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KeMonito
KeMonito
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Jesús Juárez Rosales (born July 3, 1967), better known by his ring name KeMonito, is a Mexican mascota enmascarado (or masked professional wrestling mascot). He is best known for his work with Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where he portrayed a técnico ("Good guy") wrestling character. As KeMonito, he accompanied and helped various técnicos in CMLL, a role he used to fill for Tinieblas under the name "Alushe". As KeMonito, he wore a full bodysuit that resembles that of a monkey with blue fur and yellow skin; as Alushe, he wore a furry full bodysuit resembling an Ewok.

Key Information

Personal life

[edit]

KeMonito was born Jesús Juárez Rosales on July 3, 1967, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Despite having never being unmasked, his birth name became public record, because of a legal issue between him and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). Due to his dwarfism, KeMonito only grew to 0.80 m (2 ft 7+12 in) tall and weight 45 kg (99 lb). His son, known as Microman, was born on September 30, 1998, and followed in his father's footsteps.[3]

Professional wrestling career

[edit]

The man who would later perform as both Alushe and KeMonito was trained by Diablo Velazco, presumably for a career as a Midget professional wrestler (later referred to as a Mini-Estrella in lucha libre), but due to his diminutive stature, 0.80 m (2 ft 7+12 in), he never worked as a full-time wrestler.

Alushe (1988–2005)

[edit]

In 1988, Tinieblas introduced a new sidekick/partner/mascota in the form of Alushe, wearing a furry full body suit including a mask that made him resemble an Ewok from Return of the Jedi. His name, image and playful character was inspired by the legend of the Alux, a Maya mythical sprite.[4][5][6] The diminutive sidekick was added to appeal to the children in the audience and given an intricate storyline background to help sell the "mythical" nature of the Alushe creature. According to his fictional back story he is a Mayan elf born in the year 1767 in the city of Anahuac in Xibalba, the Mayan version of hell and made his debut in 1988 at the age of 221 years.[4] Over the years, Alushe would accompany Tinieblas to the ring and in a comedic fashion play the foil to various rudo (wrestlers who portray the "bad guy" characters) opponents of Tinieblas, often in a comedic fashion.[4][5][6] He never worked as an actual wrestler, not even when Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) created the Mini-Estrellas division, choosing to remain a mascota, who would get involved in his "Masters" matches. As Alushe, he has outwitted and at times even pinned much larger opponents, feats that within the fictional world of professional wrestling were accepted even though they clearly broke the suspension of disbelief principles professional wrestling operates under. While he did not compete regularly as a wrestler, he did get involved in a Luchas de Apuestas (or "Bet match"), where all competitors would wager either their mask or their hair on the outcome of the match. On April 7, 2004, Alushe defeated a Mini-Estrella known as Pequeño Sadam (Little Sadam) and forced him to unmask.[4] At one point Pierroth Jr.'s group Los Boricuas kidnapped Alushe and in a comedic segment, threatened to boil him in a giant pot and eat him if Tinieblas and Tinieblas Jr. did not agree to their terms. Instead of boiling him, realizing he would probably not smell or taste good, Pierroth offered Alushe women, candy, and money to join his team as long as he swore allegiance to Puerto Rico. He took the offer and for a short while joined Los Boricuas, wearing Puerto Rican inspired clothes as he helped the rudo team cheat. The storyline did not last long as Alushe was back by Tinieblas' side with no explanation a short while later.[7] In 2005, Tinieblas and Alushe had a falling out and Tinieblas gave the costume and name to someone else.[6] The replacement did not prove as successful as the original Alushe, nor have the same longevity as Tinieblas started a search for a new Alushe in 2010.[8]

KeMonito (2005–2023)

[edit]
KeMonito in June 2022

The mascota who had been known as Alushe up until 2005 was given a new ring name and costume by CMLL when Tinieblas took the original name and costume away from him, coming up with the name "Qué Monito" (Spanish for "That Little Monkey" and slang for "How Cute"), later it would morph into, "K-Monito" and then finally "Ke Monito" or "KeMonito". He was given a new costume, a bodysuit resembling a fuzzy blue chimpanzee or gorilla.[4][6] As KeMonito, he accompanied a number of CMLL's mid and top level técnicos to the ring to help counter act any cheating their opponents may resort to. In this role, he was known for his association with Shocker, Místico and Atlantis.[9] Over the years, he became a constant thorn in the side of the group Los Guerreros del Infierno, especially their leader Último Guerrero, who took great pleasure in throwing the diminutive KeMonito around the ring, even at times kicking him off the ring apron to the floor.[10] Los Guerreros del Infierno even introduced their own "Evil KeMonito" called Ultimonito who would fight KeMonito. In 2010, popular Lucha Libre AAA World Wide (AAA) mascota Cuije joined CMLL as part of Los Invasores and started a feud with KeMonito.[11] Cuije would later change his name to Mije due to a name dispute with AAA. In 2011, CMLL introduced another mascota as La Peste Negra ("The Black Plague") added the mascota Zacarías, a little person in a parrot costume. Over time, the three CMLL mascotas have developed a long running rivalry between each other and brawls between any of the mascotas usually draws a loud reaction from the crowd.[12][13][14]

Towards the end of the 2010s, KeMonito considered retirement, owing to health issues. However, he has claimed that he was persuaded by higher-ups in the promotion to continue performing as the mascota. During the COVID-19 pandemic, KeMonito had become the focus of viral memes; his image was used by Grupo Bimbo, and he alleges that CMLL pocketed the money that he was owed from the advertising campaign.[15][1] Additionally, CMLL did not use him in their empty arena shows and KeMonito claims that the promotion reduced his pay when he returned.[2] By 2023, KeMonito publicly spoke of retiring, with the intention of doing so at the CMLL 90th Anniversary Show.[16] Privately, CMLL were not against this, but had preferred him to have retired quietly, as they wanted the KeMonito character to be timeless.[1] CMLL would later introduce a new mascota character named "KeMalito", who was meant to be a new rival for KeMonito.[17] Around this time, KeMonito had not appeared on a show in months, and he knew that it was likely that he would be replaced by another Mini-Estrella. In September 2023, KeMonito, while also revealing his birth name, filed a lawsuit to CMLL over non-payment, labor abuse, and even discrimination due to his condition.[18] The promotion claimed they have the rights of the KeMonito character.[2] Soon afterwards, KeMonito held a press conference and announced that he had left the promotion.[19] A year later, CMLL began a storyline between KeMonito and KeMalito.[20] This KeMonito is a Mini-Estrella formerly known as Chaneque, but the promotion still refers to him as the original, despite the successor being taller, more agile and wearing a different costume compared to KeMonito.[21]

QueMoniito (2023–present)

[edit]

In 2023, Juárez adopted the ring name "QueMoniito", an altered spelling of the original name of KeMonito, and began working on the Mexican independent circuit. He primarily does autograph signings and sells merchandise based on his image.[22]

[edit]

The Alushe character often appeared on a television show called The Adventures of Capulina, often defending Capulina against various enemies.[23][24] Alushe and Tinieblas also appeared on the television show Burbujas ("Bubbles") where they defeated Ecoloco, the show's antihero character.[24]

KeMonito was the subject of a short documentary film entitled KeMonito: La última caída ("KeMonito: The Final Fall"), released in 2023.[25]

Meme

[edit]

KeMonito became part of an internet meme in the second part of the 2010s, growing in popularity right into 2020, where people would edit KeMonito into various pictures, especially scenes from films such as Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,[26] Forrest Gump or Back to the Future.[27] Another subject of the KeMonito Memes is to insert him into sports scenes, such as diving to onto an association football player,[28] or where the blue furry KeMonito replaces the trophy during a victory celebration.[29] Some memes incorporate a video of KeMonito being kicked out of the wrestling ring by Último Guerrero, sending him flying to the floor, often with the comment that KeMonito represented the meme poster and Guerrero representing life, kicking them hard.[28] The memes even celebrated KeMonito's birthday on March 4, even though his actual birthdate is July 3.[27]

Luchas de Apuestas record

[edit]
Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Alushe (mask) Pequeño Sadam (mask) Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas Live event April 7, 2003 [4]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
KeMonito is a Mexican masked mascot renowned for his long tenure with the (CMLL), debuting in 1988 as a diminutive sidekick clad in a suit. Originally introduced by wrestler as Alushe, he transitioned to the KeMonito character upon joining CMLL, where he claims to have been the first such mascot following a hiatus in featuring little people in the promotion. Known for comedic antics, match interference, and absorbing physical punishment from opponents like Último Guerrero in scripted rivalries, KeMonito has endured numerous injuries yet persists as the family's primary provider, unable to retire. His enduring popularity extends beyond wrestling arenas through internet memes and support for his son, wrestler , marking him as an iconic figure in Mexican despite the physically demanding role.

Personal Background

Early Life and Training

Jesús Juárez Rosales, the wrestler who later portrayed KeMonito, was born on July 3, 1967, in Guadalajara, , , with , a genetic condition causing disproportionate and limiting his adult height to approximately 80 centimeters. Prior to pursuing wrestling, supported himself through manual trades common in working-class neighborhoods, including , automotive repair, and street vending of elotes (grilled corn). entered wrestling training around , mentored by the legendary Guadalajara-based trainer Diablo Velazco, known for developing numerous luchadores despite Rosales' initial reluctance, which stemmed from friends already in the discipline encouraging his participation.

Family and Health Challenges

Jesús Juárez Rosales, the wrestler portraying KeMonito, was born with , a characterized by that limits stature and affects skeletal development. Over more than 40 years in , he sustained chronic injuries from high-impact maneuvers and falls, including severe damage that has necessitated periodic use, as well as trauma to his shoulders, , and cervical spine. These conditions, compounded by the lack of in his early career, have progressively impaired his mobility and ability to perform. In November 2024, Juárez Rosales reported that orthopedic specialists expressed disbelief at his resilience, remarking on how he had endured such physical toll without earlier collapse. His departure from CMLL in September 2023, initially attributed to decline, intensified these challenges, as ongoing legal disputes over contract rights and payments limited his income streams. Juárez Rosales supports a wife and at least four children, including the wrestler Microman (real name Christian Ramírez Juárez), who has followed in his footsteps in lucha libre. The family has encountered financial strain from his reduced earning capacity post-CMLL, prompting them to produce and sell handmade wrestling masks as a supplementary livelihood. He has described the pressure to provide for dependents as a key factor compelling him to persist in the ring despite debilitating pain.

Professional Wrestling Career

As Alushe (1988–2005)

Jesús Juárez Rosales debuted in professional wrestling on March 26, 1988, as Alushe, a diminutive character created to accompany the luchador . The persona drew inspiration from the , a mischievous dwarf spirit in Mayan , and was named by journalist Carlos Hernández Valdés, with "Alushe" evoking a plush, elf-like ("de peluche") appearance featuring furry attire and a whimsical design. Standing at approximately 0.80 meters tall, Alushe primarily functioned as a manager and interference specialist for técnico wrestlers, particularly , enhancing storylines through comedic antics and opportunistic attacks on rudos. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Alushe appeared regularly in Mexican promotions, including events alongside in arenas across . His role emphasized loyalty to tecnicos, often involving high-risk maneuvers like second-rope buttdrops to aid allies during matches. This period solidified Alushe's status as an innovative in the minis division, predating similar characters in major promotions and contributing to 's family-oriented presentations. The partnership with Tinieblas ended acrimoniously in 2002 following a post-match incident at a Tijuana event, where disputes over conduct led to Alushe's departure from the group. Juárez Rosales continued performing under the Alushe gimmick independently for several years, maintaining sporadic appearances in regional shows until 2005, when he transitioned to a new character upon affiliating with (CMLL). During this interim, Alushe retained elements of his original role but without the structured backing of a major stable, focusing on standalone mini-luchador bouts and managerial duties.

Introduction and Role as KeMonito in CMLL (2005–2023)

KeMonito emerged in 2005 as the rebranded persona of a longstanding luchador enano within Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), transitioning from the Alushe character to a new masked mascot role aligned with the técnico faction. This change followed disputes over the original Alushe intellectual property, leading CMLL to introduce the blue-furred, monkey-themed KeMonito attire, which emphasized comedic agility and crowd engagement over traditional wrestling matches. As a mascota enmascarado, KeMonito primarily served as a sidekick, enhancing storylines through exaggerated physical comedy and interference on behalf of técnicos. Throughout his tenure from 2005 to 2023, KeMonito accompanied prominent técnicos such as and El Valiente, often absorbing attacks from rudos to build sympathy and humor, while participating sporadically in the minis division and luchas de apuestas. His performances at , particularly on Friday nights, featured high-flying topes and apron antics that captivated audiences, including international viewers drawn by viral internet clips. This role solidified his status as a beloved fixture, with KeMonito claiming to have revived the mascot tradition in CMLL after a hiatus in little-person representation. KeMonito's contributions extended to mentoring emerging microestrellas, including facilitating his son Microman's entry into CMLL by arranging training with , thereby influencing the promotion's emphasis on dwarf wrestlers as main-event attractions. His consistent presence across major events underscored a blend of and athleticism, making him one of Arena México's most popular performers by the early , despite physical tolls from in-ring spots. In September 2023, Jesús Juárez Rosales, the wrestler portraying KeMonito for over 20 years, announced his departure from (CMLL) following the expiration of his contract. Juárez Rosales held a on September 25, 2023, where he detailed the end of his tenure with the promotion, citing unresolved contractual issues as the primary factor. The split escalated into a dispute over rights to the KeMonito character, with Juárez Rosales initiating legal proceedings against CMLL to secure the and continue performing under the persona independently. He accused CMLL of and claimed that he had been intimidated by fellow wrestlers into signing an agreement that ceded character rights to the promotion, a contention he raised publicly to challenge the validity of prior contracts. CMLL responded by introducing a replacement performer as KeMonito, which Juárez Rosales viewed as an infringement, further fueling the battle. By October 2024, Juárez provided updates indicating the legal action remained active, rejecting rumors of his retirement and affirming his intent to wrestle outside CMLL while pursuing the case. In November 2024, CMLL debuted an updated version of the character, signaling their assertion of ownership over the despite the ongoing litigation. The dispute culminated in May 2025 when Juárez rebranded to QueMoniito to circumvent restrictions, allowing him to perform on circuit without direct conflict over the original name. As of late 2025, the full resolution of ownership remains unresolved in , with both parties maintaining their respective uses of similar mascot concepts in events.

Independent Career as QueMoniito and Recent Appearances

Following his departure from CMLL in September 2023, the wrestler portraying KeMonito transitioned to independent bookings under the QueMoniito to circumvent ongoing disputes over the original character's rights. QueMoniito has primarily worked freelance events and smaller promotions, maintaining his signature mascot style while occasionally crossing paths with CMLL-affiliated talents, including rivalries with the company's replacement , KeMalito. These appearances often feature comedic antics, aerial maneuvers like planchas, and interference in larger matches, consistent with his established role as a mischievous supporter of factions. In late 2024, QueMoniito competed for at their XIII Aniversario event on November 8 in , , entering a Copa The Crash alongside competitors including , , and , though he was eliminated early in the contest. He has also participated in various Wrestling In Mexiko freelance shows, such as a singles match against KeMalito in Ciudad Nicolas Romero, Estado de , emphasizing personal feuds stemming from the CMLL split. More recently, on October 11, 2025, QueMoniito debuted for Pro Wrestling Revolution at their event in , billed under his prior moniker KeMonito and teaming with established stars like Hechicero and in a card focused on expanding lucha libre's reach in the United States. These outings demonstrate his continued activity despite legal uncertainties, with appearances typically drawing on his decades of experience to entertain crowds in arenas across and select international dates.

In-Ring Achievements and Records

Luchas de Apuestas Matches

KeMonito, wrestling as Alushe from 1988 to 2005, competed in two Luchas de Apuestas matches, both successful defenses or victories that preserved his mask. These encounters occurred in regional promotions outside CMLL's primary circuit and involved stakes typical of minis division bets, focusing on masks rather than hair. No such matches are recorded during his tenure as KeMonito, where his role emphasized managerial antics over in-ring competition. The following table summarizes Alushe's Luchas de Apuestas record:
DateApuestaWinner(s)Loser(s)Venue
May 11, 1997Masks & AlusheWhite Killer & Baby KillerGimnasio Josué Neri Santos, , Chihuahua
April 7, 2003MaskAlushePequeño SadamPlaza Luis Longoria,

Notable Feuds and Matches

KeMonito has primarily engaged in comedic and high-energy feuds with fellow mascots, often featuring exaggerated antics, interference spots, and occasional in-ring confrontations within CMLL events. One longstanding rivalry developed with Mije, whom KeMonito identified as his primary antagonist in a 2015 interview, leading to multiple "micro tiro" (mini bullet) matches characterized by fast-paced, exchanges. Their encounters included bouts at , such as on February 3, 2023, where KeMonito and Mije clashed in a specialty micro format emphasizing mascot agility and crowd interaction. Following KeMonito's departure from CMLL in 2023 amid contract disputes, a new marquee feud emerged with KeMalito, a character introduced by CMLL as a rival of the mascot role. This rivalry, dubbed one of the most heated in contemporary , escalated through promotional confrontations and direct es. On November 9, 2024, KeMonito made a surprise appearance at CMLL Viernes Espectacular in , setting up a singles against KeMalito the following week. The November 15, 2024, encounter ended in a double count-out after intense brawling spilled outside the ring. The feud continued into 2025 with additional high-stakes clashes. On May 30, 2025, during CMLL Spectacular Friday at , KeMonito secured a victory over KeMalito in a singles match, showcasing his resilience in taking elevated bumps despite his mascot persona. They also featured in multi-wrestler stipulations, including a five-way elimination match on July 8, 2025, at Arena Coliseo Guadalajara, where KeMonito defeated KeMalito, Mije, , and to claim the win. These bouts highlighted KeMonito's role in bridging mascot comedy with legitimate athletic spots, drawing significant fan engagement across CMLL and independent circuits.

Cultural and Media Impact

Memes and Internet Phenomenon

KeMonito's portrayal as a diminutive, mischievous frequently subjected to exaggerated in (CMLL) matches has spawned viral memes, particularly centered on high-impact spots involving him. A pivotal moment occurred in a 2007 CMLL event where wrestler delivered a to KeMonito's spine, captured in a clip that proliferated online as a and video, amassing shares on platforms like Reddit's r/gifs and , where it garnered tens of thousands of views by 2008. This "infamous Kemonito kick" exemplifies his character's resilience amid absurd punishment, resonating with audiences for its humor and becoming a staple in wrestling compilations. The meme's longevity is evident in its recreation during CMLL's Día de la Lucha Libre event on September 21, 2024, where a similar targeted KeMalito—a character inspired by KeMonito—directly nodding to the original viral spot and reinforcing its cultural staying power within fandom. Online communities, including wrestling forums and , have labeled KeMonito himself as an inherent "meme" due to recurring gags of him being tossed, kicked, or comically outmaneuvered, with user-generated content on under #kemonito exceeding thousands of posts by 2024, often blending clips with captions emphasizing his underdog antics. These phenomena highlight KeMonito's appeal as a symbol of chaotic, lighthearted exaggeration in , distinct from competitive athleticism.

Documentaries and Broader Media Presence

Kemonito: La última caída, a 2023 short documentary directed by Teresa de Miguel, chronicles the life of Jesús Juárez Rosales, the performer behind the KeMonito character, as he grapples with chronic injuries from decades in wrestling and financial pressures preventing retirement. The film premiered at festivals including DOC NYC and the New York Latino Film Festival in 2023 before its Netflix release on September 5, 2024. It received an IMDb user rating of 6.7/10 based on 56 reviews, highlighting KeMonito's role as a staple mascot in Mexican lucha libre while exposing the physical toll of the profession. Prior to adopting the KeMonito persona in 2005, Rosales portrayed Alushe, appearing in Mexican television programs such as Las Aventuras de Capulina, where the character defended comedian Capulina from antagonists, alongside Odisea Burbujas and Súper Vacaciones. These appearances, spanning the late 1980s to early 2000s, extended Alushe's visibility beyond wrestling rings into family-oriented variety shows. As KeMonito, the character has featured in commercials for brands like Grupo Bimbo and gained international exposure through a June 22, 2025, segment on All Elite Wrestling's (AEW) Hey! (EW), where KeMonito and rival mascot KeMalito engaged in comedic antics during an interview with RJ City. This AEW TV spot underscored the mascots' ongoing feud while discussing their careers in lucha libre.

Legacy and Influence

Contributions to Lucha Libre Mascots and Minis Division

KeMonito reintroduced the role of little person mascots to CMLL following a hiatus in the when such characters were absent from the promotion's events, debuting in 1988 as Alushe before transitioning to the KeMonito persona in 2002. His portrayal emphasized physical comparable to full-sized wrestlers, including maneuvers like second-rope butt drops and apron planchas, which blurred distinctions between mascots and competitors despite his non-wrestling status. In the minis division, KeMonito's involvement spanned high-profile storylines and luchas de apuestas, where he secured victories such as unmasking Pequeño Sadam on April 7, 2003, and contributing to a win over opponents alongside on May 11, 1997, thereby elevating the mascot's narrative weight in otherwise wrestler-centric feuds. These appearances integrated mascots into minis showcases, fostering audience engagement through comic antics—like stage falls and apron ejections—that became viral motifs, sustaining interest in the division's undercard role. KeMonito's familial influence extended to the minis landscape, as his son, , pursued full-time wrestling training under Ultimo Guerrero rather than mascot duties, observing the physical toll of the role; Microman later emerged as a prominent minis competitor, exemplifying a shift toward athletic legitimacy in the division. Over two decades in CMLL (2005–2023), the character's enduring popularity as a técnico ally reinforced mascots as viable entertainment staples, influencing subsequent iterations like KeMonito II and counterparts such as Kemalito, while highlighting the viability of mini-sized performers in mainstream programming.

Controversies and Criticisms of Character Ownership

In September 2023, Jesús Juárez Rosales, the performer portraying KeMonito, departed from (CMLL) following the expiration of his contract and announced plans to pursue legal action against the promotion to secure rights over the KeMonito character. Juárez Rosales accused CMLL of contractual fraud and asserted personal ownership of the character's , claiming the promotion had not properly compensated him or recognized his contributions to developing the over decades. CMLL responded by affirming its exclusive ownership of the KeMonito intellectual property, including the name, image, and associated elements, and denied allegations of wrongdoing while indicating it would defend its rights in court. The dispute highlighted tensions in Mexican over character ownership, where promotions typically retain control of gimmicks as work-for-hire creations, though performers like Juárez Rosales argued for equity based on long-term embodiment and cultural embodiment of the role since the character's debut in 1992. Critics of CMLL's position, including independent wrestling observers, contended that the promotion's refusal to negotiate transfer undervalued the performer's irreplaceable contributions, potentially stifling individual agency in a tradition-bound industry. By May 2025, amid ongoing litigation, Juárez Rosales rebranded his independent appearances as QueMoniito to circumvent the dispute, altering the character's name and digital identity while continuing performances outside CMLL-affiliated events. In November 2024, CMLL introduced a replacement performer as the new KeMonito during an event at , prompting further criticism from fans and analysts who viewed it as an attempt to dilute the original character's legacy and public association with Juárez Rosales. The legal battle remained unresolved as of late 2025, with no public ruling on ownership, underscoring broader industry critiques of opaque contracts that favor promotional entities over performers' to iconic personas.

References

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