CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship
Current Champion
Ephesto, a member of Hijos del Averno, defeated Rey Bucanero for the championship on May 26, 2009.
History of Championship
Among the singles championships in CMLL, the CMLL Light Heavyweight championship is highly respected. It has a history of long title reigns by quality wrestlers in prestigious positions. Most of top stars are light heavyweights, or are close enough light heavyweights to reasonable challenge for this championship.
Shocker's championship reign was the first of a series of title changes designed to leverage the title into springboarding the new champion. Shocker defeating Villano III was part of his new role of top regular tecnico in the company. While the light heavyweight was not always the focus, the title reign and the aftermath appears to be the peak of Shocker's career.
While Shocker winning the title made him a bigger tecnico, Ultimo Guerrero winning it was to firmly position the new champion as one of the rudos in the company. Ultimo Guerrero was already respected as a wrestler and had been going toe to toe with the best CMLL had to offer, but his championship reign established Ultimo Guerrero himself as the best. It's not uncommon for lucha libre championship reigns to last three and half years, but rarely are they filled with as many defenses (and those of quality) as Ultimo Guerrero's.
Ultimo Guerrero lost the championship to former partner Rey Bucanero as a way to climax their split. Unfortunately, the story of the split never got traction with the fans. Even with the short turnaround from fallout to big match, the match didn't have the expected interest or level. Bucanero has been a credible champion, but when the promotion lost interest in Bucanero as a tecnico, the importance of this belt fell with him. The title has had a little more meaning since Bucanero returned to the rudo side, but still a bit off to the side, like all championships which do not involve Mistico.
Champions Listing
Sources:
Gallery of Champions
 Jerry Estrada, 1st Champion |
 Pierroth, 2nd Champion |
 Dr. Wagner Jr., 3rd & 5th Champion |
 Villano III, 7th Champion |
 Shocker, 8th Champion |
 Ultimo Guerrero, 9th Champion |
 Rey Bucanero, 10th Champion |
