Ray Mendoza(1929-2003)
- Actor
Ray Mendoza, one of the pioneers of Mexican wrestling, was born Jorge
Díaz. He quit school at age 15, to both get married and find a job. He
first tried his hand at boxing, but turned to professional wrestling in
1953. He originally wrestled under the name El Pelon (the Bald One). He
later changed his name to Ray Mendoza, taking his professional name
from his wife's maiden name and his trainer Ray Carrasco. He was the
NWA World Light Heavyweight champion in 1959, and went on to win the
title five more times. During much of his career, he also fought for
better wages and working conditions for Mexican wrestlers (or
Luchadores, as they are known in Mexico), and appeared in many films
with Santos, Blue Devil, and Mas Mascara. In 1975 Mendoza helped
organize the Universal Wrestling Association, and continued wrestling
alongside his five sons. Mendoza retired from active wrestling in 1983,
but continued working as a trainer and as head of the Mexican Wrestling
Commission.
