Dragón Rojo, Jr.

Dragón Rojo, Jr.
Ring name(s)	Diamante Negro[1] Dragón Rojo, Jr. (July 2008 - current) Zaracatán Jr (debut - 2006)[1]
Billed height	1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)[1]
Billed weight	85 kg (190 lb)[1]
Born	November 3, 1982 (1982-11-03) (age 29)[2] Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico[2]
Resides	Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
Billed from	Gómez Palacio, Durango, Mexico
Trained by	Raúl Díaz[1] Dandy Garcia[1] El Satánico Último Guerrero[3]
Debut	02001-06-28 June 28, 2001[2]
Website	[1]

Dragón Rojo, Jr. (Red Dragon, Jr., real name unrevealed) born November 3, 1982 is a Mexican Luchador Enmascarado (Spanish for "Masked Professional wrestler known for his work in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Dragón Rojo, Jr. is the grandson of Dragón Rojo and has previously worked as "Zaracatán, Jr." and "Diamante Negro" but has achieved the majority of his success as Dragón Rojo, Jr. He is the current CMLL World Middleweight Champion and one-half of the CMLL World Tag Team Champions with Último Guerrero.

Professional wrestling career

After training for two years under Raúl Díaz and Dandy Garcia he made his debut on June 28, 2001 using the name "Zaracatán Jr.", a masked técnico (good guy) ring persona. He was named the Lagunero area "Rookie of the year" for his work in the local promotion that put on shows in Torreón and Gómez Palacio in Durango. After his rookie year he suffered an injury that forced him out of wrestling for two years while rehabilitating.^[3]

When he returned to the ring he changed his ring personas and became a villain, or rudo, character called "Diamante Negro, Jr.", soon after he'd drop the "Jr." and work as Diamante Negro. Diamante Negro stated that the five sided diamond on his mask stood for "passion, aggressiveness, strength, dedication, and professionalism" and that it was black because he was a Rúdo.^[1] As Diamante Negro he won the mask of two wrestlers in Luchas de Apuestas matches, Tackle and Guerrero both in 2007.^[3] In 2007 Diamante Negro was signed by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) after being invited to train with them by CMLL mainstay Último Guerrero^[3] In CMLL he worked mainly on the lower half of the card in trios matches with mixed success. In 2008 he was names as a member of "Generación del 75", a group of young wrestlers who exemplified the "CMLL future" in CMLL's 75th anniversary year. The group also included Flash, Mictlán, Tiger Kid, Hijo del Faraón, Axxel, Hijo del Fantasma, Bronco, Metalik, Puma King, Skándalo, Súper Nova and Vangelis.^[4]

Dragón Rojo, Jr.

Diamante Negro was scheduled to team with Último Guerrero in the 2008 version of CMLL's Gran Alternativa tournament, but in July 2008 it was officially announced that he had changed names and would from then on work as "Dragón Rojo, Jr.", taking the name of his grandfather "Dragón Rojo".^[5][6] The new gimmick and mask was noted as bearing a striking resemblance to an animated character of the same name on the show Los Campeones de la Lucha Libre.^[7] Dragón Rojo, Jr. and Guerrero won the 2008 Gran Alternativa beating the teams of Shocker and Ángel Azteca, Jr., Blue Panther and Axel and in the finals defeating Dos Caras, Jr. and Metalik.^[8] The win was seen as an indication that CMLL had plans to move Dragón Rojo, Jr. up the card. On August 9, 2008 Dragón Rojo won his biggest "Luchas de Apuestas" match to date as he won the mask of rival Mictlán, forcing him to unmask and reveal his real name as per Lucha Libre traditions.^[9]

In December 2008 Dragón Rojo, Jr. won a "#1 Contenders" match and thus earned a shot at the Mexican National Welterweight Championship held by Sangre Azteca.^[10] The title match ended in a double count out leaving Sangre Azteca the champion but showing that Dragón Rojo, Jr. was not easily defeated.^[11] After the draw Dragón Rojo, Jr. and Sangre Azteca began teaming together, often with Black Warrior as the third man, quickly forming a trio called Poder Mexica (Spanish for "Mexican Power").The group saw mixed success around Mexico but remained undefeated in Arena Mexico, CMLL's main venue and soon earned a shot at the Mexican National Trios Championship held by El Sagrado, La Sombra and Volador, Jr.. Poder Mexica won the title in their first attempt, defeating the champions on February 3, 2009.^[12] In March, 2009 Misterioso, Jr. took the place of Black Warrior in several matches in Mexico City and later became an official member of Poder Mexica.^[13] At the 2009 Homenaje a Dos Leyendas show Dragón Rojo, Jr. Sangre Azteca and Misteriosos Jr. lost to CMLL World Trios Champions Héctor Garza, La Máscara and El Hijo del Fantasma.^[14] On December 19, 2009 it was announced by the Comisión de Box y Lucha Libre Mexico D.F. that Poder Mexica had been stripped of the Mexican National Trios title because Black Warrior had left CMLL, breaking up the team. At the same time they announced an eight team tournament to crown a new trios champion. The top half of the bracket took place on December 22, 2009 and the bottom half of the bracket took place on December 29. In the top bracket the team of Mascara Dorada, Stuka, Jr. and Metro qualifed for the finals.^[15] The bottom bracket took place on December 29, 2009 and saw Poder Mexica (Azteca, Rojo, Jr. and Misterioso, Jr.) defeat Fabian El Gitano, Máximo and Rouge and then Delta, Leono and Valiente to qualify for the final.^[16] On January 6, 2010 Mascara Dorada, Stuka, Jr. and Metro defeated Poder Mexica to become the new Mexican National Trios Champions.^[17] On November 2, 2010, Dragón Rojo, Jr. replaced an injured Atlantis and teamed with Último Guerrero to defeat Mr. Águila and Héctor Garza for the CMLL World Tag Team Championship.^[18] After the match Rojo, Jr. announced that he was leaving Poder Mexica and joining Los Guerreros de la Atlantida.^[19] On December 10 Dragón Rojo, Jr. defeated Maximo, La Máscara, La Sombra and Volador, Jr. in singles matches to advance to the finals of the 2010 Copa Jr.^[20] On December 25 he defeated Averno in the finals to win the tournament.^[21] On November 18, 2011, Rojo, Jr. defeated Jushin Liger to win the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, making him a double champion.^[22]

Personal life

Dragón Rojo, Jr. has a college degree in physical education and has taught physical education at the primary school of Ejido Luján, in Gómez Palacio, Durango.^[3] He is also one of CMLL's "ambassadors" in their campaign against Tuberculosis, raising awareness and money for the fight against the disease.^[23]

In wrestling

• Finishing moves

• Patadas Laguneras / Diamante Kick (Front dropkick to an opponent suspended in the ropes, after jumping over the ropes onto the apron)

• Signature moves

• Diving leg drop, sometimes to an opponent suspended in the ropes
• La Cavernaria (Modified surfboard)
• Powerbomb

Championships and accomplishments

• Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre

• CMLL World Middleweight Championship (1 time, current)^[22]
• CMLL World Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – with Último Guerrero^[18]
• CMLL "Revelation" of the year: 2009^[24]
• Mexican National Trios Championship (1 time) – with Sangre Azteca and Black Warrior
• Copa Jr. (2010)^[21]
• Torneo Gran Alternativa (2008) – with Último Guerrero^[25]

• Pro Wrestling Illustrated

• PWI ranked him #253 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2011^[26]

Lucha de Apuesta record

See also: Luchas de Apuestas

Wager	Winner	Loser	Location	Date	Notes
Hair	Diamante Negro	Tackle	Gómez Palacio, Durango	02007-09-23 September 23, 2007	[2]
Hair	Diamante Negro	Guerrero	Gómez Palacio, Durango	2007	[2]
Mask	Dragón Rojo Jr.	Mictlán	Mexico City, Mexico	02008-08-29 August 29, 2008	[2]

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g} ESTO Staff (2007-11-09). "A pulir el Diamante" (in Spanish). Esto. http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n482966.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d e f} "Rudos - Dragón Rojo, Jr." (in Spanish). Fuego en el ring. http://www.fuegoenelring.com/wrestlers_full_rudo.php?wrestlers_id=50. Retrieved October 17, 2009. 
3. ^ ^{a b c d e} El Siglo staff (2007-09-03). "Se "pule" para brillar" (in Spanish). El Siglo de Torrerón. http://www.elsiglodetorreon.com.mx/noticia/301681.se-pule-para-brillar.html. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
4. ^ Box y Lucha staff (2008-05-08). "Generación del 75" (in Spanish). Box y Lucha. http://www.boxylucha.com/luchalibre/noticias/cmll/154-generacion-del-75.html. Retrieved 2009-04-10. ^{[dead link]}
5. ^ "El nuevo luchador presentado por el CMLL" (in Spanish). Super Luchas Magazine. July, 2009. http://superluchas.net/?p=5864. Retrieved 2008-04-10. 
6. ^ Alfredo Ascencio (2008-07-18). "Presume CMLL triunfo en TNA" (in Spanish). Esto. http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n775989.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
7. ^ Jorge Ocampo Alcazar. "Dragón Rojo Jr. y su película" (in Spanish). Super Luchas magazine. http://superluchas.net/?p=5883. Retrieved 2009-04-10. ^{[dead link]}
8. ^ "Gran Alternativa Tournament #14". ProWrestlingHistory.com. http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/emll/grand.html#14. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
9. ^ Gonzalo Camarillo (2008-08-09). "Funcion Candente!" (in Spanish). Ovaciones (Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V.): p. 19. Número 21311 Año LXI. http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/09082008/2008080901/en/?page=23. Retrieved 2009-04-07. 
10. ^ Irene Norm (2008-12-19). ""¡Sangre Azteca, prepárate, porque voy a ser campeón!": Dragón Rojo" (in Spanish). Box y Lucha magazine. http://www.boxylucha.com/luchalibre/noticias/cmll/312-sangre-azteca-preparate-porque-voy-a-ser-campeon-Dragón-rojo.html. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
11. ^ "Sangre Azteca lo logró Retuvo su cetro ante Dragón Rojo Jr" (in Spanish). Esto. 2008-12-17. http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n973129.htm. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
12. ^ Arturo Rosas Plata (2009-02-04). "Mexicas, astutos" (in Spanish). Ovaciones (Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V.): p. 24. Número 21488 Año LXII. http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/04022009/2009020401/en/?page=24. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
13. ^ Arturo Rosas Plata (2009-03-10). "Misteriosos se une al Poder Mexica" (in Spanish). Ovaciones (Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V.): p. 18. Número 21522 Año LXII. http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/10032009/2009031001/en/?page=18. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
14. ^ Arturo Rosas Plata (2009-03-21). "Venganza lagunera!" (in Spanish). Ovaciones (Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V.): p. 21. Número 21533 Año LXII. http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/21032009/2009032101/en/?page=21. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
15. ^ "Se ilusionan con el cetro" (in Spanish). Esto - OEM Enlina. December 23, 2009. http://www.oem.com.mx/esto/notas/n1452281.htm. Retrieved January 7, 2010. 
16. ^ Ruiz Glez, Alex (December 31, 2009). "El Poder Mexica es el segundo finalista por el Campeonato Nacional de Tercias" (in Spanish). SuperLuchas Magazine. http://superluchas.net/2009/12/31/el-poder-mexica-es-el-segundo-finalista-por-el-campeonato-nacional-de-tercias/. Retrieved January 7, 2010. 
17. ^ José Domingo Flores (January 7, 2010). "Nuevo Reyes!" (in Spanish) (PDF). Ovaciones (Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V.): p. 24. Número 21822 Año LXII. http://mianoticias.com.mx/miaeditorial/ovaciones/07012010/pdf/07012010.pdf#page=24. Retrieved January 7, 2010. ^{[dead link]}
18. ^ ^{a b} Ruiz Glez, Alex (November 2, 2010). "Arena Coliseo (resultados 2 de noviembre) Último Guerrero y Dragón Rojo Jr. nuevos campeones mundiales de parejas del CMLL" (in Spanish). SuperLuchas Magazine. http://superluchas.net/2010/11/02/arena-coliseo-resultados-2-de-noviembre-ultimo-guerrero-y-dragon-rojo-jr-nuevos-campeones-mundiales-de-parejas-del-cmll/. Retrieved November 3, 2010. 
19. ^ "La Oportunidad se presentó y fue para mí…" (in Spanish). El Pancracio. http://www.elpancracio.com.mx/2290883/2291030.html. Retrieved November 7, 2010. 
20. ^ Ruiz Glez, Alex (December 14, 2010). "Video: Dragón Rojo Jr. gana la primera eliminatoria de la Copa Jr." (in Spanish). SuperLuchas Magazine. http://superluchas.net/2010/12/14/video-dragon-rojo-jr-gana-la-primera-eliminatoria-de-la-copa-jr/. Retrieved December 26, 2010. 
21. ^ ^{a b} Ruiz Glez, Alex (December 26, 2010). "Arena México (resultados sábado 25 de diciembre) Dragón Rojo es el ganador de la Copa Jr." (in Spanish). SuperLuchas Magazine. http://superluchas.net/2010/12/26/arena-mexico-resultados-sabado-25-de-diciembre-dragon-rojo-es-el-ganador-de-la-copa-jr/. Retrieved December 26, 2010. 
22. ^ ^{a b} González, Fernando (2011-11-19). "Dragón Rojo Jr., nuevo Campeón peso Medio del CMLL" (in Spanish). Récord. http://www.record.com.mx/tmf/2011-11-19/dragon-rojo-jr-nuevo-campeon-peso-medio-del-cmll. Retrieved 2011-11-20. 
23. ^ Arturo Rosas Plata (2009-02-22). "Dragón Rojo embajador de la salud" (in Spanish). Ovaciones (Mexico, D.F.: Editorial Ovaciones, S. A. de C.V.): p. 18. Número 21506 Año LXII. http://itecor.v1.myvirtualpaper.com/22022009/2009022201/en/?page=18. Retrieved 2009-04-10. 
24. ^ Ruiz Glez, Alex. "Termina la votación para lo mejor del CMLL en el 2009 – Volador Jr. el más popular" (in Spanish). SuperLuchas Magazine. http://superluchas.net/2010/02/18/termina-la-votacion-para-lo-mejor-del-cmll-en-el-2009-volador-jr-el-mas-popular/. 
25. ^ "CMLL Gran Alternativa #14". ProWrestlingHistory.com. July 18, 2008. http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/mexico/emll/grand.html#14. Retrieved September 3, 2009. 
26. ^ ""PWI 500": 201–300". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. 2011-08-05. http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/08/pwi-500-201-300.html. Retrieved 2011-08-05. 

External links

Professional wrestling portal

Persondata
Name	Dragon Rojo Jr
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	November 3, 1982
Place of birth	Gómez Palacio, Coahuila, Mexico
Date of death
Place of death