This brief video is one of the most famous pieces of Mexican television history. Just a few months before his death, the biggest icon in the history of Lucha Libre revealed his face. Many people have speculated why Santo decided at that moment to show his face. Maybe he simply wanted to show the people who Rodolfo Guzman was. After all those years behind the enormous shadow of El Santo, he wanted to let people know the man behind the mask.
Its hard to explain the mask to non Lucha fans. And frankly I don't consider myself an expert on the matter. But as I spent time studying Lucha when I came up with the masked Latin Thunder character a few principles appeared.
The masked Luchador can be timeless. His body can age, his face is weathered but the mask keeps him young in the fans eyes.
Dave Meltzer recently wrote in the www.wrestlingobserver.com that Japanese legend Jushin "Thunder" Liger is 49, balding and broken down. But when he puts on the mask and the bodysuit he becomes Liger again.
The other principle required a great sacrifice for the luchador. Time after time I heard the old time lucha veterans talk about the need for the masked wrestler to hide his identity. OBSESSIVELY.
In an interview with El Hijo Del Santo, the late Emillio Charles, discussed how he had wrestled Santo on cards all over Mexico for five years. It wasn't until they had a overseas tour that required they go through customs together he ever saw him without his mask. Santo would shower with a special mask on. Hiding his identity from even his fellow wrestlers. El Hijo Del Santo has said simply its a sacrifice. A sacrifice for his character and for the mask.
Mil Mascaras also hid his identity well. Very few photos have ever been published of him unmasked.
In this day and age of social media the mystique of the mask is harder than ever to maintain. But I believe in principles and fundamentals. In the gym, in business and in wrestling. When I heard over and over again the principle of wearing the mask I felt the least I could do to honor Lucha Libre and its traditions was to wear the mask at all times in front of the fans.
I decided I would wear the mask as I left the wrestling show to my car until I had drove off. I understood what Santo said about it being a sacrifice. It can make you feel self conscience. I heard snickering once from a bar patron when I walked through there after my match.
But I was reminded of the principle and concept of what those old time Luchadores were talking about when I didn't follow that rule. I had got paid and decided as most of the fans had probably left I would take my mask off. I was going to leave with my wife as soon as I met her at the merchandise table. I was feeling self conscience so I left the mask off.
Waiting for me at the merchandise table were five fans. All of them under the age of ten. They had bought masks and wanted them autographed. They were polite and courteous to me but I could tell they were disappointed.
They were waiting for Latin Thunder. They wanted the mystique. They wanted the mystery. They didn't want to know what was behind the curtain or how the magician did his tricks. I had let them down.
Turned out the late Emilio Charles Jr knew what he was talking about. FROM THAT POINT FORWARD I PROMISED MYSELF IT WOULD BE THE LAST TIME THAT WOULD HAPPEN.
