Lucha libre rocks, rules for aficionados

Like its North American wrestling roots, lucha libre, or free fight, is filled with tag-team assaults, theatrical insults, choreographed kicks, aerial flights, complex holds, rolls, slaps and jumps. An entertainment mainstay in Mexico since the 1930s, the audience at the Phoenix event is predominantly Hispanic. They’re engaged and energetic as they wag their thumbs down, shout insults and wave U.S. and Mexican flags. Some hold up neon posters “100% Rudo” or “I heart Payaso Asesino” when the luchadores, full of machismo, strut out into the ring.

The wrestlers range in age from young teens to late 30s and include the patriotic ponytailed Officer Dave Taylor, aka “La Migra,” to the handsome, lithe, unmasked Sergio Vega. “*

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