#2: Blue Panther

by Phil

One of the interesting things about lucha libre is how luchadores can move in and out of prominence. A guy can basically disappear for five years, then get a push and be amazing. There aren’t a ton of feature Blue Panther matches in the 21st century, but in 2008 we got a shocking 7 singles matches, from technical masterpieces, brawling revanchas, and the cherry on top, a legendary Mascara contra Mascara MOTY. Panther is one of my favorite wrestlers ever. Probably my fondest wrestling memory is sitting next to Cham Pain in a warehouse in Monterey Mexico calling Play by Play as Panther and Satanico tore the mat to pieces with Solar and Super Astro. He is the definition of a maestro. Give him the chance he will embarrass and hurt you, but he is primarily concerned with the art of lucha libre. Current CMLL is a damaged style, but give Panther a chance and he can still deliver greatness. It is so cool he got a showcase year. Give him that showcase and he will give you a year like 2008.

Recommended 2008 Matches:

~vs. Atlantis (CMLL, 7/11/08)
~vs. Negro Casas (CMLL, 8/3/08)
~vs. Villano V (Mascara Contra Mascara, CMLL, 9/19/08)
~vs. Villano V (CMLL, 9/28/08)
~vs. Villano V (CMLL, 9/29/08)
~vs. Averno (CMLL, 11/4/08)

Recommended Career Matches:

~w/ Sergio El Hermoso vs. Super Astro/Solar (WWA, 10/25/87)
~vs. Atlantis (CMLL, 8/9/91)
~vs. Super Astro (10/9/92)
~w/ Psicosis/Fuerza Guerrera vs. El Hijo Del Santo/Octagon/Rey Misterio Jr. (AAA, 7/15/94)
~vs. El Mariachi (AAA, 10/30/94)
~vs. El Hijo Del Santo (CMLL, 4/9/00)
~vs. El Hijo Del Santo (CMLL, 5/28/00)

2009 Outlook:

It is back to random trios matches for Panther in 2009. He is still Blue Panther, and he won’t ever drop too far, but lucha is all about opportunities, and he isn’t getting them in 2009.