EXCLUSIVE SNEAK PEEK: Tonight On ‘Lucha Underground,’ It’s Mask vs. Mask!

Tonight on Lucha Underground is something special. Tonight, the league will channel true lucha libre tradition and feature its first Mask vs. Mask match in its young history when King Cuerno and Prince Puma go one-on-one.

Also featured: the continuation of the Trios Title Tournament when Angelico, Ivelisse, and Son of Havoc lock up with Drago, Aerostar, and Fenix!

One of the defining characteristics of lucha libre that separates it from American, Japanese and even Canadian professional wrestling is the mask. The mask is so much more than a piece of fabric and spandex, it’s an identity. It’s a name. It’s the very blood that flows through you. It is every part of Mexican culture.

The mask is revered in lucha libre for it is not only the literal face of a luchador, it’s also their history. It is their accomplishments. It’s the places they’ve been, and the hard-working people who paid to see them and want to believe that gods and heroes exist. A single mask could tell a million stories.

Luchadors may never take off their mask without it being any kind of a big deal. Masks may only be removed if a wrestler plans to retire, be it that particular identity or because they’re retiring for good. It’s also illegal (in wrestling, not lawfully) and offensive to remove another wrestler’s mask during a match.

This kind of reverence of the mask in lucha libre has, inevitably, allowed it to become a part of the drama that occurs in that four-sided theatrical stage. Waging your mask against another’s is the ultimate test in lucha libre. Perhaps more than championship titles, losing a mask in lucha libre is the biggest challenge a luchador could endure. It’s like a samurai waging his katana against another swordsman, or a gunslinger betting his revolver in a duel against his rival. It’s Ash betting ownership of Pikachu against Gary.

And tonight on Lucha Underground, Prince Puma and King Cuerno put their histories and identities on the line in the ultimate test of oneupmanship. I can’t wait to see it.

Check out the exclusive gallery we have below, and tune in to Lucha Underground tonight at 8 PM ET/PT on El Rey. Check your local listings if you don’t know if you have El Rey. If they won’t offer it, send them flying with a hurracarana.