CMLL recently announced the details regarding the return of the International Grand Prix Tournament, the men’s iteration, happening next month on August 18th in the historic Arena Mexico. This one-night tournament will have representatives from CMLL, New Japan Pro Wrestling, NJPW STRONG, Gatoh Move, and the US independent scene.
Current CMLL World Historic Welterweight champion Rocky Romero more than likely had a hand in gathering the international side of the annual tournament but there are a few clear winners already. Namely, Romero himself, Hiromu Takahashi, Mascara Dorada 2.0, Mistico or Ultimo Guerrero.
¡Los extranjeros siguen en plan grande! Esta tarde, Rocky Romero, TJP y Francesco Akira superaron a Titán, Soberano Jr. y Templario de cara al #GrandPrixCMLL
📸 https://t.co/0Ijz8kSTbc #CMLL #LuchaLibre #DomingoFamiliarCMLL pic.twitter.com/mBDTPqeGvj— Lucha Libre CMLL (@CMLL_OFICIAL) August 14, 2023
The Playing Field
Team Mexico will be comprised of Ultimo Guerrero, Averno, Templario, Mistico, Mascara Dorada 2.0, Volador Jr, Angel de Oro, and Dragon Rojo Jr. While the international team consists of Rocky Romero, Hiromu Takahashi, KUSHIDA, TJP & Francesco Akira, Baliyan Akki, Adrian Quest & Samuray del Sol.
The Rules of Combat
The match will be one big tag team match and the final two men left will determine the 2023 CMLL International Grand Prix winner. Mascara Dorada 2.0 along with Volador Jr and Mistico are the betting odds favorites on the home team but the fans haven’t really warmed up to the push of the former Panterita del Ring Jr., Dorada 2.0, his in-ring improvements have more than backed up the reason why CMLL is so behind him.
Rocky Romero winning this tournament wouldn’t be out of the question since he has been doing awesome work since returning to the Lucha Libre promotion at the beginning of 2023. His feud with Volador Jr. was one of the positives for CMLL heading into the summer along with him bringing Fantasticamania to Mexico a few months ago.
The most likely recipients to stand out during the match will be Hiromu Takahashi, Mistico, KUSHIDA, Francesco Akira, TJP, Baliyan Akki and the former Panterita del Ring Jr. IWe imagine whoever wins next month on August 18th will continue to get a big push in their respective wrestling promotions, whether that’s in America – Mexico or Japan.
How to Watch
This show will be live via CMLL but only through their Ticketmaster PPV service, The promotion did just start up a streaming service but it isn’t fully thought out just yet.
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