Lucha Libre USA (LLUSA) was an American professional wrestling promotion owned by Steven Ship. The promotion was most notable for producing the Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors television program, which initially aired on the MTV2 broadcast channel and chronicled the rise of lucha libre wrestling style in the United States. The first episode was aired on July 16, 2010. The second season premiered October 1, 2011. On July 11, 2012 the remainder of season two began airing on Hulu with the final episode airing on October 3, 2012.
History On July 16, 2010, Lucha Libre USA premiered season one of their flagship program Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors on MTV2. During season one Lucha Libre USA held TV tapings in multiple venues.
On October 1, 2011, Lucha Libre USA began season 2 of Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors airing the first four episodes on MTV2 before bringing the series to Hulu where the remaining episodes were aired.
After the cancellation of the Masked Warriors series by Hulu, the promotion continued to hold live events throughout the West Coast until its closure in 2013.
Behind the Mask Behind the Mask was Lucha Libre USA's supplemental program and a documentary feature broadcast on MTV2 and the MTV website. The show followed wrestlers originating from Mexico, the United States and other parts of the world, as they performed physical acts and gave background into their characters. During the show it was explained that some traditional, non-masked American professional wrestlers, like técnico luchador Marco Corleone, had embraced Lucha Libre while others like American rudo luchador R. J. Brewer wished to "Americanize" Lucha by "cleaning up the Mexican elements" of Lucha Libre USA. This conflict between America and Mexico would serve as a long-lasting storyline throughout the seasons of Masked Warriors.
Championships
LLUSA Heavyweight Championship
On December 12, 2010, Lizmark Jr. defeated Charly Malice, Marco Corleone and R. J. Brewer in a Lucha Roulette four-way elimination match to become the first-ever LLUSA Heavyweight Champion.
#WrestlersReignDateDaysheldLocationEventNotesDefeated Charly Malice, Marco Corleone and R. J. Brewer in a four-way elimination match to become the inaugural champion. This episode aired on tape delay on October 1, 2011.This was a three-way match, which also included Marco Corleone. Brewer put the future of his group, The Right, and Corleone his hair on the line for a shot at the title.————
LLUSA Tag Team Championship
On January 22, 2011, Rudisimo (El Oriental and Tinieblas Jr.) defeated Puerto Rican Power (P.R. Flyer and San Juan Kid) and Treachery (Rellik and Sydistiko) in a three-way tag match to become the first-ever LLUSA Tag Team Champions.
#WrestlersReignDateDaysheldLocationEventNotesRudisimoDefeated Puerto Rican Powers (PR Flyer and San Juan Kid), Treachery (Rellik and Sydistiko) in a three-way tag match to become the inaugural champions. This episode aired on tape delay on October 22, 2011.Sol and Tinieblas Jr. Defeated El Oriental in a handicap match.The title was vacated due to the circumstances surrounding Sol and Tinieblas Jr. becoming the champions.The Right)Defeated the Latin Liberators (Rocky Romero and Super Nova) to win the vacant title.————
Roster at the time of closure
Male wrestlers
Ring nameReal nameNotesAzteko John RiveraAlso performed unmasked as "Rocky Romero"Blue Demon, Jr.CarlitosCarly ColónShane HelmsGregory HelmsJon RekonJon AndersenLast LLUSA Tag Team ChampionLa MascaraFelipe de Jesús Alvarado MendozaLizmark Jr.Juan BañosMini ParkRicardo Moreno TapiaÁguliaNeutronicPetey WilliamsPeter Williams IIILast LLUSA Tag Team ChampionPequeño HalloweenSamuel de Leon SandovalPsicosisR. J. BrewerJohn StagikasLast LLUSA Heavyweight ChampionEl SolarUnknownSuper CrazyFrancisco Islas RuedaSuper NovaUnknownSydistikoTheodore James PerkinsSydistiko IIPaul LondonTatankaChristopher ChavisTinieblas Jr.UnknownVladimiroUnknown
Female wrestlers (Chicas) Ring nameReal name Awesome Kong Kia Stevens Brooke Carter Brittney Savage Jacqueline Jacqueline Moore Jillian Hall Jillian Hall Lizzy Valentine Carter Elizabeth Miklosi Melina Melina Perez Nikki Corleone Nicole Raczynski Nurse Krissy Sealice Kristin Eubanks ODB Jessica Kresa Rebecca Reyes Rebecca Reyes Rosetta Park Tracy Castillo-Sharrer Tigresa Caliente Trenesha Biggers
On-air personalities
Hosts Host DatesReby SkyJuly 16, 2010 – October 22, 2011
Commentators Commentators DatesNigel Sherrod and Lalo GonzalezSeason 1Kevin Kelly and Todd RomeroKevin Kelly and Stevie RichardsAlex Abrahantes and Stevie RichardsSeason 2
Ring announcers Ring Announcer DatesNigel SherrodSeason 1Leticia CastroSeason 2
Notable alumni
Cassandro Charly Malice Chavo Guerrero Jr. Chi Chi Diamond Face Dragoncito El Hijo de Anibal El Oriental Headhunter A Headhunter B Huracan Ramirez Jr. Isis the Amazon Jay Lethal Kip Gunn LA Park Lady Luck Latin Lover Lujo Esquire Marco Corleone Magno Mascara Púrpura Mascarita Dorada Medianoche Mentallo Mini Dragoncito Misteriosito Neutronic Octagoncito P.R. Flyer Reid Flair Rellik Saber Claw San Juan Kid Sol I Sol II Solid
See also List of Lucha Libre USA: Masked Warriors episodes
References
External links
Lucha Libre USA at MTV2