Rey Mysterio Snr dead, family say, just weeks after a family tragedy – as wrestling world pays tribute to legend
- Mexican wrestling company Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide announced the news
- Mysterio’s cousin, Rey Mysterio Jnr, is still currently wrestling with WWE
Rey Mysterio Snr has died, his family have said.
The wrestling legend, real name Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, was the uncle of current WWE star Rey.
Mexican wrestling company Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide announced the news on social media. They posted: ‘We mourn the sensitive death of Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, known as Rey Mysterio Sr.
“We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and pray to heaven for his eternal rest.”
Mysterio, who was 66, started wrestling in 1976 and officially retired in 2009. His son, Rey, and grandson, Dominik, are still with WWE and Rey was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.
The tragedy comes just a week after Mysterio Jnr’s father, Roberto Gutierrez, died aged 76.
Wrestling legend Rey Mysterio Snr has died aged 66, his family have announced
Mysterio Snr was the uncle of current WWE star and Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jnr
Mysterio Jnr’s son Dominik is also currently struggling in the business and has had a feud with his father in recent years
Mysterio first started training as a boxer, but discovered wrestling through his trainers.
He debuted in January 1976 and wrestled for Pro Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling and World Wrestling Association, among others, throughout his career.
To distinguish the star from his cousin, he was often referred to as Rey Mysterio Snr, while Dominik was his second cousin. His great-niece, Aalyah, has also made a number of appearances in WWE.
After his father’s death, Rey Jnr wrote on Instagram: ‘You did more than set the example of how to love and maintain a strong marriage and father four boys, you set the example and succeeded every time until your death with flag and pennant. . Excellent husband, loving father, wonderful grandfather, wonderful son and brother, and wonderful father-in-law.
“You’ve checked every list on the box and can honestly say my majority [traits] I recorded from you. You fought until the very end and you know that your greatest fear was leaving mothers behind, but I can assure you that she will not be alone and that we will always care for her.’
‘You are with God now, laughing from heaven as we continue with the real battle of life until we meet again. You will never be forgotten and you will always be loved, RIP Pops.”
“Prayers for the Mysterio family,” one fan posted on social media.
Another wrote: ‘Man, Rey is having a heartbreaking last few weeks. First he lost his father and now his uncle. Stay strong Mysterio family.”