[
Fans attending professional wrestling events are often in for surprises, especially if someone breaches the barricade. However, that doesn’t imply that sumo wrestlers are free to act as they please.
On January 18 at Arena Mexico, an unexpected disruption occurred during the CMLL World Middleweight Championship match between Bandido and Templario when an inebriated fan leaped into the ring. This caused the match to pause as security rushed in to restore order.
Bandido’s reaction was striking; rather than confront the fan, he positioned himself defensively until security arrived. His actions may have been influenced by specific guidelines in place.
During a discussion on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer elaborated on CMLL’s strict policy against wrestlers retaliating against fans—whether provoked or not, such as in instances of fans invading the ring.
“At Arena Mexico, there’s a firm rule that if a fan behaves aggressively towards a wrestler, the wrestler is prohibited from hitting them. The organization wishes to avoid any negative portrayal, such as stories about CMLL wrestlers assaulting fans, as these events are family-friendly and meant for tourists who wouldn’t appreciate the sight of drunken conflicts.”
Meltzer also mentioned that it falls entirely on security to manage such situations, acknowledging that their response times aren’t always ideal, risking the safety of the talent involved.
“Wrestlers aren’t allowed to fight back; that’s the job of security, which can sometimes be slow…”
This explains why Bandido refrained from engaging with the fan, allowing security to handle the situation despite their aggressive attempts to remove the intruder. Once calm was restored, the match continued, with Templario successfully defending his title.
Fortunately, there were no serious injuries, but the incident underscores the potential dangers wrestlers face from untrained fans entering the ring. It also highlights a contrasting philosophy between CMLL and other promotions, where wrestlers are often encouraged to take charge of their own safety.
What are your thoughts on CMLL’s approach to fans crossing the barriers? Share your opinions in the comments below.
Fan Take: This incident sheds light on the importance of maintaining a safe environment at wrestling events, reinforcing that the focus should remain on entertainment rather than chaos. Wrestlers’ security protocols not only protect the athletes but also ensure a more enjoyable experience for fans and families in attendance.
