Rey Mysterio, born Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio on December 11, 1974, is a name that has long been synonymous with high-flying, awe-inspiring athletics in the world of professional wrestling. Rey Mysterio is no doubt one of the most underrated fighters in WWE history despite all his incredible achievements and impact on the sport. In this article, we will dive into the fascinating path of this popular wrestler; his professional wrestling career and accolades plus reasons why he is one of the most underrated wrestlers.
EARLY LIFE AND FAME
Rey Misterio's wrestling trail started so young: in fact, he began to fight to face the following age by showing up on an exclusive circuit at 14. That early awakening in the rings led him to a career that would win over fans all around the world. Mysterio began his professional wrestling career as part of the independent circuit before signing with Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) in 1992.
Mysterio would later make big news in promotions such as Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and the World Wrestling Association (WWA), but it was during his stint with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) that he hit the big-time.
When Mysterio entered WCW, it was a momentous occasion in the world of pro wrestling. He was one of the wrestlers who brought lucha libre, the acrobatic Mexican wrestling style that emphasizes high-flying moves, to U.S. crowds with his breathtaking in-ring style. This landmark moment helped the inflection of Cruiserweight wrestling divisions, where Mysterio became a revolutionist.
Mysterio had considerable success during his time in WCW, having achieved the WCW Cruiserweight Championship five times; World Tag Team Championship three times; and the WCW Ultimate Tag Team Tournament once. But that path was not without obstacles, as he famously unmasked in a Lucha de Apuestas to Kevin Nash and spent more than two months working sans mask until 2002.
The WWE Chapter and Beyond
After WCW closed down in 2001, the career of Mysterio sawed him compete for companies such as Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), World Wrestling Council, and X Wrestling Federation. Since then, his debut in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002 changed all of that and made him a worldwide name.
Mysterio's WWE run is one for the ages. He sported a mask in his matches, harking back to its origins in lucha libre and he then had great success in the company. It is worth noting that he has won several titles during his time in WWE including the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship, as well as the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and even the WWE Tag Team Championships. His biggest moment came in 2006 when he won the fabled Royal Rumble match.
Widespread Impact/Lasting Legacy
When Mysterio was on his way out of WWE in 2015, it felt like the end of one chapter but for a Hall of Famer with some still gas left in the tank. Competing for companies including New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Lucha Underground, and AAA, Mysterio began to let his unparalleled athleticism shine while proving that he was still as passionate about the sport of professional wrestling as he's ever been. His second return to WWE in 2018, along with his son Dominic, only added a new chapter to an already storied legacy.
Despite the lack of title reigns, Mysterio is regarded by many as one of the most influential cruiserweights in history. His entrance into the AAA Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, and WWE Hall of Fame indisputably salute the brand he has left on professional wrestling.
The Underrated Legacy
For all of his accomplishments and accolades, Rey Mysterio remains one of the most enigmatic figures in WWE lore. Mysterio, meanwhile, is widely forgotten in the discussion over who WWE's greatest wrestlers are but has a lasting legacy and impact that cannot be ignored.
Mysterio single-handedly captured the attention of fans with his aerial style that defied gravity and his never-say-die attitude and embodied exactly what it meant to be a pro wrestler. His work as a major factor in mainstream Lucha libre's U.S. popularity and his impact on cruiserweight wrestling divisions offer lasting examples of his relevancy.
In the End
From the time Rey Mysterio entered the wrestling sphere as just another young hopeful, to becoming an international star—all this is a result of focus that could not break ground for greater talent and unadulterated passion. As he wins the hearts of hundreds around the world with his magnificent displays, it is necessary to keep in mind that he has gone down as one of the most underrated WWE superstars ever. Regardless of the number of championships and gold stars a competitor has looped around their waist or emblazoned on their resume, Mysterio's legacy lives beyond mere titles, as a reminder that passion trumps all else; its potency transcends time and space making any aspiring wrestler or performer feel like they too can fly toward admonition.
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