The Luchadores of WWE: Meet the Men and Women Behind the Masks
Mysterious Mexican wrestlers are rocking USA Network, one springboard attack and hurricanrana at a time.
The WWE has proven there’s no such thing as too much drama in the ring. Showcasing the biggest stars and wildest moves, one thing is certain: The largest wrestling promotion in the world will always find a way to outdo itself.
Enter the masked luchadores of Mexico.
The WWE grabbed headlines in April 2025 when it acquired Lucha Libre AAA, Mexico’s top wrestling promotion, melding Mexico’s masked prizefighters into Friday Night SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, and NXT.
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Known for high-flying maneuvers, elaborate costumes, and mysterious identities, the sport has been a beloved national pastime in Mexico for more than a century. And now U.S. viewers are getting a taste of the action thanks to USA Network. From menacing villains to archetypal heroes (known as técnicos), there’s more of everything to look forward to in 2026.
Meet the Luchadores and Luchadoras of the WWE
Pénta, also known as Pentagón, Jr., strikes fear in the heart of his opponents with his larger-than-life persona. Beyond his Samurai-like mask and signature catchphrase “cero miedo” (which means “zero fear”), he’s part of a powerful tag team with his real-life brother Rey Fenix. Although the “Lucha Brothers” wrestle together in Mexico, they have yet to team up in WWE, but fans are hopeful for a reunion.
El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. is a third-generation wrestler—he’s the son of the legendary couple Dr. Wagner Jr. and Rossy Moreno, and the grandson of Dr. Wagner and Alfonso “Acorzado” Moreno. Keep an eye out for his bronze and black mask and high-flying acrobatic moves on NXT and at WWE events.
You probably already know El Patrón since he often wrestles unmasked and has won two WWE Championships as Alberto Del Rio. El Hijo Del Vikingo, whose real name is Emmanuel Roman Morales, also performs unmasked—he’s a former AAA Mega Champion and was ranked the fifth-best wrestler in the world in 2023 by Pro Wrestling.
La Parka is the third incarnation of this beloved character, continuing the spooky legacy after the second La Parka passed away in 2020. Don’t be surprised if he emerges from a coffin before entering the ring and powerslamming his opponents into oblivion.
A few female wrestling legends are reportedly now working with the WWE, including Lady Flammer, Lady Maravilla, and La Hiedra—who won the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship with Mr. Iguana, a WWE newcomer who made his SmackDown debut with Psycho Clown in August.
Why are the wrestlers masked?
The enmascarado tradition traces its roots to ancient Aztec and Mayan warrior attire, where masks were typically carved from wood and served as symbols of power and status.
While modern luchadores wear flashy—and awesomely campy—fabric versions, along with wild costumes to create their personas, the masks still hold deep cultural significance. Not to mention, they also keep the wrestlers’ identities private in the real world, adding even more intrigue and mystery to a fascinating sport.
Look for luchadores on new editions of Friday Night SmackDown, every Friday evening at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network.
