As WCW fans may notice, many of the Mexican wrestlers, or "luchadores" (Spanish for wrestlers), wear masks which are an important part of the Lucha Libre tradition. Anyone familiar with Mexican culture knows that spectacle is important to any event. This means that costume is very important to the luchador. The mask becomes his identity. The loss of the mask often leads to the retirement of a competitor because his identity is gone. Thus the importance of matches in which the winner unmasks the loser. The "Mask Match" is a very traditional match but very rare because many luchadores do not want to risk losing their identity. "Hair Matches" are viewed in the same manner. Losing one's hair to an opponent is a devastating loss and is viewed as a humiliation and a loss of honor. However, once challenged to either one of these matches it is dishonoorable not to accept. Pride is very important to the luchador. The luchadores primarily wrestle in the Cruiserweight division of WCW. Now let's take a look at the top Cruiserweights....
Rey Mysterio, Jr.:
Rey Mysterio, Jr., whose name translated from the Spanish means "mysterious king," is just that. He has been Cruiserweight champion many times over and his matches have been of epic proportions. From defeating big men like Kevin Nash, The Giant, and Bam Bam Bigelow, little Rey has been dubbed the "Giant Killer" by fans and commentators alike. After losing his mask in a match to Scott Steiner, Rey has continued in his winning ways and to many seems even more focused. He is a fan favorite and with Rey on the card at least one good match is guaranteed.
Konnan:
Konnan has come on as of late as one of the leading luchadores. He gets the crowd hyped up with his chants of "Arriba la rasa" (which means "up with the people/race) and "Odale" (a chant used at a Mexican bullfight instead of "Ole") and his electrifying ring presence. K-Dogg combines both mat techniques with high flying lucha libre manuevers. His finishing hold is the Tequila Sunrise, a submission hold. Konnan has wide appeal with Latino population because of his similar background in the ghettos of their communities. Konnan has held the US Title, TV Title, and Cruiserweight Title.
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