Rico Suave obit

Former Puerto Rican Wrestler Rico Suave Dies at 54 

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Former Puerto Rican professional wrestler Julio Domingo Estrada, best known in the ring as “Rico Suave,” has died at the age of 54. Originally from Humacao, Estrada had been battling diabetes, which led to the amputation of one of his legs in recent months. He also underwent heart treatment involving a mesh implant and had been under observation and rest.

“Rico Suave” was a prominent figure in the World Wrestling Council (WWC), where he made a lasting impact on Puerto Rico’s wrestling scene. WWC plans to honor his memory during its 52nd anniversary event this August.

Estrada came from a family with deep roots in wrestling. He was the son of José Estrada, also known as “El Súper Médico,” and brother of Cheo Estrada, a member of the WWE group “Los Boricuas.”

His contributions to wrestling and his legacy in the Puerto Rican sports community will be remembered by fans and peers alike.

Estrada started training to become a wrestler at age 14 and made his debut in 1984 wrestling under various names mostly at independent shows in east of Puerto Rico. Teamed with Solid Gold #1 which was his father José Estrada Sr. former WWF, WWE wrestler in 1991 in the Americas Wrestling Federation in Puerto Rico. He left the company to enter WWC in 1992, where he worked with his brother Jose Estrada Jr. and later became the top manager in the company that year when Joe Don Smith left to play for the then-expansion team Colorado Rockies so Estrada took his spot and managed various wrestlers like Greg Valentine, Dick Murdoch, Eddie Gilbert, Kane, Buddy Landell, Mabel, Val Venis, Glamour Boy Shane, Abdullah the Butcher, Ray Gonzalez, El Nene, Rex King, El Diamante, La Tigresa, Victor The Bodyguard, Jesus Castillo, "Jungle" Jim Steele, Chicky Starr and others. Feuded with Carlos Colon on and off for many years.

He had a memorable feud with Antonio Pantojas (not to be confused with the actor of the same name) known as El Profe that lasted a long time during the 90s.

In 1998, he also was the leader of Invasion Azteca, which was a Mexican group that came to invade WWC combined by Pierroth, Jr., Jerry Estrada, Villano III and the late Texano Sr. Estrada spoke with a Mexican accent and used a Serape during that angle.

Estrada toured Japan in 2000 where he competed at Big Japan Pro Wrestling known as Crazy Sheik

By 2003, Estrada became a good guy after twelve years working in WWC as a Heel when Estrada was attacked by longtime allied El Bronco I after Estrada allegedly ripped an El Bronco picture. El Bronco I and La Revolición Dominicana (The Dominican Revolution) lead El Bronco I attacked Estrada.

Estrada was the leader of El Poder Supremo (The Supreme Power) Heel stable in the WWC. On November 23, 2006, he managed Hannibal and Black Pain to win the WWC Tag Team titles from Jesus Castillo and Chris Joel in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

Began using the nickname "Mr. Hardcore" when he adopted the Hardcore wrestling style and formed a tag team with Huracan Castillo Jr. and formed "La Evolucion Hardcore" or The Hardcore Evolution due to the hardcore wrestling style that this two superstars have. Being both the most dangerous second-generation tag-team wrestlers to dominate Puerto Rico. Estrada then moved on to work in Japan where he tagged with Abdullah The Butcher, went to Mexico and various independent companies in the United States. Quit WWC in June 2009 after a dispute with the office.