The wrestling community is mourning the loss of Mexican icon Miguel Ángel López Días, better known as Rey Misterio Sr., who passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 66.
His son, WWE superstar Rey Misterio Jr., broke the news via social media, sharing a heartfelt message: “Friends and family, I’m deeply saddened to announce that my father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Misterio Sr., has passed away this morning… more updates to come. Thank you.”
The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow wrestlers, and friends, honoring the lasting impact Rey Misterio Sr. made on the wrestling industry.
Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, one of the premier Mexican wrestling promotions, expressed its condolences with a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“We are saddened by the passing of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Misterio Sr. Our thoughts are with his family, and we honor his memory.”
Rey Misterio Sr. was a key figure not only in Mexican Lucha Libre but also in elevating the global recognition of the sport. Renowned for his innovative high-flying wrestling style, he connected with audiences worldwide. He gained fame in Mexico through major promotions like the World Wrestling Association (WWA) and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.
His influence extended beyond Mexico, as he was one of the pioneers of Lucha Libre in the United States, making appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Rey Misterio Sr. competed in major events, including the 1990 Starrcade and the Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup tournament, where he left a lasting impact alongside legends like Konnan.
Beyond his in-ring achievements, Rey Misterio Sr. was deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of wrestlers. His nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr., has repeatedly credited his uncle for playing a pivotal role in shaping his career. Rey Mysterio Jr. has often spoken about how his uncle not only bestowed his iconic ring name but also trained him alongside other notable figures of Mexican wrestling, including Psicosis, Halloween, and Konnan.
Before his wrestling career, Rey Misterio Sr. was involved in boxing. After an arm injury ended his boxing career, his trainers encouraged him to pursue professional wrestling, leading to his debut on January 6, 1976, during a special Day of Kings event.
Throughout his long and impactful career, Rey Misterio Sr. became a cornerstone of the Mexican wrestling scene, known for his thrilling performances and unwavering dedication to nurturing young talent. His legacy includes numerous titles and accolades, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in Mexican wrestling history. He was not just a competitor but also co-founded a gym dedicated to training aspiring wrestlers, blending skill, passion, and mentorship to contribute to the growth of Lucha Libre.
The cause of Rey Misterio Sr.’s passing remains undisclosed, but the outpouring of love and support from fans and wrestling organizations highlights the profound impact he had on the wrestling world.
