Hechicero defeated Claudio Castagnoli by submission on Friday night at CMLL’s Homenaje a Dos Leyendas event at Arena Mexico in Mexico City to become the new CMLL World Heavyweight Champion, ending Castagnoli’s 112-day reign. It is the second time Hechicero has held the title.
The match was the main event of CMLL’s second-biggest show of the year, which drew an estimated 16,000 fans to Arena Mexico.
The Finish
Castagnoli hit the Neutralizer, but Hechicero kicked out. Castagnoli then attempted a low blow, his go-to underhanded tactic throughout his reign, but Hechicero avoided it and countered with a headscissors slam. Hechicero then applied a submission resembling a Rings of Saturn. Castagnoli refused to submit until Hechicero pressed his boot into the side of Castagnoli’s face, forcing the tap.
Hechicero’s Second Reign
Hechicero first won the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship from Ultimo Guerrero in October 2018 and held it until losing to Gran Guerrero in November 2022. Gran Guerrero held the title for over three years before losing it to Castagnoli on November 28, 2025. Castagnoli made six successful defenses during his reign, defending the title in both CMLL and AEW before falling to Hechicero on Friday.
Both Hechicero and Castagnoli are under dual contracts with CMLL and AEW. CMLL officially announced both as dual signees in recent weeks, along with Mistico. The title change continues the ongoing rivalry between the Don Callis Family and the Death Riders in AEW, with Hechicero aligned with Don Callis and Castagnoli a member of Jon Moxley’s faction.
Death Riders Also Lose Trios Titles Defense
The Death Riders had a rough night overall at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas. In addition to Castagnoli’s title loss, Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, and Daniel Garcia failed to capture the CMLL World Trios Championship from El Sky Team of Mistico, Mascara Dorada, and Neon. Mistico made Yuta submit with La Mistica to retain the titles. Marina Shafir was at ringside supporting the Death Riders.
El Satanico Retires
The event also featured the retirement of the legendary El Satanico, who won his final match against Atlantis and Blue Panther. A ceremony was held before the match to commemorate his career, with his students welcoming him to the ring in an emotional moment for the Arena Mexico crowd.
Other Notable Results
Princesa Sugehit had her head shaved after losing a three-way lucha de apuestas to La Magnifica and Marcela. In the Infernal Octagon match, which had seven masks and one head of hair on the line, Polvora was unmasked by Max Star. Polvora revealed his real name as Jose Luis Grande Escalante after 25 years as a performer.
Homenaje a Dos Leyendas was available on CMLL’s YouTube channel with a subscription and on Triller TV with English commentary.
