Personal info
Known for

Ultimate Talent

Gender

Male

Birthday

11 December

Location

California, United States

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Rey Mysterio

Biography

Óscar Gutiérrez, known worldwide by his ring name Rey Mysterio, is a professional wrestler celebrated for his high-flying moves, iconic mask, and trailblazing influence in wrestling. Born on December 11, 1974, in Chula Vista, California, Mysterio is of Mexican descent and embodies the spirit of lucha libre, a form of wrestling rooted in Mexican tradition.

 

Mysterio’s name, which translates to “King Mystery,” was passed down by his uncle and mentor, Rey Misterio Sr. With a career spanning over three decades, Rey Mysterio is widely regarded as one of the greatest cruiserweights and lucha libre wrestlers in history.

 

Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings

Rey Mysterio was introduced to wrestling at an early age by his uncle, Rey Misterio Sr., a respected lucha libre wrestler and trainer. He debuted professionally at just 14 years old in 1989, competing in the lucha libre circuit in Mexico. During these early years, he honed his high-flying style and adopted the iconic mask that became his trademark.

 

Mysterio wrestled under various names, including "La Lagartija Verde" (The Green Lizard) and "Colibrí" (Hummingbird), before officially becoming Rey Mysterio Jr. as a tribute to his uncle.

 

Career

Ascent in Mexico and ECW (1989–1996)

Rey Mysterio gained recognition in Mexico, competing for Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), where his innovative aerial techniques set him apart. He quickly became a standout talent in the burgeoning lucha libre scene.

 

In 1995, Mysterio joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in the United States. His matches against fellow lucha libre stars like Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis introduced the high-octane style of lucha libre to a broader American audience, earning him widespread acclaim.

 

World Championship Wrestling (WCW) (1996–2001)

Rey Mysterio signed with WCW in 1996, marking a pivotal moment in his career. He debuted at The Great American Bash in an impressive match against Dean Malenko, showcasing his high-flying style. Mysterio became a cornerstone of WCW’s cruiserweight division, capturing the WCW Cruiserweight Championship five times.

 

Memorable rivalries with wrestlers like Eddie Guerrero, Chris Jericho, and Ultimo Dragon elevated the division, making it one of the highlights of WCW programming. Mysterio also held the WCW World Tag Team Championship.

 

In 1999, Mysterio was controversially forced to unmask during a storyline in WCW—a moment that deeply upset fans and the wrestler himself, as the mask is a sacred symbol in Lucha libre culture.

 

WWE Career (2002–Present)

Rey Mysterio joined WWE in 2002, quickly becoming a fan favorite on SmackDown. His masked persona, gravity-defying moves, and underdog spirit resonated with audiences worldwide.

 

Cruiserweight Dominance: Mysterio revitalized the WWE Cruiserweight division, winning the title multiple times and delivering show-stealing performances against wrestlers like Tajiri, Billy Kidman, and Matt Hardy.

 

Tag Team Success: He formed successful tag teams with wrestlers such as Edge, Rob Van Dam, and his longtime friend, Eddie Guerrero, capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship.

World Championship Victory: Rey Mysterio achieved his dream at WrestleMania 22 in 2006, winning the World Heavyweight Championship in a triple-threat match against Kurt Angle and Randy Orton. His victory was an emotional tribute to Eddie Guerrero, who had passed away the previous year.

 

Rivalries and Return: Over the years, Mysterio feuded with stars like The Undertaker, CM Punk, and Batista. After a brief departure from WWE in 2015, he returned in 2018, captivating a new generation of fans.

 

WWE Hall of Fame Induction (2023)

In 2023, Rey Mysterio was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a pioneer of lucha libre and an inspiration to countless wrestlers and fans.

 

Acting Career

Outside of wrestling, Mysterio has made appearances in movies, TV shows, and video games. He was featured in WWE Studios' productions and lent his likeness to multiple WWE video game franchises, further solidifying his cultural impact.

 

Signature Moves and Style

Rey Mysterio is renowned for his high-flying wrestling style, blending athleticism with technical precision. His most iconic move, the 619, is a spinning kick delivered while swinging between the ropes, often followed by a top-rope maneuver like the West Coast Pop or a splash.

His agility and creativity have made him one of the most exciting performers to watch, inspiring countless wrestlers around the globe.

 

Personal Life

Rey Mysterio is married to Angie Gutierrez, and the couple has two children, Dominik and Aalyah. His son Dominik followed in his footsteps and is currently a WWE superstar, continuing the family legacy.

 

Mysterio is known for his deep connection to his Mexican heritage and his respect for the traditions of lucha libre. His mask, adorned with intricate designs, symbolizes honor, heritage, and identity.

 

Achievements

Rey Mysterio’s illustrious career is decorated with numerous accolades, including:

  • WWE Championships:
  •  
    • 3-time World Champion (2-time World Heavyweight Champion, 1-time WWE Champion)
    • 2-time Intercontinental Champion
    • 4-time WWE Tag Team Champion
    • 8-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion
  •  
  • Royal Rumble Winner: 2006 (Longest time in a single Royal Rumble match: 62 minutes)
  •  
  • WCW Championships:
    • 5-time Cruiserweight Champion
    • 3-time Tag Team Champion
  • Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2023