Backstage turmoil and unexpected challenges marred Ultimo Guerrero’s much-anticipated AEW debut on the latest episode of “AEW Collision,” where he faced off against Kazuchika Okada for the Continental Championship. Regrettably, the match did not live up to expectations, prompting speculation and revelations from Luchablog about the reasons behind Guerrero’s subpar performance.
According to insiders, Guerrero was blindsided by a last-minute directive from Tony Khan that he should compete wearing a mask, a requirement he hadn’t prepared for. This sudden change forced Guerrero to don a mask that didn’t fit properly, complicating the execution of planned maneuvers and leading to the omission of several anticipated spots to prevent the mask from slipping off during the match. Ultimately, the mask did come off following Okada’s devastating Rainmaker move, underscoring the challenges Guerrero faced in adapting to wrestling with his face obscured after nearly a decade of competing unmasked.
Speculation surrounding Khan’s decision revolves around his admiration for Guerrero’s earlier career in CMLL, during which the luchador maintained the masked tradition. This decision, however, caught Guerrero off guard, highlighting a potential miscommunication or oversight in coordinating his presentation for the bout.
Furthermore, there are suggestions that a visual error in AEW’s graphics department might have contributed to the confusion, potentially using outdated images of Guerrero in a mask for promotional purposes, further complicating the situation.
While the exact reasons behind the mask mandate remain unclear, Guerrero’s discomfort and unfamiliarity with the situation were palpable during the match, contributing to what many have deemed a disappointing debut in AEW. Despite this setback, Guerrero’s future with AEW remains uncertain, though the promotion’s ongoing collaboration with CMLL leaves the door open for future opportunities.
Ultimo Guerrero’s turbulent debut in AEW has sparked reflection across the wrestling world, prompting questions about his future and the lessons drawn from this initial experience. Known for his storied career in lucha libre and his impact on the international wrestling scene, Ultimo Guerrero’s arrival in AEW was eagerly anticipated but met with mixed reviews.
The debut highlighted challenges and adjustments inherent in transitioning to a new promotion with distinct styles and expectations. While Ultimo Guerrero’s pedigree is unquestioned, the nuances of AEW’s presentation and audience expectations may have presented a learning curve. As the wrestling community assesses this debut, there’s speculation about whether adjustments and feedback will pave the way for smoother performances in future appearances.
Ultimately, Ultimo Guerrero’s potential return to AEW carries significant intrigue. It represents an opportunity for redemption and a chance to showcase his adaptability and resilience in the face of initial setbacks. As fans and pundits await developments, the wrestling world remains hopeful that lessons learned from this debut will contribute to enhanced performances, solidifying Ultimo Guerrero’s place in AEW’s diverse and competitive roster.
