The wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its greats, Rey Misterio Sr., who has sadly passed away at the age of 66.
His son — known in the business as El Hijo de Rey Misterio — shared the news in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, Dec. 20.
“Friends and family, I regret to inform you that my Father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Misterio Sr., Passed away this morning… I will keep you informed. Thank you,” the statement read. Originally posted in Spanish, it did not disclose a cause of death.
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, a major Mexican wrestling promotion, also confirmed the legendary luchador’s passing in a social media statement, paying tribute to his indelible legacy in the sport.
“We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest,” the company said in its statement.
Rey Misterio Sr. – born Miguel Ángel López Días – built a towering reputation across promotions including Pro Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling, World Wrestling Association (WWA), and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
His international acclaim surged when he represented Mexico at World Championship Wrestling’s 1990 Starrcade pay-per-view in the Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup alongside fellow wrestling legend Konnan.
Over his storied career, Misterio Sr. claimed numerous titles, including the Revolution Tag Team Championship, which he held with his son, the IWC World Middleweight Championship, and the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship.
Outside the ring, Misterio Sr. was a celebrated trainer, shaping the careers of wrestling stars like his nephew, current WWE Superstar and former world champion Rey Mysterio – as well as lucha icons such as Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween, and Damian 666. His influence extended to future generations, as he ran a gym he founded in 1987, where many legends honed their craft under his guidance.
In 1995, Misterio Sr. teamed up with his nephew to win the WWA Tag Team Championship, a moment that bridged their family legacy. His nephew carried the torch forward in promotions like WCW, ECW, and WWE, initially wrestling as Rey Mysterio Jr. before becoming simply Rey Mysterio in WWE back in 2002.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s death follows the passing of Rey Mysterio’s father, Robert Gutierrez, who died just weeks ago at the age of 76.
Nephew Rey Mysterio, now 50, remains a central figure in WWE, with his on-screen rivalry with son Dominik Mysterio continuing to showcase the family’s enduring wrestling legacy.
Despite officially retiring in 2009, Rey Misterio Sr. returned for a final match in 2023, cementing his unwavering passion for the sport. In 2006, he was inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame.
AAA paid tribute to Misterio Sr. Credit: AAA/X
Fans and fellow wrestlers are now reflecting on Misterio Sr.’s extraordinary life and legacy. His influence on the sport, both in and out of the ring, will continue to resonate for generations.
Our thoughts go out to Misterio’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
