Current mood:

sad

R.I.P. Huracan...
Last week, working on the altar, it occurred to me that we had drafted the list of tributees a month earlier, and heaven forbid by now it might be a longer list. Had the event been on the real holiday instead of the more convenient Saturday before, we would have had a last minute addition, and this is one close to my heart.

Daniel Garcia made a mask famous and a move fundamental. As the ring's first HURACAN RAMIREZ, he elevated a modestly successful film character into an icon of lucha libre, and as the man who made the "huracanrana" a household word for lucha fans and a staple of the sport, he became a ring legend. His mask is omnipresent, even today after so many underwhelming "Juniors". He was a pallbearer to Santo and an active spokesman for lucha well after his unmasking and retirement.

He passed away today at the age of 80.

Back in 2001, I gotta say I was a jaded publisher with a failing business and a waning interest in my original inspiration. I gave in to some bitterness, and needed to find something that would snap me back into "fan mode." I had some of the hooded "staff" set-up at LA's Shrine Auditorium for a comic show, and was losing my shirt yet again. Determined to make the best of a bust day, I got in line to meet some lucha talent signing autographs for Bart Kapitzke's "Alternative Wrestling Shop."

Daniel Garcia was making his first such appearance in LA, and was overwhelmed by fans. He still took time to shake my hand and sign a souvenir hood. I gave him a fat envelope full of everything lucha I had ever published - I do this alot - less of a networking exercise than a simple "thanks" to the ring guys. His English wasn't great, but he thanked me, took a quick curious look, but nothing more came of it.

The rest of the day continued as a washout, so I had everyone pack up early and get lost. As I was going out, I said hi to Bart, and congratulated him on a good turnout for his table at least. The crowds had thinned, and I saw Garcia talking to his translator and pointing at me. We walked over, and he's holding up an FPU #4. He give me a REAL handshake at that point (with a vicious grip!), a big smile on his face. He stumbles over some broken English to the tune of "Hey, you do good. Thanks from us". US!!!! 'US' meaning 'us guys' - the lucha community. Then... he gives me a good natured cross arm slap across the chest and shoulder blades!

I'll never forget that moment. I use it to remember why writing about these guys is worth it. It's the single best personal interaction I've ever had with ring talent. That's the power men like Daniel Garcia have, for them it's just another Saturday in some hall somewhere, but for people they affect, it's unforgettable. The real stars know that, they know how important each and every handshake can be. They never let us fans down.

Being my age, I never had the pleasure of seeing Huracan in the ring, but Garcia the retired ambassador of classic lucha had a major impact on me. A short little instance at a signing, a friendly encouraging word at the right moment that has kept on fueling me - I'll always be thankful.

I love telling this story. I just wish I wasn't telling it at such a sad occasion.

Rest in peace Huracan - your mask, your ring style and your good will to fans even in distant lands make you eternal.

Keith Rainville
11/1/2006