Challenges in the Life of Rey Mysterio in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 7, 2026

Life is full of challenges, and Rey Mysterio faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio, known as Rey Mysterio, is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE's Raw brand. He is celebrated as one of the greatest luchadors and cruiserweight wrestlers in history. Mysterio's achievements have led to his induction into the AAA Hall of Fame, Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame, and the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy in professional wrestling.

Sections (5)

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

March 30, 2003: WrestleMania XIX match for Cruiserweight Championship

On March 30, 2003, at WrestleMania XIX, Rey Mysterio challenged Matt Hardy for the Cruiserweight Championship but was defeated due to interference from Shannon Moore.

January 13, 2005: Tag Team Title Loss

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

March 19, 2007: Steroid Allegations Against Gutierrez

On March 19, 2007, Sports Illustrated published an article alleging that Gutierrez had obtained nandrolone and stanozolol as part of a steroid and HGH ring used by professional athletes. WWE stated the allegations preceded their Talent Wellness program.

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.

August 27, 2009: Gutierrez Suspended for Wellness Program Violation

On August 27, 2009, WWE announced that Gutierrez would receive a 30-day suspension due to a violation of the wellness program. Gutierrez explained the drugs were on a prescription for his knee and arm, but he had limited time to provide it after promoting SummerSlam in Europe.

January 7, 2011: Loss to Alberto Del Rio

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

April 26, 2012: Suspension for Wellness Policy Violation

On April 26, 2012, WWE reported that Rey Mysterio had been suspended for 60 days due to his second violation of the company's Talent Wellness Program policy.

April 6, 2014: André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal

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

February 2016: Departure from AAA

In early February 2016, AAA announced that Rey Mysterio had left AAA due to financial issues between Mysterio and AAA. Despite not working directly for AAA, Mysterio Jr. participated in the 2016 Lucha Libre World Cup alongside Dr. Wagner Jr. and Dragon Azteca Jr., known as "Team Mexico International"; the trio finished in third place.

September 1, 2018: All In Main Event

On September 1, 2018, Rey Mysterio teamed up with Mexican luchadors Fenix and Bandido for the main event of the indy super show All In, losing to The Golden Elite team of Kota Ibushi and The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson).

January 27, 2019: Royal Rumble Elimination

On January 27, 2019, at the Royal Rumble, 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 began feuding with Seth Rollins, who used the corner of steel steps to pierce Mysterio's eye and take him out of action.

January 31, 2021: Royal Rumble Elimination

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

January 28, 2023: Royal Rumble Inability to Compete

On January 28, 2023, Rey Mysterio was scheduled to enter the Royal Rumble match at No. 17, but was unable to compete in storyline due to presumably being attacked by Dominik, who entered the match at No. 18.

October 2024: Feud with American Made

In October 2024, The LWO began a feud with Chad Gable's newly formed faction, American Made, centered around Gable's portrayal of "El Grande Americano".

April 19, 2025: Injury and WrestleMania 41 disqualification

On April 19, 2025, Rey Mysterio suffered a legitimate torn groin and a ruptured eardrum during a six-man tag match involving American Made and the LWO, which resulted in his disqualification from competing at WrestleMania 41. He underwent surgery afterwards and was expected to return towards the end of 2025.