Wrestling legend Rey Mysterio Sr. passes away at 66

• Rey Mysterio Sr., born Miguel Ángel López Días, dies at 66
• His son, El Hijo de Rey Mysterio, shared the news on Facebook; the cause of death remains undisclosed
• His death follows the passing of his brother, Roberto Gutierrez, just one month earlier

The wrestling community is mourning the loss of legendary luchador Rey Mysterio Sr., born Miguel Ángel López Días, who died at age 66. His death was confirmed on Friday, December 20, by his son, El Hijo de Rey Mysterio (Miguel Aarón López Hernández), via a heartfelt Facebook post.

“Friends and family, I regret to inform you that my Father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Mysterio Sr., passed away this morning…I will keep you informed. Thank you,” the statement, written in Spanish, read.

Renowned Mexican wrestling organisation Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide also expressed its sorrow in an official statement: “We mourn the sensitive passing of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Mysterio Sr. We send our deepest condolences to your loved ones and lift our prayers to heaven for your eternal rest.”

Rey Mysterio Sr. was a monumental figure in professional wrestling for his achievements in the ring and the legacy he built across generations. 

He was the uncle of WWE superstar Rey Mysterio and the great-uncle of Dominik Mysterio, another rising WWE wrestler. Dominik paid tribute on Instagram, posting pictures of his great-uncle with the caption “🖤.”

The loss comes just weeks after the passing of Misterio Sr.'s brother, Roberto Gutierrez, who was also Rey Misterio’s father. Gutierrez died on November 17 at the age of 76.

Rey Mysterio Sr.'s journey began in 1976 after transitioning from boxing to wrestling. 

Over the decades, he built an illustrious career, wrestling for major promotions such as Tijuana Wrestling, the World Wrestling Association (WWA), Pro Wrestling Revolution, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

One of his career highlights came in 1990 when he represented Mexico at World Championship Wrestling’s Starrcade in the "Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup," teaming with fellow wrestling legend Konnan.

Throughout his career, Mysterio Sr. won numerous titles, including the Revolution Tag Team Championship with his son, the IWC World Middleweight Championship, and the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship.

Beyond his in-ring success, Rey Mysterio Sr. mentored many notable wrestlers, including Konnan, Psicosis, Damian 666, and Halloween. 

He also played a pivotal role in shaping the career of his nephew, Rey Mysterio, who is now regarded as one of WWE’s most iconic performers.

Despite retiring from professional wrestling in 2009 and being inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame in 2006, Mysterio Sr. finally returned to the ring in 2023 for one last match.

Rey Mysterio Sr.'s impact on wrestling is immeasurable. He was a trailblazer who achieved greatness and paved the way for others to follow. 

His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence will live on through the wrestlers he mentored and the fans he inspired.

The wrestling world bids farewell to a legend, with prayers and tributes pouring in from around the globe.

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