**Torneo Gran Alternativa (2013)**
**Definition:**
The Torneo Gran Alternativa (2013) was a professional wrestling tag team tournament produced by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) in 2013. The event paired rookie wrestlers (novatos) with experienced veterans in a single-elimination format, designed to showcase emerging talent within the promotion.
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## Torneo Gran Alternativa (2013)
The Torneo Gran Alternativa (2013) was the 19th edition of the annual professional wrestling tournament held by Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), one of Mexico’s premier lucha libre promotions. The tournament took place in April 2013 and continued the tradition of pairing up-and-coming wrestlers with established veterans in tag teams, providing a platform for rookies to gain exposure and elevate their status within the company.
### Background
The Torneo Gran Alternativa was first introduced by CMLL in 1994 as a way to spotlight new talent by teaming them with seasoned wrestlers. The concept quickly became a staple of CMLL’s calendar, held almost every year since its inception. The tournament’s format is a single-elimination tag team competition, where each team consists of one rookie (novato) and one veteran. The event is highly regarded for its role in elevating young wrestlers’ careers, often serving as a springboard for future stars.
By 2013, the tournament had become a prestigious event within CMLL, with many past winners going on to achieve significant success in Mexican wrestling. The 2013 edition continued this tradition, featuring a mix of established veterans and promising rookies.
### Format and Rules
The 2013 Torneo Gran Alternativa followed the traditional format:
– **Teams:** Each team consisted of one veteran wrestler and one rookie.
– **Elimination:** The tournament was single-elimination, with losing teams immediately eliminated.
– **Match Type:** Tag team matches under standard lucha libre rules.
– **Venue:** Matches were held at Arena México, CMLL’s main venue in Mexico City.
– **Schedule:** The tournament was held over several weeks, culminating in a final match to determine the winners.
The tournament’s structure emphasized teamwork between the experienced veteran and the novice, allowing the rookie to learn and showcase their skills in high-profile matches.
### Participants
The 2013 tournament featured 16 teams, each composed of a veteran and a rookie. The selection of participants reflected CMLL’s roster at the time, including a mix of established stars and promising newcomers.
#### Veterans
Some of the veteran wrestlers who participated in the 2013 tournament included:
– Atlantis
– Último Guerrero
– Volador Jr.
– La Sombra
– Rey Bucanero
– Negro Casas
– Blue Panther
– Máscara Dorada
These veterans were chosen for their experience, popularity, and ability to mentor younger talent.
#### Rookies
The rookies selected for the tournament were relatively new to the CMLL roster, many having debuted within the previous few years. Notable rookies included:
– Boby Zavala
– Guerrero Maya Jr.
– Dragon Lee
– Titán
– Raziel
– Fuego
– Stigma
– Soberano Jr.
These wrestlers were seen as potential future stars, and the tournament provided them with an opportunity to gain exposure and experience.
### Tournament Progression
The tournament was divided into two blocks, Block A and Block B, each featuring eight teams. The winners of each block faced off in the final match.
#### Block A
Block A featured a mix of veterans and rookies, with several notable matches that highlighted the rookies’ abilities. The block was competitive, with teams demonstrating strong chemistry and in-ring skills.
#### Block B
Block B also showcased intense competition, with veterans guiding their rookies through challenging matches. The block included some of the tournament favorites, and the matches were well-received by fans and critics alike.
### Key Matches and Highlights
Several matches stood out during the 2013 Torneo Gran Alternativa:
– **Opening Round Matches:** The opening rounds featured fast-paced action and moments where rookies demonstrated their potential, including high-flying maneuvers and technical wrestling.
– **Semifinals:** The semifinal matches were particularly intense, with veterans playing a crucial role in strategy and ring psychology.
– **Final Match:** The final match was held at a major CMLL event, drawing significant attention. The winning team displayed excellent teamwork and resilience.
### Winners
The 2013 Torneo Gran Alternativa was won by the team of veteran Atlantis and rookie Boby Zavala. Their victory was seen as a significant milestone for Zavala, who gained increased recognition and opportunities following the tournament.
### Impact and Legacy
The 2013 edition of the Torneo Gran Alternativa reinforced the tournament’s importance in CMLL’s talent development system. Boby Zavala’s success in the tournament helped establish him as a rising star within the promotion. The event also continued to highlight the value of mentorship in lucha libre, with veterans playing a key role in nurturing new talent.
The tournament’s format and prestige have made it a key event in Mexican professional wrestling, and the 2013 edition maintained this tradition by delivering exciting matches and elevating future stars.
### Reception
The 2013 Torneo Gran Alternativa was generally well-received by fans and wrestling critics. The combination of veteran experience and rookie enthusiasm created compelling storylines and matches. The tournament was praised for its role in showcasing new talent and maintaining the rich tradition of lucha libre.
### Subsequent Careers of Participants
Following the tournament, several rookies who participated went on to have successful careers in CMLL and beyond. Boby Zavala, in particular, benefited from his victory, gaining more prominent bookings and increased fan support. Other rookies such as Dragon Lee and Guerrero Maya Jr. also continued to develop their careers, becoming notable figures in Mexican wrestling.
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## Conclusion
The Torneo Gran Alternativa (2013) was a significant event in CMLL’s annual calendar, continuing the tradition of pairing rookies with veterans to promote new talent. The tournament showcased emerging wrestlers, provided memorable matches, and contributed to the ongoing development of lucha libre in Mexico. The victory of Atlantis and Boby Zavala underscored the tournament’s role in elevating promising wrestlers and maintaining the legacy of mentorship within the sport.
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**Meta Description:**
The Torneo Gran Alternativa (2013) was a CMLL professional wrestling tournament pairing rookies with veterans in a tag team competition, highlighting emerging talent in Mexican lucha libre. Atlantis and Boby Zavala won the event, which continued the tradition of fostering new stars.