Rey Mysterio Sr., the legendary Mexican wrestler and uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr. and grand uncle to current WWE Superstar Dominik Mysterio, has tragically passed away at the age of 66. The news of his death was confirmed by his family on December 20, 2024. Known for his high-flying style and immense contributions to the sport, Rey Mysterio Sr. leaves behind a legacy that will forever be etched in the annals of professional wrestling.
A Lucha Libre Icon
Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, better known in the wrestling world as Rey Mysterio Sr., made a name for himself in Mexico’s vibrant lucha libre scene. With a career spanning over three decades, Mysterio Sr. became one of the most influential figures in Mexican wrestling, a true pioneer of the lucha libre style that has since gained international fame.

Mysterio Sr.’s journey in professional wrestling began at a young age, and his unique combination of agility, high-flying maneuvers, and technical prowess quickly set him apart from other wrestlers. His incredible aerial abilities earned him a reputation for being one of the most exciting wrestlers in the ring, captivating audiences with every performance.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rey Mysterio Sr. earned several championships and accolades, solidifying his status as a true legend in the sport. He was particularly prominent in the World Wrestling Association (WWA) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, which are considered two of the most prestigious wrestling organizations in Mexico. Mysterio Sr.’s contributions to these organizations were monumental, and he helped shape the landscape of lucha libre wrestling as we know it today.
His work in the WWA and AAA cemented his legacy as one of the greatest luchadores of all time. Mysterio Sr.’s success in these organizations helped elevate lucha libre to new heights and allowed international audiences to discover the exciting world of Mexican wrestling.
International Recognition
While Rey Mysterio Sr.’s primary focus was in Mexico, his wrestling talents took him across borders, where he showcased his skills to a broader audience. One of the most significant milestones in his career was his appearance at World Championship Wrestling’s (WCW) Starrcade event in 1990. This was a pivotal moment in Mysterio Sr.’s career, as it introduced him to an international audience and highlighted his impressive wrestling style to viewers outside of Mexico.
At Starrcade, Mysterio Sr. made an unforgettable impact with his fast-paced, high-flying moves, earning him recognition from wrestling fans worldwide. His performance at the event helped further bridge the gap between Mexican lucha libre and American wrestling, inspiring future generations of wrestlers who admired his technical and aerial prowess.
Mysterio Sr. was also known for his charitable work within the wrestling community, offering mentorship to young talent and continuing to be a prominent figure in the lucha libre industry throughout his life. His influence as a trainer and mentor contributed to the development of numerous successful wrestlers, many of whom went on to achieve stardom in both Mexican promotions and internationally.
Family Legacy
Rey Mysterio Sr. was not only a trailblazer in the wrestling ring but also a pivotal figure in the Mysterio family legacy. His nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr., followed in his footsteps, becoming a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most iconic wrestlers in the history of the sport. Rey Mysterio Jr.’s success on the global stage helped further elevate the Mysterio name, carrying the torch of lucha libre to new heights.
The passing of Rey Mysterio Sr. has deeply impacted the wrestling community, particularly within the Mysterio family. Rey Mysterio Jr. has often spoken about the immense influence his uncle had on his career, acknowledging that it was Rey Mysterio Sr. who inspired him to pursue wrestling in the first place. The bond between the two was evident both in and out of the ring, with Rey Mysterio Jr. often paying tribute to his uncle during his matches and career milestones.
Rey Mysterio Sr.’s death also leaves behind his grand nephew, Dominik Mysterio, who is currently making waves in WWE as a rising star. The Mysterio family’s legacy in wrestling continues to thrive, thanks in part to the foundation laid by Rey Mysterio Sr., whose impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Rey Mysterio Sr.’s passing has resonated deeply within the wrestling world, with countless fans, wrestlers, and organizations expressing their condolences and admiration for the late legend. Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, one of the organizations that Mysterio Sr. helped elevate, took to social media to mourn his loss. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), the promotion wrote:
“We regret the sensitive death of Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, known as Rey Mysterio Sr. We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest.”
The wrestling community has rallied around the Mysterio family, offering their prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time. Rey Mysterio Sr.’s legacy as a luchador and his contributions to the global wrestling industry will continue to live on, as future generations of wrestlers will be inspired by his work both inside and outside the ring.
A Tribute to the Legend
Rey Mysterio Sr. was not just a wrestler; he was an ambassador for lucha libre, a style of wrestling known for its acrobatics, technical skill, and rich cultural history. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless athletes to follow in his footsteps.
As a father figure to many in the wrestling community and a true pioneer of the lucha libre tradition, Rey Mysterio Sr.’s passing marks the end of an era. However, his legacy will continue to live on through the many wrestlers he influenced, as well as the Mysterio family’s ongoing involvement in the world of professional wrestling.
The death of Rey Mysterio Sr. is a great loss to the wrestling world, but his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered as a legendary figure who helped shape the future of lucha libre and professional wrestling on the global stage.