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Legendary Mexican professional wrestler and trainer Rey Misterio Sr., the uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and great-uncle of WWE superstar Dominik Mysterio, has died at the age of 66.
According to Sam Palmer of Wrestling Inc., Misterio turned pro in 1976 and remained active until 2009. However, he came back for games a few times, his last coming in 2023.
Misterio starred in several Mexican promotions, including the World Wrestling Association. He won the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship once and also won the WWA Tag Team Championship with Rey Mysterio Jr.
Misterio also appeared at WCW Starrcade in 1990 and took part in a tournament. He and Konnan defeated Norman Smiley and Chris Adams in the quarterfinals before losing to Scott and Rick Steiner in the semifinals.
According to Thomas Lawson of SE Scoops, Misterio opened a gym in 1987 alongside professional wrestlers Negro Casas and Super Astro. He also trained talents such as Konnan, Psicosis and Mysterio.
According to al.com’s Ben Flanagan, Misterio was inducted into the Tijuana Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Dominik Mysterio and his sister Aalyah Mysterio shared their reactions to the news of the tragic death.
Many also expressed their condolences and fond memories on social media.
Lucha Libre AAA worldwide @luchalibreaaa
Deplores the reasonable error of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Mysterio Sr.
Enviamos our more sincere Pésame to his seres queridos y elevamos our oraciones al cielo por su eterno descanso. pic.twitter.com/xnvqSndotS
Roy Lucier @roylucier
Rey Misterio Sr. passed away this morning. I can’t express how painful this is, he’s been such a big part of my fan base since the Compton days in the early ’90s. My condolences to his wife Ana and the entire Misterio family, especially their sons and their nephew Rey… pic.twitter.com/Noeq5fwXHS
Dave Meltzer @davemeltzerWON
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of the original Rey Misterio (Sr.), Miguel Lopez, at age 66, the WWE star’s uncle. In his prime, he was almost like Tijuana’s version of Jerry Lawler in Memphis. As a coach, his track record matches that of the best, his nephew, the original…
RobViper @RobViper
When Rey Jr.’s actual father passed away a few weeks ago, I was sure everyone would confuse him with Rey Misterio Sr. But today Rey Sr. dies herself. Terrible month.
Great coach, very influential + controversial at the local level. Without him, the GOAT might not exist. QEPD
Vandal Drummond @Vandal Drummond
It is sad to learn of the death of Rey Misterio Sr., seen in this photo as the leader of this quartet. Great wrestler and a very nice man. We’re talking about an icon who might rightly be better remembered for coaching the stars than for being a big star. RIP Rey Sr pic.twitter.com/ff2qDCC15a
Lucha scumbag @chrisnasty_
He was there for my debut in Mexico, he criticized my game, he took the time to tell us what he thought of us and how we could improve, I’ve never forgotten that. Thank you for this, RIP Rey Misterio Sr. Miguel Ángel Lopez
Keegan Dimitrijevic | Кеан Димитријевић @Keegan RW
My condolences to Rey Mysterio and his family on the loss of Rey Misterio Sr. The originator and innovator of what you see today with Rey Misterio Jr
Vandal Drummond @Vandal Drummond
It is sad to learn of the death of Rey Misterio Sr., seen in this photo as the leader of this quartet. Great wrestler and a very nice man. We’re talking about an icon who might rightly be better remembered for coaching the stars than for being a big star. RIP Rey Sr pic.twitter.com/ff2qDCC15a
Dainesha
@Iamdainesha
Please pray to the Misterio family. I know they are going through this. Rey just lost his father, now his uncle
https://t.co/qO6D7h3waj
