Retired Mexican professional wrestler Rey Misterio Sr., the uncle and coach to WWE star Rey Mysterio, has died at age 66.
His loss of life was confirmed Friday by Mexican wrestling promoter Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide and members of his household.
“Eternally grateful for you,” Mysterio’s daughter Aalyah Gutierrez wrote on Instagram. “Without you, my dad wouldn’t be the person or fighter he is today. Rest in peace, uncle.”
The circumstances surrounding Misterio Sr.’s loss of life weren’t instantly made clear, although it comes simply weeks after the loss of life of Mysterio’s father, Robert Gutierrez.
Born Miguel Ángel López Díaz, Misterio Sr. was well-known in Mexico’s lucha libre scene and likewise wrestled in Professional Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling and the World Wrestling Affiliation (WWA).
The 2-time IWC World Middleweight Champ wrestled his final match in 2023, capping off a virtually 50-year profession that started in 1976.
Misterio Sr.’s success prolonged to that of his mentees. Along with his three-time WWE world champion nephew, he skilled the likes of Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween and Damian 666.
“In his heyday, he was almost like Tijuana’s version of Jerry Lawler in Memphis,” Wrestling Observer founder Dave Meltzer wrote on social media Friday. “As a trainer, his track record matches the best.”
