MOTW 104: Valiente vs Esfinge

"M.O.T.W. #104: CMLL 92nd Aniversario Eliminatorio De Parejas Increibles Apuestas (Valiente & Esfinge vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Averno vs. Dragon Rojo Jr. & Barbaro Cavernario)" - ink & digital illustration

We're up to the big 104th edition of our 'Match of the Week' illustration series (2 YEARS! Oh boy!). And this week we travel to Mexico City for the main event of the biggest show of the year! And dang it was one that brought me a lot of joy & feels.

This terrific 'Mascara Contra Mascara'/'Cabellera Contra Cabellera' Apuestas match on the greatest stage of them all took place at CMLL's 92nd Anniversary Show, on September 19th, 2025, at the home of Lucha Libre Mexicana; 'La Catedral De La Lucha Libre', Arena Mexico.

So I'm hearing a lot of chatter about another match on this show, but for me, this match is exactly why I watch CMLL & Lucha Libre.

I loved this for a variety of reasons, but I think most of all was seeing Valiente's big moment in the sun. A luchador only gets to lose their mask once & this felt fittingly epic as a nod to a wonderful career. I remember first seeing the incredibly agile & amazingly skilled stocky powerhouse luchador for the first time when I originally got into CMLL in the mid 2000s. Seeing the Valiente Special for the first time was really an incredible thing. Very reminiscent of Super Astro (who I would later discover). I also love seeing aging luchadors get their big moment while they can still go. And Valiente put on an amazing performance here. The far less experienced Esfinge also put forth an admirable effort in a career defining match. Continuing to get better & better as the years go on.

I also loved the elimination portion of this. Averno & Ultimo Guerrero as adversaries somehow rekindling their friendship as it went on was so great!

ENJOY!

Fancy, high quality art prints are now available to purchase for as little as 25 clams, FREE worldwide postage!

HQ Basic Art Prints: Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. (Printing & delivery arranged by Printful).

'Premium' Art Prints: Voluptuously extra thick, textured & hand-signed! Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you!

Pre-Framed Art Prints (HQ Basic): For those who don't want to worry about the hassles of framing! Printed on 189gsm, museum-quality matte paper stock, printed with high-quality multicolour, water-based inkjet printing technique. Ayous wood .75″ (1.9 cm) thick, light-weight wooden frame from renewable forests. (Printing, framing & delivery arranged by Printful).

Pre-Framed Art Prints (Premium): Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Black or Oak-finish frame (Medium-density fibreboard) w/ double-mat border. 8 x 8" print size / 10 x 10" total frame size. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you!

Original Pen Illustration: The one & only original black & white pen sketch (pictured) that spawned this illustration can be yours & yours alone! Hand-drawn on thick, slightly textured, recycled stock (7 x 4.75") - straight out of my little sketch book.. I'll also include a bonus 6x6" full-colour premium print of the illustration in question for you. Available until it's not!

Please don't hesitate to send me a message if you require a different size - all prints made to order.