VAMPIRO
PRICES:
Autograph: $40
Selfie: $40
Combo: $60
Vampiro--born Ian Richard Hodgkinson—is a Canadian professional wrestler, performer, and pop culture personality best known for his dark, gothic persona and global wrestling career.
Born on May 31, 1967, in Thunder Bay, Vampiro built a unique path into wrestling that set him apart from many of his peers. Before stepping into the ring, he spent time traveling internationally and even worked in music and entertainment, which heavily influenced the theatrical, almost supernatural character he would later bring to life.
Vampiro rose to prominence in Mexico’s famed promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where his gothic look, face paint, and rebellious attitude made him a massive fan favorite. At a time when lucha libre was dominated by more traditional heroes, Vampiro stood out as an antihero—blending rock-and-roll energy with horror-inspired imagery.
He later gained wider North American exposure in World Championship Wrestling during the late 1990s, where he became known for his intense rivalries and hardcore style. His feud with Sting is among his most memorable, combining eerie storytelling with brutal matches that highlighted both wrestlers’ darker personas.
In the 2010s, Vampiro experienced a resurgence in popularity through Lucha Underground, where he served both as a commentator and an on-screen character. His role culminated in a shocking in-ring return, reminding fans of his enduring presence and willingness to push boundaries.
Outside the ring, Vampiro has appeared in documentaries, television, and music projects, and he’s often spoken openly about the physical and mental toll of wrestling. His life and career were explored in the documentary Nail in the Coffin: The Fall and Rise of Vampiro, which offered an unfiltered look at his struggles and legacy.
Known for blending wrestling with elements of horror, music, and counterculture, Vampiro remains one of the most unconventional and influential figures to come out of Canada’s wrestling scene.