of 2009 feuding with Sean Waltman, which included a major beatdown on Waltman at the hands of Zorro and the Foreign Legion. Started seeing a psychiatrist due to being crazy. At Triplemania XVII appeared to attack Konnan and seemed to be siding with Joaquin Roldan, but that angle appeared to be dropped when the Foreign Legion was disbanded. When Konnan reformed the Foreign Legion, El Zorro was back with him. Kind of took a backseat the remainder of 2009 to others and with AAA focusing on fewer wrestlers and angles the rest of the year.

48. Centella de Oro (NR) – (5’8”, 175 lbs, ?? yr. pro): One of the best luchadores out of a Puebla. He’s been a fixture in that area for a long time. One of the great things about lucha is that every region has that one standout wrestler, but in Puebla there are several talented locals. Centella de Oro worked primarily in the opening matches due to Puebla usually going with their DF stars on top. However, they do at times mix the locals in with some other CMLL DF luchadores. Centella de Oro had a strong summer feud with his rival, Policeman. After several weeks of facing off in trios and tag matches, including one match were Policeman teamed with CMLL undercard team, Caligula and Messala, while Centella de Oro teamed with CMLL undercarder Astro Boy and Arena Coliseo (DF) fixture Tony Rivera, they issued challenges for a hair match. This lead to a sort of point/counterpoint interview on TVCDeportes show Tercera Caida. Centella de Oro was triumphant in this stip match, but their feud is still ongoing. Expect a ‘cut & paste’ write up of the last sentence for next year’s Luchaworld 100! I guar-AN-tee!

49. Solar I (90) – (5’8”, 196 lbs, 34 yr. pro): Veteran continues to work at a high level. Wrestles outside of Mexico with frequent tours to the US and also is part of the crew El Hijo del Santo uses when wrestling in Europe. Wrestled numerous times against fellow maestro and long-time rival, Negro Navarro. The pair receives high praise for their matches that harken back to the classic era of lucha libre. Won the America’s Light Heavyweight Title from Negro Navarro at Arena Solidaridad on February 15th, 2009. Wrestled for practically every major indy promotion and territory in 2009. Even made a return to Arena Coliseo for a Luchas 2000 anniversary show. That show was built around legends and Solar I was in an atomicos match. Teamed frequently with fellow Cadetes del Espacio, Super Astro and Ultraman Jr.

50. Alex Koslov (42) – (5’9”, 190 lbs, 6 yr. pro): Began 2009 as a tecnico as part of De-Generation MEX with Sean Waltman (X-Pac, Syxx) and Rocky Romero. Early on, the faction didn’t team on a regular basis due to outside commitments and Waltman disappearing for a period of time. Koslov became frustrated and was no longer buying into what the group was suppose to represent. He slowly began to switch to the rudo side. Won the AAA Cruiserweight Title on May 21st in Aguascalientes in a 3-way match against Alan Stone and Extreme Tiger. Lost the title to Extreme Tiger in a 4-way match at Triplemania XVII on June 13th. Koslov’s quest to regain the title was the breaking point and he soon joined the rudos. Regained the AAA Cruiserweight Title on August 21st in Ciudad Madero. Nine days later, he was forced to vacate the title as he lost a loser-leaves-AAA cage match in Tlalnepantla. He held a protest with his fans demanding to return to AAA. Soon, he and Konnan kidnapped Dorian Roldan. Konnan made a deal with Joaquin Roldan that he would return Dorian to him and in exchange wanted Alex Koslov to be allowed back to AAA. Koslov also joined Konnan’s newest version of the Foreign Legion.

51. Ephesto (31) – (5’10”, 185 lbs, 27 yr. pro): Member of Los Hijos Del Averno. Teamed frequently with Averno and Mephisto. The trio challenged for the CMLL Trios Titles held by Hector Garza, La Mascara and Hijo del Fantasma but lost all the matches. Began a feud with Rey Bucanero after colliding with him during a dive. Rey Bucanero was seated in the front row. They brawled immediately and would later interfere in each others matches. Their feud led to a match for the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship held by Rey Bucanero. After splitting the first 2 falls, Rey Bucanero tore his ACL in the third fall. The ringside doctor determined that Rey Bucanero could not continue the match and therefore had to forfeit the fall giving Ephesto the win. Due to surgery, Bucanero missed a large portion of the year, but worked as an announcer for the Televisa Deportes and CadenaTres CMLL shows and during the shows whenever Ephesto wrestled or was mentioned, Rey would blame Ephesto for his injury to continue the storyline. In early August, Ephesto challenged Ultimo Guerrero for the CMLL World Heavyweight Title. With Hijo del Texano and El Terrible’s continued success in 2009, Ephesto kind of fell out of the spotlight when it came to the Hijos del Averno faction and was clearly the 5th guy out of that group. At the Sin Salida 12/4 show at Arena Mexico, Ephesto and Mephisto lost to the CMLL World Tag Team Champions, La Sombra and Volador Jr. Match was considered one of the better matches of 2009.

52. Misterioso II (47) – (5’9”, 209 lbs, 15 yr. pro): Nicknamed “El Rey del Yoghurt” due to winning the annual CMLL yogurt-eating contest held the week after the bodybuilding competition. The Japanese have vowed to recruit Takeru Kobayashi to end Misterioso II’s win streak! Is an upper-card CMLL wrestler. Started 2009 by beating Piloto Suicida (from the Laguna) in a mask vs. hair match. He was the Occidente Light Heavyweight Champion for most of the year, until he lost the title to Mictlan on August 18th at Arena Coliseo de Guadalajara. He replaced Black Warrior in the Poder Mexica trio. The trio has very good chemistry and is very popular with rudo fans.

53. Trauma I (NR) – (5’10”, 198 lbs, 8 yr. pro): Son of Negro Navarro. Primarily teams with brother, Trauma II. His progression in 2009 seemed to come along a bit slower than his brother, but he’s still one of the better young talents on the independents in Mexico. He’s also the bigger than his brother. Competed primarily in IWRG, but Los Traumas work for other independent groups like DTU and the NWA Mexico. Teamed frequently with Negro Navarro and Trauma II to feud with Los Terrible Cerebros, Los Oficiales, Los Piratas and other trios that made their way into IWRG. Their matches were heavily praised by die-hard lucha libre fans. Has a very bright future ahead of him.

54. Cibernetico (4) – (6’0”, 234 lbs, 18 yr. pro): One of the more controversial wrestlers in Mexico. Considered by some to be a pretty bad worker. However, he makes up for it with his charisma and his promo ability. At the beginning of 2009 he was on the independent circuit working primarily with Los Perros Del Mal promotion. On the indie scene, his lack of workrate was an issue and showed he wasn’t a draw outside of AAA. His time away from AAA may very well have helped El Mesias as he was viewed as more of a carbon copy of Cibernetico (which was part of his original gimmick as Muerte Cibernetica, while the other half was La Parka) and also may have hindered Cibernetico’s own popularity with the fans as El Mesias is a better in-ring performer. In the indies went back to feuding with long-time rival, El Canek on the El Toreo Requiem shows. Also, while in the independents, formed a faction called Los Bizarros. Made his return to AAA to aid El Mesias against Dr. Wagner Jr. Soon, he turned on El Mesias as Ciber felt he deserved to be the AAA Mega Champion due to never having lost the belt in the first place. This resulted in a three-way feud over the Mega Title between El Mesias, Dr. Wagner Jr. and Cibernetico. There was some site that had Cibernetico’s nude pic online, which he claims he had nothing to do with. Then late in the year, Konnan and Cibernetico had a backstage confrontation which was filmed by a security camera and immediately uploaded on youtube were both were yelling at each other. Both continued to throw insults at each other everywhere they could and it resulted in a match at Guerra de Titanes in December, were Cibernetico was left bloody at the hands of Konnan and his Foreign Legion.

55. Billy Boy (75) – (5’6”, 163 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Has been for the last couple of years one of the most underrated wrestlers in AAA. Over the summer, Billy Boy, Hijo del Tirantes and El Mesias were accused of beating up a fan after going on a cocaine binge. El Mesias said he was not involved, but was in fact trying to break the fight up. No legal action was ever brought up, but AAA did suspend both Billy Boy and Hijo del Tirantes for 2 weeks. He teamed with Sexi Star in their war with the Apaches and Aerostar. Aerostar and Fabi Apache caused him to lose the dome cage match and a shot at the AAA Cruiserweight Title. Continued to feud with Fabi Apache and Aerostar in numerous mixed tag matches and it led to a mask vs. hair cage match at Verano de Escandalo on August 21st. Billy Boy lost the match and his hair. In December, Billy Boy would lose his hair yet again in another mixed tag match.

56. Marcela (38) – (5′ 1”, 130 lbs, 25 yr. pro): Marcela started the year as the Mexican National Women’s Champion. A title she held for well over a year. Princesa Blanca turned on the tecnicos and upon switching to the ruda side, she challenged Marcela for her title. Marcela lost her title to Princesa Blanca on 1/30/09. She bounced back with a victory in a mask match over Rosa Negra on 4/12/09 at Arena Mexico. With Dark Angel’s commitments with TNA, Marcela was the lead tecnica for CMLL. She immediately became Amapola’s top rival for the CMLL Women’s Title throughout 2009. Also had matches against the new ruda faction known as Las Zorras (Princesa Blanca, Hiroka & Princesa Sujei). Late in the year, she won a torneo cibernetico in Puebla to determine a #1 contender to the CMLL Women’s Title and one week after that match, she faced her long-time rival and champion, Amapola in a rematch which she lost. Marcela continues to be one of the better female workers in Mexico.

57. Nicho El Millonario (NR) – (6’0”, 196 lbs, 21 yr. pro): Most American wrestling fans probably remember him best as Psicosis in WCW/ECW/WWE and as Rey Misterio Jr’s main rival for years in AAA and in the US. Member of La Hermandad 187 with Joe Lider in AAA. The team’s gimmick is that of a “thugs for hire” duo that will help or hurt anyone for the right price. La Hermandad held the AAA World Tag Team Titles throughout 2009. They also were allies to Konnan and his Foreign Legion. At certain points during the year, they would argue with Konnan over pay, but Konnan being a smooth-talker was able to calm them down and keep them on his side. When Konnan vowed to destroy all dancers and strippers in AAA, he paid off La Hermandad to feud with Latin Lover and Marco Corleone. The teams had some enjoyable matches and Nicho seems to have toned down Joe Lider’s propensity to attempt reckless moves during matches (well that and working with Latin & Corleone was another reason). La Hermandad also feuded with Gronda II and El Elegido. This feud also included the brief return of Groon XXX (the original Gronda) to AAA. Also resulted in some of the worst executed wrestling moves. Finished 2009 feuding with Marco Corleone and Jack Evans.

58. Felino (84) – (5’8”, 189 lbs, 27 yr. pro): Member of La Peste Negra along with Mr. Niebla and brother, Negro Casas. One of the more popular rudos in CMLL. Incorporated a wig and a garbageman outfit into his gimmick. (Video of Entrance included!) Also used the color black as his primary color for masks and ring gear. While still considered an upper card wrestler, he was clearly a notch below the other members of La Peste Negra. In previous years, Felino was primarily used to develop younger wrestlers, but in 2009 seemed to be heavily involved at the top of the card due to being in that trio. As part of La Peste Negra, he feuded with CMLL’s top tecnico trio, The Super Sky Team (comprised of Mistico, La Sombra & Volador Jr.). La Peste Negra was so popular with the rudo fans that they were getting more cheers than the tecnicos they would face and in one match against The Super Sky Team, the teams worked opposite ways (Super Sky Team as rudos and La Peste Negra as tecnicos). That made for a fun match. Along with Negro Casas, in June, they challenged for the CMLL World Tag Team Titles held by La Sombra & Volador Jr. in Puebla. He also challenged Mistico for the Mexican National Light Heavyweight Title. Married to Princesa Blanca.

59. Bam Bam (37) – (5’3”, 152 lbs, 7 yr. pro): Part of CMLL’s mini division. One of the main reason’s to watch CMLL wrestling from 2009. The tallest of the mini tecnicos. Very talented mini, who would fit in with the regular-sized luchadores as a tecnico. One of the better highflyers in Mexico. Held the CMLL Minis title throughout the year and also spent all of 2009 feuding with Pequeño Damian 666. Their feud has been ongoing for the past 3 years, which has resulted in numerous title and hair matches. Teamed frequenly with Mascarita Dorada in tag team and trios matches. Was also involved in the two Pequeño Reyes del Aire torneo ciberneticos in early 2009.

60. L.A. Park (52) – (6’0”, 255 lbs, 27 yr. pro): Best known to fans in the US from his days in WCW. L.A. Park still at times competes in the US. In 2009, he still worked matches in Los Angeles. Wrestled as an independent in 2009 and most notably for the Perros Del Mal promotion. His ongoing feud with Dr. Wagner Jr. continued in 2009 and also included Wagner’s son getting involved late in December. Also feuded with Los Perros Del Mal. Beat The Sandman on August 8th in a hardcore match in the main event for XLAW. Teamed with Super Parka as La Familia Real in their feud with Los Perros Del Mal. On October 30th, won the mask of El Hijo Del Matematico at the “Cementary of Masks” event at El Monumental Monterrey.

61. Black Warrior (35) – (5’11′, 198 lbs, 26 yr. pro): Along with Dragon Rojo Jr. and Sangre Azteca, they won the Mexican National Trios titles. Black Warrior spent the early half of the year almost exclusively working in trios matches with Poder Mexica. During the summer, he was thrown into the cage match with everyone’s hair on the line and at that point he was focused in defending Mexico against Team Japan. This resulted in Black Warrior teaming with other Mexicans be it rudos or tecnicos in matches against the Japanese. Teamed with Atlantis, Hector Garza and Ultimo Guerrero against Naito, Yujiro, Okumura and New Japan’s Jushin Liger at CMLL’s 76th Anniversary show on 9/18/09. The feud with Team Japan would lead to a hair vs. hair match between Black Warrior and Yujiro, which was held on October 16th with Yujiro coming out victorious. Weeks prior to that match, there were rumors that Black Warrior was contemplating leaving CMLL due to feeling burnt out on wrestling. The rumor became a reality as by late October, he had left CMLL and took the remainder of 2009 off.

62. Policeman (NR) – (5’7”, 165 lbs, 20 yr. pro): Veteran CMLL Puebla local rudo. Worked mainly in the early matches in Puebla. A fun rudo to watch. During one of the Puebla TV shows, they did a feature on him as he patrolled the streets of Puebla riding a police motorcycle. Spent the first half of 2009 feuding with Puebla local and long-time rival, Centella de Oro. The feud included a fun back and forth debate between the two on TVCDeportes lucha tv show, Tercera Caida. This was just the lead-in to their hair vs. hair match on July 20th, which Policeman lost. Add Policeman to the list of talented veteran rudos in CMLL’s roster that helps develop the younger talent, especially those who joined the promotion in 2009.

63. Marco Corleone (15) – (6’6”, 265 lbs, 10 yr. pro): Started in 2009 with CMLL. After much speculation from about September 2008 thru early 2009, Marco made the jump from CMLL to AAA after feeling he had hit the glass ceiling in CMLL and wanted new opportunities in and out of the ring. Marco had spoken of wanting to use his wrestling celebrity status to get into acting. Oddly enough, many of the reasons brought up by Marco for leaving CMLL were similar to what many people had expressed about his final year in CMLL. He made his debut at the Rey de Reyes show siding with Joaquin Roldan and AAA against Konnan’s Foreign Legion. It appeared AAA had landed another main eventer to their roster, but Marco’s debut was overshadowed later on the show by Dr. Wagner Jr. and that seemed to take some steam out of Marco’s jump to AAA. He teamed with Latin Lover in a good feud with La Hermandad 187 (Nicho El Millonario & Joe Lider), which featured a good title match at Triplemania XVII. With Latin Lover being an on-again and off-again character in AAA, Marco would team with other tecnicos against members of Konnan’s Foreign Legion and La Hermandad 187. He teamed with Jack Evans late in the year and challenged for the AAA tag team titles. Very popular with the female lucha fans.

64. Dragon Rojo Jr. (74) – (5’10”, 175 lbs, 8 yr. pro): Member of CMLL’s Poder Mexica with Sangre Azteca and Black Warrior and later Misterioso II. Continues to improve in the ring and CMLL’s higher-ups seem to be very high on him. Teaming with Sangre Azteca and Black Warrior, the trio won the Mexican National Trios Titles on February 3, 2009 from Sagrado, La Sombra & Volador Jr. The trio held the titles up until December 19th, when CMLL decided to vacate the belts due to Black Warrior retiring. Dragon Rojo Jr. also challenged for the CMLL Welterweight Title held by Valiente and for the CMLL World Super Lightweight Title held by Mascara Dorada.

65. Zatura (NR) – (5’7”, 165 lbs, 12 yr. pro): One of the most improved luchadores of 2009. Teamed with Los Traumas to challenge Los Oficiales for the IWRG IC Trios Titles a few times. His rivalry with Los Oficiales actually went on throughout 2009 as he also teamed with other tecnicos in other matches against that trio. He also won the IWRG IC Lightweight Title on March 15, 2009 against Bushi. Trauma II later challenged Zatura for the title and the two had a Match of the Year candidate on June 18, 2009 were Zatura lost the title to Trauma II. He was also involved in several of the stipulation cage matches that IWRG held throughout the year were he successfully retained his mask.

66. Euforia (40) – (6’0”, 209 lbs, 19 yr. pro): Tall and lanky rudo started the year as part of the Infernales trio. With El Satanico cutting back his schedule to work mostly in Guadalajara and concentrate in training and developing new CMLL talent, Euforia and teammate, Nosferatu, teamed with other rudos. Virus was considered an unofficial member of Los Infernales and they also teamed quite a bit with Vangelis. Euforia and Nosferatu spent the early part of the year feuding with Stuka Jr. and Flash/Fuego. By late 2009, CMLL had apparently split the Infernales and added Euforia to a new faction called Los Cancerberos. Very talented worker and one of the better heavyweights in Mexico.

67. Fuerza Guerrera (87) – (5’7”, 182 lbs, 31 yr. pro): Veteran rudo with a very tough reputation. Worked primarily in the independents, most notably for IWRG in 2009. He held the IWRG IC Welterweight Title and successfully defended it early in the year against Zumbido and Oficial 911, but there were no other title defenses beyond those two. After Juvi’s incident in AAA, Fuerza went on various shows and media outlets to defend his son and to trash AAA, Konnan and Jack Evans for their involvement in all this. Switched between working as a rudo and tecnico throughout the year. Joined Juventud Guerrera as part of the Super X vs. IWRG feud. His rugged style is an ideal fit in IWRG were they like to mix up their shows more than in other promotions in Mexico.

68. Hooligan (60) – (5’9”, 209 lbs, 20 yr. pro): One of the more underrated rudos in CMLL. Wears one of the more colorful outfits that makes him look like he came out of one of the Mad Max films. Perhaps Beyond Thunderdome. Part of the Guerreros Tuareg faction in CMLL. He mainly works in trios matches with the other Tuareg members in midcard matches. The Tuareg group has become the faction that develops the younger tecnicos by giving them a strong group of veteran rudos to work against and Hooligan is not only a good worker, but plays the role of rudo extremely well. In the past, Hooligan would get limited TV appearances, but thanks to CMLL expanding the number of TV shows in the last couple of years, Hooligan and numerous other wrestlers get way more TV time than in the past.

69. Naito (NR) – (5’11”, 209 lbs, 3 yr. pro): One-half of New Japan’s Team No Limit with Yujiro. First toured with TNA, but New Japan sent them to CMLL to get more experience. The swine flu pandemic caused them to debut at a later date. Their arrival immediately started the Mexico vs. Japan. Soon added Okumura to form a trio in order to combat all Mexicans as they were challenged by both rudos and tecnicos. Won the hair of Toscano in a cage match were the odds were against him and his fellow Japanese comrades. This eye-opening victory catapulted the tensions between the Japanese and Mexicans in CMLL as now everyone was gunning for Team No Limit. They were later aided by Japanese legend, Jushin “Thunder” Liger. At the 12/4, Sin Salida show, Naito and Yujiro lost a hair match against Texano Jr. & El Terrible.

70. Rey Cometa (63) – (5’8”, 183 lbs, 10 yr. pro): Teamed frequently with Pegasso in 2009. One of the more innovative high-flyers in wrestling. Wrestled primarily in trios and tag team matches with Pegasso. Both guys joined CMLL together after departing AAA and spending some time on the independent circuit. Usually worked the 2nd or 3rd match on CMLL cards against the CMLL midcard rudos. Usuallly worked against Los Rebeldes Tuareg, Poder Mexica, Los Infernales, and Caligula & Messala. Also participated in the Gran Alternativa tournament in September teaming with Mexican legend, Blue Panther. He was also part of a cage match with masks in the line in October, which was his and many other CMLL mid-carders first shot at main eventing a show at Arena Mexico.

71. Arkangel de la Muerte (NR) – (5’9, 185 lbs, 25 yr. pro): Long-time CMLL midcarder. The leader of the midcard rudo faction of Los Guerreros Tuareg. Felt he was losing the team in 2009, so he recruited a bearded, wise old-man to become the Tuareg’s spritual leader. The old man suggested the Tuareg should have swords, so they began carrying swords to the ring to gain a psychological advantage over their tecnico counterparts. These additions (old man and swords) to the Guerreros Tuareg allowed Arkangel to concentrate more on wrestling and he continued to be awesome like always. He usually worked in trios matches were the Guerreros Tuareg had to face most of the midcard and lower card tecnicos. Primarily worked with Rey Cometa, Pegasso, and Los Angeles Celestiales. Also wrestled as a tag team with Skandalo (another member of Los Guerreros Tuareg) against Fuego and Stuka Jr.

72. El Oriental (86) – (5’6”, 176 lbs, 17 yr. pro): Teamed with sister, Cinthia Moreno, and held the AAA Mixed Tag Team Titles for the majority of 2009. They were involved in the Apache Family feud and were loosely aligned with Konnan’s Foreign Legion. After the Foreign Legion was disbanded, Kenzo Suzuki and El Oriental teamed up to form La Yakuza. Kenzo used the money he saved from his time running AAA to bring in Sugi San as the third member. This actually seemed to be the start of El Oriental’s first push in AAA as he’d always been stuck in midcard matches or as a fringe character in the Apache Family saga. Then in August he decided to leave AAA due to getting fewer bookings and went independent. He felt he could get more bookings that way and as he explained with AAA, he had to work their shows first and any outside bookings came second and he wasn’t getting enough work through AAA to earn a living. He soon joined Los Perros Del Mal promotion to finish the year.

73. Pegasso (65) – (5’7”, 168 lbs, 10 yr. pro): Teamed frequently with long-time partner Rey Cometa. One of the more enjoyable mid-card tecnicos in CMLL. He was frequently matched in trios matches against the great rudo faction of Los Rebeldes Tuareg. One of the more innovative high-flyers in Mexico. Was also thrown into a number of torneo ciberneticos in CMLL. Survived a cage match were a bunch of CMLL mid-carders were placed in and the loser would drop his mask. The cage match was also CMLL’s way of giving some of the lower card guys a main event match at Arena Mexico. Pegasso and Rey Cometa could use a regular third member and a cool nickname.

74. Gran Apache (39) – (5’6”, 189 lbs, 34 yr. pro): Spent the early portion of 2009 as part of the ongoing Apache Family drama that lasted about 5 years. One of the better workers in AAA and also highly regarded by many as a trainer for both men and women. He’s also a road agent for AAA, which he focused more on later in 2009 due to AAA cutting back and concentrating on fewer wrestlers on their TV show. Teamed with daughters Fabi and Mari in feuding with Billy Boy and Sexi Star and Cinthia Moreno and El Oriental. Post Triplemania XVII, his schedule was cut back tremendously and the focus of the Apache feud was shifted to Fabi Apache/Aerostar vs. Sexi Star/Billy Boy feud.

75. Super Crazy (NR) – (5’9”, 210 lbs, 22 yr. pro): Better known to fans from his years wrestling in the US for WWE and ECW. Spent 2009 primarily wrestling in Perros del Mal, X-LAW, and other independent promotions. In January beat X-Fly (Mosco de la Merced) in a hair match on a Perros Del Mal show. Successfully defended the XLAW Junior Heavyweight Title against Panama Jack Daniels in August and against Nosawa & Damian 666 in September. Also toured with All Japan in 2009. Reached the Finals of the All Japan Junior tournament were he lost to Shuji Kondo in the Finals. Also challenged for the PWF Jr. Title held by Kaz Hayashi.

76. Silver King (48) – (5’9”, 216 lbs, 24 yr. pro): Wears a mask, despite having lost his mask very early in his career to El Hijo del Santo and wrestling unmasked for a long period of time. Oddly enough, he wrestled as Black Tiger in CMLL and New Japan and while wrestling as Black Tiger in CMLL, the one from Puebla was forced to change his name for that period of time. Was a AAA tecnico early in 2009, but soon turned on La Parka AAA and joined the Foreign Legion. Gave La Parka AAA a pretty wicked piledriver through a table early in the year. Leading up to Triplemania XVII, Silver King was informed that he could NOT wear that mask in Mexico City and was told to drop it by the box y lucha commission. AAA used this as part of their AAA vs. Foreign Legion storyline and when the time came, Silver King worked the show wearing face paint instead. He reverted back to wearing his mask after that. After the Foreign Legion was split up with Konnan disappearing for some time, Silver King joined his brother, Dr. Wagner Jr. as part of Los Wagnermaniacos faction. They started off as a tweener faction, but soon became rudos as Dr. Wagner Jr. kept feuding with El Mesias and Silver King still had issues with La Parka AAA.

77. Black Tiger (Puebla) (NR) – (5’9”, 180 lbs., 24 yr. pro): Not to be confused with the more popular and known Black Tigers that have competed for CMLL and New Japan. This one is a long-time Puebla local, who also competes as The Tiger. If you have not seen CMLL Puebla, you are missing out on some of the lesser-known, good luchadores in all of Mexico. Veteran tecnico, who really showed how great he was in matches were he was put in with some of the newer CMLL additions and carried the youngsters to a fun match. Wrestles mostly in the opening matches since in Puebla the top 2-3 matches usually feature regulars from CMLL’s main roster (out of Mexico City). Like most feline-inspired luchadores, has cat-quick movement and instincts!

78. Juventud Guerrera (NR) – (5’8”, 176 lbs, 17 yr. pro): Da Juice experienced a rather interesting year in 2009. Started the year wrestling in Mexico’s independent circuit. He made his AAA return at Rey de Reyes, helping De-Generation Mex and Charly Manson. Was supposedly going to be a member of DG-MEX, but they never really got to that point. On 3/20 at Ciudad Madero, after being involved in a dome cage match, which was part of the AAA Cruiserweight tournament, Juvi made his way back to the lockerroom. In his gym bag, he found that someone had dropped a deuce in there, which is a disgusting and very common practical joke in American wrestling. Juvi was upset and confronted Konnan about this. It resulted in Juvi getting injured in a lockerroom scuffle. He suffered a broken nose and vowed to seek legal action against Konnan and Jack Evans. He also wanted both guys deported from Mexico. Da Juice made the rounds on television telling everyone his grievances as well as announcing he would start his own lucha libre promotion, Super X. He made his return to IWRG were they ran an invasion angle with Juvi’s Super X challenging IWRG to matches and trying to sign away IWRG talent to side with them. Juvi and Dr. Cerebro feuded during the summer as part of the invasion angle. Spent the remainder of 2009 wrestling in the Mexican lucha independent circuit and also has gotten into music.

79. Latin Lover (50) – (6′ 1”, 216 lbs, 17 yr. pro): Wrestled a limited schedule in 2009 due to becoming more of a celebrity in Mexico and appearing on various television shows. He made his return early in 2009 to join Joaquin Roldan and the rest of the AAA tecnicos in their war with Konnan’s Foreign Legion. Participated in the 2009 Rey de Reyes and reached the finals. Drew the ire of Konnan who vowed to eliminate all types of dancers/strippers from AAA, so K-Dawg hired AAA’s resident goons, La Hermandad 187 (Nicho El Millonario & Joe Lider). Latin Lover teamed with Marco Corleone, who had just made his debut in AAA, due to both being aligned with AAA and being grouped as dancers by Konnan. The team feuded with La Hermandad 187 and faced them at the Triplemania XVII show and something unexpected happened at that show. These two had a fun match against La Hermandad 187 and more importantly that seemed to be the turning point for Joe Lider from being a garbage-only/high risk wrestler to being capable of having a good match. The teams kept on feuding throughout 2009. At the Guerra de Titanes shows on December 11th, Latin Lover won a #1 contenders match to challenge for the AAA Mega Title at the 2010 Rey de Reyes. I can’t wait to find out how that turns out!

80. Gato Eveready (81) – (5′ 9”, 174 lbs, 12 yr pro): AAA’s resident feline tecnico. Worked primarily in AAA’s relevos de locura matches and in trios matches as well, but while working the relevos de locura matches, he befriended Pimpinela Escarlata. They were also part of a group of friends of Super Porky’s known as “Los Super Amigos” (Super friends). Pimpinela thought of him as more than just a friend. Gato constantly made sure to let Pimpinela and everyone else know he was just a friend. Pimpinela told everyone how much he adored Gato Eveready and felt that he was the one. Poor Gato had to deal with the ribbing from some of his other friends like Aerostar and Fabi Apache. Pimpinela and Gato went on a double date with Fabi & Aerostar, which was interrupted by Billy Boy, Sexi Star and Decnnis. The angle would soon get dropped without any conclusion, which became a trend in AAA to finish out 2009. Gato Eveready was lost in the shuffle at the end of 2009.

81. La Mascara (NR) – (5′ 9”, 187 lbs, 10 yr. pro): The wrestler most responsible for the Mascara google ads you’ll likely see on this web site and other wrestling web sites! Part of the Alvarado family (Los Brazos). He is the son of Brazo de Oro. He primarily works in trios matches with teammates Hector Garza and El Hijo del Fantasma. The trio won the CMLL Trios Titles from Atlantis, Ultimo Guerrero and Negro Casas on January 18, 2009 in Guadalajara. The trio showed they were a formidable group as they were able to successfully defend the titles numerous times in 2009 and held on to the belts for the entire year. He initially got a push in CMLL due to his family connection and he showed he wasn’t ready at the time, but in 2009 he showed some improvement. Late in the year, he also teamed with cousin Maximo and returning uncle Brazo de Plata (Super Porky) as a trio called La Avalanche Alvarado.

82. Angel de Oro (NR) – (5′ 10”, 183 lbs, 4 yr. pro): Young High-flyer, who seems to be thought of highly by CMLL higher-ups. Was originally part of Hector Garza’s Angels faction, but that didn’t seem to go anywhere. CMLL then decided to use the name “Los Angeles Celestiales” for the trio of Angel de Oro, Angel de Plata and Angel Azteca Jr. Angel de Oro showed some promise in 2009 and really could have made a big impact in September had CMLL gone a different direction. In September, CMLL held a tournament were a veteran wrestler teams with a younger wrestler. The “Gran Alternativa” tournament is geared to elevate a younger wrestler higher on the card and quite possibly start the process of super stardom. CMLL however decided to use the tournament to continue the Mexico vs. Japan feud and made the questionable decision of teaming Yujiro with veteran Okumura as the team that would advance to the finals. Mistico teamed with Angel de Oro and in one night they could have made Angel de Oro and instead the Japanese team won, which led to some second guessing from fans. While the Japanese team winning kept CMLL’s main angle going, the shot at elevating a new young star was missed. The good news out of this was that Los Angeles Celestiales make a fun tecnico trio to the lower card trios of Los Rebeldes Tuareg and the combinations of Cancerberos.

83. Maximo (NR) – (5′ 7”, 176 lbs, 10 yr. pro): Top exotico in CMLL and member of the Alvarado Family (i.e. Los Brazos). Married to India Sioux. YES, HE IS MARRIED TO INDIA SIOUX! Worked primarily in CMLL midcard and in 2009 he complained about it and contemplated leaving, but changed his mind and decided to stay in CMLL. He did become a headliner in Guadalajara where he lost hair matches to Hijo del Texano and Shigeo Okumura. Has had an off-again and on-again feud with El Hijo del Texano for years. Was thrown into the whole Mexico vs. Japan feud and was in one of his first Arena Mexico main events in a cage match were the loser would drop his hair. Wrestled primarily in trios matches. Sometimes accompanied by KeMonito. Good performer overall. He’s average in the ring, but very good in promos and skits.

84. Fuego (Flash) (66) – (5′ 9”, 165 lbs, 6 yr. pro): Spent the majority of the year using the name Flash, but later in the year after winning a third consecutive match, my buddy Guillermo stood up from his ringside seat holding his beer in one hand and yelled out, “hey amigo! He’s EN FUEGO!” Someone from CMLL heard and a light bulb turned on and thus the name change. Typical CMLL, he lost the following match AND Guillermo went to rehab.:( Double whammy! Fuego is one-half of the Arena Coliseo Tag Team Champions with Stuka Jr., but he’s not used at the level that Stuka Jr. is and he’s really not quite at that level. The duo had a feud with Euforia and Nosferatu early in the year. Late in the year, they had matches with members of Los Cancerberos. Fuego spent most of the year working midcard trios matches. Pretty good young worker, but seemed to slip a bit this past year.

85. Princesa Blanca (NR) – (5′ 9”, 137 lbs, 16 yr. pro): After years of being a tecnica within the first few weeks of 2009, she decided to turn ruda and immediately unfriended Marcela on Facebook! True story! After teaming with the other CMLL rudas, she challenged Marcela to a title match. Princesa Blanca won the Mexican National Women’s title from Marcela on 1/30/09. Princesa Blanca would successfully defend the title in 2009 against Marcela and Lady Apache. One week after defeating Marcela for the title, Princesa Blanca won a cage match were the losing woman would get her head shaved. Medussa was the eventual loser and Princesa Blanca had to use a mirror to shave Medussa’s head as the barber just moments earlier had turned to stone due to staring directly at Medussa. Part of the Casas family, which probably had something to do with her push in 2009. Still she turned out to be a far more effective ruda than tecnica.

86. Extreme Tiger (NR) – (5′ 3”, 148 lbs, 11 yr. pro): High-flying luchador hailing from Tijuana has been one of the more pushed mid-card wrestlers in this new era of AAA. Can come up with some spectacular dives, but also is known to miss them quite often as well. Rob Bihari may or may not have a video of his misses on youtube (if it hasn’t been removed already). Part of AAA’s Cruiserweight division. Won the AAA Cruiserweight title at Triplemania XVII in a 4-way match. Two months later, lost the title to Alex Koslov in a 5-way match. In late August after Alex Koslov lost a match were the loser would get fired from AAA the title was ruled vacant. Extreme Tiger regained the title at AAA “Heroes Inmortales” show on 9/26/09 in a 5-way match. Alex Koslov upon his returned to AAA, thanks to Konnan, would end the year as Extreme Tiger’s top challenger. One thing is four sure, there are plenty of multi-person matches in store for Extreme Tiger in the future!

87. Shockercito (NR) – (4′ 3”, 110 lbs, 8 yr. pro): Long-time mini version of Shocker had a pretty good run in 2009. Part of CMLL’s mini tecnicos. Teamed frequently with Mascarita Dorada and Bam Bam. Lost his mask in a cage match at Arena Mexico on 1/11/09 to Pierrotito. Sadly, after losing his mask, the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer ran a neighborhood poll and after adding up votes it was revealed that Shockercito was only 25% guapo. This angered Shockercito and he used this as motivation to continue fighting evil. In late March he won the mask of Fire in Puebla and followed up with a HUGE hair match win over Pequeño Damian 666 in June. With motivation fueled by internet rage, there is no telling how many hair and mask matches Shockercito will win in in the future!

88. Cinthia Moreno (45) – (5′ 5”, 152 lbs, 22 yr. pro): Teamed frequently with her brother, El Oriental, and together held the AAA Mixed Tag Team titles for much of 2009. They were loosely aligned with the Foreign Legion. They feuded with the Apache Family. Lost the Mixed tag team titles to Fabi Apache and Aerostar on 9/6/09 in Hidalgo. After her brother departed AAA, Cinthia worked mainly in matches involving the other women and in the relevos de locura mixed matches. She spent late 2009 stuck in the middle of the Apaches, Sexi Star and the Foreign Legion women’s rivalry. Has been in AAA for an incredibly long time, which is surprising, given the fluctuation of comings and goings with Mexicans in the promotion over the past couple of years.

89. Dark Angel (79) – (5′ 4”, 123 lbs, 8 yr. pro): Has been a mainstay in CMLL’s women’s division for the last 5 years. In 2009, she began working as part of TNA’s Knockout division using the name “Sarita”. She teamed with Taylor Wilde to become the first TNA Knockout Tag Team Champions. Despite working in TNA, she’s kept a pretty hectic schedule by continuing to wrestle for CMLL. Early in the year, she challenged Amapola for the CMLL Women’s Title. Also spent time feuding with Raven Hiroka and Mima Shimoda. She continues to be very popular in Mexico. She also competes in the bodybuilding competitions held at Arena Mexico, which she won for a fourth time in 2009.

90. Skayde (91) – (5′ 7”, 192 lbs, 22 yr. pro): Best known to die-hard lucha fans as the trainer to numerous Toryumon/Dragon Gate and Chikara wrestlers. Still trains wrestlers in Mexico. He’s highly regarded by his pupils and his peers as well. Probably gets more recognition outside of Mexico than he does in his home country. One of the better independent wrestlers, who worked a lighter schedule in Mexico in 2009 partly due to travel and training others. Wrestled for Chikara and Dragon Gate USA in 2009. In Chikara he wrestled under his real name Jorge Rivera. Also competed for Perros Del Mal and NWA Mexico. Tends to stick close to home in Xalapa nowadays.

91. Jack (NR) – (5′ 9”, 190 lbs, ? yr. pro): Based on the Jack Skellington character from The Nightmare Before Christmas movie, Jack is one of IWRG’s more popular mid-card characters. Talented tecnico. Used often in stipulation matches as the guy who would look like he was about to lose, only to somehow find a way to escape from trouble for most of 2009. Prior to the Castillo del Terror in November, he and Oficial 911 formed a crime-fighting duo who entered a haunted mansion to solve a mystery. The team only lasted that one skit as later in the cage match, Oficial 911 cost Jack his mask, revealing himself to be Enrique Chavez Lopez. Upon losing his mask he vowed to return better than ever. He came back wearing face-paint similar to what his mask looked and continued to be very popular. Later in November, Jack and Oficial 911 were forced to reunite their old crime-fighting duo in a relevos increibles match were they defeated Oficial Fierro and Freelance.

92. Shocker (58) – (5′ 9”, 227 lbs, 17 yr. pro): Veteran luchador. Has developed a reputation for no-showing events. Still at times can be a very good performer, but his peak was about 4-5 years ago. Challenged Ultimo Guerrero for the CMLL World Heavyweight Title in early March. Throughout 2009 was thrown in feuds with Los Hijos del Averno, the evil Japanese contingent of Yujiro, Naito, Okumura and later, Liger, as well as other rudo factions like Guerreros del Atlantida and La Peste Negra. In Guadalajara, challenged the team of El Hijo del Texano and El Terrible for their Occidente tag team titles and later in the year had a match for the NWA Light Heavyweight Title against El Hijo del Texano. Perhaps his greatest contribution of 2009 was introducing Mexico to Jon Strongman and saying the following line, “Take it away, Jon…”

93. Teddy Hart (43) – (6′ 1”, 200 lbs, 14 yr. pro): When Teddy Hart first went to AAA, everyone assumed he’d be gone rather soon, so too many it was a surprise that he lasted ALL of 2009 in AAA. Member of Konnan’s Foreign Legion. Was frequently given sage advice by El Zorro, despite no one really knowing what El Zorro was talking about, especially Teddy, Jack and Nikki. A frequent teammate of Jack Evans early in 2009 that would soon change after a singles match between the two were Teddy Hart felt he was robbed of a win. Soon, Teddy Hart and the rest of the Foreign Legion kicked Jack Evans out of their faction by giving him a major beatdown outside an arena. Teddy vs. Jack was an ok feud, but never really got going due to AAA putting more focus into the whole “Roldan vs. Konnan control of AAA” angle. They were part of the cage match at Triplemania, which actually included them doing some interesting spots, which shouldn’t be surprising since it appeared all of 2009 that Teddy worked really well against friend, Jack Evans, but didn’t look so great against anyone else in AAA. Part of the Cruiserweight division in AAA. When the Foreign Legion disbanded after their loss at Triplemania, Teddy was one of the original members who stuck by Konnan’s side.

94. Mari Apache (77) – (5′ 3”, 140 lbs, 13 yr. pro): Spent 2009 involved in her sister’s feud with husband Billy Boy and Sexy Star. Mostly used in that feud whenever her sister was wrestling in women’s tag or trios matches against Sexy Star and Cinthia Moreno. Late in the year, she and Fabi also feuded with the women of the Foreign Legion, Jennifer Blade, Rain and Goddess. Also teamed often with her father, Gran Apache, in mixed tag team matches in which they are top contenders to those titles. Mari was also involved in the relevos de locura matches (were teams are comprised of a male, female, mini and exotico). One of the better female wrestlers in Mexico.

95. Strong Man (NR) – (6′ 0”, 300 lbs, 6 yr. pro): Made his debut in CMLL on an episode of Ras de Lona were he immediately broke the Arena Mexico chair-tossing record by a wide margin! Also lifted Lady Apache and later Mascarita Dorada with one arm. His feats of strength continued as he later pulled a bus across Mexico (or at least a couple of yards, but I believe they edited a good 15 hours of footage to show us that highlight!) and vowed to improve mass transportation in that country. Vowed to crush all rudos and immediately made Ultimo Guerrero his no. 1 target. Mostly competed in trios matches and is limited in the ring due to his muscular frame, but he still attempted planchas from the top rope and that alone is a major accomplishment given the severity of injuries over the years of bigger wrestlers climbing ropes. He’s garnered a cult following on the net with many a fan writing poems (like this one and these here!) of his muscles and travels throughout the wrestling world.

96. Mini Abismo Negro (NR) – (5′ 4”, 160 lbs, 14 yr. pro): The AAA minis spent the majority of 2009 in a diminished role on television. After the passing of Abismo Negro, there was some speculation that the mini version would have to be repackaged with a new gimmick, however, Joaquin Roldan announced that the mini would continue in Abismo’s honor. For years, Mini Abismo Negro has been one of AAA’s more consistent performers. Late in 2009, Mini Abismo Negro won the AAA Minis Title at Guerra De Titanes in some type of battle royal or multi-man match with 8 other minis. Wrestled frequently in both mini trios and relevos de locura matches.

97. Konnan (53) – (6′ 2”, 242 lbs, 23 yr. pro): One of, if not the most controversial people in lucha libre. Has garnered far more controversy from his media interviews where he blurs the line between a “work” (talking about AAA, storylines, etc.) and “shoot” (comments on Intocable, Juventud Guerrera, etc.). Started 2009 with his ongoing war with the Roldans for control of AAA with his Foreign Legion. In storyline, Konnan was in charge of AAA and he let the Foreign Legion run roughshod on all AAA tecnicos. Joaquin Roldan issued a challenge to Konnan and his Foreign Legion for Triplemania XVII were if Roldan’s team of AAA stars won, he’d regain control of AAA. Konnan accepted and his team was formed with members of the Foreign Legion. When Konnan’s team lost, he disappeared for a brief period of time, only to return with some new female wrestlers and vowed revenge on Joaquin Roldan. Along with Alex Koslov kidnapped Dorian Roldan and ‘brainwashed’ him by forcing him to watch EVERY episode of TNA written by Vince Russo. This caused Dorian’s head to explode and he would later side with Konnan pointing out that Konnan wasn’t that bad a guy. As 2009 progressed, Konnan began limiting his in-ring schedule and instead focused on promos and building up the ongoing AAA vs. Foreign Legion storyline. Late in the year, he also had a confrontation with Cibernetico that resulted in many an insult thrown back and forth between the two. This lead to a match at Guerra de Titanes. A few days prior to the match, it was reported that Konnan had just had heart surgery (heart stent) and the match was mostly a beatdown on Cibernetico by the Foreign Legion. Konnan was also voted into the Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame in 2009. Steve “Dr. Lucha” Sims began writing his bio in 2009, but as of now has yet to complete the final draft. Konnan ended 2009 by vowing to bring more surprises to AAA and by aligning with Dorian Roldan has the power to make things happen.

98. Rocky Romero (NR) – (5′ 7”, 175 lbs, 12 yr. pro): Started 2009 as a member of De-Generation MEX, but that group never really got off the ground as Romero toured with New Japan when the group first formed and had other outside commitments that kept him away from AAA and Sean Waltman (X-Pac) disappeared from AAA. When D-MEX split, Rocky feuded with ex-teammate Alex Koslov. He also was part of the AAA Cruiserweight Division challenging for the title in the various multi-man matches with ladders. “Azucar” aligned himself with other AAA tecnicos like Jack Evans to seek revenge on Alex Koslov and other members of the Foreign Legion. Also wrestles for Ring Of Honor.

99. Bushi (NR) – (5′ 8”, 194 lbs, 3 yr pro): Young All Japan wrestler first arrived in Mexico in late 2008. Started off as a masked rudo and immediately became a top challenger to the IWRG IC Lightweight Championship held at that time by Freelance. Won that very title in a 3-way match against Dr. Cerebro and Freelance on 2/8/09. Immediately met a new challenger to his reign as champ in the form of Zatura. Lost the IWRG IC Lightweight Title to Zatura on 3/15/09. Turned tecnico late in the year. Was part of various stip matches like Rey del Ring, relevos where loser advanced to a stip match, and cage matches were he was able to successfully save his mask. In late November, he defeated Avisman for the IWRG IC Lightweight Title. His streak of good luck would end one week later as he lost his mask to Oficial 911.

100. Nosferatu (64) – (6′ 1”, 229 lbs, 9 yr. pro): He lost some steam in 2009 with El Satanico moving on to working exclusively in Guadalajara as a trainer and part-time wrestler. Satanico’s departure from CMLL’s main roster, hurt Nosferatu far more than his regular tag team partner, Euforia. They spent the early part of the year feuding with Stuka Jr. and Flash (now Fuego) over the Arena Coliseo Tag Team Titles and later both were thrown in the mix in feuds against various mid-card tecnico trios. Los Infernales were left in limbo teaming with various rudos, primarily, Virus, Skandalo and Vangelis. Late in the year, Euforia was placed with Virus’ new faction, Los Cancerberos, while Nosferatu was never listed as part of that group. Future is looking rather murky for Nosferatu in CMLL as the Alvarado family continues to grow in CMLL and by mid-2009, CMLL added several new young luchadores to their roster.

Thanks to Kcidis for the artwork!