Konnan Says WWE Money Is Transforming Lives in AAA

Wrestling veteran and Lucha Libre icon Konnan just pulled back the curtain on how WWE’s acquisition of Lucha Libre AAA is doing more than changing creative—it’s changing lives.

During a conversation with Denise Salcedo, Konnan explained how WWE’s backing is creating financial opportunities for luchadors that were unthinkable just a few years ago.

Konnan, who’s spent over three decades cultivating talent across Mexico, said the new WWE paychecks are creating a wave of motivation and professionalism among performers who previously had no financial incentive to grow.

“All these guys come from poverty… WWE gives them a different lifestyle… better hotels, better transportation,” he said. “Mexico is rough… that is a rough place to wrestle.”

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He recounted a deeply emotional moment involving Commander, a wrestler Konnan personally brought into AAA after a recommendation from LuchaBlog’s Rob Viper. Commander had grown up in poverty and was now finally seeing the rewards of years of hard work.

“He was crying… because if you saw where he came from, it would make you cry,” Konnan revealed.

This isn’t just about a few standout names. Konnan believes WWE’s investment will reshape the entire culture of lucha libre. Many wrestlers, he noted, weren’t motivated to keep themselves in shape or handle their media responsibilities because the local scene paid so little. But that’s changing. He even vented some of his past frustrations with talent in Mexico

“Once they find out what these guys are making, they’ll get in shape. They’ll learn to be professional. They’ll become media savvy,” he said. “You don’t have any idea how many times digital or media has to call me and tell me, ‘Hey, can you tell this person to send in a video for this big show we’re having?’ And I have to call them and say, ‘This promotion is for you, not for me… it’s from your phone, bro. How lazy can you be?’”

With WWE now involved, Konnan says talent has no excuse not to take their careers seriously. It’s not just about exposure anymore—it’s about life-changing income.

“To see them be able to help their family and live a better lifestyle makes me really happy,” he added.

This new era of AAA isn’t just about flashy production and cross-brand appearances. It’s about changing futures. And for Konnan, this partnership is finally bringing to life the vision he had decades ago when he introduced lucha stars like Rey Mysterio and Juventud Guerrera to U.S. audiences.

Is WWE’s involvement in AAA a necessary evolution for lucha libre, or is it a move that risks changing the culture too much too fast? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to know where you stand.