Franco Colombo, former CMLL wrestler and booker, dies at 73
Wrestling Inc • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 21, 2026, 8:39 PM
Last updated Sep 21, 2026

Franco Colombo, known as Javier Esparza Coronado, has passed away at the age of 73. His niece confirmed his death on Facebook, detailing his impact on family and wrestling. Colombo began his wrestling career in the 1970s and worked primarily unmasked, securing the Mexican Welterweight title during the 1980-81 period. After leaving CMLL in the late 1980s, he returned in a booker role, significantly affecting the promotion's developmental system until his final departure in 2021. CMLL has not yet publicly addressed his death.
- •Franco Colombo died at 73 on September 21, 2026.
- •He was formerly a wrestler and booker for CMLL.
- •Columbo trained under Diablo Velasco and began wrestling in the 1970s.
- •He held the Mexican Welterweight title for 92 days in 1980-81.
- •CMLL has not commented on his passing as of now.
- 8:39 PMWrestling Inc — Franco Colombo Dead, Former CMLL Wrestler & Booker Dies At Age 73
"Former CMLL wrestler and booker Franco Colombo, real name Javier Esparza Coronado, has passed away aged 73.
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