{"id":23619,"date":"2016-06-21T13:39:34","date_gmt":"2016-06-21T18:39:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/?p=23619"},"modified":"2016-06-21T17:48:40","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T22:48:40","slug":"valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/","title":{"rendered":"Valentino&#8217;s Magic, Memories &#038; Mania: &#8220;La Bulla&#8221; &#8211; Unmasking Lucha Libre in L.A."},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pwtor-90211851\" class=\"pwtor-before-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><hr \/><b>SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... <\/b>\r\n\r\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/widget.spreaker.com\/player?show_id=3076978&theme=light&playlist=false&playlist-continuous=false&autoplay=false&live-autoplay=false&chapters-image=true&episode_image_position=right&hide-logo=false&hide-likes=false&hide-comments=false&hide-sharing=false&hide-download=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"140px\" frameborder=\"0\"><\/iframe>\r\n<hr \/><\/div><p><strong>MAGIC, MEMORIES, AND MANIA: &#8220;La Bulla&#8221; &#8211; Unmasking Lucha Libre in L.A.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is a fascinating time to be a wrestling fan. WWE has a virtual monopoly in the industry, but there are also more options than ever to watch different visions of what is professional wrestling.<\/p>\n<p>In Los Angeles, there are numerous independent promotions, including Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. One of the most interesting events I have ever been to was a Lucha Libre showcase called &#8220;La Bulla.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>It was an electrifying Mexican themed party at a park in downtown Los Angeles. I was a masked Luchador promotional rep for El Jimador tequila, and the event was an alcohol-fueled romp with a festive atmosphere and fascinating spectacle. Many even expected me to take off the tux and get in the ring! Here are some of the things I took away from the event.<\/p>\n<p>(1) Sometimes it is fun to get away from the big stadiums and arenas and experience wrestling with an up-close and personal underground feel.<\/p>\n<p>(2) These indy wrestlers work really hard at being clear cut heroes and villains in the context of the match.<\/p>\n<p>(3) There was a beautiful exhibit of Lucha Libre art on display showcasing that wrestling is a respected art form in Latin culture.<\/p>\n<p>(4) WWE is really missing out not having a main event star to capitalize on the Latin market.<\/p><div id=\"pwtor-4176956266\" class=\"pwtor-content pwtor-entity-placement\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280 __336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_test_300x250\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>(5) Even if you are disgruntled with WWE, there are opportunities to see a wide variety of wrestling events if you are a fan.<\/p>\n<p>It was also special to see a low-rider designed by Batista as a gift to Eddie Guerrero, which was a reminder that the legacy of Eddie lives on, and he remains a hero in the community.\u00a0 It was a memorable experience going behind the scenes at a Lucha Libre event, all while wearing a mask myself.<\/p>\n<p>After being part of this spectacular event, I wanted to encourage all of you to research your local independent promotions. You may rediscover your passion for wrestling or you may just find a fun alternative to the WWE product.<\/p>\n<p><em>Please send questions, comments, and feedback to <\/em><a href=\"mailto:shawnvalentino@gmail.com\"><em>shawnvalentino@gmail.com<\/em><\/a><em>\u00a0 Please check me out in my starring role as the First Bachelor of the Internet <a href=\"http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/hayhoestudios\" target=\"_blank\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?hl=en&amp;q=http:\/\/www.youtube.com\/hayhoestudios&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1466612216997000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG7XnmoWxWDawSgi1pkkUKvxTKUjw\">on YouTube<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-23619 gallery-columns-4 gallery-size-thumbnail'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-artists\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-artists-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-3\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-3-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-6\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-6-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-7\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-7-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-8\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-8-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-21\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-21-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-30-email\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shawn-valentino-30-email-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon landscape'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/la-bulla-shwan-valentino\/'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/la-bulla-shwan-valentino-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"pwtor-end-article-groups pwtor-entity-placement\" id=\"pwtor-2717945158\"><div id=\"pwtor-507335535\"><div align=\"center\" data-freestar-ad=\"__336x280\" id=\"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\">\r\n  <script data-cfasync=\"false\" type=\"text\/javascript\">\r\n    freestar.config.enabled_slots.push({ placementName: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\", slotId: \"pwtorchcom_medrec_3\" });\r\n  <\/script>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\nTHANK YOU FOR VISITING<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>MAGIC, MEMORIES, AND MANIA: &#8220;La Bulla&#8221; &#8211; Unmasking Lucha Libre in L.A. This is a fascinating time to be a wrestling fan. WWE has a virtual monopoly in the industry, but there are also more <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/2016\/06\/21\/valentinos-magic-memories-mania-la-bulla-unmasking-lucha-libre-l\/\" title=\"Valentino&#8217;s Magic, Memories &#038; Mania: &#8220;La Bulla&#8221; &#8211; Unmasking Lucha Libre in L.A.\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":23620,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[687],"tags":[3185,3159,688],"class_list":["post-23619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-magic-memories-mania","tag-la-bulla","tag-los-angeles","tag-shawn-valentino"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/post\/2016\/06\/ValentinoLowrider.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23619"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23619\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23629,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23619\/revisions\/23629"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pwtorch.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}