A new P-3 group visa secured by Masked Republic announced this week could lead to a new influx of luchadors hitting the American wrestling scene.
In the 1990s and early 2000s luchadors like Rey Misterio Jr., La Parka, Psicosis, Juventud Guerrera, Super Crazy and more greatly influenced an entire generation of wrestlers. A few years ago it seemed as though a similar influx of luchadors – like the Lucha Brothers and Bandido – were about to have a similar influence on the professional wrestling scene in America.
In the previous four years work visas had become more and more difficult to obtain for international wrestlers, however, and COVID-19 restrictions only made it that much more difficult. Still, a number of luchadors managed to come to America during that time – even some moving to America – and Masked Republic has now managed to secure visas for 50 luchadors.
“The last few years, visas have been very difficult to get and get in a timely manner,” Masked Republic President and COO Kevin Kleinrock said. “Between the White House working to limit visas from Mexico and then COVID, new visas were nearly impossible to come by and even those who had been receiving annual visas for y ears suddenly found themselves with expired visas and no new ones in sight.
“So, that combined with our own need for stacking Expo Lucha conventions with dozens of superstars from Mexico, we knew we had to work this out. Hoepefully we can make this an annual thing for Masked Republic and the talent who works with us for Legends of Lucha Libre will have a path to a visa.”
P-3 group visas are eligible for people that are “coming to the United States either individually or a group for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, coaching or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical theatrical or artistic performance or presentation.”
Masked Republic managed to secure the group visas for the upcoming Legends of Lucha Libre/Expo Lucha convention taking place next year in Philadelphia, PA.
Among the luchadors that Masked Republic has secured visas for are legends like L.A. Park (the original La Parka), Rey Bucanero, Averno, Caristico (the original Mistico), Psicosis, Lady Apache, Damian 666 and Super Crazy along with current lucha libre stars like AAA’s Psycho Clown, Drago and Aerostar and CMLL’s Mistico II and Barbaro Cavernario. Also, young luchadors like L.A. Park Jr., Felino Jr., Astrolux, Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., Arez, Hijo de Octagon, Mr. Iguana, Super Astro Jr. and Aeroboy will be able to come over through this process. Also, Japanese legends Yoshihiro Tajiri, The Great Sasuke and Ultimo Dragon secured visas through this process. The legendary Super Porky/Brazo de Plata was also on the list before passing away this summer.
The approval of the visa comes after months of work and a lot of money spent.
“The Expo Lucha visa was a lot of work. Months and months of work by numerous people and expert attorneys,” Kleinrock said. “We were trying to approach the visa acquisition in a different way than most in pro wrestling and so it was uncharted territory, which took extra work and time.
“Thankfully, we had a great team that worked it all out. The key to it was that Masked Republic had actual business both operating in Mexico and the U.S. and we were able to bring them together for this visa acquisition process. It’s also not a cheap process. Attorneys, government fees, coordinators, it’s a process that will run $10,000 or more.”
While the visa only allows the wrestlers to perform for Masked Republic, that means that they could conceivably work for any promotion that partners with or is affiliated with Expo Lucha/Masked Republic. With promotions all over the country more and more frequently looking for young, exciting wrestlers it could mean that luchadors could either work for national promotions or at the very least be seen by them.
“First and foremost, we will be bringing a portion of the 49 luchadors to each Expo Lucha multi-day convention,” Kleinrock said. “However, on the road to Philly, we have many exciting dates planned as Expo Lucha either works with a local independent, like California’s Pro Wrestling Revolution, or some of our own special events, the first of which will be announced any day now.”
This is believed to be the first time a P-3 group visa of this size has ever been granted in the world of wrestling. Masked Republic is a live event, merchandising and media organization centered around lucha libre. Masked Republic has partnered with numerous promotions and luchadors to produce successful live events and merchandise for luchadors to expand their reach past Mexico.
For more information on Masked Republic and upcoming events visit www.maskedrepublic.com.