WWE legend Rey Mysterio did not always compete under the name that brought him international fame, as during his early wrestling years he was known by a very different title. The Rey Mysterio early wrestling nickname, given to him by his uncle Rey Mysterio Sr., highlights a lesser-known chapter in his storied career long before he earned his place among the company’s Hall of Famers.
The Unexpected Origin of Rey Mysterio’s First Ring Name
Before making his unforgettable debut in WWE in 2002, Rey Mysterio crafted a reputation as a thrilling, masked luchador, well respected by both peers and fans for his fearless performances and unwavering dedication. However, few realize that his earliest days in professional wrestling were shaped by a nickname that few would associate with the powerhouse he became.
Rey Mysterio’s career in the ring actually started under a light-hearted moniker chosen by his uncle, himself a major influence and respected figure in lucha libre. For the initial three years after stepping into the spotlight, Mysterio wrestled as ‘The Hummingbird,’ or “colibri” as it is called in Spanish. This surprising identity was both distinctive and unexpected for someone whose legacy would later come to define modern wrestling.
Recalling the origins of his first ring name at a No-Contest Wrestling event, Mysterio shed light on how his uncle earned a reputation for christening new talent with memorable nicknames.
My uncle at the time was very good at giving names to up and coming wrestlers. So for me it was the hummingbird, in Spanish, colibri
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer
Carrying on the Family Legacy with a New Identity
While ‘The Hummingbird’ served as an amusing and unexpected start, Rey Mysterio always aimed to embody the Mysterio name and its traditions. For him, wrestling under a family moniker was not just about recognition, but about honoring a heritage forged in the ring. As he progressed in his career, his ambition grew—to step fully into the legacy established by his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr.
The shift from his first nickname to a name aligned with his family’s legacy took place in 1991. Rey Mysterio Sr. himself eventually granted him the privilege to use the title ‘Rey Misterio Jr.’, and thus, his professional trajectory shifted. By 1992, Mysterio entered the ranks of AAA, carrying the family’s celebrated name and intention of making it his own. His connection to the Mysterio line was finally solidified, marking a pivotal chapter in both his life and professional wrestling history. Upon joining WCW in 2002, he would drop the ‘Jr.’ from his moniker, stepping fully into the persona known around the world as Rey Mysterio.
Wrestling Legends and the Importance of Family Names
Rey Mysterio’s journey mirrors a common tradition among wrestlers, especially those with deep professional roots. The pattern of wrestlers paying homage to their lineage by adopting a family name is a hallmark of the sport. Cody Rhodes, for example, earned admiration for upholding the ‘Rhodes’ banner and molding his career in the image of his father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes, becoming a torchbearer for wrestling’s dynasties. Similarly, The Rock built his brand drawing from the legacy of his father, Rocky Johnson, reinforcing the significance of family identity in wrestling. Ted Dibiase Jr., Curtis Axel, and Rey’s own son Dominik have each honored their predecessor’s legacies by preserving their family names in the ring.
In this context, the choice of ‘The Hummingbird’ for a rising talent like Rey Mysterio seems especially out-of-place. While nicknames are common, the tradition often leans toward reinforcing family ties rather than obscuring them. The unexpected selection by Rey Mysterio Sr. left fans and fellow wrestlers alike questioning whether such a lightweight moniker truly fit someone destined for greatness.
How ‘The Hummingbird’ Nickname Clashed with Mysterio’s Reputation
Looking back, the ‘Hummingbird’ persona stood in stark contrast to the indomitable spirit that has come to define Rey Mysterio. Despite being shorter and lighter than many of his opponents, the luchador built a career surpassing expectations, becoming known as the ultimate underdog who consistently overcame larger, stronger rivals. This tenacity turned him into an inspiration and a symbol of resilience in WWE, making the early nickname seem all the more unsuitable for his persona.
The sentiment among many is that someone with Rey Mysterio’s dedication and impact deserved a far more imposing or meaningful ring name, even from the outset. As history has shown, leaving behind ‘The Hummingbird’ allowed him to embrace a surname with far greater weight, setting new standards for success in the sport.
Looking Ahead: Rey Mysterio’s Enduring Influence
Having long surpassed any expectations set by his first ring name, Rey Mysterio has achieved nearly every accolade possible in WWE, from championship reigns to a celebrated Hall of Fame induction. His transition from a little-known hopeful with a whimsical nickname to global icon demonstrates how embracing and honoring his family name transformed his career—and reinforced pro wrestling’s traditions of legacy and perseverance. As fans wonder what the future may hold for Rey Mysterio, his story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of heritage, resilience, and forging your own identity in the face of early doubts.
