The wrestling world has been rocked by the devastating news of the passing of lucha libre legend Rey Misterio Sr. At the age of 66, the iconic wrestler and trainer, whose real name was Miguel Ángel López Días, left an indelible mark on professional wrestling and inspired generations of athletes and fans alike.
A Heartfelt Announcement from His Family
The news of Rey Misterio Sr.’s d*ath was shared by his son, known in wrestling circles as El Hijo de Rey Misterio, in an emotional Facebook post on December 20. The statement, originally posted in Spanish, read:
“Friends and family, I regret to inform you that my Father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Misterio Sr., passed away this morning… I will keep you informed. Thank you.”
The announcement did not specify a cause of death but was soon echoed by Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, one of Mexico’s premier wrestling promotions. In their tribute, they honored his immense contributions to the sport, saying, “We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest.”
A Legacy Etched in Lucha Libre
Rey Misterio Sr. began his wrestling journey in Mexico, carving out a stellar career that spanned decades. He rose to prominence in promotions like Pro Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling, the World Wrestling Association (WWA), and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. His reputation wasn’t confined to Mexico, though—his international acclaim surged when he represented Mexico in World Championship Wrestling’s 1990 Starrcade event, teaming with Konnan in the Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rey Misterio Sr. captured numerous titles, solidifying his place as one of lucha libre’s most decorated competitors. Among his notable achievements were the Revolution Tag Team Championship, which he held alongside his son, the IWC World Middleweight Championship, and the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship.
A Master Trainer: Building Legends for the Ring
While Rey Misterio Sr. was a dominant force in the ring, his influence extended far beyond his own matches. As a trainer, he was instrumental in shaping the careers of some of wrestling’s biggest stars. His nephew, current WWE superstar Rey Mysterio, is perhaps his most famous protégé. Under his uncle’s guidance, Rey Mysterio became a global icon, winning world championships and earning a spot as one of WWE’s most beloved performers.
Rey Misterio Sr. didn’t stop with family. He also trained lucha libre icons such as Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween, and Damian 666, helping them hone their skills and become stars in their own right. His gym, which he founded in 1987, became a breeding ground for future wrestling legends. Rey Misterio Sr.’s passion for mentorship ensured that his impact on the sport would continue through the athletes he nurtured.
Family Legacy: Wrestling Across Generations
Wrestling wasn’t just a career for Rey Misterio Sr.; it was a family tradition. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in 1995 when he teamed with his nephew to win the WWA Tag Team Championship, a victory that symbolized their family’s wrestling legacy.
— Dominik (@DomMysterio35) December 20, 2024
His nephew, who initially wrestled as Rey Mysterio Jr. before dropping the “Jr.” upon joining WWE in 2002, carried the family torch to even greater heights. With an illustrious career spanning WCW, ECW, and WWE, Rey Mysterio continues to be a major figure in wrestling, currently entertaining fans with an on-screen rivalry against his own son, Dominik Mysterio.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s passing is particularly poignant as it comes just weeks after the death of Rey Mysterio’s father, Robert Gutierrez, at the age of 76. The back-to-back losses have left a void in a family that has given so much to the wrestling world.
A Passion That Burned Until the End
Despite officially retiring in 2009, Rey Misterio Sr.’s love for wrestling never waned. In an incredible display of passion and resilience, he returned to the ring for one final match in 2023. His performance was a testament to his lifelong dedication to the sport that defined him.
In 2006, he was inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to a man who represented his city and his craft with unwavering pride. His contributions to wrestling, both in and out of the ring, have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Tributes Pour In from the Wrestling Community
Since news of his passing broke, fans and fellow wrestlers have taken to social media to pay tribute to Rey Misterio Sr. Many have shared stories of his kindness, mentorship, and unparalleled skill in the ring. His influence on lucha libre and wrestling at large cannot be overstated.
For those who trained under him, Rey Misterio Sr. wasn’t just a teacher—he was a father figure, someone who believed in their potential and pushed them to greatness. For fans, he was a larger-than-life figure who brought excitement and authenticity to every performance.
The End of an Era
The passing of Rey Misterio Sr. marks the end of an era in lucha libre. He was more than just a wrestler; he was a pioneer, a mentor, and a family man who lived and breathed the sport he loved. His legacy will continue through his family, his trainees, and the countless fans who admired his work.
Conclusion: A Legend Lives On
Rey Misterio Sr.’s d*ath is a profound loss for the wrestling community, but his legacy will endure. From his championship victories to his role as a mentor, his impact on the sport is immeasurable. He leaves behind a family that will continue to honor his contributions, both in and out of the ring.
While he may be gone, his influence will live on in the wrestlers he trained, the fans he inspired, and the family legacy he built. Rey Misterio Sr. will forever remain a towering figure in the world of professional wrestling, reminding us all of the power of passion, dedication, and love for one’s craft. Rest in peace, Rey Misterio Sr.—a true legend whose memory will never fade.
