This Sunday, October 23, Cricket Wireless and El Rey Network will premiere three Lucha Underground events in select cities. Promising action-packed matches in the heart of Phoenix, Houston and San Diego, the Lucha Underground En Vivo series will be a welcome treat for fans who want to experience the match-ups live. Featuring Luchador meet & greets at every stop, the idea looks promising, and maybe the beginning of something bigger for the brand.
“Bringing an event from the small screen to their backyard—and giving them a chance to meet their favorite Luchador—,” says Tiffany Baehman, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Cricket Wireless, “definitely gives Lucha Underground fans something to celebrate.”
As we noted recently, the folks at Lucha Underground are not afraid to get hella weird, with Aztec mythology, dragons, and personalities like Catrina the Queen of Death kicking ass and licking faces for good measure.
Ever since Lucha Underground launched back in 2014 — it’s been running strong for three seasons — fans who can’t make the trip to Boyle Heights for a taping have been aching to see the high-energy antics up close and personal. But aside from a memorable appearance at South by Southwest earlier this year—“Lucha Underground: Austin Warfare”—that has yet to become a reality. Until now.
To be sure, Lucha Underground has enjoyed an even more devoted following since legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio, who was an integral part of the WWE since 2002, joined the series.
“My base was always high-flying,” said the 41-year-old Mysterio last December when asked why he chose Lucha Underground over re-signing with the WWE. “I always wanted to get the opportunity to show the world what I can do. There was no other company out there that was displaying that but Lucha Underground.”
If the event in Austin was any indication of what’s to come, fans can expect some killer theatrics and high-stakes performances.
Dates and locations for Lucha En Vivo:
· Phoenix – Oct. 23, Arizona State Fair
· Houston – Oct. 30, Traders Village Houston
· San Diego – Nov. 5, Escondido Tamale Festival