Vampiro (Ian Hodgkinson) — Canadian professional wrestler and personality

Ian Hodgkinson, known as Vampiro, is a Canadian-born professional wrestler noted for his work in Mexican lucha libre and WCW; later active in community work and diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019.

Overview

Ian Richard Hodgkinson, born on May 31 1967 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is a semi-retired professional wrestler better known by his ring name Vampiro. A Canadian by birth (Canadian), he built much of his reputation in Mexico and the United States, becoming a familiar figure in lucha libre and in the international pro‑wrestling scene.

Career and promotions

Vampiro rose to prominence in the early 1990s performing for Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), where his gothic, vampiric persona and physical presence stood out in the lucha libre environment. He later appeared on the U.S. national stage with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and continued to work for several Mexican organizations, including Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), as well as various independent circuits. His career includes in‑ring performance, occasional managing and media appearances.

Persona and style

Vampiro’s character combined horror‑inspired imagery with the athleticism of a heavyweight competitor. He was known for a striking look, theatrical entrances, and adapting elements of Mexican lucha libre to a darker, rock‑inflected archetype. While not a masked luchador in the traditional sense, the persona emphasized atmosphere and storytelling within matches.

Later life, activism and health

Beyond wrestling, Hodgkinson became involved in community work in Mexico City, serving as head of a local chapter of the Guardian Angels, a volunteer safety organization. In April 2019 he publicly disclosed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (Alzheimer’s), and since then his condition and legacy have been topics of support and concern among fans and colleagues.

Significance and legacy

Recognized for bringing a distinct, gothic persona to Mexican wrestling and for bridging Canadian and Mexican wrestling cultures.
Worked across major promotions, helping expose lucha libre styles to wider audiences.
Remembered both for his in‑ring character and for community engagement outside the ring.

For further reading on specific matches, title histories, or interviews, consult promotion archives and contemporary wrestling journalism sources.