From his dramatic flips off the ropes to the legendary 619, Rey Mysterio has long been one of the most electrifying performers in the world of professional wrestling. Known for his distinctive masks, acrobatic moves, and heart as big as his audacious in-ring persona, Mysterio has made an indelible impact on the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) scene. Although most fans are familiar with his dazzling performance style, many are not aware of the intriguing facts behind this high-flying superstar.
Here, we delve into 25 interesting facts about Rey Mysterio that shed light on the man behind the mask.
1. Rey Mysterio was born on December 12, 1974, in Chula Vista, California. His real name is Óscar Gutiérrez.
2. Mysterio started wrestling at an early age. At 14, he began training under his uncle, Rey Misterio Sr., a former professional wrestler, hence adopting the ring name.
3. The term “Rey Mysterio” translates to “Mystery King” in English. This name represents his enigmatic wrestling style and persona.
4. Despite being known as one of the smallest wrestlers in the WWE, Mysterio’s size has never stopped him from taking on and defeating much larger opponents, earning him the nickname, “The Giant Killer.”
5. Mysterio’s signature move, the 619, is named after the area code of his hometown, San Diego.
6. He is famous for his high-flying Lucha Libre style, a type of professional wrestling that originated from Mexico and features fast-paced, acrobatic maneuvers.
7. Rey Mysterio has won numerous championships in his career. These include the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship, and the Intercontinental Championship.
8. He won the 2006 Royal Rumble, lasting over 1 hour in the ring, and set a then-record for the longest time spent in a single Royal Rumble match.
9. Despite his success in the WWE, Mysterio began his wrestling career in the Mexican promotion Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), where he gained initial fame.
10. He is known for his ever-changing masks, each with a unique design and color scheme. Mysterio has revealed that he has lost count of the number of masks he owns but estimates it’s in the hundreds.
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11. In a departure from the norm, Mysterio’s mask was removed in 1999 when he was wrestling for World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This decision was widely criticized by fans and was later rectified when he returned to WWE.
12. In his career, Mysterio has performed in numerous other wrestling promotions, including Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and Lucha Underground.
13. Mysterio is also a four-time tag team champion, having won with partners like Edge, Rob Van Dam, and Batista.
14. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest cruiserweights in wrestling history and played a key role in popularizing the cruiserweight division in the United States.
15. Rey Mysterio has a notable tattoo of his mask on his stomach, which he considers a symbol of his wrestling legacy.
16. Mysterio has a passion for custom cars and even had a show called ‘Rey Mysterio’s Garage’ where he showcased his collection.
17. He is a dedicated family man and has tattooed the names of his wife and children on his arms.
18. Rey has trained his son, Dominic, to follow in his wrestling footsteps. Dominic made his WWE in-ring debut in 2020.
19. Mysterio has also ventured into acting and has made appearances in several TV shows, including “Dinner: Impossible” and Nickelodeon’s “Side Hustle.”
20. He is an avid fan of the San Diego Chargers and the San Diego Padres, expressing his love for these teams on multiple occasions.
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21. Rey Mysterio has been featured in a wide array of video games, from the WWE 2K series to Yuke’s Smackdown vs. Raw franchise.
22. He was the third masked wrestler to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, following Mil Mascaras and The Destroyer.
23. Despite suffering numerous injuries throughout his career, including a potentially career-ending knee injury, Mysterio has always managed to make a comeback, exhibiting his dedication to the sport.
24. Mysterio has a deep-rooted respect for Mexican wrestling tradition. That’s why he always insists on fighting while wearing his mask, a central element in the Lucha Libre culture.
25. Known for his philanthropic work, Mysterio has been involved with numerous charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, with whom he has granted numerous wishes.
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Rey Mysterio, the high-flying Luchador, has left an indelible mark on professional wrestling. From his early days in Mexico to his rise as a WWE superstar, his story is one of determination, resilience, and an enduring love for the sport. These 25 interesting facts about Rey Mysterio serve to deepen our understanding of this beloved wrestler, revealing a man who is as much a dedicated family man and philanthropist as he is a world-class athlete. Truly, Rey Mysterio is a testament to the fact that great things often come in small packages.
