Vangelis (wrestler)
A powerful and technically gifted luchador who rose from the independents to win CMLL's prestigious En Busca de un Ídolo tournament.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Mexican professional wrestler·Birthday: September 7·Millennials
Biography
In the high-flying, mask-rich world of Mexican lucha libre, Vangelis carved out a space as a grounded, powerful force. Debuting in the early 2000s, he honed his craft across the demanding independent circuit and in Japan's Dragon Gate, developing a hard-hitting, base-heavy style that made him a perfect foil for more aerial opponents. His big break came when he joined Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Mexico's oldest promotion. Portraying a 'rudo' (villain), he used his strength and ring IQ to climb the ranks. His crowning achievement was winning the 2013 En Busca de un Ídolo (In Search of an Idol) tournament, a rigorous competition blending in-ring performance with fan voting. This victory cemented his status as a main event player and led to a reign as Mexican National Light Heavyweight Champion. Vangelis's career exemplifies the lucha libre tradition of paying dues on the indies before achieving glory on the grandest stages.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Vangelis was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Vangelis Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Vangelis's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Winner of CMLL's 2013 En Busca de un Ídolo tournament, a major achievement in the promotion.
- Former CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion, holding the title in 2014.
- Has competed extensively for major promotions including CMLL, AAA, and Japan's Dragon Gate.
Did You Know?
His ring name 'Vangelis' is inspired by the famous Greek composer of electronic music.
He is known for his signature move, a powerful sitout powerbomb.
Early in his career, he wrestled under the ring name 'Morphosis' on the independent circuit.
“In the ring, you build respect with your fists, not your mouth.”
