The situation surrounding Alberto Del Rio and AAA has become a major topic of conversation in the wrestling world, with a clear divide between the live audiences in Mexico who are clamoring for his return and the online fans who are critical of his controversial past. WWE Hall of Famer and former AAA Mega Champion Jeff Jarrett has weighed in with a passionate take, arguing that Del Rio’s undeniable charisma and connection with the audience are what truly matter in the business.
At the recent AAA TripleMania event, fans in Mexico City loudly chanted for Del Rio and booed the current top babyface, El Hijo del Vikingo. This reaction has sparked a debate about whether WWE, the new owners of AAA, should bring Del Rio back into the fold despite the potential for online backlash.
Speaking on his My World podcast with Conrad Thompson, Jarrett was asked about the fan reaction. He stated that he was “surprised that people are surprised” by the chants, arguing that Del Rio’s ability to create an emotional connection with the live audience is a far more valuable asset than the high-flying, athletic style of a performer like Vikingo.
“You know what makes me just kind of chuckle in so many ways. In 2025, the Lucha Libre audience, and I have been there quite a bit… If there is a talent in 2025… that can put together. He had a hell of a match with Omega. I mean, if you want to put a Lucha Libre talent that can have. He’s the Will Ospreay. He’s five star plus every time he goes out, Alberto, his physical capabilities, I think safe to say… If this isn’t the perfect example of charisma over in-ring ability, I mean, to me, that people want to be emotionally attached. They know the story. They know the character. There’s no doubt in my mind… What an opportunity there is in the country of Mexico.”
Jarrett argued that at the end of the day, wrestling is a business, and promoters and parent companies like TKO are most concerned with the bottom line: which performer can make the fans care and, by extension, spend their money. He believes that Del Rio checks every one of those boxes, regardless of any other outside factors.
“He’s a kid, quote, unquote, from San Luis Potosi, that is second generation that knows how to talk, knows how to work. He will bust your ass. He’s aggressive. He’s a fighter, but most importantly, Conrad, he knows how to connect with the audience at a really, really deep level, from a real passionate fan base, and he’s a passionate guy. I’m surprised that people are surprised by this… What has Vikingo done in his entire career to create emotional connection? That’s a question. I’m serious. What has he done his entire career to create that emotional connection?… They want to be entertained. They want to be emotionally connected. Can this guy play the rudo or the technico…Is he the heel? Is he a bad guy or good guy? Can I get emotional? Will I entertain? Will I feel like I got my money’s worth… Alberto checks every one of those boxes.”
