In a first of its kind partnership, the Denver Broncos and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) have come together to provide wrestling fans with a unique spectacle, one which is reportedly projected to draw a larger audience than any other wrestling event this year, including WWE’s WrestleMania.
This surprising collaboration between the NFL franchise and CMLL was announced back in August 2023, marking a historic step in the expansion of wrestling entertainment. The early fruits of this collaboration resulted in the “first exhibition of Lucha Olímpica” that took place on September 8, 2023. The event, held at the revered Arena México in Mexico City, involved the Broncos’ animated mascot, Miles, and a host of his friends.
Now, Dave Meltzer, renowned wrestling reporter, has shared a glimpse into what is next for the Denver Broncos and CMLL partnership. Meltzer, during his stint on Wrestling Observer Radio, briefed fans about the unexpected, yet thrilling, consequence of the Broncos management’s trip to Mexico. The reporter emphasized on the infectious energy and fun associated with attending a wrestling event at Arena México – an experience he believes is unmatched even in American wrestling.
In Meltzer’s words, American wrestling demands familiarity with the wrestlers, their signature moves, and the ongoing storylines. This requirement, however, is pleasantly absent at Arena México, where the focus is on catering to the visiting tourists, making up about 40% of the overall crowd. This aspect of their shows allows the non-regulars and tourists to enjoy the experience thoroughly, without the need to keep up with wrestling narratives.
Transitioning to the crux of his report, Meltzer revealed the Denver Broncos’ ambitious plan. On the day of their game against the Green Bay Packers, they are set to host a CMLL wrestling show, featuring renowned wrestling figures like Mistico, Volador Jr, Templario, and Atlantis Jr, among others. The distinctive event promises to draw an enormous crowd, significantly surpassing the attendance of WrestleMania this year.
According to an NBC Sports press release on October 9, 2023, the current Sunday Night Football season has documented an average viewership of 23.8 million viewers. With the Broncos’ home, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver holding a capacity of 76,125, it is anticipated that the wrestling spectacle will draw a substantial audience, making it one of the most viewed wrestling events of the year.
This unconventional merger of wrestling and football is setting the stage for unheard-of entertainment experiences and wrestling news for fans across genres. Fans should stay tuned to see what other unprecedented developments this exciting partnership can conjure.
