Dragon Rojo Jr. Finds Strength After Unmasking, Fights Bullying

For Anselmo Rivas, the man behind the wrestling persona Dragon Rojo Jr., losing his mask in 2023 was a profoundly difficult moment, second only to the death of his father.

Accustomed to the confidence and anonymity the mask provided, Rivas found himself confronting deep-seated insecurities. He revealed that his childhood and adolescence were marked by bullying due to his skin color, physical build, and speech impediments. The mask became not just a professional tool but a symbol of safety and strength, allowing him to overcome these personal struggles.

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It was my duality; it gave me security and confidence. Due to life circumstances, my childhood and adolescence were difficult. I grew up with insecurities, due to bullying for my skin color, my physical build, because I spoke with a lisp and had a tongue tie. When I wore the mask, all that disappeared. That's why, when I lost it, I felt a great pain; it has been the second most difficult moment of my life, surpassed only by the death of my father.

However, this challenging experience ultimately became an opportunity for significant personal growth. The unmasking forced him to face his vulnerabilities head-on, leading to a stronger sense of self. Now, Dragon Rojo Jr. uses his platform to speak out against bullying, sharing his story as a testament to overcoming adversity.

He implores young people to communicate their struggles with family and seek healthy outlets for their emotions, emphasizing that such experiences should not be endured alone. His message is one of resilience and the importance of seeking support.

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I didn't do it, I made a mistake by not talking to my parents and I paid for it. Talk to your family, have confidence and look for an activity to clear your mind. This should not happen anymore.