• by David Goetzl , May 27, 2010

The 30-minute special "Lucha Libre: Behind the Mask" -- providing an introduction to the Mexican pastime -- debuts June 26, and the year-round "Masked Warriors" starts in July.

In its recent upfront presentation, Tr3s, which is going through a re-branding, touted the show as part of its new lineup starting July 12. The bilingual network will carry it in English.

Hispanic-targeted Tr3, in 39 million homes, is altering its moniker to Tr3s: MTV, Música y Más (Music and More.) It is looking to increase multigenerational viewing with the addition, for example, of reruns of "The George Lopez Show."

The appeal of "Masked Warriors" may not fit as snugly into that parents/kids niche, although the programming would seem to appeal to males 12 to 34.

"Featuring amazing aerial acrobatics and elaborate masks, Lucha Libre is a significant part of Mexican culture," according to a release, which cited its popularity as just behind soccer in Mexico.

"Masked Warriors" will launch, perhaps not coincidentally, after the World Cup.