CMLL Wrestlers Aim to Grow U.S. Fanbase via AEW Partnership

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), one of the world's longest-standing professional wrestling promotions, is increasing its presence in the American market through a partnership with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and its streaming service, MyAEW. This collaboration aims to expose CMLL's unique Lucha Libre style to a broader audience in the United States.

Founded in 1933, CMLL has long honored the traditional style of Lucha Libre. As professional wrestling's popularity has surged globally, CMLL has sought to reach new fans. The promotion previously partnered with AEW, allowing CMLL stars like Místico to appear on AEW and Ring of Honor programming.

The recent move to offer CMLL events on MyAEW represents a significant step in establishing a foothold in the U.S. CMLL recently held its first solo U.S. event in Las Vegas during WrestleMania weekend, featuring wrestlers such as Blue Panther, Ultimo Guerrero, Persephone, and Místico. CMLL Mexican national champion Thunder Rosa highlighted the importance of this expanded access.

"A lot of people have been asking for a long time, how can they watch CMLL, right?" Rosa told OutKick. "And I think right now CMLL is at a point in where it's known globally... but it's always been like this dark area and like, Where can I watch this?... but now they partner with AEW with this big partnership that we have had on this almost for two years and now people in America, if you have access to MyAEW.com you can watch the shows."

Miguel Castro, who provides English-language commentary for CMLL, noted that while the AEW partnership provides a platform, building brand recognition in the U.S. remains a challenge. He emphasized that CMLL's focus on athletic performance and in-ring action can appeal to a wide range of wrestling fans, even those new to the sport.

"Mostly brand recognition," Castro stated when asked about obstacles to growth in the U.S. "I believe that our talents’ work speaks for itself. Anyone that enjoys wrestling, even if you like it by 5% compared to a fan, you will enjoy a CMLL show. It's not all about the drama and the storytelling, and that, I think that's what has made such a good connection with AEW and with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, we're heavily focused on the sports."

Castro also credited AEW for helping create stars in the U.S., pointing to Persephone's win of the TBS Championship at All In and Místico's popularity during AEW appearances.

Looking ahead, Castro expressed a desire for a dedicated media deal in the United States outside of Spanish-language networks. He cited CMLL's recent success with Fox Sports in Mexico, which draws approximately one million viewers monthly, as a benchmark for potential U.S. media partnerships.

CMLL's upcoming events include Fantastica Mania, a collaboration with RevPro, scheduled for October 17 and 18. Both events are available for purchase at $14.99.