Arena Mexico entrances blocked off, Juicio Final in danger (but now resolved)

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@ENRIQUEYNIESTA

Show is ON. Protest is over.

Before 5:30am today, a fleet of buses pulled up in front of the main entrance to Arena Mexico. They were parked in front to obstruct the entrances, to prevent CMLL from opening the doors for tonight’s Juicio Final show. There’s a protest going on in front of the bus. SuperLuchas was the first to report this story, and a lot of this information is from Enrique Yniesta’s (locked) Twitter feed.

The only luchador present is Tony Rivera, CMLL wrestler from 1997-2010, who says he’s protesting for all luchadors. He’s supported by “El Barzón Popular”, who I understand is an economic protest group who’s known for blocking buildings to protest business. There’s about a 100 people there total. The popular comparison is to the famous luchador strike of 1991, but that was an entire union of luchadors and so far only one has shown.

Rivera’s protesting the CMLL split of revenue. Specifically, talking to SuperLuchas, Rivera is complaining about CMLL taking in a lot of money from tickets and sponsorships, but only paying luchadors 200 pesos ($17 US) per taped show regardless of the size of the crowd. Promoters in the US used to do the same sort of thing, claiming that the TV exposure itself was a benefit, but I believe that’s generally gone out of practice.

Rivera also complains that he was given no severance given to him when he was cut from CMLL. Rivera’s exit from CMLL was very strange, in that CMLL kept advertising him for weeks when it was clear he was already gone and working elsewhere (which also implied Rivera had quit on them, not been fired by CMLL.) At the time, I heard an single report that Rivera was let go for a behavior issue, but did not get confirmation.

The buses, which are preventing anyone from entering Arena Mexico in the front door, are said not to be moving unless Paco Alonso meets with the protesters. That’s not really Paco Alonso’s style. They’re also threatening to repeat this for every CMLL show until they’re heard. CMLL not be able to run a show tonight would be a disaster. Averno is expected to be around CMLL until the end of the month, so rescheduling is technically possible, but not something CMLL wants to do.

The impression of people reporting this story in Mexico City is tonight’s show is more likely to be canceled than for it to occur. From here, way far away, I believe CMLL will do something to get these buses out of the way, it’s just too important to them to run this show. The show’s about 10 hours away, we’ll find out then.

Edit: Tony Rivera’s claim is he won a lawsuit against CMLL, but CMLL has just refused to pay.

Edit 2: Video of the protest.

Edit 3: Dr. Lucha has an article about this over on WON. Important note from there: previously, CMLL wrestlers were paid twice for Friday shows – once for the live audience and once for TV. Not so much now.

Show is 7 hours away and there’s been no movement.

CMLL is apparently blaming SuperLuchas for this. At this point, CMLL blames SuperLuchas if it rains, and they blame SuperLuchas if it doesn’t rain.

Edit 4: Rivera has been telling the press that he was offered 9000 pesos ($756) by CMLL, and was insulted by such a low number. I dunno, that’s almost a years worth of Friday night shows right there, big money.

This has now become the most lucha-rific game of Let’s Make A Deal ever. Except Tony can’t take what’s behind door #1, because there’s a big bus blocking it.

Edit 5: El Barzón Popular, the group supplying most of the people and buses, appears to be a professional protest group. In 2009, they organized a sit in to protest high mortgage interest rates to farmers. Last April, they blocked the entrance to an insurance office for similar reasons. In 2008, they protested rising fertilizer costs and NAFTA. A protest against the national water department earlier this year turned violent, with at least 9 people arrested that day.

They seem to have an agricultural focus, so their involvement with lucha libre is a bit of a surprise. It does fit in with the idea of standing up for the little guy against corporations and governments.

Edit 6: SuperLuchas has an interview with Rivera and the leader of Barzon Popular:

Edit 7: More Barzon Popular greatest hits: blocking off a toll booth. The Barzon Popular leader in the YouTube clip was one of those arrested earlier this year.

Edit 8: CMLL has issued a statement. MedioTiempo has it up. Highlights:

  • Tony Rivera’s claims have no merit. He was let go with cause.
  • CMLL had night staff in the arena cleaning the building, and they are now trapped inside with no food.
  • Luchadors have arrived, tried to get in building, and the protesters have been aggressive with them
  • Tony needs to verify his claims, and needs to move the buses out immediately.

I have trouble believing there are people trapped in there – it only seems like they’re blocking the front door, and there’s other exits – but it’s an odd thing to make up. CMLL is odd.

Blue Demon Jr. has come out in Twitter support of Tony Rivera. I didn’t think Demon was vetoed, but he surely is now. Still, Rivera could use more than Twitter support. El Hijo del Santo, who’s been very concerned with revenue splits in recent years, has not said anything.

Edit 9: CMLL Gaceta wants you to know the show’s still on. I can only assume Strong Man is on his way with his bus pulling rope.

Edit 10: In talking about this story on Box Y Lucha, Ernesto Ocampo of SuperLuchas mentions others who have been banned from CMLL permanently: Pirata Morgan, Cachorro Mendoza, and el Pantera. Maybe that has a little to do with Pantera wearing his mask again? I dunno. Ernesto’s feeling was this will be resolved before showtime, and that’s still what I think will happen. CMLL will lose more by not having this show than it’d cost to pay Tony off.

Later in the thread, a report from the protest quotes Cresencio Morales as demanding a meeting with Paco (who he says is on his way) and a 2,000,000 Mexican Pesos. That’s $160K US. I wonder if he wants them in unmarked bills, maybe in briefcase. I’m not sure about many things, but I’m pretty sure Tony Rivera will be walking away with $160K today.

The post includes Rivera & Crescencio Morales claiming they’re also sticking up for old wrestlers, confined to wheelchairs and forced to move to the US to find medical treatment because the company won’t have it. Tony called out Rey Escorpion, Angel de Oro & Delta, saying they were hiding in the area and should be supporting the protest.

Very skeptical this is about improving conditions for all wrestlers. The idea they’re saying is Tony gets money and goes home, which doesn’t really improve anything for anyone else.

Edit 11: Newest CMLL PR says the buses moved out at 2:50 CT (about an hour ago) and the show is on. No details or mention of any agreement, but the show is on.

Edit 12: SuperLuchas says Tony met with CMLL management and will meet with the again on Monday.

46 thoughts to “Arena Mexico entrances blocked off, Juicio Final in danger (but now resolved)”

  1. Based on the hour it started this incident did not make the morning newspapers printed editions.
    I mention this because for many people that attend the show the main source of information is either radio or newspapers, not the internet. I think CMLL will have to solve this before the afternoon editions are closed, otherwise it will be in the stands by 3 pm and beyond repair for the day.

  2. I don’t know Cubs, this is Mexico. My money is always on the side of protesters succeeding in causing a disruption. Protest are such a part of the culture, you never know when or where you’re going to run into one in Mexico City. Just be grateful that these protesters are wearing clothes…

    This doesn’t seem like the best way to get Lucha fans on your side though.

  3. While they could hold off on the stip match if Arena Mex is unavailable due to protesters, I bet they could move the rest of the show over to Coliseo and at least have a show…

  5. Anyone know Tony Rivera or have connections with “El Barzón Popular”? We should try to get them to add “televise tonight’s main event” to their list of demands.

  6. Maybe CMLL should sign a wrestler who can move buses….oh wait….THEY HAVE STRONG MAN AND HE WILL MOVE THESE BUSES! Your plans have been foiled again Mr. Tony, Tony TONNNNYYYY Rivera!!!!

    This seems more like sour grapes from Tony Rivera than him wanting a better economic life for all luchadores. He was there 13-14 years and it wasn’t until he was let go that what he was getting paid was deemed bad? Too us it certainly is, but wrestlers work for peanuts. If you’re not a main event or semi-main event guy in Mexico, you probably should have a second job or another source of income.

  9. In your expert opinion Cubs, will Tony Rivera be added to Paco’s shitlist because of this stunt?

    @Alan: Nude Tony Rivera protest??? SIGN DANIEL UP!

  10. @Rob: a new, great, angrier list will be created just to put Tony’s name on in. However, his name will never be put on the list, because it would require someone acknowledging the existence of Tony Rivera.

  11. the saddest and worst part about this is the possibility of the chat(?) being cancelled! :'(

  13. I have to say i have known Tony since about 2001-2002 and he has never acted out at shows or appeared to be any type of troublemaker, in fact quite the opposite. Damn nice guy and respectful. so strange they behavior problems was an issue.

    Its too bad that this could get him a lot heat from the boys if the show is cancelled and they lose a big payday. Be very interesting how this unfolds

  14. Why a bunch of buses? Doesn’t Tony work for the Perros Del Mal? Why not call in a favor and have X-Fly sit in front of Arena Mexico? Far more effective.

  15. @Rob: X-Fly is too busy preparing for his trios title match tomorrow. Lots of startegizing has to go on.

    (Today’s big winner: Perro Aguayo Jr. – so far)

  17. 7 edits/updates=This post will soon be challenging the Perros del Mal/Viva la Lucha PPV card for most updates to a single post in luchablog history.

    Today’s biggest loser: Dr. Wagner Jr. None of his protests ever came close to shutting down Arena Mexico.

  18. Since we’re playing the blame game, Superluchas gave me pink eye!

    You know a lot of CMLL’s problems would be resolved if they had someone who actually knew how to run a real business and didn’t run CMLL like a mom and pop weekend lucha show. The whole banning of reporters and magazines is horrible business. I could understand disagreeing with them and maybe calling them out on it, but it shouldn’t lead to banishment…

  19. @Albert: You know if Dorian stays quiet, it will be a winning moment for AAA, but if he jumps on CMLL, they run the same risks that CMLL will if the government were to get involved.

  20. @Alfredo: Yeah, if AAA wanted to get involved with this, they could send over former workers (AstroBoy!) to talk about how Rivera was right and telling the truth. My guess is they don’t want anything to do with this story and might be quietly happy that it is happening, but don’t want anyone looking too closely at them while it is going on.

  21. SuperLuchas says “treinta autobuses” so I think they are blocking more than just the main entrance.

  22. @Albert: I dunno that AAA is winning, because this is sort of sucking up all the air that might be going to TripleMania too. IF this show doesn’t actually happen and a lot of people end up going to TripleMania who might not have, then they might win.

    @Alan: I just picture there has to be a backalley door, in alley that’s too small for a bus, that’s kind of an emergency escape, but this is sort of an emergency.

  24. @thecubsfan: Someone Just mentioned it to me, and it’s a good question to bring up. IF Someone From AAA, a Fmr. worker who might be bitter over the same reasons, why shoudnt we expect this to happen to AAA in the future aswell?

  27. Even if there still is a tiny alleyway into the building you would need to start having people go in now to get a full house by show time.

    Not to mention few people want to cross a picket line.

    Restating my point: X-Fly > 30 buses.

    I like how CMLL’s order of response was:

    – bribery
    – deceit

    At no point did they even consider just saying Paco will gladly meet with you in private on any other day.

    My guessing is Paco hasn’t slept off his hangover yet and has no idea any of this is happening. He may not even be aware today is Juicio Final.

  28. @thecubsfan: You’re right, I’m sure there is some way in/out of hte building that isn’t being blocked. There is definitely a side entrance for the bleachers, but that one would be even easier to block than the main entrance. There is also a backstage entrance through the parking area, but I don’t know what the entrance/exit situation is for the parking garage. I don’t remember the really be any alleys around the arena, but it does seem likely that there would have to be a few nonpublic ways to get in and out of a building that big.

  29. @Rob: What makes you think I’m a nudist???

    I can’t beleive guys are making $17 dollars for televised events. That’s an insult, especially since CMLL has such a steady and consistant circuit of TV tapings all week. From advertising and endorsments alone they must make a killing especially with the 5 minute commercial breaks on televisa. If this is the case I’m with Tony Rivera. This needs to change

  31. Oh no, I’m not saying CMLL can have people come in back doors and such. I find it hard to believe any night crew is trapped in Arnea Mexico, there’s got to be a way to get in and out of the building even with the buses in there.

    I kind of find it hard to believe there was a night crew at all, since they haven’t had a show since Tuesday night.

  32. Let’s all try to imagine Ultimate Warrior or somebody trying to pull this at Capitol Punishment this weekend. How long would it last before he and his hired crew were taken away in handcuff’s and never heard from again? I love Mexico!

  34. I’m not surprised at CMLL’s response. Any company who deals with a labor protest will always try to paint the protestors in the worse, most selfish light. No one ever says “Yeah, they’re right, but they can go scratch.”

  36. But it doesn’t help that this looks like just a money grab from Tony Rivera. I’m not familiar with his work, but it always bugs me when guys do stuff like this just to get ahead for themselves, and there’s no cause they really support.

  37. Of course this was a total grandstand by Rivera who hasn’t been in the promotion for months.

  38. Isn’t this illegal or does Mexico work differently? I could think of alot of ways it’s illegal from causing potential fire hazards, having protests without liscenses, extortion, etc.

  39. @Joshi Rob: “Illegal” protests in Mexico are a way of life. There are constant manifestations and strikes and whatnot around Mexico City.

  40. @KrisZ: That is what I do not really understand here… is Barzón Popular is a protest group that does nothing but protest in the name of causes, usually agrarian type causes…. how did they get suckered in to taking a lucha libre show hostage? Ok, I get WHY a person in Rivera’s position might say that CMLL tried to pay them off (whether they actually tried to or not is irrelevant) – so why say the amount was so small? If the cause was so big and detrimental to CMLL, wouldn’t you make the number BIGGER to make it seem like they want you to go away? Then, after rejecting such a lowball offer, why would you actually put a price on your cause? Once you do that, you change it from a moral protest of a social injustice, to a business negotiation.

    This almost seems like a publicity stunt. I mean, CMLL and Arena Mexico have been in the news all day, right? But, CMLL doesn’t gain anything from this – isn’t it more likely to keep people away because they are worried that the show will not take place? I dunno… maybe these types of protests are so common there that a worked protest might actually be a good publicity stunt…

  41. “I can only assume Strong Man is on his way with his bus pulling rope.”

    Damn you dude! And you said you are not sarcastic. Very hilarious!

  42. Tony met with management, will meet again on Monday means, Tony back wrestling in CMLL for $19 bucks and a sandwich!

  44. Angry people always the best as they didnt wanted to promote the show and now is on the top for tonight i wonder what the experts would say now

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