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Wrestling book reveals why we're loco for 'lucha'

Wrestling book reveals why we're loco for 'lucha'

We're suckers for masked heroes, just ask anyone. That includes the now-cancelled animated cartoon Mucha Lucha to the Telecaster sounds of Los Straitjackets to Jack Black's corny-but-lovable character in Nacho Libre.

Now, we find out there are legions in our corner - of the wrestling ring, that is.

As a youngster Dan Madigan recalls a chance turn of the TV dial that led him to a first encounter with the Mexican sport lucha libre. Riveted by the image of the legendary El Santo, Madigan was hooked immediately.

Obsessed with learning more, the novelist and screenwriter began a lifelong journey that would lead him to write Mondo Lucha A Go-Go: The Bizarre & Honorable World of Wild Mexican Wrestling.

In the book, Madigan skillfully guides readers through this over-the-top world of wrestling, one that existed long before the WWE (Olympic gold medalist and six-time WWE Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angler penned the introduction). The author explains in detail the origins of the mascara and its purpose; the specially designed boots that support a wrestler's ankles; and of course the flashy costumes.

But that's only Round 1, as Madigan delves into the rules and psychology of a match, along with explanations of famous moves.

Tributes to the most famous luchadores are paid. El Santo, El Demonio Azul (the Blue Demon) and Mil Máscaras (Man of a Thousand Masks) are here in all their glory, both in the ring and on the movie screens and in the comic books. They were media megastars in Mexico and you can still see their images plastered in such trendy places as Scottsdale's Pink Taco.

Masked wrestling has evolved in some parts of North America (especially in Southern California) to include burlesque beauties and sexually ambiguous luchadores such as Cassandro, whom Madigan describes as "the toughest luchadore in a feathered headpiece."

A few other writers contribute fascinating stories about the sport, including a great piece titled Gospel Truths of Lucha Movies, in which we learn that "no matter what threat to humanity looms or how heated a conflict is with a potentially world-crippling super villain, nothing ever cancels that night's wrestling match!"

Do we sound enthusiastic? Buy the book for fun, settle into a ringside seat and get ready to scream with delight.