The professional wrestling world mourns the loss of legendary luchador Rey Misterio Sr., born Miguel Ángel López Días, at the age of 66.
His son, El Hijo de Rey Misterio (Miguel Aarón López Hernández), announced his passing via a Facebook post on Friday, December 20th.
“Friends and family, I regret to inform you that my Father, Miguel Ángel López Días, Rey Misterio Sr., Passed away this morning…I will keep you informed. Thank you,” his post read in Spanish.
The specific cause of death has not been revealed.
In a show of respect, the esteemed Mexican wrestling organization, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, released a statement expressing their condolences.
“We mourn the sensitive passing of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Misterio Sr. We send our deepest condolences to your loved ones and lift our prayers to heaven for your eternal rest,” the statement read, originally written in Spanish.
Rey Misterio Sr. was more than just a name; he was a pivotal figure in the history of wrestling. As the uncle of WWE superstar Rey Misterio and the great uncle of WWE wrestler Dominik Misterio, his legacy influenced many across generations. Dominik honored his great-uncle by posting photos on Instagram, accompanied by a poignant caption, “:black_heart:.”
The family is still grappling with grief, as Misterio Sr.’s brother and Rey Misterio’s father, Roberto Gutierrez, passed away just a month prior at the age of 76.
Misterio Sr.’s path to wrestling was as remarkable as his achievements. He began his career as a boxer before transitioning to wrestling in 1976, where he established a legacy that lasted for decades.
Throughout his remarkable career, Rey Misterio Sr. competed for prominent wrestling organizations such as Tijuana Wrestling, the World Wrestling Association (WWA), Pro Wrestling Revolution, and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. His significant breakthrough on the global stage occurred in 1990 when he represented Mexico at World Championship Wrestling’s Starrcade during the “Pat O’Connor Memorial International Cup,” alongside fellow wrestling legend Konnan.
The iconic wrestler secured multiple championships, including the Revolution Tag Team Championship, which he won in partnership with his son, the IWC World Middleweight Championship, and the WWA World Junior Light Heavyweight Championship.
In addition to his in-ring accomplishments, Rey Misterio Sr. served as a mentor, influencing the careers of wrestling luminaries such as Konnan, Psicosis, Damian 666, and Halloween.
He also played an essential role in training his nephew, Rey Misterio, who would later emerge as one of WWE’s most renowned athletes.