Rey Mysterio

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Template:Short description Template:About Template:Family name hatnote Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox professional wrestler

Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio (born December 11, 1974), better known by his ring name Rey Mysterio,Template:Notetag is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the Raw brand. Widely regarded as both one of the greatest luchadors and cruiserweight wrestlers of all time, Mysterio is an inductee of the AAA Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, and WWE Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name = Times>Template:Cite news</ref>

The nephew and trainee of Rey Misterio, Mysterio began wrestling on the independent circuit in 1989 at the age of 14 before signing with Asistencia Asesoría y Administración in 1992. After brief stints with Extreme Championship Wrestling, the World Wrestling Association, and Wrestle Association R, Mysterio signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996. In WCW, Mysterio helped popularize lucha libre in the United States, which led to the rise of cruiserweight wrestling divisions, winning the WCW Cruiserweight Championship five times; the WCW World Tag Team Championship three times; and the WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship once. He lost his mask in a Lucha de Apuestas against Kevin Nash, working unmasked until 2002.

Following the closure of WCW in 2001, Mysterio wrestled for promotions including Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, the World Wrestling Council, and the X Wrestling Federation before joining World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002, where he resumed wearing a mask. He stayed with WWE until 2015, winning the World Heavyweight Championship twice, the WWE Championship once, the WWE Cruiserweight Championship three times, the WWE Intercontinental Championship twice, the WWE United States Championship three times, and the WWE Tag Team Championship four times, as well as winning the 2006 Royal Rumble.

Mysterio departed WWE in 2015, appearing in promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and Asistencia Asesoría y Administración. He returned to WWE in 2018, joined by his son Dominik.

Early life

Óscar Gutiérrez was born on December 11, 1974, in Chula Vista, California, a suburb of San Diego.<ref name="Mooneyham" /><ref name = Times/> His parents are Mexican nationals Maria del Rosario and Roberto Gutierrez (1948–2024),<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> both from very poor, uneducated backgrounds; Maria was a house cleaner and Roberto was a factory worker.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask">Template:Cite book</ref> Gutiérrez spent his childhood crossing the border from Tijuana to San Diego each day for school.<ref name="alja" /> He dropped out of high school with his parents' approval.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> He has three brothers.<ref name="Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask"/>

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1989–1992)

Template:Professional wrestling sidebar Gutiérrez made his debut in Mexico on April 30, 1989, when he was 14 years old. He was trained by his uncle Rey Misterio and wrestled early on in Mexico, where he learned the Lucha Libre high flying style that has been his trademark. He had ring names such as "La Lagartija Verde (The Green Lizard)" and "Colibrí (Hummingbird)" before his uncle gave him the name of Rey Misterio Jr. In 1991, while wrestling in Mexico as Colibrí, Mysterio was named "Most Improved Wrestler".Template:Citation needed

Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (1992–1996)

In Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA), Mysterio feuded with Juventud Guerrera. Mysterio's uncle Misterio Sr. also took on Guerrera in a tag match: Misterio Sr. and Mysterio Jr. faced Guerrera and his father Fuerza Guerrera.Template:Citation needed In 1994, Mysterio participated in the co-promoted event between AAA and American promotion World Championship Wrestling AAA When Worlds Collide. Mysterio credited there event as the reason WCW noticed him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995–1996)

Mysterio signed with Paul Heyman's Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) in 1995.<ref name=BiggestLittle>Template:Cite video</ref> He debuted on September 16, 1995, at Gangstas Paradise, defeating Psicosis, who was also making his ECW debut.<ref name=BiggestLittle/><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> A feud between the two began, which included a two out of three falls match at South Philly Jam and a Mexican Death match at November to Remember 1995.<ref name=BiggestLittle/> Mysterio went on to have a series of matches with ECW newcomer Juventud Guerrera during early 1996. He wrestled his final bout for ECW at Big Ass Extreme Bash in March 1996, defeating Guerrera.<ref name=BiggestLittle/>

World Championship Wrestling (1996–2001)

Cruiserweight division (1996–1998)

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Mysterio made his World Championship Wrestling (WCW) debut on June 16, 1996, at The Great American Bash, challenging Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship in a losing effort.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Bash at the Beach on July 7, he defeated Psicosis in a #1 contender's match to earn another opportunity at the Cruiserweight Championship,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which he won for the first time by defeating Malenko the next night on WCW Monday Nitro.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He successfully defended the title against Ultimate Dragon at Hog Wild on August 10,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Malenko at Clash of the Champions XXXIII five days later,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Super Caló at Fall Brawl on September 15.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 27, at Halloween Havoc, he lost the title back to Malenko.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio challenged Ultimate Dragon for the J-Crown Championship in a losing effort at World War 3 on November 24.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On February 23, 1997, he faced Prince Iaukea for the WCW World Television Championship at SuperBrawl VII, but lost after being attacked by Lord Steven Regal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio also lost a title rematch at Uncensored on March 16.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Soon after, Mysterio began a feud with the New World Order (nWo), culminating when he lost a Mexican Death match to nWo member Konnan at Road Wild on August 9.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio was then involved in a feud with his real-life friend and Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guerrero, whom he defeated in a Title vs. Mask match at Halloween Havoc on October 26 to win the Cruiserweight Championship for the second time.<ref name="cruiser">Template:Cite web</ref> On the November 10 episode of Nitro, he lost the title back to Guerrero, as well as in a rematch at World War 3 on November 23.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 15, 1998, episode of WCW Thunder, Mysterio defeated Juventud to win his third Cruiserweight Championship, but lost it nine days later to Chris Jericho at Souled Out.<ref name="cruiser" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the match, Jericho continued the beating by using a toolbox he found at ringside. This storyline was used to cover Mysterio's need for a knee operation that kept him out of the ring for six months. At Bash at the Beach on July 12, Mysterio returned and defeated Jericho for his fourth Cruiserweight championship.<ref name="BATB1998">Template:Cite web</ref> The next night, however, the result was overturned and the belt returned to Jericho due to Dean Malenko interfering.<ref name="BATB1998" />

Later that year, Eddie Guerrero formed a Mexican stable known as the Latino World Order (LWO) (a spin off of New World Order) that included nearly every luchador in the promotion. Mysterio continually refused to join and feuded with Guerrero and the LWO members, including winning a match against longtime rival and LWO member Psicosis in a match at Road Wild on August 8.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was forced to join the group after losing a match to Eddie Guerrero. Mysterio's on-and-off tag team partner Billy Kidman joined him during the feud with LWO, wrestling against the LWO despite Mysterio being a part of the group. Mysterio faced Kidman for the Cruiserweight Championship at Starrcade on December 27, but was unsuccessful in a triangle match also involving Juventud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 17, 1999, at Souled Out, Mysterio failed to win the title from Kidman in a four-way match that also included Psicosis and Juventud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Giant Killer; unmasking (1998–1999)

Mysterio unmasked in 1999

After the two factions of nWo reformed, they demanded that the LWO disband. Mysterio refused to take off his LWO colors and was attacked by the nWo as a result. This led to a match at SuperBrawl IX on February 21, where Mysterio and tag partner Konnan lost a "Hair vs. Mask match" against Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, forcing Mysterio to remove his mask.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the match, he phoned his uncle to tell him the news. Mysterio has publicly expressed his disappointment over being unmasked:

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Following SuperBrawl, Mysterio became a "giant killer" by defeating large opponents such as Kevin Nash, Bam Bam Bigelow, and Scott Norton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Uncensored on March 14, he lost to Nash after interference from Lex Luger.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night, on the March 15 episode of Nitro, he defeated Billy Kidman to win his fourth Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name="cruiser" /> On the March 22 episode of Nitro, Mysterio got his first shot at the WCW World Heavyweight Championship against champion Ric Flair when the names of (allegedly) nearly everyone in the company were put into a hat and a lottery was held. El Dandy was the lottery winner, but he was injured, and Mysterio took the shot instead. The match ended with a disqualification win for Flair, even though Arn Anderson's interference on Flair's behalf should have theoretically disqualified Flair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Mysterio and Kidman defeated Flair's Four Horsemen stablemates Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko to win the WCW World Tag Team Championship, making Mysterio a double champion.<ref name="wcwtag">Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio successfully defended his Cruiserweight Championship against his tag team partner Kidman at Spring Stampede on April 11 before losing the title on the April 19 episode of Nitro to Psicosis in a fatal four-way match that also involved Juventud Guerrera and Blitzkrieg.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Nitro, he defeated Psicosis to win his fifth Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name="cruiser" /> At Slamboree on May 9, Mysterio and Kidman lost the World Tag Team titles to Raven and Perry Saturn in a triangle match, also involving former champions Benoit and Malenko.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

No Limit Soldiers; Filthy Animals (1999–2001)

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In mid-1999, Mysterio and Konnan joined Master P's No Limit Soldiers and feuded with the West Texas Rednecks. At The Great American Bash on June 13, they defeated Rednecks members Curt Hennig and Bobby Duncum Jr., and at Bash at the Beach on July 11, won a four-on-four elimination tag team match against them.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Master P's departure from WCW, Mysterio formed a stable with Eddie Guerrero and Billy Kidman known as the Filthy Animals, turning heel for the first and only time in his career.<ref name="filthyanimals">Template:Cite web</ref> The Filthy Animals defeated Dead Pool in six-man tag team matches at Road Wild on August 14 and Fall Brawl on September 12.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 19 episode of Thunder, Mysterio lost the cruiserweight title to Lenny Lane.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On the October 18 episode of Nitro, Mysterio and Konnan defeated Harlem Heat to win the World Tag Team Championship, however, Mysterio was injured during the match and was sidelined.<ref name="wcwtag"/> Kidman substituted for Mysterio and teamed with Konnan during their title defense against Harlem Heat and the First Family at Halloween Havoc six days later, where the Filthy Animals lost the titles back to Harlem Heat.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio returned in early 2000 and remained a steady performer, eventually joining the New Blood faction, opposing the Millionaire's Club.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 14 episode of Nitro, Mysterio and Juventud defeated The Great Muta and Vampiro to win the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They were stripped of the title after Ernest Miller pinned Disco Inferno with the stipulation that if he pinned Disco, Mysterio and Guerrera would be stripped of the title. At Fall Brawl on September 17, the Filthy Animals fought The Natural Born Thrillers to a no contest in an elimination tag team match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio reformed his tag team with Kidman and challenged for the World Tag Team Championship in a triangle match at Halloween Havoc on October 29, facing the champions Natural Born Thrillers and The Boogie Knights in a losing effort.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At Millennium Final on November 16, Mysterio and Kidman lost to KroniK, but avenged their loss at Mayhem ten days later against KroniK and Alex Wright in a handicap match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Starrcade on December 17, The Filthy Animals lost to The Harris Brothers and Jeff Jarrett in a Bunkhouse Brawl.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After this, the Filthy Animals starting feuding with Team Canada, to whom they lost in a Penalty Box match at Sin on January 14, 2001.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SuperBrawl Revenge on February 18, Mysterio unsuccessfully challenged Chavo Guerrero Jr. for the Cruiserweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Kidman and Mysterio participated in a cruiserweight tag team tournament for the newly created WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship and advanced to the final round, where they lost to Elix Skipper and Kid Romeo at Greed on March 18.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the final episode of Nitro on March 26, they defeated Skipper and Romeo in a rematch to win the Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship before WCW was sold to the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).<ref name="cruisertag">Template:Cite web</ref>

Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2001)

After WCW closed down, Mysterio started wrestling independently in Mexico. He made his first ever Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre appearance, debuting in an eight-man tag team match. Mysterio wrestled a total of 10 matches in CMLL before returning to the United States.Template:Citation needed

Independent circuit and Puerto Rico (2002)

Upon his return to the US, he worked in IWA Mid-South, the Xcitement Wrestling Federation and the Heartland Wrestling Association, with the likes of Eddie Guerrero and CM Punk. Mysterio traveled to Puerto Rico for the World Wrestling Council and defeated Eddie Colon for the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship on January 6, 2002, holding the belt until losing it back to Colon on April 6.<ref name=":0" />

World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2002–2015)

Championship reigns (2002–2004)

Mysterio signing autographs in 2004

In June 2002, Mysterio signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and promos that hyped his debut began airing. The "Jr." was dropped from his name and he was billed simply as Rey Mysterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio, with his mask, made his WWE debut on the July 25, 2002, episode of SmackDown! as a face, defeating Chavo Guerrero.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His first feud was with Kurt Angle, culminating in a match at SummerSlam on August 25,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which Angle won after forcing Mysterio to submit to the ankle lock.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He later formed a tag team with Edge, participating in a tournament for the newly created and SmackDown!-exclusive WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They lost to Kurt Angle and Chris Benoit in the finals of the tournament at No Mercy on October 20; the match was voted Match of the Year by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They won the titles when they defeated Angle and Benoit in a two out of three falls match on the November 7 episode of SmackDown!,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but lost them to Los Guerreros in a Triple Threat Elimination match at Survivor Series on November 17.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 30, 2003, at WrestleMania XIX, he faced the Cruiserweight Champion Matt Hardy for the title, but lost after interference from Shannon Moore.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After earning a title shot in May, he defeated Hardy on the June 5 episode of SmackDown! to win the Cruiserweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After losing the championship to Tajiri on the September 25 episode of SmackDown!, he regained it from Tajiri on the January 1 episode of SmackDown!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2004, Mysterio successfully defended the title against Jamie Noble.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost the title to Chavo Guerrero at No Way Out on February 15.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania XX on March 14, Mysterio took part in a Cruiserweight Open for the title, where Guerrero retained the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the June 17 episode of SmackDown!, he defeated Chavo Classic to win the title for a third time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He lost it to Spike Dudley on the July 29 episode of SmackDown! then failed to regain the title on a September episode of SmackDown! and in a fatal four-way match at Survivor Series on November 14.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Teaming and feuding with Eddie Guerrero (2004–2005)

Mysterio during a WWE house show in 2005

During this time, Mysterio formed a tag team with Rob Van Dam and feuded with Kenzo Suzuki and René Duprée.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At No Mercy on October 3, they failed to win the titles from Suzuki and Duprée, but won them in a rematch on the December 9 episode of SmackDown!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They successfully defended the titles against Suzuki and Duprée at Armageddon on December 12, before losing the titles to the Basham Brothers on the January 13, 2005, episode of SmackDown! after Van Dam was injured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On February 20, Mysterio teamed up with Eddie Guerrero, winning the WWE Tag Team Championship back from the Basham Brothers at No Way Out.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a departure from traditional booking, Mysterio and Guerrero did not defend their titles at WrestleMania 21 on April 3, but instead had a match against each other, which Mysterio won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the April 21 episode of SmackDown!, Mysterio and Guerrero lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to MNM (Joey Mercury and Johnny Nitro).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Guerrero abandoned Mysterio, whom he had considered "his family" earlier in the show, during their rematch for the titles, costing them the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After a street fight against Chavo on the May 5 episode of SmackDown!, Eddie came out and suplexed Mysterio on the steel steps, displaying Eddie's increasing frustration with being unable to defeat Mysterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

At Judgment Day on May 22, Mysterio defeated Guerrero by disqualification after Guerrero attacked him with a steel chair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On June 12, in the midst of their feud, Mysterio faced and defeated long-time rival Psicosis for the first time in nearly five years at ECW One Night Stand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Guerrero then threatened to reveal a secret he and Mysterio shared involving Mysterio's real life son Dominik, unless Mysterio deferred to Guerrero's authority.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At The Great American Bash on July 24, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a match with a stipulation that if Guerrero lost, he would not tell the secret.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Despite this, Guerrero revealed the secret on the following episode of SmackDown!, that he was Dominik's biological father. Guerrero said he knew Mysterio was having trouble starting his own family, so Guerrero left Dominik as a baby with Mysterio and his wife Angie to raise.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He threatened to take custody of Dominik, drawing up custody papers and having his lawyer present them to Mysterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 21, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a ladder match for the custody of Dominik.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the September 9 episode of SmackDown!, Mysterio lost to Guerrero in a steel cage match, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> That same day, at a WWE "Super Show" where SmackDown! and Raw were both taped, Mysterio gave an emotional speech about Guerrero, and in a show of respect, removed his mask (though he put his head down, so his face could not be seen). Mysterio went on to defeat Shawn Michaels in an interbrand match later that night. After the match, Michaels and Mysterio hugged in the ring and Mysterio pointed up to the sky, crying, in memory of Guerrero.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2007)

Mysterio at a house show in 2005

Mysterio participated in the main event of Survivor Series on November 27, as part of Team SmackDown! along with Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, Batista, and John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), defeating Team Raw (Shawn Michaels, Kane, Big Show, Carlito, and Chris Masters).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio faced Big Show, who he eliminated at Survivor Series, in a match billed as "David vs. Goliath" in a SmackDown! special show on November 29, which ended as a "no contest" after interference from Show's tag team partner, Kane.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio continued to feud with Raw's World Tag Team Champions, and found a tag team partner in World Heavyweight Champion Batista. They were booked to face Raw's Kane and Big Show in a tag team match at Armageddon on December 18. Two days before the event, Batista and Mysterio defeated MNM on SmackDown! to win the WWE Tag Team Championship in a match they both dedicated to Guerrero.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio and Batista's match with Big Show and Kane was then billed as "Champions vs. Champions", which they lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the December 30 episode of SmackDown!, MNM invoked their rematch clause, defeating Batista and Mysterio after interference from Mark Henry to regain the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Mysterio and Batista lost their rematch for the titles in a steel cage match after interference by Henry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On January 29, 2006, Mysterio was the second entrant in the Royal Rumble match, setting a record by lasting 62 minutes, winning the match, and earning a world title shot by last eliminating Orton.<ref name="RoyalRumble06">Template:Cite web</ref> Orton urged him to put the title shot at stake in a match at No Way Out.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Over the following weeks, Orton made disparaging remarks about Eddie Guerrero,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which many people, including Orton, felt the comments were unwarranted and distasteful in the wake of Guerrero's death.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Orton won at No Way Out on February 19, earning Mysterio's title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, General Manager Theodore Long re-added Mysterio to the WrestleMania title match, making it a triple threat match between Orton, Mysterio, and then-champion, Kurt Angle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania on April 2, Mysterio pinned Orton to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of SmackDown!, Mysterio – billed as an "underdog champion", made his first successful World Heavyweight title defense against Orton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio retained the title again during a WrestleMania rematch on SmackDown! against Angle three weeks later.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio quickly moved into a feud with the United States Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), who stated he deserved the World Heavyweight title.<ref name="Apr21-06">Template:Cite web</ref> This feud saw him face off against three opponents chosen by JBL in the three weeks leading up to their title match at Judgment Day. Mysterio was defeated by Mark Henry and The Great Khali in separate non-title matches before wrestling Kane to a "no contest".<ref name="May5–06">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On May 21, Mysterio retained his title against JBL at Judgment Day.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The feud intensified when JBL lost the United States Championship to Bobby Lashley five days later on SmackDown! after being tricked by Mysterio to take on all comers like Mysterio himself had.<ref name="May26-06">Template:Cite web</ref> JBL vowed that if he did not win his rematch against Mysterio, he would quit SmackDown!.<ref name="May26-06"/> In their main event match, Mysterio retained the World Heavyweight Championship, causing JBL to leave SmackDown!, until ECW One Night Stand on June 11, when he announced his return as a color commentator.<ref name="May26-06"/><ref name="ONS06">Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio was booked to defend against ECW wrestler Sabu at ECW One Night Stand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the weeks leading up to his title defense, Mysterio defeated Cruiserweight Champion Gregory Helms in a Champion vs. Champion match, and lost to Rob Van Dam at WWE vs. ECW Head-to-Head on June 7.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At ECW One Night Stand, Mysterio retained the title, after he and Sabu were ruled unable to continue following a triple jump DDT through a table by Sabu. Mysterio then retained his title in a match against Mark Henry, winning by disqualification after Chavo Guerrero handed Henry a chair and Mysterio acted as if he was hit, a tactic for which Eddie Guerrero was known.<ref name="ONS06"/>

Mysterio began a feud with King Booker, who won a battle royal to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> King Booker attacked Mysterio from behind backstage with the help of King Booker's wife Queen Sharmell.<ref name="July14-06">Template:Cite web</ref> The next week on SmackDown!, Mysterio gained revenge by attacking King Booker and his "court".<ref name="July14-06"/> On July 23, at The Great American Bash, Mysterio lost the World Heavyweight Championship to King Booker after Chavo interfered in the match and turned on Mysterio, hitting him with a steel chair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Guerrero would also cost Mysterio his rematch the following week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 20, Mysterio lost to Guerrero after Vickie Guerrero tried to stop both men from fighting, but accidentally knocked Mysterio off the top turnbuckle. Vickie then turned on Mysterio by hitting him in the back with a steel chair and gave him an injury, thus, siding with Guerrero.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 8, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a Falls Count Anywhere match at No Mercy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Subsequently, Guerrero challenged Mysterio to an "I quit" match for the October 20 episode of SmackDown!, which Mysterio lost. During the match, Guerrero injured Mysterio's knee, which was used to write Mysterio out of the storyline for a while to get knee surgery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio made his in-ring return at SummerSlam on August 26, 2007, defeating Guerrero, after he obsessed over Mysterio's return as well as wanting to injure Mysterio again.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 31 episode of SmackDown!, Mysterio defeated Batista and Finlay in a "Championship Competition" to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at Unforgiven, held by The Great Khali.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of SmackDown!, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in an "I Quit" match after hitting Guerrero's knee with a steel chair repeatedly in a similar manner to which Mysterio had been put out of action, ending the feud. After the match, Batista saved Mysterio from an attack by Khali, making the match at Unforgiven a triple threat match.<ref name="sept7-07">Template:Cite web</ref> At the event on September 16, Mysterio failed to win the title, which was won by Batista.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Various storylines (2007–2009)

Mysterio in November 2008

Mysterio then began a feud with Finlay, an opponent chosen by JBL.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The rivalry was marked as "Fight vs. Flight", contrasting the fighting styles of both wrestlers – Finlay's physicality, versus the high-flying Mysterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After fighting to a "no contest" at No Mercy on October 7,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> followed by a double-disqualification in a number one contender's match for Batista's World Heavyweight Championship on the next SmackDown!,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> he defeated Finlay in a Stretcher match at Cyber Sunday on October 28.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During this feud, he lost a match to Finlay on the November 9 episode of SmackDown! and was part of the winning team at Survivor Series on November 18, which consisted of both wrestlers on opposing sides (although Mysterio was second to be eliminated).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He re-entered the World Heavyweight Championship picture on the January 4, 2008, episode of SmackDown! when he won a Beat the Clock challenge for a chance to face the World Heavyweight Champion Edge at the Royal Rumble.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the event on January 27, he was unsuccessful in winning the championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> WWE's official website announced on February 14 that Mysterio suffered a biceps injury during an overseas tour.<ref name="injury overseas">Template:Cite web</ref> Despite the injury, Mysterio faced Edge for the title in a rematch at No Way Out on February 17, which he lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the February 22 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio announced that his injury would keep him out of action for at least six months, and he eventually underwent three surgeries within the space of a month.<ref name="bicep tear Feb08">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Mysterio returned on the June 23 episode of Raw, as the first wrestler to be drafted in the 2008 WWE Draft from the SmackDown brand to the Raw brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio made his Raw in-ring debut on July 7, pinning Santino Marella after a 619.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> General Manager Mike Adamle announced that John Cena was injured and that Mysterio would replace him in the Championship Scramble at Unforgiven. The next week, Mysterio made his return to Raw after an extended absence by attacking Kane, turning back numerous claims that Kane had "ended his career".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio then made his in-ring return at Unforgiven on September 7, competing in the World Heavyweight Championship scramble match, which was won by Chris Jericho.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio put his mask on the line in a match at No Mercy on October 5, which he won by disqualification after Kane attacked him with a steel chair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He defeated Kane again at Cyber Sunday on October 26, this time in a No Holds Barred match,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and again at Survivor Series on November 23, when the pair were on opposing sides in a five-on-five elimination match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio then competed in a number one contender's tournament for the Intercontinental Championship, losing to CM Punk in the finals at Armageddon on December 14.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At No Way Out on February 15, 2009, Mysterio competed in the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship, but was the last man eliminated by Edge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Intercontinental Champion (2009–2010)

Mysterio in 2010

At WrestleMania 25 on April 5, Mysterio defeated John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) in 21 seconds to capture the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His win made Mysterio the twenty-first Triple Crown Champion in WWE history. Mysterio was drafted back to the SmackDown brand during the 2009 WWE Draft on the April 13 episode of Raw, making the Intercontinental Championship exclusive to SmackDown for the first time since August 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then entered into an extensive feud with Chris Jericho, retaining his title against him at Judgment Day on May 17.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Extreme Rules on June 7, Mysterio lost the title after being unmasked and pinned by Jericho.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio and Jericho were booked in a Title vs. Mask match that was scheduled for The Bash on June 28, which Mysterio won, regaining the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio retained the title once more against Jericho on the July 10 episode of SmackDown to end their feud, before he was attacked by Dolph Ziggler after the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He successfully defended the title against Ziggler at both Night of Champions on July 26 and SummerSlam on August 23.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 2, WWE announced that Mysterio would be suspended for 30 days, effective September 2, for violating the company's Wellness Policy.<ref name=Suspension>Template:Cite web</ref> Before the suspension, he lost the title on the September 1 (aired September 4) episode of SmackDown against John Morrison.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In an interview with Mexican newspaper Record, Mysterio stated that he was suspended for a drug he was using for his knee and arm.<ref name="Suspension2">Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio stated that he had a prescription for the drug, but was unable to produce it in time to prevent his suspension due to being on vacation and doing a promotional tour.<ref name=Suspension2 />

Later that month, Mysterio returned and was revealed as Batista's partner in a match against Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) for the Unified WWE Tag Team Championship at Hell in a Cell on October 4, which they lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Bragging Rights on October 25, they participated in a Fatal 4 Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, Mysterio prevented Batista of winning the title and, after the match was attacked by Batista.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 22, Mysterio lost to Batista at Survivor Series by technical knockout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Their feud moved around the World Heavyweight Championship, when Mysterio defeated Batista on the December 18 episode of SmackDown to gain a title shot against The Undertaker on the following episode of SmackDown, but the match ended in a no contest after Batista interfered.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 15, 2010 episode of SmackDown, they faced off again in a number one contender's steel cage match, where Mysterio won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Mysterio lost the title match to The Undertaker at the Royal Rumble on January 31.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In February, Mysterio began a feud with Punk that also involved Punk's Straight Edge Society. During the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at the namesake event on February 21, Mysterio eliminated Punk.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio continued to feud with Punk and had a match at WrestleMania XXVI on March 28 with the stipulation that if Mysterio were to lose at WrestleMania, he would be forced to join the SES.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Mysterio defeated Punk at WrestleMania, they faced again at Extreme Rules on April 25, with Mysterio losing to Punk in a match where Punk should have had his head shaved if he lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Over the Limit on May 23, Mysterio faced CM Punk again with both previous stipulations in place (Mysterio's allegiance to the SES and Punk's hair); Mysterio defeated Punk, resulting in Punk's head being shaved.<ref name=OTL>Template:Cite web</ref>

World championship reigns (2010–2011)

Mysterio in 2011

At Fatal 4-Way on June 20, Mysterio defeated Jack Swagger, Big Show, and CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 18, at Money in the Bank, he retained the title against Swagger before Kane, who had won the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match earlier that night, cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, ending Mysterio's reign at 28 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He had a rematch for the title at SummerSlam on August 15, but he was defeated.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio then entered a feud with the debuting Alberto Del Rio, a Mexican wrestler who portrayed a high-class aristocrat. During Del Rio's debut on the August 20 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio lost to Del Rio by submission.<ref name="SmackDown082010">Template:Cite web</ref> They both participated at Bragging Rights on October 24 as part of the victorious Team SmackDown, but during the match, Del Rio attacked Mysterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Survivor Series on November 21, Mysterio and Del Rio led two opposing teams as part of the traditional Survivor Series match, where Team Mysterio won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They also participated at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 19 in a fatal four-way Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match for the World Heavyweight Championship, which was won by Edge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> His feud with Del Rio culminated on the January 7, 2011, episode of SmackDown in a two out of three falls match, which Del Rio won by countout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On the January 21 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio accidentally broke the nose of Cody Rhodes when he hit him with a 619.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="AruneSingh">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> WWE used this accident to start a feud and, as part of the storyline, Rhodes began to wear a mask and they wrestled at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3, where Mysterio lost to Rhodes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio defeated Rhodes on the April 22 episode of SmackDown and at Extreme Rules on May 1 in a Falls Count Anywhere match, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In the 2011 WWE Draft, Mysterio was drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio then reignited his feud with CM Punk, with the pair exchanging victories on consecutive episodes of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The feud culminated in a match at Capitol Punishment on June 19, where Punk emerged victorious.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 25, Mysterio won a tournament for the vacant WWE Championship to win his first WWE Championship, but he lost the title to John Cena later that night.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 15 episode of Raw, Mysterio received a rematch for the WWE Championship against new champion Alberto Del Rio, but lost to him via submission.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio suffered an injury in late August.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Teaming with Sin Cara (2012–2013)

On April 26, 2012, WWE reported that Mysterio had been suspended for 60 days due to his second violation of the company's Talent Wellness Program policy and that his suspension would expire on June 25.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After his return in July,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio faced The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam on August 19 and in a fatal-four-way match at Night of Champions on September 16, but lost both times.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September, he was paired with Sin Cara as a tag team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They entered into a feud with The Prime Time Players (Titus O'Neil and Darren Young), defeating them at Hell in a Cell on October 28, as well as O'Neil and Young's team at Survivor Series on November 18.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 16, they lost to Rhodes and Damien Sandow in a tables match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of SmackDown, Mysterio and Cara were written off television after being attacked by The Shield and Mysterio suffered an injury, dissolving the team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was done for Mysterio to take time off and Sin Cara underwent knee surgery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March, Mysterio took another leave of absence due to a legitimate knee injury, explained in storyline as an attack by Mark Henry.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Final storylines and departure (2013–2015)

Mysterio's last WWE in-ring match before his return in 2018 was a loss to Bad News Barrett in April 2014.

After eight months, Mysterio returned at a WWE live event on October 17, 2013, and returned to television as part of the Spanish commentary team at Hell in a Cell on October 27.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the November 18 episode of Raw, Mysterio saved CM Punk and Daniel Bryan from an attack by The Wyatt Family and The Real Americans (Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro), which led to Mysterio being part of a 10-man elimination tag team match at Survivor Series on November 24, in which Mysterio's team lost after he was eliminated by sole survivor Roman Reigns.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs on December 15, Mysterio and Big Show unsuccessfully challenged Cody Rhodes and Goldust for the WWE Tag Team Championship in a fatal four-way match also involving RybAxel (Ryback and Curtis Axel) and The Real Americans.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania XXX on April 6, 2014, Mysterio competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but was eliminated by Cesaro.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On the April 7 episode of Raw, Mysterio lost to a returning Bad News Barrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He subsequently decided to take time off to heal a wrist injury. During his hiatus, it was reported that Mysterio wanted to leave WWE, but WWE had extended his contract without his approval.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He did not return to WWE programming, and instead appeared in a video message at AAA's Triplemanía XXII and also visited Lucha Underground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 26, 2015, WWE officially announced that Mysterio's WWE contract had expired, ending his nearly 13-year tenure with the company.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2015–2016)

Five days after being released from WWE, it was announced that Mysterio had agreed to work for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He made his in-ring return as part of AAA's 2015 pay-per-view Rey de Reyes ("King of Kings") on March 18, where he and Myzteziz (formerly Sin Cara in WWE) defeated the Los Perros del Mal team of El Hijo del Perro Aguayo and Pentagón Jr., with Mysterio scoring the winning pin.<ref name=RDRCard2015>Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 20, during another tag team match, a dropkick from Mysterio resulted in Perro Aguayo Jr.'s death in the ring. Mysterio delivered the dropkick to Perro's back, causing him to fall to the second rope, setting him up for Mysterio's signature "619" wrestling move, which involves Mysterio running towards the rope, grabbing it, and spinning around 180°, hitting the person on the face with his legs. Mysterio, seeing that something was wrong due to Perro becoming limp, purposely missed. The other wrestlers continued performing while each coming up and checking on Perro. They quickly finished the match after realizing that something serious had happened. The referee, wrestlers, and locker room crew came out and took Perro out using a piece of plywood. He was pronounced dead by the doctors later that night. His official cause of death was ruled as cardiac arrest, due to a cervical stroke caused by three fractured vertebrae.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

On May 24, 2015, Mysterio came together with Myzteziz and El Patrón Alberto to form the "Dream Team" for AAA's Lucha Libre World Cup. The trio eventually won the tournament, defeating Johnny Mundo, Matt Hardy and Mr. Anderson in the finals with Mysterio pinning Mundo for the win.<ref name="LuchaWorldCupWV">Template:Cite web</ref> For Triplemanía XXIII, AAA's biggest show of the year, a "dream match" between Mysterio and Myzteziz took place. Both wrestlers teamed during their time in WWE and AAA but had never competed against each other. Mysterio was victorious, forcing Myzteziz to submit to a Fujiwara armbar. After the match, Myzteziz turned rudo and sprayed mist at Mysterio's face, challenging him to a Lucha de Apuestas.<ref name="PWTM23">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="WrestleViewTM23">Template:Cite web</ref> In early February 2016, AAA announced that Mysterio had left AAA due to financial issues between Mysterio and AAA.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Despite not working directly for AAA, Mysterio Jr. participated in the 2016 Lucha Libre World Cup alongside Dr. Wagner Jr. and Dragon Azteca Jr., known as "Team Mexico International"; the trio finished in third place.<ref name="MenRound2">Template:Cite web</ref>

Return to the independent circuit (2015–2018)

Rey Mysterio has appeared on a number of independent shows, facing the likes of Alberto El Patron in Qatar Pro Wrestling,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Amazing Red in House of Glory,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> AJ Styles at a 5 Star Wrestling show in the UK,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Ricochet in Xtreme Wrestling Alliance (XWA).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio faced fellow WWE alumnus Kurt Angle on March 20, 2016, for the upstart URFight promotion, defeating Angle in a two-falls match with assistance from rapper Riff Raff.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 30, 2017, at the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup, Mysterio won the Mexico Leg with Penta El Zero M, defeating Alberto El Patron in the semi-finals, and longtime rival Juventud Guerrera in the finals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio teamed up with Mexican luchadors Fenix and Bandido for the main event of the indy super show All In on September 1, 2018, losing to The Golden Elite team of Kota Ibushi and The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson).<ref name=AllInTimes>Template:Cite web</ref>

Lucha Underground (2015–2016)

Mysterio signed with Lucha Underground on December 12, 2015, and appeared on the second season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 10, 2016, Mysterio, Dragon Azteca Jr. and Prince Puma defeated Ivelisse, Johnny Mundo and Son of Havoc and Fénix, Jack Evans, and P. J. Black and Cortez Castro, Joey Ryan and Mr. Cisco in a four-way trio tag team elimination Match for the Lucha Underground Trios Championship.<ref name=LuchaSpoilers>Template:Cite web</ref> At Ultima Lucha Dos on January 31, Mysterio defeated Puma.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March, he was the second competitor to enter the second Aztec Warfare match and was the final elimination by the eventual winner, Matanza.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 9, Mysterio competed in the third Aztec Warfare match, which was aired in November, eliminating Matanza Cueto and ending his undefeated streak, before he was eliminated by Johnny Mundo.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the end of Season 3, Mysterio lost a match to Cueto, who then brutally attacked Mysterio, implying that he had been killed off and would not be returning for Season 4.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was confirmed that Mysterio would not return for Season 4 as he had chosen not to renew his contract with Lucha Underground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2018)

Rey Mysterio made his New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) debut on June 9, 2018, as part of NJPW's Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall show. Mysterio teamed up with Jushin Thunder Liger and Hiroshi Tanahashi, losing to the Bullet Club team of Cody, Marty Scurll and Adam Page.<ref name=Dom6.9>Template:Cite web</ref>

Second return to AAA (2018)

On June 3, 2018, Mysterio returned to Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) at Verano de Escándalo, competing in a three-way match for the AAA Mega Championship against Rey Wegner and Jeff Jarrett, with Jarrett winning.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Return to WWE (2018–present)

United States Champion (2018–2020)

In 2018, Mysterio made two surprise appearances at Royal Rumble on January 28 and Greatest Royal Rumble on April 27, but lost both matches.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On September 19, it was confirmed he had signed a two-year contract with WWE.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio in July 2018

Mysterio participated in the WWE World Cup at Crown Jewel on November 2,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> defeating Randy Orton in the first round but lost to The Miz in the semi-finals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After weeks of attacks by Orton,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio faced Orton on the November 20 episode of SmackDown Live, but lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Survivor Series on November 18, Mysterio competed as part of Team SmackDown in the Survivor Series match, but was eliminated by Braun Strowman, and his team lost to Team Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 16, at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Mysterio defeated Orton in a chairs match, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2019, Mysterio entered the Royal Rumble match at No. 25, but was eliminated by Orton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In February, Mysterio began challenging for the United States Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He failed to win the title from Samoa Joe at Fastlane on March 10 and WrestleMania 35 on April 7, where he was squashed by Joe in 58 seconds.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After being drafted to Raw as part of the Superstar Shake-up,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio won the title from Joe at Money in the Bank on May 19, becoming the twenty-first WWE Grand Slam Champion in the process.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, on the June 3 episode of Raw, Mysterio announced that he would return the title to Joe due to suffering an injury.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio returned from injury one month later.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On the September 23 episode of Raw, Mysterio won a fatal five-way elimination match, earning him a Universal Championship opportunity against Seth Rollins.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, the following week on Raw, Mysterio and his son, Dominik, were brutally attacked by Brock Lesnar, resulting in a storyline injury for the latter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 4 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio assisted the debut of Cain Velasquez to attack Lesnar after the latter's WWE Championship win.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Crown Jewel on October 31, Lesnar defeated Velasquez by submission and continued to apply the Kimura Lock after the match had concluded until Mysterio attacked Lesnar with a chair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Lesnar quit SmackDown to move to Raw in order to seek revenge against Mysterio, who had been drafted to Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Survivor Series on November 24, Mysterio lost to Lesnar despite interference from Dominik.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio won a fatal-four-way match on the November 25 episode of Raw to earn a match for the United States Championship, regaining the title by defeating A.J. Styles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the December 9 episode of Raw, he successfully defended the title against Styles, before losing it to Andrade during a house show at Madison Square Garden on December 26.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He attempted to win the title back from Andrade on the January 6 and 20 episodes of Raw, in a losing effort.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Teaming with Dominik Mysterio (2020–2022)

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The Mysterios during a tag team match against the Street Profits in December 2021

In May 2020, Mysterio began feuding with Seth Rollins, who used the corner of steel steps to pierce Mysterio's eye and take him out of action.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At The Horror Show at Extreme Rules on July 19, Mysterio lost to Rollins in an Eye for an Eye match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 30, Mysterio and his son, Dominik Mysterio, defeated Rollins and Murphy at Payback.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As part of the 2020 Draft, Mysterio was drafted to the SmackDown brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio and Rollins faced each other in a No Holds Barred Final Chapter match on the November 13 episode of SmackDown, which Mysterio won after assistance from Murphy, who turned on Rollins, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Royal Rumble on January 31, 2021, Mysterio entered at No. 26, but was eliminated by Omos.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Following the Royal Rumble, Mysterio began teaming with Dominik.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania Backlash on May 16, they defeated Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, becoming the first ever father-son tag team champions in WWE history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the June 4 episode of SmackDown, the Mysterios retained their titles against The Usos, albeit with controversy as the referee failed to notice Jimmy's shoulder was lifted. After Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville granted a rematch later that night, the Mysterios again retained their titles after Roman Reigns interfered and attacked them, causing a disqualification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the June 18 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio lost to Reigns in a Hell in a Cell match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the Money in the Bank pre-show on July 18, the Mysterios lost the titles to the Usos, ending their reign at 63 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They failed to regain the titles at SummerSlam on August 21.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As part of the 2021 Draft, both Rey and Dominik were drafted to the Raw brand.<ref name="SmackDown100121">Template:Cite web</ref> Rey, along with Dominik, were then involved in a feud with The Miz,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> whom Rey defeated at the Elimination Chamber pre-show on February 19.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The feud grew to involve social media star Logan Paul, culminating in a tag team match between the Mysterios and Miz and Paul on Night 1 of WrestleMania 38 on April 2,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which the Mysterios lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Over the following weeks, The Mysterios began a feud with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Rhea Ripley), who repeatedly attempted to have Dominik join the stable.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on July 30, the Mysterios defeated Bálor and Priest after interference from a returning Edge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Clash at the Castle on September 3, Rey and Edge defeated Bálor and Priest. After the match, Dominik hit Edge with a low blow and hit a clothesline on Rey, thus disbanding the Mysterios.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 14 episode of SmackDown, he was transferred to the SmackDown brand, refusing to fight his son. Later that night, he won a fatal four-way match for an Intercontinental Championship match against Gunther,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> which he lost on the November 4 episode of SmackDown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Latino World Order (2023–present)

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Mysterio (left) gives a 619 to The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh) in August 2024.

At the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2023, Rey was scheduled to enter the Royal Rumble match at No. 17, but was unable to compete in storyline due to presumably being attacked by Dominik, who entered the match at No. 18.<ref name="RR2023">Template:Cite web</ref>

On March 10, WWE announced that Mysterio would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After weeks of continuous torment by Dominik,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> on the March 24 episode of SmackDown, Rey attacked Dominik after he disrespected his mother and sister, accepting his challenge for a match at WrestleMania 39.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of SmackDown, Rey would reform the Latino World Order by gifting LWO shirts to Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Zelina Vega, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro), as the group had aided Mysterio against The Judgment Day for several weeks prior.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 on April 1, Rey defeated Dominik with help from Bad Bunny.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In July, Mysterio competed in the United States Title Invitational Tournament, where he was defeated by LWO stablemate Escobar in the finals via referee stoppage, after suffering from whiplash.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 11 episode of SmackDown, after Escobar was rendered unable to compete in his title match due to an attack from the champion, Austin Theory, Mysterio took Escobar's place and defeated Theory to capture his third United States Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Payback on September 2, he defeated Theory in a rematch to retain the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the September 29 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio successfully defended the title against Escobar. After the match, they were attacked by The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Fastlane on October 7, Mysterio, Escobar and the returning Carlito defeated Bobby Lashley and The Street Profits in a six-man tag team match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 4, at Crown Jewel, Mysterio lost the United States Championship to Logan Paul after Escobar placed brass knuckles in the ring, which Paul used on Mysterio, ending his reign at 85 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Mysterio in February 2025

After a three-month hiatus, Mysterio returned on the March 1 episode of SmackDown, assisting Carlito in winning a street fight against Escobar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three weeks later, Mysterio lost to Escobar after interference from Dominik.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the March 29 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio introduced Dragon Lee as the newest member of the LWO, and Rey and Lee challenged Escobar and Dominik to a tag team match at WrestleMania XL.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, Lee was found attacked backstage the following week, rendering him unable to compete at WrestleMania. Rey was assisted by Andrade to fend off Escobar and Dominik.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Night 1 of WrestleMania XL on April 6, Mysterio and Andrade defeated Escobar and Dominik after interference from Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce.<ref name="WM40N1">Template:Cite web</ref> On the April 26 episode of SmackDown, after Rey and Lee defeated Los Lotharios (Angel and Berto), Escobar revealed that Carlito had attacked Lee. Carlito then proceeded to attack both Lee and Mysterio after Escobar's revelation.<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref> As part of the 2024 WWE Draft, Mysterio and the rest of the LWO were drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In October 2024, the LWO began a televised feud with Chad Gable’s newly formed faction, American Made. The rivalry was centered around Gable’s portrayal of “El Grande Americano,” a masked character parodying lucha libre traditions, directly opposing Rey Mysterio and the LWO's cultural legacy. The two groups competed in various tag team and mixed-tag matches throughout late 2024 and early 2025. The storyline culminated at WrestleMania 41, where Gable (as El Grande Americano) was scheduled to face Mysterio. However, on the April 19, 2025 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio suffered a legitimate torn groin and a ruptured eardrum during a six-man tag match involving American Made and the LWO. As a result, he was medically disqualified from competing and was replaced by Rey Fénix. Mysterio later underwent surgery and was expected to return to action towards the end of 2025.

On June 7, 2025, he appeared at AAA X WWE Worlds Collide 2025, giving a speech to open the show. On August 16, 2025, Mysterio appeared at TripleMania XXXIII, to induct Konnan into the AAA Hall of Fame.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio returned to action for the first time in over half a year on the November 17, 2025 episode of Monday Night Raw. Where he teamed with Sheamus and John Cena (on Cenas final ever appearance on Raw) to defeat The Judgement Day.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Professional wrestling persona

Character and in ring style

Mysterio hitting a double 619

With Mysterio being on the shorter side for a pro wrestler only standing a 5 ft 6. It has led to him being portrayed as an heroic underdog throughout most of his career, WWE announcer Michael Cole has commonly referred to him as “the biggest little man in all of WWE”.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio has been a babyface for almost the entirety of his career, besides a brief period in during his time in WCW when he was part of the Filthy Animals stable. This also coincided with the only period of his career where he wrestled without a mask before he joined WWE in 2002, Mysterio was not a fan of the de masking however he went along with it due to pressure.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The world Booyaka is often associated with Mysterio as it appears prominently in his theme song Mysterio has claimed the word is a way of saying Bam.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> In the ring he is known for high-flying style and his singnature move is the 619 where he puts his opponent between the ropes and swings through connecting with his feet, it is then usually followed up with a splash off the top rope. The move was inspired by a fellow Mexican wrestler he had been a fan of growing up called Super Astro.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Fashion

Mysterios Flash inspired gear

Mysterio is a traditional luchador, his in ring name comes from his uncle and trainer Miguel Ángel López Díaz who wrestled under the name Rey Misterio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As in traditional lucha fashion Mysterio wears his trademark mask which has become an iconic part of his persona and in popular culture as a whole.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> He is known to wear different attire in every match and reportedly owns over 1,000 masks which he has worn throughout his career.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterios other gear usually consists of colorful pants, gloves, boots and either a sleeveless shirt or singlet although he has wrestled shirtless as well. Mysterio’s has also been known to make references to comic book characters with his attire some of these include Batman, The Flash and Wolverine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Legacy

Mysterio is often regarded as both one of the greatest luchadors and cruiserweight wrestlers of all time. He also played a major role in popularizing lucha libre in the U.S. and globally.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bleacher Report has declared him the greatest luchador of all time praising his selling, good charisma, and move-set.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio also didn’t let his stature get in his way and became the shortest wrestler to ever hold the WWE Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Fellow professional wrestler Adam Copeland stated that Mysterio success proved that “smaller talent” can be main-event stars.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Bert Hart has also proclaimed Mysterio as one of the greatest of all time adding “He’s really special, nobody can do what Rey Mysterio does.”<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Other media

Mysterio has been a subject of several DVDs during his wrestling career, including Rey Mysterio: 619, a 2003 documentary of Mysterio's career and personal life. WWE also produced Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man, a three disc set featuring Mysterio's best matches that was released on October 23, 2007. He was also featured on the DVD Before They Were Wrestling Stars: Rey Mysterio Jr. in 2007 which featured matches from his time in Mexico. Rey Mysterio: The Life of a Masked Man was issued on July 12, 2011. In the UK, Silver Vision released a Mysterio DVD as part of their Best of WWE collection. This featured his matches from SummerSlam 2005, WrestleMania 22, No Mercy 2006, and SummerSlam 2007.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref> In 2021 Mysterio made a cameo appearance is the showVictor & Valentino, in the episode El Bigote.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Mysterio voices himself in the 2023 animated series Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness. The show airs on Cartoon Network Latin America and consists of a single season with ten episodes.<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Movies

Mysterio appeared in the 2000 film Ready to Rumble along with several other wrestlers.

Books

Music

Mysterio, along with rapper Mad One, performed the original version of "Booyaka 619", which Mysterio used as his WWE entrance theme around September 2005.<ref name="619 Rey">Template:Cite web</ref> Mysterio also performed a rap song, called "Crossing Borders", which appears on the 2004 album WWE Originals<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and was also used as the official theme song for the 2004 No Way Out pay-per-view.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2000 Ready to Rumble Himself Uncredited cameo
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2007 Heroes Himself Archival footage

'The Kindness of Strangers'

2021 Victor & Valentino Himself (voice) 1 episode (cameo)
2021–present Booyaka! Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness Himself (voice)
2022 Celebrity Family Feud Himself

(contestant)

He and his family won $25,000

for Make a Wish America<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

Video games

WCW video games
Year Title Notes
1997 WCW vs. nWo: World Tour Video game debut
1998 WCW Nitro
WCW/nWo Revenge
1999 WCW/nWo Thunder
WCW Mayhem
2000 WCW Backstage Assault
WWE video games
Year Title Notes
2003 WWE WrestleMania XIX WWE video game debut
WWE Raw 2
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain Cover athlete (NTSC version)
2004 WWE Day of Reckoning
WWE Survivor Series Cover athlete
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
2005 WWE WrestleMania 21
WWE Day of Reckoning 2
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006
2006 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Cover athlete (NTSC version)
2007 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
2008 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
2009 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 Cover athlete
2010 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
2011 WWE All Stars Cover athlete
WWE '12
2012 WWE '13
2013 WWE 2K14
2014 WWE 2K15
2018 WWE 2K19 As pre-order bonus<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2019 WWE 2K20
2020 WWE 2K Battlegrounds
2022 WWE 2K22 Cover athlete<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2023 WWE 2K23
2024 WWE 2K24
2025 WWE 2K25
Other
Year Title Notes
2024 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Personal life

Gutiérrez is of Mexican descent. He and his wife, Angie, have two children: a son, Dominik, and a daughter, Aalyah.<ref name="Herald">Template:Cite web</ref> He has tattoos of his children's names on his right and left biceps, tattoos dedicated to his wife, and a tattoo with the initials "EG" for his best friend and fellow wrestler, Eddie Guerrero, who died in 2005.<ref name="tats">Template:Cite web</ref> Gutiérrez is part of an extended family of wrestlers, including his son Dominik, uncle Rey Misterio, and his cousins El Hijo de Rey Misterio and Metalika.<ref name="Cage"/>

On March 19, 2007, Sports Illustrated published an article in its continuing series investigating a steroid and HGH ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Gutierrez who was alleged to have obtained nandrolone and stanozolol.<ref name=HGH-SI>Template:Cite magazine</ref> WWE subsequently stated that the allegations preceded the Talent Wellness program WWE launched in February 2006.<ref name=HGH-WWE>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 27, 2009, WWE announced that Gutierrez would receive a 30-day suspension due to a violation of the wellness program.<ref name="Suspension"/> Days later, Gutierrez defended himself in a newspaper interview by explaining the drugs as being on a prescription for his knee and arm. While the Wellness Policy allows for prescribed drugs, Gutierrez further contested he had been on a family holiday and subsequently in Europe promoting SummerSlam, giving him only a day to provide the prescription after being notified.Template:Citation needed On April 26, 2012, WWE suspended Gutierrez for 60 days due to a second violation of their wellness program.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gutiérrez and his wrestling gear were credited as one of the inspirations for the 2014 Mexican National football teams jerseys for that years World Cup.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2018 the city of San Diego honored Gutiérrez by naming June 19 Rey Mysterio day. The day was picked in homage to his signature move the 619.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gutiérrez is known to have an extensive sword collection, including a prop sword from the 2002 film The Scorpion King.<ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

In 2019, Gutiérrez criticized President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, saying Trump was "definitely not helping" and "a wall is definitely not the solution"; he spent his childhood crossing the border from Mexico to the United States each day for school.<ref name="alja">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

He is a fervent Catholic, frequently crossing himself before his matches and bearing numerous religious tattoos on his body, most notably a cross on his chest attached to rosaries, crosses on his mask, as well as other crosses and allusions to God.<ref name="tats"/>

Gutiérrez is a fan of California-based sports teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers and San Diego Padres. In September 2023 Gutiérrez threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a San Diego Padres game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Gutiérrez has been involved in numerous charitable acts throughout his career most notably with make a wish. In December 2024 he granted his 100th wish for the organization. In 2019, he started a fundraiser called "Fight4Autism" to raise money to support autistic people around the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite AV media</ref>

Gutiérrez is an avid fan of the UFC attending numerous events throughout the year. At UFC 306 he gifted Dana White one of his masks that was UFC 306 themed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

In 2025 Gutiérrez was honored at the National Hispanic Media Coalition's Impact Awards Gala. He was awarded the Legend Impact Award for his "groundbreaking impact in sports entertainment and representation spanning across generations."<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>

Championships and accomplishments

Mysterio is a two-time World Heavyweight Champion (among three overall world titles in WWE).
Mysterio is a two-time Intercontinental Champion.
Mysterio is a four-time WWE Tag Team Champion (shown here during his reign with Eddie Guerrero).

Luchas de Apuestas record

Template:See also

Winner (wager) Loser (wager) Location Event Date Notes
Colibri (mask) El Salvaje (hair) Tijuana, Baja California Live event Template:Dts Template:Notetag
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) El Junior (mask) Tijuana, Baja California Live event Template:Dts Template:Notetag
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Mr. Cóndor (mask) Acapulco, Guerrero Live event Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio">Template:Cite news</ref>
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Rocco Valente (hair) Tampico, Tamaulipas Live event Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Tony Arce (hair) Acapulco, Guerrero Live event Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Bandido (mask) Querétaro City, Querétaro Live event Template:Dts Template:Notetag<ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Vulcano (hair) Monterrey, Nuevo León Live event Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Misterioso (mask) Tijuana, Baja California Live event Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) Eddie Guerrero (championship) Las Vegas, Nevada Halloween Havoc Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
Kevin Nash and Scott Hall (hair)Template:Notetag Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) and Konnan Oakland, California SuperBrawl IX Template:Dts <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
Rey Mysterio (mask) Kane Portland, Oregon No Mercy Template:Dts Template:Notetag
Rey Mysterio (mask) Chris Jericho (championship) Sacramento, California The Bash Template:Dts <ref name="Elliott">Template:Cite web</ref>
Rey Mysterio (stable pledge) CM Punk (hair) Detroit, Michigan Over the Limit Template:Dts <ref name=OTL/>

Notes

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References

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