Ian Muhlig

Hola a todos!

Anytime this blogger on this blog shares a post about a wrestler, it is with dignity and respect.  It's never been about drama but what he sees as a positive in sports entertainment which pro wrestling or Lucha Libre is.

This fan has never seen one of Peru's greats in Ian Muhlig live in a ring.  Yes, I've seen him on You Tube as well as Facebook reels and videos.  One can say that he's one of the best ever to put the boots on and perform for the fans in Lima.

For those not aware, Ian was defeated by Gladiadores Peru's Gran Campeon, Mansilla, last Saturday night at the Danzak Arena in Surquillo (Lima).  Gladiversario MMXXVI was the name of the event and is Gladiadores top show of the year.

The match itself was known as a "Title versus Career" match, very similar to the recent Cena vs. Gunther and Styles vs. Gunther matches in WWE.  This post is not so much about the recent match, but his success in the ring.   

Ian, according to Cagematch, was trained by Apocalipsis, Caoz and Kaiser, definitely three great and quality wrestlers themselves.  He began his career in October 2008 and has never looked back.  

Over his 17+ years in the squared circle, he wrestled in just over 100 matches.  He won the Maximo and Tag Team titles with his tag team partner, TVK in a former promotion known as Leader Wrestling Association.  It's noted here that Ian and TVK (known as Clase Dinero y Poder) were the first winners of the belts.  They defeated Chris Hero and Claudio Castagnoli, two very familiar names in pro wrestling history.  The team held the titles for nearly one year and were very active defending it on six occasions.

Looking over all of his matches, this blogger wouldn't know what was his biggest one.  Definitely winning back-to-back Copa Viva Mexico Battle Royals in 2024 and 2025 would definitely be huge.  Battle Royals can bring out the best in any competition and Ian never lacked the confidence there.

A friend of mine in Peru mentioned a bit to me about his beginnings when he spoke to the fans after the match last Saturday.  The fact that he shared anything in an emotional moment spoke volumes.  The fact that his son was there at the show was really cool.  What followed when he was exchanging hugs with his peers was even more emotional, even to someone who never saw him live!  

If Ian's final match was one that he accepted, and left on his own terms, that is great.  In the sports and sports entertainment world of ours, that doesn't always happen.  However, those who were in attendance Saturday night will see something they may not see again.

Congratulations Ian on your retirement.