Rey Mysterio has built an extraordinary 36-year career in professional wrestling, competing across AAA, ECW, WCW, Lucha Underground, and WWE, where he is both a Hall of Famer and currently active. Unlike many in the industry, very few people backstage hold any negative feelings toward him. This rare respect was brought up during a conversation with Cody Rhodes on the show What Do You Wanna Talk About?, where Mysterio explained the roots of his strong reputation and enduring legacy in wrestling.
He stressed that his approach to wrestling goes beyond the ring, highlighting his deep connection to the business and how it has shaped both his life and career.
His Deep Commitment to Wrestling
Mysterio emphasized that wrestling is more than just a job; it is his lifelong passion and identity.
“This is the only thing that I’ve ever done, and I’ve ever loved doing, and the only thing that I know how to do. And I’ve always held it very dear and close to my heart, and I do it with passion, with love. I spend my energy, I devote myself to this sport. It’s given me everything. It’s given me the opportunity to meet my wife and to have my children, to live the way I live. Truly blessed overall, not only in sport and life in general,”
he shared.
He reflected further on the journey wrestling has taken him on, acknowledging the personal growth it inspired:
“And it’s given me so many opportunities and just a lot of things that I would never have thought that I would have in life. And throughout that journey, it kind of opens up your heart and your mind, and you start realizing a lot of things that you didn’t realize when you were younger, when you were just kind of going through the flow.”
?Rey Mysterio, Wrestler
How Respect and Upbringing Shape His Backstage Reputation
Mysterio attributed much of the respect he receives backstage to the values instilled in him from childhood. He treats everyone—whether peers or younger talent—with the same respect he expects in return.
“I’ve always respected all my peers, younger or older than me. And I think I’ve always treated everyone the way I’ve been wanting to be treated. And I think that comes from home, the way your parents raised you. ‘Cause I see now the same with my kids. Like, how they are treated and how people express themselves about my kids.”
He explained that this foundation of respect, rooted in family and upbringing, profoundly influences his relationships throughout wrestling:
“So I think in that sense, there’s a foundation to all of this. And it starts from home, then eventually builds whatever you wanna build it, from whatever traits you pick up from home and carry those with you.”
?Rey Mysterio, Wrestler
A Passion for the Wrestling Community and Gratitude for His Journey
Beyond his personal achievements, Mysterio values the community and camaraderie that wrestling provides, which motivates him to keep performing at a high level. He expressed deep gratitude for both his career and the relationships he has formed along the way.
“But overall, I’m grateful to be where I’m at. I’m grateful with the life in general. Blessed, 1000%, and enjoy from day one, training, to this day, everything I have done. And I’ve had people to share it with. And I like doing that, and I like the camaraderie, I like to connect. I can isolate myself a lot when I’m not around this sport. And I think there’s few people that can see that. My wife, my daughter, and maybe my son every now and then. But when I’m here, I get suffocated with it, and I love it.”
?Rey Mysterio, Wrestler
The Lasting Impact of Rey Mysterio’s Career
Rey Mysterio’s enduring wrestling legacy stems from his unwavering passion, respect for others, and foundation built in his upbringing. These qualities have made him a beloved figure not only for fans but also within the inner circles of wrestling. As he continues active competition, his story illustrates how dedication to craft and character can foster both professional success and personal fulfillment.
His journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring wrestlers and fans alike, showing that remaining grounded and passionate can create a timeless legacy in the highly competitive world of sports entertainment.
