Rey Mysterio is one of the most beloved superstars in WWE history due to his high-flying style and iconic masks, as well as countless title reigns and memorable moments.
Mysterio has wrestled all over the world for over 30 years, and was a veteran of the industry by the time he joined WWE in 2002 despite being just 27 years of age.
His first WWE run lasted 13 years and saw him win the WWE Championships and two World Heavyweight Titles, the second at WrestleMania 22 after winning the 2006 Royal Rumble, as well as numerous Tag reigns and two Intercontinental Championships.
Despite his lengthy and historic career, there might be some things about the master of the 619 that fans still are not aware of, so GiveMeSport runs you through 10 things you didn't know about Rey Mysterio...
He began training at an early age
The real-life Óscar Gutiérrez knew he wanted to become a pro wrestler from an early age, partly due to his uncle Rey Misterio Sr. being a successful grappler himself. He joined his uncle’s wrestling school at eight, making him the youngest student in the class by far.
His first ring name
As is Mexican tradition, sons usually take their father’s ring name. With his uncle being a near second father to him, he intended to use Rey Misterio Jr. as his name. His uncle did not think he was ready at 14, so gave him the name “Colibri” (hummingbird in English) due to his small size and high-flying abilities.
Rey Mysterio is one of the best WWE stars ever
He is the youngest ever Rookie of the Year winner
In 1992, at the age of just 18, Rey won the prestigious Wrestling Observer Newsletter Rookie of the Year. This made him by far the youngest wrestler to ever do so, and a sign of things to come.
Paul Heyman brought him to US wrestling
Like so many other great wrestlers, namely Chris Jericho and Eddie Guerrero, Rey got his big break in the US with ECW in 1995. ECW of course was owned and ran by Paul Heyman, who had an unbelievable eye for worldwide talent.
WCW modified his ring name
Rey signed for WCW in 1996 but did not notice that his merchandise had his second name as “Mysterio” and not “Misterio.” Rey Misterio translates from Spanish as “Mystery King” and was likely changed to further reflect the English spelling. It’s stuck ever since.
The reason for his rosary beads tattoo
Mysterio has countless tattoos across his body, notably the rosary beads around his neck and chest. He got the tattoo after realising he forgot his beads at home while on the road. Not feeling right without them, he decided on the tattoo to keep him protected always.
Rey Mysterio's 619 finisher is iconic
The meaning behind the naming of the 619
The 619 is one of the most iconic finishing moves in wrestling history and synonymous with the Rey Mysterio character. The naming of it is a homage to his hometown of San Diego, with 619 being its zip code.
He wrestled without his mask in WCW
While Mysterio’s face has never been seen on WWE television, he did wrestle without a mask in WCW for two years after losing a “Hair vs Mask” in a tag match against Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. Mysterio has expressed his disappointment with the decision in the years since, citing the importance of a mask to a luchador.
Rey and Dominik are the only father-son combo to win tag titles
He won eight tag titles in WCW and WWE combined with eight different partners
Mysterio won WCW World Tag Titles with Konnan, Billy Kidman and Juventud Guerrera, the WWE Tag Belts with Eddie Guerrero, Rob Van Dam, Edge and Batista and Smackdown Tag Titles with his son Dominik.
His tag titles win with Dominik was historic
The Mysterio’s win over Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode at WrestleMania Backlash in 2021 made the pair the first ever father-son tag team champions in WWE history. This only added to the legacy of the Mysterio name and family.