The legend grows. But unfortunately for the great people of Mexico, even their WWE-created folk hero couldn’t help El Tri overcome a quick two-goal deficit to England, even on the Azteca Stadium pitch where they’ve been nigh-unbeatable over the years, and where the Three Lions lost one of football/soccer’s most famous games at the 1986 World Cup.
It was still quite something to see El Grande Americano — a “legendary luchador” who didn’t exist two years ago, and certainly wouldn’t have been leading contingent of in front of 80,000+ in Mexico City last night (July 5) — had WWE not purchased Lucha Libre AAA last year.
That chant, “Y, si, si”, is the catchphrase that’s grown in popularity during Mexico’s 2026 World Cup run. It roughly translates to “what if we do?”, and seems to be catching on as a broader national slogan. Fitting then that it should be led by a luchador who’s caught on in Mexico and around the wrestling world, despite the character’s roots (and the open secret he’s portrayed by German Ludwig Kaiser).
That wasn’t all Americano was doing (when not plotting revenge against the new Perros Del Mal stable that ruined Mexico’s celebration of his victory over Chad Gable to claim sole possession of the EGA name and mask) at Azteca Stadium Sunday. He was shown multiple times on gloabl broadcasts, along with other celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Woody Harrelson, and Chris Rock who were attending the match in rainy East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Along with girlfriend Andrea Bazarte, EGA celebrated Mexico’s goal before halftime to cut England’s lead in half and set up a thrilling final 56 minutes…
But alas, Mexico wasn’t able to pull off the historic comeback and upset. Grande Americano still wants the team and the Mexican people know that they should be proud.
Hey, the Knicks lost when Danhausen was in the Garden too. There’s no shame in that.
What do you make of this new chapter in the EGA legend?
