Mexico: Jalisco New Generation Cartel May Have Murdered 2 Lucha Libre Wrestlers
Mexican independent wrestling promotion Promociones Freseros Brothers recently canceled their Sunday show, scheduled for August 28, due to two of their wrestlers being found dead. They were found in the north-central state of Guanajuato, and police have been able to identify both men as Lucha Libre wrestlers.
One of the wrestlers, identified as "Maremoto," was found to be dumped behind a National Guard barracks in the city of Irapuato last Sunday. Meanwhile, the other wrestler, "Lepra," was also found dead earlier in the week.
The independent promotion announced that they canceled their Sunday show as a sign of respect for the two deceased wrestlers' relatives. Promociones Freseros Brothers described Maremoto as a "dear and respectable friend and colleague" in a Facebook tribute.
Notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel Tied to Killing of Wrestlers
Both luchadors were reportedly abducted last week. However, photos circulating over social media have shown that a banner for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, the most powerful drug organization operating in the area, had been shown near one of the areas where the bodies were found.
Unlike major promotions like WWE, AEW, and NJPW, independent wrestling promotions do not pay all that much. Thus, these wrestlers are often forced to take day jobs in addition to their gigs as luchadors. One of these wrestlers is Lepra, identified as Salvador Garcia, who worked for the municipal government of Irapuato in his day job.
However, the day jobs of these wrestlers may not have led to their deaths, even Lepra's connection to the government. Instead, it may be connected to their association with a third wrestler who was also killed, "Juventud Rebelde." He was gunned down last May for allegedly working for another gang.
The CJNG also accused both Lepra and Maremoto of working for their rivals. Thus, they have been killed. They have also claimed responsibility for killing all three luchadors.
However, the banner did not specifically say they were targeting luchadors. According to the Associated Press, the CJNG sent a message to the Lucha Libre community, stating that they had nothing against them, but their attacks on Juventud Rebelde "Jerry," Lepra Salvador, and Maremoto were directed towards them alone.
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Murdered Wrestler's Father Demanded Justice
Juventud Rebelde was the first luchador killed by the CJNG in Irapuato, Guanajuato. His real name was Jerry Garcia, and according to Marca, he was killed while leaving the gym. Several men tried kidnapping him at gunpoint, but he refused.
This ended up in a struggle, but it led to the luchador being shot. Police and paramedics soon arrived and tried to save his life. However, they were too late, and they soon pronounced his death.
His father, another wrestler, best known as Black Star, called for justice for his son. In a now-deleted Facebook post, he said that the Lucha Libre world is in mourning. He blamed the government because it had already been taken over by narcos. He then asked wrestlers to seek justice for his son.
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Rick Martin
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