Averno

Renato Ruíz Cortes is a Mexican professional wrestler who performs under the ring name Averno. He currently competes for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) where he has established himself as one of the most decorated veterans in the promotion's history. Born in Mexico City on May 9, 1977, Ruíz began his career in the mid-1990s but found his true identity and widespread recognition only after adopting the Averno persona in 2001.

Averno is known for his technical prowess and his ability to compete at high levels in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. His career spans over three decades, marked by numerous championship reigns that include the CMLL World Middleweight Championship and the CMLL World Historic Light Heavyweight Championship. He remains an active competitor in 2026, continuing to headline major events for CMLL and appearing on international stages like NJPW and MLW. [edit]

Ruiz started his journey in the wrestling business in 1995 while still a teenager. He trained at the CMLL wrestling school and made his debut under the ring name Rencor Latino, which translates to Latin Hostility. For several years, he worked primarily in the lower tiers of the Mexican wrestling circuit without gaining significant traction or public attention. This period was defined by hard work and learning the ropes of the industry, yet it lacked the breakthrough moment that would define his legacy.

The turning point arrived in June 2001 when Ruiz decided to reinvent himself completely. He adopted the new character of Averno, meaning Hell, complete with a black mask and a more sinister, aggressive demeanor. This transformation resonated immediately with fans and promoters alike. The shift from an obscure performer named Rencor Latino to the menacing Averno allowed him to break through into the mainstream consciousness of Mexican wrestling almost overnight. [edit]

Following his debut as Averno in 2001, the wrestler quickly ascended the ranks to become a cornerstone of CMLL. His early success included capturing the CMLL World Middleweight Championship and establishing himself as a dominant force in the middleweight division. He also secured the NWA World Middleweight Championship and the NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship, proving his versatility across different weight classes. His tag team work was equally impressive, earning him the CMLL World Trios Championship and three CMLL World Tag Team Championships alongside various partners.

In April 2014, seeking fresh challenges, Averno left CMLL to join the rival promotion Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. He spent several years there before returning to CMLL in early 2021. His return was met with enthusiasm, and he continued to add to his trophy case. In February 2026, he achieved a historic milestone by defeating Atlantis Jr. at NJPW Fantastica Mania to win the CMLL World Historic Light Heavyweight Championship, ending a reign that had lasted over 1,000 days. As of 2026, he remains a top-tier competitor in CMLL and is scheduled to defend titles in Major League Wrestling later that year. [edit]

Averno projects a menacing and methodical image that contrasts sharply with the more acrobatic style of other luchadores. His signature look features a black mask with silver accents and a dark, intimidating ring gear. Media portrayals often describe him as a veteran leader who brings stability and technical skill to any match he enters. His social media presence is minimal compared to younger stars, allowing his in-ring performances to speak for themselves. Fans and critics alike respect his longevity and his ability to adapt his style to different opponents and promotions. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. The wrestler maintains a strong following within the specific niche of lucha libre enthusiasts. While there is no formally documented name for his fanbase, supporters often refer to themselves simply as fans of CMLL or specifically as followers of Averno. These fans are known for their intense support during his matches, particularly during his historic title defenses. They actively participate in campaigns to keep his legacy alive and celebrate his return to CMLL after his time away. [edit]

For sixteen years, from 1995 until 2011, the real identity of Averno remained one of the best-kept secrets in professional wrestling. Even dedicated fans often did not know who was behind the black mask until the unmasking event. The name Averno translates directly to Hell in English, perfectly fitting the dark and villainous persona he portrayed throughout his career. Unlike many wrestlers who specialize in a single weight class, Averno successfully won world titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He has also worked extensively with Japanese promotions like NJPW and American organizations such as MLW, bridging the gap between lucha libre and global wrestling styles. [edit]

Renato Ruíz Cortes was born in Mexico City on May 9, 1977, and grew up immersed in the local culture that would later influence his wrestling persona. While specific details about his parents and siblings remain private, he has mentioned in rare interviews that his family supported his decision to pursue wrestling despite the financial instability common in the profession during the 1990s. He has never publicly discussed owning pets or sharing household stories, maintaining a strict boundary between his public life and domestic sphere. Even after unmasking, he has refused to elaborate on family anecdotes, citing a desire to protect his relatives from media scrutiny. His commitment to privacy extends to all aspects of his home life, ensuring that no personal stories are shared with the public. [edit]

Rey Bucanero, Atlantis Jr., Místico, Volador Jr., Ultimo Guerrero[edit]

Unlike many celebrities who share their private lives openly, Averno kept his personal affairs extremely guarded for over a decade due to the strict traditions of masked wrestlers in Mexico. After he unmasked in 2011, some details of his life became public, but he has maintained a notably low profile regarding his romantic relationships. There are no widely documented records of marriages or engagements for Renato Ruíz Cortes up to 2026. He is generally reported to be single or keeps his relationship status strictly private. No children have been publicly confirmed by the wrestler or through official biographies. [edit]

Specific net worth figures for Averno are not publicly disclosed in detail, as is common with many wrestlers who do not have massive solo endorsement deals comparable to Hollywood stars. Estimates suggest his wealth comes from his long-term contract with CMLL, appearance fees, and merchandise sales. Given his status as a veteran champion with a multi-decade career, his net worth is likely in the range of $500,000 to $1 million USD, though exact figures are speculative. iFANN currently estimates Averno's net worth at approximately $750,000 based on available earnings data. He owns real estate in Mexico City and has invested in wrestling-related ventures over the years. [edit]

Averno has won multiple world championships throughout his career, including the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, CMLL World Trios Championship, NWA World Middleweight Championship, NWA World Historic Middleweight Championship, CMLL World Tag Team Championship, and CMLL World Light Heavyweight Championship. His achievements span over two decades and solidify his status as one of the most decorated luchadores in history. [edit]