Atziry (9) stands in her courtyard in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, holding one of seven dogs that provide security in a dangerous environment. In Juárez, where women face persistent threats, even home isn’t always safe. As the daughter of Baby Star, former champion of Juárez, Atziry is part of a family with a long wrestling tradition. Already accompanying her mother to the ring in costume, she may one day step into the ring, continuing her mother's legacy.

The sisters Baby Star and Little Star share a strong bond. They are the first generation of women in their family to join the sport, following in their father’s footsteps. Lucha libre was once a male-only domain, but today, these women proudly claim their place in the ring, showing that they’ve earned the right to be there. Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

The view from the border bridge between Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and El Paso, USA, shows two contrasting realities: on the left, Juárez, a city grappling with violence and femicides; on the right, El Paso, known for its safety. The imposing border wall and the Rio Grande river separate these two worlds. Each day, countless people cross the bridge, their lives shaped by the sharp divide between the two cities.

Sayuri walked away from her last fight with just a bruise. Lucha libre is physically demanding and full of risky stunts. Serious injuries are common — and in rare cases, fights have even ended in death.

During a big match at the ‘Neri Santos’ arena in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, Estrella Diabólica hurls Baby Star through the air. The crowd cheers as Sayuri waits on the sidelines, ready for her turn. Lucha libre requires extreme physical fitness, with only the top fighters reaching this level. The line between show and reality often blurs, making it hard to tell whether an injury is real or part of the performance.

Reports of missing women cover the facade of the abandoned ‘Hotel Verde’ in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico – a site once tied to horrific crimes. Between 2008 and 2010, several young women were abducted, forced into prostitution, and murdered there. Today, the disappearances continue, with hundreds of cases reported annually. The true scale remains hidden, as many of the abducted women are never found.

At 15 years old, Sayuri is the youngest wrestler in Ciudad Juárez. The mask gives her a double life; her classmates don’t know she fights in front of thousands on weekends.

Sayuri (15) sits on her grandmother’s bed in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. In a city where women rarely leave the house after dark, this family refuge is her safe space. But unlike most girls who stay home for their safety, Sayuri is allowed to go out at night – to fight.

Celeste, Miss Kath, Sayuri (left to right) in their battle outfits. These are made by a tailor especially for the fights.

The 'Neri Santos' gymnasium is the most renowned Lucha libre venue in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico. Stepping into the ring here marks a major milestone – the dream of fame feels within reach. But while the spectacle dazzles up to 8,000 spectators, the reality behind the scenes is rough: the path to success in this business is unforgiving and often brutal.

Baby Star holds her daughter Atziry in her arms. In Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, the streets become a dangerous place for women at night. A reality that shapes their daily lives and choices.