The influence of WWE on the global wrestling landscape, particularly within Lucha Libre, is becoming increasingly evident following WWE’s acquisition of AAA earlier this year. Most recently, WWE has withdrawn two prominent Lucha Libre stars, Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown, from the highly anticipated Lucha Libre en Chihuahua event scheduled for August 2nd. According to official announcements from the promotion, the decision to pull these wrestlers came after WWE called them up for commitments tied to SmackDown and the upcoming SummerSlam event[2].

This development marks a significant shift in the dynamic between WWE and traditional Mexican wrestling promotions. Psycho Clown and Mr. Iguana, integral figures in AAA and well-known in the Lucha Libre community, had been expected to feature prominently at the Chihuahua event. Their removal underscores WWE’s growing priority to integrate top Lucha Libre talent into their own programming, especially at marquee events.

WWE’s Growing Influence in Lucha Libre

Earlier this year, WWE finalized the acquisition of the Mexican wrestling promotion AAA, a move signaling WWE’s intent to penetrate deeper into the Latin American market and enrich its talent pool with Lucha Libre stars. Since then, WWE has facilitated several appearances by AAA wrestlers in WWE rings, including the WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio headlining at AAA’s TripleMania XXXIII later this month[2].

Sources close to the situation have indicated that WWE’s control over key Lucha Libre talent is tightening. “They were called for SmackDown and SummerSlam, so their availability for outside appearances was no longer an option,” a WWE insider told Wrestling Headlines, highlighting the prioritization of WWE’s major events[2]. This kind of talent management ensures WWE can showcase diverse styles and international stars while simultaneously limiting their participation in competing or independent promotions.

The Impact on Independent and Regional Shows

The removal of Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown from the Lucha Libre en Chihuahua event has disappointed many fans and promoters alike. Lucha Libre remains an important cultural fixture in Mexico, and wrestlers like Psycho Clown are major draws for regional shows. Fightful highlighted that the Chihuahua promotion had no choice but to respect WWE’s directive, noting that such decisions could become more common as WWE consolidates its grip on Lucha Libre stars[2].

The timing is particularly sensitive given the upcoming wrestling mega-event SummerSlam, considered one of WWE’s “Big Four” pay-per-views. WWE consistently stages SummerSlam in August with heavy promotion and star-studded match cards, meaning roster members’ availability is limited weeks in advance.

WWE’s Global Expansion Strategy

Pulling marquee Lucha Libre talent from other promotions is a clear move in WWE’s global expansion playbook. By integrating international stars such as Psycho Clown and Mr. Iguana into their own creatives for events like SmackDown and SummerSlam, WWE is capitalizing on diverse wrestling traditions to enhance storytelling and attract new demographics.

This approach has both advantages and drawbacks. On the upside, WWE benefits from fresh character styles and international star power, enhancing product variety, particularly for a U.S.-based audience eager for Lucha Libre’s high-flying action. On the downside, it risks alienating regional promotions and traditional fanbases accustomed to seeing their favorite stars in local showcases[2].

Previous WWE Event Cancellations Signal Changing Priorities

WWE’s focus on streamlining talent for major roster events is not unprecedented. Earlier in 2025, several WWE special events and wrestler bookings were canceled or reshuffled in the lead-up to marquee shows like Backlash and SummerSlam, underscoring a trend toward strict talent deployment. Wrestling journalists reported multiple cancellations across WWE productions as the company concentrated resources on fewer, bigger events for maximum impact[1][4][5].

Future Prospects for Lucha Libre Stars in WWE

As WWE deepens ties with AAA talent, fans can expect more Lucha Libre wrestlers appearing on WWE programming, potentially marking a renaissance for the style on global stages. Psycho Clown and Mr. Iguana’s absence from the Chihuahua event is a symptom of this evolving relationship.

Industry commentators speculate that WWE may increasingly sign or spotlight Lucha Libre stars to appeal to Latino wrestling fans worldwide, leveraging the company’s vast reach and production values. According to sources close to Cody Rhodes and other WWE executives, WWE intends to build these performers into international stars while carefully controlling their wrestling appearances[2].

In summary, the recent pull of Mr. Iguana and Psycho Clown from the Lucha Libre en Chihuahua event—due to their call-up for WWE’s SmackDown and SummerSlam—reflects WWE’s expanding influence over Lucha Libre talent. This strategic move aligns with WWE’s broader vision of global expansion and talent consolidation around key wrestling showcases, while also reshaping traditional Mexican wrestling landscapes. Wrestling fans should watch closely as WWE continues integrating Lucha Libre stars into its mainstream product, potentially redefining the genre’s place on the international wrestling scene.