Ray Mendoza

José Díaz Velázquez (July 6, 1929 – April 16, 2003) was a Mexican Luchador, or professional wrestler, better known under his ring name Ray Mendoza. Diaz had great success in the National Wrestling Alliance, where he was a five time World Light Heavyweight Champion, as well as the first Mexican to hold the championship. In 1975, Diaz helped establish Universal Wrestling Association with Francisco Flores and Benjamín Mora. During his many title reigns, Diaz faced many present or future stars, such as Gran Hamada, Killer Kowalski, John Tolos, El Solitario, Fishman, René Guajardo, Gory Guerrero, El Santo, and Cavernario Galindo. After retiring, Diaz became an actor and appeared in several Mexican films. Mendoza was the father of Los Villanos, Villano I, Villano II. Villano III, Villano IV, and Villano V. José Díaz Velazquez was born on July 6, 1929, and grew up in the Tepito district of Mexico City, a very poor and violent neighborhood. Díaz never finished any formal education as he had to start earning a living at a very early age to support himself and his wife Lupita Mendoza whom he married when he was just 15 years old. While working in a bakery Díaz also worked hard to keep in shape, participating in cycling, swimming and baseball.