Atlantis Sr & Jr speak with Fightful: Winning Masks, AEW, MLW, Becoming Rudos

Fightful had the opportunity to speak with CMLL’s World Historic Light Heavyweight Champion Atlantis Jr. Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp begins the interview by mentioning his upcoming appearance at MLW’s Lucha Apocalypto at Chicago’s Cicero Stadium and also his recent appearance in AEW, where he faced Kyle Fletcher on the October 17th edition of AEW Collision.

Atlantis Jr. said MLW’s Lucha Apocalypto is a significant event for him as his legendary wrestler father, Atlantis, will join his team and described it as a "dream match.”

Sean asked Atlantis about the pressure he gets because of the expectations he has to live up to. Atlantis said that his father is his idol, and growing up he wanted to be like him. He said he prepared for 10 years under some of the best in Arena Mexico.  Atlantis mentions that he learned from his father and others. Regarding the pressure, Atlantis said some people would say he needed to use a different name, not his father’s, but he added that he has the talent and decided to use it.

Atlantis Jr. speaks passionately about his goal to travel the world, perform in various wrestling promotions, and learn different wrestling styles. He mentions Japanese and American styles, the fast-paced Lucha Libre style, the intense physicality of Japanese wrestling, and the combination of elements in American wrestling. Atlantis Jr. feels grateful for the opportunity to work with MLW, AEW, and others.  He highlights that learning new styles makes him a more versatile and well-rounded wrestler. 

When asked about his experiences wrestling on TV in Japan, Mexico, and the United States, Atlantis Jr. explains the differences, mainly how American wrestling incorporates more pauses for TV production. He finds Mexican and Japanese wrestling styles more similar but appreciates each country's unique structure of televised wrestling. 

Sean mentions that Atlantis and his father have sometimes teased turning Rudo (heel) and asked if they ever considered it full-time. Atlantis states their characters are firmly established as "Técnico" (face). He said he had previously experimented with a villainous role but preferred to be a positive role model and continue to be seen as Técnicos.

Atlantis Jr. recounts the experience of winning Stuka Jr.’s mask, a significant accomplishment. He remembers the support of fans wearing his mask and cheering him on, which fueled his determination during the high-pressure moment. Despite his nerves, he persisted and secured Stuka Jr.’s mask. Atlantis Jr. mentioned his continuing rivalry with Stuka Jr. and welcomed the idea of a hair vs. mask rematch.

Atlantis Jr. recalls winning the ROH TV Championship in Mexico City against AEW’s Kyle Fletcher. He describes his reaction as he realized his victory, expressing disbelief and happiness.

He mentions the possibility of challenging wrestlers who come to Mexico or traveling to the United States to represent CMLL and showcase Mexican wrestling.

Atlantis talked about losing his championship to Brian Cage. However, he said he wants a rematch in Mexico.

In closing, he discusses his upcoming tag team match with his father at MLW’s Lucha Apocalypto. He added that he is grateful for every opportunity to share the ring with his father.

You can follow Atlantis Jr. on Instagram at Atlantis.jr.

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Fightful's Luis Pulido also had an email interview with Atlantis Sr, which can be seen below:

What is your most memorable mask to have taken?  

"I’ve won 9 of the biggest mask on lucha libre, they’ve been super stars and I won them all in very big events like anniversaries of CMLL"

What has been the main thing you've noticed from how CMLL’s in-ring had evolved since you started?  

"From when I started until now, lucha libre has been changed until now. From the mask to the moves we make on the ring; there is more production, more tecnology, social media but nowadays it´s very dangerous and sometimes they do not measure the risk. "

You have the most coveted mask in wrestling. If there was anyone who he win his mask, who would be his preferred?

 "There still no one to earn my mask. I continue preparing everyday because having this mask is a huge commitment. "

Are you and your son Atlantis Jr. aiming for the tag titles together?

"Of course is a goal that we have in mind, we will look for an opportunity in Mexico or the rest of the world. It would be a dream come true to have a championship with my son."

Have you all considered being full-time rudos? 

:I am one hundred percent baby face (técnico) and I don’t plan to be a rudo I want to be a super héro for all the kids, and I want to be an example for them."