Wrestling legend Rey Misterio Sr. dies at 66

KATHMANDU: Rey Misterio Sr., born Miguel Ángel López Días, a legendary figure in professional wrestling and a pioneer in lucha libre, passed away on Dec 20, 2024, at the age of 66.

A Storied Career in Wrestling

Misterio Sr. began his illustrious wrestling journey in 1976, earning fame for his high-flying maneuvers and exceptional technical skills.

Throughout his career, he competed in prominent promotions such as Pro Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

His international acclaim included a notable appearance at WCW’s Starrcade in 1990, where he teamed with Konnan to represent Mexico in the “Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup.”

A Mentor to Generations

Beyond his in-ring accolades, Misterio Sr. was a revered trainer and coach. He mentored numerous wrestling stars, including his nephew, WWE icon Rey Mysterio Jr., as well as Konnan and Psicosis. His dedication to nurturing talent solidified his legacy as a cornerstone of professional wrestling.

A Family’s Heartbreak

His death follows closely after the passing of his brother, Roberto Gutierrez, compounding the recent losses for the family.

A Lasting Legacy

The wrestling world mourns the loss of Rey Misterio Sr., celebrating his enduring contributions and influence on the sport.

His impact as a performer and mentor will continue to inspire future generations in the wrestling community.

More details on Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio, born Óscar Gutiérrez on Dec 11, 1974, is a renowned Mexican-American professional wrestler celebrated for his high-flying lucha libre style. Standing at 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 175 pounds, he has earned the moniker “The Ultimate Underdog” due to his ability to triumph over larger opponents.

Career Highlights:

Early Career: Trained by his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr., Mysterio began wrestling at a young age, adopting his ring name in tribute to his uncle and adhering to the lucha libre tradition of wearing a mask.

World Championship Wrestling (WCW): Mysterio gained prominence in the late 1990s with WCW, where he showcased his skills in the cruiserweight division, engaging in memorable matches with opponents like Eddie Guerrero and Psicosis.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE): Joining WWE in 2002, Mysterio achieved significant success, including:

• WWE Championship: Captured the title in July 2011.
• World Heavyweight Championships: Two-time champion, with a notable victory at WrestleMania 22 in 2006, becoming the smallest Superstar to hold that title.
• Royal Rumble Winner: Won the 2006 Royal Rumble Match, entering as the second participant and outlasting 29 other Superstars.
• Intercontinental and United States Championships: Held the Intercontinental Title twice and the United States Title three times.
• Tag Team Championships: Secured multiple tag team titles, including a historic reign with his son, Dominik Mysterio, as the first father-son duo to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
• Hall of Fame Induction: Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023, solidifying his legacy in professional wrestling.

Personal Life:

Rey Mysterio is married to Angie Gutierrez, and they have two children, including son Dominik, who has followed in his father’s wrestling footsteps.

Mysterio’s career has been marked by his resilience, innovation in the ring, and his role in popularizing lucha libre wrestling internationally.

Recent Events:

On December 20, 2024, Rey Mysterio Sr., Mysterio’s uncle and mentor, passed away at the age of 66. Rey Mysterio Jr. confirmed the news on social media, expressing his sorrow and gratitude for his uncle’s influence on his career.

Rey Mysterio’s enduring popularity and contributions to professional wrestling continue to inspire fans and aspiring wrestlers worldwide.

For a visual tribute and more insights into Rey Mysterio’s legacy, you might find the following video informative: