7 Shocking Facts About Rey Mysterio Sr.'s Death That Rocked The Wrestling World

The wrestling world was plunged into mourning in late 2024 following the sudden passing of legendary Lucha Libre figure Rey Mysterio Sr.. The iconic luchador, a pillar of the Tijuana wrestling scene and the man responsible for training his famous nephew, WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr., died at the age of 66 on December 20, 2024. His death, which followed a period of unconfirmed health issues, sent shockwaves through the global wrestling community, leaving fans and peers to grapple with the loss of one of the sport's most influential trainers and performers. The news of the death of Miguel Ángel López Días, known professionally as Rey Misterio Sr., was confirmed by his family and announced by his son, El Hijo de Rey Misterio. As of today, December 18, 2025, while the wrestling world continues to celebrate his immense legacy, the specific details surrounding his final moments and the official cause of death remain a central point of curiosity for many fans.

The Life and Legacy of Lucha Libre Icon Rey Mysterio Sr.

Rey Mysterio Sr., whose real name was Miguel Ángel López Días, was a foundational figure in modern Lucha Libre, particularly known for his work in Mexico and his pivotal role in launching the career of his nephew, Rey Mysterio Jr.. His career spanned over three decades, from the mid-1970s to the late 2000s, establishing him as a true legend of the masked wrestling style.

• Ring Name: Rey Misterio Sr. (also known as Rey Misterio, El Genio, Maravilla Blanca)
• Real Name: Miguel Ángel López Días
• Date of Birth: January 8, 1958
• Place of Birth: Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
• Date of Death: December 20, 2024
• Age at Death: 66
• Family: Uncle and trainer of WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jr. (Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio); father of luchador El Hijo de Rey Misterio (Miguel Aarón López Hernández).
• Career Debut: January 1976
• Key Accomplishments: Legendary Luchador, Influential Trainer, Multiple Championship Holder in various Mexican promotions.

1. The Shocking Date and Age of Passing

The most immediate shockwave was the date of his death: December 20, 2024. At 66 years old, Rey Mysterio Sr. was still a beloved and active presence in the wrestling community, appearing at conventions and working behind the scenes, especially in the Tijuana wrestling circuit. His passing, just weeks before his 67th birthday in January 2025, was a sudden and profound loss for the Lucha Libre world, which had just recently celebrated his decades-long contribution to the sport.

2. The Mystery Surrounding the Official Cause of Death

Despite the immediate confirmation of his death by his family, the official cause was not released and remains unknown to the public as of the time of this writing. This lack of a specific cause has fueled much speculation and curiosity among wrestling fans worldwide. The family has kept the details private, focusing instead on honoring his life and career.

3. The Preceding Health Battle

While the official cause of death is unknown, reports from the time of his passing indicated that Rey Mysterio Sr. had been dealing with significant health issues in the months leading up to December 2024. He was reportedly in the hospital and battling various health complications. The nature of these complications was never specified, but they were serious enough to require hospitalization and ultimately led to his passing. This detail suggests that while the death was sudden for the public, it may have been the culmination of a private health struggle.

The Immense Impact on the Mysterio Wrestling Dynasty

The passing of Rey Misterio Sr. is not just the loss of a great performer; it is the loss of the patriarch of the Mysterio wrestling dynasty. His influence is directly responsible for the global success of the most famous masked wrestler in history.

4. The Man Who Trained Rey Mysterio Jr.

Rey Mysterio Sr.'s most enduring legacy is his role as the primary trainer and mentor to his nephew, Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio, who would become the global superstar Rey Mysterio Jr.. Rey Sr. introduced his nephew to the world of Lucha Libre, teaching him the high-flying, acrobatic style that would define his career in promotions like WCW and WWE. The name "Rey Mysterio" itself was a tribute and a passing of the torch from the senior luchador to the junior. The younger Mysterio has consistently credited his uncle for his success, cementing Rey Sr.'s status as one of the most important trainers in wrestling history.

5. The Family’s Recent Double Tragedy

Adding to the heartbreak, the Mysterio family experienced another significant loss just weeks before Rey Misterio Sr.'s death. Reports indicate that the legendary wrestler's father, Roberto Gutierrez, had also passed away in the month preceding his son's death. This double tragedy placed an immense emotional burden on the family, including Rey Mysterio Jr., who had just been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame earlier that year. The wrestling community rallied around the family to offer support during this incredibly difficult time.

6. His Decorated Lucha Libre Career

While Rey Mysterio Jr. gained international fame, Rey Misterio Sr. was a decorated champion in his own right, primarily in the Mexican Lucha Libre promotions. His career was a masterclass in the traditional, high-energy, and technical style of Mexican wrestling. He held multiple championships throughout his career, showcasing his prowess and commitment to the sport for over 30 years. His work in promotions like Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (AAA) and various independent circuits in Tijuana and Baja California established him as a regional powerhouse and a true "lucha libre legend".

The Lasting Influence and Memorials

Rey Mysterio Sr.'s death sparked an outpouring of tributes from the entire wrestling industry, highlighting his profound and lasting influence.

7. Tributes Poured in From Across the Globe

Following the announcement, tributes flooded social media from wrestlers and promotions across the world. Lucha Libre AAA, one of the top Mexican promotions, released a message of condolence, acknowledging his massive contribution to the sport. Wrestlers who had trained under him or worked alongside him shared stories of his generosity, toughness, and unwavering dedication to the art of Lucha Libre. His legacy lives on not only through the Mysterio family but also through every high-flying, masked wrestler who carries on the tradition he helped perfect. He will forever be remembered as a pioneer and a true king of the ring.