A MASKED WONDER:
IWGP JUNIOR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, DRAGON LEE
By Jasmine Olan
With BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS SEASON in full swing, one major question remains unanswered until June 5, 2019. Who will challenge current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Dragon Lee for his title at DOMINION on 6/9? The young masked wonder surprised the world at the G1 Supercard in Madison Square Garden when he defeated then junior champion, Taiji Ishimori and Mexican Indy sensation, Bandido to become part of an elite group of wrestling stars who have held the prestigious IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. As the reigning champion, Lee gets to choose his opponent at DOMINION if he wins BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS 26. Although a major fan favorite, there is a definite air of mystery surrounding this twenty-four year old masked wonder known for his high flying and fast paced style.
Outside normal wrestling kayfabe, little is known about Dragon Lee other than the fact that he was born into Mexican wrestling royalty. He is part of a wrestling dynasty that includes older brothers, Rush and Mistico and their father, La Bestia del Ring, Arturo Muñoz. All four are some of the biggest stars in their home promotion, CMLL. The youngest of that dynasty, Lee began his wrestling career when he was just a teenager, training in amateur wrestling as young as fourteen years old. At eighteen, Lee made his official debut in CMLL in January of 2014. He also has strong ties to one of the international wrestling scene’s most successful factions with older brother, Rush being a founding member of the original Los Ingobernables in Mexico.
Over the last few years, Dragon Lee has emerged as one of CMLL’s most popular performers with his unique look and wrestling style. When Hiromu Takahashi came to CMLL for his learning excursion, the two became embroiled in a hugely popular and critically acclaimed rivalry. That rivalry would carry over into Lee’s appearances with New Japan due to the successful working relationship between NJPW and CMLL. His performances in the annual FANTASTICAMANIA tour and BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS made him a hit with Japanese fans. At the G1 Special in San Francisco, an unexpected accident would put the rivalry between him and Takahashi on hold after Hiromu suffered a severe neck injury after a bad landing while taking a phoenix plex from Lee.
When Lee won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship at the G1 Supercard, he dedicated that win to his longtime storyline rival and real life friend. That friendship can be seen in their many exchanges on Twitter. Prior to the beginning of BEST OF THE SUPER JUNIORS 26, Lee stated that he wanted to be the first person Hiromu faced upon his return from injury. With no return date announced for him, that remains to be seen. Meanwhile Lee is delivering a strong performance in the tournament as he waits to find out who he will face at DOMINION.
A performer gifted beyond his years, Dragon Lee is also known for his kind and respectful nature toward fans and his fellow wrestlers. Still so young, so much lies ahead for him in his career. Lee is destined to continue making a major impact in the industry. There is no question that he represents some of the best of what the international wrestling scene has to offer. From Mexico to Japan and soon around the world, Dragon Lee is truly one of wrestling’s favorite masked wonders.
