1. Arturo Diaz Mendoza, best known by his ring name Villano III, was a Mexican luchador.
23 Facts About Villano III
1. 2.
Villano III retired from wrestling in 2015, due to health issues stemming from wrestling.
3.
In contrast one of his last matches ever, at Triplemania XXVillano III was voted the "worst match of the year" in 2015.
4.
Villano III's debut was on January 29,1970, earlier than expected as he was asked to replace someone who did not show up for a match.
5.
On December 14,1975, Villano III became the first ever UWA World Welterweight Champion by winning a tournament.
6.
Villano III's run with the welterweight title lasted until May 29,1977, where he lost to El Solar.
7.
Villano III lost the title back to Fishman 140 days later, ending the first of his two reigns with that championship.
8.
In 1982, Villano III started a storyline feud against Los Misioneros de la Muerte, that would lead to Villano III becoming a tecnico.
9.
On March 20,1983, Villano III defeated Aguayo to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Championship, beginning the first of seven reigns for Villano III, tied with Aguayo for most reigns with that title.
10.
In 1985, Villano III defeated Gran Hamada to win the WWF Light Heavyweight Title for a second time.
11.
In 1991, Villano III began working against a young Canadian known as Pegasus Kid, sent to Mexico by New Japan Pro-Wrestling to train and gain experience.
12.
Villano III held the title until January 1995 when the UWA closed and Villano III vacated the title with which he had been closely associated for more than ten years.
13.
On November 27,1997, Villano III defeated Ricky Santana to win the WWC Puerto Rican Championship to start his tour with WWC.
14.
On July 18,1998, Villano III was one of 32 wrestlers putting their masks on the line in a Ruleta de la Muerte tournament where the losing teams advance and in the end the final team would face off in a Lucha de Apuestas match.
15.
In late 1998, Villano III began working almost exclusively for CMLL.
16.
On November 22,1999, Villano III defeated Atlantis to win the CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship.
17.
On July 30,2005, Villano III teamed up with rookie wrestler Gallo Tapado Jr.
18.
Villano III frequently appeared in Lucha de Apuesta matches, having won the hair of Scorpio Jr.
19.
Villano III was instrumental in training the rest of his sons, although he insisted they both get college degrees before they were allowed to begin wrestling.
20.
Villano III's nephews are wrestlers, known as Rokambole Jr.
21.
Villano III's in-ring style focused more on fast action and explosive moves that looked realistic over the high flying style normally associated with light heavyweight wrestlers, although he would perform dives out of the ring and off the top rope.
22.
Villano III's in-ring speed helped make his La magistral cradle so effective, he was able to apply it to an opponent instantly.
23.
Arturo, as well as all other Diaz family members who have used the "Villano III" name, have all worn the same distinctive mask.