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Mexican wrestling entertainer Tigre Uno made his debut in Miami in a show in which he defeated current TNA champion Manik.

Tigre Uno made his official presentation inside the ring of American wrestling and kicked off his career with an explosive performance. He’s scheduled to perform again in the coming months, and Los Angeles is one of the cities he’ll be visiting.

In an exclusive for Living Out Loud, Tigre Uno sat down with us and discussed his life in and out of the ring, and about his exploits in the Mexican wrestling scene, and being mentored by the legendary Rey Misterio.

Living Out Loud: Tell us about your beginnings.
Tigre Uno: I began training in 1997, when I was 16 years old. I had to put it on hold for school reasons, but I got back into it and debuted at a small event in Tijuana in September 1998. I continued to participate in bigger events and eventually worked with an extreme wrestling company called MGX. Little by little, I managed to make my way into the biggest wrestling entertainment company, AAA. I was with them for 6 years, and eventually was named “Rey de Reyes” (King of Kings). I had to leave AAA, and so I began making my appearances independently, and spent the better part of 2013 participating in events in Los Angeles and New York. That’s how I eventually got my chance to join TNA.

LOL: What about you do you think attracted the attention of TNA?
TU: There’s a lot of competition, in Mexico and everywhere else. The difference between making it to a big company comes in having your own style and getting fans to like you. Thankfully I’ve always had fans throughout my career who’ve supported me, which has opened doors for me. Also my style is very unique.

LOL: How would you define your style?
TU: I would define it as “Extreme Aerial,” and it’s very risky. It requires excellent technique, and I’ve got cat-like reflexes, as well as a great deal of experience. I’m familiar with all styles, but this is my main one.

LOL: Have you invented or developed a move that’s all your own?
TU: People know me for my “Inverted Forfeit Splash” and “The Guillotine,” which consists of placing my opponent on the barrier between the performers and the crowd, and then launching myself onto them from the third rope.

LOL: Are wrestling entertainers born or made?
TU: Technique is very important. The main thing is to love the sport and being in the ring. Anyone can do it with lots of hard work and training, so wrestlers are made. You just have to be born wanting it, and you can get it.

LOL: Despise a wrestler’s skill, experience and physique, do they feel nervous or scared before a show?
TU: I think so, everything’s possible. We’re all human, and can be just as valiant or scared as anyone else. Me personally, before a match, I surrender myself to God as ask for his protection and that nothing really bad happens. But that’s what you prepare for. Nevertheless I do feel a bit nervous, but it all goes away once I’m in the ring due to the adrenaline kicking in and the energy from the crowd. I just take it all in, and that helps me focus on the one thing that’s important – my opponent.

LOL: Why the name “Tigre Uno”?
TU: I’ve always likes felines, and tigers are my favorite. The name represents a new stage of my career, and personal life as well.

LOL: Candidly speaking, which is better, American or Mexican wrestling?
TU: Wrestling is wrestling, no matter where you are. Both enterprises have excellent athletes and I couldn’t tell you one is better than the other. Mexican wrestling is more acrobatic, and also implements more holds. This is one of the main things that made my new venture so appealing – I can now develop a style that mixes elements from both.

LOL: Why did you leave AAA?
TU: My stay there just came to a natural end. I personally wanted to grow more, so I opted for the independent route, and thankfully it paid off. This opportunity presented itself to me and I took it, just as I’ve taken other opportunities in the past. They liked my style and now I’m here.

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