• TheRadar has compiled below lesser-known facts about the legendary Rey Mysterio
• Rey Mysterio and his son, Dominik, made history in 2021 as WWE’s first-ever father-son tag team champions
• The 619 finisher, named after San Diego’s area code, became one of the most iconic moves in wrestling history

WWE legend Rey Mysterio was one of the most beloved and influential superstars in the game’s history, captivating audiences worldwide with his high-flying style, iconic mask, and countless championship victories. 

For over three decades, Mysterio thrilled fans with breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments inside the ring. From winning world titles to becoming the face of lucha libre in WWE, his legacy is unmatched.

Despite his storied career, there are still many intriguing facts about the master of the 619 that fans may not know. From his humble beginnings in Mexico to his historic runs in WWE and WCW, Mysterio’s journey was full of several fascinating details.

Here are 8 things you never knew about the late Rey Mysterio, a tribute to his remarkable career and life.

8 Facts about late Rey Mysterio

TheRadar has compiled below lesser-known facts about the legendary Rey Mysterio:

1. Wrestling ran in his blood

Rey Mysterio, whose real name was Óscar Gutiérrez, grew up surrounded by wrestling, thanks to his uncle, Rey Misterio Sr., a successful luchador in Mexico. Inspired by his uncle, Mysterio started training at just eight years old, making him the youngest student in his class. 

He learned the art of lucha libre under his uncle’s guidance, setting the foundation for his legendary career.

2. He debuted with the name “Colibri”

Although fans knew him as Rey Mysterio, he initially wrestled under the name “Colibri,” which means hummingbird in Spanish. His uncle felt he was too young to carry the prestigious “Rey Misterio Jr.” name and gave him the nickname due to his small size and quick movements. 

When he finally earned the right to adopt the family name, Mysterio took it with pride, building with it a legacy that honoured his uncle’s teachings.

3. Youngest Rookie of the Year

In 1992, at just 18 years old, Mysterio won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Rookie of the Year award, becoming the youngest wrestler ever to receive the honour. 

This recognition foreshadowed his meteoric rise in the wrestling world as he dominated promotions across Mexico and the United States.

4. The WCW name mix-up

When Mysterio signed with WCW in 1996, a small error in his merchandise changed his last name from “Misterio” to “Mysterio.” While “Misterio” translates to “Mystery King” in Spanish, the spelling change reflected the English adaptation and ultimately stuck throughout his career. 

Fans embraced the new name, making “Rey Mysterio” a household title.

5. The maskless phase in WCW

Although Mysterio’s mask became a symbol of his identity, he was forced to wrestle without it for two years in WCW after losing a “Hair vs Mask” tag match against Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. 

He later revealed his disappointment with the decision, emphasising how vital masks are in lucha libre culture. When he joined WWE in 2002, Mysterio restored his masked persona, reclaiming his iconic look.

6. The inspiration behind the 619 signature move

Mysterio’s signature move, the 619, is one of the most recognisable finishers in wrestling history. Named after San Diego’s area code, where he grew up, the move became synonymous with his high-flying style. 

7. Tattoos with meaning

Rey Mysterio was known for his intricate tattoos, each holding personal significance. 

One of his most notable tattoos was the rosary beads around his neck and chest, which he got after forgetting his physical beads at home while travelling. Feeling unprotected, he decided to get the tattoo as a permanent symbol of safety.

8. Historic father-son tag team champions

In 2021, Rey Mysterio and his son, Dominik, made history by becoming the first-ever father-son tag team champions in WWE. 

Their victory over Dolph Ziggler and Bobby Roode at WrestleMania Backlash marked a generational achievement for the Mysterio family.

Rey Mysterio’s career was filled with groundbreaking moments and unmatched athleticism. From starting as a young prodigy in Mexico to becoming one of WWE’s most celebrated superstars, he will remain an inspiration to fans and aspiring wrestlers alike.

Nigerian star Israel Adesanya pockets staggering money despite loss to Du Plessis

Previously, TheRadar reported that Adesanya, known as 'The Last Stylebender', was set to earn $750,000 for the UFC 305 fight, while Du Plessis would collect $500,000. 

With the anticipated strong performance of the pay-per-view broadcast, both fighters are expected to walk away with earnings well into seven figures.