Rey Mysterio, the most beloved wrestler in the history of professional wrestling, has reached an uncommon level of prestige and success. Just as Michael Jordan defined basketball or Derek Jeter immediately made people think of baseball, Mysterio has defined mask, wrestling, and brilliance in the wrestling ring.
“I have been fortunate to be able to play my role in the world of wrestling and become a universal name,” says Mysterio. “When people hear the name Rey Mysterio, it is associated with wrestling, my culture. That is what I wanted to do all my life. Whether it’s a wrestling event, the World Cup, or the World Series, if you see a mask, people think of me. That represents the journey of my entire life. “
Mysterio’s effervescence in the ring has brought passion and joy to wrestling. He redefined the meaning of the mask in the United States, proudly depicting legendary fighters from bygone eras, those who preceded him such as El Santo, Blue Demon, Mil Máscaras, and El Hijo del Santo.
“My fighting style helped revolutionize the sport, and that’s why I fight the way I fight, it’s my way of thanking everyone,” says Mysterio. “Without them paving the way, there is no Rey Mysterio. Not just me, but others like Juventud Guerrera and Psychosis. Eddie Guerrero and Konnan. We had the opportunity to change this industry.
“I was lucky to have the opportunity to make a mark and I took advantage of that. I did that not just for myself, but for those who came before me and those you will see in the future. “
Mysterio’s reach is stronger than ever. In addition to his work in Slap together with his son, Dominik, he is also the spokesperson for Victoria beer, the official beer of Summer festival. Victoria teamed up with artist Dan Life to create a new Mysterio-inspired crystal jeweled mask.
Courtesy of Victoria
Two of the intricately designed handcrafted masks are available to win online.
“The mask is perfect, a work of art,” says Mysterio. “It has a lot of style. Knowing that there are only two makes it even more surprising. I need to talk to Dan Life about doing another one, because that’s something I want to rock. “
Attending a wrestling show in Mexico City two years ago helped provide inspiration for the design, and Life brought the mask to life with its various colors and details.
“I wanted to make the mask explode,” says Life. “The piece of jewelry is really cool. The stones were hand-held, and all the different colors add a lot. It’s otherworldly, almost like a crystal ball when you look at it.
“It was a great project, something I had never done before. And I’ve been itching all this time to put it on. “
Mysterio is delighted to team up with Victoria, especially in a company that highlights the mask.
“The mask defines me,” says Mysterio. That’s something my uncle [Rey Misterio] taught me. It teaches you to stand out. I’m glad that people can share that joy, that story, and that meaning. Now the mask is my trademark, universally related to Rey Mysterio. I can’t wait for the day when I can pass it on to my son. “
Rey and Dominik became the first WWE father-son duo to win the tag team titles, accomplishing the feat last May in Reaction.
“Dominik didn’t decide to start training until he was 19 years old [five years ago], but it’s been an incredible journey since it started, ”says Mysterio. “I am so proud of him.
“I am his father and I want the best for him. Watching him fight, it sometimes feels like he’s going to high school sports games, wishing he would stand out. I want you to do things the right way. He’s been in the ring for such a short time, but he’s stepping into the ring with some of the best stars in the company. I just want to make sure there are no errors or glitches. That’s the way you should be when you’re in the ring with stars like Roman Reigns and The Usos. “
The Mysterio dropped the titles earlier this month to The Usos in Money in the bank, a team that Mysterio holds in high regard.
“I’ve known them from day one and they have definitely earned my respect,” says Mysterio. “I remember them when their uncle Umaga, God rest his soul, was still alive and they were traveling with him. They are grown men now, stepping into the ring and there is a real connection between us. We are both from a generational family of fighters. That is something you cannot deny. And they are so great in the ring. “
Mysterio has been terrific on his return to WWE, and he’s enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate on this recent stretch with Reigns, Paul Heyman, and The Usos. He has a life full of memories in wrestling, starring where he has appeared, but this current career is different. Mysterio is now living life in WWE alongside his son, writing a new chapter in his legendary career.
“All my life, all I had wanted was to be a wrestler,” says Mysterio. “I never imagined that this sport would come with so many luxuries and accolades. Whether it’s endorsements or my goals in the ring, or companies I’ve worked for, or being a part of WWE, I’m really blessed and grateful, especially for doing this with Dominik and giving the mask even more meaning. “
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Justin Barrasso can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Justinbarrasso.
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Eddie is an Australian news reporter with over 9 years in the industry and has published on Forbes and tech crunch.