Openly gay drag wrestler Cassandro set to appear in the UK this weekend
Openly gay Lucha Libre wrestler and three-time world champion Cassandro will be appearing in the UK this week.
The 47-years-old, whose real name is Saúl Armendáriz, is making his comeback to the ring after struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Mexican Lucha Libre Wrestler Cassandro poses for a portrait in London, England. (Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)
“I’m an Exotico which means a flamboyant wrestler, and I’m gay as well,” Cassandro told Metro.
Exotico’s are male wrestlers that dress in drag depicting gay caricatures.
While most Exotico wrestlers are straight, Cassandro was one of the first to come out as gay.
“I love my style and I’ve been fighting for LGBTQ rights for many years.
“I struggled a lot at the beginning wrestling in Mexico in such a macho sport, it was a really tough road with a lot of tears, but my passion keeps me going.
“Being gay for me now is a gift from God, I get to be a role model and mentor for many others to give people some courage.”
While at the height of his career Cassandro struggled with drug and alcohol abuse.
However after confronting his demons in 2003, he has now been sober for more than decade.
Cassandro still proudly attends sobriety meetings and even teaches young aspiring Exotico wrestlers in Mexico.
Lucha Libre wrestling is the signature style of professional wrestling in Mexico and is incredibly popular in Latin America.
Even some WWE wrestling stars will be making an appearance, with many of the biggest names in the sport on the tour.
The tour is scheduled to do two nights in London’s York Hall this week.
