Which AEW star has the best wrestling mask?
As Halloween season draws closer, we draw our attention toward some of the more intricate costume pieces of our favorites from AEW: the wrestling mask. The mask tradition is represented well in AEW, having been worn by former champions, a member of the broadcast team, and as common flair pieces for entrances.
In this list, I call on the insight of two graphic designers, Nicole and Dom, from the walrus and the dinosaur (twatd). Together, we decide which AEW masks to crown the best.
Honorable Mentions
Andrade El Idolo. Material looks very hot non-figuratively. But it looks very cool, figuratively. Andrade’s entrance attire is everything.
Serpentico. Unique shape gives it a lot more character than most, even if it can resemble a bird.
Excalibur. Colors are sophisticated, and I wouldn’t be ashamed to wear it to a masquerade ball. But functionally, the eyeholes look like they’re too high and like he can’t see. – Nicole
(5) Luchasaurus
To someone like me who sees pro wrestling every week, Luchasaurus just looks like a dinosaur. To someone like Nicole, Luchasaurus Version 1 resembles a snake. Which is not the worst (still being co-reptiles). But also not the best, given the name.
The second, darker version of the mask is superior to the first in terms of style. If Luchasaurus was ever about the style, that is. But whether it’s bright or dark green scales, the long hair and colored tongue & beard fit nicely with the masks. Luchasaurus is authentically saurus, a look that successfully stands out in pro wrestling.
(4) Rush
Rush definitely makes an impression with his entrance mask, which deviates from the base shape of most wrestling masks. It’s a large thing with large horns, making a giant man look even more giant, as Dom would sum up. I guess part of what makes a mask is who wears it.
On Rush, the bull horns are intimidation. On most other people, they’re a fancy headpiece. Nicole considers this bull mask “the most worthy (on this list) of being hung up on a wall.” It’s clearly not functional in-ring, but it’s certainly the most memorable and wildest of the bunch.
(3) Penta El Zero Miedo
“The mask itself may not visually be my cup of tea, but I appreciate the creativity behind it,” says twatd’s pastel merchmakers. They also agree that the extensive face paint, together with the mask, makes the whole Penta El Zero Miedo look.
The dark mask concept itself is unique and marketable, but how Penta ties the mask together with his attire is what makes it iconic. Total package-wise: from the mask to the matching full-body costume, to everything in between, Penta undeniably has the best overall presentation.
(2) Lee Moriarty
Lee Moriarty’s collection of entrance masks is FUN, and heaven knows we need more of that in wrestling attires. They’re simple but playful cartoony masks that match his vibrant energy. He may have rocked a lot of loud, colorful tiger masks, but I personally adore the white/silver MF Doom mask for the vibes alone.
Nicole does point out that the material looks a little delicate. But I really enjoy that Moriarty’s masks are entrance-only. As if to say they’re just an accessory; TAIGASTYLE is the outfit.
(1) Rey Fénix
What’s not to love about Rey Fénix’s masks? Our friends from twatd describe them as classic, clean, polished, even saint-like. The little flame details, an iconic silhouette; a lot goes into them being intricate, beautiful designs.
Maybe the biggest criticism about them is that they look like other traditional luchador masks, with the similar mask base. But if these are the best in such a populated market, that probably has to count for something big.
Even then, the classic look, on top of Fénix’s popularity means his masks can be a hit to a wider audience. From children to adults. From hardcore Lucha Brothers fans to fans who simply want the coolest souvenir from the live show: Rey Fénix takes the crown.
