The wrestling universe has a new idol! And no, it’s not one of the classic names we already know. This time, the one who stole the show was Mr. Iguana, a charismatic Mexican wrestler who, with his phosphorescent green suit, his overflowing energy and a stuffed iguana named “Yesca” under his arm, became a worldwide trend after his impressive debut at Worlds Collide, the special event that joined forces between WWE and AAA.
A debut for history
The stage was Los Angeles, California, but the energy was felt all the way to Culiacán, Sinaloa, the wrestler’s homeland. Mr. Iguana was part of a 100% Mexican team along with Octagon Jr. and Aero Star. They faced none other than the Latino World Order, made up of Dragon Lee, Cruz del Toro and Lince Dorado. The bout was a visual feast: acrobatics, emotion, technique and above all, pure charisma. The result? Mr. Iguana’s team took the victory, but the real triumph was the love of the audience.
From the moment he appeared in the arena, the audience gave their all. Cheers, applause, and even chants accompanied his every move. And of course, it didn’t take long for the social networks to explode: thousands of clips, memes and reactions filled the internet. And they were all talking about the same thing: Who is that wrestler in the green suit with a stuffed iguana?
Behind the mask: Santiago Ibarra
Mr. Iguana is not an improvised wrestler. Behind the character is Santiago Ibarra Calderón, a wrestling enthusiast from Culiacán, who debuted in 2009 in the independent circuit. With studies in Communication Sciences, Ibarra has been able to mix his love for the show, humor and wrestling to create a character that does not go unnoticed.
Inspired by legends such as Eddie Guerrero and La Parka, and with a deep sense of showmanship, Mr. Iguana has managed to connect with fans of all ages. Since his arrival at Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, it was clear he had something special. In 2021, he was recognized as “Luchador Revelación del Año” and currently holds the World Mixed Couples Championship alongside La Hiedra.
La Yesca: much more than a stuffed animal
Part of his magic lies in “la Yesca”, the stuffed iguana that accompanies him in every match. More than just an ornament, it is his battle companion and distinctive symbol. The public loves her, and now she is part of the WWE universe. It’s no surprise that the company is already preparing official merchandise, including Yesca stuffed animals and T-shirts with the iconic character.
The international leap
His appearance at Worlds Collide was not just a viral moment. It was the beginning of a new era. The impact was so strong that it didn’t take long for WWE to sign him as a full-time talent. And as if that wasn’t enough, it was already announced that his debut on RAW, one of WWE’s flagship brands, is just around the corner.
In fact, during the show’s broadcast, the first promotional video officially announcing Mr. Iguana’s arrival to the main roster was released. The company’s online stores also joined the furor, putting official t-shirts on sale for almost $35, and preparing a complete line of products inspired by the wrestler and his inseparable iguana.
From Culiacán to the world
The most beautiful thing about this story is how Mr. Iguana has managed to maintain his essence. In recent interviews, he confessed that he still does not assimilate everything he is living. “Since Saturday the adrenaline still doesn’t get me down, this is the dream of any child,” he shared excitedly. He also told how, after his participation in the Money in the Bank event, he received personal congratulations from legends such as Triple H, Shawn Michaels and CM Punk. “They told me, ‘We need you at Money in the Bank to come out for five seconds and be seen by 30 million people, nothing else.’ So there I go running… I didn’t think they knew me, but you saw the reaction in networks,” he recounted in amazement.
And yes, Mr. Iguana is living the dream. His story is proof that with creativity, authenticity and a lot of passion, you can go far, even to one of the biggest stages in sports entertainment.
Last stop in Mexico?
Before settling down in the United States, Mr. Iguana still has a pending date with his fans in Mexico. On June 15, he will participate in Triplemania Regia, where he will team up with El Fiscal and Niño Hamburguesa to face Japanese wrestlers Kento, Takuma and Nobu San. Some are already speculating that this could be his last appearance on Mexican soil before moving full time to WWE.
“Sin pariente, no hay ambiente”
With phrases like this and a contagious energy, Mr. Iguana has positioned himself as a cultural phenomenon. It’s not just about wrestling: he’s a character who has been able to represent joy, wit and Mexican flavor on a global stage.
As we await his official debut on RAW, it is clear that the Mr. Iguana phenomenon is just beginning. His story not only excites, it inspires. Because at the end of the day, we all carry a “Yesca” with us: that unique touch that, when embraced with pride, can take us as far as we dream.