He was a legendary professional wrestler, actor, and folk hero—often celebrated as the most iconic Mexican luchador and frequently hailed among “the greatest legends in Mexican sports.” His name became synonymous with courage, justice, and resilience, not just in the ring but across popular culture. Over the course of nearly 50 years, he built an enduring legacy, becoming a symbol of good triumphing over evil through his larger-than-life persona.

His influence extended far beyond wrestling. He starred in or co-starred in more than 54 lucha films and inspired countless comic book adventures, where he portrayed a heroic figure fighting for truth and fairness. These stories only deepened his connection with fans and solidified his status as a cultural icon. In tribute to his monumental impact, the Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre created the Leyenda de Plata, an annual lucha libre tournament held in his honor—a fitting homage to a man whose name is forever woven into the fabric of Mexican sports history.

Before all the fame and glory, he was just a passionate kid who loved sports. As a child, he played baseball and American football, showing early promise in athletics. But it was wrestling that eventually captured his heart. He began training in Ju-Jitsu and later moved into amateur wrestling, honing the skills that would soon make him a household name. He made his competitive debut in the early 1930s and by the latter half of that decade, he had already established himself as a formidable presence in the wrestling world.

Born to Jesús Guzmán Campuzano and Josefina Huerta de Guzmán, he was the fifth of seven children. Wrestling ran in the family—three of his brothers also stepped into the ring under the names Pantera Negra, Black Guzmán, and Jimmy Guzmán. The tradition continued with the next generation: he fathered 11 children, one of whom, “El Hijo del Santo,” followed in his footsteps to become a renowned wrestler. Among his 25 grandchildren, three also chose the path of lucha libre, carrying forward the legacy tied so closely to his name.