The independent lucha libre scene in Mexico has been rocking and rolling as of late. Now it is time to add another company trying to challenge AAA and CMLL.

Alberto del Rio and Chavo Guerrero Jr. have thrown their hat (or scarf and poncho) in the lucha libre ring as frontmen of a new promotion named Nacion Lucha Libre. They already have a television deal lined up in Mexico and some major talent signed, both Mexican and international.

Alberto and Chavo were the main voices at the Nacion Lucha Libre press conference on June 11 to usher in a new era of lucha libre. Hijo del Fantasma (aka King Cuerno), Mesias (aka Mil Muertes), La Mascara, and Sexy Star were some of the bigger names in attendance. They also played video promos from MVP, Carlito, Dr. Wagner Jr., and Ricardo Rodriguez. Other major names on the roster include Fenix, Pentagon, LAX, Taurus, Laredo Kid, Daga, Flamita, Puma King, Rey Horus (aka El Dragon Azteca Jr.), Bram, and Thunder Rosa (aka Kobra Moon).

Alberto teased that some current WWE wrestlers will be on board soon. He didn’t name names since they are still employed by WWE.

That is a solid looking roster, but one has to wonder about availability and exclusivity in Mexico. Alberto said the Lucha Bros will be at almost all the current dates planned. It is interesting that AAA champions Fenix and Laredo Kid are both involved. Will that affect AAA’s future plans? Fenix is barely there anyway, but he is their Mega Champion. Laredo has been a workhorse in AAA and is cruiserweight champ and part of the trios champs.

Nacion Lucha Libre’s first event will be La Batalla Inicial on July 11 in Mexico City. The show will honor the legendary luchadores Tinieblas and Dos Caras.

The full card is as follows:

Mexico vs Puerto Rico: Alberto el Patron, Hijo del Fantasma, Dr. Wagner Jr. vs MVP, Apolo, Mesias

Masters Match: Solar vs Negro Navarro vs Damian 666 vs Canek

Pentagon & Fenix vs Chavo Guerrero & Mechawolf 450

Mr. Iguana & Fresero Jr. vs Bestia 666 & Taurus vs Laredo Kid & The Tiger

Daga & Flamita vs Puma King & Rey Horus

Hijo de Dos Caras, Hijo de Wagner, Dual vs Bram, La Mascara, Batab el Guerrero

Thunder Rosa, Cristy Jaynes, Stephanie Vaquer vs Sexy Star, Lady Flammer, Reina Oscura

Lightning match: Relampago vs Heddi Karaoui

Special guest: Kamille

Referee: Ricardo Rodriguez

Nacion Lucha Libre will have a weekly program on the Mexican network Imagen Televisión from 10:30 pm to midnight on Saturdays. I’m not that familiar with Imagen Televisión, but it seems like a basic channel with high availability.

Aside from events in Mexico, Alberto mentioned that shows are already booked for San Antonio, Austin, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and working on Japan.

Not a lot of details were mentioned about what type of program Nacion Lucha Libre will produce. Lucha Underground was referenced, but not by name, so maybe they will try to work in simpler story vignettes. Or maybe not and it will be similar to all the other lucha libre programs in Mexico, which are mostly all matches and no promos. Hopefully there will be easier viewing access, such as YouTube, for international fans to check out.

The moment that stood out the most from the press conference was a confrontation between Kamille Kaine and Sexy Star.

Chavo talked about how Nacion Lucha Libre needed additions to the roster to reflect the movement in women’s wrestling. He then brought out Kamille Kaine as ‘the future’. Kaine is perhaps best known as valet to NWA champ Nick Aldis.

Kaine made quite an impression with her size and went heel with backhanded compliments like Mexicans being polite people for a third world country. She said the problem with luchadores wearing masks is that nobody knows who they are. That’s why Chavo had to call up international (non-Mexican) competitors for star power.

Sexy Star had heard enough and confronted Kamille. Sexy isn’t scared or intimidated. It is the wrong place, wrong time, and with the wrong person to be badmouthing Mexico. She is a professional and will leave the fighting to the ring. Kamille can name the time and place.

It was a simple setup for a feud, but I’m sold.

As a fan of both Alberto and Chavo, color me intrigued. I’m looking forward to see what Nacion Lucha Libre has to offer that sets it apart from the rest.

Does Nacion Lucha Libre pique your interest? Which matches of La Batalla Inicial stand out to you?