Masks are a sacred tradition in lucha libre, and for a masked wrestler, protecting one’s identity is paramount. One former WWE star, however, has made the decision to show his face to the world beginning in 2024.
Lince Dorado began his wrestling career training under El Pantera in Mexico before returning to the United States to train with CHIKARA in early 2007. He found great success in the independent promotion, winning the 2008 King of Trios tournament alongside El Pantera and Incognito. In addition to CHIKARA, the star performed in a number of other independent promotions until signing with WWE in 2016.
After participating in the Cruiserweight Classic in 2016, Dorado became a regular part of WWE’s cruiserweight division on the now-defunct 205 Live. His time in WWE is best remembered for his joining the Lucha House Party stable alongside Gran Metalik and Kalisto. The stable, formed in 2018, saw the three masked wrestlers portray stereotypical Mexian characters, even carrying a piñata to the ring despite Dorado being of Puerto Rican heritage.
Dorado was released from WWE in November of 2021.
“This Will Be My Last Year Masked” – Former WWE Star Lince Dorado
After leaving WWE, Dorado has competed in both MLW and New Japan Pro Wrestling. However, big changes are ahead for the luchador as he’s made the decision to unmask for the first time in his career.
Taking to social media, Dorado explained that the decision isn’t one he’s taken lightly, and that he’s been contemplating it for years. He posted a darkened photo of his face, and also a photo taken of the back of his head looking at his mask to tease that audiences would soon see his actual face.
“I’ve contemplated this for a while now, possibly 5 years now. For almost 2 decades I have been someone I’m not. I have decided! This will be my last year masked. Question is will I lose it or say fuck it, this is the real me? #luchalit”
Continuing, he assured fans that they’d like what they saw under his mask, saying he’s a “good looking cat.”
“All my friends will tell you I’m a good looking cat”
All my friends will tell you I’m a good looking cat
— Lince Dorado (@LuchadorLD) February 23, 2023
Dorado is the current MLW Middleweight Champion, a title he won last October when he defeated Shun Skywalker.