Rey Misterio Sr passed away at age 66 (
Image: Facebook)
The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Rey Misterio Sr., the legendary Mexican luchador also known to non-Lucha Libre fans as Miguel Angel Lopez Diaz.
At age 66, the iconic masked wonder who was instrumental in shaping Mexican wrestling has passed away, leaving behind a legacy celebrated by fans and industry stars. Misterio Sr.’s family announced the news via social media, along with Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, the top lucha wrestling promotion in Mexico.
“We regret to inform the untimely death of Miguel Angel Lopez Diaz, known as Rey Misterio Sr.,” read the translated statement. “We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest.”
Misterio Sr. was a cornerstone of Mexican wrestling and an essential figure in the early success of AAA, where he claimed multiple world titles. His impact extended far beyond championships, as he became a mentor to some of the industry’s most celebrated stars, including his nephew, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr., who also lost his father, Roberto Gutierrez, in November.
Tributes poured in from fans and wrestlers, with many hailing Misterio Sr. as the “father of wrestling in Tijuana.” Rey Jr., who was gifted his iconic name by his uncle, has yet to publicly comment, but WWE star Dominik Mysterio, Rey Sr.’s grandson, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, accompanied by a simple black heart emoji.
One fan reacted to the sad news and said: “The father of wrestling in Tijuana has left us.”
Rey Sr. and Jr were tag team champions in Mexico ( Youtube)
Another on X said: “One of the best fighters that ever existed has left us, his legacy will always be remembered.”
WWE stars such as Hart dynasty member Natalya and Humberto of Legado del Fantasma also paid tribute to Rey Sr., highlighting his influence in the industry and their support for the Mysterio family. While Rey Misterio Sr. never competed in WWE, his accomplishments left an unforgettable mark on the sport.
Highlights of his storied career include holding the Pro Wrestling Revolution Tag Team Championship for an astounding 2,374 days, a 719-day reign as WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Champion starting in 1988, and winning the WWA World Tag Team Championship alongside Rey Mysterio Jr. in 1995.
He also had brief stints with World Championship Wrestling (WCW, now absorbed by WWE) in 1990 and 1999, affirming his international influence. Rey. Sr. began his celebrated career in 1976.
One of his most memorable matches came alongside Rey Jr. in a two-out-of-three falls bout against the legendary father-son Guerrera duo, Fuerza and Juventud, for the AAA World Tag Team Championships. The match was ranked 4.5 out of 5 stars and remains a benchmark of excellence in both Mexican and tag team wrestling.
