Kemonito Exits CMLL Due to Contract Expiry, Plans to Take Legal Action Against Company

Kemonito has departed CMLL. 

Kemonito has departed CMLL. 

On September 25, Kemonito (real name Jesus Juarez Rosales) hosted a press conference (aired on Mas Lucha‘s YouTube Channel) to reveal that he has officially departed CMLL, after a nearly 20-year career in the promotion. With not just the departure, Kemonito stated that he would be taking legal action against CMLL to keep the trademark of the Kemonito moniker. 

In the press conference, he stated the following: 

“Good afternoon. Well, we are here present, as I told you through my networks to clarify everything, because through my networks I have been insulted as well as supported. And the great thing is that I have received more support. Then the threats and everything that is said. In part I want to clarify, that the only thing I want is to be repaid what is owed to me, my Patrimonial Rights That I am entitled to, and, above all, many have insisted to me that why I fight the character of the character is of CMLL. From the beginning, the character was made by me. The character was given to me as just a drawing and I was told to take it, make it, put it together, just these colors they wanted. Since then I have designed, cut, sewed my costume, and made all my masks. I even have a record of the souvenirs that are of my toys. I also have to say that the name was given not by the council (CMLL), but by Dr. Alfredo Morales, who was the one who said Ay, look how cute (que monito) he looks when he kicks, how nice is dancing and how I …. And it stayed, Kemonito. That is why the name is like that, and the only thing I want to reiterate to all those who attack me is that I do not fight anything that is not mine. I told everyone once, that I don’t want anything more than what is mine and I do things because I like them. And even more when I work for the children and for the people who follow me, I try to do the best I can so that they follow me, following me everywhere. That’s all I can tell them.”

After the nearly 2-hour press conference, CMLL posted a statement confirming the exit of Juarez Rosales, stating that they have made a priority to have the well-being of the staff of the promotion. CMLL also revealed that Kemonito’s exit was due to his contract expiring. They stated the following: 

“CMLL is sorry that Mr. Jesus Juarez Rosales, the person behind the character of Kemonito & other characters in Mexican Wrestling, has made the decision to separate himself from what has been his home for over 20 years under these conditions. 

During the time that Mr. Juarez Rosales has collaborated with the promotion, we have been able to achieve the compromises established in our relationship. The company is compromised with maintaining the well-being of everyone in the team & guarantees worthy conditions for everyone that forms part of this great family. Inclusion & respect have been values that have distinguished the company as “serious & stable”.

Even though he never did it in a formal manner, Mr. Juarez Rosales manifested his desire to retire, which we were open to; however, as Mr. Juarez Rosales pointed out in different mediums throughout the years, the company has intellectual property of the brand (Kemonito), as we informed him, and that the character would continue to be one of the favorites of the CMLL fanbase, who have always embraced as one of their favorites. 

Prior to the expiry of his contract, the company informed Mr. Juarez Rosales of our interest in continuing with a renewal and, despite the lack of response, we have maintained open doors to continue negotiations with Mr. Juarez Rosales & his legal team, who have been in our offices repeatedly. 

We reiterate that we maintain our position so that we resolve this issue in the best terms for both parties, going further than the financial interests of third parties that look to benefit from the situation. 

Via this medium, we categorically reject the way they have tried to influence public opinion with false declarations, and we do not agree with the threats made by third parties against the institution, the personnel & the facilities. We will proceed by following the legal route in complete accordance with the right at all times. “

— COMUNICADO OFICIAL: KEMONITO #CMLL pic.twitter.com/IsypwcgA99

— Lucha Libre CMLL (@CMLL_OFICIAL) September 25, 2023

Fightful will have more updates as more information is unveiled.