The Lucha de Apuestas hair vs. mask stipulation is massively popular in the Lucha Libre scene in Mexico, and the stipulation hasn’t truly been brought over into WWE outside of El Torito vs. Hornswoggle at Payback 2014 and Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk at Over the Limit 2010.
In 2010, Punk was at the height of his Straight Edge Society run and entered into a heated feud with Mysterio, who eventually shaved Punk’s head like the rest of his stablemates after winning their match. In an interview with MuscleManMalcolm, Mysterio fondly recalled the clash. The veteran praised Punk in hindsight, noting how far he’s come since then, while simultaneously recalling the Triple Threat between them and Eddie Guerrero on the indies.
“It was a really good learning moment for me, because look where he’s at now. He’s so damn good, man!” Mysterio exclaimed. “It was very fun being able to shave his hair. I actually still have part of his hair in a little Ziplock bag with the date on it, which is what we would do back in Mexico.” Mysterio explained that the custom is something Luchadores do when they win the mask as well, and that he learned the tradition from his late uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr.
Shortly after having his head shaved, Punk began wearing a mask for a period to hide his bald head from fans. Looking ahead to a possible AAA appearance, he has teased bringing the look back.
If you use any quotes from this article, please credit MuscleManMalcolm, and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
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