As a member of one of Mexico’s most recognized wrestling families, Alberto Del Rio was an accomplished amateur wrestler before joining the professional ranks. Adopting the name of his famous luchador father, Del Rio won many Mexican championships as Dos Caras, Jr. before removing his mask and touting his aristocratic heritage in WWE. Already a two-time WWE Champion, Del Rio is now the number one contender to Sheamus‘ World Heavyweight Championship. As we celebrate Mexico’s victory over a European powerhouse on Cinco de Mayo this Saturday, Del Rio looks to get under the pasty white skin of his European opponent on this Friday’s edition of SmackDown. What better time than now to share this recent conversation he had with Wrestling with Pop Culture about masked Mexican traditions and the recent Hall of Fame induction of his uncle Mil Máscaras?

Courtesy WWE

Last year at WrestleMania you faced Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship. Since that ended up being his last match, how did you feel about Edge being inducted into the Hall of Fame this year alongside your uncle, Mil Máscaras?

It’s great for Edge, who was one of my biggest opponents. I respect Edge as a person, as a wrestler and as a friend because he’s a really good guy and I’m really happy for him. The same for my uncle. This is something incredible for my entire family and for my entire country because we don’t have too many Mexicans doing great things in the world. The fact that two of them are members of my family is amazing.

Before you came to WWE, you were a masked luchador. How do you feel Mexican wrestling traditions are upheld in WWE?

We all know that in the United States they don’t have the same feeling about the masks. But they still respect the fact that the Mexican wrestlers like to use them. We have guys like Rey Mysterio representing the Mexican luchadores, and he’s doing a great job, of course. I think I became the face for all the Mexicans and all the Latins around the world thanks to WWE.

When you came to WWE, were you asked to remove your mask and reveal this new persona or was it your choice?

When this company hired me, they told me that I have a perfect look and it would be great if I not use a mask because that way I will be able to sell my face or my emotions to the audience and that way become a bigger star. I spoke with my family and we all together decided that that was the best thing for me and my career. We all created Alberto Del Rio – Vince McMahon, John Laurinaitis, my father and myself.

For more information, go to www.wwe.com.