The Pokémon Company is going all out to celebrate the upcoming release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. In a move that blends gaming with Mexican culture, the company has announced a spectacular launch event featuring live lucha libre wrestling inside Arena México. Fans can mark their calendars for September 25 at 6 p.m. PT / 1 a.m. UK time, when the showcase kicks off in Mexico City.
A Night of Wrestling and Pokémon
The event will feature four exciting exhibition matches, with one of the biggest names in lucha libre, Místico, set to appear. Wrestling fans may also remember him from his WWE days, where he performed under the name Sin Cara. This crossover between Pokémon and lucha libre is more than a publicity stunt—it’s a cultural celebration bringing together two worlds of passionate fandom. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster, but fans worldwide can also watch the action live on both the official Pokémon YouTube channel and the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre YouTube channel.
Mega Evolution Reveal: Hawlucha Takes the Spotlight
The timing couldn’t be better, as The Pokémon Company recently revealed a brand-new Mega Evolution for Hawlucha, the wrestling-inspired Pokémon. With enhanced plumage and a design that screams “main event star,” Hawlucha looks like it belongs on the same card as Místico himself. This announcement ensures that the event not only entertains wrestling enthusiasts but also delivers major news for Pokémon trainers eager for fresh content.
Pokémon Legends Z-A Hits Consoles in October
Pokémon Legends: Z-A officially launches on October 16 for both the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch. The game promises big changes to the classic formula, with real-time battles and free-for-all showdowns for up to four players. With lucha libre, mega evolutions, and new gameplay innovations, Pokémon fans have plenty to get excited about.
Why This Matters for Mexico
This collaboration between Pokémon, Nintendo, and CMLL is more than just a marketing stunt—it’s a milestone moment that places Mexico on the international gaming map. The ties between lucha libre and Japanese wrestling go back decades, with Mexican legends like Mil Máscaras influencing Japan’s puroresu scene as early as the 1950s. By the 1990s, cross-trained stars like Gran Hamada created Universal Lucha Libre, blending cultures and leaving a lasting mark on wrestling history.
Today, that same crossover is driving gaming forward. With a combined market of over 255 million people in Mexico and Japan, the opportunities are massive. By spotlighting lucha libre in Pokémon, Nintendo is targeting the 18–25 demographic—a perfect fit for both wrestling and gaming audiences. This move also opens doors for future Gaming Expos in Mexico, boosting the country’s economy while fusing tradition, entertainment, and technology in a groundbreaking way.
