Retired wrestler reflects on his career

Ramon Najera spent 35 years wrestling lucha libre. He is now retired and living in Downey.

DOWNEY – Ramon Najera, a 30-year resident of Downey, competed for more than 35 years on the lucha libre pro wrestling circuit. 

“I wrestled primarily in tag team action as a masked villain and really enjoyed my time in the ring,” explained Najera. 

Najera’s team occasionally wrestled in Mexico against the likes of superstars such as Konnan and Rey Mysterio Jr., but mostly worked in the talent laden Los Angeles wrestling scene. 
Former professional wrestler Alex Knight saw the team wrestle numerous times. 

“Ramon and his teammate were relatively small in size but they were one of the most hated duos in Southern California,” Knight remembered. “Their team was very original and controversial.” 

The team never really got the necessary push from promoters to make it to the next level in the pro wrestling business. 

“We worked well as a duo and really got the fans angry at us,” laughed Najera. “People came to see us lose.” 

Today, Najera’s pride and joy is his 1926 Chrysler. 

“I pretty much restored the vehicle by myself,” he said. “The car has appeared in parades, including the South Gate holiday festival.” 

This story was written by Downey resident Ed Ahrens.