WWE Acquires Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide

WWE has made a significant move, acquiring Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) ahead of WrestleMania 41 in 2025. The growth of the Mexican promotion over the last year might be one of the quieter buzzes within professional wrestling lately.

AAA has definitely captured attention, particularly with its recent Mask vs. Mask match featuring El Grande Americano against Original El Grande Americano. This June’s Worlds Collide event is shaping up to be a fantastic chance to showcase Lucha Libre to American audiences. Notably, Triplemania will be a two-night event for the first time, marking a historic moment for the company.

In a recent chat, WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield expressed his views on the rising popularity of AAA. “I think this is the hottest show in the world right now,” he stated. “It’s unbelievable. It’s got great characters.” He reminisced about his early days working in Mexico, recalling the incredible energy he felt while performing there.

“I was always convinced that Lucha Libre was a sleeping giant, waiting to take off,” he continued. “People are finally starting to recognize the incredible characters and passion that exist within the Lucha Libre scene—especially the enthusiasm of the Mexican fans. It’s all about gaining experience in various arenas, from the Sportarium to the Staples Center, all around Mexico.”

Bradshaw noted that since WWE announced its acquisition, the Mask vs. Mask match became a standout event. In that particular match, El Grande Americano triumphed over Original El Grande Americano, who turned out to be Chad Gable. It was an impressive showcase filled with the elements wrestling fans crave: intriguing characters and a thrilling build-up.

He reminisced about two matches in his career that, to him, transcended traditional wrestling—one being Fits Finlay vs. Tony St. Clair and the other Shawn Michaels vs. The Undertaker at WrestleMania 25. The Mask vs. Mask encounter struck him similarly. “I never thought I would see another match like that,” he reflected. “The passion, the emotion—it all just worked.”

Now, El Grande Americano is stepping into the dynamic landscape of Los Perros del Mar, a group that has recently reunited. With members like Daga, Angel, Berto, Bronco Nima, and Carmen Petrovic back in action, they are causing quite a stir in the AAA roster.

Bradshaw is eager to see how this evolving storyline will unfold. He likened it to episodic TV dramas, such as “The Walking Dead,” where the ending of one arc gives rise to another villain in the next, keeping viewers hooked. “On the first day of the new season, it’s like, ‘Wow! This is amazing,'” he reasoned. “The visuals of Los Perros del Mar are incredible. We’ve got something special here.”