By
Erin Coulehan
Photography by
Katherine Kocian
On a warm autumn night at Old Sheepdog Brewery, wrestling fans came together to celebrate a milestone in professional wrestling: Cinta de Oro’s 25th career anniversary. Jorge Arias Rodríguez, a Mexican-American wrestler from El Paso, Texas, better known by his ring name Cinta de Oro (formerly Sin Cara), has been a staple in the wrestling world since 1996. Over the years, he’s taken the independent wrestling scene by storm and made a name for himself internationally, captivating fans with his high-flying moves and undeniable charisma.
“It was important to celebrate this milestone here, in El Paso,” he said. “I was born and raised here.”
Cinta de Oro’s journey has been one of resilience and reinvention. Starting under the name Incógnito, he wrestled in Mexico and the U.S., gaining recognition in promotions such as AAA and Chikara. His WWE career as Sin Cara brought him into the spotlight, where he wrestled under the mask before taking on the character of Sin Cara II from 2014 to 2019. After leaving WWE, he embraced his identity as Cinta de Oro, a tribute to the original Cinta de Oro, Sergio Martinez, whose legacy lives on through the new bearer of the name. This momentous decision was supported by the family of the original, who entrusted him with the final mask their father wore.
LuchaPalooza offered fans an action-packed night of thrilling matches and heartfelt moments, headlined by Cinta de Oro defending his IOCW World Heavyweight Championship against Marty Scurll.
The event highlighted Cinta de Oro’s status as a champion and an icon, not only for his in-ring talent but for his connection to the city of El Paso. Having grown up in foster care himself, Cinta de Oro’s life story resonates deeply, particularly as he uses his platform to raise awareness for local causes like building homes for homeless children. His triumph over Rayo in 2021, when he claimed the IOCW Championship in El Paso, was a testament to his journey from those very streets to international stardom.
“I’ve been able to travel all over the world with different wrestlers from different countries. The best are the memories that I have collected,” he explained. “A lot of people remember their life through music, right? I do it through wrestling.”
As the night unfolded, fans witnessed not only Cinta de Oro’s incredible wrestling abilities but also his commitment to giving back to the community. From his defense of the championship in Puerto Rico to his historic victory in Mexico at the Battle of the Champions, Cinta de Oro’s career has been defined by heart and perseverance. As he faced off against Marty Scurll and other top-tier talent in the Battle Royal, LuchaPalooza honored the remarkable legacy he’s built over 25 years and counting.
This celebration was more than just an anniversary – it was a tribute to a wrestling icon who has continuously inspired fans around the world. With thrilling matches, a vibrant crowd, and a look back at Cinta de Oro’s monumental achievements, LuchaPalooza was a night that memorialized his place in wrestling history.
“I’ve been in the business a long time, and it’s been an amazing career but I’m going to keep going,” he said. “I don’t think this is the end of my career – it’s only the second half.”