Rey Mysterio, born Óscar Gutiérrez on December 11, 1974, in Chula Vista, California, has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Widely regarded as one of the most influential professional wrestlers in history, Mysterio is best known for his high-flying wrestling style, which helped popularize the “Lucha Libre” style of wrestling and the cruiserweight division in the United States. His career began in Mexico, where he trained under his uncle, also named Rey Mysterio. The young Gutiérrez quickly rose to prominence in Lucha Libre circles, and by 1991, he began wrestling under the name Rey Mysterio Jr. After a brief stint in the AAA promotion in Mexico and ECW, Mysterio joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996, where he won the WCW Cruiserweight Championship five times.
Mysterio’s influence continued to grow in the United States as he helped to lift the cruiserweight division, taking part in many memorable feuds with wrestlers like Dean Malenko, Prince Iuakea, and Lord Steven Regal. His time in WCW also saw him battle the New World Order (nWo), and his third cruiserweight title win in 1998 made him a household name. However, his career faced a setback in 1999 when he was forced to unmask by WCW officials, a decision that Mysterio has publicly expressed regret over, as it went against the traditions of Lucha Libre.
After WCW’s closure in 2001, Mysterio spent some time on the independent circuit before signing with WWE in 2002, where he regained his iconic mask and continued his success. In WWE, Mysterio won numerous titles, including the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championship. He was a key figure in several storylines, particularly his long-running feud with Eddie Guerrero, which is considered one of WWE’s most iconic rivalries. Mysterio left WWE in 2015 to wrestle in Mexico and Japan before returning to WWE in 2018, continuing to charm audiences with his incredible athleticism.
Personal Life and Family
Rey Mysterio comes from a wrestling family, with his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr., being a well-known wrestler in Mexico, and two of his cousins, along with his son and nephew, also pursuing careers in professional wrestling. He is married to Angie, with whom he shares two children. The family is Roman Catholic, and they maintain a relatively private life away from the ring.
Controversies
Mysterio has been involved in a few controversies throughout his career. Notably, in 2007, he was named in a Sports Illustrated article linking several WWE stars to steroid and HGH use. This led to a 30-day suspension, though Mysterio defended himself, claiming that the substances were prescribed by a licensed doctor. He was again suspended in 2012 for a similar issue. Another tragic moment in Mysterio’s career was the death of Perro Aguayo Jr., a fellow wrestler who died in the ring after a dropkick from Mysterio during a match in 2015. While Aguayo’s death was ruled as an accident, it shocked the wrestling world and became one of the darkest moments of Mysterio’s career.
Real Estate and Lifestyle
In terms of real estate, Mysterio owns a home in Chula Vista, California, valued at around $1 million. The house spans 4,000 square feet and includes five bedrooms. Mysterio has a unique collection of items in his home, including a large fish tank for his tropical fish collection, numerous swords, and an extensive array of action figures. The residence reflects his passion for collectibles and his family’s commitment to living in a comfortable, yet private, setting.
Rey Mysterio’s career and influence have left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry, and despite some controversies and challenges, his legacy as a high-flying luchador and WWE icon remains intact.