Former UFC two-time heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez competed in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide on Saturday in Tempe, Arizona in his first pro wrestling match since being arrested in February.
The event took place at Mullett Arena on the campus of Arizona State University, where Velasquez wrestled in college. Before the six-man tag team match began, Velasquez addressed those in attendance.
“Thank you. To be here in front of you guys, right now – it’s a dream come true,” Velasquez said. “I truly appreciate all that you guys have always done supporting me (and) my family. Thank you guys forever. Forever. My heart is happy to be here with you guys. I will always continue to fight, forever. Keep going up. Forever. Thank you guys.”
“To be here, in front of you guys, right now, it’s a dream come true. I truly appreciate it all, what you guys have always done, supporting me, my family.”
— Cain Velasquez in his first public appearance since being released from jail pic.twitter.com/cCjFdWcnOJ
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) December 4, 2022
Velasquez was arrested on February 28 for allegedly chasing a vehicle and firing shots into it striking an unintended target. Velasquez was allegedly trying to shoot Harry Goularte Jr., who stands accused of committing child sexual abuse on Velasquez son.
On November 8, Velasquez was released from custody after being incarcerated for eight months after posting a $1 million bail. Part of his release agreement was house arrest until the conclusion of his trial. On November 22, Velasquez was granted permission to travel to Arizona to partake in the Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide event.
Cain Velasquez SHOWED OUT and got the win his return to pro wrestling tonight at #AAAWorldwide. 😯
🎥 @mma_kings pic.twitter.com/NbXM2QDd2R
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 4, 2022
Velasquez won the tag team match and addressed the crowd. “Never stop believing. Never stop fighting. Always,” he said.
Cain Velasquez concludes his pro wrestling appearance for Lucha Libre AAA with a message: “Never stop believing. Never stop fighting.” pic.twitter.com/rXMx2XXuL7
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) December 4, 2022
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