Biography:
María Elena Santamaría Gómez, better known by her ring name Marcela, was born on May 31, 1971, in Mexico City, Mexico. Growing up near Arena Coliseo, where Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL) hosted Lucha Libre events, Marcela was exposed to the world of professional wrestling from a young age, thanks to her mother who was a dedicated fan.
Despite her early exposure to Lucha Libre, Marcela faced opposition from her mother when she expressed her desire to become a professional wrestler. This caused a rift between them; however, they eventually reconciled. Marcela’s determination and passion for the sport remained unwavering, leading her to pursue her dream. She started training for her professional wrestling career in the mid-1980s, a time when female wrestling was banned in Mexico City.
In December 1985, Marcela made her professional wrestling debut in Actopan, Hidalgo. For her debut match, she had to borrow an ill-fitting mask and boxing shoes since she didn’t have any of her own. However, after the match, she decided to never wear a mask again. She started working on the independent circuit under the name Marcela. The ban on women’s wrestling in Mexico City was eventually lifted in 1986, allowing Marcela and other female wrestlers to perform in the capital.
In the early 1990s, Marcela joined Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), one of Mexico’s most prominent wrestling promotions. It was during her time at CMLL that Marcela established herself as one of the top técnicas (the good characters, or faces) in the promotion. She quickly became a fan favorite due to her incredible skills and charismatic presence in the ring.
Throughout her career, Marcela has not only wrestled in Mexico but also ventured to Japan and competed on the Mexican independent circuit. Known for her exceptional talent and versatility, she has left an indelible mark on the world of professional wrestling.
Marcela’s accomplishments in the ring are numerous. In 2018, she started her fifth reign as the CMLL World Women’s Champion, a record within CMLL. She has also held the Mexican National Women’s Championship once and the District Federal Women’s Championship for over five years. Additionally, Marcela has won the XMW Women’s Championship.
Furthermore, Marcela has earned a reputation for her success in luchas de apuestas (bet matches), where the loser is forced to unmask or get their hair shaved off. She has triumphed in several significant matches, winning the masks of La Gata, Rosa Negra, and La Seductora. She has also claimed the hair of La Briosa, Tiffany, Dalys la Caribeña, and Princesa Blanca. Marcela’s ability to win these high-stakes matches showcases her exceptional talent and strategic prowess in the ring.
Marcela’s influence extends beyond her in-ring accomplishments. As a female wrestler in a male-dominated industry, she has displayed resilience, determination, and perseverance. Her success serves as an inspiration to women pursuing their dreams, breaking barriers, and shattering gender stereotypes. Marcela’s dedication to her craft and willingness to overcome the challenges she faced have forged her path as a role model in women’s wrestling.
Awards:
– CMLL World Women’s Champion (5 times)
– Mexican National Women’s Champion (1 time)
– District Federal Women’s Champion (held for over five years)
– XMW Women’s Champion