Please note: This name is Spanish; The first or paternal surname is “Caballero” and the second or maternal family name is “Rojo”.
Miguel Caballero Rojo (ミゲル・カバジェロ・ロホ Migeru Kabajero Roho?) is a character in the Tekken series first introduced in Tekken 6. He is a short-tempered and violent Spaniard who vowed revenge against Jin Kazama for indirectly murdering his sister, and has proven to be one of the more popular newcomers to the Tekken series.
Biography
Miguel was born to a conservative Spanish family. Growing up, his wild and unruly nature put him at odds with his family’s expectations, to the extent that Miguel left home aged 15 to live at a bar owned by an acquaintance. The only person he stayed in contact with was his younger sister, who continued to meet with him despite the circumstances. Miguel loved his sister unconditionally, though his adoration and protective impulses went to extremes; for example, when she told him she was engaged to be married, Miguel considered killing her fiancé.
Miguel was unable to attend his sister’s wedding ceremony due to the friction between him and the rest of their family; he watched from outside the church instead. During the wedding, Mishima Zaibatsu planes passed by on a bombing run, destroying the church. Miguel rushed into the ruined building, but his sister was already dead when he found her.
Overcome with grief and anger, Miguel swore vengeance on the Mishima Zaibatsu’s leader, Jin Kazama.[3] Around the time that the King of Iron Fist Tournament 6 was taking place, Miguel was part of a resistance movement opposing the Mishima Zaibatsu.[4]
Personality
Miguel is a rather blood-thirsty and rebellious character, whose reckless nature can be seen as both his weakness and his strength.
Miguel is depicted as an undisciplined Spaniard with a very intense passion for fighting, which often brought him into conflict with others. Despite being born into a conservative family, his wild and unruly nature made him the black sheep.
Despite his negative side, Miguel is shown to be capable of love, especially in the case of his sister, whom he grew to trust and treasure. However, Miguel’s extremely over-protective concern for his sister made him consider killing his future brother-in-law, though he decides against it for the sake of her happiness. But, once his sister is killed in a bombing raid by the Mishima Zaibatsu ordered by Jin Kazama, Miguel finally shows his vengeful side and rages at her killer. This rage is then also seen in his ending in Tekken 6.
Appearance
Miguel is a muscular tan-skinned brawler who has brown curly hair, a light unshaven beard, thick brown eyebrows and light brown eyes. His default outfit (in Tekken 6) resembles a typical bullfighter's outfit.
Outfits
Main Article: Miguel Caballero Rojo/Outfits
In Tekken Tag Tournament 2, he wears an unbuttoned reddish-orange button shirt with a large red bull amid a yellow design on the back, green pants fastened with a black belt and revealing his boxers, which have the word "Luchador" written on them, and black shoes. He also wears a silver necklace, a bracelet on his right hand and black gloves.
His new outfit in Tekken 7: Fated Retribution can be considered a mixture of traditional formal wear, which his Tekken 6 outfit evoked, and more streetwise fashion, which his Tag 2 outfit evoked. He now wears a formal shirt with pinstripe pants and black boots, while sporting a pair of brass knuckles and a burgundy jacket with skull insignias adorning the arms and a fur collar. This creates the visage of a high-class gangster.
Story
Tekken 6
Official Strategy Guide
Miguel lived his life as a lone wolf and detested the idea of answering to anyone. Despite being born into a conservative family, his wild and unruly nature made him a black sheep in the family. The discord between Miguel and his parents caused him to run away at the age of 15 and take residence at a bar owned by an acquaintance.
In spite of his family dysfunction, Miguel kept in contact with his younger sister, who he grew to trust and treasure. On the darker side, Miguel's over-protective concern for his sister was extreme. He almost wanted to kill her boyfriend when he heard the news that they were to be married.
On the day of the marriage, Miguel was unable and unwilling to stand with his parents and participate in the service. Instead, he watched from outside the church. Looking around, Miguel noticed the sky was blue as far as the eye could see and the planes overhead seemed to be a serene part of the festivities. Then suddenly, a blast of intense heat engulfed the area. Miguel was knocked back and sustained intense pain throughout his body, but rushed to the church to search for his sister.
When he found her, her dress was stained crimson red and air no longer filled her lungs. Miguel's screams echoed through the smoldering rubble that was once the church. After hearing that the aerial attack had been the work of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Miguel gave-in to dark thoughts, loathing and hatred, and swore revenge upon Jin Kazama.[5]
Prologue
Miguel lived his life as a lone wolf, and detested answering to anyone. Being born into a conservative family, his wild and unruly nature made him the black sheep of the family. The discord between Miguel and his parents led him to run away at the age of fifteen and stay at a bar owned by an acquaintance. The only one he could trust was his younger sister. She cared deeply for Miguel and would meet him away from the judgmental eyes of their parents. He came to treasure her more than anyone. Miguel's love for his sister was so intense that he even contemplated killing her boyfriend when he heard the news that they were going to marry.
On the day of the wedding, Miguel was unable to join the celebration because of his parents' presence, and instead watched the ceremony from outside the church. The blue sky overhead stretched as far as the eye could see, and even the formation of planes seemed to be part of the festivities... But the image of peace was suddenly shattered when an intense blast enveloped the area. Miguel was blown back, nearly knocked unconscious by the throbbing pain. But more pressing matters forced him back up. He rushed to the church in search of his sister.
When he found her, her wedding dress was stained with fresh blood, and she was no longer breathing. As he held the lifeless body of his sister in his arms, his screams echoed amid the smouldering rubble and wreckage that had been the church a moment ago. After hearing that the aerial attack had been the work of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Miguel gives in to his loathing and hatred, and swears vengeance upon Jin Kazama.[3]
Ending Description
Jin Kazama is about to take off in a helicopter, when Miguel is seen rushing towards him. Tekken Force soldiers try to stop Miguel but he defeats every soldier that stands in his way with either a single punch or kick.
Jin Kazama takes off and Miguel tries to grab onto the flying helicopter. He, unfortunately, fails at exacting his revenge. He shouts in frustration as Jin Kazama, the person who killed his sister, escapes unscathed.
Tekken 7
Official Website Profile (English)
Born to a strict Spanish family, he left home and immersed himself in fighting. Ever since his sister--the only person who truly accepted him--was caught up in an air raid by the Mishima Zaibatsu and killed, he's been out to exact revenge on Jin Kazama.[6]
Prologue
After losing his sister in an airstrike ordered by the Mishima Zaibatsu under the direction of Jin Kazama, Miguel Caballero Rojo devoted his life to seeking revenge. However, when Jin suddenly vanishes without a trace, Miguel's life purpose disappears along with him.
From that point forward, Miguel began to wander like a specter from battle-torn town to battle-torn town. One day, as he ambled through rows of dilapidated buildings, he stumbled across a strangely familiar hooded man. There in front of him was none other than his sworn enemy, Jin.
Consumed by both euphoria and rage, Miguel becomes frenzied and goes in for the kill.[7]
Ending Description
After defeating Jin, Miguel angrily remarks that his adversary does not recognize him. He then delivers a barrage of punches to Jin's face, shouting that his sister was killed by the Mishima Zaibatsu. Jin tells Miguel to finish him off. Miguel, noticing Jin's lifeless demeanor, decides to spare him, but only because the former Mishima Zaibatsu head has not suffered enough to deserve death; not until Jin's life is filled with hope will he kill his sister's murderer.
Other Appearances
Tekken 2010 Movie
Miguel appeared in the 2010 live-action film Tekken, where he is portrayed by Roger Huerta. He is the only Tekken 6 character to appear in the film, and doesn't go by his full name. He participates in the Iron Fist tournament and faces Jin Kazama. Despite holding his own rather formidably, he is defeated by Jin when he crushes his leg and is beaten unmercifully, nearly killing him.
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
Miguel appears as a playable character in Tekken Tag Tournament 2.
Profile
Born to a strict Spanish family, he left home and immersed himself in fighting. Ever since his sister--the only person who truly accepted him--was caught up in an air raid by the Mishima Zaibatsu and killed, he's been out to exact revenge on Jin Kazama.
"Jin Kazama...for you, there will be no mercy! I swear it!"[8]
Ending Description
Miguel is seen beating up various thugs at once in an alleyway. As he defeats two, he corners the last one, intending to give him a beating as well. However, a girl comes in and protects the last thug while looking at Miguel. Miguel looks into the girl's eyes and is reminded of when his sister was killed because of Jin (the same scene that was played in Tekken 6's opening) and releases his grip from the thug. Miguel then turns around and kicks the floor in frustration.
Tekken Revolution
Miguel appears in Tekken Revolution as one of the playable characters.
Gameplay
Miguel is a character with a very strong offensive approach. He can deal high damage and has access to good strings, a special throw that puts him in advantage, and a surprisingly good mix-up game. He can cancel certain attacks into his Savage stance, which has a multitude of attacks that can deal with multiple situations offensively or defensively. Miguel, however, is a bit on the slow side, and has to keep his opponent in check with offense in order to keep the momentum. The lack of a proper "get off me" move, unless in Savage stance, hurts Miguel, as all his options have a bit of start up time. Players who want to master Miguel must be equipped with the ability to rush down but also have a defensive back up in case they are on the receiving end of pressure.
Fighting Style
Namco stated that Miguel has no formal martial arts training and that he does not use or follow any established style or discipline. Instead, he brawls his way out of any fight, making use of his overwhelming strength and raw muscle-power, similar to that of Craig Marduk. His self-made "style" confuses and disorientates opponents with wild, powerful blows.
His moves consist of no-holds-barred, underhand techniques such as devastating haymakers, vicious body-checks, brutal headbutts and splitting leg swipes. His lack of any formal training is most visible during his grabs, in which he is usually depicted dishing out completely random strikes and throws with no real sense of coordination. Due to his size, Miguel is a bit on the slow side, and is often a huge target. However, Miguel's kick-coordination is surprisingly flexible and well-disciplined for a man with no formal training.
Tekken developer and executive producer of Tekken 6, Katsuhiro Harada, describes Miguel as "a brawler from Spain".[1] Unlike many of the other fighters, Miguel is no martial artist. He appears to be very overconfident of his fighting abilities, though he has never taken any formal martial arts training.
One of his key moves is very similar to Twin Pistons, but it starts with his right hand (d/f+2,1), is slower, and is more unsafe.
Moves
- Miguel Caballero Rojo/Tekken 6 Movelist
- Miguel Caballero Rojo/Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Movelist
- Miguel Caballero Rojo/Tekken 7 Movelist
Quotes
Character Relationships
- Miguel's Sister - His sister, whom Miguel loved dearly. Her death becomes Miguel's reason to enter the sixth tournament.
- Jin Kazama - The man responsible for his sister's death. Miguel has sworn revenge for this and is determined to hunt him down. He eventually confronts him in Tekken 7 and defeats him, but he reluctantly spares Jin after desiring to kill him once Jin's life is filled with hope.
- Hwoarang - His ally in the Scenario Campaign story.
- Baek Doo San - His ally in the Scenario Campaign story.
- Bob - His rival in the Online Tekken Comic (non-canon).
- Feng Wei - His tag partner in the arcade version opening in Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (non-canon).
- Heihachi Mishima - He blamed Heihachi for starting the Mishima family feud, and, as a result, being indirectly responsible for the war and "all this evil" as well, in the Scenario Campaign.
Trivia
General:
- "Caballero Rojo" means "Red Knight" or "Red Gentleman" in Spanish.
- It is presumed that he practices Catholicism, as he mentions having "gone to confession" in one of his win poses.
- Although it is not confirmed, it is possible that his parents and brother-in-law died in the bombing raid that killed his sister as well, seeing how, unlike Miguel, they were also directly at the wedding ceremony.
Tekken 6 and Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion:
- In the Arena mode, Kazuya Mishima becomes his sub-boss, rather than Jin Kazama, even though Miguel doesn't explicitly hate the G Corporation. This is due to Jin being in Miguel's ending.
- In the Scenario Campaign mode, Miguel is a boss at the South Bay Warehouse stage. Also, Miguel, Baek Doo San, and Hwoarang lead The Resistance to fight against Jin and the Mishima Zaibatsu.
- In his Scenario mode dialogues, he often makes references to bullfighting and calls himself a "matador". He also often mentions religious concepts like God and sin and also his love for brawling.
- Miguel has a special pre-fight animation, which will only be shown before fighting Jin Kazama. In it, he says "This hatred I bear is for you, and you alone." while passionately pointing towards Jin.
- Before Tekken 7, Miguel was also one of the two characters with a special intro like this, the other being Wang Jinrei.
- This intro also returned for Tekken 7, where it is now re-voice acted in Spanish, but the unique animation is gone, and it is now only seen in his Character Episode and trailer for some reason.
- The reason that Miguel wears a new outfit is because Katsuhiro Harada himself disliked the idea that Miguel wears a "cliché" matador suit. In fact, many Spanish fans criticized this point of the character, to which Harada himself apologized, and promised that in the new Tekken game (Tekken Tag Tournament 2), Miguel would wear something more "normal".[2]
- From Tekken Tag Tournament 2 onward, Miguel speaks in his native Spanish language.
Tekken 7 and Tekken 7: Fated Retribution:
- The background music for his character trailer is from the Fireworks Over Barcelona stage from Tekken Tag Tournament 2. Miguel was also the only character before the Season 2 DLC to have the music of his reveal trailer be from an earlier Tekken game.
- Miguel has a new pre-fight and a new victory animation in this game. In the pre-fight animation, he is seen taking a single bite from an apple and throwing it away while walking towards his opponent. In the victory animation, he angrily says "Hey, What are you looking at?" at the screen/cameraman before aiming a strong punch at the screen, breaking it.
- His Rage Art is based on his ending in Tekken Tag Tournament 2, but has minor changes - while he punches his off-screen opponent several times, the camera shows Miguel in the first-person view of his opponent, before he taunts his opponent and delivers the finishing blow.
- If his Rage Art is used against Alisa or Jack, his punches cause the opponent's first-person view to have a static effect as if glitching out.
- Miguel's featured act in Story Mode is The Vengeful Spaniard which references his main appearances in the game to avenge his sister's death.
- His other featured act within the live events is called Fightin' Words.
Other:
- In Tekken: Blood Vengeance, Miguel's dossier is briefly seen when Anna Williams opens a file containing dossiers of various persons of interest.
- Miguel has a cameo appearance in Tekken Pachislot 4 where he will beat the player unconscious if they fail at the city stage with Ling Xiaoyu and Claudio Serafino.
- In Street Fighter X Tekken, there is a direct reference to Miguel in the Tutorial mode lesson "Throw Escapes." - Dan mentions he was "fighting this chump named Miguel."
- In the remake version of Resident Evil 3, Carlos Oliveira bears a close physical resemblance to Miguel. Both have the same hair texture and style, facial hair, and the same build. The Spanish-language dub actor for Carlos is also the same as Miguel's voice actor from Tekken Tag Tournament 2 onward, Héctor Garay.
Gallery
References
- ^ https://www.tekken-official.jp/tk6br/characters/miguel.html
- ^ Katsuhiro Harada @Harada_TEKKEN, Twitter, 4:21 PM Jun 13, 2024. Note that information is not stated in-game and only comes from a database of information provided by series developer Katsuhiro Harada.
- ^ a b Tekken 6 In-Game Prologue.
- ^ Lars Alexandersson Scenario Campaign Dialogues
- ^ Tekken 6 Official Strategy Guide, Brady Games (2009), p.218; transcribed on Tekken Zaibatsu.
- ^ Tekken 7 Official English Website Profile.
- ^ Tekken 7 Character Prologue.
- ^ Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Wii U profile.