While El Hijo del Vikingo has captured the hearts of wrestling fans across the United States with show-stealing performances, the AAA Mega Champion is discovering that hometown love doesn’t always translate. The high-flying luchador who wowed audiences against Kenny Omega two years ago and impressed at Worlds Collide just last weekend is now navigating surprisingly choppy waters in his native Mexico.
When Home Becomes Hostile Territory
The stark contrast between Vikingo’s American reception and his current standing in Mexico became painfully clear at TripleMania Regia this past Sunday. Inside Arena Monterrey, the AAA Mega Champion found himself cast as the villain in his own story, facing a wall of boos from the moment he stepped through the curtain.
This wasn’t Vikingo’s first taste of lukewarm reception from Mexican audiences. His initial title victory over former WWE star Alberto Del Rio (Alberto El Patron) had already generated mixed reactions from fans south of the border. However, nothing prepared him for the full-throated rejection he would face in Monterrey.
Steel Cage, Stone-Cold Reception
The steel cage rematch between Vikingo and Del Rio became a masterclass in crowd psychology—just not the kind the champion was hoping for. Del Rio, despite his controversial past, received thunderous support from the Monterrey faithful, who treated him like a conquering hero returning home.
The hostility toward Vikingo ran so deep that it infected everything around him. Even respected technicos who came to his aid found themselves on the wrong end of the crowd’s emotions. El Vikingo (the champion’s father), Laredo Kid, Octagon Jr., and Nino Hamburgesa all absorbed boos while attempting to save Vikingo from attacks by Del Rio’s allies El Mesias and El Hijo del Dos Caras.
A Controversial Finish Gone Wrong
The match’s conclusion perfectly encapsulated the evening’s chaotic energy. Latin Lover’s interference, designed to help Vikingo retain his championship, backfired spectacularly with the crowd. The veteran was soundly booed as he handcuffed Del Rio to the ropes, creating the opening for Vikingo’s escape from the steel structure.
Adding insult to injury, the finish itself fell apart in real-time. The handcuffs came loose not once, but twice, forcing the wrestlers to restart the sequence. Del Rio had to sell being prone on the mat as Vikingo made his eventual escape—a clunky ending to an already hostile reception.
The Tale of Two Audiences
Vikingo’s current predicament highlights one of professional wrestling’s most fascinating dynamics: how the same performer can be simultaneously beloved and reviled by different audiences. His breakout match with Kenny Omega on AEW Dynamite established him as a must-see talent for American fans. His recent title defense against Chad Gable at Worlds Collide further cemented his reputation as one of lucha libre’s brightest stars.
Yet in Mexico, where lucha libre traditions run deepest, Vikingo is struggling to connect with audiences who may view his American success with skepticism or prefer the familiar presence of veterans like Del Rio.
What’s Next for the Embattled Champion?
Vikingo’s immediate future remains somewhat uncertain. While his next title defense hasn’t been officially announced, he’s expected to feature prominently at TripleMania Mexico City this August—another test of his ability to win over skeptical Mexican audiences.
Interestingly, the AAA Mega Champion was notably absent from WWE’s upcoming Supershows in Mexico City and Monterrey, scheduled for July 26 and 27. This absence raises questions about potential scheduling conflicts or strategic decisions regarding his current standing with Mexican fans.
As Vikingo continues to navigate these choppy waters, wrestling fans are witnessing a fascinating case study in regional preferences and performer perception. Can the high-flying champion eventually win over his home country’s audiences, or will his path to universal acceptance prove more challenging than any steel cage match?
