Rey de Reyes (2026)

Since 1997 and every year except 2020, the Mexican Lucha Libre, or professional wrestling, company AAA has held a Rey de Reyes (Spanish for "King of Kings") show in the spring. The 1997 version was held in February,^[1] while all subsequent Rey de Reyes shows were held in March. As part of their annual Rey de Reyes event AAA holds the eponymous Rey de Reyes tournament to determine that specific year's Rey.^[2] Most years the show hosts both the qualifying round and the final match, but on occasion the qualifying matches have been held prior to the event as part of AAA's weekly television shows.^[3] The traditional format consists of four preliminary rounds, each a Four-man elimination match with each of the four winners face off in the tournament finals, again under elimination rules.^[1] There have been years where AAA has employed a different format to determine a winner.^[3] The winner of the Rey de Reyes tournament is given a large ornamental sword to symbolize their victory, but is normally not guaranteed any other rewards for winning the tournament, although some years becoming the Rey de Reyes has earned the winner a match for the AAA Mega Championship. From 1999 through 2009 AAA also held an annual Reina de Reinas ("Queen of Queens") tournament, but later turned that into an actual championship that could be defended at any point during the year, abandoning the annual tournament concept.^[4][5][6]

During Guerra de Titanes on December 20, 2025, AAA announced that Rey de Reyes would take place on March 14, 2026, in Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla at the Auditorio GNP Seguros.^[7] On the March 7, 2026 episode of Lucha Libre AAA, AAA announced that Rey de Reyes would air as three-week event on the weekly Saturday Lucha Libre AAA TV show from March 14 to March 28.^[8]

Rey de Reyes is featuring professional wrestling matches that involve wrestlers from scripted feuds. The wrestlers portray either heels (referred to as rudos in Mexico, those that play the part of the "bad guys") or faces (técnicos in Mexico, the "good guy" characters) as they performed.^[9]

On the January 24 episode of Lucha Libre AAA, Penta announced the format of the 2026 Rey de Reyes tournament. It would consist of four fatal four-way qualifying matches. The winners of those matches would compete in a fatal four-way tournament final for an opportunity to challenge for the AAA Mega Championship. Penta will present the signature sword to the winner of the tournament. The tournament began on the January 31 episode where La Parka defeated Jack Cartwheel, Aero Star, and Apollo Crews.^[10][11] On the following episode, "The Original" El Grande Americano attacked El Grande Americano backstage and handcuffed him to take his spot in that night's qualifying match. He went on to defeat Octagón Jr., Dragon Lee, and Rey Fénix.^[12] On the February 28 episode, El Grande Americano accused "The Original" El Grande Americano of being a fake, citing the use of AI to appear to be able to speak Spanish. Pimpinela Escarlata confronted "The Original" El Grande Americano about El Grande Americano's claim, leading to Escarlata getting assaulted and unable to participate in that night's qualifier. Escarlata asked El Grande Americano to replace him, which he accepted. He went on to defeat Ethan Page, Omos, and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. to earn the third spot in the Rey de Reyes tournament final.^[13] On the March 7 episode, Santos Escobar defeated Abismo Negro Jr., Mr. Iguana, and Psycho Clown to earn the final spot in the Rey de Reyes tournament final.^[14]

On the February 14 episode of Lucha Libre AAA, War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) defeated Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) and Money Machine (Garra de Oro and Colmillo de Plata) in a three-way tag team match to earn a shot at the AAA World Tag Team Championship.^[15] A match for the title between defending champions Pagano and Psycho Clown and the War Raiders at Rey de Reyes was made official on the February 21 episode.^[16]

Dominik Mysterio defended the AAA Mega Championship against El Hijo del Vikingo where if Dominik won, Vikingo couldn't challenge Mysterio for the title anymore, but if Vikingo won, Dominik had to leave AAA.

At Worlds Collide on September 12, 2025, Dominik Mysterio won the AAA Mega Championship by dethroning El Hijo del Vikingo.^[17] Vikingo attempted to earn another shot at the title by competing in a triple threat match against Dragon Lee and El Grande Americano on AAA Alianzas on September 27, but he failed to win the match as Lee came out victorious.^[18] At Héroes Inmortales XVII on October 20, Vikingo and Americano had a confrontation that led to a brawl. Later that night, Mysterio defeated Lee to retain the title. After the match, Vikingo and Lee attacked Mysterio, but their attack stopped when Americano came out to help Mysterio. After Vikingo and Lee left the ring, Mysterio set up a tag team match between the two pairs.^[19] On AAA Alianzas on November 22, Mysterio and Americano defeated Vikingo and Lee.^[20] On the January 31, 2026, episode of Lucha Libre AAA, Vikingo defeated Americano and became the next challenger for the AAA Mega Championship. Mysterio revealed that he will defend his title against Vikingo in the main event of Rey de Reyes.^[21] On the February 7 episode, Vikingo proposed to have Mysterio's hair to also be on the line in their upcoming title match. He stated he will seek his answer in their contract signing two weeks later.^[22] At their contract signing on the February 21 episode, Mysterio stated that if Vikingo loses, he can never challenge Mysterio for the title. Vikingo added on to the stipulations by disregarding his previous proposal and stated that their match will be a No Disqualification match and if Mysterio loses, he must leave AAA forever.^[23]

The event opened with Rey Fenix, who introduced his brother Penta, and recalled that he was supposed to team up with Fenix at Guerra de Titanes back in December 2025, reformulating The Lucha Brothers, but that did not happened because of a shoulder injury that Penta sustained. Penta then hinted a future reunion of the team in AAA. After speaking about some names that won the Rey de Reyes tournament, Penta stated he would defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship at AAA, and was waiting for a challenger.^[24]

The first match was Flammer's open challenge for the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship, which was answered by Bayley from WWE's Raw brand. Bayley gained the advantage with a dropkick, sending Flammer to the floor. Flammer retaliated with a leg sweep on the ring apron. Bayley regained momentum with a sunset flip that sent Flammer into the turnbuckle. Flammer took the opportunity to expose that turnbuckle. Bayley attempted the Roseplant but Flammer countered it. Flammer attempted a superplex, but Bayley hit a diving elbow drop instead. Lady Maravilla appeared to distract Bayley. La Hiedra then attacked Bayley while the referee was distracted. This allowed Flammer to drive Bayley into the exposed turnbuckle, following up with a codebreaker and a dropkick against the rope to retain her title.^[24]

The Rey de Reyes tournament final featuring "The Original" El Grande Americano, El Grande Americano, La Parka, and Santos Escobar followed. Parka gained the momentum after executing a moonsault from the top rope onto all three opponents at ringside. The "Original" Americano targeted Parka’s left arm and delivered a Northern Lights suplex to Escobar for a near-fall. El Grande Americano then applied a submission hold on Escobar while the "Original" Americano applied an ankle lock on Parka. Escobar broke the hold, sending the "Original" Americano into the other competitors. While the "Original" Americano and El Grande Americano fought into the crowd, Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano) attacked the "Original" Americano, eventually handcuffing him to a railing. Escobar attempted to use a steel chair against Parka, but he was arrested by El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.. El Grande Americano delivered running headbutts to Parka and Escobar to secure the victory and become the winner of the 29th Rey de Reyes tournament.^[24]

Next, Domink Mysterio defended the AAA Mega Championship against El Hijo Del Vikingo (accompanied by Dorian Roldán) in a Lucha de Apuestas No Disqualification match. The match began with both competitors utilizing kendo sticks, chairs, and trash cans. Vikingo gained the advantage by landing a dive to ringside. Mysterio attempted a pinfall after hitting two-thirds of the Three Amigos, but Roldán broke up the referee’s count. Omos arrived, striking Mysterio with a trash can. Roldán handed the title belt to use as a weapon; however, Vikingo failed to hit Mysterio. As Mysterio attempted to hit the 619, Omos pushed Vikingo out of the way and then hit Mysterio with a chokeslam onto the ring apron and another one in the ring. Omos then set Vikingo on the top rope. Mini Vikingo appeared and hit Hijo del Vikingo with a Spanish Fly. After Omos was neutralized due to a low blow and a series of chair shots, Mysterio hit Hijo del Vikingo with the 619 and a frog splash to retain the title. Because Mysterio won, Vikingo can no longer challenge Mysterio for the title.^[24]

In the Relevos Australianos match, the team of Rey Fenix, Mr. Iguana, and Lola Vice faced La Hiedra and Money Machine (Colmillo de Plata and Garra de Oro). Fenix gained the upper hand against Oro with a dropkick. Iguana and Vice utilized their chemistry to clear the ring. However, the momentum shifted when Money Machine neutralized Iguana’s mascot, La Yesca, allowing them to isolate Iguana. Iguana regained control with a double tornado DDT, allowing a tag to Vice. Vice backed Hiedra into a corner, though Hiedra responded with a cutter. Fenix tagged back in, simultaneously kicking Plata and arm-dragging Oro. Fenix performed a tornado dive onto Plata, while Iguana dove to take out the remaining opposition. Fenix hit the Fenix Driver on Oro to secure the pinfall victory.^[25]

Next, Pagano and Psycho Clown defended the AAA World Tag Team Championship against the War Raiders (Erik and Ivar). Psycho Clown and Ivar immediately brawled on the floor as Pagano and Erik wrestled in the ring. Pagano fended off a double-team attempt. Ivar intercepted Pagano on the turnbuckle and executed a cannonball against the steel steps. The War Raiders isolated Pagano. Erik scoop slammed Ivar onto Pagano for a near-fall. After Clown got the hot tag, he cleared the ring with a Code Red on Ivar and a dive to the outside onto Erik. Pagano accidentally struck Psycho Clown with an elbow, leading to visible tension between the champions, which the War Raiders immediately exploited. As all four men brawled and ignored the official's commands, Erik shoved the referee, prompting the official to declare the match a no contest. Following the bell, the two teams continued to fight up the entrance ramp using chairs and kendo sticks as security attempted to intervene.^[25]

Following the match was the ceremony to award 2026 Rey de Reyes winner El Grande Americano the ceremonial Rey de Reyes sword. Ring announcer Jesús Zuñiga introduced AAA President Marisela Peña and CEO and General Manager Dorian Roldán. They were joined by former tournament winners: Chessman, Texano Jr., and Cibernético. El Grande Americano then entered to officially receive the Rey de Reyes sword. Americano thanked the Peña family and the audience for their acceptance, delivering a speech about cultural unity and the international pride of Mexico. The celebration was interrupted by AAA Mega Champion Dominik Mysterio. Mysterio congratulated Americano and offered him an immediate title opportunity. Americano was ambushed by "The Original" El Grande Americano, and Mysterio retreated. "The Original" Americano tried to remove the mask of El Grande Americano but was stopped by Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano. Afterwards, "The Original" Americano stole the Rey de Reyes sword and stood atop the announce table.^[25]

Next, Laredo Kid defended the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Dragon Lee, Jack Cartwheel, and TJP in a four-way match. Early in the contest, TJP put both Lee and Kid in an stretch. Cartwheel hit a Dragon Rana and an Asai moonsault to the floor. Lee executed a German suplex on the champion and a powerbomb on TJP, while Kid utilized a DDT Destroyer to ground Cartwheel. Lee intercepted Cartwheel from the top rope and executed the Styles Clash directly onto TJP. Lee delivered a tope con hilo to Cartwheel, and TJP attempted a Mamba Splash but was broken up by the champion. TJP attempted to use the championship belt as a weapon; Kid countered with a poison rana and a corner strike. Kid then executed a curb stomp on TJP to remain champion.^[26]

The final match of the event was between Abismo Negro Jr. and El Fiscal. Fiscal immediately sent Negro to the floor before executing a tope suicida. He attacked Negro in the corner until Negro countered by catching him in the tree of woe and hitting a dropkick for a near-fall. Negro ground the pace with a chinlock and tactical strikes. Fiscal eventually mounted a comeback with a double-leg takedown and attempted a martinete. Although Negro blocked the maneuver by ramming Fiscal’s shoulder into the turnbuckle, he was unable to capitalize on his own piledriver attempt. Fiscal countered Negro's attempt by rolling through the momentum, securing the pinfall victory.^[26]

To close the show, El Ojo (El Hijo del Vikingo, Omos, and Dorian Roldán) addressed the audience. Roldán criticized the crowd's lack of respect for Vikingo. Vikingo insulted Mini Vikingo and his family, citing their previous encounter that resulted in a hospitalization. Vikingo then announced his intent to compete at WrestleMania 42 for the WWE Intercontinental Championship before demanding an appearance from the reigning champion Penta. Penta confronted the group, criticizing Vikingo’s alignment with Roldán and dismissed Vikingo's claims of being the superior competitor. Penta asserted that Vikingo had lost the locker room's respect. Vikingo then challenged Penta to a title match on April 11 in Mexico City. Penta accepted the challenge and then shoved Vikingo and had a staredown with Omos. The match was made official before the end of the broadcast.^[26]

The event received generally positive reviews from critics. Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reviewed the event's first three matches that aired live. The Rey de Reyes tournament final received 4.25 out of 5 stars. The AAA Mega Championship match received 3 stars, while the AAA Reina de Reinas Championship match received 2.5 stars.^[27]

Ricardo Rendón of Super Luchas gave high praise to the majority of the card but was critical of the decision to broadcast the event in three weekly installments rather than as a single Premium Live Event (PLE). Rendón labeled the Rey de Reyes tournament final "the best fight of the new stage of AAA's weekly shows with WWE," noting that the victory consolidated El Grande Americano as the primary face of the modern AAA era. Additionally, he remarked that the chaotic nature of the AAA Mega Championship match was reminiscent of the "extreme fighting" style that had defined the promotion's historical identity.^[28][29][30]

Steve Cook of 411Mania gave the event an average score of 7.7 out of 10, describing the first part of the event as the best episode of Lucha Libre AAA in 2026. The highest rated matches were the Rey de Reyes Tournament final and the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship four-way match with a 3.75 out of 5. He highlighted that Jack Cartwheel is a future star and that Dragon Lee has accomplished more than he originally expected when he signed with WWE. The AAA Reina de Reinas Championship match received 3.25 stars, noting that Bayley was the right person to put Flammer over. The AAA Mega Championship match received 3 stars, criticizing its time being cut. The Relevos Australianos match received 2.75 stars, while the lowest-rated matches with 2/5 stars are the AAA World Tag Team Championship match and the El Fiscal versus Abismo Negro Jr. match.^[31][32][33]

Thomas Hall of 411Mania reviewed the event with an average rating of 8.5 out of 10, noting that AAA "continues to be among the best weekly series" and is an "easy show to watch". The Rey de Reyes Tournament final and the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship match received a B+, the highest rating of the event. The AAA Mega Championship match and the AAA World Tag Team Championship match received a B. Hall noted that Dominik Mysterio and El Hijo del Vikingo did not overstay their welcome and that the tag team title match did not overthink things as a match about "two big power teams beating the daylights out of each other". The rest of the match card received a B-. Hall stated that Flammer cheating to beat Bayley was a "great way to use a star". Also, he compared Abimso Negro versus El Fiscal to Jake Roberts versus Randy Savage at This Tuesday in Texas because it did not have enough time fitting for their bitter feud.^[34][35][36]