Rolando Vera

The late Rolando Vera was a far bigger star in Mexico than in Arizona, though border town residents would be familiar with his matches in San Luis Rio Colorado, Nogales and Agua Prietà.  Though he made it to Arizona on occasion, his performances there, like in California and Texas, were rarities.

Vera personified the lucha libre style in all its fast paced glory, long before fancy dropkicks and flips were commonplace in America. While acting as a rudo (bad guy) or limpio (good guy), he was equally effective.

Sadly, his name is mentioned less and less in the history books with the passing of time.  Like many of his compatriots, he seems sadly destined to be one of the many greats never truly given his due in the USA. In Mexico, however, he was a major attraction in his prime.  He also appeared throughout Latin America and Europe.

Vera was born in Monterrey, Mexico in 1915 and died in 2001.

Vera also trained many greats, including Sangre Chicana, Blue demon and Karloff Legarde.