Miguel Ángel López Días, famed as Rey Mysterio Sr., passed away at age 66.
The legendary Mexican wrestler Rey Mysterio Sr., whose influence on the wrestling world spanned generations and inspired countless, was deeply mourned by fans and colleagues alike. His son, Rey Mysterio Jr., confirmed the sad news on December 20, 2024.
The passing of Misterio Sr. comes as a profound loss following the death of Rey Mysterio’s father, Robert Gutierrez, who was 76. This twin loss has deeply affected the Mysterio family and the broader wrestling community, who mourn the departure of a true legend.
Rey Mysterio, whose real name is Óscar Gutiérrez, was born on December 11, 1974, in Chula Vista, California, and is globally recognized as one of the top high-flyers in the history of wrestling.
Measuring 5 feet 6 inches and weighing 175 pounds, Mysterio is billed as representing San Diego, California. He made his wrestling debut on April 30, 1989. Mysterio’s groundbreaking style, energetic maneuvers, and distinctive masks transformed the cruiserweight division and elevated Lucha libre in popular culture.
Mentored by his uncle, the iconic Rey Misterio Sr., he began his wrestling journey at 14 in Mexico. His rise to fame in various promotions such as AAA, ECW, and WCW during the 1990s and his eventual joining of WWE in 2002 solidified his status as a household name, a journey that inspired many.
Rey Mysterio’s signature techniques, including the 619, West Coast Pop, and Springboard Moonsault, exemplify his agility and creativity in the ring. His remarkable career is filled with numerous accolades, including two reigns as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, one WWE Champion title, three Cruiserweight Championships, and four Tag Team Championships.
In 2006, he set a record for the most extended duration in a Royal Rumble, enduring over 62 minutes to secure victory. Mysterio’s significant contributions to wrestling earned him a posthumous induction into the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame in 2010, a prestigious honor that reflects the high regard in which he was held by the wrestling community and his lasting impact on the sport.
Beyond his accomplishments, Mysterio is celebrated for paving the way for smaller wrestlers and demonstrating that size does not dictate success in professional wrestling. His impact reaches beyond the ring, inspiring many performers and fans across generations.
Renowned for his humility, commitment to his family, and strong ties with his audience, Rey Mysterio’s colorful masks and outfits pay tribute to his Mexican heritage and the customs of lucha libre. Despite spending decades in the sport, Mysterio continues to perform exceptionally, enchanting fans worldwide with his enduring talent and love for wrestling.