Legendary Wrestler Rey Misterio Sr., Uncle of WWE Superstar, Dies at 66
Renowned Mexican wrestler Rey Misterio Sr., uncle of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio and grand uncle of rising star Dominik Mysterio, passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 66. His family confirmed the news, leaving the wrestling world in mourning.
Rey Misterio Sr., whose real name was Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, enjoyed a career spanning over three decades in the world of lucha libre, Mexico’s celebrated style of professional wrestling. He was a trailblazer in the industry, capturing championship titles with esteemed organizations like the World Wrestling Association and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide—the latter often referred to as the Mexican equivalent of WWE.
His influence wasn’t confined to Mexico; Misterio Sr. also made waves internationally. He appeared at notable events such as World Championship Wrestling’s Starrcade in 1990, where his high-flying moves and charisma captivated fans around the globe. Misterio Sr. became a beloved figure in professional wrestling, inspiring countless wrestlers and fans with his dedication and artistry.
The announcement of his passing was made by Lucha Libre AAA in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter). “We regret the sensitive death of Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, known as Rey Misterio Sr. We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest,” the statement read.
Lucha libre, characterized by its colorful masks and dynamic aerial maneuvers, is deeply rooted in Mexican culture, and Misterio Sr. was one of its most iconic ambassadors. His legacy lives on through his family, particularly his nephew Rey Mysterio, who has carried the torch as a WWE Hall of Famer, and his grandnephew Dominik Mysterio, a rising star in the wrestling world.
The wrestling community—both fans and professionals—mourns the loss of a true legend whose contributions to the sport will be remembered for generations to come.