Laredo Kid will make a surprise appearance tonight at the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event in Las Vegas after last-minute visa issues forced a change to the originally announced lineup. The high-flying lucha libre star replaces La Parka in the eight-man tag team match, joining forces with Nino Hamburguesa, Octagon Jr., and Mascarita Sagrada against Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Lince Dorado, and Mini Abismo Negro. This shakeup highlights the ongoing logistical challenges of international wrestling crossovers while promising an exciting match for fans[1][2][3].
Visa Issues Lead to Unexpected Roster Adjustment
The change was prompted by visa problems that prevented Nino Hamburguesa from traveling to the United States in time for the event. According to sources close to the situation, Hamburguesa’s work visa paperwork was delayed, making it impossible for him to appear on the card. A WWE insider revealed, “Once Hamburguesa’s visa is finalized, he’ll be cleared to compete in stateside events for both WWE and AAA. Until then, WWE had to find a quick replacement to maintain the luchador representation fans expect”[3].
While La Parka was initially listed for the match, confusion arose due to WWE using a vintage photo of the original La Parka, who currently performs as LA Park and does not work for AAA. LA Park publicly clarified he would not be competing at Worlds Collide, leading to further card revisions. Ultimately, the decision was made to substitute Laredo Kid, a prominent AAA competitor familiar with WWE audiences, into the eight-man tag encounter[1][2].
Match Details and Event Highlights
The replacement match now features Laredo Kid teaming with Nino Hamburguesa, despite Hamburguesa’s initial travel issues—indicating the wrestler may be expected at some point during the event or for subsequent ones—Octagon Jr., and Mascarita Sagrada. They will face a formidable opposing team composed of Latino World Order members Cruz Del Toro and Joaquin Wilde, along with Lince Dorado and Mini Abismo Negro[1][2].
Worlds Collide is stacked with highly anticipated bouts, including:
AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo puts his title on the line against WWE Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio.
AAA World Tag Team Championship: Psycho Clown & Pagano defending against WWE’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods of The New Day.
AAA Latin American Championship Fatal Four-Way: El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. defends against Dragon Lee, Ethan Page, and JD McDonagh.
AAA Reina de Reinas Championship No.1 Contender’s Match: Natalya vs. Faby Apache.
Mixed Tag Team Match: Finn Balor & Roxanne Perez take on Mr. Iguana & Lola Vice.
Additionally, wrestling icon Penta is confirmed to make an appearance, underscoring the event’s blend of talent from AAA and WWE’s roster[1][2][3].
Laredo Kid’s Notable Recent Performances
Laredo Kid has built a strong reputation as one of AAA’s most agile and exciting athletes. Recently, he competed in a three-way AAA World Tag Team Championship match alongside Octagon Jr. against champions Pagano and Psycho Clown, as well as Los Garza’s Angel and Berto, showcasing his adaptability and skill on big stages[3].
He also participated in the Copa Bardahl Cibernetico at AAA TripleMania XXXIII, an event known for its high stakes and premier competition, which was ultimately won by WWE’s Omos. His inclusion in Worlds Collide adds star power and a dynamic lucha style to the card, promising high-paced action for the fans in attendance and streaming at home[3].
Backstage Insights and Fan Reactions
Industry watchers note that booking Laredo Kid on short notice demonstrates WWE’s commitment to delivering authentic AAA representation despite unforeseen hurdles. A source close to the creative team shared, “They wanted to keep the spirit of Worlds Collide intact. Replacing La Parka with Laredo Kid wasn’t just about filling a slot—it was about bringing a performer who embodies AAA’s identity and connects with audiences.” This change also reassures fans that WWE’s cross-promotional efforts remain strong, despite the logistical complexity of international wrestling[-3].
Fans on social media initially raised questions when La Parka’s image was used mistakenly in promotional materials. The clarification and swift substitution of Laredo Kid have been largely praised as a testament to WWE and AAA’s ability to adapt quickly while maintaining quality[1][2].
WWE x AAA Worlds Collide streams live tonight at 10 p.m. Eastern on WWE’s YouTube channel, delivering a fusion of lucha libre and sports entertainment with some of the industry’s brightest stars overcoming last-minute challenges to put on a memorable show[1][2][3].