WWE’s near-completed purchase of AAA is a massive move in the world of lucha libre, but it turns out this isn’t the first time Vince McMahon’s company had its eye on Mexico.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE was actually in talks to purchase CMLL several years ago, long before the company experienced its current surge in popularity.
“With the WWE purchase of AAA just about completed, it should be noted that a story that didn’t get out much was that a few years ago WWE was in talks about purchasing CMLL well before the current boom period there. There were talks. They obviously didn’t reach a conclusion. The only thing I recall from the time is that WWE didn’t know what to do about all the arenas CMLL owned.”
Ultimately, nothing materialized from those conversations, and WWE shifted its focus elsewhere. Now, as WWE prepares to finalize its deal with AAA, the company has reportedly stopped pursuing CMLL talent to bolster the AAA roster, instead putting more emphasis on signing independent talent.
Founded in 1933, CMLL holds the title of being the oldest wrestling promotion in Mexico, with a rich history and deep cultural value. Had WWE gone through with buying CMLL, the wrestling landscape in Mexico could look very different today.
Do you think WWE made the right call going after AAA instead of CMLL? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
