William Levy Champions Canarian Wrestling's Global Appeal

Canarian wrestling is becoming more popular beyond the Canary Islands. Many actors filming in the archipelago are taking the chance to learn about this traditional sport.

International soap opera stars Can Yaman and William Levy are two who have used their time in Tenerife to experience the sport firsthand. They've also been quick to praise it.

The Cuban actor, William Levy, who recently appeared on the Spanish TV show 'El Hormiguero', spoke highly of the sport and its wrestlers. He knows it well because he plays a Canarian wrestling coach in his latest series, 'Camino a Arcadia'.

To get ready for the role, Levy trained intensely for several weeks with wrestlers from the Rosario Valle de Guerra Ybarra Wrestling Club. He learned everything from basic to advanced techniques and took part in real practices, overseen by coach Domingo Sánchez.

During his appearance on Pablo Motos' show, where he was joined by his co-star Paula Echevarría, Levy particularly highlighted how noble the sport is.

He explained, "When you hear 'wrestling,' you might think it's violent, but it's one of the most noble things I've ever seen, full of great respect."

Levy also pointed out a beautiful tradition still seen in the matches. He noted, "They still have the tradition where the winner walks through the audience and receives coins; it's really beautiful. It's a tradition that takes you back to earlier times."

Both Levy and Motos stressed that in Canarian wrestling, "the opponent is a teammate," and they treat each other that way. Levy added, "You don't see the intense fighting or strong competition found in other sports; here, they compete with respect and nobility."