The wrestling world’s most predictable cycle is spinning once again. As CMLL continues building international buzz through their AEW partnership, industry insiders are already forecasting WWE’s inevitable talent raid on Mexico’s hottest properties.
The Target List Takes Shape
Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer recently highlighted the undeniable momentum surrounding CMLL’s crown jewels during sold-out Arena Mexico events. Names like Mystico, Mascara Dorada, and Bandido have been generating the kind of crowd reactions that make WWE executives reach for their checkbooks.
The writing appears to be on the wall for these lucha libre standouts. Their growing global exposure through the CMLL-AEW collaboration has created exactly the scenario WWE historically exploits.
“I just expect Mystico and Mascarada Dorada… those guys… those guys are gonna get calls from WWE. I mean, it’s just how it works.” – Dave Meltzer
WWE’s Proven Playbook
This potential talent grab follows WWE’s established pattern of targeting wrestlers who gain momentum outside their umbrella. The strategy has remained consistent for decades: identify rising stars, make offers that competing promotions can’t match, then absorb the talent into their system.
Meltzer emphasized how the success of the CMLL-AEW working relationship has inadvertently painted targets on these performers’ backs. Their increased visibility on American television has showcased their abilities to WWE’s talent acquisition team.
“The success [of CMLL and AEW working together] also will make you have to deal with that fact… WWE’s gonna come calling… Neon and a lot of these guys… they’re gonna see these reactions, and… they’ve got their own company there and they wanna build that company… and they see these guys getting over and they’re gonna want those guys.” – Dave Meltzer
The Financial Reality Check
Despite CMLL’s prestigious 90-year legacy and current business success, the promotion faces the same financial disadvantage that has plagued competitors worldwide. While they maintain strong attendance and cultural significance in Mexico, their payroll capabilities pale in comparison to WWE’s resources.
The Observer notes that only AEW currently possesses the financial firepower to compete with WWE’s contract offers. This creates a challenging position for CMLL, who must rely on loyalty and cultural connections rather than pure economics to retain their top performers.
“CMLL, it’s like… they’re sitting there, isolationist, doing great business… but the reality is, they do not pay what WWE pays. AEW can pay what WWE pays. But the inevitability… as big as their business is… it’s gonna be similar to New Japan. It’s just how it is. Those guys are gonna get offered far more money to leave, and they’re gonna leave. That’s just how it is.” – Dave Meltzer
History Repeats in the Wrestling Business
Meltzer’s comparison to New Japan Pro Wrestling carries significant weight. NJPW has watched numerous homegrown stars depart for WWE contracts over the years, despite the promotion’s strong creative reputation and loyal fanbase.
The pattern suggests that even the most established and culturally significant promotions struggle to retain talent when WWE comes calling with life-changing offers. CMLL’s rich history and deep roots in Mexican wrestling culture may not provide sufficient armor against aggressive recruitment tactics.
As these Mexican stars continue building their profiles through increased international exposure, the question isn’t whether WWE will make their move—it’s simply a matter of when the phone calls begin and which wrestlers will ultimately answer them. Will CMLL find a way to break this cycle, or are we witnessing the early stages of another familiar talent exodus?
