Komander (born December 15, 1998) is a Mexican luchador enmascarado (masked professional wrestler), signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He additionally wrestles for AEW's Mexican partner promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA), where he is a former one-time AAA World Cruiserweight Champion and one-time AAA World Tag Team Champion.

Komander
Komander in 2018
Born (1998-12-15) December 15, 1998 (age 25)[1]
Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)Aracno
Komander
Komander CR
Billed height1.66 m (5 ft 5+12 in)
Billed weight73 kg (161 lb)
Billed fromReynosa, Tamaulipas[1]
Trained byBlack Shadow Jr.
Nacho Zapata
Super Chucky
Debut2012

Komander debuted in 2012, competing for local Reynosa-based promotions. He would later begin appearing for notable promotions in Mexico such as Lucha Memes, MDA Lucha Libre, War City Wrestling, and AAA. In 2022, he began wrestling in the United States, notably for Game Changer Wrestling,[2] before signing with the U.S.-based AEW promotion in 2023.

In wrestling, he is known for his complex high-flying maneuvers, which has earned him the nickname "El As del Espacio" (meaning "The Ace of Space"). In Mexico, he uses a theme song named titled ¿Quién anda ahí? ("Who's there?"), which he rapped and produced himself.

Professional wrestling career

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Mexican independent circuit (2012–present)

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Komander started training early for a first-generation wrestler – stating in one interview that he started practicing his signature rope walk at age 12.[3] He made his debut in 2012, working matches in his hometown Reynosa, as well as in Rio Bravo, Matamoros, and Parras de la Fuente.[1] He wrestled in all three of the big venues in Reynosa, Arena Juba, Arena Deportivo Reynosa (formerly Arena el Angel), and most importantly Arena Coliseo Reynosa. He was quickly booked by War City Wrestling (War City), a regional wrestling promotion based in Reynosa.[1] In War City, Komander became regarded as a highly skilled flying wrestler known for his various complex and creative "rope tricks".[4][5]

In 2014, he formed the group Reyes del Aire del Reynosa with Rey Astral and Magnifico,[1] later winning the War City Trios Championship the following year. In 2015, Komander and Ronaldinho feuded over the War City Cruiserweight Championship.[5] On October 4, 2015, he defeated Ronaldinho in a Mask vs. Hair match to retain the Cruiserweight title. He would later lose the title to Ronaldinho.

In 2017, Komander decided to focus full time on being a wrestler and started looking for bookings all over Mexico, expanding out of the Reynosa area.[6] In May, Komander made his Mexico City debut after being discovered by the Lucha Memes promotion. He lost his debut match for the promotion, being defeated by Eterno in Arena Coliseo Coacalco.[7] He continued to wrestle for Lucha Memes in 2018. On June 3, Komander faced Iron Kid in a match on a Lucha Memes event that ended in a no-contest[8] as Komander needed medical attention.[9]

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Komander began wrestling in Monterrey, taking part in events promoted by Monterrey-based promotions such as MDA Lucha Libre and Kaoz Lucha Libre among others. In 2019, he took part in a torneo cibernetico elimination match as part of the Battle of Naucalpan show, co-promoted by Lucha Memes and MexaWrestling.

In August 2020, he participated in Kaoz Lucha Libre's Luchando por un Sueño tournament, in which he was teamed with Dulce Canela. The team made it to the finals of the tournament where they were defeated by the team of Emperador Azteca and Zeuxis.[10] On November 15, Komander made his debut for the International Wrestling Revolution Group (IWRG), one of the major promotions in Mexico.[11]

In early 2021, Komander joined Big Lucha, a gym and promotion run by fellow professional wrestler Bandido.[12] On June 20, at a Kaoz Lucha Libre and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide co-promoted event at Estadio Mobil Super, Komander defeated Toxin, Villano III Jr., Charro Negro, and Dinamico in a five-way match to win the Kaoz Junior Cruiserweight Championship.[13] At a Big Lucha event on August 29, Komander suffered a knee ligament injury during a match with Emperador Azteca.[14] After undergoing successful surgery, it was announced he would be out of action for the rest of the year. However, he would end up returning early from injury, wrestling his return match in mid-November.[15]

On June 2, 2022, he would lose the Kaoz Junior Cruiserweight Championship to Dinamico during a six-way match at IWRG's Villanos vs. Brazos event.[16]

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2015; 2019–present)

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Komander made his Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) debut in 2015, wrestling in a dark match during a AAA Sin Limite taping in his hometown of Reynosa.[17]

Komander was intended to make his official debut for AAA on June 9, 2019 in Monterrey but was replaced by another wrestler for unknown reasons. The following month on July 21, he wrestled a match for Pro Wrestling Mexico, AAA's Monterrey-based promotional partner. Komander made his AAA television debut on August 10 in Saltillo, teaming with Eclipse Jr. and Lady Shani to defeat Villano III Jr., Australian Suicide, and La Hiedra.[18]

On July 2, 2021, at Verano de Escándalo in Tequisquiapan, Querétaro, Komander made his first appearance on a AAA major event, participating in the Trofeo Alas de Oro match, which was won by El Hijo del Vikingo.[19] After Verano de Escándalo, Komander began receiving more frequent bookings from AAA, going from appearing for the promotion once every few months to wrestling on most AAA televised events.[20] On April 30, 2022, at Triplemanía XXX: Monterrey, Komander teamed with Sexy Star II in a four-way mixed tag team match for the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship, which was won by Tay Conti and Sammy Guevara.[21] On August 20, at Saltillomania, Komander teamed up with Aero Star and Baby Extreme to defeat Argenis, La Parka Negra, and Villano III Jr.[22]

On April 16, 2023, at Triplemanía XXXI: Monterrey, Komander participated in the main event four-way match, which was won by AAA Mega Champion Hijo del Vikingo. On May 20, Komander and Arez defeated Rey Horus and Octagón Jr. and Jack Evans and Myzteziz Jr. in a four-way tag team match during a television taping to win the vacant AAA World Tag Team Championship.

United States independent circuit (2022–present)

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Komander made his United States debut on June 18, 2022, for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) at their New York City event You Wouldn’t Understand, participating in a seven-way scramble match.[23][24] The following day in Providence, Rhode Island, at I Never Liked You, he would team up with Ciclope and Miedo Extremo in a losing effort against ASF, Drago Kid, and Gringo Loco.[25] On June 30, he was one of the competitors in the Bunkhouse Battle Royal match at the Ric Flair's Last Match event, which was won by Mance Warner.[26] Komander would return to GCW the following month, losing to Tony Deppen on July 15 at No Signal In The Hills 2 in Los Angeles.[27] Two days later, at the Back To The Bay event, he would lose to Gringo Loco.[28]

On July 29 at GCW's The People vs. GCW event, Komander would team with Laredo Kid and ASF, in a losing effort against Black Taurus, Gringo Loco, and Jack Cartwheel.[29] On August 18 and 19, he competed in the West Coast Cup tournament organized by West Coast Pro Wrestling. In the first round, he would defeat Midas Kreed, and then advance directly to the semi-final due to his quarter-final opponent Vinnie Massaro being unable to compete due to injury. He was eliminated in the semi-final by Starboy Charlie.[30][31]

Throughout 2022 and early 2023, he appeared for the Ohio-based Absolute Intense Wrestling, the Chicago-based GALLI Lucha Libre, and the Corpus Christi-based 3Bat Promotions groups.[32]

All Elite Wrestling / Ring of Honor (2023–present)

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On March 1, 2023, Komander debuted for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), taking part in the Face of the Revolution ladder match, which was won by Powerhouse Hobbs. Komander made his debut for AEW's sister promotion Ring of Honor (ROH), on March 31 at Supercard of Honor, challenging El Hijo del Vikingo, for the AAA Mega Championship in a losing effort.[33] On April 19, AEW founder and co-owner Tony Khan announced that Komander had signed with AEW.

Japan (2022–present)

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Komander appeared for Gleat on October 9, 2022 during the promotion's Ver. Extra event in Korakuen Hall, marking his Japanese debut.[34] At the event, he teamed with Bandido to defeat the team of Kaz Hayashi and Soma Watanabe.[35]

Championships and accomplishments

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Luchas de Apuestas record

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Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Komander (mask) Ronaldinho (hair) Reynosa, Tamaulipas Arena Coliseo Reynosa October 4, 2015 [note 1]
Komander (mask) Mini Espiritu (hair) Zacatecas Ruleta de la Muerte April 2, 2017

Notes

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  1. ^ Komander's War City Cruiserweight Championship was also on the line during this match.

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f "Komander". WrestlingData. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  2. ^ "Luchará el Komander en casa". El Mañana (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  3. ^ Barrasso, Justin (March 8, 2023). "Komander Has Been Working on This Star-Making Move for Half His Life". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  4. ^ Gamboa, Alberto (July 13, 2017). "Komander, consentido de la afición" [Komander, preferred by the fans]. El Mañana (in Spanish). Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  5. ^ a b Galván, Felipe (November 15, 2017). "Komander, el nuevo ídolo de la Coliseo" [Komander, the new idol of the Coliseum]. laprensa.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  6. ^ Gamboa, Alberto (January 23, 2017). "Komander: Este es mi ano" [Komander: This is my year]. El Mañana (in Spanish). Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  7. ^ "Komander >> Matches >> 2017". CageMatch. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  8. ^ "Komander >> Matches >> 2018". CageMatch. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  9. ^ "Iron Kid vs Komander, en Lucha Memes - Día del aficionado" [Iron Kid vs Komander, at Lucha Memes - Fan Day]. Lucha+ (in Spanish). June 15, 2018. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  10. ^ Lucha, Mas (August 7, 2020). "Kaoz Lucha Libre tendrá torneo Luchando por un Sueño". Más Lucha (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  11. ^ "Posters". luchadb. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  12. ^ "Komander con fe de que arrasará a sus oponentes en la arena del Bandido's Gym". www.elgrafico.mx (in Spanish). Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  13. ^ "AAA/KAOZ". Cagematch. June 20, 2021. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  14. ^ Lucha, Mas (August 30, 2021). "Komander sufrió una ruptura de ligamento en el tobillo". Más Lucha (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  15. ^ "MEXA WRESTLING (SAT) 11/13/2021 Arena San Juan Pantitlan, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, Estado de México". luchadb. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  16. ^ "IWRG Villanos Vs. Brazos!". Cagematch. June 2, 2022. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  17. ^ "Komander >> Matches >> 2015". CageMatch. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  18. ^ "AAA Saltillo" (in Spanish). Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  19. ^ Lucha, Mas (July 4, 2021). "Resultados Verano de Escándalo Triple A". Más Lucha (in Mexican Spanish). Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  20. ^ "Komander: Profile & Match Listing - Internet Wrestling Database (IWD)". www.profightdb.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  21. ^ Carlins, Matthew (April 27, 2022). "AAA Triplemanía XXX: Monterrey (2022) Card, Start Time, How To Watch". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  22. ^ "AAA Results: SaltilloMania – Saltillo, Mexico (8/20)". www.wrestling-news.net. August 23, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  23. ^ Wolstanholme, Danny (June 18, 2022). "GCW You Wouldn't Understand 2022 Results (6/18) – Jon Moxley Defends The GCW World Title". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  24. ^ "Komander Announced For GCW Events This Saturday & Sunday". www.wrestling-news.net. June 13, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  25. ^ "GCW I Never Liked You Results (6/19/22): Will Ospreay And More". Wrestlezone. June 19, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  26. ^ Beaston, Erik. "Ric Flair Last Match Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction, Highlights from Starrcast V". Bleacher Report. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  27. ^ "GCW No Signal In The Hills 2 Results (7/15/22): Joey Janela, EFFY, More". Wrestlezone. July 16, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  28. ^ Wolstanholme, Danny (July 17, 2022). "GCW Back 2 The Bay 2022 Results (7/17) – Fatu & Juicy Finau/Los Mazisos Main Event". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  29. ^ Wolstanholme, Danny (July 29, 2022). "GCW: The People Vs. GCW Results (7/29) – Moxley/Blake Christian For The GCW Title". WrestlingInc.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  30. ^ "411MANIA". West Coast Pro West Coast Cup Night 1 Results: Jacob Fatu Defends Heavyweight Title. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  31. ^ "West Coast Pro West Coast Cup Night Two Results (8/19): West Coast Cup Champion Crowned | Fightful News". www.fightful.com. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  32. ^ "CAGEMATCH » Wrestlers Database » Komander » Matches". Cagematch. Retrieved August 25, 2022.
  33. ^ Williams, Suit (March 31, 2023). "ROH Supercard of Honor live results: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Eddie Kingston". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  34. ^ Valdés, Apolo (August 25, 2022). "Bandido y Komander viajarán a Japón con GLEAT | Superluchas". superluchas.com (in Spanish). Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  35. ^ "GLEAT Ver. EX". Cagematch. Retrieved October 13, 2022.
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