On Friday, December 20th at the Makings of a Varsity Athlete event for Pro Wrestling Guerilla has a new champion. In a battle with Jeff Cobb for the PWG championship, Bandido defeated the former Ring of Honor television champion to capture the title. Cobb’s reign as champion was an astounding 427 days. He captured the title in October 2018. The win for Bandido marks the first time a Mexican born wrestler to win the title.

Bandido is the 31st PWG champion in the history of the promotion. While others have had multiple reigns, Bandido is recognized as the 24th separate champion in their history. The win comes after a bit of stress that has fallen on the new champion. Whether it was an injury earlier in the year or his status with Ring of Honor somewhat in question the win couldn’t have come professionally at a better time.

Bandido also competed in PWG’s annual Battle of Los Angeles tournament. He was also successful during this tournament as well. While competing for PWG winning this year’s Battle Of Los Angeles tournament as well. He defeated David Starr and Jonathan Gresham in the tournament final.

BANDIDO IS THE NEW CHAMP pic.twitter.com/hiKJHdKGXf — juniper (@NlGHTlNGGALE) December 21, 2019

Madison’s Mindset:

The win for Bandido couldn’t be more deserving. With Bandido capturing the PWG Championship from someone the caliber of Jeff Cobb certainly suggests that matchup was hotly contested. Bandido’s return to action after suffering an injury suggests he is ringing in the new year on top. As PWG’s new focal point, will this provide him more opportunities to succeed on his own? When we say this we are wondering if independently he is more open to competing for notable promotions rather than one major one.

As only an eight-year pro, Bandido has quickly risen up the ranks of the independent scene. He has developed a name for himself both in the United States and Mexico. Bandido continues to compete for the likes of Ring of Honor, The Crash Lucha Libre in Mexico and New Japan Pro Wrestling in Japan. It appears as though Bandido is become to find his grove competing for this super independent and longstanding California based promotion.