In the world of professional wrestling, where legends are made and broken, the recent episode of 'Six Feet Under' has sparked an intriguing conversation. The podcast, featuring a chat between Michelle McCool, AAA Head of Creative, The Undertaker, and AAA Hall of Famer/General Manager Rey Mysterio, delved into the history of these wrestling icons and their journey through the industry. What caught my attention was a lighthearted moment where Mysterio and The Undertaker joked about not knowing what CMLL is, a revelation that sparked a deeper discussion about the intricacies of the wrestling world.
The Joking Moment
During the conversation, Mysterio was recounting his time after WWE acquired WCW, where he had to wait for his contract to expire before joining WWE. He mentioned working with CMLL during that period, and The Undertaker, with a hint of surprise, interjected, "Who’s that? I don’t know if I’ve ever heard of that. LMSCA?" Mysterio corrected him, "LLCM." The Undertaker then asked, "LLCM. I’ll look it up. You guys heard of that? Anybody?" Mysterio replied, "No one? I don’t think it’s around anymore, or it might be. I don’t know."
This seemingly innocuous exchange sparked a moment of reflection. CMLL, the longest-running pro wrestling promotion in Mexico, is a significant player in the industry. Their partnership with All Elite Wrestling in the USA further underscores their importance. But for The Undertaker, who might not have been as familiar with the intricacies of the wrestling landscape, this moment highlighted the vastness and diversity of the sport.
The Intricacies of the Wrestling World
What makes this moment particularly fascinating is the realization that even the most seasoned professionals can be unaware of the nuances of the industry. The Undertaker, a legend in his own right, might not have been as familiar with CMLL as he should have been. This raises a deeper question: How much do we really know about the world of professional wrestling, and how often do we take for granted the contributions of promotions like CMLL?
From my perspective, this exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the broader context of the sports we love. It also underscores the value of diversity in the wrestling world. CMLL, with its rich history and global reach, is a testament to the fact that professional wrestling is not just a sport, but a global phenomenon with a wide range of players and contributions.
The Broader Implications
One thing that immediately stands out is the impact of promotions like CMLL on the global wrestling scene. Their partnership with All Elite Wrestling, for instance, has helped to expand the reach of professional wrestling beyond traditional boundaries. This raises a deeper question: How can we better appreciate and understand the contributions of smaller promotions like CMLL, and how can we ensure that their stories are told and their legacies preserved?
What many people don’t realize is the extent to which promotions like CMLL have shaped the wrestling landscape. Their influence extends far beyond the ring, impacting the culture, the business, and the very fabric of the sport. This realization should inspire us to seek out and learn more about the diverse range of promotions that make up the world of professional wrestling.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, the seemingly trivial joke between Mysterio and The Undertaker about not knowing what CMLL is, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding the intricacies of the sports we love. It also underscores the value of diversity in the wrestling world, and the need to appreciate and learn more about the contributions of smaller promotions like CMLL. So, the next time you watch a wrestling match, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and global reach of the sport, and the diverse range of players that make it so captivating.
