He launched “Survivor” and boxing competition series “The Contender,” among other reality series, and now Mark Burnett is turning to the popular Mexican sport of Lucha Libre wrestling.
The reality show will follow wrestlers in the sport, known for its colorful masks, from Mexican wrestling promotion Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) and the growing American independent Lucha Libre circuit.
In this exclusive preview clip (above), Burnett and his fellow showrunners take viewers behind the scenes and into the ring as colorfully masked wrestlers pummel and body slam each other. They also delve into the history of the sport, which is a huge phenomenon in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries.
Diego Gutierrez, executive producer, said: “Lucha is legendary – it’s an extraordinary combination of artistry and athleticism with an explosive combat style that has evolved over centuries, its origins shrouded in mystery. But one thing that is certain is that this intense, high-flying wrestling tradition will bring viewers to their feet and will be like nothing else on television.”
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The roster of wrestlers featured on the show will include 20 male wrestlers and 5 female wrestlers, some of whom will get in the ring with the guys, which executive producers predict may shock American audiences who aren’t used to the sport.
“The athleticism of el luchadores is going to completely surprise the audience,” Burnett says in the clip.
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“Lucha Underground” is produced by One Three Media in association with FactoryMade Ventures for El Rey Network. Executive producers are Mark Burnett, Eric Van Wagenen (also showrunner) and Brian Edwards of One Three Media; Dorian Roldán from Lucha Libre AAA; Alejandro Garcia and Antonio Cué Sánchez-Navarro; El Rey Network co-founder Robert Rodriguez; and FactoryMade Ventures and El Rey Network co-founders John Fogelman and Cristina Patwa. The series will be distributed internationally by One Three Media.
“Lucha Underground” will premiere on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. ET on El Rey Network.