MOTW 69: Blue Panther vs. Rey Hechicero

“M.O.T.W. #69: Blue Panther vs. Rey Hechicero" - ink & digital illustration

Hi friends! We're back for the big 69th edition of this silly little 'Match of the Week' illustration series of ours & this week I'm delighted to bring you a match that was extra special to me.

This terrific, chock-full-of-heart 'Dos De Tres Caidas' Lucha Libre encounter took place just a few weeks back, on January 10th, 2025 at 'La Catedral De La Lucha Libre'; Arena Mexico.

So this is a rematch of what ended up being my most-loved match of 2024. I make no bones about how much love I have for the Laguna Llaveo Maestro. Same for our resident big tiddy lucha wizard; Hechicero (My 2024 'Wrestler of the Year'). And that 2024 match was just absolutely perfect to me. Getting it wound back again (this time as the main event of the big, weekly CMLL Friday night show) felt like such a gift!

I think my favourite part of this match (& this era of Blue Panther in general) is his heartwarming, relatable vulnerability. There are moments in this match where he looks absolutely incredible & some where you absolutely fear for his life! And that is the real magic of it.

Hechicero is the best dance partner anyone could hope for & really elevates every moment of this with his own unique Pro Wrestling brilliance.

This match made me feel things. It got me good. A match that I won't be forgetting any time soon. A slam dunk for my favourite match of 2025 thus far. This is why I love Lucha Libre!

Artists' Note: The moment in question for this piece was the big Tope-Suicida gone array in question. A fateful moment that if anything, made this match even more magical. I drew this from some absolutely amazing photography of the match that was shared on the way-rad @cmll_mx insta page.

ENJOY!!

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Pre-Framed Art Prints (Premium): Printed on 320gsm 'Sihl Masterclass Textured Cotton Rag', French made, Cold Press style textured art paper. High archival rating, printed with 12 colour Canon Lucia EX pigment Inks, expected life over 100 years if displayed correctly. Black or Oak-finish frame (Medium-density fibreboard) w/ double-mat border. 8 x 8" print size / 10 x 10" total frame size. Since I send these out myself, I'll also include a little bonus 'surprise' for you!

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