Alberto El Patrón had high praise for Dominik Mysterio | Credit: IMAGO / Newscom World
Alberto El Patrón, known globally as a larger-than-life figure in wrestling, recently sat down with Soy Eduardo Bates and opened up about his journey. He spoke about his pride in rebuilding the sport, the respect he holds for fellow stars, and his beliefs about what makes real wrestling.
El Patrón says he’s not just playing a part, but shaping the business from the ground up. Reflecting on his status in wrestling, he explains how hard work and dedication have become his DNA:
“Well, more than a process, it's about continuing to advance in the business and doing what one does every day within the profession or sport that one loves. Simply doing what I've done all my life. It's not for nothing that I'm the only Mexican, and it’s going to take many more years for someone to achieve what I’ve achieved. And I say it again—it will take many more years for someone to achieve what I have. The same formula of hard work and dedication that made me succeed in the United States is the same thing that helped me build an entire industry.”
Speaking about the resurgence of Triple A, El Patrón credits key figures and the right partnership to bring the company back to where it belongs, especially highlighting Alberto Del Río’s significance in that transformation.
“Well, I raised the whole business—the entire industry, really. We’re not just talking about companies. Being in Triple A with the incredible Roldán Peña family, with Dorian Roldán leading the way as the driving force behind the master plan to revive wrestling, was key. And having the right figure—the right piece—in Alberto Del Río made it possible. The rest was simply the recognition from the public. Whether heel or technical, what the fans wanted was a character, a person who made them believe once again that wrestling is the sport par excellence. And Alberto Del Río achieved that through effort and discipline, and that’s what truly drives us.”
El Patrón discusses how fans create their own narratives and the importance of earning respect through performance, not just through promotion or hype.
“No one can decide for the public. The public loves or hates whoever they want. Social media, the internet, and television only spread it—some with truth, others just chasing likes, views, or a week of relevance. We are the protagonists, the ones who step into the ring and give our best. I have nothing but respect for El Hijo del Vikingo—he’s a great fighter and a promising talent in our business who will go very far. But it was the people who weren’t happy, the ones who felt cheated or betrayed. I simply go out and do my job. It’s like Maximus says in Gladiator: I have the fortune of looking my enemy in the eye and deciding my own destiny. The rest is up to the fans.”
Talking about Dominik, El Patrón emphasizes that talent runs in the blood:
“He’s a great wrestler—because it’s in his blood. His father is the greatest of all time. Thanks to Rey Mysterio, many Mexicans have done, are doing, and will continue to do what we’ve achieved in world wrestling. With Dominik Mysterio, it was only a matter of time before he found his character—the right one. The talent and ring skills, he’s had them since birth. He’s someone who will become a world champion in the company; he just needs time. He fully understands the business, speaks both languages, and there’s nothing that can stop him.”
El Patrón says he doesn’t follow every social media rumor, but knows when someone respects legacy, and that’s meaningful to him given his own history.
“I don’t watch the internet, I don’t really look at that stuff. I only see what comes from the people I follow on social media. I have better things to do than be online. I work, I produce, I focus on raising my family and providing for my children. So no, I don’t see it — I just hear about it from others, like you. I’m grateful that Dominik Mysterio pays tribute to someone he knows learned from his father, because I learned from Rey Mysterio. His father helped me become someone in this industry. So, in that sense, Dominik also recognizes the quality of wrestlers — even those who aren’t in his company.”
El Patron spoke about John Cena | IMAGO / Newscom World
One of his strongest tributes is reserved for Vince McMahon, whom he credits for creating characters and moments woven into wrestling’s history.
“Look, he created all the characters — the glorious era of WWE belongs to Mr. McMahon. And what people don’t know — because really, nobody knows — is that whether it’s true or false, only those in charge will decide what the truth is. But the man is the mastermind of this industry. What we have today in wrestling exists because of him. I was always one of his favorite wrestlers because of my dedication, professionalism, and above all, effectiveness. Alberto Del Río does what he wants with the public, with the industry — he makes them believe, he makes them live, and he makes them feel that what’s happening in wrestling is exactly what he wants them to believe.”
El Patrón reflects on his history with John Cena and doesn’t hide his desire to be part of Cena’s farewell tour if the opportunity arises.
“John Cena — well, he's a true professional in this business, someone who has class and recognizes class. That’s why I was one of his favorite rivals, and he was one of mine. I congratulate him on this farewell tour. Of course, I’d love to be part of that farewell, but for now, I’m just focused on working hard and doing what I do every day. If that equation, that negotiation, can happen, then I’d love to be part of it.”
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