Last month, remember when Game Freak spilled the beans about Hawlucha getting a mega form in Pokémon Legends: Z-A? Yeah, that’s right! The luchador bird was set to star in an animated sports drama alongside Machamp. Well, guess what? Nintendo decided to team up with real luchadors to bring this epic battle to life! Just last night, Pokémon invaded a Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre event in Mexico City, where several luchadors donned Pokémon-themed costumes, with two even reenacting the intense rivalry between Hawlucha and Machamp. The collaboration between Pokémon and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre was a wild two-hour event packed with drama, chaos, and nods to various Pokémon through costumes and set decorations. The wrestling ring was decked out in Pokémon Legends: Z-A branding (or Leyendas Pokémon Z-A in Spanish), and attendees were even given Hawlucha and Machamp paper hats to wear while cheering in the stands. Plus, Pikachu and Eevee mascots were there throughout the event, adding to the excitement. If you’re curious to watch the whole thing, you can catch it on Pokémon Latam’s YouTube channel, but keep in mind, it’s in Spanish. I don’t speak the language at all, but the vibes are still pretty awesome.
Those lucky enough to attend the event were treated to a special Pokémon Home medal featuring Hawlucha and Machamp facing off. Sadly, there are currently no plans to distribute this exclusive item outside of the event. But don’t worry if you missed out on the Mexico City extravaganza! The video on demand is still a super fun blend of Pokémon and a unique cultural experience. Lucha libre wrestling has made appearances in Pokémon before, like with Hawlucha and Pikachu Libre cosplay in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. However, this event took that synergy to a whole new level, and it’s fantastic to see the crowd embracing the crossover with their own costumes and chants. The energy at the event was truly electric, with fans going all out to show their love for both Pokémon and lucha libre. Not really sure why this matters, but maybe it’s just me, but I feel like this kind of collaboration is what makes the Pokémon community so special and diverse.
Hawlucha emerged victorious in the showdown, thanks to its Mega Evolution in the trailer. Now, if Machamp wants a shot at redemption, it’ll likely need a new form of its own. While it doesn’t seem probable that Machamp will receive one in time for the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on Switch and Switch 2 on October 16, there’s a glimmer of hope for Mega Machamp in the upcoming Mega Dimension DLC. Not really sure why this matters, but maybe it’s just me, but it seems like fans are in for an exciting ride with new possibilities opening up for their favorite Pokémon battles.
