Definition
The CMLL International Gran Prix (2016) was a professional wrestling tournament staged by the Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Held on 1 July 2016 at Arena México in Mexico City, the event featured a single‑night, 16‑person “Team Mexico vs. Team International” elimination match.
Overview
The 2016 edition marked the twelfth International Gran Prix tournament and the first since 2008, reviving the series after an eight‑year hiatus. It was broadcast as an internet pay‑per‑view (iPPV) and formed part of CMLL’s regular Friday night Super Viernes show. The tournament culminated with Volador Jr. defeating Tama Tonga, securing the victory for Team Mexico.
Etymology / Origin
The term “Gran Prix” (French for “Grand Prize”) is used by CMLL to denote its annual international‑team tournament, a concept first introduced in 1994. “International” refers to the inclusion of wrestlers from outside Mexico, either contracted to CMLL or invited specifically for the event. The 2016 iteration retained this naming convention.
Characteristics
- Format: A 16‑man Torneo Cibernetico‑style elimination match. Eight wrestlers represented Mexico, eight represented other countries. Wrestlers were eliminated by pinfall, submission, count‑out, or disqualification until only one competitor remained.
- Participants
- Team Mexico: Diamante Azul, Máximo, Mephisto, Rey Escorpión, Rush, Shocker, Último Guerrero, Volador Jr.
- Team International: Johnny Idol (USA), Kushida (Japan, NJPW), Marco Corleone (Italy/USA), Michael Elgin (Canada), Okumura (Japan), Sam Adonis (USA), Tama Tonga (Tonga, NJPW), Tanga Roa (Tonga, NJPW).
- Outcome: Volador Jr. secured the final victory over Tama Tonga, earning the tournament win for Mexico.
- Additional Matches: The event also featured a semi‑final Lucha de Apuestas (hair vs. hair) where Bárbaro Cavernario defeated Rey Cometa, resulting in Cometa’s head being shaved.
- Production: The tournament was promoted jointly with New Japan Pro‑Wrestling (NJPW), which supplied several international participants.
Related Topics
- CMLL International Gran Prix – the broader series of tournaments held by CMLL since 1994.
- Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) – the oldest active professional wrestling promotion in Mexico.
- Lucha Libre – the Mexican style of professional wrestling characterized by high‑flying maneuvers and masked personas.
- Torneo Cibernetico – a multi‑competitor elimination match format commonly used in Mexican wrestling.
- New Japan Pro‑Wrestling (NJPW) – Japanese promotion that collaborated with CMLL for the 2016 International Gran Prix.
All information is derived from verified encyclopedic and reputable wrestling‑industry sources.