MOTW 108: Hechicero vs Xelhua
"M.O.T.W. #108: Rey Hechicero vs. Xelhua" - ink & digital illustration
We're back for the 108th edition of our 'Match of the Week' illustration series & this week we travel to the fabled Coliseo Coacalco for a pure 'Llaveo' Lucha Libre classic!
This absolutely beautiful match took place on July 28th, 2024 for the Lucha Memes promotion, at their iconic, wonderfully atmospheric, rough-around the edges home base venue in Coacalco, Estado de Mexico.
So this match really kinda blew my mind! As you may be aware, I very much love the submission-heavy, sportsmanship & counter-wrestling focused 'Llaveo' style of Lucha Libre Mexicana (Maybe my favourite variety of Lucha). And this might be the most pure presentation of it that I have seen of it in a long time. Featuring a luchador who I think might very well be the best in the world at it right now in Hechicero, testing the skills of likely the future of Llaveo & a man who is skilled beyond his years - at somehow just 20 years old right here!!
Just such a wonderful display of Pro Wrestling passion, respect & love for the craft. A great story in the top dog against the young up & comer. And brought to a next level with an incredible, passionate & appreciative crowd on the magical dirt of Coacalco.
I believe this is also somehow the first match up of what is hopefully a long-time rivalry between 2 of the finest #luchadores in the world. I loved this SO MUCH!!
I came across this match thanks to Lucha Memes sharing it (in an unlisted YouTube video) on their twitter page as part of a fundraiser to get a new ring. The Go Fund Me is still up if anyone would like to support this noble cause. Lucha Memes & Coacalco hold a very special place in the world of Lucha & an important one that I very much hope continues to exist for many years.
P.S. Big thanks to Black Terry Jr. for his wonderful reference photography for this one. Love your work amigo!
ENJOY!!
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