“El Grande Americano” 

(A Tale of Lucha Libre and a Modern Storyline into Aztlan) 

By Dereck "T-NEP MAN" Deloney  

[CHICANO 007, Course Project, Professor Cristo, July 16th, 2026] 

“El Grande Americano” 

(A Tale of Lucha Libre and a Modern Storyline into Aztlan) 

     Imagining produces an atmosphere of theory and relational ideas that can easily be conceptualized into objectified beliefs. Morally when El Grande Americano goes into character, is he the “heel” of a man or is he the “ face” of one? A rigorous ponder of strategy debate and gentlemanly mystique; that is fit for any alter-ego, villain, or superhero identity. So much, in fact he is vested into this character to vicariously choose both. A path so vast, was made worthy only for an El Grande; the greatest El Grande among Luchadores of all-time. He is a virtuous born gringo, a legend rumored being put on display as Latino in Chicano Aztlan, grappling with the olympics of his native American Dream. It was a destined collision, and it was always meant for the Luchadora Spirit to be what set his style of acrobatics free. Many would believe that his surgery was necessary to change his fate; testifying that he is mortal and yet his presence remains sacred inside of the square circle, known to be a wrestling ring. There are no powers granted death to ever conquer his accomplishments. A class so unmatched only a mask of indigenous creeds made with smooth and rough colonial hands; could in fashionable discipline, ever capture his machismal integrity. Amid the ropes he visibly balances himself with an unparalleled sense of cruiserweight awareness at will. A theatrical poetic in nature to come witness and experience, live and in action; amongst the fans, under the brightest lights for future and inducted Hall of Fame Superstars.  

     He is a modest cornerstone of strength and acrobatic agility manifested of a spirited jaguar warrior. Donned Spanish fly, but no conquistador could ever speak to be his equal. He has been challenged by the strongest of rays and has scorched many suns. He has sung against the highest waves and tamed the most dangerous of tsunami floods, with his tongue. A solon creature by grace whose vengeful mercies are of rapid fire. Even beyond the stipulations of a refined still cage; his royalty eliminates the chambers of every rumble that could be heard of him, near and far. He is commemoratively hailed with the boast of indigenous history and cheered to the privilege of a discovers wealth; decorated as the Americano to the Vespucci Tribe of the Americas during fifteenth century Aztlan. All favor of measurable blessing is before him in economic trade and championship gesture. A rock of ages bestows upon him daily the eventful toughness of forming new life, and the Aztec Mayan core values powering his sixth sense and strategy beliefs. An untouchable folklore memory in the making, manifested and dedicated to the integrity and culture of Lucha Libre. Seemingly to be goated, as he triumphs in troughs of pinfalls and mountains of submission victories. Even astrology declares that his fortune submerges his entitlement, as “King of the Ring”. The valor of his grin alone is a cemented legacy, through and through. Selfless crowd pleasing caped flights, adorned with the cultural infusion of a mariachi styled entrance. Symbolically inferring what it means to be a Mexican Revolutionary to a Inca degree; and what it means to be a Luchador or Luchadora in modern Lucha Libre post colonial history .  

     Environmental pressures of personas and the sheltering of identities are keepsakes and rituals in practice; with many unbearable secrets for up and coming superstars to accept, who are currently enduring their licensing and baptism trainings. Therefore, the El Grande declaration of Americano and its versatility; substantiates his técnico ploy of Northwest Aztlan and his rudo chivalry of the Southwest United States, flawlessly. Esteemed towards greatness among the likes of “El Santo”, “Rey Mysterio”, and “Blue Demon”; avid choices procured the mystique necessary to carry on Lucha Libre as they did. Drawing spectators to the sport since the French Intervention in Mexico, and the circus performers of 1863. Based on the heckling or acknowledging of his audience the portrayal of his character may sway. Mixed reactions towards his flag accompaniment and his selected attire, broaden the language he too elects to speak. Using either English or Spanish primarily to address his opponents, special guest, viewers, fans, management, referees, and alliances into a close-knit reprieve. A deep social posture in which he thrives and is welcomed all throughout Chicano Aztlan. This includes the Intercontinental Championship reach of classically acclaimed bouts between “The Greatest Luchador Of All Time” – “Dirty-Dominick Mysterio” and the current reigning Intercontinental Champion “Pénta” de México City, Mexico or historically Tenochtitlan. Many luchadores embrace the técnico and rudo storylines to best assert their cultural dominance such as: “Dragon Lee”, “El Hijo del Vikingo”, and Current Cruiserweight Champion “Rey Fénix ”. Meaning, to be the “heel” of a man is to know how to be the bad guy or the “rudo”. And to be the “face” of one is the “técnico”, and is morally viewed as being the good guy.  

      This dual identity of persona being portrayed broadened the platform and character battles El Grande Americano originally appeared to stage. A political enchanting of his in-ring character rather comically took place out of a controversial acceptance that was made public, globally by him and televised by the WWE. Between the “Americas” and the newly named “Gulf of America” being formally known as “the Gulf of Mexico”; an area of Aztlan where the Vespucci Tribe once flourished. And his personal battles between knowing the Greco-Roman wrestling styles of the “WWE” (World Wrestling Entertainment) and mastering the Freestyle Lucha Libre wrestling culture of “AAA” (Assistance, Assessment, and Administration). Through an acquisition merger of “TKO Group Holdings” and Mexico-based sports and entertainment firm “Fillip”, all of his aspirations of challenging to be and becoming; one of the greatest of all-time, was possible. El Grande Americano originally had earned this opportunity to rise above and among his peers of the EMLL (Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre - 1933) and now the CMLL (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre). And he did so skillfully, embracing every component of the Lucha Libre Culture and the Luchador spirit of which it flourishes that he could. Opening a traditional gateway into the Arts of Lucha Libre created a spawn of himself infused with the purest of Luchador heart. El Grande Americano originally could not have known that by competing between the styles of Greco-Roman Wrestling and Lucha Libre, that a replica of himself was being formed out of the development and challenges of his skills. Purposely to fill the void of the existing acquisition merger between “TKO” and “Fillip”, forever.  

    El Grande Americano was highly attentive at a younger age and athletically exceptional. He remained focused on becoming a model Olympian following the complete social dominance of his eastern Athens family bloodline, formally the Vespucci Family Estate Inheritance. He was born abroad and was introduced to the Champions of Athens, and was trained by global Olympic teams so regularly; they were like his actual backyard families. Routinely wrestling with daily efforts in the Greco-Roman styles, and crafting his mastery skills of the Olympic communities he was privy and close-knit to. Upgraded him rather spry, into becoming the Greco-Roman Olympian and Gold Medal Standard. He was by legend, considered worthy as potentially becoming the greatest Luchador competitor of all-time. And also, for unthinkably even being considered as becoming the greatest El Grande in Lucha Libre history, of all-time. Raised dually between the United States and educational territories of Chicano Aztlan throughout grade school, rotating years and schools between them; and on occasion even by semesters. Curiosity struck him around the seventh grade about the native history of his family tree. His parents told him that knowing any sooner would not have done him or his Olympian training any wonders. But he is also gifted in Vespucci Tribal heritage through the family inheritance, and could one day challenge his skills in Tenochtitlan; but not during his Olympic training. He was accepting of their intent and continued rigorously to train acrobatically, as he was taught their best Luchador would grow to do and be. Even throughout high school back and forth and college, he never trained with them. Because of something he learned when he was younger as an Olympian wrestler, and just prepared to encounter them as if they were unprepared for that day in a square circle when they would have to encounter him.  

    To shake his hand now, is to shake the hand of a repeat Gold Medalist branching out into his Families representation on the grandest of televised stages, the WWE and AAA. It was well foreseen that he would lead the way and he did, as a singles champion for about one-hundred and ninety days by defeating “Dragon Lee” for the WWE Speed Championship . Who he is, is no mystery to the wrestling world. He is as well recognized as WWE Hall of Famer Eddie Guerrero, if he were to put on a mask after trademarking the “Three Amigos” and his classic “Frog Splash”. By signature move alone in the “Ankle Lock” being his, the world knew that this masked force is of a known nature. And if who they are is true; they are heading straight to the top and will not, if ever, easily be stopped. His Olympic past had proven strong enough to open what was told to be, a door to a former circus of performers to him. And to prove that the part of them that is in him, is never lost on a circus crowd. In effort, it became contrite to him. Because he was no longer a seventh grader and was able to realize for himself, that Lucha Libre is more than a style of wrestling; it is a lifestyle deeply rooted into his Chicano and Aztlan Cultures. That very culture and respect took him in and reminded him of what he should have always knew. About times past, before and after the great migration of the Vespucci Tribe from the Southeastern Coast deep into the Northwest Borders. Sheltering throughout territories guarding camps of brothers near to Spanish Forts and the Colonial Missions until the days of settlements. He took it all in, just before a match. And never really cleared that focus from his mind and it ate at him, all throughout that bout.

     After celebratorily making his appearances between audiences of the different brands with confidence, he unexpectedly suffered a shoulder injury. And it was then in that moment that El Grande looked up and saw her, his Luchadora. Even though only for an instant, she sparked the insurgence of what would be his true, Luchadorian Acrobatic Powers. From the fading of his eyes glance, he was energized in her compassion and regained his arm strength to finish his match against “Berto” of Perros Del Mal. After the match was over she incidentally thought to check on him behind the scenes and that’s when she met him, El Grande Americano the Icon of the merger spawn. He was holding the Speed Championship and she thought to herself that he was definitely a lot taller in person; but it was definitely him, and they shared the moment. He would from then go on as WWE Speed Champion for six months, with her at his side. His reign of rudo/técnico head butts, would catapult him and his Los Americanos entourage of Luchador Tag Team partners “Ryo” and “Bravo”, to merger superstardom. All along his fiesta of success and short cummings, she would be his Luchadora. Without a mask, “Dre’Anna” would be his inspiration to greatness. Maintaining a steady ringside presence as an announcer, secretly in support to her hero of heart and Luchador, El Grande Americano. While she was there for him, he could never lose the feeling of being the técnico even when the audience around the world would heckle him as a “heel”. Their spark will fuel a fire that would rebirth El Grande Americano’s acrobatics as a true Lucha Libre heir. She too took on the ways of Lucha Libre to defend her affection for her beloved El Grande Americano. Victoriously against, “Zelina Vega” WWE former “Queen of the Ring” and future “Hall of Famer”; and “Karmen Petrovic” of Perros Del Mal. In a fatal three-way no disqualification “Chairs and Tables, Ladders Match” in México City, Mexico; for the AAA Women’s Mega World Championship – Contract Briefcase.  

     After a displeasing result in a classic referee blunder. The WWE Speed Championship was relinquished to WWE NXT’s “Jasper Troy”, for his first singles championship title. No longer champion, but always the Olympic Standard. El Grande Americano was able to realize his shoulder injury was more serious than not, and was necessary to urgently be repaired by his next Main Event opportunity. It was a minor surgery that required brief recovery time and he would need to see it through in order to return. But “Dre’Anna”, noticed something was different about her beloved and goes on to check on him. It was something in his voice that alerted her to worry; it reminded her of the night they had met. When he had gallantly defeated “Berto” to retain his Speed Championship title. It was the way he had spoke to the nurse in English over Spanish preferably then; his mask. It was not his, she declared to the staff. After hearing her pleas, they alert the color code for a security check but, El Grande Americano was gone. “Dre’Anna”, she looked everywhere in the hospital for either version of El Grande Americano she could find. But her patience wore out, and she sat for awhile in thoughts of why not to cry. And then she heard a song in a voice that brought light and glow back into her eyes. And as she lifts up her head; she heard another. The words were being echoed of an eerily familiar other, and her head helplessly turned towards their voice; and she saw him. But just then, in that instance; she was also being touched by a familiar press, and cried. It is because of those tears from her eyes, they knew there could only be one El Grande Americano for the spirit of her Luchadora. And vowed to settle it before her and their worlds, in a “Mask vs Mask” Lucha Libre “Battle Royal”, in Tenochtitlan.

     What may be symbolic and align with fact, is makeshift twins are in a war of tears. Their individual thoughts of accomplishment had been the alter-ego of the other. Timing of the “shoulder split” as an injury was work of the Luchador Spirit. Embracing the Original El Grande Americano in moments he purely reflected on the honesty of himself. During the Ancient Mayan Summers long ago. The Vespucci Tribe had cleared their homes of vengeful weaknesses and the gathering of molecular energies to do so would assist their Tribal Chiefs, usually through a metaphysical Luchadorian Form. While in his deepest challenges, El Grande Americano began openly calling on his people in the midst of his Homeland. And he bonded with the ancestral Luchador Form of his native Vespucci Tribe. And it had never experienced such a face in “Dre’Anna”, and it could not bear to see her cry. Knowing the customs of the Luchadores, the Spirit challenged the Original El Grande Americano to the most sacred match with a final pinfall or tap by submission clause. But the Spirit itself needs to win, in order to live in the synced lifetimes of the Original El Grande Americano and the beloved “Dre’Anna”. Going up against the Luchador Olympian it bonded with, the Luchadorian Spirit knew that it would have to be the mirroring role of the “Vespuccian Rudo” as a better strategy. And to finish guiding the “Original El Grande Americano” as the “Técnico” upon his succession. Hoping for the slim victory, and the feelings it felt for “Dre’Anna” to have a distractive advantage for him. In proving his love for her, is the Luchadora Truth. In this Battle Royal death yields to the immortality of their mutual sacrifice and celebrates its rest, with the ceremony of the Vespucci Luchadorian Spirit; living another lifetime in the love of its ancestral peoples.     

      With an eye for talent in urgency and readiness, the “Original El Grande Americano” was approached by “Bruto” and “Julio” the “Credos”; the “Los Americanos Hermanos”. And they completely trained their American Stripes of loyalty both day and night from mortal blood into the rivalry essence of Vespuccian Chieftain Guardians. Together, with the “Original El Grande Americano”; at the “Battle Royal”, it will be a day of reckoning where only one “El Grande Americano” will remain. At last, so soon; the inevitable day for victory is here. But “Dre’Anna”, she has knowingly been swept away. And it is only been made known to the “Original El Grande Americano”, courtesy to him of his entourage, the “Los Americanos Hermanos”. Upon entering the ring under all the lights and all the cheers. “El Grande Americano” and his entourage “Los Americanos”, in Ryo and Bravo. Noticed right away that his most sensuous light was no where near ringside or the anticipated announcement booth. And it was true, for it was not his beloved “Dre’Anna's” voice that he heard, call for the audience’s attention to his survival fight. Nevertheless, it was underway and immediately the “Original El Grande Americano” goes for “El Grande Americano’s” mask. “El Grande Americano” fights of the “Original”, as “Ryo” and “Bravo” sneak off to locate the beloved “Dre’Anna”. And she is not easily found, they search and search for her; and acquire no clues near their locker rooms as to where she could be, and keep searching. The two “El Grande Americanos” go back and forth for blood. And it covered the México City arena's ringside and the square circle sacred mat, of which they were both grappling in blood on empty.

     Then out of nowhere a brawl between the “Los Americanos” entourage and the “Los Americanos Hermanos” takes the breath right out of the arena. They suddenly, all dressed up for the occasion; but make no matter of that. Just start leaping onto to each other from heights, a normal person just would not dare. And crash landed through tables, chairs, coffee machines, and gummy bears from excited fans among other things; as they broke through barricades, defending their “El Grande Americano’s” honor, and mask to remain on. It seemed as if they, under the spotlight would never stop. Then “Bruto” and “Bravo” raced to a climb of a ridiculous height as “Ryo” and “Julio” exchanged rights and lefts, back and forth, beneath them. And when it looked to “Bruto” like “Ryo” was getting the better of his hermano “Julio”, he immediately abandoned his climb and continued fight with “Bravo” and “Swanton” dived onto the both of them, and “Bravo” selflessly followed onto “Bruto”. And needless to say after that, the whole entire arena woke up reenergized. Along with both “El Grande Americanos”. But the “Original” quickly applies his signature submission move, as the master Olympian he is, of the “Ankle Lock”. And the crowd goes boisterous; like they have never seen the “Ankle Lock” applied before. But to be applied this late, in any match by him, bloody or not; is a sure victory. And afar off at ringside, there was a speck of glamor, and a rebellious voice condemning the “Original El Grande Americano” to release his hold. And the voice was just as relentless as his grip strength. Until he saw her, the face of the voice; he saw her. It was “El Grande Americano’s” beloved, “Dre’Anna”.  

     With the help of “Ryo” and “Bravo”, she was able to return to the México City Arena before the Main Event ended. After being banned from ringside, just before the match. Over the red tape of needing to have the stub for her ticket clearance, and it just so happened to be misplaced. Infuriated in her approach to ringside, the “Original El Grande Americano” shifted his attention just for a moment. Addressing security to remove her, but she presented them with proper clearance and instantly “El Grande Americano’s” demeanor changed. He looked and felt more energized as the “Original” attempted to reapply his signature hold, and it broke. He went for it again, and it could not hold “El Grande Americano” in the center of that square circle. But this was it, the ending and the teachable moment “El Grande Americano”, needed to live for. And he went for it. In a stunning submission reversal, an unorthodox tuck and roll transitioned by “El Grande Americano” into a masterful “Ankle Lock” hold of his own, onto the “Original”. It wasn’t long before it broke, but the crowd had already blew up and the ego ship of the “Original” had been sunk. “El Grande Americano” would go on to release a diving head-butt into the chest of the “Original”, and placing him in the center of the ring. The crowd is electric and thousands rise to their feet for what comes next. A signature “Diving Head-Butt” from the top rope, in the most decorated acrobatic spectacle “El Grande Americano” has ever shown. Delivered squarely to the thoughts of the already laid out “Original”. The referee “Jessica Carr” slides in ever so dashingly to check the shoulders, and begin the count. As the crowd anticipates and on her mark, in unison, start screaming and shouting “…one,…two,…three…”. It was a finish by pinfall, and the way a tale comes to an end. But the Luchador and Luchadora Spirit. Is a storyline of continuation. THE END. 

Dereck "T-NEP MAN" Deloney  

CHICANO 007 

PROFESSOR C.  

Information Paper 

July 16th, 2026 

“ Information Paper” 

     I chose “El Grande Americano” as the subject of my course Project because I believed it would help me take a deeper interest in the class and help me to retain the information I was to learn with a bit more enthusiasm. According to “Carrier” and from watching WWE weekly across most viewership platforms leading into the merger of “TKO” and “Fillip” between WWE and AAA. I was able to follow nearly the Entire “El Grande Americano” storyline, with a few make up views here and there. After reading “Allen” I really felt that the connection between Lucha Libre would make the course project as an argument that much stronger, and from there I would need to get more creative and relay the story from the standpoint of the “El Grande Americano” fan base that just loves AAA and the WWE Universe. Both brands of wrestling entertainment carried the history of the Chicano culture respectfully. AAA is and has been more or less entirely submerged in the heritage of Chicano Aztlan vs. the WWE. Yet, the WWE taught me about Luchador greats such as: “Eddie Guerrero”, “Rey Mysterio”, “SinCara” and “Andrade” to name a few. Growing up in the 90’s, I witnessed the LWO (Latino World Order) turn “heel” and return back to “face” in the same show. And I also knew they just had a different style of wrestling, and they approached it with culture. At first, in my teens I was not a big wrestling fan; it was all just a really dramatic stage fight from where I was sitting. But, my interest later in life drew me back head first and ten toes down into viewership of the sport; largely in part due to “Rhonda Rousey” and “Roman Reigns”. 

     The class itself taught me a deeper understanding of Mayan Culture and the warrior spirit of the Indigenous Tribes like the Inca and Comanche. I immediately connected their storylines to what I had been hearing recently broadcast almost daily through WWE, about “Luchador” this and “El Grande Americano” that. I most certainly hadn’t had enough yet, so I took on the course project just as Chad Gable and Ludwig Kaiser had personified their characters; to learn more about Lucha Libre. And I absolutely did. There was a French Intervention in Mexico around 1863 which is a testament to temperature of the economic times of colonialism following the Mexican Revolutionary War of 1848. And it also sources the true beginning of Lucha Libre, AAA, and the character “El Grande Americano”. According to “Levi” it even helps to connect Northwest Aztlan to the Southwest United States through modern day Tenochtitlan in México City, Mexico. Source with the modern day existence of Tenochtitlan and AAA’s production of Lucha Libre as a wrestling Culture, and “El Grande Americano” as the gringo of subject (“Mexican Wrestling:”). A connection was definitely made into the aftermath of everything I learned in class about the Neophyte subordination and the success of the Spanish Missions; and through it all Lucha Libre is proof that the true spirit of the Chicano Aztlan culture and people, still vibrantly remain. 

SCHOLARLY SOURCES 

1. Levi, Heather. The World of Lucha Libre: Secrets, Revelations, and Mexican National Identity. 

Duke University Press, 2008. 

2. Allen, Stephen. “Lucha Libre”. OXFORD Academic, 26 September 2017, https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61800/chapterabstract/546344354?redirectedFrom=fulltext. 

NONSCHOLARLY SOURCES 

3. Carrier, Steve. “Chad Gable Says His Injury Accidentally Helped Create El Grande 

Americano’s WWE Run”. WWE NEWS, 27 June 2026, https://www.ringsidenews.com/chadgable-says-his-injury-accidentally-helped-create-el-grande-americanos-wwe-run/. 

4., “Mexican Wrestling: A Brief Timeline of the ‘Luchador’”. MyMMANews, 2023 https://mymmanews.com/mexican-wrestling-a-brief-timeline-of-the-luchador/.