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The Mexican wrestling world is grieving the loss of Rey Misterio Sr., whose death at the age of 66 was confirmed by his son, WWE superstar Rey Mysterio Jr. The wrestling legend, whose real name was Miguel Ángel López Díaz, passed away unexpectedly, leaving fans and the wrestling community in shock. While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, tributes have poured in from around the world.
Rey Misterio Jr. shared the heartbreaking news on social media, writing: “Friends and family, I’m sad to share that my father, Miguel Ángel López Díaz, Rey Misterio Sr., passed away this morning… more updates to come. Thank you.” The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fellow wrestlers, fans, and the larger wrestling community.
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, a major wrestling organization where Misterio Sr. made his mark, expressed their condolences, paying tribute to his influential role in Mexican wrestling. “We are saddened by the passing of Miguel Ángel López Díaz, known as Rey Misterio Sr. Our sincerest condolences go out to his loved ones,” they stated in a social media post.
Rey Misterio Sr. is remembered as a true pioneer of Mexican wrestling. Throughout his storied career, he played a significant role in popularizing Lucha Libre and elevating it to an international audience. His impact wasn’t limited to Mexico; he made history in the United States by competing in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where he helped bring Mexican wrestling to a broader global stage.
His wrestling skills were matched by his dedication to nurturing new talent. One of his greatest legacies was mentoring future stars, including his nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr. Rey Mysterio Jr. has often credited his uncle with not only inspiring him to pursue a wrestling career but also for giving him his famous ring name and guiding him in the early stages of his career.
Born in 1958, Rey Misterio Sr. began his athletic journey in boxing. However, a serious arm injury led him to pursue professional wrestling instead. He made his wrestling debut in 1976 during a special Day of Kings event, and his career quickly took off. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Misterio Sr. became a prominent figure in Lucha Libre, known for his high-flying style, acrobatic moves, and unmatched charisma.https://twitter.com/mymixtapez/status/1870179115917049895?s=19
Beyond his wrestling career, Rey Misterio Sr. made a lasting impact by opening a training gym, where he mentored and helped shape the careers of many aspiring wrestlers. He worked alongside other Mexican legends like Konnan, Psicosis, and Halloween, creating a lasting legacy that continues to influence wrestlers today.
The wrestling community continues to honor his contributions to the sport, remembering Rey Misterio Sr. as both a legend in the ring and a mentor to many. His passing marks the end of an era for Mexican wrestling, but his influence will be felt for years to come. Fans and wrestlers alike will continue to celebrate his remarkable career and the legacy he leaves behind.