The Top Ten Moves of Mil Mascaras

Time to continue the Lucha Libre legend theme. Often referred to a La Leyendas Viviente(The Living Legend), Mil Mascaras was the first Luchador to become a major star in the U.S(I know El Santo came before him, but Mascaras was a bit more recognized by most fans in the States). Mil was also a history maker, as he was the first wrestler to compete in MSG while wearing his mask during a brief run with the WWF, as well as the first man of Mexican heritage to compete there. Mil made his debut in 1965, and was easily recognizable with his colorful array of masks, and his impressive physique. He was known to wear two masks to the ring, and remove the top one before the match began(in Japan, he would throw this mask to the fans). In 1966, he competed in his first of many Luchas de Apuestas Match, defeating Benny Galant to claim his hair. He would also take the hair of Black Gordman in 1969. 1967 saw Mil win his first belt, when he defeated Espanto I for the Mexican National Light Heavyweight Title. Though he lost it soon afterward, he would defeat El Nazi nine months later to regain the title. He would also defeat legend Freddie Blassie for the NWA Americas Heavyweight Title in 1968. Soon, he made his way to Japan, where he would have classic matches with fellow masked competitor, The Destroyer. It was here that the Japanese audience was shown the Lucha Libre style, as Mil wowed them with techniques such as the Plancha Suicida, Flying Cross Chop, and the Flying Crossbody Press. In Texas, he would team with Jose Lothario, and together, the two won the NWA Texas Tag Team Titles. He would also claim the IWA Heavyweight Title in a tournament final. In 1977, he also faced a young Jumbo Tsuruta, and had his number, until a Plancha Suicida lived up to its name, and Mil crashed hard onto the ringside floor. However, even in defeat, both men were cheered for their fine match. A year later, Mil returned to the Land of the Rising Sun, and defeated The Destroyer for the PWF United States Heavyweight Title. Mil would then compete in the WWWF, and had a lengthy feud against Billy Graham over the WWWF World Heavyweight Title. Mil had a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Title against Harley Race, but was ultimately unsuccessful. He then appeared on the AWA Superclash PPV, defeating Buddy Roberts to retain the IWA Heavyweight belt. Mil then enjoyed a short stay in WCW, including a match with Cactus Jack at the Clash of the Champions. He defeated Manny Fernandez for the WWA World Heavyweight Title, and then entered a state of semi-retirement. He made a brief appearance at the 1997 Royal Rumble, eliminating himself and Pierroth, Jr. with a spectacular dive to the floor. Since then, Mil has made sporadic appearances, and is still semi-active today. Mil's style is one that embodies the basic elements of Lucha Libre, using intricate submission holds, as well as aerial attacks to defeat his opponents. The Flying Cross Chop is an innovation of Mil's, and the Flying Crossbody Press is a move that has put down men of legendary status over the decades.

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[RPenta]

Dragon: How has Mascaras been so successful for so long in at least three countries: Japan, US, and Mexico of course when he seems to have rubbed a number of wrestlers the wrong way: Jericho-no big loss; Superstar Billy Graham, and Mick Foley for three. I always enjoyed watching him.

[TheSuicidalDragon]

For the most part, the big complaint about Mascaras was his refusal to sell. He didn't sandbag or shoot, he just didn't react as much as some thought he should have.

[themaccaofpacca086]

he is gettting inducted into 2012 hall of fame

[Wrestlingfan619619]

it's such a shame he has a awful attitude towards sellings and putting people over

[bartek26099]

chwyty jak sin cara

[wafuakobefore]

Mil Mascaras is the Alone Best Wrestler., In today's era, none of all wrestlers can perform tactics and techniques more than him. Viva Mascaras..

[panchodaman]

The Mexicans know how to do it:)

[TheBurnBust]

Hall of Famer in 2012

[ExplodingBeavers]

@fanjomo um.... so?

[gabychilo]

@TheSuicidalDragon wrestling was wrestling now a days u gotta sell moves thats horse shit back in the day when u were in pain u were in oain no need to sell shit jericho as much as i like u as a wrestler fu u to mick foley

[gabychilo]

@RPenta jericho is a good wrestler but i think everyone hates it when there is always someone better than you and especially when the ppl love you i think thats jerichos ego getting in the way as for mic foley idk

[kisser83]

I've never heard of a scoop suplex

[gabe31g]

Does anyone know his true identity ? Curious I don't think no one has removed his mask one of my favorite wrestler of all time. I saw a picture circulating on google doesn't look real to me. If there's anyone who has seen him without a mask send the picture to gabe34g@yahoo.com