AAA brought back one of lucha libre’s most iconic personas during Rey de Reyes in Mexico City — but not without sparking some serious debate.
During the March 22 show, fans were hit with a nostalgic throwback as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” blasted through the arena while Vampiro introduced a new version of La Parka, who rose from a coffin and danced on the ramp before diving from a balcony later in the night. But the mystery behind the mask didn’t last long.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the man behind the third La Parka mask is Brazo de Oro Jr., a name tied to one of lucha’s most legendary families. He’s part of the Alvarado dynasty, which includes Brazo de Oro, Psycho Clown, and La Mascara. Cagematch lists his in-ring debut back in 2013, and he’s been a semi-regular for AAA since late 2021.
The new La Parka is expected to make his official in-ring debut at AAA’s Mexico City tapings on May 3. But not everyone is thrilled about the move.
Some fans think it’s way too soon — or simply in bad taste — to bring back the character. The second La Parka, Jesus Huerta Escoboza, tragically passed away in January 2020 after suffering a catastrophic in-ring injury. During a Kaoz show in October 2019, he attempted a dive on RUSH, missed, and slammed head-first into a steel barrier and concrete floor. The result was paralysis, and Huerta sadly died from complications months later.
To make matters more complex, the original La Parka — Adolfo Tapia, now wrestling as LA Park — is still active. That means there are now technically three versions of this iconic figure across different eras and promotions, each with their own fan base and legacy.
La Parka’s legacy is deeply rooted in lucha libre culture, and with Brazo de Oro Jr. now carrying that torch, the pressure — and controversy — is very real.
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What do you think of AAA’s decision to bring back La Parka with a new face under the mask? Is it a tribute or disrespect? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.