50 Facts About Rey Mysterio

Early Life and Training

Rey Mysterio's journey to wrestling stardom began at a very young age. His early experiences laid the foundation for his illustrious career.

1. Mysterio began training in lucha libre at the age of eight under his uncle, Rey Misterio Sr., who was a successful grappler himself.
2. Initially, Mysterio intended to use the ring name "Rey Misterio Jr." but his uncle deemed him not ready at 14, so he was given the name "Colibri" (hummingbird in English) due to his small size and high-flying abilities.
3. Mysterio made his professional wrestling debut in 1989 at the age of 14, competing at small shows in Mexico.

Rise to Fame in AAA and ECW

Mysterio's talent quickly caught the attention of major wrestling promotions, leading to significant opportunities in AAA and ECW.

4. In 1992, he debuted in Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) as Rey Mysterio Jr., quickly making a name for himself as a must-watch up-and-comer.
5. In 1995, Paul Heyman brought Mysterio and Psicosis to Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), where they tore it up on multiple occasions and wowed audiences with their series against Juventud Guerrera.
6. In ECW, Mysterio had notable feuds with Psicosis and Juventud Guerrera, including a two out of three falls match at South Philly Jam and a Mexican Death match at November to Remember 1995.

WCW Era

Mysterio's time in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) was marked by numerous championships and memorable matches.

7. Mysterio signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996, where he helped popularize lucha libre in the United States, leading to the rise of cruiserweight wrestling divisions.
8. During his time in WCW, Mysterio won the WCW Cruiserweight Championship five times, the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times, and the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship once.
9. Mysterio lost his mask in a Lucha de Apuestas match against Kevin Nash, working unmasked until 2002.

WWE Career and Championships

Mysterio's WWE career solidified his status as a wrestling legend, with numerous championships and iconic moments.

10. Mysterio joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002, where he resumed wearing a mask and quickly became a fan favorite.
11. During his WWE career, Mysterio won the World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WWE Championship once, the WWE Cruiserweight Championship three times, the WWE Intercontinental Championship twice, and the WWE United States Championship three times.
12. He also won the WWE Tag Team Championship four times and was part of several notable tag teams, including one with Edge.
13. In 2006, Mysterio won the Royal Rumble match, lasting an incredible 62 minutes and setting a record for the longest time spent in the match.
14. At WrestleMania 22, Mysterio became the new World Heavyweight Champion by pinning Randy Orton in a triple threat match also involving Kurt Angle.
15. In 2010, Mysterio captured his second World Heavyweight Championship at Fatal 4-Way against Big Show, CM Punk, and Jack Swagger.
16. In July 2011, Mysterio scored his first WWE Championship by defeating The Miz on Raw.

Return to WWE and Recent Achievements

After a brief hiatus, Mysterio returned to WWE, continuing to add to his legacy with new achievements and partnerships.

17. After a sabbatical from WWE, Mysterio made a dramatic return in the 2018 Royal Rumble match, rekindling his career and adding more thrilling matches to his resume.
18. In 2019, Mysterio reclaimed the United States Championship and continued to be a force in the WWE universe.
19. Mysterio achieved a dream by forming a tag team with his son Dominik, becoming the first father-son tandem to win the SmackDown Tag Team Titles.
20. However, their relationship turned sour when Dominik joined the vitriolic Judgment Day, leading to a series of intense matches between father and son.
21. Mysterio later aligned with Legado del Fantasma and reformed The LWO, capturing the United States Championship for the third time.
22. With The LWO by his side, Mysterio added the returning Carlito to the fold, continuing his legacy in the WWE.

Signature Moves and Style

Mysterio's high-flying style and signature moves have made him a standout performer in the wrestling world.

23. Known for his high-flying style, Mysterio has been a staple of thrilling matches, often defying gravity and expectations in the ring.
24. Mysterio's iconic masks have become a part of his identity, reflecting the proud Mexican tradition of lucha libre.
25. Mysterio has a rosary beads tattoo around his neck and chest, which he got after realizing he forgot his beads at home while on the road.
26. He has countless tattoos across his body, each with its own significance and story.
27. In 1992, at just 18 years old, Mysterio won the prestigious Wrestling Observer Newsletter Rookie of the Year award, making him the youngest wrestler to ever do so.
28. When Mysterio signed with WCW in 1996, his merchandise had his second name as “Mysterio” instead of “Misterio,” which was likely changed to further reflect the English spelling.

Legacy and Impact

Mysterio's legacy extends beyond his in-ring achievements, influencing future generations and leaving a lasting impact on the wrestling world.

29. Mysterio has held numerous championships throughout his career, including multiple cruiserweight, tag team, and heavyweight titles.
30. He has had notable feuds with wrestling legends such as Eddie Guerrero, Kurt Angle, and Randy Orton, among others.
31. Mysterio's success on SmackDown was instrumental in his rise to fame, where he won multiple championships and became a fan favorite.
32. At WrestleMania XX, Mysterio participated in a Cruiserweight Open for the title, where Chavo Guerrero retained the championship.
33. Mysterio's signature move, the 619, is one of the most iconic finishers in wrestling history, often leaving opponents stunned and defeated.
34. Mysterio's career highlights include winning the Royal Rumble, becoming a World Heavyweight Champion, and capturing multiple tag team titles.
35. His wrestling style, which combines high-flying acrobatics with technical grappling, has inspired generations of wrestlers and fans alike.
36. Mysterio is widely regarded as one of the greatest fan favorites in WWE history, known for his determination and refusal to be intimidated in the ring.
37. Mysterio's legacy extends beyond WWE, as he has been instrumental in popularizing lucha libre around the world.
38. Mysterio has trained several notable wrestlers, including his son Dominik, who followed in his footsteps to become a WWE Superstar.
39. Mysterio is involved in various community outreach programs, using his platform to support charitable causes and promote positive values.
40. Despite his busy schedule, Mysterio prioritizes his family life, often incorporating his personal relationships into his storylines in creative and compelling ways.
41. Mysterio serves as an inspirational figure for many young wrestlers and fans, demonstrating that size and background do not dictate success in professional wrestling.
42. His impact on the WWE universe is immense, with fans from all over the world cheering for him and celebrating his victories.
43. During his time in WCW, Mysterio held multiple championships, including the Cruiserweight and Tag Team titles, cementing his status as a top contender.
44. Mysterio's matches with Psicosis in ECW are legendary, showcasing their high-flying skills and intense rivalry.
45. Mysterio's five reigns as WCW Cruiserweight Champion are a testament to his dominance in the cruiserweight division during the 1990s.
46. Mysterio's enduring legacy in professional wrestling is a result of his incredible career, which continues to inspire new generations of wrestlers and fans alike.

Hall of Fame and Recognition

Mysterio's contributions to wrestling have been recognized with multiple hall of fame inductions and awards.

47. Mysterio is an inductee of the AAA Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the sport in Mexico.
48. He is also an inductee of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, further solidifying his status as a wrestling legend.
49. In 2023, Mysterio was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the WWE universe.
50. Mysterio's incredible career and contributions to professional wrestling have earned him a place among the greatest wrestlers of all time.

Rey Mysterio's Lasting Impact

Rey Mysterio isn't just a wrestler; he's a legend. From his early days training under his uncle to becoming a WWE Hall of Famer, Mysterio's journey is nothing short of inspiring. His high-flying style, iconic masks, and signature move, the 619, have left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. Winning multiple championships, including the Royal Rumble and various heavyweight titles, Mysterio has proven that size doesn't dictate success. His influence extends beyond the ring, inspiring new generations of wrestlers and fans alike. Whether teaming up with his son Dominik or aligning with Legado del Fantasma, Mysterio continues to evolve and captivate audiences. His legacy in lucha libre and WWE is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Rey Mysterio's story is one of perseverance, making him a true icon in the wrestling world.