Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer and legendary masked wrestler, shared insights about his early days in WWE after the World Championship Wrestling (WCW) shutdown in 2001. When he joined WWE in 2002, Mysterio initially believed he would compete without his signature mask, as he had been wrestling unmasked for two years prior.
He explained,
“When the company closed down and WWE picked me up, I’m thinking in my head – ’cause I was already wrestling for two years without the mask — I’m thinking, ‘Okay, I got to figure out what gear I’m going to bring to WWE.”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer
WWE’s Surprise Request for Mysterio’s Masked Return
Shortly before his WWE debut, company officials surprised Mysterio by asking about his mask. He was informed that Vince McMahon wanted him to return wearing his iconic mask, reversing his expectation of wrestling without it.
Mysterio recalled,
“Maybe a couple of days before my debut, they were like, ‘What mask are you wearing?’ The office did. I’m like, ‘What do you mean, what mask? I’ve been wrestling without a mask.’ [WWE said] ‘Oh, no, no, Vince wants you to come back with the mask. I was like, ‘Nobody told me anything.’”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer
The Significance of His Masked Comeback
Mysterio reflected on the importance of this moment within the world of lucha libre traditions. Typically, wrestlers who lose their masks do not return wearing the same one, as it often signals a change in identity. However, Mysterio’s masked comeback with the same name became a notable and respected exception, considered a trendsetter in wrestling culture.
He said,
“That was kind of at the time a trendsetter because anyone that lost their mask in Lucha Libre, that’s it. They know who you are, you can come back maybe a year later with a different name, [and] mask. Nobody will know who you are. But for me to have lost it, come back with the same name and wear the mask, it became something cool, something new. And I’m kind of proud of that moment.”
—Rey Mysterio, WWE Hall of Famer
What This Moment Means for Rey Mysterio’s WWE Legacy
Rey Mysterio’s decision, influenced by WWE’s request, to return with his iconic mask redefined what was possible in the context of wrestling traditions, blending respect for lucha libre heritage with mainstream wrestling entertainment. This comeback enhanced his connection with fans and bolstered his identity as one of WWE’s most iconic stars. The moment remains a key part of his career narrative and continues to influence masked wrestlers worldwide.
