Mr. Iguana, real name Santiago Ibarra Calderón, isn’t your average masked luchador. With his bright green paint, signature puppet “La Yezca,” and high-energy antics, he’s carved out a niche in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide – but it’s his sudden crossover into WWE’s spotlight that has the wrestling world buzzing.
From the Mexican Indies to AAA Fame
Born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mr. Iguana debuted in 2009 and rose through Mexico’s independent scene by blending humor with agility. He signed with AAA full-time in the late 2010s and quickly became a fan favorite for both kids and adult viewers, known for antics involving “La Yezca,” an iguana puppet that often played a “live” role in matches.
His AAA Mixed Tag Team Championship win with La Hiedra in December 2024 brought him formal recognition and TV prominence.
WWE Worlds Collide Moment
The major turning point came on June 7, 2025, when Mr. Iguana competed in the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide special in Los Angeles. Teaming with Aero Star and Octagón Jr., he faced off against the Latino World Order (Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro, and Lince Dorado).
While he wasn’t the most technically dominant, his comic timing, La Yezca’s slapstick involvement, and his chemistry with the crowd stole the show. At one point, fans erupted in laughter when La Yezca “took” a Spanish Fly. That moment went viral across social media, racking up millions of views.
Viral Fame and Immediate WWE Interest
Instant Merch Success
Within hours of Worlds Collide airing, WWE rolled out limited-run Mr. Iguana merchandise. According to multiple reports, the t-shirts and plush puppets sold out online and at event venues in under 48 hours. This rapid sell-through led WWE officials to extend merchandise options for SummerSlam season.
Skipping NXT – Straight to the Main Roster
What shocked fans and insiders alike was WWE’s decision to bypass its developmental system entirely. According to multiple reports, Mr. Iguana was offered a main roster contract, skipping NXT altogether – a move reserved only for rare breakout talents. He was later seen in the front row at Money in the Bank, an intentional tease by WWE’s creative team.
Backstage Buzz – Cheers and Concerns
While many WWE executives are reportedly excited about Mr. Iguana’s marketability – especially to younger audiences – not everyone backstage is sold. Sources suggest there’s been mild backstage heat, largely due to Iguana’s confident interviews post-event. Some veterans believe he still needs time to adjust to WWE’s storytelling pace and locker-room etiquette.
Nonetheless, creative plans are moving forward. Triple H even praised Iguana at a press conference, hinting at a “comedy-meets-carnage” character dynamic that the WWE is eager to explore on live TV.
What’s Next: WWE’s Strategic Push
Here’s what to expect in the next few months:
- Main Roster Debut (RAW/SmackDown): Likely within the next 30-60 days, possibly during SummerSlam build-up.
- Merch Expansion: WWE is planning full puppet replicas, youth t-shirts, and plush masks to capitalize on family appeal.
- Cross-Promotion with AAA: Iguana might appear in both WWE and AAA events as part of their ongoing partnership.
- Feuds with Mid-Card Stars: Expect early comedic rivalries, possibly with Chad Gable, Akira Tozawa, or Johnny Gargano – ideal matches to showcase his humor and underdog charm.
Mr. Iguana’s journey is more than just a meme-worthy rise – it’s a case study in how charisma, fan connection, and visual branding can transcend language and tradition. While he may not be WWE’s next technical master, his entertainment value and unique appeal make him a powerful wildcard in 2025’s roster reshuffle.
WWE has bet big on the iguana – and fans seem to be all in.
Pratiksha
Pratiksha is a writer specializing in WWE and UFC coverage, combining her expertise as a fitness professional with a passion for combat sports journalism. She focuses on delivering accurate, insightful, and timely content that keeps fans updated on the latest events, fighter profiles, and industry news.
