Sun, Jul 05, 2009
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star

Accent

Out & About

Lucha libre on the lawn

By Carrie L. Ord
Arizona Daily Star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 04.07.2006
Look for Out & About to introduce you to someone you could run into this weekend.
The Arizona State Museum is hosting several events Saturday in conjunction with the opening of the exhibit "Masked Marvels: Las Super Luchas," featuring works about lucha libre, Mexico's masked wrestling, by artist Xavier Garza.
Most of the time the wrestlers never reveal anything about their regular lives. When a wrestler retires, he will often ceremoniously take off his mask to reveal his true identity.
On Saturday, you have the chance to see the action close-up with luchadores from Nogales, Sonora. A full-size ring will be set up on the museum lawn, and the masked men will perform and sign autographs.
Other activities include a reading from Garza's book about luchadores, films of lucha libre stars and make-your-own luchador cartoons and masks.
The Prophet (pictured, at right) is an up-and-coming wrestler who will team up with Anguila and battle El Cuervo and Nocturno II on Saturday around 1:15 p.m.
Does the design on your mask have any significance?
"It's an intertwined design from past wrestlers' masks that I admired. I described what I wanted to my friend, and he sketched it out for me. I am not an artist."
Do you have a signature move?
"Yes, it's called 'The Prophecy.' I scoop my opponent up, swing him around my body and slam him on his back. It's a pretty rough move. I usually follow it up with another move like a back flip or gainer."
If you could wrestle anyone, who would it be?
"Mick Foley and Rey Mysterio (World Wrestling Entertainment Superstars) were my biggest influences. Mysterio is more my style though."
Do you have an arch nemesis?
"Right now, it's El Cuervo because there are only a few local wrestlers."
Does it get hot with the mask on? Does it irritate your skin?
"Very hot. This whole suit is vinyl. You always get some redness (on your face) after wearing it, but after about an hour-and-a-half it goes back to normal. That depends if you're in the air conditioning or not. It's hard being a superstar."
Do you wash your mask? Do you have more than one?
"I hand-wash it in the tub and throw on some fruity-smelling stuff so it doesn't stink. I only have one mask right now, but my goal is to have several different outfits."
Do you drive around with it on when you are going to events?
"I try to get dressed there (at the event). Nobody knows who you are when you're walking around beforehand. I usually leave it on on the way out, because people want autographs and stuff."
Does the mask ever scare little kids?
"No, not really. They look at me like a Power Ranger, so usually they are pretty excited."
Do your paychecks come in your wrestling name?
"Yes, they are made out to The Prophet. I haven't had any problems cashing them."
What made you want to be a wrestler?
"I started getting into it when it (wrestling) started becoming really popular. One of the first matches, I saw had Rey Mysterio. The physicality and acrobatics really drew me in."
What's the craziest thing you've ever seen happen in the ring?
"One time, I did a front flip over the ropes into the other wrestler. The guy fell and hit his head on the ground, which happened to be a basketball court. He had a gash and was bleeding, but he was all right."
Where have you traveled to wrestle?
"Hermosillo, Tijuana, Obregón, Mexicali, Lake Havasu and Phoenix."
Have you seen the television cartoon "Mucha Lucha," which features little luchadores in training?
"I've seen a couple episodes. I think it's good to expose kids to other sports."
They have a masked dog as a sidekick. Do you have anything like that?
"No, not personally."
Contact reporter Carrie L. Ord at 573-4211 or e-mail cord@azstarnet.com.