Every Wrestling Rookie Of The Year: Where Are They Now?

28. 1995: Perro Aguayo, Jr.

Essa Rios Lita
AAA

Perro Aguayo, Jr. was both a legend and the top star of AAA when he tragically died, taking a routine move in March 2015, in a freak accident.

He was 36.

He was more worthy of his Rookie of the Year award than most, showcasing a natural ability comparable to Kurt Angle or Jun Akiyama. He was a headlining sensation as a teenager, but turned rudo (heel), after making the jump to CMLL, in what was thought to be a counterintuitive move. As great and likeable as he was in the face role, in those first few years at least, he was even better at generating heat. He was almost unfairly talented, and as the scenes in the US and Japan declined in the 2000s, Mexico flourished, and as the cool heel of the day, his hugely impressive consistency at the box office played a fundamental role in the boom.

His drawing power was lasting; by the time of his death, he had long since returned to AAA, which was red-hot with Aguayo, Jr. as the centrepiece.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!