Black Tiger holds a significant place in professional wrestling history. First appearing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as an adversary to the iconic Tiger Mask, Black Tiger has been a staple in the promotion since the 1980s. While rare outside New Japan, today’s pro wrestling environment allows characters like Black Tiger to surface in various global promotions.
The current iteration of Black Tiger, formerly known as Magnus, now performs in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and has appeared with Major League Wrestling (MLW). This marks the ninth version of the character.
“It’s very important because it’s not just about me. It’s my company, CMLL, but I also have the opportunity to be Black Tiger,” he said. “At some point, I need to represent my culture, Lucha Libre in CMLL, but also I need to represent New Japan Pro-Wrestling.”
Black Tiger emphasized the importance of his role during an interview with OutKick Dropkick. Representing a legendary Lucha Libre figure carries significance beyond personal achievement. He must balance his responsibilities to CMLL and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Being a second-generation professional wrestler, Black Tiger feels a duty to uphold the traditions set by predecessors like Mark Rocco and Eddie Guerrero. He acknowledges names like these in the business and stresses the importance of constant training and readiness for opportunities across MLW, CMLL, and New Japan.
As part of the tag team Los Depredadores with Rugido, Black Tiger holds the Mexican National Tag Team Championship in CMLL. This title adds to his prestige, yet he understands there is more to do to cement Black Tiger as a recognizable name in pro wrestling. His ambition includes spreading the name globally, leveraging technologies like the internet to reach new audiences.
“I want to do everything,” he said. “For me, the first step is to get the Black Tiger name around the world, in the best companies.”
Black Tiger aims to expand his presence further. He wants to take the character beyond traditional wrestling hotspots, considering potential appearances in Canada or Australia. His strategy involves adapting the styles of previous Black Tigers, aiming to craft a unique identity while honoring the past.
The character’s history from Japan’s pro wrestling to Lucha Libre’s current scene provides a rich tapestry of influences. He plans to showcase different elements of past Black Tigers in his matches, blending their legacy with his style. His gratitude to New Japan for this opportunity remains strong as he navigates these challenges.
Previously wrestling under the name Magnus, he competed in MLW and participated in major events like the Battle Riot. With new ambitions as Black Tiger, he plans to make a notable impact on the MLW roster, leaving a legacy that spans continents and organizations.
The next chapter of his journey starts Saturday night as Black Tiger and Ultimo Guerrero face Templario and Titan in a tag team showdown at MLW’s Saturday Night SuperFight. The pay-per-view will broadcast on Veeps, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
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