Mexican wrestling icon Hijo del Santo has officially bid farewell to professional Lucha Libre, closing a legendary 43-year career that cemented his place as one of the sport’s greatest figures.
Born Jorge Ernesto Guzmán Rodríguez in 1962, Hijo del Santo inherited the mantle of “El Enmascarado de Plata” from his father, El Santo, the most revered luchador in Mexican history. Debuting in 1982, he carried the silver mask into a new era, becoming a cultural symbol in his own right. Over the decades, he built a reputation for technical mastery, charisma, and fierce rivalries—most notably against Fuerza Guerrera, a feud that spanned more than three decades.
The Final Bell
On December 14, 2025, at Mexico City’s Palacio de los Deportes, Hijo del Santo wrestled his last official match before a crowd of more than 8,000 fans. The atmosphere was electric, with chants of “¡Santo, Santo!” echoing through the arena as the legend entered the ring one final time. His farewell bout saw him team with Último Dragón and La Park against Dr. Wagner Jr. and Texano Jr., securing a symbolic victory that capped his storied career.
The night ended with an emotional tribute: his son, Santo Jr., carried him on his shoulders as the traditional song Las Golondrinas played, marking the end of an era. Fans inside and outside the venue donned silver masks, celebrating not just a wrestler, but a cultural icon whose image transcended the sport.
A Career of Triumphs
Across 43 years, Hijo del Santo competed in countless arenas worldwide, from Mexico to Japan and the United States. He was renowned for his technical style, his signature “La de Caballo” submission hold, and his unwavering defense of the mask tradition. His battles in “luchas de apuesta” (bet matches), where masks or hair were on the line, became legendary moments in wrestling history.
Farewell to a Legend
At 63, Hijo del Santo’s retirement closes a chapter in Mexican wrestling, but his legacy remains indelible. He not only preserved his father’s myth but expanded it, ensuring that the silver mask continues to shine as a symbol of honor, resilience, and Mexican identity.
Source: OEM
