A Thousand Faces

Mil Mascaras 

By Kevin Hunsperger
@kevinhunsperger on Twitter

The WWE has already announced one inductee for the 2012 Hall of Fame, so I figured I would go ahead and write up a quick reaction piece.  Legendary luchador Mil Mascaras is the first to be announced for the honor.  Although it seems early to be talking about the Hall of Fame, at least by WWE's timetable, this announcement makes sense as the WWE just toured Mexico.

I remember reading more about Mil Mascaras than I do actually watching him wrestle.  Obviously most of his work was done in Mexico, and back in the 80's when I was watching wrestling there was no access to those promotions.  I do remember him competing in the 1997 (I think) Royal Rumble match.  But in that particular type of match, it's hard to show off any real luchador skills.

In doing some research, I know that Mascaras wrestled for the WWF back in the 1970's.  Apparently he was the first wrestler allowed to perform in a mask at Madison Square Garden.  I find that interesting.  He also had some matches against Cactus Jack in WCW back in 1990.  However, Jack (aka Mick Foley) wasn't too complimentary of Mascaras style in the ring.  Others have complained about his lack of selling skills.  Because I haven't seen much of his work, I'm not going to judge him, just making an observation.

Mascaras at a PWG show recently

Something else I discovered, Mascaras is the uncle of current WWE champion Alberto Del Rio.  So one would assume that he'll be doing the induction on March 31 in Miami.  Should be a fun night, I believe Mil Mascaras has earned a spot in the Hall of Fame, based on all his years in the business.  He's got quite the staying power, at age 69 Mascaras recently competed in Japan.

Now that one name has been announced, fans are surely going to be chomping at the bit wanting to know who else is joining Mascaras in the 2012 class.