Místico

Mexican professional wrestler From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Luis Ignacio Urive Alvirde (born December 22, 1982), better known by his ring name Místico (Spanish for "Mystic"), is a Mexican professional wrestler. He is signed to both the Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where he is the current CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion and one-third of the CMLL World Trios Champions with Máscara Dorada and Neón as El Sky Team, and the American promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Místico is also one-half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions with Dorada. He also makes appearances for Major League Wrestling (MLW) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he is one-half of the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions with El Desperado in their first reign as a team and Mistico's first individual reign.

BornLuis Ignacio Urive Alvirde[1]
(1982-12-22) December 22, 1982 (age 43)[2]
Mexico City, Mexico[2]
ParentDr. Karonte (father)
RelativesArgenis (brother)
Tony Salazar (uncle)
Magnus (cousin)
Ringname(s)Astro Boy[3]
Carístico[4]
Dr. Karonte, Jr.[3]
Komachi (III)[3]
Místic 2.0[5]
Místico (I)[3]
Myzteziz[6]
Sin Cara (I)[7]
Sin Cara Azul[8]
Quick facts Personal information, Born ...
Místico
Urive as Carístico in 2020
Personal information
BornLuis Ignacio Urive Alvirde[1]
(1982-12-22) December 22, 1982 (age 43)[2]
Mexico City, Mexico[2]
ParentDr. Karonte (father)
RelativesArgenis (brother)
Tony Salazar (uncle)
Magnus (cousin)
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Astro Boy[3]
Carístico[4]
Dr. Karonte, Jr.[3]
Komachi (III)[3]
Místic 2.0[5]
Místico (I)[3]
Myzteziz[6]
Sin Cara (I)[7]
Sin Cara Azul[8]
Billed height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[9][10]
Billed weight180 lb (82 kg)[9]
Billed fromMexico City, Mexico[9][10]
Trained byTony Salazar[11]
Dr. Karonte[2]
Fray Tormenta[11]
DebutApril 30, 1998[2]
Close

From 2006 to 2011, Urive was the top técnico (those that portray the "good guys") and was the biggest box office draw in Mexico for a number of years. Despite having worked under previous ring names, he gained popularity in CMLL as Místico, a religious character who was the storyline protégé of the professional wrestling priest Fray Tormenta. Between 2011 and 2014, he worked for WWE under the ring name Sin Cara (Spanish for "Without Face" or "Faceless"; after which, his ring name was given to his storyline rival Hunico). Urive then worked for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), adopting the name Myzteziz, and returned to CMLL in 2015 under the name Carístico.[a] In 2021, he regained the Místico name, due to his successor and tag team partner Místico II leaving CMLL. On two occasions in 2008, Místico held five championships simultaneously and has won most major CMLL championships over the years, as well as CMLL's Torneo Gran Alternativa and Leyenda de Plata tournaments on three occasions each.

Urive is the son of Miguel Urive, who wrestled under the ring name Dr. Karonte, the brother of wrestlers Astro Boy, Argos, Argenis and Dr. Karonte Jr, the cousin of wrestlers Magnus and Ulises Jr. as well as the nephew of CMLL booker Tony Salazar.

Personal life

While most masked professional wrestlers do not reveal their real name unless they are unmasked in a Lucha de Apuestas ("bet match"), Luis Ignacio Urive Alvirde's full name was revealed by WWE when they released Urive from his contract in 2014.[1] Urive was born on December 22, 1982, in Mexico City, Mexico, son of Miguel Urive. Urive was a professional wrestler known under the name "Dr. Karonte".[12] He is one of at least five of Miguel Urive's sons to become a professional wrestler,[b] His older brother worked under the name "Astro Boy" until his death in the late 1990s.[12] His younger brothers work as the masked wrestlers Argos,[12] Argenis,[12] and Karonte Jr.[13][14] Urive's uncle, Tony Salazar, is a retired wrestler who ended up working for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) as both a trainer and a booker.[12] Salazar's son, Magnus, also works for CMLL.[15]

Professional wrestling career

Training and early career (1998–2003)

Urive was trained for his professional wrestling debut by his father and his uncle, Tony Salazar. Místico made his debut on April 30, 1998, working as "Dr. Karonte, Jr." at the age of 15. In 2000, he changed his ring name to "Astro Boy" in honor of his older brother who had died months earlier, who had worked as the original Astro Boy. Later on, he was joined by another brother who worked as "Astro Boy II" to form a tag team. In 2003, Místico traveled to Japan to work for Michinoku Pro Wrestling, where he was billed as "Komachi", a ring persona he took over from fellow professional wrestler Volador Jr., who had played the part for about a year.[16]

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2004–2011)

Rise to stardom (2004–2009)

In 2004, CMLL repackaged Urive as Místico, giving him an elaborate backstory to go with his new ring persona. Místico (the character) was an orphan taken in by the wrestling priest Fray Tormenta, who taught him to wrestle; CMLL's previous attempt at this storyline with El Sagrado failed to take off.[12][17] He began teaming with Volador Jr. and Misterioso II, working the second or third match of the card. On July 16, he participated in the Leyenda de Plata ("The Silver Legend") tournament, eliminating Virus before being eliminated by Tarzan Boy in the first round.[18] Later that year, he won the Torneo Gran Alternativa ("Great Alternative Tournament") with veteran El Hijo del Santo,[19] after which he was nicknamed El Principe de Plata y Oro ("The Prince of Silver and Gold"), a reference to the main colors of his outfits.[12] Shortly afterward, the bookers began teaming him with other established técnicos (faces), such as Negro Casas and Shocker, against the top rudo (heel) groups Los Guerreros del Infierno and La Furia del Norte. His stature made him an underdog, and his high-flying moves, such as diving arm-drags, made him popular with Mexico City crowds.[12]

Místico in January 2006

On February 11, 2005, Místico won his first title, defeating Averno for the NWA World Middleweight Championship; the match was well received by the audience in attendance and fans near the ring threw money into the ring as a sign of appreciation.[20] Two weeks later, he participated in his first singles main event match, defeating Los Guerreros del Infierno leader Último Guerrero in Arena México after Guerrero was disqualified in the first fall and pinned in the second with a small package; the match sparked a program with the recently turned Dr. Wagner Jr. teaming with Místico against Guerrero and Bucanero. After that program died down, Místico became involved in a feud with Perro Aguayo Jr. and his group, Los Perros del Mal.[21] On June 17, Místico was involved in an eight-man cage match, where the last man in the cage lost his hair or mask. Leading up to it, he joined Casas, Heavy Metal, Máscara Mágica and Universo 2000 against Aguayo's group, consisting of Damián 666, Halloween and Héctor Garza. Neither Místico or Aguayo were involved in the finish of the match, where Damián pinned Mágica.[22] In September, he reignited his feud with Guerrero with another singles match; in the third fall, he was attacked by Atlantis, who turned heel.[23] Místico worked a short program with Atlantis, but after defeating him in a singles match in October, Atlantis focused more on former tag partner Blue Panther.[23]

Místico was the biggest star in Mexico at the start of 2006, working eighteen main event matches during the year that drew more than ten thousand people. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter voted Místico the 2006 "Performer of the Year", "Biggest Box Office Draw" and "Best Flying Wrestler" in their "Year-End Awards".[24] In the early part of the year, Místico feuded with Black Warrior, who turned on him during a CMLL World Tag Team Championship challenge. While Black Warrior was wrestling in Japan, Místico and Casas defeated Averno and Mephisto for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship on April 14. Black Warrior eventually returned, handing Místico his first major singles defeat by pinning him for his NWA Middleweight Championship on May 12. On September 29, Místico defeated Black Warrior in a mask vs. mask match in the main event of the CMLL 73rd Anniversary Show, his first major mask win.[25]

Sometime in 2007, World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) offered Místico a contract, but due to commitments with CMLL, he was unable to sign with them at the time. Reportedly, the likes of Dean Malenko, Paul London and Rey Mysterio pushed WWE to offer him a deal in 2007–2008.[26] On February 27, he wrestled a tryout match against Malenko and Jamie Noble prior to SmackDown! in San Jose, California.[27] On April 10, Místico defeated Mephisto to capture the CMLL World Welterweight Championship.[28] On June 29, he won the Torneo Gran Alternativa with La Sombra, defeating Euforia and Último Guerrero in the finals.[29] He was ranked third in Pro Wrestling Illustrated's list of the top 500 wrestlers of 2007.[12] In March 2008, it was reported that Místico contacted Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) to see if they were interested in having him work for their company, yet his CMLL commitment kept the parties from reaching a deal.[30] On March 10, Místico and Héctor Garza defeated Averno and Mephisto for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.[26] In April, the commission declared the title vacant after a match resulted in a double disqualification; Místico and Garza reclaimed the title by defeating Averno and Mephisto in a rematch, but lost it back to them in December.[31][32][26]

Following this, Místico began working a storyline feud against La Peste Negra, a group consisting of Casas, El Felino and Mr. Niebla. On March 20, 2009, Místico lost his CMLL Welterweight Championship to Casas at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas ("Homage to Two Legends").[33] He participated in the Universal Championship tournament on June 12, defeating Ephesto in the first round and Garza in the quarter-finals, before losing to Último Guerrero in the semi-finals.[34] Subsequently, challenges were made for a Lucha de Apuestas between Místico and either El Felino or Mr. Niebla, but those plans were replaced by an Apuesta between Místico and Casas in the main event of the CMLL 76th Anniversary Show on September 18, which Místico won two falls to one, resulting in Casas being shaved bald. After the match, Místico made an Apuesta challenge to Felino, Casas' cornerman.[35] On December 11, Místico defeated El Sagrado, Blue Panther, El Terrible, El Texano Jr., Felino, Hijo del Fantasma and Naito in a cage match to win the Festival Mundial de Lucha Libre ("World Festival of Wrestling") championship.[36]

Feud with Volador Jr. (2010–2011)

Místico being lifted up by Héctor Garza, his former CMLL World Tag Team Championship partner, in 2010

On January 22, 2010, Místico teamed with Averno in the Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increibles ("National Incredible Pairs Tournament"), where a tecnico (Místico) is paired with a rudo (Averno). Místico and Averno wore outfits that mixed the style of each wrestler, defeating Ephesto and Euforia in the first round. In the second round, Místico's attitude seemingly changed as he began attacking common partner Volador Jr., even going so far as to ripping up his mask, a rudo move, winning the match after an illegal low blow to Volador Jr. After the match, Místico took the microphone and commented that "all was fair in war and defending Mexico City", which drew a lot of boos from the crowd. Místico continued to work a rudo style in the semi-finals, ripping at Máscara Dorada's mask; the two tecnicos argued after losing to Dorada and Atlantis.[37] Further hints at Místico potentially turning rudo came a few days later, as Volador Jr. challenged Místico to a one-on-one Super Libre (match with no rules) match if Místico would agree to it.[38] The two met in the main event at a show in Arena México on February 5, where Místico was clearly a rúdo, tearing so viciously at Volador Jr.'s mask that a new mask had to be brought to the ring between falls. In the second fall, Místico pulled his mask off and threw it to Volador Jr. in an attempt to get him disqualified. The end came when Volador Jr. reversed Místico's La Mística and won by applying the same move to Místico.[39] On February 12, Místico lost the Mexican National Light Heavyweight Championship to Volador Jr.[40] He, Felino, La Sombra and Volador Jr. faced off in a four-way Lucha de Apuestas in the main event of Homenaje a Dos Leyendas on March 19; Místico was not one of the first two pinned, allowing him to keep his mask.[41]

Following the event, Místico announced that he was done being a rúdo and returned to the técnico side, although Volador Jr. remained suspicious of Místico. On June 6, at Sin Salida ("No Escape"), the two were on opposite sides of a Relevos Incredibles; Místico teamed with Máscara Dorada and Mr. Águila while Volador Jr. teamed with Averno and Negro Casas. Averno came to the ring wearing the same combined Averno/Místico mask he had worn for the Parejas Incredibles tournament and tried to convince Místico to join the rúdo side, only to turn around and reveal that both he and Volador Jr. were wearing a combined Averno/Volador Jr. mask underneath. Volador Jr. worked as a rúdo throughout the match, losing the match for his team when he tried to cheat but was caught by the referee.[42] On July 12, at the Promociones Gutiérrez 1st Anniversary Show, Místico participated in a match where ten men put their mask on the line in a match featuring five pareja incredibles teams, with the losing team being forced to wrestle each other with their mask on the line. His partner in the match was El Oriental, facing off against the teams of Atlantis and Olímpico, La Sombra and Histeria, El Alebrije and Volador Jr. and Último Guerrero and Averno.[43] Místico and El Oriental was the last team, forcing them to face off in a one-on-one match; Místico won, forcing El Oriental to remove his mask and show his face.[44] At the CMLL 77th Anniversary Show on September 3, Místico was one of fourteen men putting their mask on the line in a steel cage Lucha de Apuestas; he was the eleventh and second-to-last man to leave the cage, keeping his mask safe.[45] On January 23, 2011, during the second night of the Fantastica Mania 2011 tour, Místico defeated Averno in his final match of his first CMLL tenure.[46]

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2009–2011)

Místico made his debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) on January 4, 2009, at Wrestle Kingdom III in Tokyo Dome, where he, Prince Devitt and Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Averno, Gedo and Jado in the opening match; Místico submitted Averno with his trademark move, "La Mística".[47] After the match, Místico said he would like to return to NJPW and challenge for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.[48] On February 15, Místico successfully defended his CMLL Welterweight Championship against Mephisto in Sumo Hall.[49] Místico injured his knee during the match, although he was back in action by the end of the week.[50] Místico, Misterioso Jr. and Okumura were scheduled to work for NJPW in early May, but the tour was canceled due to the outbreak of the swine flu pandemic.[51]

In August, Místico completed his third tour with NJPW; he and Tiger Mask defeated Okumura and Tomohiro Ishii on August 13.[52] Two days later, Místico defeated Tiger Mask to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.[53] Upon his return to Mexico, Místico teamed with Tiger Mask and Shocker, defeating Arkangel, Atlantis and Último Guerrero at DragonMania IV.[54] Místico had his first successful IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship defense on September 29, defeating Jushin Thunder Liger.[55] On November 8, at Destruction '09, Mistíco lost the title back to Tiger Mask.[56] Místico returned to Japan in January 2011, taking part in the CMLL and NJPW co-promoted Fantastica Mania 2011 shows. On the first show on January 22, Místico teamed with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Prince Devitt in a six-man tag team match, in which they were defeated by Averno, Shinsuke Nakamura and Tetsuya Naito, after Averno pinned Místico.[57]

WWE (2011–2014)

Feud with Sin Cara Negro (2011–2012)

Sin Cara teaming with John Cena at the WWE Raw tapings on April 18, 2011, in London, England

On February 24, 2011, WWE held a press conference in Mexico City to introduce Urive under his new name, Sin Cara, which translates to "Faceless".[7] On March 25, Sin Cara made his WWE debut at a Raw live event at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois, defeating Primo in a singles match.[58][59] On the April 4 episode of Raw, Sin Cara debuted by saving Daniel Bryan from an attack by WWE United States Champion Sheamus, establishing himself as a face.[60] On that week's SmackDown, Sin Cara similarly appeared, attacking Jack Swagger and cementing his face status.[61] Sin Cara made his televised in-ring debut on April 11, defeating Primo.[62] In the 2011 WWE draft, Sin Cara was drafted to SmackDown, making his first appearance as part of the roster on the April 29 episode with a win over Swagger.[63][64] Sin Cara then started a storyline feud with Chavo Guerrero, who began guest commentating his matches and, much to Sin Cara's dismay, helped him win matches by interfering on his behalf.[65][66] Sin Cara made his pay-per-view debut on May 22 at Over the Limit, defeating Guerrero.[67] His undefeated streak came to an end on the July 1 episode of SmackDown, when he lost to Christian.[68] On July 17, Sin Cara participated in the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match at the eponymous pay-per-view, but failed to earn a World Heavyweight Championship match after being taken out of the match with a storyline injury.[69] The following day, WWE announced that they had suspended Sin Cara for 30 days for his first violation of its Wellness program.[70] Urive later claimed that he did not know what he had tested positive for and that he had received a routine injection for an injured knee in Mexico.[71]

The Sin Cara character returned on the August 12 episode of SmackDown, defeating Tyson Kidd;[72] however, with Urive still serving his suspension, for this appearance, Sin Cara was portrayed by WWE developmental wrestler Jorge Arriaga.[73] After another week of Arriaga portraying Sin Cara, Urive returned under the mask on August 20 at a live event in Tacoma, Washington.[74][75] On August 26, it was reported that Urive had been sent home from the week's SmackDown tapings, with Arriaga once again appearing on TV under the Sin Cara mask.[76] During Urive's time away from WWE, the Sin Cara character seemingly turned heel by attacking Bryan.[77]

On Raw's September 19 episode, the original Sin Cara was booked to face Cody Rhodes, but was attacked by the impostor Sin Cara prior to the match starting.[78] On the September 23 episode of SmackDown, the impostor Sin Cara attacked the original version during his match with Bryan, then took his place and pinned Bryan.[79] The following week, the impostor revealed new black attire to distinguish himself from the original version, while also explaining that he was going to steal the Sin Cara identity from Urive, just as Urive had stolen the Místico identity from him, leading to a match between the two Sin Caras at Hell in a Cell.[80] To further distinguish the two characters, WWE began referring to the original as Sin Cara "Azul" ("Blue") and the impostor as Sin Cara "Negro" ("Black").[8] At the pay-per-view on October 2, Sin Cara Azul defeated Sin Cara Negro.[81] The rivalry culminated in a mask vs. mask match at the October 16 taping of SmackDown in Mexico City, where Sin Cara Azul was victorious, unmasking Sin Cara Negro after the match.[82][83] Afterward, the unmasked Sin Cara Negro changed his ring name to Hunico, aligned himself with Camacho and continued his rivalry with Sin Cara. On November 20, at Survivor Series, Sin Cara and Hunico were on opposite sides of a ten-man tag match. Sin Cara was eliminated after he suffered a legitimate patellar tendon rupture while diving out of the ring. He underwent surgery and was unable to wrestle for over six months.[84][85]

Sin Cara returned on May 19, 2012, at a live event in Florence, South Carolina, defeating Hunico in the opening match.[86] On the June 1 episode of SmackDown, Sin Cara returned to television in new red and white attire, defeating Heath Slater.[87][88] He defeated Hunico at No Way Out on June 17.[89] On the July 9 episode of Raw, Sin Cara defeated Slater to qualify for the World Heavyweight Championship Money in the Bank ladder match at the titular pay-per-view on July 15, which was won by Dolph Ziggler.[90][91]

Teaming with Rey Mysterio (2012–2014)

Sin Cara signing autographs

In August, Sin Cara rekindled a feud with Rhodes, who claimed that he was wearing a mask to cover his ugly face. Sin Cara scored pinfall wins over Rhodes in consecutive matches on SmackDown and Raw, both times taking advantage of Rhodes trying to remove his mask.[92][93] On September 16, at Night of Champions, Sin Cara unsuccessfully challenged for The Miz's Intercontinental Championship in a four-way match, which also included Rhodes and Rey Mysterio.[94] Sin Cara and Mysterio entered a tournament to determine the number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championship, defeating Primo and Epico and The Prime Time Players (Titus O'Neil and Darren Young) to advance to the final,[95][96] which they lost to Team Rhodes Scholars (Rhodes and Damien Sandow) on the October 22 episode of Raw.[97] At Survivor Series on November 18, Sin Cara and Mysterio won a ten-man elimination tag team match alongside Brodus Clay, Justin Gabriel and Kidd against the Prime Time Players, Epico, Primo and Tensai.[98] On December 16, at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs, Sin Cara and Mysterio lost to Team Rhodes Scholars in a number one contenders tables match for the WWE Tag Team Championship.[99] Two days later on SmackDown, Sin Cara suffered a legitimate knee injury and was written off television following an attack by The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins).[100]

Sin Cara returned on January 27, 2013, at the Royal Rumble, entering the titular match at number twenty-nine, but was eliminated by Ryback.[101] On the following episode of SmackDown, Sin Cara and Mysterio defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No (Daniel Bryan and Kane) in a non-title match.[102] He returned to television on the May 15 episode of Main Event, defeating Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett in a non-title match.[103] During the August 19 episode of Raw, Sin Cara dislocated his ring finger during a match with Alberto Del Rio.[104] Urive's final match as Sin Cara was against Del Rio at a show in Monterrey on October 19.[105] In January 2014, Urive announced that he would return to Mexico in February.[106] An interview of Urive that aired in late January saw him claim that while he had departed WWE, he still owned the Sin Cara character; Urive also blamed WWE for not allowing him to wrestle the style he used in Mexico.[107] On March 27, WWE stated that they had released Urive the day prior.[108][109]

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2014–2015)

On February 19, 2014, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Urive had signed with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) and would be making his debut two days later.[110] At the end of AAA's February 21 event, AAA's main rudo stable, La Sociedad, attacked the promotion's top tecnicos with help from the debuting Black Warrior. This led to AAA president Marisela Peña Roldán revealing her own surprise wrestler, Urive, who appeared on the darkened entrance stage but did not enter the ring or say anything.[111] It was later reported that Urive was under a WWE non-compete clause until May and could therefore not show his mask.[112] On May 17, Urive made another appearance, during which he was referred to only as a "mysterious wrestler", attacking La Sociedad and targeting especially his old rival Averno, who was making his AAA debut.[113][114] On May 28, AAA revealed promotional material, which suggested Urive would be returning to the Místico ring name,[115][116] however, on June 5, the promotion revealed his new ring name as Myzteziz. The ring name was exclusive to AAA, and Urive continued to work as Sin Cara outside of the promotion.[6]

Myzteziz made his in-ring debut on June 7 at Verano de Escándalo ("Summer of Scandal"), where he, Cibernético and La Parka defeated Averno, Chessman and El Hijo del Perro Aguayo in a six-man tag team main event, with Myzteziz submitting Chessman, the AAA Latin American Champion.[117] On August 17, at Triplemanía XXII, Myzteziz took part in a four-way elimination main event for Copa Triplemanía XXII, but lost after a low blow from the winner, El Hijo del Perro Aguayo.[118] At Héroes Inmortales VIII on October 12, Myzteziz won a Royal Rumble Lumberjack match to win the Copa Antonio Peña.[119] On May 24, 2015, Myzteziz came together with former WWE superstars El Patrón Alberto and Rey Mysterio Jr. to form the "Dream Team" for AAA's Lucha Libre World Cup. The trio eventually won the tournament, defeating Johnny Mundo, Matt Hardy and Mr. Anderson in the finals.[120] At Triplemanía XXIII on August 9, Myzteziz lost to Mysterio in what was billed as a "dream match". Following the match, Myzteziz turned rudo, attacking Mysterio and challenging him to a mask vs. mask rematch.[121] After appearing at a CMLL event on October 9, Urive announced he was looking to return to the promotion after finishing his commitments with AAA.[122] On October 12, AAA put out a press release, announcing that Urive was no longer part of the promotion.[123]

Independent circuit (2015–present)

Sin Cara's first post-WWE match took place at his self-produced independent event on February 1, which featured wrestlers from both AAA and CMLL. In the main event, Sin Cara teamed with his brother, Argenis, and La Sombra to defeat another one of his brothers, Argos, Black Warrior and El Oriental, submitting Warrior with La Mística.[124] On March 1, Sin Cara defeated Black Warrior to win the vacant Baja Star's Wrestling (BSW) Intercontinental Middleweight Championship.[125]

On October 16, 2015, upon joining the Lucha Libre Elite promotion, Urive announced his new ring name as Místic 2.0.[5] However, on October 25, he announced he would instead be using the name "Carístico", a combination of the names Sin Cara and Místico.[4] On May 21, 2016, Carístico became the inaugural Lucha Libre Elite Middleweight Champion.[126] On August 21, Carístico returned to NJPW, teaming with Titán and Volador Jr. in a six-man tag team match, where they defeated Euforia, Gran Guerrero and Último Guerrero.[127] On September 16, Carístico returned to Michinoku Pro Wrestling, entering the 2016 Fukumen World League and defeating Samba Rio de Janeiro in his first-round match.[128] Over the next three days, Carístico defeated Jackie Lin, Sugi and finally Revolución to win the tournament and force Revolución to unmask.[129] At Promocione El Cholo's Christmas show, Carístico defeated Histeria in a Luchas de Apuestas, forcing Histeria to unmask and reveal his real name, Alfonso Peña, per lucha libre traditions.[130]

Carístico's debut within the Puerto Rico circuit took place on May 26, 2018, losing to Roger Díaz in a match for the Champion Wrestling Association (CWA)'s world heavyweight championship.[131][132] Despite working under his CMLL character, his previous role as Sin Cara was emphasized during the reveal and the promotion for the event.[133][131] On November 3, 2018, Carístico outlasted Ángel de Oro, Dragon Bane, Freelance, Gran Guerrero. Laredo Kid, Valiente, and Sadico to win the Lucha Libre Boom Cruiserweight Championship.[134] Carístico defeated Bárbaro Cavernario and Emperado Azteca to become the first cruiserweight champion of the Monterrey, Nuevo León based KAOZ based promotion.[135]

Return to CMLL (2015–present)

Carístico (2015–2021)

Carístico (left) and the new Místico (right)

On December 12, 2015, Carístico returned to CMLL, wrestling his first match for the company since early 2011. At the time of his return, CMLL and Lucha Libre Elite were working closely together, as several CMLL wrestlers worked LLE shows while LLE wrestlers worked on CMLL shows. Carístico would subsequently become a regular for CMLL, splitting his time between the two promotions. When CMLL broke off their relationship with LLE in September 2016, Carístico was the only LLE regular who was allowed to also work for CMLL. For the 2016 Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles, Carístico was forced to team up with LLE rival Cibernético, defeating the teams of The Panther and Tiger, Rey Escorpión and Último Guerrero and Atlantis and Gran Guerrero to qualify for the finals.[136][137] There, Carístico finally wrestled the man who had taken over the Místico character, Místico II, losing to him and Mephisto as Carístico and Cibernético were unable to get along.[138][139] At the CMLL 83rd Anniversary Show on September 2, he, Atlantis and Máscara Dorada defeated La Peste Negra (Bárbaro Cavernario, El Felino and Negro Casas).[140]

Carístico in 2016

On January 27, 2017, Carístico unsuccessfully challenged Mephisto for the CMLL World Welterweight Championship.[141] The following month, they were paired for the Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles, defeating Ángel de Oro and Rey Bucanero and Diamante Azul and Pierroth before losing to Cavernario and Volador Jr. in the semi-finals.[142] He teamed with Atlantis and Marco Corleone in a loss to Los Ingobernables (La Máscara and Rush) and Kraneo on March 17 at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas.[143] Carístico then teamed with novato wrestler Soberano for the Torneo Gran Alternativa, defeating the teams of Ángel de Oro and Oro Jr., Flyer and Volador Jr. and Canelo Casas and Negro Casas to qualify for the finals on June 16,[144] winning the tournament by defeating Sansón and Último Guerrero.[145] At the CMLL 84th Anniversary Show on September 16, he, Flip Gordon and Volador Jr. defeated Guerrero, Mephisto and Satoshi Kojima.[146] The following month, Carístico and Volador Jr. won the semi-final torneo cibernetico of the Leyenda de Plata to advance to the finals, where Volador Jr. defeated Carístico to win the tournament.[147][148]

Heading into 2018, Carístico was paired with Euforia for the Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles, defeating Dragon Lee and Sansón and Corleone and Shocker before losing to El Terrible and Rush in the semi-finals.[149] On August 21, Carístico defeated long-time rival Último Guerrero to win the NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship for the first time.[150] At the CMLL 85th Anniversary Show on September 14, he, El Hijo de L.A. Park and L. A. Park lost to Azul and The Lucha Brothers (King Phoenix and Penta El Zero M).[151] Carístico made his first successful title defense against Guerrero's younger brother, Gran Guerrero, on October 2.[152] He also qualified for the Universal Championship tournament, defeating Cavernario in the first round before losing to Dragon Lee in the quarter-final.[153][154] At Homenaje a Dos Leyendas on March 15, 2019, he, Lee and Volador Jr. unsuccessfully challenged Euforia, Gran Guerrero and Último Guerrero for the CMLL World Trios Championship.[155] On September 27, Carístico, Místico II and Valiente failed to win the Mexican National Trios Championship from Nueva Generacion Dinamita (El Cuatrero, Forastero and Sansón) at the CMLL 86th Anniversary Show.[156]

At Día de Muertos on November 1, Carístico and Místico II defeated Euforia and Gran Guerrero to win the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.[157] They successfully defended the title against El Cuatrero and Forastero on January 1, 2020, at Sin Piedad ("No Mercy").[158] On February 28, Carístico and Forastero defeated Cavernario and Volador Jr. to win that year's Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles.[159] At the CMLL 87th Anniversary Show on September 25, he and Místico II defeated Espíritu Negro and Rey Cometa to retain the title.[160] For the following year's version of the tournament, he was paired with Virus, losing to Templario and Volador Jr. in the finals on June 25.[161] On August 25, 2021, Místico II was released from CMLL, forcing him and Carístico to vacate the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.[162]

Return as Místico and 20th anniversary (2021–2024)

That same day, CMLL announced that Urive would use the name and mask of Místico again for the first time in a decade.[163] On December 25, he retained the World Historic Middleweight Championship against old rival Averno.[164] They lost to Atlantis Jr. and Stuka Jr. in the finals of the Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles on February 25, 2022.[165] On April 29, Místico defeated Titán to win the Universal Championship tournament.[166] At the CMLL 89th Anniversary Show on September 16, he lost to Ángel de Oro in the finals of a tournament for the Copa Independencia ("Independence Cup"), also involving Volador Jr.[167] On February 17, 2023, Místico and Averno defeated Soberano Jr. and Templario to win that year's Torneo Nacional de Parejas Increíbles.[168] On April 7, he competed in that year's Universal Championship tournament, but lost to Atlantis Jr. in the three-way semi-finals also involving Rocky Romero.[169]

On August 18, Místico won his first International Gran Prix, lastly eliminating Hiromu Takahashi after submitting him with La Mistica.[170] His World Historic Middleweight Championship defense against Takahashi on August 27 ended in a draw after a double pin, thus Místico retained the title.[171] At the CMLL 90th Anniversary Show on September 16, Místico, Atlantis Jr. and Máscara Dorada defeated Kevin Knight, Romero and TJP.[172] On September 29, he successfully defended the title against Virus at Noche de Campeones ("Night of Champions").[173] On February 2, 2024, he won the Torneo Gran Alternativa with Brillante Jr.[174] Four days later, he won his first Reyes del Aire ("Kings of the Air") tournament by lastly eliminating Ángel de Oro.[175] At Homenaje a Dos Leyendas on March 29, Místico, Blue Panther, Último Guerrero and Volador Jr. defeated Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley and Matt Sydal.[176] At Fantastica Mania Mexico on June 21, Místico celebrated his 20th anniversary as a wrestler and defeated Takahashi in their rematch.[177] Following the event, he began a feud with the returning Chris Jericho, which culminated in the main event of the CMLL 91st Anniversary Show on September 13,[178][179] where Místico defeated Jericho.[180] On October 30, Místico vacated the World Historic Middleweight Championship in hopes of moving to the lightweight division.[181] On November 29, he defeated Hechicero to win the Leyenda de Azul ("The Blue Legend") tournament.[182]

El Sky Team (2025–present)

In January 2025, Místico, Dorada and Neón formed a trio known as El Sky Team,[183] defeating Los Infernales (Averno, Euforia and Mephisto) on May 16 to win the CMLL World Trios Championship.[184] In August, MJF called out Místico, who challenged MJF for the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship, which he accepted on the condition that Místico put his mask on the line at the CMLL 92nd Anniversary Show.[185] At the event on September 19, Místico defeated MJF in a title vs. mask Lucha de Apuestas to win the title, becoming a double champion.[186][187] At Homenaje a Dos Leyendas on March 18, 2026, El Sky Team successfully defended the trios championship against Death Riders (Daniel Garcia, Moxley and Wheeler Yuta).[188] On June 26, Místico and Dorada defeated Sammy Guevara and The Beast Mortos to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship.[189]

Return to NJPW (2019–present)

Urive, as Carístico, returned to NJPW in January 2019 as part of the Fantastica Mania 2019 tour.[190] In August, he participated in the Super J Cup tournament, defeating Bushi and Soberano Jr. in the first two rounds, but lost to Dragon Lee in the semi-final.[191] On January 20, 2020, he defeated Bárbaro Cavernario to retain the NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship on the final night of the Fantastica Mania 2020 tour.[192]

As Místico, Urive returned on September 11, 2022, at a taping for the October 29 episode of Strong, where he and Alex Zayne defeated Blake Christian and Máscara Dorada.[193] In February 2023, he participated in the revived Fantastica Mania 2023 tour.[194] At Fighting Spirit Unleashed on October 28, he teamed with Atlantis, Atlantis Jr. and Hiroshi Tanahashi to defeat Adrian Quest, Rocky Romero, Soberano Jr. and Tiger Mask.[195] He also defeated TJP on November 10 at Lonestar Shootout.[196] At King of Pro-Wrestling on October 14, 2024, Místico lost to Hiromu Takahashi, who then challenged him to a mask vs. hair match at the CMLL 92nd Anniversary Show.[197] On February 28, 2025, he retained the MLW World Middleweight Championship against Averno in the main event of the Fantastica Mania 2025 tour's final show.[198] The following year, Místico and Dorada, representing El Sky Team, won a tag team tournament during the Fantastica Mania 2026 tour, defeating SHO and Último Guerrero in the first round,[199] Los Viajeros Del Espacio (Futuro and Valiente Jr.) in the semi-finals,[200] and Averno and Magnus in the finals.[201] He also successfully defended the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship against Soberano Jr. on the final night.[202]

On Night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku on May 4, 2026, Místico and El Desperado defeated Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita) to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship.[203] Following this, El Desperado challenged Místico to a match on June 14 at Dominion 6.14 in Osaka-jo Hall,[204] which Místico lost via submission.[205]

All Elite Wrestling / Ring of Honor (2023–present)

On October 18, 2023, Místico made his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut at a taping for Rampage, which aired two days later, defeating Rocky Romero.[206][207]

In January 2024, it was announced that Místico, Hechicero, Máscara Dorada and Volador Jr. would represent CMLL in AEW, signalling Místico's return to the company.[208] On the January 31 episode of Dynamite, the four men appeared ringside during Jon Moxley's match against Jeff Hardy. After being taunted by Moxley during the match, the four men attacked him after his victory, before being chased off by Christopher Daniels, Matt Sydal, Angelo Parker and Matt Menard,[209] whom they defeated on the February 2 episode of Rampage.[210] On the May 29 episode of Dynamite, Místico returned to participate in the men's Casino Gauntlet match for a shot at the AEW World Championship.[211] On June 30, at Forbidden Door Zero Hour, Místico and The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fénix) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japón (Hiromu Takahashi, Titán and Yota Tsuji).[212]

On March 13, Mistico made his return to the now sister promotion of AEW, Ring of Honor (ROH), after six years, teaming with Atlantis and Esfinge to defeat Euforia, Rocky Romero & Valiente. On June 11, 2025, after defeating Blake Christian at Dynamite: Summer Blockbuster, Místico was confronted by MJF,[213] leading to a match at Grand Slam Mexico on June 18, where Místico defeated MJF by disqualification. After the match, MJF continued to attack Místico and unmasked him.[214] At All In on July 12, Místico participated in the Casino Gauntlet match, which was won by MJF.[215]

At Revolution on March 15, 2026, Místico teamed with JetSpeed (Kevin Knight and "Speedball" Mike Bailey) to win the AEW World Trios Championship from the Don Callis Family (Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis), becoming a triple champion in both CMLL and AEW.[216] After the match, it was announced that Místico had signed with AEW, while also keeping his contract with CMLL.[217] On the April 8 tapings of Collision (aired on April 11), Místico and JetSpeed lost their titles to The Dogs (David Finlay, Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd), ending their reign at 25 days (27 days as recognized by AEW).[218] On June 26, Místico and Máscara Dorada defeated Sammy Guevara and The Beast Mortos to win the ROH World Tag Team Championship.[189]

Major League Wrestling (2024–present)

At Major League Wrestling (MLW)'s Kings of Colosseum event on January 7, 2024, it was announced that Místico would make his debut at SuperFight on February 2, where he defeated Averno.[219][220] At Intimidation Games on February 29, Místico defeated Rocky Romero to win the MLW World Middleweight Championship.[221] He successfully defended the title in the main event of Azteca Lucha on May 11 against Bárbaro Cavernario.[222] At Battle Riot VI on June 1, he participated in the 40-man Battle Riot match for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship, eliminating Jesús Rodriguez before being eliminated by Star Jr.[223] He then participated in the Opera Cup, defeating Magnus in the first round and Atlantis Jr. in the quarter-finals at Summer of the Beasts on June 26.[224][225] At Fightland on September 14, Místico defeated Bad Dude Tito in the semi-finals and KENTA in the finals to win the tournament.[226] On December 5, Místico put both his mask and the title on the line against Trevor Lee at One Shot, where he was victorious.[227]

On April 5, 2025, Místico vacated the MLW World Middleweight Championship to move up to the heavyweight division, ending his reign at 401 days.[228] Following this, Místico won that year's Opera Cup, defeating Ikuro Kwon, Último Guerrero and Austin Aries en route to the finals, where he defeated Volador Jr. at MLW x Don Gato Tequila: Lucha de los Muertos on November 20.[229]

In other media

Urive as Sin Cara in June 2011

Capitalizing on Místico's popularity, CMLL created a comic book starring Místico as an urban hero. The comic reached its 50th issue in December 2007. Místico starred in the official music video for the song "Me Muero" by Spanish pop group La 5ª Estación, which was also his entrance theme during his first CMLL run. He has also appeared in two music videos for Banda Pequeños Musical.[12] In 2009, he starred in a commercial endorsing the PAN (National Action Party) political party in Mexico.[230]

Urive, as Sin Cara, appears as a playable character in the video games WWE '12, WWE '13 and WWE 2K14.[231][232][233]

Wrestling style, persona, and reception

Urive performing a risky dive out of the ring

Early in his career, Urive began to stand out from other lower ranked wrestlers because of the speed that he was able to execute various high flying lucha libre moves and dives both in and out of the ring. Pro Wrestling Illustrated noted that his La Mística finishing move was often executed so fast that his opponents did not have time to react until it was locked in.[21] La Mística is, in reality, a series of moves used by many wrestlers over the years, but Urive's version is a combination of the spinning tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown transitioned into a single arm DDT that brings his opponent to the mat, allowing him to instantly switch the move into a fujiwara armbar, normally on the opponent's left arm, that would force his opponent to submit.[21][117] The "La Mística" move became so synonymous with the Místico character that Urive's successor also adopted it as his finishing move.[234][235] Urive would occasionally use the move while working as Sin Cara and made it his main finishing move after returning to Mexico.[117] As Sin Cara, he primarily used a moonsault side slam and a senton bomb as his finishing moves, both of which are executed off the top rope; for the moonsault side slam, an opponent was thrown off the top rope, with Urive landing on top of the opponent, while the senton sees Urive leap off the top rope onto a prone opponent.[65][236]

In 2006 and 2007, the readers of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter voted him the "Best Flying Wrestler" category based on his in-ring performance in Mexico.[24] However, his reputation as a wrestler in Mexico contrasted with his work in WWE. While he was considered a huge deal when he signed with WWE,[237] he developed a reputation of being prone to not being able to execute some of the high-risk/high-flying moves, labeling the problems as "botching" the moves. The reputation followed him for the entire three years of his WWE career.[238] Former WWE producer Arn Anderson stated that: "this guy didn't show me anything. Not a damn thing. He had a bad attitude."[239] Rey Mysterio said during an interview that Urive did not "have the desire" to be in WWE.[240] Jorge Arriaga, who took the Sin Cara character when Urive was fired, said that "[the original Sin Cara] is the biggest signing that he had from Mexico. He comes in, he doesn't do anything".[241]

Throughout his career, Urive has primarily portrayed a técnico (heroic) character, with brief periods of time where he played a more ambiguous character who straddled the técnico/rudo divide.[21][37] When introduced as Místico in 2004, CMLL created an elaborate fictional backstory, where Místico was an orphan who was taught to wrestle by Fray Tormenta, a wrestling priest who also acted as his Padrino ("Godfather") early on. As part of the religious backstory, Místico would often pose with his hands put together in a "praying" motion and adorn his tights with crucifix like patterns.[21] Early in his career, he wore mainly white trunks and masks with either silver or gold adornment, earning him the nickname "El Príncipe de Plata y Oro" ("The Prince of Silver and Gold").[242] The Místico mask only has eye holes, totally covering the nose, mouth and ears, a design that was replicated in the masks Urive wore as Sin Cara, Myzteziz and Carístico, with variations on the design that adorn the mask. The Carístico mask retains the same basic design as Místico, but with an added crucifix on the forehead and sweeping wing design around the eye openings.[243]

Championships and accomplishments

Luchas de Apuestas record

See also: Luchas de Apuestas
More information Winner (wager), Loser (wager) ...
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Místico and Volador Jr. (masks)Antrax and Ébola (hair)Guadalajara, JaliscoLive eventOctober 17, 2004[11]
Místico (mask)Black Warrior (mask)Mexico City, Distrito FederalCMLL 73rd Anniversary ShowSeptember 29, 2006[25][274]
Místico (mask)El Hijo del Diablo (mask)Tijuana, Baja CaliforniaLive eventDecember 1, 2006[275]
Místico (mask)Sepulturero (mask)Tlalnepantla de Baz, State of MexicoLive eventJanuary 27, 2007[275]
Místico (mask)Skayde (mask)Mexico City, Distrito FederalLive eventApril 1, 2007[275]
Místico (mask)Misterioso (hair)Tijuana, Baja CaliforniaLive eventOctober 7, 2007[11]
Místico (mask)Negro Casas (hair)Mexico City, Distrito FederalCMLL 76th Anniversary ShowSeptember 18, 2009[35]
Místico (mask)El Oriental (mask)Nuevo Laredo, TamaulipasPromociones Gutiérrez 1st Anniversary ShowJuly 12, 2010[44][d]
Sin Cara Azul (mask)Sin Cara Negro (mask)Mexico City, Distrito FederalSmackDownOctober 21, 2011[82]
Carístico (mask)Revolucion (mask)Yahaba, Iwate, Japan6th Fukumen World LeagueSeptember 19, 2016[129][e]
Carístico (mask)Histeria (mask)Tijuana, Baja California, MexicoLive eventDecember 25, 2016[130]
Carístico (mask)Black Warrior (hair)Naucalpan, State of MexicoPrisión FatalJuly 23, 2017[276][f]
Místico (mask/title)Trevor LeeQueens, New YorkEric Bischoff's One ShotDecember 5, 2024[227][g]
Místico (mask) MJF (title) Mexico City, Distrito Federal CMLL 92nd Anniversary Show September 19, 2025 [187]
Close

Footnotes

  1. [a]
    The name is a portmanteau of his two most well known names " Místico" and "Sin Cara".
  2. [b]
    Unless a luchador has been unmasked as a result of a match, his birth name is normally not revealed to the general public, leading to the possibility that other sons or daughters are wrestling.
  3. [c]
    CMLL left the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) in the late 1980s, but retains control of some titles with the "NWA" name; the NWA does not recognize or sanction any CMLL championship still bearing the NWA initials.
  4. [d]
    The two were the last team in a five-team Ruleta de la Muerte that also included Atlantis and Olímpico, Averno and Último Guerrero, El Alebrije and Volador Jr., Histeria and La Sombra.
  5. [e]
    The two met in the finals of Michinoku Pro Wrestling's 6th Fukumen World League tournament.
  6. [f]
    Carístico and Black Warrior were the last two wrestlers in a steel cage match that also included Trauma II and Mr. Electro
  7. [g]
    Trevor Lee did not wager anything during this match.

References

External links

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