Since WWE’s acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, more fans have been exposed to the Lucha Libre style, with crossover PLEs such as Worlds Collide pitting AAA talent against WWE wrestlers.
During his tenure with WWE, Cinta de Oro depicted Sin Cara negro and later Sin Caraand worked under both Vince McMahon and Triple H during an interview with TMZ. “Inside the Ring” de Oro was asked which of his former bosses understood Lucha Libre better. “Honestly, it’s a really tough question because at the end of the day it’s become ‘entertainment,'” de Oro said. “It wasn’t considered professional wrestling or Lucha Libre, it was more entertainment.”
Despite this, de Oro noted that he feels lucky to have been able to work with and learn from some of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era, such as Big Show, Kane and The Undertaker. However, there were a lot of curve balls he had to deal with, especially in FCW where they competed without a card and were just sent to wrestle and improvise their way through matches.
‘I wanted to let them know I was here, you know. I want to show my talent.
Cinta de Oro was also asked his comments a few years ago where he criticized the lack of opportunities for Latino wrestlers in WWE. He refused to take back his comments and spoke about his frustration at the end of his WWE run. “I wanted to let them know that I’m here, you know, I want to showcase my talent.” he expressed. “I remember, I told them. “Put me on TV for a year, and if I’m not a big star after that year, you can fire me on the spot.”
He went on to insist that he never asked for more than the opportunity, and pointed out how WWE stars who are making it today are getting the screen time he once asked for. “I think for me, I never got that opportunity to succeed in that regard,” de Oro said. “Obviously, times have changed now with AAA buying. But in the end, who is the biggest star in AAAA right now? Is it Latino or someone who is not Latino or Mexican?’
Meanwhile, he seems frustrated El Grande Americano’s position above AAA, de Oro still praised her for marketing herself through social media and effectively adapting to Mexican culture. “After all, what’s going on with him, he got a chance to be a star? That’s all we’ve been asking for all along.” he exclaimed. “All I’m asking for the new generation is an opportunity for Mexican kids, Latin American kids, to showcase their talent. That’s all we’ve asked for this time, and hopefully that time has come.”
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit TMZ’s Inside The Ring and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
