Blue Panther on CMLL-MLW Partnership & Winning Title At 65
Age is but a number for Blue Panther. The legendary luchador proudly wears the MLW National Openweight Championship after winning it in September against Último Guerrero. This was the veteran’s first singles title win in two decades. It also happened in Arena Mexico during a CMLL event, mere days after Blue Panther celebrated his 65th birthday.
"I received the opportunity to face a great luchador in Último Guerrero,” Blue Panther reflected. “I had the victory on a special day because it was September 21, the [National Day of Lucha Libre]. The 21st of September, every year is a special day for lucha libre, for every luchador. So, it was an important victory in my career. I’m so proud to be the MLW National Openweight Champion.”
The partnership between MLW and CMLL continues to grow going into the new year. A shining example of this comes on February 7 in Chicago when MLW presents Lucha Apocalypto 2026.
"I’m enjoying this moment. I enjoy being on every MLW show. I’m hoping it’s a sold-out MLW show,” Blue Panther said. “That would be so great. For sure, it will be a sold-out show with MLW and CMLL superstars. I’m so happy to be in Chicago with all the Latin American fans and be part of lucha libre. Also, this partnership with MLW and CMLL is so important because lucha libre is going to new places to new countries to new shows to new cities. I consider that it’s so important for CMLL and lucha libre to be in different parts of the world.”
Blue Panther’s love and dedication for the business remains stronger than ever. During a recent interview, he took a moment to take out his phone to share photos of past wars. Bloody battles from the 1980s with one particular visual of him flying through the air. The legendary figure, like others in lucha, were revolutionary and ahead of their time. This high-flying, fast-paced style continued to evolve to what we see today.
"I’m open to facing any MLW or CMLL superstar,” the champ said. “I would like the person from MLW or CMLL to take the decision of who wants to face Blue Panther for CMLL National Openweight Championship. I prefer an American luchador because I want to exchange the style, my style, with the new generation of style. I would like to face these challenges in the future for the championship.”
Along with holding the gold solo, Blue Panther takes pride in seeing his sons follow him. Still active, he gets to work alongside and guide Blue Panther Jr., Black Panther, and El Hijo de Blue Panther. He joined the latter as Los Divinos Laguneros in a fun four-way showcase during the MLW X Don Gato Tequila show in November.
"That’s so important for lucha libre,” Blue Panther said of the family heritage. “All this tradition. I’m so happy my sons have been in lucha libre. At first I didn’t want them to become luchadores, but day-by-day for all of them, it was all lucha libre. It was something that would happen in the future when they were child. Now they are luchadores. I’m so happy for all of them because they respect lucha libre. I like that they respect the traditions, as a sport, the mask, everything.”
It has been fun for Blue Panther to see lucha explode in popularity. He attributes a lot of that to accessibility thanks to technology.
"The different platforms that help us a lot in CMLL is the fact that everywhere in the world can see lucha libre,” he said. “That there is a main company in lucha libre, and it is CMLL. With 92 years of history, I think it’s something important for all of us for the roster, for the luahdors, for everyone in lucha libre. Before, it didn’t happen; before, we didn’t have these platforms. Before it was in the magazines, the newspapers, but right now all around the world people can see us on the phone, TV, social media. The platform, the technology, it’s helping CMLL show lucha libre around the world.”
As for what keeps him competing at a high level after so many decades, he attributes it to discipline, passion, and genuine love of lucha libre. Blue Panther added, “I’m so grateful. I’m not thinking of retiring from lucha libre. I still want to prove why I love lucha libre and why lucha libre is my passion."
