When Beast Mortos stepped through the ropes at Arena Mexico for AEW Grand Slam: Mexico, wrestling fans witnessed more than just a last-minute replacement. They saw the culmination of a personal request from AEW’s CEO that bridged a 14-year gap between one of lucha libre’s rising stars and Mexico’s most prestigious promotion.
The Power Play Behind Mortos’ CMLL Return
Tony Khan didn’t leave Beast Mortos’ Grand Slam: Mexico appearance to chance. According to Fightful Español, the AEW CEO personally reached out to CMLL’s Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli to secure Mortos’ spot in Wednesday’s main event. The request came when Claudio Castagnoli was pulled from the 10-Man Tag Team match, leaving AEW scrambling for a replacement.
CMLL’s leadership proved “very accommodating” to Khan’s request, demonstrating the growing partnership between the promotions. Within hours of the meeting, Mortos found himself officially announced for the Grand Slam card, marking a stunning return to familiar territory.
A Victorious Homecoming After More Than a Decade
The last time Mortos competed in a CMLL ring under official circumstances was 2011, when he performed under the name Semental. That night ended in disappointment as he and partner Disturbio fell in a two-out-of-three falls tag team match. His entire three-year CMLL run concluded without capturing a single championship.
Wednesday’s main event told a different story entirely. Teaming with The Death Riders and The Young Bucks, Mortos celebrated victory when Jon Moxley rolled up Swerve Strickland for the win. The triumph marked a symbolic full-circle moment for the luchador who has transformed his career since leaving CMLL.
“Grand Slam: Mexico marked Mortos’ first entry into a CMLL ring since 2011 (apart from a 2024 collaboration event between CMLL and Barba Producciones A La Conquista).”
The Mystery of Castagnoli’s Absence
Wrestling fans continue questioning why Claudio Castagnoli was removed from the Grand Slam: Mexico lineup. AEW has remained tight-lipped about the Swiss Superman’s absence, offering no official explanation for the last-minute change.
The timing raises questions about whether Castagnoli’s removal extends beyond Wednesday’s show. His absence created the perfect storm that allowed Mortos to make his dramatic return to CMLL programming.
Beyond the Ring: Mortos’ Evolving Life
Beast Mortos’ wrestling career represents just one chapter of his remarkable journey. The luchador recently revealed his plans to become a practicing lawyer in the coming months, showcasing his dedication to life beyond the squared circle.
His personal life has also captured headlines, with confirmation of his relationship with newly-crowned CMLL World Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné. The TBS Champion also enjoyed a successful night at Grand Slam: Mexico, adding another prestigious title to her collection.
What’s Next for The Beast?
Mortos’ appearance at Grand Slam: Mexico leaves wrestling fans wondering whether this marks a permanent return to CMLL programming or simply a one-night arrangement. The promotion’s willingness to accommodate Tony Khan’s request suggests potential for future collaboration.
With his legal career on the horizon and his relationship with one of wrestling’s biggest stars making headlines, Beast Mortos finds himself at a fascinating crossroads. Will Wednesday’s victorious return to Arena Mexico lead to more CMLL appearances, or was this homecoming the perfect way to close a 14-year chapter?
