 Headlined by Mendoza, Guajardo, and Largede as well as disgruntled former EMLL wrestlers UWA held their first show on January 29, 1975, creating the first true rival for EMLL in decades.Since Mendoza had been synonymous with the Light Heavyweight division throughout the 1960s and 1970s it was not a great surprise that he became the first UWA World Light Heavy Champion, although at this point in his career he was used more to help wrestlers such as El Solitario and Gran Hamada gain credibility as they defeated Mendoza for the title.Mendoza also spent a lot of time guiding the careers of his three youngest sons Villano I, II, and III who were quickly gaining fame in the UWA.