Smark Out Moment

The plight of the little man in WWE has seen a glimmer of hope in the last year. Guys like Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, and Adrian Neville (although he is built like a monster) have shown the Brass (it's so much better capitalized) that they can do more than just flip around the ring. Ambrose has been said to have outsold Cena in merchandise in certain markets, Seth Rollins is the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville's year long feud was a masterpiece in wrestling television on NXT. Not to mention that since being called up, Neville, with his unique aerial assault, has proven that he can draw money for the company and is receiving a decent push. With that being said, the junior heavyweight division in WWE (I know there is no junior heavyweight division but I'm a mark and it sounds awesome) is lacking a few key components.

WWE has had a hard time getting their international stars over since Rey Mysterio left the company. I loved to watch Alberto Del Rio and he was a huge hit with the Latino demographic, but he didn't generate the numbers WWE were looking for. Sin Cara numero uno was a flop and the sequel has been okay but that name will never get over. I'm not sure if Los Matadores even have a finisher, and Kalisto has shown some promise but he is far from being the next Rey Mysterio. Who in the world of professional wrestling can fill that void left by Mysterio?



Fenix, in my opinion, is the second coming of Rey Mysterio. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Fenix, started wrestling on the Mexican indie scene in 2005. At the age of 15! He was even invited to work NWA Mexico, run by Lucha Libre legend Blue Demon Jr.. In the sport of Lucha, that is a huge deal. After working indie shows and NWA Mexico, Fenix gets a send up to the big leagues, AAA.

AAA, at this point in time, is the biggest wrestling promotion in Mexico. They carry names such as Rey Mysterio, Alberto El Patron, Manik, Konnan (who is basically the Hulk Hogan of Mexico), and the late Perro Aguayo Jr. In 2011, they opened their doors for the 20-year-old Fenix and he was given national exposure for the first time in his short career. Fenix quickly made an impact with his precise offense and intensity, diving onto opponents and landing on his feet more often than not. After a year of hard work for the company, Fenix started his first title hunt in October of 2012, going after the AAA World Mixed Tag Team titles, but was unsuccessful. A month later, Fenix entered a tournament in AAA for the Fusion Championship where he made it all the way to the finals and became AAA's first ever Fusion Champion. Fenix was doing very well in Mexico, and now needed a bigger stage and more exposure.

2015 has seen the rise of the indies in dramatic fashion. Samoa Joe signed with WWE, New Japan is doing great business, Ring of Honor has a national television gig, and the birth of Lucha Underground was witnessed by all. Lucha Underground is not for all wrestling fans. Its episodic television is at times a little over the top (someone's head was eaten off by the brother of the heel promoter recently...it was awesome). In my opinion, it's the best wrestling show on television and one of my favorite shows to watch. Despite all the wacky stuff that happens on the show, the wrestling is second to none. Sporting the likes of Johnny Mundo (the former John Morrison), Chavo Guerrero, Pentagon Jr. (who is Fenix's real life brother), Prince Puma (indie darling Ricochet), and my favorite manager on TV, Konann, this show features plenty of Mexico's and America's brightest stars. Fenix entered the temple first on the third episode in a 3-way match with his brother Pentagon Jr. and Drago. They easily had the match of the night and it is definitely in many top ten lists of Lucha Underground matches. His next big match was between him and Lucha Underground champion Prince Puma, where he absolutely tore the house down in a losing effort. From there, Fenix was booked against monster heel Mil Muertez, who was undefeated. In their first match, Fenix beat Muertez ending his undefeated streak. As a result, Muertez's valet started to admire Fenix and came on to him, prompting Muertez to attack Fenix and his valet. What culminated in this feud is quite possibly the greatest casket match in the history of casket matches. This is where we saw a whole new side of Fenix—where I saw Rey Mysterio in Fenix. Mil Muertez has the offense most of the match and Fenix has to sell big all match, which he does to perfection. Mil tears through the mask of Fenix (this is the most disrespectful thing to do in Lucha), where we can see his eyes and part of his nose. He busts Fenix wide open and bites the wound to open it up more. Fenix is selling like nobody's business, not being able to mount any offense. Mil beats our hero around the temple for a good 12 minutes before Fenix can mount a real attack, and by that time, we were so behind the babyface Fenix we forgot it was a TV show. It was a thing of wrestling beauty and the number one reason I think Fenix belongs in the WWE.

Mil Muertez in blue, mauling Fenix.

At the age of 24, Fenix is still flourishing in Mexico and the United States. There is no reason why someone that young should be that good. His offense is first rate, he could sell a house in Bush's economy, and he has a look like is perfect for WWE. Fenix would be able to connect with fans from all over—especially the children, and that's who is targeted the most with the merchandise. At the end of the day, I think WWE needs to look into signing this kid. It's a win-win for all parties involved.

Don't think Fenix has what it takes to be in WWE? Do you think there is someone better? Any Fenix matches I missed? Feel free to comment or leave your questions below!