Why do Mexican wrestlers never remove their masks?

The tradition of the mask is that the mask is the embodiment of who you are. It's your glory, and your legacy. A trophy of sorts. A mexican wrestler lives in the mask, not behind it. The fans respect them by making copies of the mask. Basically stating that they're part of your spirit because they look just like you.





Mask vs. Mask matches are to ';end the legacy'; of one or the other. Sometimes it's used to get rid of a lower wrestler, other times it's to make a ';New hero'; out of a great wrestler. But under normal circumstances, that mask is the very fiber of the character they are... to the point that they wear the mask outside of the wrestling ring, to most public places. The mask is the legacy that they hold, and what is recognized.





There have been wrestlers that have lost their masks and gone on to greater things, though. For example:





Rey Mysterio (in WCW, he lost his mask in a match, and stayed just as popular, if not moreso, in the federation. He took back the mask upon his debut in WWE, because they believed it would help the Mexican wrestling fans follow the federation... and he's gained the highest status a mask has ever received...)


Juventud Guerrera (again, lost his mask in WCW, but it was a sign of disrespect, and it fit his heel persona.)


Eddie Guerrero (originally known as Tiger Mask, and later lost the mask, and the persona... but we all know where he's gone in his career.)


Shocker (though his stint in TNA was short, he is still raking in the beans in Mexico, despite losing his mask.)


Hecho El Millionario (Psicosis lost his mask in WCW as well. As WCW had a thing about killing the mask gimmick... but his career sky-rocketed afterwards.)


Essa Rios (Formerly Mr. Aguila... lost his mask in Mexico, and he's still getting agreements from all over the world.)





There's plenty more. But in reality, the mask is the legacy of the wrestler... to lose that mask is to lose your identity.Why do Mexican wrestlers never remove their masks?
It's not all mexican wrestlers, first of all.


Masked Luchadors is their character; when they hit the ring they completely transform into that character. They keep the masks on for mystery and for the show....I believe that it's also a tradition to never reveal your face if you are Masked Luchador, but I may be wrong.Why do Mexican wrestlers never remove their masks?
it is a lucha libre tradition, not to lose your mask, of course they do have mask-vs-mask matches. if you lose you mask they say it lowers your career, but masked wrestlers,that have lost their masks,continue to go to greater heights, some not.
Hey Joe, masks play a big part in Mexico's culture. For a detailed answer to your question go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucha_libre


This site explains the roots of the mexican wrestling, the players, why the masks are worn, etc.
Their masks are a part of their identity. If they take off their masks in Mexico, they can never put them back on.
It is an old Lucha Lebre (sp?) tradition to never take off one's mask.
it's like Rey Mysterio if he takes his mask off there ruined
It's part of their pro wrestling tradition
It is the honor of there wrestler.
i guess its just some kind of tradition....