He moonlit in the wrestling scene to make some money and help children in need.
Scroll down to learn more about Sergio Gutierrez Benitez, aka Fray Tormenta.
Who is Fray Tormenta, the inspiration behind Nacho Libre?
He had a complicated youth and began struggling with addiction when he was just 11 years old.
By the time I turned 18 I had already become a criminal and a thief.
I was working to sustain my dosage.
One day, in search of redemption, Benitez went into a church and entered the confessional booth.
The priest offered little help and instead shooed him off.
Back in Mexico, Benitez dedicated his work to people struggling with addiction.
He later became a secular priest in the Diocese of Texcoco, just outside of Mexico City.
From there, he set his sights on winning a million dollars, like Muhammad Ali.
He sometimes showed up to the confessional booth with bruises and in pain.
After a year of preparation, he made his debut, earning about $15 from his first combat.
Inspired by the movie, he picked the ring name Fray Tormenta.
Safeguarding his identity by wearing a red and gold mask, he traveled from town to town.
Another famous wrestler, Huracan Ramirez, was to blame.
[He replied] Are you really a priest?'
I can’t conceive wrestling just for money if it’s not for a cause.
Despite being in his late 70s, he still officiates catholic masses.
He occasionally does appearances at matches and is known for wearing his mask to church.
