Wrestling fans around the world are grieving the loss of a Lucha Libre icon. On Friday, December 20, it was announced that Rey Misterio Sr., a legendary figure in Mexican wrestling and the uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, passed away at the age of 66.
The news was confirmed by Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Mexico’s oldest professional wrestling promotion. The organization shared the somber update on social media after receiving confirmation from Misterio Sr.’s family and representatives. While the official cause of death has not yet been disclosed, tributes have poured in from fans and wrestling professionals alike.
Born Miguel Ángel López Díaz, Rey Misterio Sr. began his wrestling career in 1976, quickly becoming a cornerstone of Mexico’s wrestling scene. Known for his electrifying high-flying maneuvers and technical precision, Misterio Sr. achieved numerous championships during his illustrious career. Notable accomplishments include a 719-day reign as the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Champion in 1988 and an incredible 2,374-day tenure as Pro Wrestling Revolution Tag Team Champion.
Despite officially retiring in 2009, his love for the sport led him to make a brief comeback in 2023. He partnered with Aero Star and Mr. Iguana to secure a victory in his final match, highlighting his enduring passion for the ring.
While Misterio Sr. enjoyed a remarkable career of his own, his mentorship of his nephew, Rey Mysterio, introduced his legacy to a global audience. The younger Mysterio adopted the iconic name passed down by his uncle, becoming one of WWE’s most beloved and successful performers. Together, the two captured the WWA World Tag Team Championship in 1995 and participated in numerous unforgettable matches, such as their celebrated two-out-of-three falls bout for the AAA World Tag Team Championships.
Misterio Sr.’s influence extended far beyond his nephew. He played a key role in training and mentoring numerous wrestling stars, including his son, El Hijo del Rey Misterio, and iconic luchadores like Psicosis and Konnan. His impact on the sport earned him recognition as one of the founding figures of wrestling in Tijuana, Mexico.
Following the announcement of his passing, heartfelt tributes have flooded social media. Wrestling stars such as his grandson, Dominik Mysterio, WWE talents Natalya, and Humberto of Legado del Fantasma, joined fans in celebrating his life and legacy.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Thank you for making our childhood so much more entertaining! You are a legend of WWE!” Another reflected, “Your TRUE athleticism will be missed by all we #WWE fans.”
Although Rey Misterio Sr. never competed in WWE, he did have a brief stint in World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the 1990s. These matches helped showcase his exceptional talents on an international stage and solidified his reputation as a master of both Mexican wrestling and tag team competition.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s contributions to Lucha Libre as a performer, mentor, and pioneer will leave an indelible mark on wrestling history. His influence shaped generations of wrestlers, and his unforgettable performances will continue to inspire fans and athletes for years to come.
Rest in peace, Rey Misterio Sr. — a true legend of the ring.