The Iconic Career of Rey Mysterio

With the lucha-libre legend set to be inducted into the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame class of 2023, we take a trip down memory lane and look at some of the highlights of his three decades-long career.

On March 30, the night before WWE’s WrestleMania, Rey Mysterio will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, becoming one of few wrestlers to receive the honor while still being an active wrestler. 

For decades, Mysterio has been one of the industry’s biggest stars, and with him currently being involved in a storyline with his son, Dominik Mysterio, there’s no signs of him slowing down. In honor of this remarkable career, we’ll look at some of his career highlights and what the future holds for the Mysterio family. 

If you’ve ever stumbled upon professional wrestling, chances are you’re familiar with the name Rey Mysterio. The master of the 619 has become a pop culture icon. Whether it’s by the design of his masks being the inspiration for the Mexican soccer team’s 2014 World Cup jerseys, or having his very own Cartoon Network animated series in Latin America, his likeness has transcended beyond pro wrestling. 

Mysterio began his career in 1989 at the age of 14, training under his uncle, the legendary Rey Misterio Sr. 

In Lucha Libre, it is common for masked luchadors to pass their mask down to the next generation, usually being a son/daughter. In this case it would be Misterio Sr.’s nephew who would go on to become his successor. Mysterio would wrestle as Colibri (Hummingbird) for almost three years until 1991, when his uncle would finally give him the moniker of Rey Misterio Jr. 

After wrestling independently, and a three-year run in the Lucha Libre AAA promotion in Mexico, Mysterio gained the attention of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the United States, giving Mysterio his first big opportunity to show his skills to a worldwide audience. 

His most memorable match was against his longtime friend and rival, Eddie Guerrero, in 1997. 

Mysterio won the 1997 Championship vs Mask match at Halloween Havoc, allowing him to keep his mask as well as winning the WCW Cruiserweight Championship. 

This run in WCW would be key in bringing the Lucha Libre style of wrestling to the U.S, where for decades, the focus was on wrestlers who looked ‘larger than life’ such as Hulk Hogan or Ultimate Warrior. 

With the start of WCW’s Cruiserweight division, an opportunity was created for wrestlers under 225 pounds to shine in front of a large audience including those watching at home. Mysterio, alongside Guerrero, Psicosis, Juventud Guerrera amongst many others would impress audiences with their acrobatic style, and in turn open the door for Lucha Libre to succeed in the biggest wrestling company, World Wrestling Entertainment.

Mysterio would remain in WCW until 2001, when the company was bought by its rival, WWE. Along with many others, Mysterio would make the jump to WWE.

He debuted on July 25, 2002 in a win over Chavo Guerrero that would instantly make him a fan favorite. His high-flying style of wrestling, as well as his small stature in a company known for its giants made him unique. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in determination, making him a real life superhero to the young audience. 

Fast-forward to 2023, Mysterio has celebrated over 20 years with the WWE. His accolades include being a three-time Cruiserweight champion, two-time United States and Intercontinental champion, five-time tag-team champion, three-time WWE World champion, and winner of the 2006 Royal Rumble. 

The Royal Rumble victory remains one of the most meaningful, as it came after the loss of Guerrero. 

On November 13, 2005, the wrestling industry suffered the loss of one of its brightest stars. Just two months after Guerrero’s passing, Mysterio would pay tribute to his late friend at the 2006 Royal Rumble, riding Guerrero’s signature low-rider to the ring. 

Mysterio would go on to defy the odds, outlasting twenty-nine other wrestlers despite entering at no. 2 in the thirty-man battle royale, a win dedicated to his close friend. 

The rivalry between Guerrero and Mysterio remains his most career defining. From their battles in WCW, to their days as WWE tag team champions, and ultimately the intense rivalry that would lead to a ladder match at Summerslam 2005, where the winner would gain custody of Mysterio’s son, Dominik.

Today, Mysterio is once again caught in a storyline with someone close to him, this time with his son Dominik. 

After betraying his father and former tag-team partner this past September at WWE Clash at the Castle, Dominik has challenged Rey Mysterio to a match on April 1-2 at the two-night WrestleMania, a match which Mysterio has refused to accept. 

Whether he accepts the long awaited showdown between father and son remains to be seen, however we will undoubtedly celebrate the thirty year legacy of Rey Mysterio, this March at the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony.