Jaime Yusept Espinal is a Dominican-born Puerto Rico-based freestyle wrestler and Olympic silver medalist in said sport, having won the silver medal in the 84kg division at the 2012 Summer Olympics. With a background as a breakdancer and model, in late 2016, Espinal would have a try-out with the WWE and return for a second one in March of 2017. However, upon receiving a WWE contract, Espinal opted not to sign a full-time developmental deal. Believing he had more to offer outside the WWE at the time. The sentiment was not misplaced. As Espinal has since gone on to become an actor in the Latin American market. He’s set to star in the Transfor Ortiz film ‘Superestrellas De La Lucha Libre’ (Superstars Of Pro Wrestling) this December. A movie based on the 80’s boom of World Wrestling Council (WWC) where Espinal will be the lead actor, interpreting none other than WWE Hall Of Famer Carlos Colón.
Jaime Yusept Espinal Set to Make Wrestling Debut
However, Espinal’s biggest contribution to pro wrestling currently happens to be as one of the founders of what has become Puerto Rico’s top wrestling school, Espíritu Pro Wrestling Dojo. Founded in 2018 through investments by Espinal as well as the management of Mike & Chris Mendoza, this has become the premiere wrestling school in all of Puerto Rico, and as such, the Caribbean. With a long list of talents that have gone on to shape the wrestling scene of the island such as current IWA Intercontinental Champion Manú, former WWC Tag Team and Jr. Heavyweight Champion Androide 787, former CWA Tag Team Champions Edrax & Hijo Del Enigma, and many more.
At Espiritu Dojo’s Loser Leaves Town event, Jaime Yusept Espinal made an appearance where he announced he was coming in as a wrestler. This led to a confrontation with Manu, the #1 Contender for the Espiritu Dojo Championship. Currently held by Mecha Wolf of the NWA. The results of the confrontation led to a tag team match set up for the Dojo’s next event, Wrestling Machina. Mike Mendoza will team up with Jaime Espinal to face Manu and his chosen partner, Chris Mendoza. Mike Mendozas younger brother.
During the Chente Ydrach podcast, the island’s most listened to podcast, Manu confronted Jaime Espinal regarding his failure to truly commit to pro wrestling. Coasting on his outside fame instead and leaving when the going got tough. Which, Espinal did not deny. As host Chente Ydrach antagonized Manu for not being an Olympic level athlete, Manu simply grabbed a steel chair to bash Jaime with.
The crux of the feud revolves around how Jaime Yusept Espinal, despite his obvious enormous talent, seems to lack the true motivation to be a pro wrestler. He responds meekly to any insults. He shows no real fire when talking and tends to answer with “I’ll show you in the ring”
The tag team match is set to take place this coming June 11th from the Nilmarie Santini sports complex in San Juan and will air on IWTV a few weeks later. The card is currently as follows:
- Manu & Chris Mendoza vs Mike Mendoza & Jaime Espinal
- Eros vs Nathalya Perez
- Justin Cotto vs Action Jackson
- ??? vs Yesenia Ruiz
- Espiritu Tag Team Cup Semi-Finals: Felix Aldea & Niche vs Ares Perez & Xavier Millet
- Espiritu Tag Team Cup Finals: Fuerza Recia vs winners of previous match
- Edrax vs Adam Riggs
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
