AAA Lucha Libre has announced the passing of Rey Misterio Sr., the uncle of WWE’s Rey Mysterio, at the age of 66. His real name was Miguel Ángel López Díaz. Mysterio began his wrestling career in 1976 and retired in 2009, though he made a return to the ring in 2023 at a global Lucha Libre event, teaming with Aero Star and Mr. Iguana in a match against Hereje, Hijo de Pirata Morgan, and Nightmare Azteca.
Rey Mysterio Sr. is credited with giving WWE’s Rey Mysterio his iconic name after previously competing as Rey Mysterio Jr. Rey Jr. dropped the “Jr.” when he joined WWE. Interestingly, Mysterio Sr.’s son also became a wrestler, performing as El Hijo de Rey Misterio.
In addition to his work with AAA, Mysterio Sr. wrestled for Pro Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling, WWA, WWO, and Xtreme Latin American Wrestling. Like his nephew, he wore a mask throughout his career, until he lost it in a Mask vs. Mask match against Fishman on March 25, 1988. Outside of wrestling, he appeared in the 2006 independent horror film Wrestlemaniac, where he portrayed the titular killer.
We here at Wrestling Examiner would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Rey Misterio Sr. during this difficult time.
Lamentamos el sensible fallecimiento de Miguel Ángel López Días, conocido como Rey Mysterio Sr.
Enviamos nuestro más sincero pésame a sus seres queridos y elevamos nuestras oraciones al cielo por su eterno descanso. pic.twitter.com/xnvqSndotS
— Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (@luchalibreaaa) December 20, 2024
El Auténtico!
RIP.