Aroluxe Media Group, the media production company best known as one of the entities trying to acquire TNA last year (after help fund several tapings), announced today they were beginning production on a new show called Aro Lucha. The show, which aims to feature “character-driven, authentic, and original storylines” seems to be akin to the way Lucha Underground is presented, rather than a touring promotion like Ring of Honor. They also announced that Konnan will be the show’s head of creative in directing this show. Konnan, a 30-year veteran of CMLL, AAA, WCW, WWF, Impact Wrestling, and more is a former CMLL World Heavyweight Champion, AAA Americas Heavyweight Champion, WWC Universal Heavyweight Champion, WCW United States Champion, WCW World Television Champion and 2x WCW World Tag Team Champion, amongst many other titles throughout his career. He’s widely regarded for having a sharp creative mind and a real finger on the pulse of modern day lucha libre.
While Konnan was actively a part of Lucha Underground in the early seasons, thanks in part to his creative position with AAA in Mexico (one of LU’s co-owners), he left Lucha Underground and AAA in early 2016 when his creative powers were removed. He also co-owns The Crash Lucha Libre in Tijuana, Mexico, where he’s also head of creative, and has returned to Impact Wrestling as of early this year, leading a new incarnation of LAX. While The Crash is affiliated with Impact Wrestling alongside AAA, the two promotions are heated rivals in Mexico. Some of AAA’s top young stars, like Pentagon Jr. and Fenix, left the promotion to join Konnan’s. There’s a very good chance that, like Lucha Undergound did with using AAA talent, that Konnan could bring in some of The Crash Lucha’s stars to help populate many of the lucha libre characters in Aro Lucha, including Pentagon Jr. (now Penta El 0M) and Fenix (now Rey Fenix), who have seemingly left Lucha Underground due to their defection from AAA. If the Aro Lucha finds a solid cable television deal, it could rival Lucha Underground as a new traditional lucha program accessible in the United States and beyond.
Here’s the full press release:
Arolucha, Inc. announced today that Carlos “Konnan” Ashenoff will lead the writing team for its upcoming Lucha Libre project. Effective November 1st, 2017, Konnan will lead the writing team to produce character-driven, authentic, and original storylines for the Aro Lucha world of Lucha Libre.
Konnan is regarded as one of the brightest and most creative minds in the wrestling and sports entertainment industry. Spanning over 3 decades, Konnan’s career has ranged from professional wrestler and on-screen talent, to color commentator, booker and creative consultant. He has worked for nearly all major professional wrestling organizations including AAA, CMLL, WCW, Impact, and WWE.
“When you’re creating an authentic Lucha Libre product in the United States, I’m not sure if there is any other person you want at the core of your company than Carlos, (Konnan)” said Jason Brown, CEO or AroLucha, Inc, “He brings an authenticity and a knowledgebase to the project that is unmatched.”
Konnan is best known to his legion of fans as one of the biggest box office draws in the history of Mexico. Breaking attendance records as the main event in virtually every major city, including Mexico City and Los Angeles. Although his success as a professional wrestler launched Konnan’s career, his lasting impact on the industry continues through his own Mexico-based promotion, The Crash Lucha Libre, where he is co-owner, lead writer, and executive producer. Konnan has a keen eye for talent, bringing to light the likes of Rey Mysterio and Psychosis, and more recently Penta Zero M and Rey Fenix. He continues to influence and foster young talent through his perpetual support of Hispanic performers within the professional wrestling industry.
“Carlos loves this industry. He has given his life to professional wrestling and there is no one else that we could see as a better partner within the US,” said Ron Harris of Aro Lucha.
