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Post by lariattoh on Jan 25, 2023 9:10:22 GMT 1
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
or
"How booking CMLL to a Resurgence made me resurrect"
- Prólogo | Prologue
On December, I've received a call that I would've never expected. It was a long time since I was involved in professional wrestling, my in-ring career began during the Territories Era, but was cut short due to some nasty back injuries. Since then, I've made a name as a booker and promoter, and that probably brought me more fame and luck that my in-ring career would. I've been really blessed. But with the rise of the World Wrestling Federation that brought an end to the glory days of the territories, I've had less and less opportunities, until I decided to hang the typewriter in 1992. I kept watching wrestling as a fan, even attending various live shows, and I didn't watch only American wrestling, I've also discovered puroresu and lucha libre. I could've never predicted that it would have been the latter to bring me behind the booking desk.
On December 2000, I've received the most important call of my life: Mr. Francisco Lutteroth, owner of the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), the most important Lucha Libre promotion in the entire world (and also the oldest, having been founded in 1933) wanted to speak to me. It was already a big honor on itself, but then he advanced a proposal.
"[...]I'll be quick, Mr. Franodis. Are you available to come and work in the CMLL booking team?"
I was flattered. I've been away from the scene for 8 long years. But it took me less than 8 seconds to answer with a direct and enthusiastic "Yes!".
We kept talking for the next couple of weeks, until everything was ready.
It was hard leaving Budapest, a city which I've fell in love again since coming back in 1992. Budapest was my home, but so was the booking life. I was worried, surely, and I didn't even know why Lutteroth came to me, of all people.
Probably it was written in the stars, or something. The only thing I knew was that this would have been my only opportunity, and even with all the doubts, I was ready to take it.
The World**The world in the "2001 - Changing History" database it's different from the one we know. In fact, in this "universe", WCW never folded and so wasn't bought from WWF, same goes for ECW. The American wrestling scene hasn't already became a monopoly, not yet at least.
Focusing on the Mexican scene, instead, three promotions are battling to become the número uno, and those promotions are:Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL)
 Owned by: Francisco Lutteroth
The oldest company in Mexico and the World, but almost 70 years is a long period to stay relevant. The company is surely a giant in the wrestling business, but as of now is more of a sleeping one, ready to be awakened.
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA)
![AAA lucha libre Logo [ Download - Logo - icon ] png svg](https://iconape.com/wp-content/png_logo_vector/aaa-lucha-libre-logo.png) Owned by: Antonio Pena
Founded in 1992, the company rose in quick fashion, dethroning CMLL as the Rey of Lucha Libre.International Wrestling Revolution Group (IWRG)
 Owned by: Adolfo Moreno
The youngest one of the bunch, founded in 1996. As of now, IWRG is the smallest company between the three, but has a strong roster and a good fanbase in the US area.
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Post by lariattoh on Jan 25, 2023 12:50:16 GMT 1
Before my arrival in Mexico City, Mr. Lutteroth sent me a document including the entirety of the CMLL roster, in order to allow me to start making plans during my travel.
He organized the roster by popularity, here is the rundown:
ROSTER
NAME - AGE - ALIGNMENT*
*T stands for "Tecnico" (Face), R stands for "Rudo" (Heel)
MAIN EVENTERSMil Mascaras - 58 - T
Atlantis - 38 - T
Negro Casas - 41 - T
Dr. Wagner Jr. - 35 - R
El Hijo Del Santo - 37 - T
UPPER MIDCARDERS
Villano III - 48 - R - Current World Light Heavyweight Champion
Satanico - 51 - R
Shocker - 29 - R
Universo 2000 - 37 - R - Current World Heavyweight Champion
Fuerza Guerrera - 47 - R
Blue Panther - 40 - T
MIDCARDERS
Black Warrior - 31 - T
Scorpio Jr. - 34 - R - Current IWRG Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion
Niebla Jr. - 27 - T
Ultimo Guerrero - 28 - R
Rey Bucanero - 26 - R
Emilio Charles Jr. - 44 - R
Miguel Perez Jr. - 34 - R
Silver King - 33 - R
Cien Caras - 51 - R
La Parka - 35 - T
Rayo de Jalisco Jr. - 40 - T
LOWER MIDCARDERS
Solar - 44 - T
Mephisto - 32 - R
Tarzan Boy - 27 - R
Ringo Mendoza - 51 - T - Current World Middleweight Champion
Ricky Marvin - 20 - T
Averno - 23 - T
Tinieblas Jr. - 34 - T
Villano IV - 38 - R
Villano V - 35 - R
Apolo Dantes - 32 - T
El Brazo - 39 - T
Brazo de Oro - 41 - T
Felino - 36 - R
Bestia Salvaje - 38 - R
Brazo de Plata - 37 - T
Olimpico - 35 - R
Mascara Magica - 35 - T
Gran Markus Jr. - 47 - R
Arkangel - 34 - R - Current World Welterweight Champion
El Pantera - 36 - T
Lizmark Jr. - 28 - T
Mascara Ano 2000 - 42 - R
ENHANCEMENT TALENT
Pequeno Olimpico - 39 - T
Zumbido - 26 - R
Mr. Mexico - 30 - T
Tony Rivera - 27 - T
NOSAWA - 24 - R
Mistico - 18 - T
STAFF
Francisco Lutteroth - Owner & Head Booker
Vorosmarty Franodis - (NEW!) Booker
Babe Richard - Staff
Pompin - Head Referee
Miguel Linares - Announcer
Alfonso Morale - Announcer
TEAMS & STABLES
TEAMS
El Hijo Del Santo & Negro Casas
Los Brazos (Brazo de Oro & Brazo de Plata)
Atlantis & Rayo de Jalisco Jr.
Rey Bucanero & Ultimo Guerrero - Current World Tag Team Champions
Bestia Salvaje & Felino
Satanico & Emilio Charles Jr.
Los Villanos (Villano III, Villano IV & Villano V)
Dr. Wagner Jr., Blue Panther & Black Warrior - Current World Trios Champions
CHAMPIONS
CMLL World Heavyweight Championship
Current Champion: Universo 2000
Date Won: 10/17/1999
Days: 448+
CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship
Current Champion: Villano III
Date Won: 11/22/1999
Days: 412+
CMLL World Middleweight Championship
Current Champion: Ringo Mendoza
Date Won: 03/07/1999
Days: 672+
CMLL World Welterweight Championship
Current Champion: Arkangel
Date Won: 08/10/1999
Days: 516+
CMLL World Tag Team Championships
Current Champions: Rey Bucanero & Ultimo Guerrero
Date Won: 08/04/2000
Days: 156+
CMLL World Trios Championships
Current Champions: Dr. Wagner Jr., Blue Panther & Black Warrior
Date Won: 12/18/1998
Days: 751+
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Post by lariattoh on Jan 26, 2023 11:20:03 GMT 1
- Capítulo 1 | Chapter 1 : "The Mask hides your incapacity"
Mr. Lutteroth really helped me by sending me the whole roster sheet. I had a lot of spare time (Budapest-Mexico is NOT a short journey) and I came up with some ideas for the upcoming shows. On Friday, January 5th, we would have the tapings of CMLL Super Viernes, and the next day I would already have to test myself booking the first CMLL PPV of the year, Sin Piedad.
I had only one show to complete and promote the PPV card, and that honestly surprised me: it's like Mr. Lutteroth knows that they would eventually sell out arenas by simply being CMLL. And that's 99% true. But my goal is to deliver the best product possible, and I need to build some feuds to blow-off (or drag on) at the PPV.
For that matter, I actually had some ideas that I was proud of, but at the same time I was hesitant to show them to Mr. Lutteroth, because they were new ideas, new meaning that they went against the solid structure of Lucha Libre, and I know how much Mr. Lutteroth loves traditions.
I was trying to convince myself that I could persuade him in giving my ideas a chance. Speaking of, these were the ideas:
PERSONAL GOALS FOR THE YEAR 2001
1) Make Championships a more important part of the show(s).
In no way this would mean to dethrone the importance of Lucha de Apuestas, but it would be a good move to give more attention to the title belts.
For example, the trio of Blue Panther, Black Warrior & Dr. Wagner Jr. have been trios champions for an astonishing 751 days now.
But that number is not that impressive if we think that they have defended those titles like... maybe 2 or 3 times?
I want champions to defend their titles on more occasions, meaning that, if the case is right, there could be several title changes in the course of the year.
Since Lucha de Apuestas are reserved to the most important shows (Aniversario), I think it would be only fair to give the wrestlers something to fight for during the course of the year.
So, going straight to the point:
1) Championships will have major importance from now on, and are gonna be defended on more occasions.
The time limit for a Title Defense will be 60 days.
If a champion doesn't defend the belt even once during those 60 days, he will be stripped of the title.
2) Less stoicism. More possibilities.
CMLL is widely known as La Seria y La Estable (The Serious and The Stable), and that's because its product is very traditional.
Blood is severely forbidden, and if it happens there is a chance that the match or the segment where the blood loss happened will be cut from the taping of the show.
Also, gimmick matches are extremely rare, and when they happen, it's usually Steel Cage Matches or Super Luchas (No DQ Matches), but even in Super Luchas, the use of weapons is limited, and the aforementioned blood loss is still banned.
Now, I don't wanna be the party crusher that comes out of nowhere and tries to destroy the traditions of Lucha Libre.
I still fell honored and lucky for the opportunity that was given to me.
But I think that adjusting the product to make it a little bit more modern would be a good choice.
AAA already did this and it made wonder for them, same for IWRG.
So, why not?
2) Less strict rules on the product. Let's embrace the modern taste, experimenting with new match types.
Regarding the violence aspect, CMLL is a family-friendly product and I want to keep it that way.
3) Strike some deals with other promotion. CMLL has always lived in its own bubble, and they always appealed to the their home market, rightfully so.
But in order to increase our audience in the foreign markets, it would be beneficial to make some partnerships with other companies.
Mr. Lutteroth already talked to me regarding this strategy, and he probably has some plans already. So I won't spoil anything, yet.
3) Strike partnership deals with other promotions.
4) Talking about increasing our audience, CMLL has always broadcasted its shows in Spanish-only.
Making a deal with a US network it's a distant possibility, but in the meantime we could release some DVDs featuring some of the best matches with English commentary.
4) DVDs featuring English commentary.
The tapes will cover the best matches and/or the best events.
5) For now, the final goal is to introduce a Wellness Policy Program, for the safety of our talents.
5) Wellness Policy Program.
One test every two months.
The talent that fails the test will receive the following penalties:
1 Fail: suspension without pay for 30 days.
2 Fails: suspension without pay for 60 days.
3 Fails: the talent will be sent to rehab and will pay a 10.000 pesos fine (531$ more or less).
We won't fire our talent, but we need to take care of them and make them learn from their mistakes.
Those are the plans at the moment.
Regarding the card for the Super Viernes show, I did put the pen on paper.CMLL Super Viernes
Friday January 5th, 2001
@ Local Large Arena, Mexico City, MX - 10.000 in attendance (SOLD OUT!)
MAIN EVENT - 2 Out of 3 Falls Match
Dr. Wagner Jr. w/Blue Panther y Black Warrior vs Rey Bucanero w/Ultimo Guerrero y Shocker
SEMI MAIN EVENT
Atlantis speaks about his upcoming World Title Match at Sin Salida
2 Out of 3 Falls Match
Negro Casas vs Villano V w/Villano III y Villano IV
OPENER - 2 Out of 3 Falls Match
El Pantera y Mascara Magica vs Mephisto y Cien Caras
To help me in booking the TV show, Mr. Lutteroth sent me beforehand the first draft for the Sin Salida PPV card:CMLL Sin Salida 2001
"Lucha de Año Nuevo"
Saturday, January 6th, 2001
@ Local Large Arena, Mexico City, MX - 10.000 in attendance (SOLD OUT!)
MAIN EVENT - 2 Out of 3 Falls for the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship
Universo 2000 (c) vs Atlantis
SEMI MAIN EVENT - 2 Out of 3 Falls for the CMLL World Trios Championships
Dr. Wagner Jr., Blue Panther y Black Warrior(c) vs Shocker, Rey Bucanero y Ultimo Guerrero
2 Out of 3 Falls Tag Team Match
Satanico y Silver King vs Ricky Marvin y La Parka
Trios Match
Los Brazos (Brazo de Plata y Brazo de Oro) y Ringo Mendoza vs Tarzan Boy y Bestia Salvaje y Gran Markus Jr.
The card isn't completed, but I have several ideas, and all in all, I'm pretty confident.
I arrived in Mexico City on January 2nd. Mr. Lutteroth booked me in a hotel near the CMLL headquarters, he was really helpful. I did the check-in and I left my baggage in my room. Then I stepped out of the hotel and... wow.
Mexico City was beautiful.
 I reached the CMLL headquarters and to my surprise, I was greeted with a little party. It was a cool moment, and it really helped me with my social anxiety, that had worsened by being alone in a new place with different costumes from the ones in Budapest. I was used to the silence atmosphere of the Hungarian capital, while now I found myself between lights, noises & laughs. Everyone was nice to me... well, everyone except Blue Panther. I heard around that he wasn't a positive presence in the backstage, but I'm the type of guy that wants to see things with his own eyes before giving any judgement. This time, however, I find myself agreeing with those rumors. I met him during the party and he told me, while looking at me dead in the eye: "I don't know what the boss sees in you. I know that you brought some revolutionary plans along, or so they told me. Lucha Libre is a sport of tradition. Like our mascaras, they represent who we are. And it seems to me that you also have a mask... and I hope that mask doesn't hide your incapacity."
Well, I already made an enemy. But I have to be honest, that speech moved something in me: I wanted to surprise not only the fans, not only Mr. Lutteroth, but the talent also. I wanted to give them something new.
And now, thanks to Blue Panther's not-so-friendly kinda-motivational-more-menacing speech, I felt ready.
After the party, I reached Mr. Lutteroth in his office.
He asked me how I felt and if I enjoyed the party. I was really thankful and I told him the truth, saying that it helped me with my anxiety. Then I showed him the plans I wrote on the plane. And...
He agreed. The strict mindset of the company was the main reason behind the creation of AAA, CMLL's greatest rival and at the moment, Mexico's top promotion. So he was more than happy to see that I cared so much about the product to come up with some innovative elements, while maintaining the family-friendly aspect and showing respect for the foundations of CMLL and Lucha Libre as a whole.
We chatted for at least an hour, but it was a really peaceful and helpful conversation.
We shared some ideas, and the goal was always going to be the same: bring El Consejo back to the top.
With that in mind, we were ready for this new era.
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Post by lariattoh on Jan 27, 2023 12:11:31 GMT 1
 CMLL Super Viernes
Friday, January 5th 2001
@ Local Large Arena in Mexico City, MX - 10.000 in attendance (SOLD OUT!)
Total Viewers: 2,806,081
Live Broadcast on Televisa Deportes
The show opens with the classic opening package.
Miguel Linares and Alfonso Morales welcome the people at home, making a quick run down of the card!
OPENER
2 Out of 3 Falls Tag Team Match
El Pantera y Mascara Magica VS Mephisto y Cien Caras
  VS   The rudo team gets the upper hand from the beginning of the match, easily scoring la Primera Caida (the first fall). From that moment, El Pantera y Mascara Magica fight back, scoring la Segunda Caida and la Terciera Caida. El Pantera(O) y Mascara Magica def. Mephisto(X) & Cien Caras 2-1 by Pinfall (12:41)
Rating: 51%
2ND MATCH
2 Out of 3 Falls Match
Negro Casas VS Villano V w/Villano III y Villano IV
After the match, the other two Villanos get in the ring, attacking Negro Casas during his celebration.
Villano V gets up as well, and joins the beatdown along his brothers.
   The three stand victorious in the middle of the thunderous boos from the people in attendance...WAIT A MINUTE!Two wrestlers storm the ring, and they are...MIL MASCARAS AND EL HIJO DEL SANTO!
The crowd is on fire for the two!They chase down the Villanos, sending them away. The three are not happy...Mascaras and Santo help Casas on his feet, and the three leave the ring together.
We are back from commercial, and a new match has been added to the "Sin Salida" PPV Card!2 Out of 3 Falls Match Trios Match
Negro Casas, Mil Mascaras y El Hijo del Santo VS Los Villanos
SEMI MAIN EVENTAtlantis speaks about his upcoming World Heavyweight Title MatchAtlantis gets in the ring and gets handed a microphone from the staff."Gracias mis fans!I'll be quick. I'm disappointed that I'm the only one standing in this ring right now, while my opponent, Universo 2000, is hiding in the back!That's the issue with you, Universo, you always hide because you ain't got no cojones!These beautiful people deserve a fighting champion, and you've held that World Heavyweight Title for far too long now.Tomorrow, at Sin Salida, you really won't be able to escape me. I'll become the new World Champion, and I'll give you what you deserve: an ass kicking!"The crowd is totally on the side of the challenger.The champion has heard enough!Universo 2000 walks down the ramp and goes face to face with his opponent!U: "Listen, you poor bastard! I'm a fighting champion. If I wasn't, then I wouldn't be holding this title for 448 and plus days! I'm the face of CMLL, while you, you are just a mask from the bunch. And if you keep pushing me, then I will rip that mask off, and I will show Atlantis true face: the face of failure."The crowd heavily boos the champion.Atlantis doesn't answer, the two go face to face in the middle of the ring, the tension is as high as possible!Universo 2000 makes his way to the back, while Atlantis keep staring a hole in his soul.
We are back from commercial once again, and the CMLL owner, Francisco Lutteroth, has an announcement to make!"As of now, CMLL has always put its focus on the Mexican market, and what we always loved to do, was making you, Mexican fans, proud.We always wanted to entertain you, and we still want to do it!But, entering in the new millenium, a lot of possibilities have come knocking down CMLL's door.We all want CMLL to succeed. And with that in mind, I thought the best solution was to introduce CMLL to the international wrestling scene.So, I'm proud to announce that tomorrow, at the Sin Salida PPV, two international wrestlers will collide against two CMLL athletes!
Thank you for your support, have a great time!"
The boss leaves the ring.
We will see who those two wrestlers will turn out to be!
MAIN EVENT
2 Out of 3 Falls Match
Dr. Wagner Jr. w/Blue Panther y Black Warrior VS Rey Bucanero w/Ultimo Guerrero y Shocker
These two teams will face at Sin Salida for the World Trios Titles.
Now we got this match as a preview, and it's very interesting, since we have Dr. Wagner Jr., 1/3 of the Trios Champions, going against Rey Bucanero, 1/2 of the Tag Team Champions, along Ultimo Guerrero.
As expected, Guerrero and Shocker tried to give Bucanero some illegal advantage, but Panther and Warrior were there to make things right.
During la Terciera Caida, the match became an hard-fought battle, and in the end, Dr. Wagner Jr. prevailed with a Michinoku Driver II.
Wagner pinned one half of the Tag Team Champions!
Dr. Wagner Jr. def Rey Bucanero 2-1 by Pinfall (16:55)
Rating: 60%
After the match, Wagner has no time to celebrate his victory, because Shocker and Guerrero attack him from behind!Panther and Warrior throw themselves in the shuffle, and a brawl breaks out!No one can stop these six men!Security tries to calm things off but they get beaten by the wresters, it's pure chaos!But, wait!The rudos get some chairs, and they swing them against the champions, the crowd is raging!The show closes with these three celebrating on their opponents' beaten down bodies.
Following the Super Viernes show, CMLL announces the finalized card for Sin Salida!CMLL Sin Salida 2001
Saturday 6th, January 2001
@ Local Large Arena in Mexico City, MX
- FINAL CARD -
MAIN EVENT - 2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship
Universo 2000 (c) VS Atlantis
SEMI MAIN EVENT - 2 Out of 3 Falls Match for the CMLL World Trios Championships
Dr. Wagner Jr., Blue Panther y Black Warrior (c) VS Shocker, Rey Bucanero y Ultimo Guerrero
5TH MATCH - 2 Out of 3 Falls Trios Match
Mil Mascaras, El Hijo del Santo y Negro Casas VS Los Villanos
4TH MATCH - 2 Out of 3 Falls Special Tag Team Match
Mascara Ano 2000 y Felino VS ? y ? (2 Mysterious International Wrestlers)
3RD MATCH - 2 Out of 3 Falls Tag Team MatchSatanico y Silver King VS La Parka y Ricky Marvin2ND MATCH - Trios MatchTarzan Boy y Bestia Salvaje y Gran Markus Jr. VS Los Brazos (Brazo de Plata y Brazo de Oro) y Ringo MendozaOPENER - Lightning Tag Team Match - 10 Minutes Time LimitMistico y Lizmark Jr. VS NOSAWA y Zumbido
CARD FOR PREDICTIONS COPY&PASTE:
Universo 2000 vs Atlantis
Wagner, Panther y Warrior vs Shocker, Bucanero y Guerrero
Mascaras, Santo y Casas vs Los Villanos
Ano 2000 y Felino vs ? y ?
Satanico y King vs Parka y Marvin
Tarzan, Salvaje y Markus Jr. vs Los Brazos y Mendoza
Mistico y Lizmark Jr. vs NOSAWA y Zumbido
BONUS QUESTIONS:
Which's gonna be the longest match of the show?
From which country will the two mysterious wrestlers come?
See you at the show! |
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Post by ramen on Jan 27, 2023 15:15:33 GMT 1
Very interesting dairy you have here. Can't wait to see how it turns out!
Universo 2000 vs Atlantis
Wagner, Panther y Warrior vs Shocker, Bucanero y Guerrero
Mascaras, Santo y Casas vs Los Villanos
Ano 2000 y Felino vs ? y ?
Satanico y King vs Parka y Marvin
Tarzan, Salvaje y Markus Jr. vs Los Brazos y Mendoza
Mistico y Lizmark Jr. vs NOSAWA y Zumbido
Which's gonna be the longest match of the show? Universo 2000 vs. Altantis
From which country will the two mysterious wrestlers come? The US!
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Post by lariattoh on Jan 27, 2023 19:23:25 GMT 1
Very interesting dairy you have here. Can't wait to see how it turns out! Thank you very much! It's the first time I write a public diary, so I hope it turns out interesting for who reads it  |
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Post by Asaemon on Jan 27, 2023 19:42:18 GMT 1
Universo 2000 vs Atlantis
Wagner, Panther y Warrior vs Shocker, Bucanero y Guerrero
Mascaras, Santo y Casas vs Los Villanos
Ano 2000 y Felino vs ? y ?
Satanico y King vs Parka y Marvin
Tarzan, Salvaje y Markus Jr. vs Los Brazos y Mendoza
Mistico y Lizmark Jr. vs NOSAWA y Zumbido
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Post by sonny912 on Jan 28, 2023 3:05:15 GMT 1
Why do All the titles look exactly the same with only the last sentence that's different?
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Post by lariattoh on Jan 28, 2023 8:32:54 GMT 1
Why do All the titles look exactly the same with only the last sentence that's different? Haha, that's CMLL's title designs for you. |
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Post by Purotastic on Jan 30, 2023 5:25:51 GMT 1
Universo 2000 vs Atlantis
Wagner, Panther y Warrior vs Shocker, Bucanero y Guerrero
Mascaras, Santo y Casas vs Los Villanos
Ano 2000 y Felino vs ? y ?
Satanico y King vs Parka y Marvin
Tarzan, Salvaje y Markus Jr. vs Los Brazos y Mendoza
Mistico y Lizmark Jr. vs NOSAWA y Zumbido
Which's gonna be the longest match of the show? Universo 2000 vs Altantis
From which country will the two mysterious wrestlers come? Japan
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