Summary

Akuma has reached the one-year mark as CMLL National Heavyweight Champion, having captured the title by defeating Star Black on the March 28, 2025 edition of CMLL Viernes Espectacular. It is his first singles championship reign in CMLL. In a recent interview, he reflected on the milestone, discussed the growth of Las Bestias del Diablo, looked ahead to the CMLL Universal Championship tournament, and spoke about representing his hometown of Saltillo, Coahuila.

Quote from Akuma

On carrying the National Heavyweight Championship into every appearance:

"You see, it's a feeling of always being on the defensive. No, because at the end of the day, I think that in every match I have, whether it's a trios match, a tag match, or even a singles match, there's always that opening where your opponent can challenge you. So, I think I'm now in that alert mode in every match, and, obviously, with the pride of walking out with that belt in every appearance, it's a huge commitment, because, at the end of the day, I've said it: the championship is about putting yourself out there. Whoever wants to step up, I'm obviously fully available for those kinds of championship matches. Having already had two title defenses this year has been rewarding; however, I want to reiterate: I'd like to have more defenses. There are many heavyweights in the company. So, that's what the championship is for, and whoever's up for it, I'm here and ready to go."

On the evolution of CMLL's heavyweight division, referencing his matches against Gran Guerrero in the 2025 Universal Championship tournament and a three-way contest involving Euforia and Claudio Castagnoli:

"You just brought up something very important that I've heard in various accounts before: the heavyweights. People used to think of them as just big guys, maybe a little clumsy when it comes to aerial moves. Like everything else in life, wrestling has been evolving, and obviously, we heavyweights haven't been left behind. I think more and more heavyweights are daring to take that leap, not just stepping out of their comfort zone, but seeking new dimensions, not in that sense, but more aerial moves, more powerful moves. So, little by little, this new crop of heavyweights coming up is already more up-to-date. They're coming in stronger. As you mentioned, Gran Guerrero, whom I've also had the pleasure of facing. He's a strong, monstrous opponent, and now that we recently faced Claudio Castagnoli, having those kinds of matches is also rewarding and adds to the experience of Akuma, and well, now that I'm currently the champion, I think all that experience and those kinds of matches give you some valuable lessons because, at the end of the day, you learn from every fight, but in the kinds of matches I've had, I've learned a lot, and obviously that makes the champion stronger."

On preparing for the 2026 CMLL Universal Championship tournament (note: the interview was recorded before tournament dates were announced on the March 25, 2026 edition of CMLL Informa):

"It won't be long before that opportunity comes around again. I remember that last year, when I won the championship, the qualifiers started maybe two or three weeks later. This year, I don't know how those qualifiers will be held. In the past, it was all the national champions; this past year, it was based on weight classes. I had to face Gran Guerrero to earn that spot in a preliminary round, not the final. I think that right now is when I need to step up my training a little more, in terms of getting ready, because, at the end of the day, I don't know how the format will work, but as you mentioned, we're already close to those dates. So now, we need to be ready and more than prepared for whatever comes our way. Personally, I have a feeling that if it's the same format as last year, I'll have to face Hechicero. One thing needs to be emphasized: I don't know how long it is until these qualifiers, but if a challenger emerges before that qualifier, well, obviously, why not have a championship match, especially this close to the qualifiers?"

Akuma also addressed Las Bestias del Diablo, the faction he formed alongside Gemelo Diablo I and Gemelo Diablo. The trio has challenged for the CMLL National Trios Championships once, and while they fell short, they have remained an active unit over the past three years:

"Right now, the whole thing with Los Gemelos has been developing, or rather, growing, naturally, because I was still coming off my experience with La Ola Negra. I was on my own for a while, and then suddenly I started teaming up with Los Gemelos (Diablo). So yeah, I was a little hesitant at first. However, I think that over time I've learned to adapt to both them and myself. Our styles have gradually blended together in every match. Why? Because at the end of the day, all three of us have that hunger to succeed. We have that hunger to stand out and, obviously, to climb little by little, step by step, and that same hunger is what has worked for us to put on good matches and have those opportunities for the (National) Trios Championship and, obviously, to be on the verge of winning them as well. I want to believe that maybe with a little more experience together, we can conquer, conquer the Arena México and CMLL cards, and, obviously, topple the giants who are already established as trios. Why not make this trio even stronger and become one of the favorites?"

Akuma is part of Generacion 2012, a class of CMLL graduates that also included Herodes Jr., Genesis, Oro Jr., Guerrero Negro Jr., Espanto Jr., and Taurus (now Gran Guerrero). Of that group, only Akuma, Oro Jr., Espanto Jr., and Gran Guerrero remain active in CMLL:

"Well, just look at how much things have changed, not just in business, but also in the actual wrestling. I think we're currently witnessing a new generation, because that's exactly how I'd describe it. I'm already an old-timer here, with over 10 years in the CMLL ranks. So, seeing a new generation of young wrestlers who bring a style completely different from years ago obviously has to do with that transition; it was rough at the time, but I think you always have to adapt. Resilience doesn't always help you adapt to the circumstances you're going through. It's been quite a few years now, but I believe that, all things considered, staying relevant on the card, staying relevant in the public's favor, and continuing to innovate and stand out is essential for the character of Akuma, and it's worked because, at the end of the day, out of a generation that maybe consisted of seven or eight of us, only four of us from that generation are still active today. Honestly, it's so exciting to have the distinction of saying I'm from Generacion 2012 and one of the few who are still active here in CMLL."

He also spoke about Saltillo, Coahuila, his hometown, and noted that wrestlers from the city, including Dino Brothers (King Rex and Prometeo), competed in the 2026 edition of the CMLL Torneo de Escuelas:

"It's great to see people are realizing that in Saltillo, where I'm proud to be from, there's professional wrestling. For me, it's very rewarding to know that people are coming from there looking for these kinds of opportunities and that, little by little, the name of Saltillo is making its mark on the wrestling map. During this recent Torneo de Escuelas, I was obviously keeping an eye on what might come of these opportunities, watching the matches, and seeing that hunger everyone brings to make it here. I hope that in future tournaments, more people from Saltillo will come looking and knocking on the door to say, 'There's talent here,' and, of course, I'm proud that Saltillo is making a name for itself in wrestling, and what better place than here at Arena México."

Akuma later laid out his short and long-term goals:

"I think one of the short-term goals would be to put the championship on the line in consecutive bouts; obviously, I'd invite all the heavyweights who raise their hands, because, at the end of the day, when I was on the other side, I always made it clear that I wanted and was seeking this championship. Now that I'm on this side, I want to open up the possibilities so that, if they have the desire and the drive for a championship match, obviously, I'm fully available. I think a long-term goal would be to solidify Las Bestias del Diablo and also go after those Trios Tag Team Championships, whether it's the National or the World. To give that extra boost, that momentum, to this team, because I feel there's still a lot of potential to tap into, and obviously, we have that hunger and desire to succeed and to represent CMLL, and perhaps not only here in Mexico but also on the international stage."

Akuma, the CMLL National Title, and the Road Ahead

Akuma enters year two as CMLL National Heavyweight Champion with two title defenses already logged in 2026 and an open call for more challengers. With the CMLL Universal Championship qualifiers on the horizon, the title could become a launching point. He specifically floated a potential qualifier clash with Hechicero if the weight-class format from 2025 returns, which would put the National Championship itself in a high-profile position heading into one of CMLL's most significant annual tournaments. Las Bestias del Diablo add another layer to watch: the trio has been chasing the National Trios titles, and Akuma made clear that ambition hasn't cooled.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.