Looks like Robert Rodriguez is beefing up the original content on his network, El Rey, with the addition of Lucha Underground, a reality show about a newly formed AAA Lucha Libre league in East LA. The “character-driven, riveting, freestyle wrestling series” will follow these modern day gladiators in and out of the arena, but will be less WWE Divas and more The Ultimate Fighter.
Lucha Libre, a potent and entertaining mix of athleticism and artistry, continues to draw huge audiences in Mexico — and executive producers Brian Edwards and Diego Gutierrez (of One Three Media) want to examine this cultural phenomenon (it’s second only to futbol in popularity), as well as its cross-over success.
Lucha Underground will feature a blended cast, with unknown luchadores like Prince Puma and Mr. Cisco, as well as “legacy” luchadores like Chavo Guerrero, Jr., whose father, Chavo Guerrero, is one of the sport’s most successful wrestlers, both in the U.S. and Mexico.
So whether you remember Tito Santana or were more of a Rey Mysterio fan, Lucha Underground will pack a punch.
Lucha Underground premieres with a two-hour special on October 29 at 8 pm.
For those in Los Angeles, Lucha Underground is taped in front of a live audience in Boyle Heights. Click here for free tickets.