Rey Mysterio Sr., legendary Mexican wrestler, passed away this Friday. The news was announced by his family through social media.
“Friends and family, I regret to inform you that my dear father, Miguel Ángel López Díaz, Rey Misterio Sr., passed away this morning. We will keep you updated. Thank you,” his son wrote.
Who was Rey Mysterio Sr.?
Rey Misterio Sr., from Tijuana, Baja California, was one of the most prominent figures in Mexican professional wrestling, making his debut in January 1976.
His career began in boxing, aiming to develop a stronger physique. However, after experiencing a decline in his ability to punch, his trainers suggested he consider wrestling.
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It was his brother who introduced him to this fascinating sport, taking him to training sessions that would mark the beginning of a legendary career.
In 1987, López Díaz founded a gym along with other wrestling legends such as Negro Casas and Súper Astro. This gym became a breeding ground for new wrestlers, training figures like Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween, Damián 666, and, of course, his nephew Rey Mysterio Jr., who would achieve worldwide fame.
Additionally, Rey Mysterio Sr. participated in international events, standing out in the 1990 “Starrcade World Championship Wrestling” event, broadcast on Pay-Per-View. In this event, he teamed up with Konnan to represent Mexico in the “Memorial de Pat O’Connor Copa Internacional.” Although they defeated the UK team in the first round, they were defeated by The Steiner Brothers in the second round.
Why did Rey Mysterio Sr. pass away?
So far, the wrestler’s family has not provided details about the cause of death; however, it is said that he had been dealing with health issues for several months, and in his last public appearances, he was seen in a wheelchair.
How old was Rey Mysterio Sr. when he died?
At the time of his death, the wrestler was 66 years old.
What was Rey Mysterio Sr.’s real name?
The Mexican wrestling legend’s real name was Miguel Ángel López Díaz.
Who unmasked Rey Misterio Sr.?
The legend tells that the iconic wrestler lost his emblematic black mask with gold details on March 25, 1989, at the Auditorio de Tijuana, Baja California, to Fishman. This match marked the beginning of a rivalry that would remain alive through several generations.
Who is Rey Mysterio Sr.’s nephew?
His nephew, Rey Mysterio, is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame. At the start of his nephew’s career, López Díaz decided to add “Sr.” to his ring name to allow him to create his own legacy.
Later on, both joined one of the most prominent promotions in Mexican wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, where they went on to win the WWA tag team championships together.
When did Rey Mysterio Sr. retire from wrestling?
Although the wrestler retired from the ring in 2009, he made a final appearance in a Lucha Libre event in 2023, closing a successful career in which he won numerous championships across various promotions.
