Gran Apache
Mario Balbuena González (April 16, 1959 – May 7, 2017), better known under the ring names Gran Apache and El Apache, was a Mexican luchador, or professional wrestler and trainer. Balbuena worked for AAA / Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) since 1996, both as a wrestler and a trainer. He was involved in training almost all young wrestlers who worked for the promotion during that period of time.
| Gran Apache | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Mario Balbuena González |
| Born | April 16, 1959 Mexico City, Mexico |
| Died | May 7, 2017 (aged 58) Mexico City, Mexico |
| Cause of death | Intestinal cancer |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Apache (divorced) |
| Children |
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| Relatives |
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| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Chiva Rayada I Cometa Azul III El Apache Gran Apache Great Sasuke Tiga Power Version Jabagengi Kimba Lion |
| Billed height | 168 cm (5 ft 6 in) |
| Billed weight | 86 kg (190 lb) |
| Trained by | Rafael Salamanca Tony Lopez Blue Demon Cometa Azules I Cometa Azules II |
| Debut | August 8, 1975 |
Two of Balbuena's four daughters—Faby Apache and Mari Apache—followed him into a professional wrestling career. His second wife also became a professional wrestler under the name Lady Apache. Balbuena and his family were part of a long-running "Telenovela" style storyline that also included Faby Apache's then-husband Billy Boy as well as their son, referred to as "Marvin Apache". As Gran Apache, Balbuena held the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championship twice and the AAA World Trios Championship once with his daughters. In 2018 he was inducted in the AAA Hall of Fame.