Miguel Ángel López Días, widely recognized by his ring name Rey Misterio Sr., passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 66.
A towering figure in the world of professional wrestling, Misterio Sr.'s career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on both Mexican and international wrestling scenes. His death was confirmed by his son, Rey Mysterio Jr., a WWE Hall of Famer, who shared the news with fans and the wrestling community.
Born on January 8, 1958, in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, Misterio Sr. embarked on his wrestling journey in 1976. Initially training as a boxer, he transitioned to wrestling after being introduced to the sport by his brother.
He made his debut on January 6, 1976, during a show called "Day of the Kings" or Día de los Reyes. Over the years, Misterio Sr. became a celebrated figure in lucha libre, the Mexican style of wrestling known for its high-flying maneuvers and masked characters.
Misterio Sr. was not only a wrestler but also a revered trainer and mentor. He played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous wrestlers, including his nephew Rey Mysterio Jr. and grand-nephew Dominik Mysterio.
His influence extended beyond his family, as he trained other notable wrestlers like Konnan and Psicosis. In 1987, he co-founded a gym with fellow wrestlers Negro Casas and Super Astro, further cementing his legacy as a trainer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Misterio Sr. competed in various wrestling promotions, including the World Wrestling Association (WWA) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
He achieved massive success, winning the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship and the WWA Tag Team Championship alongside Rey Mysterio Jr. One of his memorable appearances was at WCW's Starrcade 1990, where he teamed up with Konnan in the "Pat O'Connor Memorial International Cup."
Despite retiring in 2009, Misterio Sr. occasionally returned to the ring, with his last match taking place in 2023. His contributions to wrestling were recognized when he was inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2023, he was also honored with an induction into the Hall of Fame, acknowledging his impact on the sport.
The cause of Misterio Sr.'s death remains undisclosed, but his passing has left a void in the wrestling community. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow wrestlers, and organizations, highlighting his legacy as both a performer and a mentor. Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide expressed their condolences, stating, "We regret the sensitive death of Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, known as Rey Misterio Sr. We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest."
Rey Mysterio Jr. and his family are mourning the loss of Misterio Sr., who was not only a beloved uncle but also a guiding force in their wrestling careers. The Mysterio family is also grieving the recent loss of Roberto Gutierrez, Rey Mysterio Jr.'s father, who passed away on November 17, 2024, at the age of 76.
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