CMLL World Heavyweight Championship
Encyclopedia
The CMLL World Heavyweight Championship (Campeonato Mundial de Peso Completo del CMLL in Spanish
) is a professional wrestling
world heavyweight championship
promoted by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
and has been in existence since 1991. Unlike other world titles in other promotion
s, this championship is not the main title in CMLL due to the greater number of competitors in lower weight divisions.
The championship is generally contested in professional wrestling matches
, in which participants execute worked finishes rather than contend in direct competition.
(NWA) to avoid the politics of the NWA. In 1991 CMLL decided to create a series of World Championships, the first of which was the for the Heavyweight division. The first champion was crowned in the finals of a 16 man tournament that saw Konnan el Babaro
defeat Cien Caras
. Konnan lost the title to Cien Caras in his first title defense on August 18, 1991, making him one of only two champions to not have a single successful title defense. Cien Caras would go on to successfully defend the Championship against Vampiro
, Solomon Grundy and Rayo de Jalisco, Jr.
Caras left CMLL along with a group of wrestlers to join the recently formed Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
(AAA), thus vacating the Championship. CMLL held a 16 man tournament from October 30, 1992 until November 20, 1992, and saw Black Magic
win the title, becoming the first non-Hispanic competitor to win the Championship. Black Magic made six successful title defenses during his run with the title, defeating Villano IV
, Tigre Canadiense, Brazo de Plata
twice, Rayo de Jalisco Jr. and King Haku. His title came to an end when Brazo de Plata won the title on June 27, 1993. Plata went on to retain the title against Silver King, Gran Markus, Jr.
and Pierroth, Jr.
before losing it to Silve King on July 28, 1994. Silver King would defend the title four times, including a title defense against his own brother Dr. Wagner, Jr.
. June 23, 1995 saw Apolo Dantés
become the sixth overall champion. Dántes made successful defenses against Canadians Corazon de Leon
and Vampiro
, before losing it to Rayo de Jalisco Jr. on April 14, 1996. Jalisco Jr. defeated Dantes in the rematch, followed by successful title defenses against Gran Markus, Jr. and Mascara Ano 2000. On April 18, 1997 Steel
won the title, and became only the second wrestler to not have a single successful title defense as he vacated the title when he left for the World Wrestling Federation
(WWF later WWE) where he became known as "Val Venis".
Instead of a holding a traditional tournament to crown another champion CMLL decided to take the top three heavyweights contenders in Universo 2000
, Rayo de Jalisco Jr. and Cien Caras. On October 19, 1997 Universo 2000 won the title, starting the first of his three reigns. Universo 2000 defended the title three times, against Brazo de Plata, Mascara Sagrada, and Rayo de Jalisco Jr., before losing the title to Rayo de Jalisco Jr. With his title win Rayo de Jalisco Jr. became the first man to hold the title twice. Rayo defended against Cien Caras and Máscara Año 2000
but was not able to defeat the third "Dinamita" as he lost to Universo 2000.Cien Caras, Mascara Año 2000 and Cien Caras are also known as "Los Hermanos Dinamita" (Spanish for "The Dynamite Brothers") and they are actually brothers. Universo 2000's second run with the title is by far the longest individual reign as he kept the title for 1,225 days and successfully defending the title 19 times, a record as well. Universo defended against Máscara Sagrada
, Brazo de Plata, 8 times against Rayo de Jalisco Jr., Villano IV, Lizmark, Jr.
, Mr. Niebla
and Violencia. The record breaking run ended on April 18, 2003 when Mr. Niebla won the title. Mr. Niebla managed to defend against Universo 2000 as well as Apolo Dantés, Shocker, Rey Bucanero
, and Tinieblas Jr before losing the title to Universo 2000. With his win Universo 2000 became the only wrestler to hold the title three times. Universo 2000 defended against Dos Caras, Jr. twice, Mr. Niebla and Mascara Sagrada. On July 8, 2007 Dos Caras, Jr. became the 14th overall champion. His reign lasted 533 days but only saw Caras, Jr. defend the title four times over all, defeating Lizmark, Jr., Universo 2000 and Último Guerrero
. Towards the end of Dos Caras, Jr. title reign he received an offer from WWE putting his future as a champion in question. On December 22, 2008, Guerrero won the title and shortly afterwards Caras, Jr. left CMLL for WWE. On April 2, 2009 Último Guerrero successfully defended the World title against Rey Mendoza, Jr.
on an independent wrestling promotion show in Gomez Palacio
, marking the first time the CMLL World title has been defended on a non-CMLL promoted show. After a 963 day reign and 17 successful defenses, Guerrero lost the title to Héctor Garza
on August 12, 2011.
Spanish language
Spanish , also known as Castilian , is a Romance language in the Ibero-Romance group that evolved from several languages and dialects in central-northern Iberia around the 9th century and gradually spread with the expansion of the Kingdom of Castile into central and southern Iberia during the...
) is a professional wrestling
Professional wrestling
Professional wrestling is a mode of spectacle, combining athletics and theatrical performance.Roland Barthes, "The World of Wrestling", Mythologies, 1957 It takes the form of events, held by touring companies, which mimic a title match combat sport...
world heavyweight championship
Championship (professional wrestling)
A Championship or "title" in professional wrestling is a recognition promoted by professional wrestling organizations.Championship reigns are determined by professional wrestling matches, in which competitors are involved in scripted rivalries...
promoted by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre
Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre is a Lucha Libre-style professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico City while running cards in Guadalajara, Puebla and elsewhere in central and southern Mexico...
and has been in existence since 1991. Unlike other world titles in other promotion
Professional wrestling promotion
A professional wrestling promotion is a company or business that regularly performs shows involving professional wrestling. Promotion also describes a role which entails management, advertising and logistics of running a wrestling event...
s, this championship is not the main title in CMLL due to the greater number of competitors in lower weight divisions.
The championship is generally contested in professional wrestling matches
Professional wrestling match types
Many types of matches, sometimes called "concept" or "gimmick matches" in the jargon of the business, can be found in the form of performing art that is professional wrestling....
, in which participants execute worked finishes rather than contend in direct competition.
Championship history
In the late 1980s CMLL left the National Wrestling AllianceNational Wrestling Alliance
The National Wrestling Alliance is a wrestling promotion company and sanctions various NWA championships in the United States. The NWA has been in operation since 1948...
(NWA) to avoid the politics of the NWA. In 1991 CMLL decided to create a series of World Championships, the first of which was the for the Heavyweight division. The first champion was crowned in the finals of a 16 man tournament that saw Konnan el Babaro
Konnan
Carlos Santiago Espada Moises , also known as Charles Ashenoff and better known by his ring name, Konnan, is a Cuban professional wrestler and rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
defeat Cien Caras
Cien Caras
Carmelo Reyes González is a Mexican professional wrestler, better known by his ring name, Cien Caras...
. Konnan lost the title to Cien Caras in his first title defense on August 18, 1991, making him one of only two champions to not have a single successful title defense. Cien Caras would go on to successfully defend the Championship against Vampiro
Vampiro
Ian Richard Hodgkinson , better known by his ring name Vampiro, is a Canadian professional wrestler currently working as a wrestler and a consultant for Juggalo Championship Wrestling. Hodgkinson is semi-retired and is a member of the citizen crime patrol organization Guardian Angels, acting as...
, Solomon Grundy and Rayo de Jalisco, Jr.
Rayo de Jalisco, Jr.
Rayo de Jalisco, Jr. is the ring name of a Mexican Luchador Enmascarado whose real name has not been revealed, per Lucha Libre traditions. Rayo de Jalisco, Jr...
Caras left CMLL along with a group of wrestlers to join the recently formed Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración
Asistencia Asesoría y Administración is a lucha libre professional wrestling promotion based in Mexico...
(AAA), thus vacating the Championship. CMLL held a 16 man tournament from October 30, 1992 until November 20, 1992, and saw Black Magic
Norman Smiley
Norman Anthony Smiley is a British professional wrestler best known for his appearances in World Championship Wrestling...
win the title, becoming the first non-Hispanic competitor to win the Championship. Black Magic made six successful title defenses during his run with the title, defeating Villano IV
Villano IV
Thomas Díaz Mendoza is a Mexican professional wrestler. Within the stable Los Villanos, he has wrestled for Universal Wrestling Association , Asistencia Asesoría y Administración , and World Championship Wrestling . While popular and successful in Mexico, he frequently performed as a jobber in WCW...
, Tigre Canadiense, Brazo de Plata
José Alvarado Nieves
José Alvarado Nieves is a Mexican Luchador best known under the ring name Brazo de Plata that he has been using since his debut in 1977 and also for his appearences for WWE as "Super Porky"...
twice, Rayo de Jalisco Jr. and King Haku. His title came to an end when Brazo de Plata won the title on June 27, 1993. Plata went on to retain the title against Silver King, Gran Markus, Jr.
Gran Markus, Jr.
Cándido Robles Cruz is a retired Mexican Luchador, or professional wrestler . Cruz is best known under the ring name Gran Markus, Jr. and for his work in the Mexican professional wrestling promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre...
and Pierroth, Jr.
Pierroth, Jr.
Norberto Salgado Salcedo is a retired Mexican luchador , best known under the ring name Pierroth, Jr.. Salgado made his professional wrestling debut on July 1, 1984 working as an Luchador Enmascarado, or masked wrestler, using the name Pierroth, Jr...
before losing it to Silve King on July 28, 1994. Silver King would defend the title four times, including a title defense against his own brother Dr. Wagner, Jr.
Dr. Wagner, Jr.
Juan Manuel González Barrón is a Mexican Luchador Enmascarado who is best known under the ring name Dr. Wagner, Jr.. As Dr. Wagner, Jr...
. June 23, 1995 saw Apolo Dantés
Apolo Dantés
José Luis Amezcua Muñoz , best known by his ring name Apolo Dantés, is a Mexican Luchador, or professional wrestler, who has been a longtime mainstay of Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre throughout the 1990s and now owns and operates "Dantés Wrestling Factory" in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico...
become the sixth overall champion. Dántes made successful defenses against Canadians Corazon de Leon
Chris Jericho
Christopher Keith Irvine , better known by his ring name Chris Jericho, is an inactive Canadian-American professional wrestler, musician, songwriter, radio personality, television host, actor, author, and dancer...
and Vampiro
Vampiro
Ian Richard Hodgkinson , better known by his ring name Vampiro, is a Canadian professional wrestler currently working as a wrestler and a consultant for Juggalo Championship Wrestling. Hodgkinson is semi-retired and is a member of the citizen crime patrol organization Guardian Angels, acting as...
, before losing it to Rayo de Jalisco Jr. on April 14, 1996. Jalisco Jr. defeated Dantes in the rematch, followed by successful title defenses against Gran Markus, Jr. and Mascara Ano 2000. On April 18, 1997 Steel
Sean Morley
Sean Allen Morley is a Canadian professional wrestler better known by his ring name Val Venis, during his time with World Wrestling Federation, later known as World Wrestling Entertainment...
won the title, and became only the second wrestler to not have a single successful title defense as he vacated the title when he left for the World Wrestling Federation
World Wrestling Entertainment
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
(WWF later WWE) where he became known as "Val Venis".
Instead of a holding a traditional tournament to crown another champion CMLL decided to take the top three heavyweights contenders in Universo 2000
Universo 2000
Andrés Reyes González is a Mexican professional wrestler, or luchador, who is best known under the ring name Universo 2000...
, Rayo de Jalisco Jr. and Cien Caras. On October 19, 1997 Universo 2000 won the title, starting the first of his three reigns. Universo 2000 defended the title three times, against Brazo de Plata, Mascara Sagrada, and Rayo de Jalisco Jr., before losing the title to Rayo de Jalisco Jr. With his title win Rayo de Jalisco Jr. became the first man to hold the title twice. Rayo defended against Cien Caras and Máscara Año 2000
Máscara Año 2000
Jesús Reyes González is a Mexican Luchador, or professional wrestler, best known under the ring name Máscara Año 2000 or Máscara Año Dos Mil. His ring name is Spanish for "Mask of the year 2000", originally referring to the mask González wore while wrestling...
but was not able to defeat the third "Dinamita" as he lost to Universo 2000.Cien Caras, Mascara Año 2000 and Cien Caras are also known as "Los Hermanos Dinamita" (Spanish for "The Dynamite Brothers") and they are actually brothers. Universo 2000's second run with the title is by far the longest individual reign as he kept the title for 1,225 days and successfully defending the title 19 times, a record as well. Universo defended against Máscara Sagrada
Máscara Sagrada
Máscara Sagrada is a Mexican Luchador enMáscarado who has worked for every major Mexican wrestling promotion over the last 20 years. His ring name is Spanish for "Sacred Mask" and is inspired by the "sanctity" of masks in lucha libre...
, Brazo de Plata, 8 times against Rayo de Jalisco Jr., Villano IV, Lizmark, Jr.
Lizmark, Jr.
Juan Carlos Baños , is a Mexican professional wrestler or "Luchador" known as Lizmark, Jr. or El Hijo del Lizmark . Baños currently works for Asistencia Asesoría y Administración and Lucha Libre USA. Lizmark, Jr...
, Mr. Niebla
Mr. Niebla
Mr. Niebla is a Mexican Luchador Enmascarado . Mr. Niebla's real name is unknown, as is the tradition in Lucha Libre for masked wrestlers. Mr. Niebla is Spanish for "Mr. Fog". Mr. Niebla is mostly known for working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre from the early 1990s until 2007 and again from...
and Violencia. The record breaking run ended on April 18, 2003 when Mr. Niebla won the title. Mr. Niebla managed to defend against Universo 2000 as well as Apolo Dantés, Shocker, Rey Bucanero
Rey Bucanero
Arturo García Ortiz is a Mexican professional wrestler currently working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre under the ring name Rey Bucanero . Outside of lucha libre, he has also worked in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling, Frontier Martial Arts Wrestling, Toryumon and Dragondoor...
, and Tinieblas Jr before losing the title to Universo 2000. With his win Universo 2000 became the only wrestler to hold the title three times. Universo 2000 defended against Dos Caras, Jr. twice, Mr. Niebla and Mascara Sagrada. On July 8, 2007 Dos Caras, Jr. became the 14th overall champion. His reign lasted 533 days but only saw Caras, Jr. defend the title four times over all, defeating Lizmark, Jr., Universo 2000 and Último Guerrero
Último Guerrero
Último Guerrero is a Mexican currently working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre , where he is also part of the booking committee and former CMLL World Heavyweight Championship...
. Towards the end of Dos Caras, Jr. title reign he received an offer from WWE putting his future as a champion in question. On December 22, 2008, Guerrero won the title and shortly afterwards Caras, Jr. left CMLL for WWE. On April 2, 2009 Último Guerrero successfully defended the World title against Rey Mendoza, Jr.
Villano V
Raymundo Díaz Mendoza Jr. is a Mexican professional wrestler who has performed under the name Villano V until he was unmasked on March 20, 2009, after which he became known as "Ray Mendoza, Jr.". Mendoza and is part of the Mendoza family, a well known Mexican wrestling family that includes all...
on an independent wrestling promotion show in Gomez Palacio
Gómez Palacio
Gómez Palacio is a city and its surrounding municipality in northeastern Durango, Mexico, located at 25°33′40″N 103°29′54"W adjacent to the border with the state of Coahuila...
, marking the first time the CMLL World title has been defended on a non-CMLL promoted show. After a 963 day reign and 17 successful defenses, Guerrero lost the title to Héctor Garza
Héctor Garza
Héctor Solano Segura is a Mexican professional wrestler, known by his ring name Héctor Garza, who is currently working for Asistencia Asesoría y Administración and Perros del Mal Producciones...
on August 12, 2011.