00:00Lucha Libre and the Mexican Luchadores.
00:05In the world of the mask luchador, this is where it all begins.
00:08The Mexico City workshop of Victor Martinez.
00:11This is where the craft work of the mask maker and the persona of the wrestler, Mesh.
00:16This is step one in what might someday evolve into a superhero.
00:21In Mexico City, we spoke with Rey Mysterio Jr. and his uncle.
00:26For my career, the mask was of the utmost importance.
00:30Losing it was devastating to me, and I wasn't sure if I'd be accepted by the fans without my mask.
00:35According to Dr. Lechuga, lucha libre masks are contemporary reminders of forgotten Indian rituals
00:43and fierce Aztec warriors who wore them into battle.
00:47The object in itself is not so much important as all the history which is behind it.
00:55Certainly the tradition of the mask is an important aspect,
00:59but the question is, does one take on the persona of the mask they wear?
01:03For me, the mask is most important.
01:06It's my style, part of my soul.
01:08It's a great myth.
01:09My mask is everything to me.
01:11I kind of get nervous thinking about it, thinking about losing it.
01:16I wish it would never happen in my career, but they could beat you.
01:20And this thing comes off.
01:22That could be the end of my career.
01:24I don't like to follow tradition.
01:26Besides, it would be a mistake to cover my beautiful face.
01:30With my mask on, I sometimes scare myself, and I know I'm scary to my enemies.
01:36My mask means death.
01:38Losing a mask or hair match is the ultimate insult.
01:43Here is Eddie Guerrero's hair.
01:44I keep it like a trophy.
01:47Another one in my collection.
01:48It's the most important thing in my career.
01:51He got lucky, because he knows that if he ever faces me again,
01:55he will lose his persona.
02:00Next time, we will take a look at the importance and the influence of the families and the fans
02:04in Lucha Libre and the Mexican Luchadores.
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