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Komander’s big break
The face of the revolution wears a luchador mask.
Last week on Dynamite, lucha libre sensation Komander wrestled in the eight-man “Face of the Revolution” ladder match. Powerhouse Hobbs won the match, but there was no question that Komander won people over.
A marvelous display of athleticism, fearlessness and ability to take flight stole the spotlight from a talented field of seven other wrestlers. Komander’s pièce de résistance came when he sped across the ropes on foot, elevated himself and went aerial with a stunning midair flip onto his opponents outside the ring.
If he looked confident, it’s because he was. Komander began practicing his rope walk when he was only 12 years old.
“I wanted to make it a part of lucha libre,” says Komander, 24, speaking through a translator. “For me, I do it to relieve stress. When I walk the ropes, it is a moment of peace and clarity.”
In keeping with lucha tradition, Komander opts not to reveal his real name, keeping his identity a mystery. But he did reveal a piece of his childhood. Growing up in Reynosa, Mexico, his family secured access to a dilapidated wrestling ring right before he turned 13.
“I was so excited when we got our own wrestling ring,” says Komander. “As a child, I was a big fan of the circus. I liked the tightrope, so I wanted to walk the ropes. I’ve done it so many times and know every way to do it.”
While he has worked a smattering of dates in the United States, including the battle royal at the Ric Flair’s Last Match pay-per-view last summer, Komander had not wrestled on a global broadcast until last week on AEW’s Dynamite. He seized the moment, making an emphatic statement that grew louder with each passing step on the ropes.
“It is difficult, and I understand the risks, but that was my chance to show I belong in the major leagues,” says Komander, who, according to sources, has drawn significant interest from AEW and WWE. “That was my shot to let the world know that Komander is here.”
The moment Komander agreed to appear on Dynamite, he promised himself that he would not hold back. He kept his word, overcoming the inherent pressure involved in his live television AEW debut to perform a truly memorable move.
Komander recalled that moment, one that made him a far more recognizable commodity in pro wrestling than he had been 24 hours before.
“I ran the ropes, I took a deep breath and then I went blank as soon as I jumped,” says Komander. “It felt like I was flying in the sky. My state of mind, it was clear. Then, when I made contact with the other wrestlers, I waited for that audience reaction. Their reaction is what tells me if I nailed it or if I failed.”
In an instant, the audience erupted.
“I wanted to show the world there is even more to lucha libre,” says Komander. “I wanted to show our country and culture at our highest point, all by showing what I can do.”
It is safe to say that Komander passed his audition. Per sources, AEW has interest in signing Komander, and Sports Illustrated confirmed with sources that WWE had already reached out in advance of his match on Dynamite. Given the right opportunities, he would be a perfect fit in either promotion.
The future is full of possibilities for Komander, who is also a regular on AAA television. He expressed his gratitude for such interest from wrestling fans surrounding his next move, noting that he is stepping into uncharted territories.
“It’s very humbling to hear that people want to know where I’m going next,” says Komander. “That is a huge honor, to be spoken of in such a manner. I came from nothing. I had absolutely nothing. I did this because it is what I love to do.
“I understand that my career could be just like my rope walk—it could be a great success, or it could be a failure. No matter what happens, I’m always going to get back up. I never did this for the fame. I do it out of love. Whatever comes next is a blessing.”
Following Dynamite, Komander wrestled a tag match at the NWA vs. AAA: The World is a Vampire show Saturday. Next is a tour that includes stops in Germany and Japan. Wherever he lands, Komander promises that people will receive every ounce he has to offer.
“I always give my ultimate, my very best, so that’s what people will always get,” says Komander. “I love a challenge and I am going to accept the challenge to push myself to new heights.”
The (online) week in wrestling
- My only on-air issue from Monday’s Raw—a show that included Vince McMahon backstage—was that it did not end with The Usos standing tall in the middle of the ring after their attack on Sami Zayn.
- Logan Paul, Seth Rollins and The Miz combined for an outstanding segment on Raw. Is anyone else getting the sense that Paul is going to win that match at WrestleMania?
- Now that the match pitting Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus and Lita against Damage CTRL is in place, how will Ronda Rousey fit into WrestleMania?
Roman or Cody?
Roman Reigns is fewer than a hundred days away from reaching the 1,000-day mark as world champion.
Cody Rhodes is on the cusp of becoming the face of WWE. He even received a symbolic passing of the torch from John Cena on Monday’s Raw, with the longtime WWE icon intimating that Rhodes is the company’s next major star.
So which way will WWE travel in the main event of WrestleMania 39? Is it Rhodes’s time, or will Reigns hold on to his spot atop the company?
This would be a nonissue if WWE had two champions. There are still two championships, but Reigns is in possession of both. There are pros and cons with both options, but it feels like Reigns will need an extended break if he loses after carrying the main event for the better part of the last two years.
There are not many historical parallels to Rhodes’s current position. He returned to WWE last year after a memorable run in AEW, helping launch a formidable new company that has brought the very best out of WWE. One example is Ric Flair leaving WCW in 1991. Flair entered WrestleMania VIII as champ, but he lost the title (and he did not headline, as that spot belonged to Hulk Hogan and former WCW star Sid Justice). Neither Flair nor Sid was victorious. Another similar moment took place when The Big Show left WCW in 1999. He worked the undercard a few months later at WrestleMania XV, then headlined WrestleMania 2000 in a four-way match that saw Triple H retain the title.
Despite what anyone in the WWE front office may claim, Vince McMahon is absolutely involved in the creative process. To what extent is unknown, but there is no doubt that he has insight to offer on the Rhodes-Reigns encounter, a match that neither man wants to lose.
I’m still torn, but as of right now, I see Reigns extending his title well beyond WrestleMania 39.
Tweet of the Week
Kevin Owens at his best.
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.
