TRAGIC! WWE WRESTLER REY MYSTERIO IS GONE FOREVER FINAL TRIBUTE VIDEO REVEALED
The wrestling world is in mourning following the heartbreaking announcement that Rey Misterio Sr., one of the most iconic figures in lucha libre history and the uncle of WWE superstar Rey Mysterio Jr., has passed away at the age of 66. The news was confirmed on December 20, 2024, just a few days before what would have been his 67th birthday. For fans, friends, and fellow wrestlers, his passing represents the end of an era in professional wrestling, but also a moment to celebrate his extraordinary contributions to the sport that shaped generations.
The announcement came from his son, who wrestles under the name El Hijo de Rey Misterio, in a deeply emotional post on social media. Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide later confirmed the sad news, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across the wrestling community. A final tribute video soon followed online, capturing emotional scenes from his funeral and career highlights that spanned nearly five decades. For many, watching that tribute served as both a painful farewell and a reminder of how one man’s dedication to wrestling left an indelible mark.
Born Miguel Ángel López Díaz in Tijuana, Mexico, Rey Misterio Sr. first entered combat sports as a boxer before making the transition to professional wrestling in 1976. His athleticism, charisma, and technical skill quickly earned him recognition, and he became a prominent name not only in Mexican promotions but also internationally. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he competed for legendary organizations such as AAA, EMLL (now CMLL), and various independent promotions, building a reputation as one of the most respected luchadores of his era.
What set Rey Misterio Sr. apart was not only his success in the ring but also his role as a trainer and mentor. He founded a wrestling school in Tijuana where he helped shape the careers of future stars who would go on to define an entire generation. Among his students were his nephew Rey Mysterio Jr., Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween, and Damián 666. Rey Sr. instilled in them the artistry of lucha libre, the discipline required to survive in the industry, and above all, the passion for entertaining fans worldwide. Without his guidance, the global rise of Rey Mysterio Jr.—who became a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most beloved underdog champions in wrestling history—would likely not have been possible.
Rey Misterio Sr. also enjoyed his own decorated career, capturing multiple championships in Mexico and the United States. He was inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame for his pioneering role in bringing professional wrestling to mainstream audiences in Baja California. His influence extended far beyond his own matches; whenever he stepped into the ring, he carried with him the essence of Mexican wrestling tradition. Even in later years, long after many of his contemporaries had retired, Rey Sr. occasionally laced up his boots for special appearances. In 2023, at the remarkable age of 65, he returned for a one-off match that demonstrated his enduring love for the sport.
Tragically, Rey Misterio Sr.’s passing comes just weeks after another personal loss for the family, with the death of Rey Mysterio Jr.’s father, Robert Gutiérrez, in November 2024. The back-to-back tragedies have left the Mysterio family and the wrestling community reeling, amplifying the emotional weight of this farewell. For fans who grew up watching the magic of lucha libre, it feels as though a vital piece of wrestling history has been taken away.
The final tribute video released online has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times in only a few days. It combines clips from Rey Sr.’s greatest matches with emotional footage from his funeral, where fellow wrestlers and loved ones paid their respects. The video highlights not only his iconic in-ring style but also his warmth and generosity outside the squared circle. Many fans have described it as a beautiful yet heartbreaking farewell to a man who dedicated his life to wrestling.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s influence will live on through every wrestler he trained, every fan he inspired, and every performer who carries the lucha libre tradition into the future. His nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr., remains active in WWE, though currently sidelined with injuries, and he has publicly expressed his grief while vowing to continue honoring his uncle’s legacy. Fans worldwide echo that sentiment, knowing that Rey Sr. was more than just a wrestler—he was a teacher, a pioneer, and a legend who embodied the very spirit of lucha libre.
As the wrestling world continues to reflect on his passing, one truth remains clear: Rey Misterio Sr. may be gone, but his legacy will never die. His contributions shaped not only the careers of his students but also the identity of professional wrestling itself. The masks, the high-flying maneuvers, and the electrifying energy of lucha libre are all part of what he helped build. Through every chant of “619” and every young wrestler inspired to chase their dream, his spirit endures.
The final tribute video is not just a farewell but also a promise—that the memory of Rey Misterio Sr. will forever remain in the hearts of fans. He is gone, but never forgotten, and his name will always stand tall in the history of wrestling.
