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ToggleRey Misterio Sr., the grandfather of Dominik Mysterio and the uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, was a professional wrestler for more than 30 years.
Rey Mysterio
Mexican wrestling legend Rey Mysterio Sr. has passed away at the age of 66. He was the uncle of WWE star Rey Mysterio Jr. This news has saddened the 50-year-old superstar. He may be making a splash in the world of wrestling, but things have been quite strange for him in his personal life. Some time ago he lost his father and now he has also lost a very special relative. Miguel Angel Lopez Days, popularly known as Rey Mysterio Sr., has now said goodbye to this world. He was 66 years old. His son El Hijo de Rey Mysterio has informed on social media that his father is no longer in this world. He is the uncle of WWE superstar Rey Mysterio. His name is used by Lucha superstar Rey Mysterio and is very dear to WWE fans. Rey Mysterio Sr. never worked in WWE. It is another matter that he did a double sad cane match with Conan in the Star Cade event held in 1990. They formed a tag team and participated in the Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup. Representing Mexico, they won against Chris Adams and Norman Smiley of the United Kingdom in the first round. They were defeated by The Steiner Brothers in the next round. Rey Mysterio’s son and WWE superstar Dominic Mysterio has posted a tribute to his great uncle on social media. During this, an old interview of Rey Mysterio Sr. can be seen in which he is talking about himself. After that only his wrestling work and promos are shown. Rey Mysterio Sr. has also talked about his time in the video. He said, “My name is Miguel Angel Lopez Diaz
On December 20, 2024, his family revealed that Rey Misterio Sr., a well-known Mexican wrestler and the uncle of WWE superstar Rey Mysterio Jr., had passed away at the age of 66.
Misterio Sr. rose to prominence in Mexico’s lucha libre scene by winning championship belts with prestigious companies like the World Wrestling Association and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, which is frequently considered to be Mexico’s version of the WWE.
Additionally, he displayed his skills abroad, like as at the 1990 Starrcade presented by World Championship Wrestling. He inspired countless fans and athletes around the world with his high-flying style and contributions to wrestling.
In a post on X, Lucha Libre AAA disclosed the passing of Misterio, whose true name was Miguel Angel Lopez Dias. They sent his family their sincere condolences and prayers.
“We are sorry for Miguel Angel Lopez Dias’s tragic passing, also known as Rey Mysterio Sr. We pray for his eternal peace in heaven and offer our deepest condolences to his loved ones,” the tweet said.
Lamentamos el sensible fallecimiento de Miguel Ángel López Días, conocido como Rey Mysterio Sr.
— Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (@luchalibreaaa) December 20, 2024
Enviamos nuestro más sincero pésame a sus seres queridos y elevamos nuestras oraciones al cielo por su eterno descanso. pic.twitter.com/xnvqSndotS
What is Lucha Libre?
Lucha Libre is Mexican professional wrestling, a form that is commonly associated with Mexico and is known for its colourfully masked performers and aerial moves.
Lucha Libre Legend: Rey Mysterio Sr., a well-known Mexican wrestler, dies at age 66
Mexican legend Miguel Ángel López Días, better known as Rey Mysterio Sr., passed away, and the wrestling community is in grief. On December 20, 2024, his son, WWE superstar Rey Mysterio Jr., verified the news on social media. Fans were informed of the tragic news by Rey Mysterio Jr., who wrote:
“Families and friends, I regret to inform you that this morning my father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Mysterio Sr., died away. There will be more updates soon. Thank you.
Since then, fans, friends, and other wrestlers who appreciated the legendary figure’s contributions to the sport have showered the post with tributes.
The well-known Mexican wrestling organisation Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, where Rey Mysterio Sr. left a lasting impression, also conveyed its sadness. On X (previously Twitter), the organisation shared the following:
“The loss of Miguel Ángel López Días, often known as Rey Mysterio Sr., is deeply felt. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones for his eternal rest, and we express our deepest condolences.”
A Legend of International Wrestling and Lucha Libre
In addition to being a prominent player in Mexican Lucha Libre, Rey Mysterio Sr. was crucial in introducing Mexican wrestling to a global audience. He was well-known for his ability to engage spectators worldwide and for his high-flying wrestling style, which came to define Lucha Libre. He became well-known in Mexico’s leading promotions, such as Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and the World Wrestling Association (WWA).
The impact of Mysterio Sr. went beyond Mexico’s boundaries. He competed in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and was one of the first Lucha Libre pioneers in the United States. He competed in a number of noteworthy competitions, including as the 1990 Starrcade and the Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup, when he and Konnan represented Mexico. The Steiner Brothers eliminated them after they advanced to the second round.
Along with his accomplishments in the ring, Mysterio Sr. had a strong desire to coach the upcoming generation of wrestlers. Rey Mysterio Jr., his nephew, frequently talked about how his uncle greatly influenced his professional path. According to Rey Mysterio Jr., his uncle gave him the well-known ring name and trained him in the gym with other notable Mexican wrestlers like Psicosis, Halloween, and Konnan.
A Tradition of Coaching and Commitment to Wrestling
Rey Mysterio Sr. was a boxer before he entered the world of professional wrestling. His trainers, however, urged him to attempt professional wrestling following an arm injury. On January 6, 1976, he made his wrestling debut at a special Day of Kings event. He established himself as a mainstay in Mexican wrestling over time, renowned for both his in-ring exploits and his commitment to nurturing up-and-coming talent.
Mysterio Sr. became one of the most important individuals in Mexican wrestling history by winning multiple titles and honours during his career. He co-founded a gym where he trained and developed ambitious wrestlers, demonstrating his dual roles as a mentor and competitor. His legacy is characterised by his ability to successfully combine talent, enthusiasm, and mentoring, ensuring that Lucha Libre as a sport continues to develop and flourish.
The Death of a Legend in Wrestling
The wrestling community was shocked to learn of Rey Mysterio Sr.’s death, and it is still unknown what caused it. The overwhelming support he received from wrestling organisations and fans demonstrates the significant influence he had on the sport. In their homage, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, the organisation where Mysterio Sr. established a large portion of his legacy, praised him and acknowledged his enduring achievements to both the organisation and the sport in general.
Rey Mysterio Sr.’s impact endures in the wrestling community despite his passing because of the numerous wrestlers he influenced, the spectators he delighted, and the generations of talent he helped develop. For many years to come, his impact will be felt, solidifying his status as one of the most admired individuals in professional wrestling and Lucha Libre history.
With the death of Rey Mysterio Sr., a chapter in Mexican wrestling comes to a close. His commitment to the sport has had a lasting impact on the wrestling community, both as a mentor and in the ring. Future generations of wrestlers will surely continue to be inspired by this Lucha Libre legend’s legacy as tributes flood in from all around the world.