In an attempt to bring more fans to the struggling sport, Lucha Libre USA brings the heated political debate of immigration into the ring. The ‘free wrestling’ sport originating in Mexico in the 1930s is targeting the Mexican immigrant and Mexican American markets with their fictional storyline revolving around immigration. Using recent events in Arizona, the wrestlers use their new ‘personas’ to create controversy in and out of the ring.
The “Masked Warriors” wrestling tour, will begin this week by Lucha Libre USA. The tour will stop in Reno, Nevada, San Jose and Los Angeles, California, Phoenix, Arizona, as well as Houston, Texas.
Two popular yet controversial ‘characters’ on tour are American ‘villian’ RJ Brewer and immigrant ‘hero’ Blue Demon Jr. The masked Blue Demon’s real name is not publicly known, however he has said from his home in Mexico City that he, “Represents the Latino people. We are human beings.” “I support the immigrant people no matter what country they come from.” The wrestler enjoys playing the role of hero and getting the crowd to rally against characters such as Brewer.
RJ Brewer traditionally enters the ring waving an Arizona flag and denouncing everything from drinking Mexican beer to speaking Spanish. He supports the controversial immigration law, “SB1070,” while calling Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer, his ‘mother,’ and claims she is helping to ‘save’ America from unwanted immigrants.
Although his character of RJ is fictional, the Massachusetts real estate agent, John Stagikas also advocates strongly for deportations and traditionally supports laws that target illegal immigrants. His character has been largely built upon videos in which he is showing disgust for anything ‘foreign,’ while helping his ‘mother’ patrol the border.
