Rey Misterio Sr. Dies at 66; Uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
Legendary Mexican professional wrestler and trainer Rey Misterio Sr., who is WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio's uncle and WWE Superstar Dominik Mysterio's great uncle, has died at the age of 66.
Per Sam Palmer of Wrestling Inc., Misterio turned professional in 1976 and remained active until 2009. He did come back a few times for matches, however, with his last one occurring in 2023.
Misterio starred in multiple Mexican promotions, including World Wrestling Association. He won the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship once and also earned the WWA Tag Team Championship with Rey Mysterio Jr. as well.
Misterio also appeared in WCW Starrcade in 1990, taking part in a tournament. He and Konnan defeated Norman Smiley and Chris Adams in the quarterfinals before losing to Scott and Rick Steiner in the semifinals.
Per Thomas Lawson of SE Scoops, Misterio started a gym in 1987 alongside professional wrestlers Negro Casas and Super Astro. He trained the likes of talents like Konnan, Psicosis and Mysterio as well.
Per Ben Flanagan of al.com, Misterio was inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Dominik Mysterio and his sister, Aalyah Mysterio, shared their reactions upon news of the tragic passing.
???? <a href="https://t.co/MpgmAiBJUa">pic.twitter.com/MpgmAiBJUa</a>
Aalyah Mysterio reacts to Rey Misterio Sr.'s death <a href="https://t.co/Etdq02mygA">pic.twitter.com/Etdq02mygA</a>
Many on social media also expressed their condolences and fond remembrances.
Lamentamos el sensible fallecimiento de Miguel Ángel López Días, conocido como Rey Mysterio Sr.<br><br>Enviamos nuestro más sincero pésame a sus seres queridos y elevamos nuestras oraciones al cielo por su eterno descanso. <a href="https://t.co/xnvqSndotS">pic.twitter.com/xnvqSndotS</a>
Rey Misterio Sr passed away this morning. I cannot begin to say how painful this is, he was such an important part of my fandom going back to the Compton days in the early 90's. My condolences to his wife Ana, and the entire Misterio family, especially their sons and nephew Rey… <a href="https://t.co/Noeq5fwXHS">pic.twitter.com/Noeq5fwXHS</a>
So sorry to hear about the death of the original Rey Misterio (Sr.), Miguel Lopez, at 66, the uncle of the WWE star. In his heyday he was almost like Tijuana's version of Jerry Lawler in Memphis. As a trainer, his track record matches the best, his nephew, the original…
When Rey Jr's actual dad passed away a couple weeks ago I was certain everyone would confuse him for Rey Misterio Sr. Then today Rey Sr himself passes. Awful month.<br><br>Great trainer, very influential + controversial on the local level. Without him there may not be the GOAT. QEPD
Sad to learn about the passing of Rey Misterio Sr, seen in this photo as the kingpin atop this quartet. Amazing wrestler and a very nice man. We're talking an icon that could be rightfully remembered even better for the stars he trained than the great star he was. RIP Rey Sr <a href="https://t.co/ff2qDCC15a">pic.twitter.com/ff2qDCC15a</a>
He was there at my debut in Mexico, he critiqued my match, he took time out of his day to tell us what he thought of us & how we can be better, I never forgot about that. Thank you for that, RIP Rey Misterio Sr. Miguel Ángel Lopez ????????️
My condolences are with Rey Mysterio and his family for the loss of Rey Misterio Sr. The originator and innovator of what you see today with Rey Misterio Jr
Sad to learn about the passing of Rey Misterio Sr, seen in this photo as the kingpin atop this quartet. Amazing wrestler and a very nice man. We're talking an icon that could be rightfully remembered even better for the stars he trained than the great star he was. RIP Rey Sr <a href="https://t.co/ff2qDCC15a">pic.twitter.com/ff2qDCC15a</a>
Please keep the Misterio family in your prayers I know they are going through it rn. Rey just lost his dad now his uncle ???? <a href="https://t.co/qO6D7h3waj">https://t.co/qO6D7h3waj</a>
Condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family during this difficult time. The Mysterios are also still grieving the loss of Roberto Gutierrez, Rey Mysterio Jr.'s father and Dominik's grandfather, who passed away on Nov. 17 at the age of 76.
