Akuma Talks About Reaching 1-Year As CMLL National Heavyweight Champion, More | INTERVIEW

tailinAkuma spoke with Fightful’s Luis Pulido about reaching 1 year as the CMLL National Heavyweight Champion, and much more.

MODO BESTIA ACTIVADO! Akuma has held the CMLL National Heavyweight Championship for 1 year. This comes after defeating Star Black on the March 28, 2025, edition of CMLL Viernes Espectacular. This is his first singles title reign in CMLL, and he has spoken with Fightful regarding his run.

1-Year as CMLL National Champion.

Akuma spoke about his run as CMLL National Champion, detailing that he has been on the defensive since winning the title, but is willing to take on all comers and wants to make more title defenses.

“You see, it’s a feeling of always being on the defensive. No, because at the end of the day, I think that in every match I have—whether it’s a trios match, a tag match, or even a singles match—there’s always that opening where your opponent can challenge you. So, I think I’m now in that alert mode in every match, and, obviously, with the pride of walking out with that belt in every appearance—it’s a huge commitment—because, at the end of the day, I’ve said it: the championship is about putting yourself out there. Whoever wants to step up, I’m obviously fully available for those kinds of championship matches. Having already had two title defenses this year has been rewarding; however, I want to reiterate: I’d like to have more defenses. There are many heavyweights in the company. So, that’s what the championship is for, and whoever’s up for it, I’m here and ready to go.”

He also spoke about how the perception of the heavyweight division in CMLL had changed from previous years. He also detailed his experience in his matches against Gran Guerrero on the 2025 Universal Championship Tourney and his three-way match against Euforia & Claudio Castagnoli, and how he has evolved from those encounters.

“You just brought up something very important that I’ve heard in various accounts before: the heavyweights. People used to think of them as just big guys, maybe a little clumsy when it comes to aerial moves. Like everything else in life, wrestling has been evolving, and obviously, we heavyweights haven’t been left behind. I think more and more heavyweights are daring to take that leap—not just stepping out of their comfort zone, but seeking new dimensions, not in that sense, but more aerial moves, more powerful moves. So, little by little, this new crop of heavyweights coming up is already more up-to-date. They’re coming in stronger. As you mentioned, Gran Guerrero, whom I’ve also had the pleasure of facing. He’s a strong, monstrous opponent, and now that we recently faced Claudio Castagnoli, having those kinds of matches is also rewarding and adds to the experience of Akuma, and well, now that I’m currently the champion, I think all that experience and those kinds of matches give you some valuable lessons because, at the end of the day, you learn from every fight, but in the kinds of matches I’ve had, I’ve learned a lot, and obviously that makes the champion stronger.

CMLL Universal Championship.

CMLL hosts an annual tournament for the Universal Championship. Akuma also spoke to us about how he was preparing for the 2026 edition as compared to last year. He also said he would be down to defend his title prior of the qualifiers. (Note, this was recorded before the tournament dates were announced on the March 25, 2026, edition of CMLL Informa).

“It won’t be long before that opportunity comes around again. I remember that last year, when I won the championship, the qualifiers started maybe two or three weeks later. This year, I don’t know how those qualifiers will be held. In the past, it was all the national champions; this past year, it was based on weight classes. I had to face Gran Guerrero to earn that spot in a preliminary round, not the final.  I think that right now is when I need to step up my training a little more—in terms of getting ready—because, at the end of the day, I don’t know how the format will work, but as you mentioned, we’re already close to those dates. So now, we need to be ready and more than prepared for whatever comes our way. Personally, I have a feeling that if it’s the same format as last year, I’ll have to face Hechicero. One thing needs to be emphasized: I don’t know how long it is until these qualifiers, but if a challenger emerges before that qualifier, well, obviously, why not have a championship match, especially this close to the qualifiers?”

Bestias del Diablo.

The CMLL National Champ also created a faction called Las Bestias del Diablo, alongside Gemelo Diablo I & Gemelo Diablo. With this alliance, he has challenged for the CMLL National Trios Championships once. While they lost that match, they have stayed in the talent rotation for the past three years. He spoke about how his alliance with Gemelos Diablo has grown as time has gone on.

“Right now, the whole thing with Los Gemelos has been developing—or rather, growing—naturally, because I was still coming off my experience with La Ola Negra. I was on my own for a while, and then suddenly I started teaming up with Los Gemelos (Diablo). So yeah, I was a little hesitant at first. However, I think that over time I’ve learned to adapt to both them and myself. Our styles have gradually blended together in every match. Why? Because at the end of the day, all three of us have that hunger to succeed. We have that hunger to stand out and, obviously, to climb little by little, step by step, and that same hunger is what has worked for us to put on good matches and have those opportunities for the (National) Trios Championship and, obviously, to be on the verge of winning them as well. I want to believe that maybe with a little more experience together, we can conquer—conquer the Arena México and CMLL cards—and, obviously, topple the giants who are already established as trios. Why not make this trio even stronger and become one of the favorites?”

Generacion 2012.

Going back to his start, Akuma was part of the famous Generacion 2012, a group of young talent that were welcomed into CMLL. Alongside him in that class were Herodes Jr., Genesis, Oro Jr., Guerrero Negro Jr., Espanto Jr. & Taurus (now known as Gran Guerrero). Of those talents in that generation, he, Oro Jr., Espanto Jr. & Gran Guerrero remain in CMLL. Akuma detailed how important it was to him to create this class and discussed how CMLL has changed since then.

“Well, just look at how much things have changed—not just in business, but also in the actual wrestling. I think we’re currently witnessing a new generation, because that’s exactly how I’d describe it. I’m already an old-timer here, with over 10 years in the CMLL ranks. So, seeing a new generation of young wrestlers who bring a style completely different from years ago obviously has to do with that transition; it was rough at the time, but I think you always have to adapt. Resilience doesn’t always help you adapt to the circumstances you’re going through. It’s been quite a few years now, but I believe that, all things considered, staying relevant on the card, staying relevant in the public’s favor, and continuing to innovate and stand out is essential for the character of Akuma—and it’s worked because, at the end of the day, out of a generation that maybe consisted of seven or eight of us, only four of us from that generation are still active today. Honestly, it’s so exciting to have the distinction of saying I’m from Generacion 2012 and one of the few who are still active here in CMLL.”

Saltillo Strong.

The current National Champion is proudly a native of Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. The city has made significant strides in its visibility in Mexican Wrestling, with Dino Brothers (King Rex & Prometeo) recently representing the region at the 2026 edition of CMLL’s Torneo de Escuelas. Akuma spoke about this, saying he kept an eye on the team’s progress as the tournament went on.

“It’s great to see people are realizing that in Saltillo—where I’m proud to be from—there’s professional wrestling. For me, it’s very rewarding to know that people are coming from there looking for these kinds of opportunities and that, little by little, the name of Saltillo is making its mark on the wrestling map. During this recent Torneo de Escuelas, I was obviously keeping an eye on what might come of these opportunities, watching the matches, and seeing that hunger everyone brings to make it here. I hope that in future tournaments, more people from Saltillo will come looking and knocking on the door to say, “There’s talent here,” and, of course, I’m proud that Saltillo is making a name for itself in wrestling—and what better place than here at Arena México.”

Goals for the Future.

In regard to what is next in his future in both the short & long term, he highlighted that he wanted to continue racking up title defenses in his reign & wants to continue to represent CMLL both in Mexico & internationally.

“I think one of the short-term goals would be to put the championship on the line in consecutive bouts; obviously, I’d invite all the heavyweights who raise their hands, because, at the end of the day, when I was on the other side, I always made it clear that I wanted and was seeking this championship. Now that I’m on this side, I want to open up the possibilities so that, if they have the desire and the drive for a championship match, obviously, I’m fully available. I think a long-term goal would be to solidify Las Bestias del Diablo and also go after those Trios Tag Team Championships, whether it’s the National or the World. To give that extra boost, that momentum, to this team, because I feel there’s still a lot of potential to tap into, and obviously, we have that hunger and desire to succeed and to represent CMLL, and perhaps not only here in Mexico but also on the international stage.”

We’d like to thank Akuma for taking the time to answer these questions! We also congratulate him on reaching the milestone of 1 year as the CMLL National Heavyweight Champion!

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