La Era Dorada (Golden Age 1968–1970)

Lore & Background

El Solitario began his career in 1960 at age 14, initially billed as El Zica II in honor of his brother. He later adopted the name El Solitario, inspired by the comic book character El Llanero Solitario. He achieved stardom in Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL) and later joined the Universal Wrestling Association (UWA), where he won four more world championships in the early 1980s. He died on April 6, 1986, at age 39, from cardiac arrest during surgery.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered the turf of the Estadio Azteca in late 1969, but the roar of twenty thousand fans drowned out the thunder. It was the decisive moment against the Argentine giants. As the ball rolled toward the net, time seemed to suspend for the Celeste striker. The net rippled, and a collective gasp turned into an eruption of joy that shook the stadium's foundations. In that instant, under the floodlights, Cruz Azul ceased to be just a team from Mexico City; they were champions of the Americas.

Reader's Guide

El Solitario's career spanned over 25 years. He won the NWA World Middleweight Championship in 1969 and the NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship in 1970. In the UWA, he won the UWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship in 1982, the UWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship in 1980 and 1981, and the UWA World Light Heavyweight Championship. He was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996.

Did You Know?

• El Solitario's brother Jesús was killed in the ring in 1959, which inspired him to pursue lucha libre.
• He unmasked his rival Angel Blanco in 1972 and later unmasked Dr. Wagner on December 1, 1985.
• He toured Japan in 1972, 1979, and 1981, facing stars like Tiger Mask and Tatsumi Fujinami.

Origins and the Birth of a Legend

As the youngest of seven children, he began learning the ropes at twelve under his older brother, Jesús. Rather than retreat, González Cruz channeled this loss into a fierce dedication to lucha libre, training under Joe el Hermoso and debuting in 1960 at just fourteen years old. Initially wrestling as El Zica II to honor his fallen sibling, he later adopted the moniker El Hijo Del Santo before realizing he needed a unique identity. He eventually rebranded as El Solitario, inspired by the comic book hero 'The Lone Ranger.' This transformation included adopting a striking gold and black costume with a fringed golden mask, a look that captivated promoters and fans alike, setting the stage for his rise from local Tijuana arenas to national stardom.

Rise to Stardom in EMLL

González Cruz's career trajectory shifted dramatically after he moved to Mexico City and joined Empresa Mexicana de Lucha Libre (EMLL). His breakthrough came on December 13, 1968, when he defeated veteran Rey Mendoza in a high-stakes mask versus hair match. This victory was quickly followed by another wager win against legend Rene Guajardo, cementing his status as a top contender. Initially part of the trio 'La Ola Blanca' alongside Dr. Wagner and Angel Blanco, González Cruz wrestled as a heel until his partners betrayed him. This turn transformed him into one of the era's most beloved heroes, or *tecnicos*, sparking legendary rivalries with his former allies. His individual prowess was undeniable; he captured the NWA World Middleweight title in 1969 and the NWA World Light Heavyweight Championship in 1970, establishing himself as a dominant force within Mexico's oldest promotion.

Expansion and International Impact

As one of the first major stars to leave EMLL, El Solitario joined the breakaway Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) in the early 1980s, where he continued his championship dominance. He secured four additional world titles during this period, including the inaugural UWA Junior Heavyweight Championship and multiple reigns as UWA World Light Heavyweight Champion. His influence extended beyond Mexican borders through tours in Japan across the 1970s and early 1980s. Although the Japanese junior division format often limited his ability to showcase his full technical repertoire by pitting him against foreign heels, he still gained a significant international following. During these tours, he competed alongside global icons like Tiger Mask and Tatsumi Fujinami, proving his versatility and appeal on the world stage while maintaining his status as a headlining star back home.

Tragic End and Lasting Legacy

Despite a career spanning over twenty-five years, El Solitario's life was cut short by complications from in-ring injuries. His death marked the end of an era, yet his impact endured through posthumous honors and family continuation. Inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 1996, he was later ranked as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time by Dave Meltzer's publication. His son, El Hijo del Solitario, carried on the family tradition starting in 1990. El Solitario remains a revered figure in lucha libre history, remembered for his resilience, iconic character, and unforgettable matches, including his final career triumph against Dr. Wagner.