Mexican Lucha Libre Legend, Rey Misterio Sr., Passes Away

.” Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Instagram. The original statement was posted in Spanish, and a translation was courtesy of People.com.

Rey Misterio Sr. was 66. His death follows the passing of his brother and father of his nephew, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr., Robert Gutierrez, who also passed a few weeks ago at the age of 76.

All of us here at Last Word on Pro Wrestling extend our condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Rey Misterio Sr at this difficult time.

Legacy

Rey Misterio Sr’s legacy in lucha libre shaped the sport in Mexico during and after his own career. In the ring, Misterio competed for WWA and AAA. He was known for his technical style, athleticism, and charisma, which grabbed audiences. In WWA, he won the WWA World Junior Heavyweight Championship, and he would also hold the WWA Tag Team Championship with his nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr.

Throughout his career, Misterio Sr. wrestled standout bouts with other legendary Lucha figures like El Hijo del Santo and Blue Demon Jr. and helped establish many of the young wrestlers he trained. In “Luchas de Apuestas” (matches with wagers, i.e., mask vs. mask, hair vs. hair), Misterio Sr. helped to continue the rich legacy of the stipulation match throughout his career.

Misterio was also one of the pioneer wrestlers who brought lucha libre into the States. Competing for WCW in 1990, he represented Mexico alongside Konnan in the Pat O’Connor at Starrcade 90: Collision Course.

Misterio Sr continued to wrestle full-time until 2009. However, he still had sporadic appearances and competed occasionally until 2023.

Misterio’s legacy grew beyond the ring as one of the most prominent trainers of future lucha stars.

Starting a training gym in 1987 with Negro Casas and Super Astro, Misterio was instrumental in training not just his nephew but future legends like Konnan, Psicosis, Damien 666, Halloween and Cassandro and many more.

Those few mentioned went on to shape the lucha libre at home, abroad, in ring and behind the scenes into what it is today.