Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rey Mysterio

Discover the career path of Rey Mysterio, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio, known as Rey Mysterio, is a celebrated American professional wrestler currently with WWE's Raw brand. He is recognized as one of the greatest cruiserweight wrestlers ever. Mysterio has been inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, and the WWE Hall of Fame.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

April 30, 1989: Wrestling Debut

On April 30, 1989, Rey Mysterio made his debut in Mexico at the age of 14, marking the beginning of his professional wrestling career.

1989: Starts Wrestling Career

In 1989, at the age of 14, Rey Mysterio began his wrestling career on the independent circuit, marking the start of his professional journey.

1991: Named "Most Improved Wrestler"

In 1991, while wrestling in Mexico as Colibrí, Mysterio was named "Most Improved Wrestler".

1992: Signs with Asistencia Asesoría y Administración

In 1992, Rey Mysterio signed with Asistencia Asesoría y Administración, furthering his career after wrestling in the independent circuit.

September 16, 1995: ECW Debut

On September 16, 1995, Rey Mysterio debuted in ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) at Gangstas Paradise, defeating Psicosis.

March 1996: Final Bout for ECW

In March 1996, Rey Mysterio wrestled his final bout for ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) at Big Ass Extreme Bash, defeating Juventud Guerrera.

June 16, 1996: WCW Debut

On June 16, 1996, Rey Mysterio made his WCW (World Championship Wrestling) debut at The Great American Bash, challenging Dean Malenko for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship in a losing effort.

1996: Signs with World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

In 1996, Rey Mysterio signed with World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This marked an important advancement in his wrestling career.

February 23, 1997: WCW World Television Championship match

On February 23, 1997, at SuperBrawl VII, Rey Mysterio faced Prince Iaukea for the WCW World Television Championship, but lost due to interference.

January 15, 1998: Wins Third Cruiserweight Championship

On January 15, 1998, Rey Mysterio defeated Juventud on WCW Thunder to win his third Cruiserweight Championship.

January 17, 1999: Cruiserweight Championship Match

On January 17, 1999, at Souled Out, Rey Mysterio was unsuccessful in winning the Cruiserweight title from Billy Kidman in a four-way match also including Psicosis and Juventud.

1999: Joins No Limit Soldiers

In 1999, Rey Mysterio and Konnan joined Master P's No Limit Soldiers and feuded with the West Texas Rednecks in WCW.

2000: Various Tag Team Matches and Title Changes

In 2000, Rey Mysterio experienced several tag team matches and title changes, including winning the World Tag Team Championship with Konnan and Juventud in WCW. He also joined the New Blood faction.

January 14, 2001: Penalty Box Match Loss

On January 14, 2001, The Filthy Animals, including Rey Mysterio, lost to Team Canada in a Penalty Box match at Sin.

2001: Wrestles for Various Promotions

Following the closure of WCW in 2001, Rey Mysterio wrestled for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, the World Wrestling Council, and the X Wrestling Federation before joining WWE in 2002.

January 6, 2002: Wins WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship

On January 6, 2002, Rey Mysterio defeated Eddie Colon to win the WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship in Puerto Rico.

June 2002: Signs with WWE

In June 2002, Rey Mysterio signed with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), marking a significant milestone in his career.

July 25, 2002: WWE Debut

On July 25, 2002, Rey Mysterio made his WWE debut on SmackDown!, defeating Chavo Guerrero and starting his WWE journey.

August 2002: Intercontinental Title becomes exclusive to Raw

In August 2002, during Rey Mysterio's tenure, the Intercontinental Championship became exclusive to the SmackDown brand for the first time.

2002: Joins World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)

In 2002, Rey Mysterio joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), resuming his career while wearing a mask.

2002: Unmasked in Lucha de Apuestas

In 2002, Rey Mysterio lost his mask in a Lucha de Apuestas against Kevin Nash. He worked unmasked until this year.

March 30, 2003: WrestleMania XIX Match

On March 30, 2003, at WrestleMania XIX, Rey Mysterio faced Matt Hardy for the Cruiserweight Championship but lost due to interference.

January 25, 2004: Royal Rumble Title Defense

On January 25, 2004, at the Royal Rumble, Rey Mysterio successfully defended his Cruiserweight Championship against Jamie Noble.

2004: Performance of "Crossing Borders" and Theme for No Way Out

In 2004, Rey Mysterio performed the rap song "Crossing Borders," which was featured on the WWE Originals album and served as the official theme song for the 2004 No Way Out pay-per-view.

Loading Video...

January 13, 2005: Losing the Tag Team Titles

On January 13, 2005, Rey Mysterio and Rob Van Dam lost the tag team titles to the Basham Brothers on SmackDown! after Rob Van Dam was injured.

September 2005: Use of "Booyaka 619" as WWE Entrance Theme

Around September 2005, Rey Mysterio began using the original version of "Booyaka 619," performed with rapper Mad One, as his entrance theme in WWE.

Loading Video...

January 29, 2006: Royal Rumble Victory

On January 29, 2006, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble match after lasting 62 minutes, earning a world title shot by last eliminating Orton.

2006: Wins Royal Rumble

In 2006, Rey Mysterio won the Royal Rumble, marking a significant achievement in his WWE career.

August 26, 2007: In-Ring Return and Victory

On August 26, 2007, Rey Mysterio made his in-ring return at SummerSlam, defeating Chavo Guerrero after Guerrero obsessed over Mysterio's return and wanted to injure him again.

January 4, 2008: World Heavyweight Championship Opportunity

On January 4, 2008, Rey Mysterio won a Beat the Clock challenge on SmackDown!, earning a chance to face Edge for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Royal Rumble.

2008: Return to Raw

In 2008, Rey Mysterio was drafted to the Raw brand, marking a significant shift in his career.

February 15, 2009: Elimination Chamber Match

On February 15, 2009, Rey Mysterio competed in the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at No Way Out, but was the last man eliminated by Edge.

2009: Intercontinental Championship Reign

In 2009, Rey Mysterio won and lost the Intercontinental Championship, including a suspension for violating WWE's Wellness Policy.

January 15, 2010: Number One Contender

On January 15, 2010, Rey Mysterio defeated Batista in a steel cage match on SmackDown to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.

January 7, 2011: Feud with Alberto Del Rio Concludes

On January 7, 2011, Rey Mysterio's feud with Alberto Del Rio culminated on SmackDown in a two out of three falls match, which Del Rio won by countout.

2011: WWE Championship Win and Loss

In 2011, Rey Mysterio was drafted to Raw, won his first WWE Championship, and lost it to John Cena later that night before entering another feud with Alberto Del Rio.

October 17, 2013: Return at a WWE Live Event

On October 17, 2013, Rey Mysterio returned at a WWE live event after eight months of absence.

April 6, 2014: Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

On April 6, 2014, Rey Mysterio competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX but was eliminated by Cesaro.

February 26, 2015: WWE Contract Expiration

On February 26, 2015, WWE officially announced that Rey Mysterio's WWE contract had expired, ending his nearly 13-year tenure with the company.

May 24, 2015: Forming the Dream Team for AAA's Lucha Libre World Cup

On May 24, 2015, Rey Mysterio joined forces with Myzteziz and El Patrón Alberto to create the "Dream Team" for AAA's Lucha Libre World Cup. The team emerged victorious in the tournament, defeating Johnny Mundo, Matt Hardy, and Mr. Anderson in the finals, with Mysterio securing the win by pinning Mundo.

December 12, 2015: Signing with Lucha Underground

On December 12, 2015, Rey Mysterio officially signed with Lucha Underground, marking a new chapter in his career.

2015: Departs WWE

In 2015, Rey Mysterio departed from WWE after having been with the company since 2002.

2015: AAA In-Ring Debut

In 2015, Rey Mysterio made his in-ring debut for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide at Rey de Reyes, teaming with Myzteziz to defeat El Hijo del Perro Aguayo and Pentagón Jr.

2015: Appears in Other Promotions

In 2015, after departing WWE, Rey Mysterio appeared in promotions including New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and Asistencia Asesoría y Administración.

January 10, 2016: Lucha Underground Trios Championship Win

On January 10, 2016, Rey Mysterio, Dragon Azteca Jr., and Prince Puma won the Lucha Underground Trios Championship in a four-way trio tag team elimination match.

February 2016: Departure from AAA

In early February 2016, AAA announced Rey Mysterio's departure from the organization due to financial disagreements between Mysterio and AAA. Despite not directly working for AAA, Mysterio Jr. participated in the 2016 Lucha Libre World Cup as part of "Team Mexico International" alongside Dr. Wagner Jr. and Dragon Azteca Jr., finishing in third place.

March 20, 2016: Match against Kurt Angle at URFight

On March 20, 2016, Rey Mysterio faced Kurt Angle at an URFight promotion event. Mysterio defeated Angle in a two-falls match with the help of rapper Riff Raff.

April 30, 2017: Winning the Mexico Leg of the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup

On April 30, 2017, at the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup, Rey Mysterio won the Mexico Leg by defeating Alberto El Patron in the semi-finals and Juventud Guerrera in the finals.

June 3, 2018: Return to AAA at Verano de Escándalo

On June 3, 2018, Rey Mysterio returned to Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (AAA) at Verano de Escándalo, participating in a three-way match for the AAA Mega Championship against Rey Wagner and Jeff Jarrett, which Jarrett won.

June 9, 2018: NJPW Debut at Dominion 6.9

On June 9, 2018, Rey Mysterio made his debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall. He teamed with Jushin Thunder Liger and Hiroshi Tanahashi, but they lost to the Bullet Club team of Cody, Marty Scurll, and Adam Page.

September 1, 2018: Appearance at All In

On September 1, 2018, Rey Mysterio teamed with Fenix and Bandido at the All In show, where they were defeated by The Golden Elite consisting of Kota Ibushi and The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson).

2018: Signing two-year contract with WWE

In 2018, Rey Mysterio made surprise appearances at Royal Rumble on January 28 and Greatest Royal Rumble on April 27. On September 19, 2018, it was confirmed that he had officially signed a two-year contract with WWE.

2018: Returns to WWE

In 2018, Rey Mysterio returned to WWE and was joined by his son Dominik. This marked a significant return to the company.

January 27, 2019: Royal Rumble Appearance and Elimination

On January 27, 2019, Rey Mysterio entered the Royal Rumble match at No. 25, but was eliminated by Randy Orton.

May 2020: Feud with Seth Rollins Begins

In May 2020, Rey Mysterio started a feud with Seth Rollins, which led to Mysterio being taken out of action due to an injury caused by Rollins.

January 31, 2021: Royal Rumble Appearance and Elimination

On January 31, 2021, at Royal Rumble, Rey Mysterio entered at No. 26, but was eliminated by Omos.

2021: Drafted to Raw Brand

In 2021, both Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio were drafted to the Raw brand. Rey then became involved in a feud with The Miz, later involving social media star Logan Paul.

January 28, 2023: Scheduled but Unable to Compete at Royal Rumble

On January 28, 2023, Rey Mysterio was slated to enter the Royal Rumble match at No. 17, but he was unable to compete due to an apparent attack, presumably by Dominik or The Judgment Day.

2023: WWE Hall of Fame Induction and WrestleMania 39 Match

In 2023, Rey Mysterio was announced as an inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame. He also accepted his son Dominik's challenge for a match at WrestleMania 39. Additionally, Rey reformed the Latino World Order.