The Unmasked Truth: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The Face Of Rey Mysterio

For over three decades, the mask of Rey Mysterio has been one of the most iconic and sacred symbols in professional wrestling, representing the high-flying heart of Lucha Libre. The question of what the man behind the legendary 619 looks like has fueled endless curiosity among fans worldwide, especially those who only know his WWE career.

As of December 2025, the reality is that the face of Rey Mysterio is no longer a secret, nor is it a closely guarded one. While he maintains the tradition of wearing his mask in the ring, the WWE Hall of Famer, Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio, has been seen unmasked in public and on social media for years, a fact that dates back to a controversial moment in wrestling history.

Rey Mysterio: The Man Behind the Mask - Full Biography and Profile

The man known globally as Rey Mysterio is a generational talent whose career has shattered the mold of what a professional wrestler can be. His life and career are a testament to the Lucha Libre spirit, even when forced to compromise its most sacred tradition—the mask.

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• Ring Name: Rey Mysterio (previously Rey Mysterio Jr., Colibrí)
• Real Name: Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio
• Born: December 11, 1974
• Hometown: San Diego, California, U.S. (Billed from San Diego, CA / Tijuana, Mexico)
• Lucha Libre Heritage: Nephew of the original Rey Mysterio
• WWE Debut: 2002
• Career Highlights (Selected Entities):
  • WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (2023)
  • 3-time World Champion (1-time WWE Champion, 2-time World Heavyweight Champion)
  • 2006 Royal Rumble Winner
  • 2-time Intercontinental Champion
  • 8-time Cruiserweight Champion (WCW/WWE)
  • 4-time Tag Team Champion
• Family: Married to Angie Gutiérrez, father to Dominik Mysterio and Aalyah Gutiérrez.

Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio has maintained his wrestling identity for most of his career, but his face has been publicly known since the late 1990s, an event that remains one of the most contentious decisions in Lucha Libre history.

The Unmasking Scandal: Why WCW Broke Lucha Libre Tradition

The most significant and permanent "face reveal" of Rey Mysterio occurred not by his choice, but by the mandate of World Championship Wrestling (WCW) management in 1999. This decision was a direct violation of the sacred traditions of Mexican Lucha Libre, where a mask is considered an extension of the wrestler's soul and identity.

The Controversial Night at SuperBrawl IX

In Lucha Libre, a "Luchas de Apuestas" (bet match) is the highest-stakes contest, where the loser must unmask or have their hair shaved. Rey Mysterio's unmasking did not occur under these traditional terms.

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At the 1999 SuperBrawl IX pay-per-view, Mysterio and his partner Konnan faced Kevin Nash and Scott Hall in a "Mask vs. Title Shot" match. When Mysterio and Konnan lost, the terms dictated that Mysterio had to remove his mask. He was reportedly strongly opposed to this decision, but ultimately had to comply with the company's wishes.

This forced unmasking was met with widespread criticism from the Lucha Libre community and traditional wrestling fans. It stripped Rey Mysterio of a key part of his cultural heritage and ring persona, reducing his marketability in the eyes of many purists.

The Unmasked Era and the Filthy Animals

For a period in WCW, Rey Mysterio wrestled without his mask, often as part of the stable known as the Filthy Animals. During this time, his "baby face" was on full display, a stark contrast to the masked enigma fans had grown to love.

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He expressed that he much preferred wrestling underneath his mask, feeling that the mask was integral to his character. When he returned to WWE in 2002, he was thankfully allowed to return to wearing his mask, restoring the iconic image that would define his Hall of Fame career.

The Face of Rey Mysterio Today: Public Life and the Lucha Libre Code

Despite the historical significance of the mask, the face of Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio is now a familiar sight outside of the wrestling ring. The advent of social media and a more relaxed attitude towards privacy have normalized his unmasked appearances.

Unmasked and Unfiltered in 2025

In recent years, Rey Mysterio has become increasingly comfortable appearing without his mask in public settings, especially when traveling or spending time with family. His wife, Angie Gutiérrez, often posts pictures of him unmasked on social media, giving fans a glimpse into his life outside of the WWE spotlight.

He has stated that he is fine with fans posting pictures of him without his mask, acknowledging that it is a "new era" where privacy is harder to maintain. This relaxed stance is a significant shift from the strict code of Lucha Libre, but reflects his long career and established identity.

In a notable recent instance, a picture of Rey Mysterio without his mask alongside Austin Theory surfaced just before WWE Backlash 2024, confirming his continued comfort in public without the face covering. This shows that while the mask is his professional identity, his real face is no longer a secret to those who follow him closely.

The Mask Legacy: Rey vs. Dominik Mysterio

The conversation about Rey Mysterio's face and mask is incomplete without mentioning his son, Dominik Mysterio. The contrast between father and son highlights the evolution of the Lucha Libre tradition in WWE.

• Dominik’s Choice: Unlike his father, Dominik Mysterio did not debut with a mask. He explained that this was due to the lineage of the Mysterio family and a decision made by WWE management.
• The Storyline Angle: Despite not wearing one, the mask has been a constant point of tension in the Rey vs. Dominik storyline. Dominik has been "forcefully" given a mask by others in a storyline context, further emphasizing the symbolic importance of the headpiece in their family feud.

While Rey Mysterio's face has been revealed, his commitment to the mask in the ring remains absolute. It is a tribute to his uncle, a nod to his Mexican heritage, and a key part of the mystique that has made him a global icon. The mask is now less about hiding his identity (Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio) and more about honoring the character of Rey Mysterio, the ultimate underdog.

Conclusion: The Enduring Mystique of the Mask

The face of Rey Mysterio—Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio—is a known entity, visible in family photos, candid public appearances, and even in historical footage from his WCW days. The secret, however, is not in the face itself, but in the enduring power of the mask. It transcends a simple disguise; it is a symbol of the high-flying, never-say-die spirit of Lucha Libre.

Even in 2025, when the man behind the mask is comfortable sharing his life with fans, the moment Rey Mysterio steps through the ropes, the mask transforms him from a father and husband into the legendary 619 master. That is the true magic that continues to captivate wrestling fans across the globe.