Lucha Libre Enters the WWE Ring: Cultural Milestone or Corporate Takeover?

United Mundos Staff
May 18
2 min read

By United Mundos Editorial Team | Published May 18, 2025

For generations, lucha libre has been a source of pride, storytelling, and cultural power in Mexico and Latino communities across the globe. But now, as WWE acquires a majority stake in AAA — Mexico’s premier wrestling promotion — fans are asking: Is this the start of global recognition or the beginning of cultural dilution?

The Deal

In April 2025, WWE officially announced it had entered a partnership with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, integrating the Mexican wrestling giant into its global entertainment platform. Their first joint event, “Worlds Collide: Lucha Meets Legends,” is set for June 7 in Los Angeles and will stream exclusively on Netflix.

Why Lucha Libre Matters

Lucha libre isn’t just wrestling. It’s ritual. The mask, or máscara, represents generational legacy, mystique, and selfhood. The stories told in the ring often reflect class struggle, good vs. evil (técnicos vs. rudos), and the complexities of Mexican identity.

“When you unmask a luchador, you're unmasking decades of family history,” said wrestling scholar Luis Aranda.

What’s at Stake?

WWE’s track record with international collaborations has been mixed. While it has elevated stars like Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee, it’s also been criticized for stripping away cultural depth in favor of spectacle.

Fans worry that lucha libre will be repackaged for American audiences without the honor and symbolism that makes it sacred.

“We want our wrestlers on the global stage,” says LA-based lucha fan Michelle Delgado, “but not at the cost of their roots.”

Representation vs. Reduction

This deal could finally bring mainstream visibility to dozens of talented Mexican performers. But with WWE’s creative control, it raises urgent questions:

Will traditions be preserved?
Will luchadores maintain their identities?
Or will lucha libre become just another wrestling “style” in WWE’s catalog?

Final Word

For now, the world is watching. If done right, this partnership could usher in a golden era for Latino wrestlers and fans alike. But one thing is clear: this moment is about more than wrestling — it's about cultural power.