by It all started with a hit in Mexico.
SI.com’s Wrestling Week is published weekly and provides below-the-surface coverage of the professional wrestling business.
Komander’s big break
The face of the revolution wears a luchador mask.
Last week Dynamite, lucha libre sensation Komander wrestled in the eight-man “Face of the Revolution” ladder match. Powerhouse Hobbs won the match, but there was no doubt that Komander won the world.
A magnificent display of athleticism, fearlessness and flying ability stole the spotlight from a talented field of seven other wrestlers. Komander’s pièce de résistance came when he sprinted through the ropes with his feet, lifted himself up and went airborne with a stunning mid-air slam to his opponents outside the ring.
If he looked confident, it’s because he was. Commander started practicing his rope when he was just 12 years old.
“I wanted to make it part of lucha libre,” says Komander, 24, speaking through a translator. “For me, I do it to relieve stress. When I walk the ropes, it’s a moment of peace and clarity.”
In keeping with lucha tradition, Komander chooses not to reveal his real name, keeping his identity a mystery. But he revealed a part of his childhood. Growing up in Reynosa, Mexico, his family secured access to an abandoned wrestling ring just before he turned 13.
“I was so excited when we got our own wrestling ring,” Komander says. “As a child I was a big fan of the circus. I liked the tightrope so I wanted to walk the ropes. I’ve done it so many times and I know every way to do it.”
While he has worked many dates in the United States, including the battle royal at Ric Flair’s last match pay-per-view last summer, Komander hadn’t wrestled on a worldwide broadcast until last week at AEW’s Dynamite. He seized the moment, making an emphatic statement that grew louder with every step he took on the ropes.
“It’s tough and I understand the risks, but this was my chance to show that I belong in the big leagues,” says Komander, who sources say has drawn significant interest from AEW and WWE. “That was my shot to let people know the Commander is here.”
The moment the Commander agreed to appear Dynamite, he promised himself he wouldn’t hold back. He kept his word, overcoming the pressure inherent in his AEW live television debut to pull off a truly memorable move.
The Commander recalled that moment, a moment that made him a much more recognizable commodity in professional wrestling than he was 24 hours ago.
“I ran the ropes, took a deep breath, and then I was empty as soon as I jumped,” Komander says. “I felt like I was flying in the sky. My state of mind was clear. Then when I got in contact with the other wrestlers, I was waiting for the crowd’s reaction. Their reaction is what tells me if I nailed it or if I failed.”
In an instant the audience erupted.
“I wanted to show the world that there is more to lucha libre,” says Komander. “I wanted to show our country and culture at our highest point, showing all that I can do.”
It’s safe to say Komander passed his audition. According to sources, AEW is interested in signing Komander and Sports Illustrated confirmed with sources that WWE had already reached out before his match Dynamite. Given the right opportunities, he would be a perfect fit for any promotion.
The future is full of possibilities for Komander, who is also a regular on AAA TV. He expressed his gratitude for such interest from wrestling fans surrounding his next move, noting that he is entering uncharted territory.
“It’s very humbling to hear that people want to know where I’m going next,” Komander says. “This is a great honor, to be talked about in such a way. I came from nothing. I had absolutely nothing. I did it because it’s what I love to do.
“I understand that my career could be just like my tightrope — it could be a great success or it could be a failure. No matter what happens, I will always get back up. I never did this for the fame. I do it out of love. What follows is a blessing.”
NEXT DynamiteKomander wrestled a tag match to NWA vs. AAA: The world is a vampire view Saturday. Next up is a tour that includes stops in Germany and Japan. Wherever he lands, Komander promises people will get every ounce he has to offer.
“I always give my absolute best, so that’s what people will always get,” Komander says. “I love a challenge and will accept the challenge to push myself to new heights.”
The (online) week in wrestling
- My only on-air issue with Monday’s Raw — a show that featured Vince McMahon backstage — was that it didn’t end with The Usos standing tall in the middle of the ring after attacking Sami Zayn.
- Cody Rhodes had his moments, but Friday’s SmackDown belonged to Roman Reigns.
- Logan Paul, Seth Rollins and The Miz combined for an excellent segment on Raw. Does anyone else have a feeling that Paul is going to win this match at WrestleMania?
- Now that the match with Becky Lynch, Trish Stratus and Lita with Damage CTRL is set, how will Ronda Rousey fit into WrestleMania?
- John Cena returns for WrestleMania.
Roman or Cody?
Roman Reigns is less than a hundred days away from reaching the 1,000 day mark as world champion.
Cody Rhodes is on the verge of becoming the face of WWE. He even received a symbolic passing of the torch from John Cena on Monday Roughwith the longtime WWE icon suggesting that Rhodes is the company’s next big star.
So which direction will WWE travel in the main event WrestleMania 39? Is it Rhodes time or will Reigns keep his place at the top of the company?
This would be a no-brainer if WWE had two champions. There are still two championships, but Reigns holds both. There are pros and cons to both options, but it feels like Reigns will need an extended break if he loses after main eventing for the better part of the last two years.
There are not many historical parallels with the current location of Rhodes. He returned to WWE last year after a forgettable run in AEW, helping launch a formidable new company that has brought the best from WWE. An example is Ric Flair leaving WCW in 1991. Flair entered WrestleMania VIII as champion, but lost the title (and it wasn’t a headliner, as that spot belonged to Hulk Hogan and former WCW star Sid Justice). Neither Flair nor Sid were victorious. Another similar moment took place when The Big Show left WCW in 1999. He worked the undercard a few months later in WrestleMania XVthen heading WrestleMania 2000 in a four-way match that saw Triple H retain the title.
Despite what anyone in the WWE front office may claim, Vince McMahon is fully involved in the creative process. To what extent is unknown, but there’s no doubt that he has insight to offer in the Rhodes-Reigns matchup, a match that neither man wants to lose.
I’m still torn, but as of now, I see Reigns extending his title much further WrestleMania 39.
The tweet of the week
Kevin Owens at his best.
Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @Justin Barrasso.
