Mexican wrestling legend Rey Misterio Sr., the uncle of WWE superstar Rey Mysterio Jr., has passed away at the age of 66. His death was confirmed by his family on December 20.
Misterio was a prominent figure in the lucha libre community in Mexico, where he won numerous championship titles with organizations such as the World Wrestling Association and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, which is often seen as the lucha libre equivalent of WWE. In the U.S., he also competed in major events, including the 1990 Starrcade night organized by World Championship Wrestling.
Lucha Libre AAA issued a statement expressing grief over the passing of Miguel Ángel López Díaz, famously known as Rey Misterio Sr. The organization extended its deepest condolences to his family and offered prayers for his peaceful rest in eternity.
Rey Misterio Sr. later established his own gym, where he trained a new generation of lucha libre stars, including Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween, and Damian 666. His legacy is carried on by two of his family members: his son, Rey Misterio Heredero, also known as El Hijo de Rey Misterio, and WWE icon Rey Mysterio Jr., who is a well-loved figure in the lucha libre community. Misterio Sr. continued to compete in the ring until 2023.
Rey Misterio Sr.’s passing comes just a month after his nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr., said goodbye to his own father, Robert Gutierrez. On Instagram, Mysterio Jr. expressed his gratitude, writing, “Father: thank you for giving me the life I have. You did more than set the example of how to love and maintain a strong marriage and father four boys. You were the example and passed every single time until your death with flying colors.” The cause of Misterio Sr.’s death has not been disclosed.
