In mid-1996 Cien Caras, Máscara Año 2000 and Universo 2000 returned to CMLL after working elsewhere for four years. The trio began teaming with Apolo Dantés to form a group called Los Capos ("The Bosses"), a Rudo (bad guy) group that was heavily featured in CMLL's heavyweight division. Dantés competed in the 1997 CMLL International Gran Prix but was defeated in the semi-final by eventual tournament winner Steel. A year later he made it all the way to the finals of the 1998 version of the Gran Prix but lost to Rayo de Jalisco Jr. In 2003 Apolo Dantés last in-ring highlight saw him earn a match for the CMLL World Heavyweight Champion Mr. Niebla but was defeated in three falls.
