Villano V, legend of Mexican wrestling, dies

Ray Mendoza Jr., one of the idols of Mexican wrestling, died at the age of 62 due to a health problem. Photo: Wikimedia

This Thursday, August 29, Mexican wrestler Ray Mendoza Jr., better known as Villano V, passed away at the age of 62. It was his son, Villano V Jr. who confirmed the news through social media.

According to information from reporter Antonio Nieto, better known as Siete Letras, the fighter who was part of the Imperial Dynasty along with his deceased brothers, died of a stroke; however, his family has not confirmed this.

Through social media, family, friends and fellow fighters expressed their sadness at the death of Villano V, who officially retired from the sport in 2013.

“Dad (…) You left me with a broken heart. You are now with Chely, with my grandmother whom you missed so much. Please take care of me from heaven and never let me go. I will honor you every day,” wrote his son.

Photo: Facebook/ Villano V Jr Ezc.

Comrades and the World Wrestling Council mourn the death of Ray Mendoza

Upon confirmation of Villano V’s death, several figures of Mexican wrestling shared their condolences with the family. Among them was El Hijo del Santo, who offered his condolences through social media.

“I deeply regret the passing of my dear colleague and friend Villano V. My deepest condolences to his family, especially to my colleague Villano IV, Tomás Díaz Mendoza. May he rest in peace,” he shared.

For its part, the World Wrestling Council expressed its condolences and solidarity through its official X account.

“CMLL joins in the grief that overwhelms the wrestling family due to the sensitive death of Villano V (Ray Mendoza Jr.), a great protagonist in the history of Mexican Wrestling,” he wrote.

Photo: X/@CMLL_OFICIAL

Ray Mendoza Jr. is a Mexican professional wrestler born on March 22, 1962, who made his debut in 1977. He was part of the Villanos dynasty, one of the most important teams in Mexican wrestling. One of his greatest achievements was unmasking Los Brazos in Monterrey.

Ray Mendoza Jr. died at the age of 62. Photo: X, @luchalibreonlin

His wrestling career began in the early 1980s, following in his family’s footsteps.

Villano V is known for his technical wrestling style and in-ring ability, having been featured in companies such as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA). Throughout his career, he has won several championships, including the UWA Third-Team Title on six occasions with his brothers and National Third-Team Champion.

One of the highlights of his career occurred in 2009, when he lost his mask in an epic match against Último Guerrero at the Tribute to Two Legends event. The loss of his mask is a significant event in Mexican wrestling, marking a before and after in his career.

However, in 2015 he achieved his greatest individual triumph by unmasking Blue Panther.

Villano V officially retired from the ring in 2013, although he occasionally participated in special events, a situation that allowed him to maintain his legacy until the last days of his life.