Alberto Del Rio Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 21, 2024
Alberto Del Rio Then
José Alberto Rodríguez Chucuan, known in the wrestling world as Alberto Del Rio, was born on May 25, 1977, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, into a family deeply entrenched in the world of lucha libre.
His father, Dos Caras, is a renowned luchador, while his uncles Mil Máscaras and Sicodelico have also made significant contributions to the sport.
This rich wrestling heritage continued with his cousins, Sicodelico Jr. and Hijo de Sicodelico, who followed in the family tradition.
Even his younger brother Guillermo joined the wrestling scene, making his debut in WWE’s NXT under the ring name Memo Montenegro before his release in 2013.
Before embracing his career in professional wrestling, Alberto Del Rio honed his skills in amateur wrestling, specifically in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Under the guidance of trainers Leonel Kolesni and Juan Fernández, he achieved notable success, earning a spot on the Mexican national wrestling team.
His achievements on the national stage were a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.
Alongside his wrestling pursuits, Del Rio also pursued higher education and earned a degree in architecture from Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí.
This academic accomplishment complemented his athletic career and showcased his diverse talents beyond the wrestling ring.
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Alberto Del Rio Wrestling Career
Before making a name for himself in WWE, Alberto Del Rio, originally known as Dos Caras Jr., built a significant career in Mexico and Japan.
Training alongside his father, the renowned luchador Dos Caras, he began his professional wrestling journey in 2000.
His debut match was notable for his dramatic entrance, where he ran into an AAA (now Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide) event to rescue his father from an assault by El Texano and Pirata Morgan.
Del Rio continued to establish his presence in the wrestling world by competing in Japanese promotions such as Pro Wrestling Zero1 and All Japan Pro Wrestling from 2001 to 2004.
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During this time, he wrestled under various ring names, including Dos Caras Jr. and Hustle Kamen Gold.
His tenure with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) was marked by significant success, including winning the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship.
However, his reign was brief, with only four title defenses over 533 days before he lost the title and began his transition to WWE.
Alberto Del Rio’s WWE career officially commenced in 2009 when he signed with the company and made his in-ring debut in 2010.
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His character, initially presented as a heroic figure, quickly became known for his signature finishing move, the Cross Armbreaker.
Del Rio’s impact was immediate and significant; he was drafted from SmackDown to Raw in April 2011 and achieved remarkable feats within the same calendar year.
He became the only wrestler to win both the 2011 Royal Rumble and the 2011 Money in the Bank ladder match in the same year, further solidifying his status in WWE history.
Del Rio also made history by becoming the first Mexican-born world champion in WWE, capturing both the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship twice each.
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After leaving WWE in 2014, Del Rio continued to make waves in the wrestling world under the name Alberto El Patrón.
His post-WWE career included stints with AAA, Ring of Honor, Lucha Underground, and various independent promotions in the United States, Japan, and Puerto Rico.
During this period, he won the AAA Mega Championship before making a return to WWE in 2015, where he claimed the United States Championship twice.
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His departure from WWE in 2016 led him to Impact Wrestling, where he secured the Impact World Championship at Slammiversary XV.
In professional wrestling history, Alberto Del Rio stands out as the only wrestler to have won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, Impact World Heavyweight Championship, GFW Global Championship, AAA Mega Championship, and CMLL World Heavyweight Championship.
His career has seen him compete under various ring names, including Alberto Banderas, Alberto Del Rio, Dorado, Dos Caras, Dos Caras Jr., El Dorado, and El Hijo de Dos Caras, showcasing his versatility and enduring legacy in the wrestling world.
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Alberto Del Rio Wrestling Competition
- AAA (Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide)
- Pro Wrestling Zero1
- All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
- Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL)
- WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment)
- Impact Wrestling
- Ring of Honor (ROH)
- Lucha Underground
- Global Force Wrestling (GFW)
- Various independent promotions in the United States
- Japanese wrestling promotions
- Puerto Rican wrestling promotions
Alberto Del Rio’s Wife and Children
Alberto Del Rio’s personal life has been marked by significant events and changes.
He and his former wife, Angela Velkei, had three children together, but their marriage ended in divorce in 2016.
Despite their separation, Del Rio publicly sought help for Angela in 2022, urging people to donate blood to save her life.
Tragically, later that year, he announced her passing on social media, reflecting a profound personal loss.
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In 2016, Del Rio entered into a high-profile relationship with professional wrestler Saraya-Jade Bevis, known in the wrestling world as Paige.
The couple’s relationship garnered considerable media attention, especially following their engagement.
However, they ended their relationship in 2017, marking another personal transition for Del Rio.
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In addition to his wrestling career, Del Rio ventured into the business world by opening a restaurant named La Cantina in San Antonio, Texas, in 2016.
Unfortunately, the restaurant faced difficulties and closed down in 2017, reflecting the challenges he encountered outside the wrestling ring.
Del Rio’s life took a serious turn in 2020 when he was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting his girlfriend.
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He was released on $50,000 bail and faced charges of aggravated kidnapping and sexual assault.
The legal proceedings were complicated by multiple delays, but the charges were ultimately dropped in December 2021.
This legal issue added a layer of complexity to Del Rio’s already eventful personal life, highlighting the struggles he faced beyond his professional career.
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Alberto Del Rio Now
As of now, Alberto Del Rio is 47 years old and has built a diverse career that extends beyond his initial success as a professional wrestler.
Born José Alberto Rodríguez Chucuan on May 25, 1977, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, he has seamlessly transitioned into various roles within the sports and entertainment industries.
Currently, Del Rio holds a unique position as a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he provides expert analysis and insights into mixed martial arts events.
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This role highlights his ongoing influence in the combat sports world, leveraging his extensive experience and knowledge.
Del Rio’s career began in professional wrestling, where he gained prominence under his ring name Alberto Del Rio.
Over the years, he has competed in numerous prestigious promotions, including WWE, AAA, and Impact Wrestling, among others.
His achievements in wrestling are complemented by his work as a promoter and sports commentator, demonstrating his versatility and expertise in the field.
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In addition to his wrestling and commentary roles, Del Rio’s involvement in mixed martial arts further underscores his broad range of skills.
His background in Greco-Roman wrestling and his experience as a professional wrestler has contributed to his credibility and effectiveness as a commentator in the UFC.
Through these various roles, Alberto Del Rio continues to make significant contributions to the world of combat sports, showcasing his multifaceted talents and enduring passion for the industry.
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Alberto Del Rio’s Net Worth
Alberto Del Rio, a Mexican professional wrestler, mixed martial artist, promoter, and commentator, has a net worth of $2 million, reflecting his diverse achievements and contributions across multiple facets of the combat sports and entertainment industries.
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FAQs
Alberto Del Rio’s downfall involved a series of personal and legal issues, including a high-profile arrest in 2020 for alleged sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping, which led to a tarnished public image and legal battles.
Del Rio had multiple stints with WWE, with his departure in 2014 due to contract disputes. He returned briefly in 2015 but left again in 2016 after facing controversies and personal challenges.
Alberto Del Rio has won the WWE Championship twice during his career.
Del Rio was suspended by WWE in 2014 due to a violation of the company’s wellness policy, which included testing positive for substances banned by WWE.
Currently, Alberto Del Rio works as a commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and remains active in various aspects of combat sports and entertainment.
Alberto Del Rio has won four world titles in WWE: two WWE Championships and two World Heavyweight Championships.