A Rising Fenix
Fenix is bringing lucha to the United States.
The 25-year-old wrestles every Wednesday on El Rey Network’s LuchaUnderground, and he is grateful for the opportunity.
“I love that we’re bringing lucha-style wrestling to the USA,” said Fenix. “The LuchaUnderground family is amazing, and I’m so happy to be there.”
Fenix grew up in Mexico City, and established himself in AAA, Mexico’s premiere wrestling company, as well the Pro Wrestling Noah promotion in Japan.
“Lucha Underground allows the wrestlers to wrestle any style they want,” saidFenix. “My work is combination of the Mexican, Japanese, and American style.”
“I don’t watch or follow WWE. I watch Japanese lucha. But my work is more in my mind. I constantly think of new moves, and I dream of new moves. Wrestling has changed my life. Luchalibre is my life, and it is my love.”
Wrestling is a family business for Fenix. His brother, Pentagon Jr., also wrestles for Lucha Underground. Outside of confirming they are related, however, Fenixdeclined to speak about matters outside the ring.
“Part of wrestling is keeping the mystery,” said Fenix. “I have my Fenix life and I have my life. When you have a mask in Mexico, you have two lives. It’s a mystery. I’m Fenix, but when I don’t have my mask, I’m a just a normal guy who wants to have fun, likes drawing and reading books. But in Mexico you need to honor the mask. When I have the mask, I’m Fenix. I don’t have a family, I only have the ring and the audience.”
Rey Mysterio will appear on Lucha Underground this season, and Fenix was grateful to work with the master of the 619.
“My favorite wrestler in the world is Rey Mysterio,” said Fenix. “Rey Mysterio can have a match in the Japanese style, the American style, the luchalibre style. He is my role model and example to follow in this business, and he is also the best guy in the world. I have very much respect for Rey Mysterio as a person.”
Fenix keeps a close eye on the Japanese wrestling scene, and dreams of a match with NXT’sShinsukeNakamura.
“Nakamura is the big star from New Japan, and I want a match with him,” saidFenix. “I want a match in [Pro Wrestling] Noah with [Taiji] Ishimori, and I want to fight Kenta Kobayashi [NXT’sHideoItami], but I’ll take a match with anyone in the world.”
While many in wrestling have a burning desire to become the world champion,Fenix explained he wants to be defined by his work.
“It’s not about titles,” he said. “For me, it’s about the people watching the show saying, ‘I remember Fenix, that mother----- is crazy.’ I want to go to the best companies in the world, and I want the people to remember me. I want the people to feel me, for people to know my love. I know how it is to watch luchalibre, and I want to people to watch with a smile on their face. I want the people to remember me.”
Lucha Underground confirmed that plans are in place for a third season, which will air in early 2017. Fenix plans to remain an integral part of LU.
“I love the luchalibre,” said Fenix. “The ring makes me happy, and my fans are the greatest in the world. I want to thank them so much for following me. Everything I do is for these people who believe in me.”
http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/02/03/wwe-jim-ross-bret-hart-daniel-bryan-brock-lesnar