Summary:
- Renowned Mexican wrestler and Lucha Libre legend Rey Misterio Sr., uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr., passed away at 66 on December 20, 2024, with the cause of death undisclosed.
- Starting his career in 1976, he became a pivotal figure in Mexican wrestling and brought Lucha Libre’s high-flying style to international prominence, including appearances in WCW.
- Beyond his wrestling achievements, he was a mentor to many, including his nephew Rey Mysterio Jr., and trained other notable wrestlers like Konnan and Psicosis.
- Tributes have poured in from fans, family, and organizations like Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, celebrating his enduring legacy as a performer and mentor.
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Miguel Ángel López Días, famously known as Rey Misterio Sr., who passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 66. His death was confirmed by his nephew, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr., in an emotional social media post. “Friends and family, I’m sad to share that my father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Misterio Sr., passed away this morning… more updates to come. Thank you,” wrote Rey Mysterio Jr., expressing his grief and gratitude for the support of fans and the wrestling community.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow wrestlers, and organizations worldwide. Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, one of Mexico’s premier wrestling promotions where Misterio Sr. made a significant impact, honored him with a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter): “We are saddened by the passing of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Misterio Sr. We send our sincerest condolences to his loved ones and keep him in our thoughts for his eternal rest.” The president of AAA, Marisela Peña, also expressed her condolences, emphasizing his lasting legacy in the sport.
Rey Misterio Sr. was a trailblazer in Mexican wrestling, known for his high-flying style and ability to captivate audiences both domestically and internationally. His career began on January 6, 1976, after transitioning from boxing due to an arm injury. Over the years, he became a prominent figure in Mexican promotions such as the World Wrestling Association (WWA) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
Misterio Sr.’s influence extended far beyond Mexico. He was instrumental in introducing Lucha Libre to international audiences through his appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Notably, he represented Mexico alongside Konnan in the 1990 Starrcade event’s Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup tournament. Their performance left a lasting impression despite being eliminated by the Steiner Brothers in the second round.
Beyond his achievements in the ring, Rey Misterio Sr. was a dedicated mentor who shaped the careers of many wrestlers. He trained his nephew Rey Mysterio Jr., who has often credited him for giving him his iconic ring name and teaching him the fundamentals of wrestling. Other notable wrestlers trained by Misterio Sr. include Psicosis and Konnan, both of whom became legends in their own right.
Misterio Sr.’s commitment to nurturing talent extended to co-founding a gym where he trained aspiring wrestlers. His influence helped preserve and evolve Lucha Libre’s unique style while inspiring countless athletes to pursue professional wrestling.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s death marks the end of an era for Mexican wrestling. While the cause of his passing remains undisclosed, his contributions to the sport are undeniable. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned numerous championships and accolades, becoming a symbol of excellence in Lucha Libre.
As tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues alike, it is clear that Rey Misterio Sr.’s legacy will endure for generations. His influence on the sport—both as a performer and a mentor—ensures that his impact will be felt long after his passing.
The wrestling community mourns not only a legendary wrestler but also a beloved teacher and pioneer whose passion for Lucha Libre shaped its history. Rey Misterio Sr.’s memory lives on through the countless lives he touched and the indelible mark he left on professional wrestling worldwide.
