The 33rd edition of Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide’s premier annual event, AAA TripleMania XXXIII, was held on August 16, 2025, at Arena CDMX in Mexico City. Drawing over 22,000 fans, the occasion marked a landmark moment as the first TripleMania under <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE ownership, following their acquisition of AAA. This crossover created a historic fusion, featuring talent from WWE’s RAW, SmackDown, and NXT brands alongside AAA’s top stars, making it the most widely viewed TripleMania in Mexican wrestling history. Central to the excitement was the WWE star return of Otis, who reemerged after months sidelined by injury.
Otis Shines in the Copa Bardahl Battle Royal
The opening match, the Copa Bardahl, was a high-energy battle royal featuring fourteen competitors from both AAA and WWE rosters, including names like La Parka, Laredo Kid, Joaquin Wilde, and Microman. Otis, a member of the Alpha Academy, entered as the ninth participant, marking his official comeback after being out of action for nearly three months. Demonstrating his signature power, he eliminated four opponents before eventually being taken down by Microman. The match concluded with WWE’s Omos winning the coveted Bardahl Cup.
Otis had been absent since sustaining a serious elbow injury during a May 5 match against Rusev, which was exacerbated by a post-match assault that sent him shoulder-first into two ring posts. Medical evaluations led to arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage, followed by a carefully managed rehabilitation process for the 33-year-old powerhouse wrestler.
Rey Mysterio Teases Return of Alberto Del Rio
During the event, legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio engaged the crowd with a passionate promo that sparked chants calling for the return of Alberto Del Rio. Responding directly to the fans’ enthusiasm, Mysterio made a notable promise regarding Del Rio’s comeback.
“I’ll bring him, wait on me,” Mysterio said in Spanish.
Alberto Del Rio’s career has been marked by multiple WWE title reigns, memorable matches, as well as controversies including suspensions and releases. His potential return, signaled by Mysterio, underscores the new possibilities arising from WWE’s partnership with AAA, suggesting that Del Rio could once again feature prominently on the wrestling scene.
Additional Developments in the Wrestling World
Beyond TripleMania, reports have surfaced about a major corporation interested in acquiring WWE’s extensive content library, hinting at future shifts in how wrestling media might be distributed. Meanwhile, Randy Orton, a major WWE figure, recently requested to collaborate with a four-time WWE champion he initially had reservations about, signaling evolving professional relationships within the industry. At the same time, Becky Lynch is gearing up for a significant title defense on RAW, indicating ongoing high-profile storylines within WWE programming.
Roman Reigns’ interrupted WWE Title reign was revealed to be the result of a last-minute creative decision by Vince McMahon, illustrating the sometimes unpredictable nature of wrestling narratives. Additionally, an ex-WWE star openly criticized the character assigned to him by McMahon, emphasizing the creative challenges some wrestlers face behind the scenes. Bully Ray named a promising 27-year-old wrestler as John Cena’s final opponent in his ongoing retirement tour, adding anticipation to Cena’s closing chapter. Rumors also point to a major WWE Hall of Famer taking a significant role within the AAA promotion, potentially influencing its future direction. Furthermore, The Rock’s iconic WWE move has been incorporated into a popular video game franchise, bridging wrestling and gaming fans alike.
The Broader Impact of WWE’s Involvement with AAA
WWE’s acquisition of AAA and the integration of their wrestling talent has initiated a new era for both organizations. Otis’s return at TripleMania 33 not only invigorated fans but also showcased WWE’s commitment to revitalizing talent recovery stories on a global stage. The appearance of stars like Rey Mysterio, and the potential return of Alberto Del Rio, highlight the fresh narratives now possible through this partnership. With more collaboration expected between the two promotions, fans can anticipate further cross-continental events and revived rivalries.
The combination of WWE’s entertainment experience and AAA’s cultural wrestling heritage enriches the professional wrestling landscape. As streaming rights, talent exchanges, and creative storylines continue to evolve, the wrestling community will be watching closely to see how this historic alliance shapes the future of the sport.
