Lucha libre in Mexico is in mourning following the passing of a true legend, Scorpio Jr., whose career left an indelible mark on fans and colleagues alike, especially in the AAA promotion. Rafael Núñez, known in the ring as Scorpio Jr., died on November 7, 2024, at the age of 58, leaving a void in the hearts of the wrestling community.
Born on October 11, 1966, in Mexico City, Scorpio Jr. came from a wrestling family. His father, the legendary “Scorpio,” initially discouraged him from pursuing the sport. However, young Núñez joined the National Institute of Sport at 14 and later trained under Rafael Salamanca, eventually debuting in 1985. Adopting the ring name Scorpio Jr. in honor of his father’s legacy, he quickly made a name for himself in Mexico’s top professional wrestlers.
Scorpio Jr. was a staple in promotions such as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), and International Wrestling Revolution Group (IWRG). He was also part of famous factions like Los Guapos and Los Talibanes, leaving his mark with fellow wrestlers Emilio Charles Jr. and Bestia Salvaje.
Throughout his career, Scorpio Jr. won numerous titles, including the CMLL World Tag Team Championship and the IWRG Rey del Ring tournament in 2008. He was known for his skill, charisma, and unforgettable rivalries, including high-profile mask and hair matches that became a hallmark of his career. Other names he went by in his wrestling career are: El Bandido, Imágen, Red Scorpion, Sadam, Scorpio Jr.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow wrestlers, all of whom remember him as a true pioneer of the sport. Despite his legendary status, Scorpio Jr. was a humble figure who always placed family first, even as his two sons followed in his footsteps in Olympic wrestling.
The legacy of Scorpio Jr. will live on in the ring, and his contributions to lucha libre will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Scorpio Jr.
