The fearless Luchador, Penta, is the hottest new commodity of WWE. A former tag team champion in AEW, TNA, ROH, and PWG, Penta arrives with a résumé that would be the envy of most professional wrestlers. Not one to rest on former glories, Penta has been mightily impressive during his first month as a WWE superstar.
He remains unbeaten in singles competition with victories over Chad Gable, Pete Dunne, and Ludwig Kaiser. Penta also impressed in the Royal Rumble, lasting just over 42 minutes – longer than any other male superstar this year.
It was inevitable then that Penta would find himself on Insight with Chris Van Vliet to discuss his first month in the WWE.
With just over 20 years of experience in professional wrestling, there was, of course, more than just WWE to discuss. When Penta sat down with Chris Van Vliet, they discussed his best matches, the road to Wrestlemania and who might be waiting for him when he gets there.
He also chatted about the two Reys in his life – Rey Mysterio and his brother and tag team partner, Rey Fénix.
It’s no secret that WWE has been looking for Mysterio’s successor. The Hall of Famer has been the leading Luchador since his WWE debut in 2002, but the promotion failed to develop a convincing heir apparent at that time. When Van Vliet asked about the inevitable Mysterio comparisons, Penta had the perfect answer in his pocket. “I don’t want to be the next Rey Mysterio, I want to be the first Penta El Cero Miedo in WWE. My style is very different. Rey Mysterio inspired me, of course, but I don’t want the same like this.”
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Penta would turn down a chance to face Mysterio at Wrestlemania should the opportunity arise. “Every night before I sleep, I think about Wrestlemania. Who is the best opponent for me? Rey? Bron? Cody? I don’t know. It’s a very difficult choice but only one opponent, you know. Because I want everything, brother.”
The Royal Rumble hinted at the possibility of a future match between the celebrated Luchadors. Mysterio and Penta were the respective #1 and #2 entrants in the Rumble this year, suggesting that their paths may cross again down the line.
WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be locking horns with the eventual Elimination Chamber winner following Jey Uso’s confirmation of his Wrestlemania choice on Raw this past Monday. An Intercontinental Championship bout with Bron Breakker is the most likely collision course for Penta when WrestleMania rolls around.
The conversation naturally explored Penta’s experiences in both singles and tag team competition. Penta was quick to praise the exploits of his brother, Rey Fénix. “I really enjoy both. I tag team with my brother. It’s very special because he is my real brother. For me, he is the best wrestler in the world. When I am in the corner and he is in the ring, I enjoy every move.”
Rather interestingly, Penta compared his single experiences to those of a certain preeminent playwright. “But when I’m by myself in the ring, it’s more like Penta, it’s more like Shakespeare. I enjoy both, but if I need to choose something, it isn’t easy. I want both.”
The line of discussion allowed Van Vliet to broach the subject of Fénix’s contract situation. A week of dramatic departures at AEW led many fans to believe that Fénix would soon be departing the promotion as well, but nothing has yet to be confirmed officially.
If Fénix does leave AEW, many are speculating as to whether he will reunite with Penta in WWE. For now, Penta is focusing on his new chapter in WWE. “Now, I’m focused on myself. I’m focused on WrestleMania. I am focused on everything here. When my brother has the opportunity with me, it’s okay. But now, I’m focused on myself.”
For WWE fans who are unaware of the memorable matches that helped to build Penta’s sparkling reputation, he suggested a few bouts to cut your teeth on. “I have maybe three or four matches. One, the Penta vs Vampiro. The second one is Penta vs Fénix in Japan. Lucha Bros vs Young Bucks. Oh, the number four, Penta vs Kenny Omega!”
Van Vliet concluded the interview with his usual ‘three things’ segment to which Penta responded with typically humble answers. “Three things – my family, my career of course, and my future.” A reference to his past, his present, and the exciting things to come.
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