The wrestling world is in mourning once again as news breaks of the passing of lucha libre star Ray Mendoza Jr., better known to fans as Villano V. The iconic masked wrestler reportedly passed away today at the age of 62, marking the end of an era for one of Mexico’s most storied wrestling families.
Born on March 22, 1962, Villano V was the fourth son of the legendary Ray Mendoza, a cornerstone of Mexican wrestling who made his name in CMLL, then known as EMLL, during the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. Ray Mendoza’s influence extended beyond the ring as he played a crucial role in founding CMLL’s first rival promotion, the Universal Wrestling Association (UWA) in the mid-’70s. Following in their father’s footsteps, all five of Mendoza’s sons entered the wrestling world, adopting the Villano monikers and forming the formidable Los Villanos faction.
Despite being the fourth son, Ray Mendoza Jr. took on the Villano V name after becoming the last of his siblings to complete his education. He debuted just days before his fifteenth birthday in March 1975, and quickly made a name for himself alongside his brothers in the UWA. The Villanos became one of the most successful and feared factions of their time, leaving an indelible mark on the promotion until its closure in the 1990s. Villano V also wrestled for CMLL, AAA, and Promo Azteca, as well as making appearances in Japan for promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling and Michinoku Pro Wrestling.
American fans will remember Villano V for his stint in WCW, where he and his brother, Villano IV, joined in 1997. While they didn’t reach the same level of fame as luchadors like Rey Mysterio, Psicosis, or Eddie Guerrero, the Villanos were respected for their performances, even if they were often confined to the lower card on shows like WCW Saturday Night and WCW Pro.
Villano V’s career reached its pinnacle in 2008 during CMLL’s 75th Aniversario, where he shocked the wrestling world by defeating Blue Panther in a mask vs. mask match—a victory still regarded as one of the most stunning upsets in lucha libre history. However, Villano V would lose his own mask just six months later in another high-stakes match at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, falling to Panther’s ally, Ultimo Guerrero.
Villano V retired in 2017 after a storied career, but his legacy lives on through his family. At the time of his passing, he was the second-to-last surviving brother of Los Villanos, with only Villano IV remaining. He is survived by his sons, Rokambole Jr. and Villano V Jr., and his nephews, El Hijo del Villano III and Villano III Jr., who continue to honor the family name in CMLL.
The passing of Villano V marks a significant loss for the world of lucha libre, as fans and fellow wrestlers alike reflect on the impact he had on the sport both in Mexico and abroad. His legacy, both as part of Los Villanos and as a solo competitor, will be remembered for generations to come.