 In 2001, Velasco was inducted into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in recognition of his career and extensive influence on lucha libre.Velasco started his wrestling career in 1937 after having trained for two years under the tutelage of Raúl Romero, using the name "Telmo Velazco".Because Velasco did not have the physical size to become a top line wrestler, he was never a main eventer, but because of his skills and tenacity he was a respected mid-card wrestler who could be relied on to put on a good match.