The wrestling world is mourning the loss of a true icon, as Rey Misterio Sr., the uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and great-uncle of Dominik Mysterio, has passed away at the age of 66. Mexican wrestling promotion AAA broke the news with a touching tribute, honoring his contributions to lucha libre and the lives he touched both in and out of the ring.
Born Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Misterio Sr. began his journey in the squared circle in the 1970s, pivoting from boxing to wrestling as his physicality grew. What followed was a legendary career that not only established him as one of Mexico’s most celebrated luchadores but also as a mentor to the stars of tomorrow.
In 1987, Misterio Sr. opened his now-famous wrestling gym alongside Negro Casas and Super Astro. The first class of trainees reads like a who’s-who of wrestling greatness, including future legends like Konnan and Psicosis. Perhaps his greatest pupil, though, was his nephew, Rey Misterio Jr., who would go on to honor the family name on a global stage.
The uncle-nephew duo didn’t just share blood; they shared gold. During their time in AAA, they captured the WWA World Tag Team Championship, with Misterio Sr. later holding the same title alongside El Dandy. Rey Misterio Sr. also played a pivotal role in shaping his nephew’s career, eventually granting him the blessing to drop the “Jr.” from his name and become simply Rey Mysterio.
Though he officially retired in 2009, Misterio Sr.’s love for the sport brought him back for several matches in the 2020s, with his last recorded match taking place in 2023. His influence extends far beyond the ring, as he remains a towering figure in the annals of lucha libre history.
Misterio Sr.’s passing is a profound loss, but his legacy will live on through the generations of wrestlers he inspired, trained, and mentored. The wrestling world will forever remember him as a pioneer, a teacher, and a true legend.