The Face Behind The Mask: 5 Shocking Times Rey Mysterio Wrestled Unmasked And Why He Hated It

The mask of Rey Mysterio is more than just a costume; it is an emblem of *lucha libre* tradition, a symbol of his identity, and one of the most iconic looks in professional wrestling history.

However, as of today, December 10, 2025, the "Master of the 619" has a controversial past where he was forced to wrestle without his protective covering for several years, a period he has openly stated was one of the most frustrating and regrettable times of his career. This article dives deep into the history, the controversy, and the rare, shocking moments his face has been revealed both in and out of the ring.

Rey Mysterio: Complete Biography and Profile

• Real Name: Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio
• Born: December 11, 1974
• Hometown: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Debut: April 30, 1989
• Trained By: Rey Misterio Sr. (his uncle)
• Ring Names: Rey Mysterio Jr., Rey Mysterio, Colibrí
• Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
• Weight: 175 lbs (79 kg)
• Signature Moves: 619, West Coast Pop, Frog Splash
• Career Highlights: WWE Hall of Famer (Class of 2023), former WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, Cruiserweight Champion, and Royal Rumble Winner (2006).
• Family: Married to Angie Gutiérrez, father to Dominik Mysterio and daughter Aalyah Gutiérrez.
• Legacy: Widely regarded as the greatest high-flying wrestler of all time and a pioneer who brought the *lucha libre* style to the American mainstream.

The Controversial WCW Unmasking: A Broken Tradition (1999–2002)

The most significant and prolonged period where Rey Mysterio wrestled without his signature mask occurred in World Championship Wrestling (WCW). This was not a choice made by the luchador himself but a decision forced upon him by WCW management, a move that flew in the face of sacred *lucha libre* tradition.

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The Kevin Nash Debacle

The unmasking stipulation came during a *Lucha de Apuestas* match—a traditional Mexican wrestling stipulation where the loser must unmask or have their hair shaved—against the team of Kevin Nash and Scott Hall at SuperBrawl IX in February 1999.

Mysterio, teaming with Konnan, lost the match, and consequently, he was forced to remove his mask.

The controversy stemmed from the fact that the stipulation was not against another masked wrestler, which is the traditional context for a *Lucha de Apuestas*. Instead, it was against two American wrestlers, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, who had no understanding or respect for the cultural significance of the mask.

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The Regret of Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio

Wrestling unmasked for over three years, until the closure of WCW in 2001, was a deeply frustrating experience for Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio.

He has stated in numerous interviews that he felt losing the mask "hurt me a lot" and that the decision was a prime example of the mismanagement that plagued WCW.

The mask is the soul of the *luchador*, and removing it was seen as a profound disrespect to his heritage and the Mexican wrestling culture.

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The WWE Restoration and Rare Unmasked Moments

When Rey Mysterio signed with WWE in 2002, one of his non-negotiable conditions was the restoration of his mask gimmick.

WWE management, recognizing the value and cultural significance of the mask, agreed, allowing the "Master of the 619" to return to his true identity, solidifying his status as a legendary *luchador* for a new generation of fans.

The Shocking Near-Unmaskings

While his full face has not been seen on WWE television for a sustained period since 2002, several opponents have attempted to rip off his mask, creating shocking and highly emotional moments for the WWE Universe. These moments are brief, but they underscore the importance of the mask to his character and the drama of his matches.

• Andrade (2019): In a memorable moment on Monday Night Raw, Andrade successfully ripped off Mysterio's mask, forcing the veteran to cover his face with his hands and a towel before quickly retrieving a new mask.
• Cody Rhodes (2011): During a heated rivalry, Cody Rhodes was known to target Mysterio's mask, successfully removing it on at least one occasion to humiliate the high-flyer.
• Randy Orton: The "Viper" has also been involved in segments where he attempted to unmask Mysterio, using the act as psychological warfare against the legendary *luchador*.
• Eddie Guerrero: In their deeply personal 2005 feud over the custody of Dominik Mysterio, the late Eddie Guerrero also attempted to unmask his former friend and rival.

These brief, shocking reveals serve as a potent tool in wrestling storytelling, highlighting the vulnerability of the masked superstar and the cultural stakes involved in a *luchador's* career.

Rey Mysterio Unmasked: Life Outside the Ring

While the mask remains an integral part of his professional persona, Rey Mysterio—Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio—does not wear it 24/7.

In his private life, particularly on social media, fans occasionally catch glimpses of the man behind the mask. He frequently posts photos with his wife, Angie Gutiérrez, and his children, Dominik Mysterio and Aalyah Gutiérrez, where he is unmasked.

These photos, often taken on family vacations or during personal time, show him without the mask, but his face is usually obscured from a clear, direct shot or is only seen in a personal, non-wrestling context. This careful separation maintains the mystique of the wrestling character while allowing the man to live a normal life with his family.

The fact that he maintains this dual identity—masked in the ring, unmasked at home—shows his continued respect for the tradition of the *lucha libre* mask, which demands that the identity of the *luchador* be protected in public. It is a testament to the dedication of one of the greatest performers in WWE history.