Content deleted Content added
m rv block evasion |
|||
Line 1:
{{short description|American professional wrestler (born 1974)}}
{{about|the American professional wrestler|his uncle|Rey Misterio|his cousin|El Hijo de Rey Misterio}}
{{Family name hatnote|Gutiérrez|Rubio|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox professional wrestler
| name = Rey Mysterio
| image = Rey Mysterio (29081123617).jpg
| caption = Mysterio in 2018
| birth_name = Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio<ref name=Suspension/>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1974|12|11}}<ref name=AaronTrejoBook/>
| birth_place = [[Chula Vista, California]], U.S.<ref name="Mooneyham"/>
| spouse = {{marriage|Angie Gutiérrez|1996}}
| children = 2, including [[Dominik Mysterio|Dominik]]
| relatives = [[Rey Misterio]] (Sr.) (uncle)<br/>[[El Hijo de Rey Misterio]] (cousin)
| names = {{Ubl
| Colibri<ref name="OWOW"/>
| La Lagartija Verde
| El Nino<ref name="WrestlingData"/>
| Rey Misterio II<ref name="WrestlingData"/>
| Rey Misterio Jr.<ref name="Cage"/>
| '''Rey Mysterio'''<ref name="WWE Bio"/>
| Rey Mysterio Jr.<ref name="NJPW"/>}}
| height = 5 ft 6 in<ref name="WWE Bio"/>
| weight = 175 lbs<ref name="WWE Bio"/>
| trainer = [[Rey Misterio]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
| debut = April 30, 1989<ref name="official"/>
| billed = [[San Diego]], California<ref name="WWE Bio"/>
| module = {{Listen
| embed = yes
| title = Rey Mysterio's voice
| filename = Rey Mysterio Jr discusses Eddie Guerrero (2018).webm
| description =Rey Mysterio discusses working with [[Eddie Guerrero]] in the early part of his career.<br />Recorded January 14, 2018.
}}
}}
'''Óscar Gutiérrez Rubio''' (born December 11, 1974), better known by his [[ring name]] '''Rey Mysterio''',{{Notetag|Derived from Spanish for "Mystery King".}} is an American [[professional wrestler]]. He is signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]]. Widely regarded as both one of the greatest ''[[Lucha libre|luchadors]]'' and [[Cruiserweight (professional wrestling)|cruiserweight]] wrestlers of all time, Mysterio is an inductee of the [[AAA Hall of Fame]], [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame|''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'' Hall of Fame]], and [[WWE Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Wonsover|first=Michael|date=December 22, 2017|title=Rey Mysterio's career far from over, open to WWE return|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/21847264/rey-mysterio-excited-wrestle-open-wwe-return|access-date=December 30, 2017|publisher=[[ESPN]]|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223193357/http://www.espn.co.uk/wwe/story/_/id/21847264/rey-mysterio-excited-wrestle-open-wwe-return|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name = Times>{{cite news|url=https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2023/03/12/san-diego-pro-wrestler-rey-mysterio-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame/|title=San Diego Pro Wrestler Rey Mysterio to Be Inducted into WWE Hall of Fame|last=Monteagudo|first=Luis Jr.|date=March 12, 2023|work=Times of San Diego|access-date=March 14, 2023|archive-date=March 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323115436/https://timesofsandiego.com/sports/2023/03/12/san-diego-pro-wrestler-rey-mysterio-to-be-inducted-into-wwe-hall-of-fame/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The nephew and trainee of [[Rey Misterio]], Mysterio began wrestling on the [[independent circuit]] in 1989 at the age of 14 before signing with [[Asistencia Asesoría y Administración]] in 1992. After brief stints with [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]], the [[World Wrestling Association]], and [[Wrestle Association R]], Mysterio signed with [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) in 1996. In WCW, Mysterio helped popularize ''lucha libre'' in the United States, which led to the rise of cruiserweight wrestling divisions, winning the [[WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] five times; the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] three times; and the [[WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship]] once. He lost his mask in a ''[[Lucha de Apuestas]]'' against [[Kevin Nash]], working unmasked until 2002.
Following the closure of WCW in 2001, Mysterio wrestled for promotions including [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]], the [[World Wrestling Council]], and the [[X Wrestling Federation]] before joining World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002, where he resumed wearing a mask. He stayed with WWE until 2015, winning the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] twice; the [[WWE Championship]] once; the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1996–2007)|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] three times; the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] twice; the [[WWE United States Championship]] three times, and the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] four times, as well as winning the [[2006 Royal Rumble]].
Mysterio departed WWE in 2015, going on to appear in promotions including [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]], [[Lucha Underground]], and Asistencia Asesoría y Administración. He returned to WWE in 2018, where he was joined by his son [[Dominik Mysterio|Dominik]].
== Early life ==
Óscar Gutiérrez was born on December 11, 1974, in [[Chula Vista, California]], a suburb of [[San Diego]].<ref name="Mooneyham" /><ref name = Times/> His parents are Mexican nationals Maria del Rosario and Roberto Gutierrez (1948–2024),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hanna |first=Jeremy |date=November 19, 2024 |title=Father of WWE Legend Rey Mysterio Passes Away at 76 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/sports/father-wwe-legend-rey-mysterio-passes-away-76-1988416 |access-date=November 19, 2024 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}</ref> both from very poor, uneducated backgrounds; Maria was a house cleaner and Roberto was a factory worker.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Rey Mysterio |author2=Jeremy Roberts |title=Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask |date=2009 |pages=5, 11}}</ref><ref name="Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask">{{cite book |last1=Roberts |title=Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask |date=2009 |page=5}}</ref> Gutiérrez spent his childhood crossing the border from Tijuana to San Diego each day for school.<ref name="alja" /> He dropped out of high school with his parents' approval.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Rey Mysterio |author2=Jeremy Roberts |title=Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask |date=2009 |pages=53–54}}</ref> He has three brothers.<ref name="Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask"/>
== Professional wrestling career ==
=== Early career (1989–1992) ===
{{Professional wrestling sidebar}}
Gutiérrez made his debut in Mexico on April 30, 1989, when he was 14 years old. He was trained by his uncle [[Rey Misterio]] and wrestled early on in Mexico, where he learned the ''[[Lucha Libre]]'' high flying style that has been his trademark. He had ring names such as "La Lagartija Verde (The Green Lizard)" and "Colibrí (Hummingbird)" before his uncle gave him the name of Rey Misterio Jr. In 1991, while wrestling in Mexico as Colibrí, Mysterio was named "Most Improved Wrestler".{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
=== Asistencia Asesoría y Administración (1992–1996) ===
In [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide|Asistencia Asesoría y Administración]] (AAA), Mysterio feuded with [[Juventud Guerrera]]. Mysterio's uncle Misterio Sr. also took on Guerrera in a tag match: Misterio Sr. and Mysterio Jr. faced Guerrera and his father [[Fuerza Guerrera]].{{citation needed|date=May 2024}} In 1994, Mysterio participated in the co-promoted event between AAA and American promotion [[World Championship Wrestling]] [[AAA When Worlds Collide]]. Mysterio credited there event as the reason WCW noticed him.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rey Mysterio Credits AAA Worlds Collide With Getting Him Noticed by WCW |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/rey-mysterio-credits-aaa-worlds-collide-noticed-wcw/ |website=411Mania |access-date=15 July 2025}}</ref>
=== Extreme Championship Wrestling (1995–1996) ===
Mysterio signed with [[Paul Heyman]]'s [[Extreme Championship Wrestling]] (ECW) in 1995.<ref name=BiggestLittle>{{cite video|title=Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1353050/|date=2007|medium=DVD|publisher=[[WWE Home Video]]|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612051615/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1353050/|url-status=live}}</ref> He debuted on September 16, 1995, at [[ECW Gangstas Paradise|Gangstas Paradise]], defeating [[Psicosis]], who was also making his ECW debut.<ref name=BiggestLittle/><ref>{{cite book|title=The Rise and Fall of ECW|last=Loverro|first=Thom|pages=[https://archive.org/details/risefallofecw00thom/page/105 105–106]|publisher=[[Pocket Books]]|year=2006|isbn=978-1-4165-1058-1|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/risefallofecw00thom/page/105}}</ref> A feud between the two began, which included a [[two out of three falls match]] at [[South Philly Jam]] and a [[Mexican Death match]] at [[November to Remember 1995]].<ref name=BiggestLittle/> Mysterio went on to have a series of matches with ECW newcomer [[Juventud Guerrera]] during early 1996. He wrestled his final bout for ECW at [[Big Ass Extreme Bash]] in March 1996, defeating Guerrera.<ref name=BiggestLittle/>
=== World Championship Wrestling
==== Cruiserweight division (1996–1998) ====
{{see also|Latino World Order}}
Mysterio made his [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW) debut on June 16, 1996, at [[The Great American Bash (1996)|The Great American Bash]], challenging [[Dean Malenko]] for the [[WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Great American Bash 1996 results |url=https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/gabash.html#96 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623100454/https://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/gabash.html#96 |archive-date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> At [[Bash at the Beach (1996)|Bash at the Beach]] on July 7, he defeated Psicosis in a #1 contender's match to earn another opportunity at the Cruiserweight Championship,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#96|title=Bash at the Beach 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-date=February 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228231236/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#96|url-status=live}}</ref> which he won for the first time by defeating Malenko the next night on ''[[WCW Monday Nitro]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/349714|title=History of the Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Mysterio|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=January 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122134234/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/349714|url-status=dead}}</ref> He successfully defended the title against [[Último Dragón|Ultimate Dragon]] at [[Hog Wild 1996|Hog Wild]] on August 10,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#96|title=Hog Wild results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=April 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420063202/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#96|url-status=live}}</ref> Malenko at [[Clash of the Champions#Clash of the Champions XXXIII|Clash of the Champions XXXIII]] five days later,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXXIII|title=Clash of the Champions XXXIII results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421024241/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/clash2.html#XXXIII|archive-date=April 21, 2008}}</ref> and [[Super Caló]] at [[Fall Brawl '96: War Games|Fall Brawl]] on September 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#96|title=Fall Brawl 1996: WarGames results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413111226/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#96|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 27, at [[Halloween Havoc (1996)|Halloween Havoc]], he lost the title back to Malenko.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#96|title=Halloween Havoc 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222213821/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#96|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio challenged Ultimate Dragon for the [[J-Crown]] Championship in a losing effort at [[World War 3 (1996)|World War 3]] on November 24.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#96|title=World War 3 1996 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222211339/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#96|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 23, 1997, he faced [[Prince Iaukea]] for the [[WCW World Television Championship]] at [[SuperBrawl VII]], but lost after being attacked by [[William Regal|Lord Steven Regal]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VII|title=SuperBrawl VII results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=March 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302195518/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#VII|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio also lost a title rematch at [[Uncensored (1997)|Uncensored]] on March 16.<ref>{{cite web |title=Uncensored 1997 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#97 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324230031/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#97 |archive-date=March 24, 2008 |access-date=May 16, 2008 |work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History}}</ref> Soon after, Mysterio began a feud with the [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]] (nWo), culminating when he lost a [[Professional wrestling match types#Hardcore-based variations|Mexican Death match]] to nWo member [[Konnan]] at [[Road Wild (1997)|Road Wild]] on August 9.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Road Wild 1997 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#97 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |archive-date=April 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420063202/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#97 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mysterio was then involved in a feud with his real-life friend and Cruiserweight Champion [[Eddie Guerrero]], whom he defeated in a [[Hair vs. Hair match|Title vs. Mask match]] at [[Halloween Havoc (1997)|Halloween Havoc]] on October 26 to win the Cruiserweight Championship for the second time.<ref name="cruiser">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/|title=History of the Cruiserweight Championship|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-date=February 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219195259/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser|url-status=live}}</ref> On the November 10 episode of ''Nitro'', he lost the title back to Guerrero, as well as in a rematch at [[World War 3 (1997)|World War 3]] on November 23.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#97|title=World War 3 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222211339/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/ww3.html#97|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 15, 1998, episode of ''[[WCW Thunder]]'', Mysterio defeated [[Juventud Guerrera|Juventud]] to win his third Cruiserweight Championship, but lost it nine days later to [[Chris Jericho]] at [[Souled Out (1998)|Souled Out]].<ref name="cruiser" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/nwoppv.html#98|title=Souled Out 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=June 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623094940/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/nwoppv.html#98|url-status=live}}</ref> After the match, Jericho continued the beating by using a toolbox he found at ringside. This storyline was used to cover Mysterio's need for a knee operation that kept him out of the ring for six months. At [[Bash at the Beach (1998)|Bash at the Beach]] on July 12, Mysterio returned and defeated Jericho for his fourth Cruiserweight championship.<ref name="BATB1998">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98|title=Bash at the Beach 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=February 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228231236/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#98|url-status=live}}</ref> The next night, however, the result was overturned and the belt returned to Jericho due to Dean Malenko interfering.<ref name="BATB1998" />
Later that year, Eddie Guerrero formed a Mexican [[Professional wrestling stable|stable]] known as the [[Latino World Order]] (LWO) (a spin off of [[New World Order (professional wrestling)|New World Order]]) that included nearly every luchador in the promotion. Mysterio continually refused to join and feuded with Guerrero and the LWO members, including winning a match against longtime rival and LWO member Psicosis in a match at [[Road Wild (1998)|Road Wild]] on August 8.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98|title=Road Wild 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=April 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420063202/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#98|url-status=live}}</ref> He was forced to join the group after losing a match to Eddie Guerrero. Mysterio's on-and-off [[tag team]] partner [[Billy Kidman]] joined him during the feud with LWO, wrestling against the LWO despite Mysterio being a part of the group. Mysterio faced Kidman for the Cruiserweight Championship at [[Starrcade (1998)|Starrcade]] on December 27, but was unsuccessful in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triangle match]] also involving Juventud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#98|title=Starrcade 1998 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222221018/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#98|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 17, 1999, at [[Souled Out (1999)|Souled Out]], Mysterio failed to win the title from Kidman in a [[four-way match]] that also included Psicosis and Juventud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/nwoppv.html#99|title=Souled Out 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 16, 2008|archive-date=June 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623094940/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/nwoppv.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Giant Killer; unmasking (1998–1999) ====
[[File:Rey Mysterio in 1999 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Mysterio unmasked in 1999]]
After the two factions of nWo reformed, they demanded that the LWO disband. Mysterio refused to take off his LWO colors and was attacked by the nWo as a result. This led to a match at [[SuperBrawl IX]] on February 21, where Mysterio and tag partner Konnan lost a "Hair vs. Mask match" against [[Kevin Nash]] and [[Scott Hall]], forcing Mysterio to remove his mask.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SuperBowl IX results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#IX |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |archive-date=March 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302195518/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#IX |url-status=live }}</ref> After the match, he phoned his uncle to tell him the news. Mysterio has publicly expressed his disappointment over being unmasked:
{{cquote|I was strongly against it! I don't think WCW understood what the mask meant to me, to my fans and to my family. It was a very bad move on their behalf. The fans wanted Rey Mysterio with the mask and losing it hurt me a lot. It was also frustrating that it didn't come as the climax to a feud with another masked wrestler, but in a throwaway match. The same thing happened to Juventud and Psicosis and [[Psychology|psychologically]] wise it was a bad move by [[Eric Bischoff]]. I think the fans understand that I was in a position where I had no option. I either had to lose my mask or lose my job.<ref name="rey-mysterio.org">{{cite web|url=http://www.rey-mysterio.org/rey/articles/misc004.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080403055559/http://www.rey-mysterio.org/rey/articles/misc004.php|archive-date=April 3, 2008|title=Rey Mysterio Misc 4}}</ref>}}
Following SuperBrawl, Mysterio became a "giant killer" by defeating large opponents such as Kevin Nash, [[Bam Bam Bigelow]], and [[Scott Norton]].<ref>{{cite web |date=February 22, 1999 |title=WCW Monday Nitro |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999023m.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104050216/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999023m.htm |archive-date=November 4, 2012 |access-date=May 16, 2008 |work=DDT Digest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 1, 1999 |title=WCW Monday Nitro |url=https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999024m.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070127021036/https://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999024m.htm |archive-date=January 27, 2007 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |website=DDT Digest}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=March 8, 1999 |title=WCW Monday Nitro |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999031m.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621021803/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999031m.htm |archive-date=June 21, 2013 |access-date=May 16, 2008 |work=DDT Digest}}</ref> At [[Uncensored (1999)|Uncensored]] on March 14, he lost to Nash after interference from [[Lex Luger]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Uncensored 1999 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |archive-date=March 24, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324230031/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/uncensor.html#99 |url-status=live }}</ref> The next night, on the March 15 episode of ''Nitro'', he defeated Billy Kidman to win his fourth Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name="cruiser" /> On the March 22 episode of ''Nitro'', Mysterio got his first shot at the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] against champion [[Ric Flair]] when the names of (allegedly) nearly everyone in the company were put into a hat and a lottery was held. [[El Dandy]] was the lottery winner, but he was injured, and Mysterio took the shot instead. The match ended with a disqualification win for Flair, even though [[Arn Anderson]]'s interference on Flair's behalf should have theoretically disqualified Flair.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 22, 1999 |title=WCW Monday Nitro |url=http://ddtdigest.com/updates/1999033m.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110043702/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999033m.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |access-date=January 5, 2011 |work=DDT Digest}}</ref> The following week, Mysterio and Kidman defeated Flair's [[Four Horsemen (professional wrestling)|Four Horsemen]] stablemates Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko to win the [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]], making Mysterio a double champion.<ref name="wcwtag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-t.html|title=W.C.W. World Tag Team Title|work=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-date=February 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226100206/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-t.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio successfully defended his Cruiserweight Championship against his tag team partner Kidman at [[Spring Stampede (1999)|Spring Stampede]] on April 11 before losing the title on the April 19 episode of ''Nitro'' to Psicosis in a fatal four-way match that also involved Juventud Guerrera and [[Jay Ross|Blitzkrieg]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#99|title=Spring Stampede 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=February 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140216144822/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/stampede.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 19, 1999 |title=WCW Monday Nitro |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999043m.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617051337/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999043m.htm |archive-date=June 17, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2008 |work=DDT Digest}}</ref> On the following episode of ''Nitro'', he defeated Psicosis to win his fifth Cruiserweight Championship.<ref name="cruiser" /> At [[Slamboree (1999)|Slamboree]] on May 9, Mysterio and Kidman lost the World Tag Team titles to [[Raven (wrestler)|Raven]] and [[Perry Saturn]] in a triangle match, also involving former champions Benoit and Malenko.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/slambore.html#99|title=Slamboree 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222220514/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/slambore.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== No Limit Soldiers; Filthy Animals (1999–2001) ====
{{Main|No Limit Soldiers|Filthy Animals}}
In mid-1999, Mysterio and Konnan joined [[Master P]]'s [[No Limit Soldiers]] and feuded with the [[West Texas Rednecks]]. At [[The Great American Bash (1999)|The Great American Bash]] on June 13, they defeated Rednecks members [[Curt Hennig]] and [[Bobby Duncum Jr.]], and at [[Bash at the Beach (1999)|Bash at the Beach]] on July 11, won a four-on-four [[Professional wrestling tag team match types|elimination tag team match]] against them.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/gabash.html#99|title=The Great American Bash 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=February 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220014859/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/gabash.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#99|title=Bash at the Beach 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=February 28, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228231236/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/beach.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref> After Master P's departure from WCW, Mysterio formed a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Stable|stable]] with Eddie Guerrero and Billy Kidman known as the Filthy Animals, turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first and only time in his career.<ref name="filthyanimals">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/f/filthy-animals.html|title=Filthy Animals Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=September 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903012841/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/f/filthy-animals.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Filthy Animals defeated [[Raven's Nest|Dead Pool]] in six-man tag team matches at [[Road Wild (1999)|Road Wild]] on August 14 and [[Fall Brawl (1999)|Fall Brawl]] on September 12.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#99|title=Road Wild 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=April 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420063202/http://prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/roadwild.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99|title=Fall Brawl 1999 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413111226/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#99|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 19 episode of ''Thunder'', Mysterio lost the cruiserweight title to [[Lenny Lane]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 19, 1999 |title=WCW Thunder |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999083t.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617051347/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/1999083t.htm |archive-date=June 17, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2008 |work=DDT Digest}}</ref>
On the October 18 episode of ''Nitro'', Mysterio and Konnan defeated [[Harlem Heat]] to win the World Tag Team Championship, however, Mysterio was injured during the match and was sidelined.<ref name="wcwtag"/> Kidman substituted for Mysterio and teamed with Konnan during their title defense against Harlem Heat and the [[First Family (professional wrestling)|First Family]] at [[Halloween Havoc (1999)|Halloween Havoc]] six days later, where the Filthy Animals lost the titles back to Harlem Heat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pantoja |first=Kevin |date=September 6, 2017 |title=Random Network Reviews: WCW Halloween Havoc 1999 |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-wcw-halloween-havoc-1999/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405082608/https://411mania.com/wrestling/random-network-reviews-wcw-halloween-havoc-1999/ |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |website=411Mania}}</ref> Mysterio returned in early 2000 and remained a steady performer, eventually joining [[the New Blood]] faction, opposing [[the Millionaire's Club]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/n/new-blood.html|title=New Blood Profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=June 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603004329/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/n/new-blood/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 14 episode of ''Nitro'', Mysterio and Juventud defeated [[Keiji Mutoh|The Great Muta]] and Vampiro to win the World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 14, 2000 |title=WCW Monday Nitro |url=http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000082m.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618175031/http://www.ddtdigest.com/updates/2000082m.htm |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2008 |work=DDT Digest}}</ref> They were stripped of the title after [[Ernest Miller]] pinned [[Disco Inferno (wrestler)|Disco Inferno]] with the stipulation that if he pinned Disco, Mysterio and Guerrera would be stripped of the title. At [[Fall Brawl (2000)|Fall Brawl]] on September 17, the Filthy Animals fought [[The Natural Born Thrillers]] to a [[No contest (professional wrestling)|no contest]] in an elimination tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#2000|title=Fall Brawl 2000 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=April 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413111226/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/fall.html#2000|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio reformed his tag team with Kidman and challenged for the World Tag Team Championship in a triangle match at [[Halloween Havoc (2000)|Halloween Havoc]] on October 29, facing the champions Natural Born Thrillers and [[The Dancing Fools|The Boogie Knights]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#2000|title=Halloween Havoc 2000 results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=February 22, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222213821/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/havoc.html#2000|url-status=live}}</ref>
At [[Millennium Final]] on November 16, Mysterio and Kidman lost to [[KroniK]], but avenged their loss at [[Mayhem (2000)|Mayhem]] ten days later against KroniK and [[Alex Wright]] in a handicap match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Millennium Final results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#final |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |archive-date=March 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331035038/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#final |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mayhem 2000 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/mayhem.html#2000 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |archive-date=April 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408100448/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/mayhem.html#2000 |url-status=live }}</ref> At [[Starrcade (2000)|Starrcade]] on December 17, The Filthy Animals lost to [[The Harris Brothers]] and [[Jeff Jarrett]] in a [[Bunkhouse brawl|Bunkhouse Brawl]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Starrcade 2000 results |url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#2000 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments |publisher=Pro Wrestling History |archive-date=February 22, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222221018/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/starrcad.html#2000 |url-status=live }}</ref> After this, the Filthy Animals starting feuding with [[Team Canada (WCW)|Team Canada]], to whom they lost in a [[Penalty box|Penalty Box match]] at [[WCW Sin|Sin]] on January 14, 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#sin|title=Sin results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=March 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331035038/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#sin|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[SuperBrawl Revenge]] on February 18, Mysterio unsuccessfully challenged [[Chavo Guerrero Jr.]] for the Cruiserweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#2001|title=SuperBrawl Revenge results|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=March 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080302195518/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/s-brawl.html#2001|url-status=live}}</ref> Kidman and Mysterio participated in a cruiserweight tag team tournament for the newly created [[WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship]] and advanced to the final round, where they lost to Elix Skipper and [[Kid Romeo]] at [[WCW Greed|Greed]] on March 18.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#greed|title=Greed results|publisher=Pro Wrestling History|work=Wrestling Supercards and Tournaments|access-date=May 17, 2008|archive-date=March 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331035038/http://www.prowrestlinghistory.com/supercards/usa/wcw/miscppv.html#greed|url-status=live}}</ref> On the final episode of ''Nitro'' on March 26, they defeated Skipper and Romeo in a rematch to win the Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship before WCW was sold to the [[World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF).<ref name="cruisertag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-c-t.html|title=W.C.W. World Cruiserweight Tag Team Title|work=The Great Hisa's Puroresu Dojo|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-date=July 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130722183406/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/wcw/wcw-c-t.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (2001) ===
After WCW closed down, Mysterio started wrestling independently in Mexico. He made his first ever [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] appearance, debuting in an eight-man tag team match. Mysterio wrestled a total of 10 matches in CMLL before returning to the United States.{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
=== Independent circuit and Puerto Rico (2002) ===
Upon his return to the US, he worked in [[Independent Wrestling Association Mid-South|IWA Mid-South]], the [[Xcitement Wrestling Federation]] and the [[Heartland Wrestling Association]], with the likes of [[Eddie Guerrero]] and [[CM Punk]]. Mysterio traveled to Puerto Rico for the [[World Wrestling Council]] and defeated [[Eddie Colon]] for the [[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] on January 6, 2002, holding the belt until losing it back to Colon on April 6.<ref name=":0" />
===
==== Championship reigns (2002–2004) ====
[[Image:Rey1 DownNDirty.JPG|thumb|Mysterio signing autographs in 2004]]
In June 2002, Mysterio signed with [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), and [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Promo|promos]] that hyped his debut began airing. The "Jr." was dropped from his name and he was billed simply as Rey Mysterio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results — July 11, 2002 |url=https://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020711.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217194339/https://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020711.htm |archive-date=February 17, 2005 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref>
Mysterio, with his mask, made his WWE debut on the July 25, 2002, episode of ''[[WWE SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' as a [[Face (professional wrestling)|face]], defeating Chavo Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020725.html|title=SmackDown! results – July 25, 2002|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=May 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531061854/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020725.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His first feud was with [[Kurt Angle]], culminating in a match at [[SummerSlam (2002)|SummerSlam]] on August 25,<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results — August 8, 2002 |url=https://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020808.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607083505/https://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020808.htm |archive-date=June 7, 2008 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results — August 22, 2002 |url=https://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020822.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913151440/https://pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/020822.htm |archive-date=September 13, 2008 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> which Angle won after forcing Mysterio to submit to the [[Professional wrestling holds#Ankle lock|ankle lock]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/history/2002/results/|title=SummerSlam 2002 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=July 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723225549/http://www.wwe.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> He later formed a tag team with [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], participating in a [[List of WWE tournaments#WWE Tag Team Championship Tournament|tournament]] for the newly created and SmackDown!-exclusive [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results — October 10, 2002 |url=http://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/021010.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612100805/http://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/021010.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results — October 17, 2002 |url=https://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/021017.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612101217/https://www.pwwew.net/tv/smackdown/021017.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=November 4, 2024 |publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> They lost to Kurt Angle and [[Chris Benoit]] in the finals of the tournament at [[No Mercy (2002)|No Mercy]] on October 20; the match was voted [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] by the ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2002/results/|title=No Mercy 2002 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=November 26, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071126081749/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2002/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> They won the titles when they defeated Angle and Benoit in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Series variations|two out of three falls match]] on the November 7 episode of ''SmackDown!'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330018|title=History of the WWE Tag Team Championship: Rey Mysterio and Edge|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=July 17, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050717235515/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/330018|url-status=dead}}</ref> but lost them to Los Guerreros in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Basic elimination matches|Triple Threat Elimination match]] at [[Survivor Series (2002)|Survivor Series]] on November 17.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2002/results/|title=Survivor Series 2002 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=February 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223190500/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/history/2002/results/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On March 30, 2003, at [[WrestleMania XIX]], he faced the [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1996–2007)|Cruiserweight Champion]] [[Matt Hardy]] for the title, but lost after interference from [[Shannon Moore]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm19/results/|title=WrestleMania XIX official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=July 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130709133741/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/19|url-status=live}}</ref> After earning a title shot in May, he defeated Hardy on the June 5 episode of ''SmackDown!'' to win the Cruiserweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030522.html|title=SmackDown! results – May 22, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=June 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601191131/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030522.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350416|title=History of the Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Mysterio|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=September 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902163018/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350416|url-status=dead}}</ref> After losing the championship to Tajiri on the September 25 episode of ''SmackDown!'', he regained it from Tajiri on the January 1 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030925.html|title=SmackDown! results – September 25, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=June 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602093448/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030925.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350350|title=History of the Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Mysterio (7)|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=September 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902163013/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350350|url-status=dead}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2004)|Royal Rumble]] on January 25, 2004, Mysterio successfully defended the title against [[Jamie Noble]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/results/|title=Royal Rumble 2004 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=April 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409173711/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/1988118/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> He lost the title to Chavo Guerrero at [[No Way Out (2004)|No Way Out]] on February 15.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2004/results/|title=No Way Out 2004 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=November 16, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071116114744/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2004/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XX]] on March 14, Mysterio took part in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|Cruiserweight Open]] for the title, where Guerrero retained the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/|title=WrestleMania XX official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 18, 2008|archive-date=July 24, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050724003131/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm20/results/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the June 17 episode of ''SmackDown!'', he defeated [[Chavo Guerrero Sr.|Chavo Classic]] to win the title for a third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350148|title=History of the Cruiserweight Championship: Rey Mysterio (8)|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 20, 2008|archive-date=September 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902161125/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/cruiser/350148|url-status=dead}}</ref> He lost it to [[Spike Dudley]] on the July 29 episode of ''SmackDown!'' then failed to regain the title on a September episode of ''SmackDown!'' and in a fatal four-way match at [[Survivor Series (2004)|Survivor Series]] on November 14.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040729.html|title=SmackDown! results – July 29, 2004|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 20, 2008|archive-date=May 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531213953/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040729.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – September 23, 2004 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040923.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029154944/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040923.html |archive-date=October 29, 2007 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sokol |first=Chris |date=November 15, 2004 |title=Orton survives at Series |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/15/723410.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720212933/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/11/15/723410.html |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
==== Teaming and feuding with Eddie Guerrero (2004–2005) ====
[[File:Rey3 WrestlemaniaRevenge.JPG|thumb|upright|Mysterio during a WWE [[house show]] in 2005]]
During this time, Mysterio formed a tag team with [[Rob Van Dam]] and feuded with [[Kenzo Suzuki]] and [[René Duprée]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results — September 16, 2004 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040916.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330073951/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040916.html |archive-date=March 30, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – September 23, 2004 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040923.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080217074909/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/040923.html |archive-date=February 17, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At [[No Mercy (2004)|No Mercy]] on October 3, they failed to win the titles from Suzuki and Duprée, but won them in a rematch on the December 9 episode of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clevett |first=Jason |date=October 4, 2004 |title=Fans won't remember No Mercy |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/10/04/788800.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630181525/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2004/10/04/788800.html |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/329982|title=History of the WWE Tag Team Championship: Rey Mysterio & Rob Van Dam|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 20, 2008|archive-date=November 29, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051129201149/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/329982|url-status=dead}}</ref> They successfully defended the titles against Suzuki and Duprée at [[Armageddon (2004)|Armageddon]] on December 12, before losing the titles to the [[Basham Brothers]] on the January 13, 2005, episode of ''SmackDown!'' after Van Dam was injured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/history/2004/results/|title=Armageddon 2004 official results|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 20, 2008|archive-date=July 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723225549/http://www.wwe.com/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050113.html|title=SmackDown! results – January 13, 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|access-date=May 20, 2008|archive-date=June 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602105627/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050113.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 20, Mysterio teamed up with [[Eddie Guerrero]], winning the WWE Tag Team Championship back from the Basham Brothers at [[No Way Out (2005)|No Way Out]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sokol |first=Chris |date=February 21, 2005 |title=JBL finds another Way Out |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/21/937742.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630052117/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/02/21/937742.html |archive-date=June 30, 2012 |access-date=December 20, 2007 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] |url-status=usurped }}</ref> In a departure from traditional [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Book|booking]], Mysterio and Guerrero did not defend their titles at [[WrestleMania 21]] on April 3, but instead had a match against each other, which Mysterio won.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Tylwalk |first1=Nick |last2=Plummer |first2=Dale |date=April 3, 2005 |title=Main events weak at WrestleMania 21 |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania21/2005/04/03/981982.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720114334/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Wrestlemania21/2005/04/03/981982.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=July 20, 2012 |access-date=January 13, 2008 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]] }}</ref> On the April 21 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Mysterio and Guerrero lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to [[MNM (wrestling)|MNM]] ([[Joey Mercury]] and [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Nitro]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown! results – April 21, 2005 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050421.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080619144213/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050421.html |archive-date=June 19, 2008 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The following week, Guerrero abandoned Mysterio, whom he had considered "his family" earlier in the show, during their rematch for the titles, costing them the match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – April 28, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050428.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071223083012/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050428.html |archive-date=December 23, 2007 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> After a [[No Disqualification match|street fight]] against Chavo on the May 5 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Eddie came out and suplexed Mysterio on the steel steps, displaying Eddie's increasing frustration with being unable to defeat Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web |title=SmackDown results – May 5, 2005 |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050505.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071122210522/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050505.html |archive-date=November 22, 2007 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
At [[Judgment Day (2005)|Judgment Day]] on May 22, Mysterio defeated Guerrero by disqualification after Guerrero attacked him with a steel chair.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Judgment Day 2005 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2005/results |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055418/https://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2005/results |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 12, in the midst of their feud, Mysterio faced and defeated long-time rival Psicosis for the first time in nearly five years at [[ECW One Night Stand (2005)|ECW One Night Stand]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=June 12, 2005 |title=ECW One Night Stand PPV Results - 6/12/05 from New York City, NY |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2005/1118630698.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013150252/http://wrestleview.com/news2005/1118630698.shtml |archive-date=October 13, 2007 |access-date=September 22, 2007 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Guerrero then threatened to reveal a secret he and Mysterio shared involving Mysterio's real life son [[Dominik Mysterio|Dominik]], unless Mysterio deferred to Guerrero's authority.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2005 |title=JACKPOT! |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06302005/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070716164531/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06302005/ |archive-date=July 16, 2007 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2005 |title=JBL's Stand |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142005/mainarticle/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103073115/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142005/mainarticle/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[The Great American Bash (2005)|The Great American Bash]] on July 24, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a match with a stipulation that if Guerrero lost, he would not tell the secret.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kapur |first=Bob |date=July 25, 2005 |title=JBL reigns at a dull Bash |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/07/25/1146844.html#selection-1875.0-1882.0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629175014/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2005/07/25/1146844.html#selection-1875.0-1882.0 |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |website=Slam! Sports |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Despite this, Guerrero revealed the secret on the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', that he was Dominik's biological father. Guerrero said he knew Mysterio was having trouble starting his own family, so Guerrero left Dominik as a baby with Mysterio and his wife Angie to raise.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – July 28, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050728.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604164557/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050728.html |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> He threatened to take custody of Dominik, drawing up custody papers and having his lawyer present them to Mysterio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – August 4, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050804.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125113552/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050804.html |archive-date=January 25, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – August 11, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050811.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080604154643/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050804.html |archive-date=June 4, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] on August 21, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a [[ladder match]] for the custody of Dominik.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SummerSlam 2005 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2005/results |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927041359/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2005/results |url-status=live }}</ref> On the September 9 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Mysterio lost to Guerrero in a steel cage match, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – September 9, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050909.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610104923/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050909.html |archive-date=June 10, 2018 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
On November 13, 2005, Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room in [[Minneapolis, Minnesota]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 15, 2005 |title=Eddie Guerrero, Professional Wrestler, Dies at 38 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/15/sports/othersports/eddie-guerrero-professional-wrestler-dies-at-38.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705232403/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/11/15/sports/othersports/eddie-guerrero-professional-wrestler-dies-at-38.html |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> That same day, at a WWE "Super Show" where ''SmackDown!'' and ''Raw'' were both taped, Mysterio gave an emotional speech about Guerrero, and in a show of respect, removed his mask (though he put his head down, so his face could not be seen). Mysterio went on to defeat [[Shawn Michaels]] in an interbrand match later that night. After the match, Michaels and Mysterio hugged in the ring and Mysterio pointed up to the sky, crying, in memory of Guerrero.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Raw results – November 14, 2005 |url=https://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/051114.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612072534/https://www.pwwew.net/tv/raw/051114.htm |archive-date=June 12, 2010 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref>
==== World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2007) ====
[[File:ReyMysterio.jpg|thumb|Mysterio at a house show in 2005]]
Mysterio participated in the main event of [[Survivor Series (2005)|Survivor Series]] on November 27, as part of Team SmackDown! along with [[Randy Orton]], [[Bobby Lashley]], [[Dave Batista|Batista]], and [[John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL), defeating Team Raw ([[Shawn Michaels]], [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]], [[Big Show]], [[Carly Colón|Carlito]], and [[Chris Masters]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Survivor Series 2005 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2005%E2%80%8E |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055458/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2005%E2%80%8E |url-status=live }}</ref> Mysterio faced Big Show, who he eliminated at Survivor Series, in a match billed as "[[David]] vs. [[Goliath]]" in a ''SmackDown!'' special show on November 29, which ended as a "no contest" after interference from Show's tag team partner, Kane.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – November 29, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051129.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080623113958/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051129.html |archive-date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Mysterio continued to feud with Raw's [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Champions]], and found a tag team partner in [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] Batista. They were booked to face Raw's Kane and Big Show in a tag team match at [[Armageddon (2005)|Armageddon]] on December 18. Two days before the event, Batista and Mysterio defeated MNM on ''SmackDown!'' to win the WWE Tag Team Championship in a match they both dedicated to Guerrero.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – December 16, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051216.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055419/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051216.html |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> Mysterio and Batista's match with Big Show and Kane was then billed as "Champions vs. Champions", which they lost.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Armageddon 2005 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/2005/results |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055427/https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/2005/results |url-status=live }}</ref> On the December 30 episode of ''SmackDown!'', MNM invoked their rematch clause, defeating Batista and Mysterio after interference from [[Mark Henry]] to regain the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – December 30, 2005 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051230.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055418/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051230.html |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> The following week, Mysterio and Batista lost their rematch for the titles in a steel cage match after interference by Henry.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SmackDown! results – January 6, 2006 |url=https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060106.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055420/https://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060106.html |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
On January 29, 2006, Mysterio was the second entrant in the [[Royal Rumble (2006)|Royal Rumble]] match, setting a record by lasting 62 minutes, winning the match, and earning a world title shot by last eliminating Orton.<ref name="RoyalRumble06">{{cite web|title=The 2006 Royal Rumble Match|date=January 29, 2006|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/31409413|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=September 24, 2011|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522094107/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2006/matches/31409413|url-status=live}}</ref> Orton urged him to put the title shot at stake in a match at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]].<ref>{{cite journal|title=Rey's a main-eventer – for now|date=February 5, 2006|journal=Chicago Sun-Times|page=A82}}</ref> Over the following weeks, Orton made disparaging remarks about Eddie Guerrero,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060203.html|title=SmackDown results — February 3, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=July 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724211759/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060203.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060210.html|title=SmackDown results — February 10, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=July 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724211748/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060210.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which many people, including Orton, felt the comments were unwarranted and distasteful in the wake of Guerrero's death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeFelice |first=Robert |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Randy Orton Admits He Was Uncomfortable Using Eddie Guerrero's Death As A Plot Device In 2006 |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/randy-orton-admits-he-was-uncomfortable-using-eddie-guerrero-s-death-plot-device-2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624113730/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/randy-orton-admits-he-was-uncomfortable-using-eddie-guerrero-s-death-plot-device-2006 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref> Orton won at No Way Out on February 19, earning Mysterio's title shot for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[WrestleMania 22]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Sokol|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/20/1452714.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715005147/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2006/02/20/1452714.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 15, 2012|title=Main events salvage No Way Out|access-date=May 12, 2008|date=February 20, 2006|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|work=Slam! Sports}}</ref> However, General Manager [[Theodore Long]] re-added Mysterio to the WrestleMania title match, making it a triple threat match between Orton, Mysterio, and then-champion, [[Kurt Angle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060224.html|title=SmackDown results — February 24, 2006|access-date=August 24, 2007|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|archive-date=July 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724211842/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060224.html|url-status=live}}</ref> At WrestleMania on April 2, Mysterio pinned Orton to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 3, 2006 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Kurt Angle and Randy Orton in a Triple Threat Match (new World Heavyweight Champion) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/141602621/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070515040534/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania22/matches/141602621/results/ |archive-date=May 15, 2007 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', Mysterio – billed as an "[[Underdog (competition)|underdog]] champion", made his first successful World Heavyweight title defense against Orton.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04072006/|title=Breaking New Ground|date=April 7, 2006|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522111252/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04072006/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio retained the title again during a WrestleMania rematch on ''SmackDown!'' against Angle three weeks later.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04282006/|title=The Dream stays alive|date=April 28, 2006|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522090600/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04282006/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Mysterio quickly moved into a feud with the United States Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), who stated he deserved the World Heavyweight title.<ref name="Apr21-06">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212006/|title=Something to Celebrate|date=April 21, 2006|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009201449/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/04212006|url-status=live}}</ref> This feud saw him face off against three opponents chosen by JBL in the three weeks leading up to their title match at [[Judgment Day (2006)|Judgment Day]]. Mysterio was defeated by Mark Henry and [[The Great Khali]] in separate non-title matches before wrestling Kane to a "no contest".<ref name="May5–06">{{cite web |last=Dee |first=Louie |date=May 5, 2006 |title=A Man of his word |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05052006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006164650/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05052006 |archive-date=October 6, 2013 |access-date=April 21, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05122006/|title=Tragic Homecoming|date=May 12, 2006|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522080232/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05122006/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05192006/|title=Seeing red|date=May 11, 2006|last=Williams III|first=Ed|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522083454/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05192006/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 21, Mysterio retained his title against JBL at Judgment Day.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2006/matches/23848441|title=World Champion Rey Mysterio def. United States Champion JBL|date=May 21, 2006|access-date=May 26, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522092154/http://www.wwe.com/shows/judgmentday/2006/matches/23848441|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud intensified when JBL lost the United States Championship to [[Bobby Lashley]] five days later on ''SmackDown!'' after being tricked by Mysterio to take on all comers like Mysterio himself had.<ref name="May26-06">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05262006/|title=Kiss Him Goodbye|date=May 26, 2006|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522083422/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/05262006/|url-status=live}}</ref> JBL vowed that if he did not win his rematch against Mysterio, he would quit SmackDown!.<ref name="May26-06"/> In their main event match, Mysterio retained the World Heavyweight Championship, causing JBL to leave SmackDown!, until [[ECW One Night Stand (2006)|ECW One Night Stand]] on June 11, when he announced his return as a [[color commentator]].<ref name="May26-06"/><ref name="ONS06">{{cite web |title=One Night Stand 2006 results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand06.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731230430/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand06.html |archive-date=July 31, 2013 |access-date=April 21, 2008 |publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref> Mysterio was booked to defend against ECW wrestler [[Sabu (wrestler)|Sabu]] at ECW One Night Stand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06022006/|title=All hail the king|date=June 2, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007122045/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06022006|url-status=live}}</ref> In the weeks leading up to his title defense, Mysterio defeated Cruiserweight Champion [[Gregory Helms]] in a Champion vs. Champion match, and lost to Rob Van Dam at [[WWE vs. ECW Head-to-Head]] on June 7.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06162006/|title=Royal beating|date=June 16, 2006|last=Williams III|first=Ed|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522102627/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/06162006/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/bigshowecw|title=Big Show gets extreme|date=June 7, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=April 21, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=March 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331155925/http://www.wwe.com/shows/ecw/news/bigshowecw|url-status=live}}</ref> At ECW One Night Stand, Mysterio retained the title, after he and Sabu were ruled unable to continue following a triple jump DDT through a table by Sabu. Mysterio then retained his title in a match against Mark Henry, winning by disqualification after Chavo Guerrero handed Henry a chair and Mysterio acted as if he was hit, a tactic for which Eddie Guerrero was known.<ref name="ONS06"/>
Mysterio began a feud with [[Booker T (wrestler)|King Booker]], who won a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07072006/|title=An Animal Unleashed|date=July 7, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=April 22, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008085920/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07072006|url-status=live}}</ref> King Booker attacked Mysterio from behind backstage with the help of King Booker's wife [[Sharmell Sullivan-Huffman|Queen Sharmell]].<ref name="July14-06">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142006/|title=Rey's Revenge|date=July 14, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=April 22, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522092128/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07142006/|url-status=live}}</ref> The next week on ''SmackDown!'', Mysterio gained revenge by attacking King Booker and his "[[King Booker's Court|court]]".<ref name="July14-06"/> On July 23, at [[The Great American Bash (2006)|The Great American Bash]], Mysterio lost the World Heavyweight Championship to King Booker after Chavo interfered in the match and turned on Mysterio, hitting him with a steel chair.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/2006/matches/258159823|title=King Booker def. Rey Mysterio to become new World Heavyweight Champion|date=July 23, 2006|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=January 1, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101084454/http://www.wwe.com/shows/thebash/2006/matches/258159823|url-status=live}}</ref> Guerrero would also cost Mysterio his rematch the following week.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tello |first=Craig |date=July 28, 2006 |title=Coronations and carnage |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07282006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103064656/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07282006/mainarticle |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=April 22, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] on August 20, Mysterio lost to Guerrero after [[Vickie Guerrero]] tried to stop both men from fighting, but accidentally knocked Mysterio off the top turnbuckle. Vickie then turned on Mysterio by hitting him in the back with a steel chair and gave him an injury, thus, siding with Guerrero.<ref>{{Cite web |last=A. Medalis |first=Kara |date=August 20, 2006 |title=Chavo claims victory |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2006/matches/3171152/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213145954/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/history/2006/matches/3171152/results/ |archive-date=February 13, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On October 8, Mysterio defeated Guerrero in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Falls Count Anywhere match|Falls Count Anywhere match]] at [[No Mercy (2006)|No Mercy]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hoffman |first=Brett |date=October 8, 2006 |title=Family feud fall out |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2006/matches/3225282/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219203047/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/history/2006/matches/3225282/results/ |archive-date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Subsequently, Guerrero challenged Mysterio to an [["I quit" match]] for the October 20 episode of ''SmackDown!'', which Mysterio lost. During the match, Guerrero injured Mysterio's knee, which was used to write Mysterio out of the storyline for a while to get knee surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10202006/|title=Kingdom saved|date=October 20, 2006|last=Hoffman|first=Brett|access-date=April 22, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009182853/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10202006|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10202006/articles/reyunderknife|title=Rey under the knife|date=October 21, 2006|last=Starr|first=Noah|access-date=November 6, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522094018/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10202006/articles/reyunderknife|url-status=live}}</ref>
Mysterio made his in-ring return at [[SummerSlam (2007)|SummerSlam]] on August 26, 2007, defeating Guerrero, after he obsessed over Mysterio's return as well as wanting to injure Mysterio again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2007/matches/390008832|title=Rey Mysterio def. Chavo Guerrero|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=August 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130817043442/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2007/matches/390008832|url-status=live}}</ref> On the August 31 episode of ''SmackDown!'', Mysterio defeated Batista and [[Fit Finlay|Finlay]] in a "Championship Competition" to become the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Unforgiven (2006)|Unforgiven]], held by [[The Great Khali]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08312007/articles/reybecomesno1contender|title=Mysterio becomes top "David" against World Champion "Goliath"|access-date=December 31, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522090613/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/08312007/articles/reybecomesno1contender|url-status=live}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown!'', Mysterio defeated Guerrero in an "I Quit" match after hitting Guerrero's knee with a steel chair repeatedly in a similar manner to which Mysterio had been put out of action, ending the feud. After the match, Batista saved Mysterio from an attack by Khali, making the match at Unforgiven a triple threat match.<ref name="sept7-07">{{cite web |last=Dee |first=Louie |date=September 7, 2007 |title=Summer fizzles, but SmackDown sizzles |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09072007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010115133/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09072007 |archive-date=October 10, 2013 |access-date=April 23, 2008 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At the event on September 16, Mysterio failed to win the title, which was won by Batista.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/48366501/results1/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071218053323/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/48366501/results1/|archive-date=December 18, 2007|title=Destined for gold|date=September 16, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=September 27, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
==== Various storylines (2007–2009) ====
[[File:Mysterio RAW 800.jpg|thumb|Mysterio in November 2008]]
Mysterio then began a feud with Finlay, an opponent chosen by JBL.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09212007/|title=619: Flight grounded|date=September 21, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=April 27, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522093955/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09212007/|url-status=live}}</ref> The rivalry was marked as "Fight vs. Flight", contrasting the fighting styles of both wrestlers – Finlay's physicality, versus the high-flying Mysterio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09272007/|title=Rey retaliates, Irishman flattens|date=September 28, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=September 21, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 15, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015110233/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09272007/|url-status=live}}</ref> After fighting to a "no contest" at [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]] on October 7,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2007/matches/5267288111|title=Finlay vs. Rey Mysterio (No Contest)|date=October 7, 2007|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403015115/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2007/matches/5267288111|url-status=live}}</ref> followed by a double-disqualification in a number one contender's match for Batista's World Heavyweight Championship on the next ''SmackDown!'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10122007/articles/whosnumberone|title=Who's No. 1?|date=October 13, 2007|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=October 12, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522080248/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/10122007/articles/whosnumberone|url-status=live}}</ref> he defeated Finlay in a [[professional wrestling match types#Stretcher match|Stretcher match]] at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]] on October 28.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/2007/matches/526761033|title=Rey Mysterio def. Finlay (Stretcher Match)|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402152429/http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/2007/matches/526761033|url-status=live}}</ref> During this feud, he lost a match to Finlay on the November 9 episode of ''SmackDown!'' and was part of the winning team at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, which consisted of both wrestlers on opposing sides (although Mysterio was second to be eliminated).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11092007/articles/bakersfieldbeatdown|title=Belfast brawler's Bakersfield beatdown|date=November 9, 2007|last=McAvennie|first=Mike|access-date=April 27, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522092222/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11092007/articles/bakersfieldbeatdown|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2007/matches/43349641|title=Triple H and Jeff Hardy win Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Match|date=November 18, 2007|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212045549/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2007/matches/43349641|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11232007/|title=Irish eyes are crying|date=November 23, 2007|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=April 27, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010070436/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/11232007|url-status=live}}</ref>
He re-entered the World Heavyweight Championship picture on the January 4, 2008, episode of ''SmackDown!'' when he won a [[professional wrestling match types#Beat the Clock challenge|Beat the Clock]] challenge for a chance to face the World Heavyweight Champion Edge at the [[Royal Rumble (2008)|Royal Rumble]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01042008/articles/beattheclock|title=Time on Rey's side|date=January 5, 2008|last=Dee|first=Louie|access-date=January 5, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019053158/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/01042008/articles/beattheclock|url-status=live}}</ref> At the event on January 27, he was unsuccessful in winning the championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/52676103211111|title=Edge def. Rey Mysterio (World Heavyweight Championship Match)|date=January 27, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=December 25, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225074224/http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/history/2008/matches/52676103211111|url-status=live}}</ref> WWE's official website announced on February 14 that Mysterio suffered a biceps injury during an overseas tour.<ref name="injury overseas">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/exclusives/mysterioinjured|title=Rey Mysterio injured during South American tour|access-date=February 17, 2008|date=February 14, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=July 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723225549/http://www.wwe.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite the injury, Mysterio faced Edge for the title in a rematch at [[No Way Out (2008)|No Way Out]] on February 17, which he lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tello |first=Craig |date=February 17, 2008 |title=World Title's telltale hour |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6323422/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305164619/http://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/history/2008/matches/6323422/results/ |archive-date=March 5, 2009 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On the February 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio announced that his injury would keep him out of action for at least six months, and he eventually underwent three surgeries within the space of a month.<ref name="bicep tear Feb08">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02292008/articles/mysteriosurgery|title=Rey Mysterio recovering after surgery|date=February 27, 2008|last=DiFino|first=Lennie|access-date=February 28, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104034122/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/02292008/articles/mysteriosurgery|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Vontz|first=Andrew|title=The Resurrection of Rey Mysterio|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] Magazine|pages=52–55|date=July 2008}}</ref>
Mysterio returned on the June 23 episode of ''Raw'', as the first wrestler to be drafted in the [[2008 WWE Draft]] from the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=June 23, 2008|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=June 25, 2008|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726180217/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/06232008/|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio made his ''Raw'' in-ring debut on July 7, pinning [[Santino Marella]] after a 619.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/08/6096926.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729204214/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2008/07/08/6096926.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 29, 2012|title=Raw: Batista rises above, Kane gets angry|date=July 8, 2008|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 22, 2012|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> [[Professional wrestling authority figures#Raw brand authorities|General Manager]] [[Mike Adamle]] announced that [[John Cena]] was injured and that Mysterio would replace him in the [[Triple Threat match|Championship Scramble]] at [[Unforgiven (2008)|Unforgiven]]. The next week, Mysterio made his return to ''Raw'' after an extended absence by attacking Kane, turning back numerous claims that Kane had "ended his career".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09012008/|access-date=August 2, 2008|date=August 1, 2008|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|title=Forgive, don't forget|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524000558/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/archive/09012008|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio then made his in-ring return at Unforgiven on September 7, competing in the World Heavyweight Championship scramble match, which was won by [[Chris Jericho]].<ref>{{cite web |date=August 17, 2008 |title=Chris Jericho wins World Heavyweight Championship Scramble |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/7891244 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719093346/http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/2008/7891244 |archive-date=July 19, 2013 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Mysterio put his mask on the line in a match at [[No Mercy (2008)|No Mercy]] on October 5, which he won by disqualification after Kane attacked him with a [[folding chair|steel chair]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=No Mercy 2008 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2008 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055418/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> He defeated Kane again at [[Cyber Sunday (2008)|Cyber Sunday]] on October 26, this time in a No Holds Barred match,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cyber Sunday 2008 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/2008 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810032241/https://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> and again at [[Survivor Series (2008)|Survivor Series]] on November 23, when the pair were on opposing sides in a five-on-five elimination match.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Survivor Series 2008 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924020222/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2008 |url-status=live }}</ref> Mysterio then competed in a number one contender's tournament for the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]], losing to [[CM Punk]] in the finals at [[Armageddon (2008)|Armageddon]] on December 14.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Intercontinental Tournament Brackets |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/interconttournament/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217012103/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/special/interconttournament/ |archive-date=December 17, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Vermillion |first=James |date=December 14, 2008 |title=One step closer |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/matches/8858316/results/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216164407/https://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/matches/8858316/results/ |archive-date=December 16, 2008 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[No Way Out (2009)|No Way Out]] on February 15, 2009, Mysterio competed in the [[Elimination Chamber]] match for the World Heavyweight Championship, but was the last man eliminated by Edge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=No Way Out 2009 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2009 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812213910/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nowayout/2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Intercontinental Champion (2009–2010) ====
[[File:Rey Mysterio Tribute To The Troops.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=|Mysterio in 2010]]
At [[WrestleMania 25]] on April 5, Mysterio defeated [[John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] (JBL) in 21 seconds to capture the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/25/matches/9601254|title=Rey Mysterio def. JBL (New Intercontinental Champion)|date=April 5, 2008|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430103832/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/25/matches/9601254|url-status=live}}</ref> His win made Mysterio the twenty-first [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#WWE|Triple Crown Champion]] in WWE history. Mysterio was drafted back to the SmackDown brand during the [[2009 WWE Draft]] on the April 13 episode of ''Raw'', making the Intercontinental Championship exclusive to SmackDown for the first time since August 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/14/9103546.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120630115738/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/04/14/9103546.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 30, 2012|title=RAW: Drafting a fresh start for the WWE|date=April 14, 2009|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 14, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He then entered into an extensive feud with [[Chris Jericho]], retaining his title against him at [[Judgment Day (2009)|Judgment Day]] on May 17.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=May 17, 2009 |title=Judgment Day PPV Results – 5/17/09 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/9292-judgment-day-ppv-results-5-17-09/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055418/https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/9292-judgment-day-ppv-results-5-17-09/ |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> At [[Extreme Rules (2009)|Extreme Rules]] on June 7, Mysterio lost the title after being unmasked and pinned by Jericho.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=June 7, 2009 |title=Extreme Rules PPV Results - 6/7/09 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/8632-extreme-rules-ppv-results-6-7-09/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055425/https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/8632-extreme-rules-ppv-results-6-7-09/ |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Mysterio and Jericho were booked in a Title vs. Mask match that was scheduled for [[The Bash (2009)|The Bash]] on June 28, which Mysterio won, regaining the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=June 28, 2009 |title=The Bash PPV Results - 6/28/09 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/7969-the-bash-ppv-results-6-28-09/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055418/https://www.wrestleview.com/uncategorized/7969-the-bash-ppv-results-6-28-09/ |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Mysterio retained the title once more against Jericho on the July 10 episode of ''SmackDown'' to end their feud, before he was attacked by [[Dolph Ziggler]] after the match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=July 10, 2009 |title=Anarchy in Bakersfield |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07102009/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090725215602/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/07102009/ |archive-date=July 25, 2009 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He successfully defended the title against Ziggler at both [[Night of Champions (2009)|Night of Champions]] on July 26 and [[SummerSlam (2009)|SummerSlam]] on August 23.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Night of Champions 2009 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924020242/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2009 |archive-date=September 24, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SummerSlam 2009 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922080102/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2009/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On August 2, WWE announced that Mysterio would be suspended for 30 days, effective September 2, for violating the company's Wellness Policy.<ref name=Suspension>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/869043|title=Rey Mysterio suspended for 30 days|date=August 27, 2009|access-date=August 27, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522092424/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/869043|url-status=live}}</ref> Before the suspension, he lost the title on the September 1 (aired September 4) episode of ''SmackDown'' against [[John Morrison (wrestler)|John Morrison]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passero |first=Mitch |date=September 4, 2009 |title=Death and rebirth |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/ |access-date=September 22, 2009 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |archive-date=November 11, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071111054353/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In an interview with Mexican newspaper ''Record'', Mysterio stated that he was suspended for a drug he was using for his knee and arm.<ref name="Suspension2">{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=August 29, 2009 |title=WWE News: WWE appears to have handled Rey Mysterio's suspension incorrectly if Mysterio's claims are valid |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_34876.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203041839/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_34876.shtml |archive-date=December 3, 2013 |access-date=August 11, 2011 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Mysterio stated that he had a prescription for the drug, but was unable to produce it in time to prevent his suspension due to being on vacation and doing a promotional tour.<ref name=Suspension2 />
Later that month, Mysterio returned and was revealed as [[Dave Bautista|Batista]]'s partner in a match against [[Jeri-Show]] (Chris Jericho and Big Show) for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|Unified WWE Tag Team Championship]] at [[Hell in a Cell (2009)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 4, which they lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passero |first=Mitch |date=September 25, 2009 |title=To hell and back |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09252009/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008092245/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/09252009/ |archive-date=October 8, 2009 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 4, 2009 |title=Unified Tag Team Champions Chris Jericho & Big Show def. Batista & Rey Mysterio |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/history/hellinacell/matches/11805912 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101080958/http://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/history/hellinacell/matches/11805912 |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> At [[Bragging Rights (2009)|Bragging Rights]] on October 25, they participated in a Fatal 4 Way match for the World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, Mysterio prevented Batista of winning the title and, after the match was attacked by Batista.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 25, 2009 |title=World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker def. CM Punk, Batista & Rey Mysterio (Fatal Four Way Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/2009/fatal-four-way |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213213210/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/2009/fatal-four-way |archive-date=February 13, 2013 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On November 22, Mysterio lost to Batista at [[Survivor Series (2009)|Survivor Series]] by [[technical knockout]].<ref>{{cite web |date=November 22, 2009 |title=Batista def. Rey Mysterio |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2009/matches/12447876 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140101103026/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2009/matches/12447876 |archive-date=January 1, 2014 |access-date=June 22, 2012 |publisher=[[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Their feud moved around the World Heavyweight Championship, when Mysterio defeated Batista on the December 18 episode of ''SmackDown'' to gain a title shot against [[The Undertaker]] on the following episode of ''SmackDown'', but the match ended in a no contest after Batista interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12182009/|title=From here to Christmas|date=December 18, 2009|access-date=December 18, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=October 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131010143819/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12182009|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12252009/|title=DX-mas Night SmackDown|date=December 25, 2009|access-date=December 25, 2009|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522104145/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/archive/12252009/|url-status=live}}</ref> On the January 15, 2010 episode of ''SmackDown'', they faced off again in a number one contender's steel cage match, where Mysterio won.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=January 16, 2010 |title=Smackdown Results – 1/15/10 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/2202-smackdown-results-1-15-10/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103152914/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/2202-smackdown-results-1-15-10/ |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> However, Mysterio lost the title match to The Undertaker at the [[Royal Rumble (2010)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=January 31, 2010 |title=Royal Rumble PPV Results - 1/31/10 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/1737-royal-rumble-ppv-results-1-31-10/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055418/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/1737-royal-rumble-ppv-results-1-31-10/ |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
In February, Mysterio began a feud with Punk that also involved Punk's [[Straight Edge Society]]. During the Elimination Chamber match for the World Heavyweight Championship at the [[Elimination Chamber (2010)|namesake event]] on February 21, Mysterio eliminated Punk.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Plummer |first=Dale |date=February 22, 2010 |title=Batista, Jericho and Michaels capitalize on Elimination Chamber opportunities |url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12977706.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208200526/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/22/12977706.html |archive-date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=July 21, 2010 |website=Slam! Sports |url-status=usurped |publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Mysterio continued to feud with Punk and had a match at [[WrestleMania XXVI]] on March 28 with the stipulation that if Mysterio were to lose at WrestleMania, he would be forced to join the SES.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Passero |first=Mitch |date=March 19, 2010 |title=Nine days until WrestleMania |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/13805534/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100323001550/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/results/13805534/ |archive-date=March 23, 2010 |access-date=March 19, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> After Mysterio defeated Punk at WrestleMania, they faced again at [[Extreme Rules (2010)|Extreme Rules]] on April 25, with Mysterio losing to Punk in a match where Punk should have had his head shaved if he lost.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rey Mysterio def. CM Punk |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/26/matches/13813946 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055448/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/26/matches/13813946 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Results: Mystery beats Mysterio |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/matches/14066434/results |access-date=April 25, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |language=en |archive-date=April 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100429142507/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/matches/14066434/results/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At [[Over the Limit (2010)|Over the Limit]] on May 23, Mysterio faced CM Punk again with both previous stipulations in place (Mysterio's allegiance to the SES and Punk's hair); Mysterio defeated Punk, resulting in Punk's head being shaved.<ref name=OTL>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892|title=Rey Mysterio def. CM Punk (S.E.S. Pledge vs. Hair Match)|date=May 23, 2010|access-date=June 22, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=March 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303193354/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweoverthelimit/currentepisode/14384892|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== World championship reigns (2010–2011) ====
[[File:Rey Mysterio 2011.jpg|thumb|upright|alt=|Mysterio in 2011]]
At [[WWE Fatal 4-Way|Fatal 4-Way]] on June 20, Mysterio defeated [[Jake Hager|Jack Swagger]], Big Show, and CM Punk to win the World Heavyweight Championship for the second time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Against all odds |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/fatal4way/matches/14593052/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009085802/http://www.wwe.com/shows/fatal4way/matches/14593052/results/ |archive-date=October 9, 2016 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> On July 18, at [[Money in the Bank (2010)|Money in the Bank]], he retained the title against Swagger before Kane, who had won the SmackDown [[Money in the Bank ladder match]] earlier that night, cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase, ending Mysterio's reign at 28 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Red robbin' |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/matches/14862670/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100921213226/http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/matches/14862670/results/ |archive-date=September 21, 2010 |access-date=June 19, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> He had a rematch for the title at [[SummerSlam (2010)|SummerSlam]] on August 15, but he was defeated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=At death's door |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/matches/15125748/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305083804/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/matches/15125748/results |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=August 15, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
Mysterio then entered a feud with the debuting [[Alberto Del Rio]], a Mexican wrestler who portrayed a high-class aristocrat. During Del Rio's debut on the August 20 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio lost to Del Rio by submission.<ref name="SmackDown082010">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_43266.shtml|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 8/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Kane's reason for attacking Undertaker|date=August 20, 2010|access-date=October 9, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Parks|first=Greg|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927181110/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_43266.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> They both participated at [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights]] on October 24 as part of the victorious Team SmackDown, but during the match, Del Rio attacked Mysterio.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Team SmackDown def. Team Raw (WWE Bragging Rights Tag Team Elimination Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/2010/15971454 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055427/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwebraggingrights/2010/15971454 |url-status=live }}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2010)|Survivor Series]] on November 21, Mysterio and Del Rio led two opposing teams as part of the traditional Survivor Series match, where Team Mysterio won.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Biggest little victory |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/16306666/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082515/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/16306666/results |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=November 21, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> They also participated at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2010)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 19 in a fatal four-way [[Tables, ladders, and chairs match|Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match]] for the World Heavyweight Championship, which was won by Edge.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TLC master prevails |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/matches/16346220/results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305120516/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/matches/16346220/results |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=December 19, 2010 |publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> His feud with Del Rio culminated on the January 7, 2011, episode of ''SmackDown'' in a two out of three falls match, which Del Rio won by countout.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=January 7, 2011 |title=Smackdown Results – 1/7/11 |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/20065-smackdown-results-1-7-11/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930055420/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/20065-smackdown-results-1-7-11/ |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
On the January 21 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio accidentally broke the nose of [[Cody Rhodes]] when he hit him with a 619.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/22/16992366.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714132422/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/22/16992366.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 14, 2012|title=Smackdown: Run, Edge, run!|date=January 22, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name="AruneSingh">{{cite web|url=http://marvel.com/news/story/15747/fightin_fanboys_the_fall_of_cody_rhodes|title=Fightin' Fanboys: The Fall of Cody Rhodes|date=April 26, 2011|last=Singh|first=Singh|access-date=May 2, 2011|publisher=[[Marvel Entertainment]]|archive-date=November 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101110923/http://marvel.com/news/story/15747/fightin_fanboys_the_fall_of_cody_rhodes|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/29/17081976.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120718023052/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/29/17081976.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 18, 2012|title=Smackdown: Babyfaces behaving badly|date=January 29, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=March 5, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> WWE used this accident to start a feud and, as part of the storyline, Rhodes began to wear a mask and they wrestled at [[WrestleMania XXVII]] on April 3, where Mysterio lost to Rhodes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730185556/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/WrestleMania27/2011/04/03/17863646.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=July 30, 2012|title=The Rock costs Cena as The Miz retains at WrestleMania XXVII|date=April 3, 2011|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=April 4, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Mysterio defeated Rhodes on the April 22 episode of ''SmackDown'' and at [[Extreme Rules (2011)|Extreme Rules]] on May 1 in a Falls Count Anywhere match, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=April 22, 2011 |title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/22: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Alberto Del Rio's retirement party for Edge |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49523.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511224017/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_49523.shtml |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rey Mysterio def. Cody Rhodes (Falls Count Anywhere Match) |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2011/mysterio-rhodes |access-date=September 29, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]] |archive-date=October 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017052301/http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2011/mysterio-rhodes |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the [[2011 WWE Draft]], Mysterio was drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2011 |title=Complete 2011 WWE Draft results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-wwe-draft-continued |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110505090317/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-wwe-draft-continued |archive-date=May 5, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Mysterio then reignited his feud with CM Punk, with the pair exchanging victories on consecutive episodes of ''Raw''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adkins |first=Greg |date=May 23, 2011 |title=Raw results: Ref and tumble |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-05-23/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531012707/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-05-23/results |archive-date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adkins |first=Greg |date=May 30, 2011 |title=Raw results: Truth and justice |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-05-30/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826043001/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-05-30/results |archive-date=August 26, 2011 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-06-06/results|title=Raw results: Brew you!|last=Adkins|first=Greg|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=June 6, 2011|access-date=June 15, 2011|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522092351/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-06-06/results|url-status=live}}</ref> The feud culminated in a match at [[WWE Capitol Punishment|Capitol Punishment]] on June 19, where Punk emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web |last=Tello |first=Craig |date=June 19, 2011 |title=CM Punk def. Rey Mysterio |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/capitolpunishment/2011/mysterio-punk |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018184740/http://www.wwe.com/shows/capitolpunishment/2011/mysterio-punk |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=March 18, 2013 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On July 25, Mysterio won a [[WWE tournaments#WWE Championship Tournament (2011)|tournament for the vacant WWE Championship]] to win his first WWE Championship, but he lost the title to [[John Cena]] later that night.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Adkins |first=Greg |date=July 25, 2011 |title=Raw results: Title wave |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-25/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825184641/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-07-25/results |archive-date=August 25, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the August 15 episode of ''Raw'', Mysterio received a rematch for the WWE Championship against new champion Alberto Del Rio, but lost to him via submission.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-08-15/results|title=California scheming|first=James|last=Wortman|date=August 15, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=July 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130726173409/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2011-08-15/results|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio suffered an injury in late August.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/rey-mysterio-injury|title=Breaking news: Rey Mysterio injured|last=Raymond|first=Katie|date=August 22, 2011|access-date=August 22, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522080322/http://www.wwe.com/inside/rey-mysterio-injury|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Teaming with Sin Cara (2012–2013) ====
On April 26, 2012, WWE reported that Mysterio had been suspended for 60 days due to his second violation of the company's Talent Wellness Program policy and that his suspension would expire on June 25.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Rey Mysterio suspended for 60 days |url=http://www.wwe.com/news/rey-mysterio-suspended |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629030152/http://www.wwe.com/news/rey-mysterio-suspended |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |access-date=April 15, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After his return in July,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=July 16, 2012 |title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 - MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422004841/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Mysterio faced The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship at [[SummerSlam (2012)|SummerSlam]] on August 19 and in a fatal-four-way match at [[Night of Champions (2012)|Night of Champions]] on September 16, but lost both times.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2012/the-miz-rey-mysterio-26044756|title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz def. Rey Mysterio|last=Artus|first=Matthew|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=August 19, 2012|access-date=August 19, 2012|archive-date=September 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120917062400/http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2012/the-miz-rey-mysterio-26044756|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powers |first=Kevin |date=September 11, 2012 |title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz def. Rey Mysterio, Sin Cara & Cody Rhodes |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2012/the-miz-cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-sin-cara |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305074913/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2012/the-miz-cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-sin-cara |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In September, he was paired with [[Místico|Sin Cara]] as a tag team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65279.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 9/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – PPV fall-out, Cena & Sheamus vs. Punk & Del Rio "super main event"|date=September 17, 2012|access-date=September 21, 2012|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927105735/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65279.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> They entered into a feud with [[The Prime Time Players]] ([[Titus O'Neil]] and [[Fred Rosser|Darren Young]]), defeating them at [[Hell in a Cell (2012)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 28, as well as O'Neil and Young's team at [[Survivor Series (2012)|Survivor Series]] on November 18.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2012 |title=Hell in a Cell 2012 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2012/hell-in-a-cell-2012-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121113175920/https://www.wwe.com/shows/hellinacell/2012/hell-in-a-cell-2012-results |archive-date=November 13, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2012 |title=Survivor Series 2012 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/survivor-series-2012-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121120232443/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/survivor-series-2012-results |archive-date=November 20, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2012)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]] on December 16, they lost to Rhodes and [[Aron Stevens|Damien Sandow]] in a tables match.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 15, 2012 |title=WWE TLC 2012 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2012/wwe-tlc-2012-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121217033053/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2012/wwe-tlc-2012-results |archive-date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio and Cara were written off television after being attacked by [[The Shield (professional wrestling)|The Shield]] and Mysterio suffered an injury, dissolving the team.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parks |first=Greg |date=December 18, 2012 |title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of commercial-free Tuesday Smackdown special, including Punk promo, Sheamus & Cena vs. Ziggler & Big Show |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_67353.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916123208/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_67353.shtml |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> This was done for Mysterio to take time off and Sin Cara underwent knee surgery.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=December 22, 2012 |title=WWE NEWS: Injury Update - Sin Cara's status post-surgery |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_67354.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901113040/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_67354.shtml |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In March, Mysterio took another leave of absence due to a legitimate knee injury, explained in storyline as an attack by Mark Henry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=May 13, 2013 |title=WWE NEWS: When is Rey Mysterio returning to in-ring action? |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69076.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150328/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_69076.shtml |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
==== Final storylines and departure (2013–2015) ====
[[File:Mysterio 619.jpg|thumb|Mysterio's last WWE in-ring match before his return in 2018 was a loss to [[Bad News Barrett]] in April 2014.]]
After eight months, Mysterio returned at a WWE live event on October 17, 2013, and returned to television as part of the Spanish commentary team at [[Hell in a Cell (2013)|Hell in a Cell]] on October 27.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Adam |date=October 28, 2013 |title=WWE Hell in a Cell PPV Results – 10/27/13 (New champions) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/44623-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-27-13-two-new-world-champions/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922142639/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/44623-wwe-hell-in-a-cell-ppv-results-10-27-13-two-new-world-champions/ |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=WrestleView |quote=Rey Mysterio is joining the Spanish announce team at ringside tonight.}}</ref> On the November 18 episode of ''Raw'', Mysterio saved CM Punk and Daniel Bryan from an attack by [[The Wyatt Family]] and The Real Americans ([[Jack Swagger]] and [[Antonio Cesaro]]), which led to Mysterio being part of a 10-man elimination tag team match at [[Survivor Series (2013)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, in which Mysterio's team lost after he was eliminated by sole survivor [[Roman Reigns]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 18, 2013 |title=Raw Country results: Big E Langston shakes, Dolph Ziggler rattles and Rey Mysterio rolls |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-11-18/wwe-raw-results-26164743/page-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231151958/http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-11-18/wwe-raw-results-26164743/page-12 |archive-date=December 31, 2013 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Giannini |first=Alex |date=November 15, 2013 |title=The Shield & The Real Americans def. WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes & Goldust, The Usos & Rey Mysterio (Traditional Survivor Series Elimination Tag Team Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2013/traditional-survivor-series-elimination-tag-team-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028204253/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2013/traditional-survivor-series-elimination-tag-team-match |archive-date=October 28, 2017 |access-date=September 30, 2022 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs (2013)|TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs]] on December 15, Mysterio and [[Big Show]] unsuccessfully challenged [[Gold and Stardust|Cody Rhodes and Goldust]] for the WWE Tag Team Championship in a fatal four-way match also involving RybAxel ([[Ryback]] and [[Curtis Axel]]) and The Real Americans.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 13, 2013 |title=WWE TLC 2013 results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2013/wwe-tlc-2013-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305200530/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2013/wwe-tlc-2013-results |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania XXX]] on April 6, 2014, Mysterio competed in the [[André the Giant]] Memorial [[Battle royal|Battle Royal]], but was eliminated by [[Antonio Cesaro|Cesaro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|title=WrestleMania XXX brings the beginning and end of eras|date=April 6, 2014|last=Howell|first=Nolan|access-date=April 9, 2014|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|archive-date=April 9, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140409052414/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|url-status=usurped}}</ref>
On the April 7 episode of ''Raw'', Mysterio lost to a returning [[Wade Barrett|Bad News Barrett]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Paul |date=April 8, 2014 |title=WWE Raw Results – 4/7/14 (Night after Wrestlemania 30) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/47793-wwe-raw-results-4-7-14-live-results-from-new-orleans/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409015252/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/47793-wwe-raw-results-4-7-14-live-results-from-new-orleans/ |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=November 6, 2024 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He subsequently decided to take time off to heal a wrist injury. During his hiatus, it was reported that Mysterio wanted to leave WWE, but WWE had extended his contract without his approval.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=November 4, 2014 |title=WWE-Rey Mysterio Update |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/89327/wwerey-mysterio-update.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512150328/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/89327/wwerey-mysterio-update.html?p=1 |archive-date=May 12, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> He did not return to WWE programming, and instead appeared in a video message at AAA's [[Triplemanía XXII]] and also visited [[Lucha Underground]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scherer |first=Dave |date=August 13, 2014 |title=Rey Mysterio Update, Shaul Guerrero Talks About Why She Left Developmental, Ricardo Rodriguez Can't Wait For 90 Daysto End and More |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/87557/rey-mysterio-update-shaul-guerrero-talks-about-why-she-left-developmental-ricardo-rodriguez-cant-wait-for-90-days-to-end-and-more.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901113034/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/87557/rey-mysterio-update-shaul-guerrero-talks-about-why-she-left-developmental-ricardo-rodriguez-cant-wait-for-90-days-to-end-and-more.html%3Fp%3D1 |archive-date=September 1, 2019 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=October 11, 2014 |title=NXT Debuts, Batista Film Going Animated, Mysterio Update and More News |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/88817/nxt-debuts-batista-film-going-animated-mysterio-update-and-more-news.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511230756/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/88817/nxt-debuts-batista-film-going-animated-mysterio-update-and-more-news.html?p=1 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |access-date=September 1, 2019 |website=PWInsider}}</ref> On February 26, 2015, WWE officially announced that Mysterio's WWE contract had expired, ending his nearly 13-year tenure with the company.<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=February 26, 2015 |title=Official WWE statement on Rey Mysterio |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/91914/official-wwe-statement-on-rey-mysterio.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227032751/http://pwinsider.com/article/91914/official-wwe-statement-on-rey-mysterio.html |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2015 |website=PWInsider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=February 26, 2015 |title=Behind The Scenes of Mysterio WWE Departure |url=http://pwinsider.com/article/91915/behind-the-scenes-of-mysterio-wwe-departure.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227042504/http://pwinsider.com/article/91915/behind-the-scenes-of-mysterio-wwe-departure.html?p=1 |archive-date=February 27, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2015 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>
===Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide (2015–2016)===
Five days after being released from WWE, it was announced that Mysterio had agreed to work for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=March 3, 2015 |title=AAA news: Rey Mysterio officially joins AAA in Mexico |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83656.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150305200040/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83656.shtml |archive-date=March 5, 2015 |access-date=March 4, 2015 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He made his in-ring return as part of AAA's 2015 pay-per-view [[Rey de Reyes (2015)|Rey de Reyes]] ("King of Kings") on March 18, where he and [[Místico|Myzteziz]] (formerly Sin Cara in WWE) defeated the ''[[Los Perros del Mal]]'' team of [[Perro Aguayo Jr.|El Hijo del Perro Aguayo]] and [[Pentagón Jr.]], with Mysterio scoring the winning pin.<ref name=RDRCard2015>{{cite web | url=http://www.luchalibreaaa.com/noticiasaaa/item/2097-cartel-completo-rey-de-reyes-2015.html | title=Cartel Completo: Rey de Reyes 2015 | publisher=Lucha Libre AAA World Wide | language=es | access-date=March 5, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150308130417/http://www.luchalibreaaa.com/noticiasaaa/item/2097-cartel-completo-rey-de-reyes-2015.html | archive-date=March 8, 2015 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref>
On March 20, during another tag team match, a dropkick from Mysterio resulted in Perro Aguayo Jr.'s death in the ring. Mysterio delivered the dropkick to Perro's back, causing him to fall to the second rope, setting him up for Mysterio's signature "619" wrestling move, which involves Mysterio running towards the rope, grabbing it, and spinning around 180°, hitting the person on the face with his legs. Mysterio, seeing that something was wrong due to Perro becoming limp, purposely missed. The other wrestlers continued performing while each coming up and checking on Perro. They quickly finished the match after realizing that something serious had happened. The referee, wrestlers, and locker room crew came out and took Perro out using a piece of plywood. He was pronounced dead by the doctors later that night. His official cause of death was ruled as [[cardiac arrest]], due to a cervical [[stroke]] caused by three fractured vertebrae.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2015 |title=Se intentó reanimar al Perro una hora: Médico |url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2015/03/21/se-intento-reanimar-al-perro-una-hora-medico |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807071728/http://www.mediotiempo.com/mas-deportes/lucha-libre/noticias/2015/03/21/se-intento-reanimar-al-perro-una-hora-medico |archive-date=August 7, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=MedioTiempo |publisher=[[MSN]] |language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Caldwell |first=James |date=March 21, 2015 |title=New information on death of El Hijo Del Perro Aguayo; match video of Mysterio's 619 spot |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83992.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402160333/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_83992.shtml |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Barrasso |first=Justin |date=July 31, 2015 |title=Rey Mysterio opens up about Perro Aguayo's death, possible WWE return |url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/07/31/wwe-rey-mysterio-return-perro-aguayo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510144404/https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/07/31/wwe-rey-mysterio-return-perro-aguayo |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=October 18, 2018 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref>
On May 24, 2015, Mysterio came together with Myzteziz and [[Alberto Del Rio|El Patrón Alberto]] to form the "Dream Team" for AAA's [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2015)|Lucha Libre World Cup]]. The trio eventually won the tournament, defeating [[John Morrison (wrestler)|Johnny Mundo]], Matt Hardy and [[Ken Anderson (wrestler)|Mr. Anderson]] in the finals with Mysterio pinning Mundo for the win.<ref name="LuchaWorldCupWV">{{cite web |last=Boutwell |first=Josh |date=May 24, 2015 |title=AAA Lucha Libre World Cup Results – 5/24/15 (Live results) |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/54563-aaa-lucha-libre-world-cup-results-5-24-15-live-ippv-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525054520/http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/54563-aaa-lucha-libre-world-cup-results-5-24-15-live-ippv-results |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |access-date=May 24, 2015 |publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> For ''[[Triplemanía XXIII]]'', AAA's biggest show of the year, a "dream match" between Mysterio and Myzteziz took place. Both wrestlers teamed during their time in WWE and AAA but had never competed against each other. Mysterio was victorious, forcing Myzteziz to submit to a ''[[Fujiwara armbar]]''. After the match, Myzteziz turned ''rudo'' and sprayed mist at Mysterio's face, challenging him to a ''Lucha de Apuestas''.<ref name="PWTM23">{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_86815.shtml | title=Caldwell's AAA Triplemania 23 PPV report: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Mysterio vs. Original Sin Cara, Alberto vs. Brian Cage, Aguayo, Jr. & Hector Garza remembered, more | date=August 9, 2015 | access-date=August 9, 2015 | first=James | last=Caldwel | publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch | archive-date=August 12, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812061611/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_86815.shtml | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="WrestleViewTM23">{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/55679-aaa-triplemania-xxiii-results-review | title=AAA TripleMania XXIII Results & Review | date=August 9, 2015 | access-date=August 9, 2015 | first=Josh | last=Boutwell | publisher=WrestleView | archive-date=March 11, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311010855/http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/55679-aaa-triplemania-xxiii-results-review | url-status=live }}</ref> In early February 2016, AAA announced that Mysterio had left AAA due to financial issues between Mysterio and AAA.<ref>{{cite web |last=Giri |first=Raj |date=February 12, 2016 |title=Rey Mysterio Reportedly Done With AAA, AAA Pay Issues With Talent |url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0212/607564/rey-mysterio-reportedly-done-with-aaa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216095429/http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2016/0212/607564/rey-mysterio-reportedly-done-with-aaa/ |archive-date=February 16, 2016 |access-date=February 18, 2016 |work=Wrestling Inc.}}</ref> Despite not working directly for AAA, Mysterio Jr. participated in the [[Lucha Libre World Cup (2016)|2016 Lucha Libre World Cup]] alongside [[Dr. Wagner Jr.]] and [[Rey Horus|Dragon Azteca Jr.]], known as "Team Mexico International"; the trio finished in third place.<ref name="MenRound2">{{cite web | url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2016/06/05/estados-unidos-campeon-de-lucha-libre-world-cup | title=Estados Unidos, Campeón de Lucha Libre World Cup | date=June 5, 2016 | access-date=June 5, 2016 | work=MedioTiempo | language=es | publisher=[[MSN]] | first=Apolo | last=Valdés | archive-date=June 7, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607114450/http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2016/06/05/estados-unidos-campeon-de-lucha-libre-world-cup | url-status=live }}</ref>
===Return to the independent circuit (2015–2018)===
Rey Mysterio has appeared on a number of independent shows, facing the likes of [[Alberto del Rio|Alberto El Patron]] in Qatar Pro Wrestling,<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 16, 2015 |title=Rey Mysterio y el Patrón lucharon en Qatar |url=https://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/rey-mysterio-y-el-patron-lucharon-en-qatar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107215637/https://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/rey-mysterio-y-el-patron-lucharon-en-qatar |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=MedioTiempo |publisher=[[MSN]] |language=es}}</ref> [[Amazing Red]] in House of Glory,<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=August 22, 2015 |title=House of Glory Sets Attendance Record for Rey Mysterio vs. Amazing Red |url=https://pwinsider.com/article/96065/house-of-glory-sets-attendance-record-for-rey-mysterio-vs-amazing-red.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160618223033/https://pwinsider.com/article/96065/house-of-glory-sets-attendance-record-for-rey-mysterio-vs-amazing-red.html?p=1 |archive-date=June 18, 2016 |access-date=October 4, 2015 |work=PWInsider}}</ref> [[AJ Styles]] at a [[5 Star Wrestling]] show in the UK,<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 16, 2016 |title=AJ Styles battles Rey Mysterio for the first time; John Morrison vs. Carlito |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/aj-styles-battles-rey-mysterio-first-time-john-morrison-vs-carlito-205676/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705100644/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/other-wrestling/aj-styles-battles-rey-mysterio-first-time-john-morrison-vs-carlito-205676/ |archive-date=July 5, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> and Ricochet in Xtreme Wrestling Alliance (XWA).<ref>{{Cite web |last=McMahon |first=Mike |date=July 16, 2017 |title=MCMAHON'S IN-PERSON XWA WRESTLUTION REPORT 7/16: Ricochet vs. Rey Mysterio, John Morrison vs. JT Dunn, LAX in Tag Title Match |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/16/mcmahons-person-xwa-wrestlution-report-716-ricochet-vs-rey-mysterio-john-morrison-vs-jt-dunn-lax-tag-title-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121154011/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/07/16/mcmahons-person-xwa-wrestlution-report-716-ricochet-vs-rey-mysterio-john-morrison-vs-jt-dunn-lax-tag-title-match/ |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
Mysterio faced fellow [[WWE]] alumnus [[Kurt Angle]] on March 20, 2016, for the upstart URFight promotion, defeating Angle in a two-falls match with assistance from rapper [[Riff Raff (rapper)|Riff Raff]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Matheson |first=Danielle |date=February 12, 2016 |title=Kurt Angle Is Set To Wrestle Rey Mysterio On The Strangest Show Ever |url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/kurt-angle-rey-mysterio-urfight/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614184439/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/kurt-angle-rey-mysterio-urfight/ |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[Uproxx]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiari |first=Mike |date=March 20, 2016 |title=Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio: Winner, and Reaction from UR Fight 2016 |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2625143-kurt-angle-vs-rey-mysterio-winner-and-reaction-from-ur-fight-2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617083126/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2625143-kurt-angle-vs-rey-mysterio-winner-and-reaction-from-ur-fight-2016 |archive-date=June 17, 2016 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref> On April 30, 2017, at the WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup, Mysterio won the Mexico Leg with [[Pentagón Jr.|Penta El Zero M]], defeating [[Alberto El Patron]] in the semi-finals, and longtime rival [[Juventud Guerrera]] in the finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kreikenbohm |first=Philip |title=WCPW Pro Wrestling World Cup - Mexican Qualifying Round |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=173935 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404100633/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=173935 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=Cagematch.net}}</ref>
Mysterio teamed up with Mexican luchadors [[Fenix (wrestler)|Fenix]] and [[Bandido (wrestler)|Bandido]] for the main event of the indy super show [[All In (professional wrestling event)|All In]] on September 1, 2018, losing to [[The Golden Elite]] team of [[Kota Ibushi]] and [[The Young Bucks]] (Nick and Matt Jackson).<ref name=AllInTimes>{{cite web |last=Moore |first=John |title=Moore's All In live review: Kenny Omega vs. Pentagon Jr., Nick Aldis vs. Cody for the NWA Championship, Young Bucks and Kota Ibushi vs. Rey Mysterio, Fenix, Bandido, Kazuchika Okada vs. Marty Scurll, Christopher Daniels vs. Stephen Amell |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/01/moores-all-in-live-review-kenny-omega-vs-pentagon-jr-nick-aldis-vs-cody-for-the-nwa-championship-young-bucks-and-kota-ibushi-vs-rey-mysterio-fenix-bandido-kazuchika-okada-vs-marty-sc/ |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |access-date=September 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902011951/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/09/01/moores-all-in-live-review-kenny-omega-vs-pentagon-jr-nick-aldis-vs-cody-for-the-nwa-championship-young-bucks-and-kota-ibushi-vs-rey-mysterio-fenix-bandido-kazuchika-okada-vs-marty-sc/ |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |url-status=live |date=September 2018 }}</ref>
=== Lucha Underground (2015–2016) ===
Mysterio signed with [[Lucha Underground]] on December 12, 2015, and appeared on the second season.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pritchard |first=Bill |date=December 12, 2015 |title=Rey Mysterio Arrives In Lucha Underground (Photo), Details On New Smash vs CZW Live Event |url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/651523-rey-mysterio-arrives-in-lucha-underground-photo-details-on-new-smash-vs-czw-live-event |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151215211856/http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/651523-rey-mysterio-arrives-in-lucha-underground-photo-details-on-new-smash-vs-czw-live-event |archive-date=December 15, 2015 |access-date=December 12, 2015 |work=WrestleZone.com}}</ref> On January 10, 2016, Mysterio, [[Rey Horus|Dragon Azteca Jr.]] and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Prince Puma]] defeated [[Ivelisse Vélez|Ivelisse]], [[Johnny Mundo]] and [[Son of Havoc]] and [[Fénix (wrestler)|Fénix]], [[Jack Evans (wrestler)|Jack Evans]], and [[P. J. Black]] and [[Ricky Reyes|Cortez Castro]], [[Joey Ryan (wrestler)|Joey Ryan]] and Mr. Cisco in a four-way trio tag team elimination Match for the Lucha Underground Trios Championship.<ref name=LuchaSpoilers>{{Cite web |last=Stuckey |first=Dan |date=January 15, 2016 |title=1/10 Lucha Underground TV Taping Spoilers |url=https://pwinsider.com/article/99036/110-lucha-underground-tv-taping-spoilers.html?p=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306202148/https://pwinsider.com/article/99036/110-lucha-underground-tv-taping-spoilers.html?p=1 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> At [[Ultima Lucha Dos]] on January 31, Mysterio defeated Puma.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dehnel |first=Joel |date=July 21, 2016 |title=7/20 Lucha Underground Results – Dehnel's Report on "Ultima Lucha Dos" conclusion – Rey Mysterio vs. Prince Puma, LU Title match, new Trios champs |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/21/720-lucha-underground-results-dehnels-report-ultima-lucha-dos-conclusion-rey-mysterio-vs-prince-puma-lu-title-match-new-trios-champions/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510124908/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/21/720-lucha-underground-results-dehnels-report-ultima-lucha-dos-conclusion-rey-mysterio-vs-prince-puma-lu-title-match-new-trios-champions/ |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> In March, he was the second competitor to enter the second [[Professional wrestling battle royal|Aztec Warfare]] match and was the final elimination by the eventual winner, [[Jeffrey Cobb|Matanza]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 24, 2016 |title=Lucha Underground results: Rey Mysterio, Matanza debut at fun Aztec Warfare II |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mexico/lucha-underground-results-rey-mysterio-matanza-debut-fun-aztec-warfare-ii-209871/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116211745/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mexico/lucha-underground-results-rey-mysterio-matanza-debut-fun-aztec-warfare-ii-209871/ |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On April 9, Mysterio competed in the third Aztec Warfare match, which was aired in November, eliminating [[Matanza Cueto]] and ending his undefeated streak, before he was eliminated by [[Johnny Mundo]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meltzer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |date=April 10, 2016 |title=Big Lucha Underground Aztec Warfare 3 spoiler |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mexico/big-lucha-underground-aztec-warfare-3-spoiler-210751/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004132100/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mexico/big-lucha-underground-aztec-warfare-3-spoiler-210751/ |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2016 |title=Lucha Underground results: Aztec Warfare III |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mexico/lucha-underground-results-aztec-warfare-iii-224756/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107231943/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/mexico/lucha-underground-results-aztec-warfare-iii-224756/ |archive-date=November 7, 2024 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At the end of Season 3, Mysterio lost a match to Cueto, who then brutally attacked Mysterio, implying that he had been killed off and would not be returning for Season 4.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Danielle |date=September 13, 2017 |title=Lucha Underground Results 9/13 Lucha Celebrates 100 Episodes! |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/lucha-underground-results-913-lucha-celebrates-100-episodes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202235641/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/lucha-underground-results-913-lucha-celebrates-100-episodes |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref> It was confirmed that Mysterio would not return for Season 4 as he had chosen not to renew his contract with Lucha Underground.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Michael |date=September 21, 2017 |title=REPORT: Lucha Underground Season 4 Looking Unlikely |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-lucha-underground-season-4-looking-unlikely |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617234857/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/report-lucha-underground-season-4-looking-unlikely |archive-date=June 17, 2021 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |website=Fightful}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wonsover |first=Michael |date=May 8, 2018 |title=What to expect from Season 4 of 'Lucha Underground', including a brand new Season 4 trailer |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/23444428/lucha-underground-returns-fourth-season-embraces-challenge-moving-two-departing-stars |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613031311/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/23444428/lucha-underground-returns-fourth-season-embraces-challenge-moving-two-departing-stars |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |access-date=November 7, 2024 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref>
=== New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2018) ===
Rey Mysterio made his [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW) debut on June 9, 2018, as part of NJPW's [[Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall]] show. Mysterio teamed up with [[Jushin Thunder Liger]] and [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]], losing to the [[Bullet Club]] team of [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]], [[Marty Scurll]] and [[Hangman Page|Adam Page]].<ref name=Dom6.9>{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/136640?showCards=1|title=保険見直し本舗Presents DOMINION 6.9 in OSAKA-JO HALL|website=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|access-date=September 20, 2018|archive-date=May 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508182626/http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/136640?showCards=1|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Second return to AAA (2018) ===
On June 3, 2018, Mysterio returned to [[Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]] (AAA) at [[Verano de Escándalo (2018)|''Verano de Escándalo'']], competing in a three-way match for the [[AAA Mega Championship]] against [[Dr. Wagner Jr.|Rey Wegner]] and [[Jeff Jarrett]], with Jarrett winning.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2018 |title=AAA Verano De Escandalo Results: Rey Mysterio Jr and Jeff Jarrett In Main Event, New Megacampeonato, Fenix Returns |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aaa-verano-de-escandalo-results-rey-mysterio-jr-and-jeff-jarrett-main-event-new-megacampeonato-fenix |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510143045/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aaa-verano-de-escandalo-results-rey-mysterio-jr-and-jeff-jarrett-main-event-new-megacampeonato-fenix |archive-date=May 10, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2018 |website=Fightful}}</ref>
=== Return to WWE (2018–present) ===
====United States Champion (2018–2020)====
In 2018, Mysterio made two surprise appearances at [[Royal Rumble (2018)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28 and [[WWE Greatest Royal Rumble|Greatest Royal Rumble]] on April 27, but lost both matches.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Johnson|first=Mike|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/115169/update-on-wwes-big-rumble-surprise.html?p=1|title=Update on WWE's big Rumble surprise|website=PWInsider|date=January 28, 2018|access-date=January 29, 2018|archive-date=January 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129141737/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/115169/update-on-wwes-big-rumble-surprise.html?p=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=April 24, 2018 |title=Final championship match set for Greatest Royal Rumble; more names added to Greatest Royal Rumble Match |url=http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/cruiserweight-title-match-greatest-royal-rumble-match-names-added?sf187734056=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180425183235/http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/article/cruiserweight-title-match-greatest-royal-rumble-match-names-added?sf187734056=1 |archive-date=April 25, 2018 |access-date=April 24, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On September 19, it was confirmed he had signed a two-year contract with WWE.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Mike |date=September 19, 2018 |title=Rey Mysterio-WWE Deal Update |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/120420/rey-mysteriowwe-deal-update.html?p=1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104115154/https://www.pwinsider.com/article/120420/rey-mysteriowwe-deal-update.html?p=1 |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2018 |website=PWInsider}}</ref>
[[File:Rey Mysterio (42105461220).jpg|thumb|248x248px|Mysterio in July 2018]]
Mysterio participated in the [[WWE World Cup]] at [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel]] on November 2,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=October 16, 2018 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify for the WWE World Cup |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-1000-2018-10-16/article/rey-mysterio-def-shinsuke-nakamura |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173659/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-1000-2018-10-16/article/rey-mysterio-def-shinsuke-nakamura |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=October 16, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> defeating [[Randy Orton]] in the first round but lost to The Miz in the semi-finals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 2, 2018 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Randy Orton (WWE World Cup First-Round Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/rey-mysterio-randy-orton-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091920/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/rey-mysterio-randy-orton-results |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clapp |first1=John |date=November 2, 2018 |title=The Miz def. Rey Mysterio (WWE World Cup Semifinal Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/the-miz-rey-mysterio-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103091958/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-crown-jewel/2018/the-miz-rey-mysterio-results |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |access-date=November 2, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After weeks of attacks by Orton,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 6, 2018 |title=11/06 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Samoa Joe vs. Jeff Hardy for a spot on Team Smackdown, Becky Lynch faces a newcomer, New Day vs. The Usos with Survivor Series ramifications |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/06/11-06-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-samoa-joe-vs-jeff-hardy-for-a-spot-on-team-smackdown-becky-lynch-faces-a-newcomer-new-day-vs-the-usos-with-survivor-series-ramifications/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107104120/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/06/11-06-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-samoa-joe-vs-jeff-hardy-for-a-spot-on-team-smackdown-becky-lynch-faces-a-newcomer-new-day-vs-the-usos-with-survivor-series-ramifications/ |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 13, 2018 |title=11/13 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Survivor Series shakeup due to Becky Lynch's injury, New Day vs. Big Show, Sheamus, and Cesaro, the final push for Sunday's event |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/13/11-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-survivor-series-shakeup-due-to-becky-lynchs-injury-the-final-push-for-sundays-event/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181114060439/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/13/11-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-survivor-series-shakeup-due-to-becky-lynchs-injury-the-final-push-for-sundays-event/ |archive-date=November 14, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Mysterio faced Orton on the November 20 episode of ''SmackDown Live'', but lost.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Randy Orton once again viciously attacked Rey Mysterio |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-11-27#full-detail-40052448 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181127203449/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-11-27#full-detail-40052448 |archive-date=November 27, 2018 |access-date=November 27, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Pappolla |first1=Ryan |date=November 20, 2018 |title=Randy Orton def. Rey Mysterio |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-11-20/article/rey-mysterio-def-randy-orton |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173723/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-11-20/article/rey-mysterio-def-randy-orton |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=November 20, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2018)|Survivor Series]] on November 18, Mysterio competed as part of Team SmackDown in the [[Survivor Series match]], but was eliminated by [[Braun Strowman]], and his team lost to Team Raw.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=November 18, 2018 |title=Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley survive as Team Raw def. Team SmackDown (Men's Survivor Series Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/mens-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119132610/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2018/mens-5-on-5-traditional-survivor-series-elimination-match-results |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On December 16, at [[TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs (2018)|TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs]], Mysterio defeated Orton in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Chairs match|chairs match]], ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=December 16, 2018 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Randy Orton (Chairs Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/rey-mysterio-randy-orton-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173745/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/2018/rey-mysterio-randy-orton-results |archive-date=December 22, 2018 |access-date=December 16, 2018 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At the [[Royal Rumble (2019)|Royal Rumble]] on January 27, 2019, Mysterio entered the Royal Rumble match at No. 25, but was eliminated by Orton.<ref>{{cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=January 27, 2019 |title=Seth Rollins won the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/2019-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421175520/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2019/2019-mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=April 21, 2019 |access-date=January 27, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
In February, Mysterio began challenging for the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=February 26, 2019 |title=United States Champion R-Truth def. Andrade and Rey Mysterio in a Triple Threat Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-02-26/article/united-states-title-triple-threat-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028055945/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-02-26/article/united-states-title-triple-threat-match |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pappolla |first=Ryan |date=March 5, 2019 |title=Samoa Joe def. R-Truth, Rey Mysterio and Andrade to become new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-03-05/article/united-states-title-open-challenge |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426040308/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-03-05/article/united-states-title-open-challenge |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |access-date=November 8, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He failed to win the title from [[Samoa Joe]] at [[Fastlane (2019)|Fastlane]] on March 10 and [[WrestleMania 35]] on April 7, where he was squashed by Joe in 58 seconds.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=March 10, 2019 |title=United States Champion Samoa Joe def. R-Truth, Rey Mysterio and Andrade (Fatal 4-Way Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/r-truth-vs-rey-mysterio-vs-andrade-vs-samoa-joe-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327091621/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/r-truth-vs-rey-mysterio-vs-andrade-vs-samoa-joe-results |archive-date=March 27, 2019 |access-date=March 10, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=April 7, 2019 |title=United States Champion Samoa Joe def. Rey Mysterio |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/samoa-joe-vs-rey-mysterio-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409092400/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-35/samoa-joe-vs-rey-mysterio-results |archive-date=April 9, 2019 |access-date=April 8, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After being drafted to Raw as part of the [[2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up|Superstar Shake-up]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2019 |title=Full list of Superstars who moved to Raw in the 2019 Superstar Shake-up |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/superstar-shake-up-raw-recap-list |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416130025/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/superstar-shake-up-raw-recap-list |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |access-date=April 16, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Mysterio won the title from Joe at [[Money in the Bank (2019)|Money in the Bank]] on May 19, becoming the twenty-first [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)#WWE (1997)|WWE Grand Slam Champion]] in the process.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=May 19, 2019 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Samoa Joe to become the new United States Champion; Samoa Joe delivers vicious post-match assault |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/samoa-joe-vs-rey-mysterio-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531013323/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2019/samoa-joe-vs-rey-mysterio-results |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=May 19, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> However, on the June 3 episode of ''Raw'', Mysterio announced that he would return the title to Joe due to suffering an injury.<ref>{{cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=June 3, 2019 |title=6/3 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on the Heyman's Brock Lesnar cash-in promise, Reigns & Usos vs. McIntyre & Revival, Undertaker makes rare appearance |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/06/03/6-3-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-heymans-brock-lesnar-cash-in-promise-reigns-usos-vs-mcintyre-revival-undertaker-makes-rare-appearance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604213933/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2019/06/03/6-3-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-the-heymans-brock-lesnar-cash-in-promise-reigns-usos-vs-mcintyre-revival-undertaker-makes-rare-appearance/ |archive-date=June 4, 2019 |access-date=June 4, 2019 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Mysterio returned from injury one month later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/08/7-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-roman-reigns-and-a-partner-of-shane-mcmahons-choosing-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-shane-mcmahon-rey-mysterios-return-becky-lynch-and-seth-rollins-vs-zelina-vega/|title=7/8 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review Roman Reigns and a partner of Shane McMahon's choosing vs. Drew McIntyre and Shane McMahon, Rey Mysterio's return, Becky Lynch and Seth Rollins vs. Zelina Vega and Andrade, final hype for Extreme Rules|date=July 8, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 8, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709021514/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/08/7-8-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-roman-reigns-and-a-partner-of-shane-mcmahons-choosing-vs-drew-mcintyre-and-shane-mcmahon-rey-mysterios-return-becky-lynch-and-seth-rollins-vs-zelina-vega/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On the September 23 episode of ''Raw'', Mysterio won a fatal five-way elimination match, earning him a [[WWE Universal Championship|Universal Championship]] opportunity against [[Seth Rollins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/09/23/9-23-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-ricochet-vs-rey-mysterio-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-robert-roode-in-a-five-way-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-sasha-banks-vs-nik/|title=9/23 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of AJ Styles vs. Ricochet vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Robert Roode in a five-way for a shot at the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Nikki Cross, Chad Gable vs. Baron Corbin in a rematch of the KOTR final|date=September 23, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 6, 2019|archive-date=September 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925165414/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/09/23/9-23-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-ricochet-vs-rey-mysterio-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-robert-roode-in-a-five-way-for-a-shot-at-the-wwe-universal-championship-sasha-banks-vs-nik/|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the following week on ''Raw'', Mysterio and his son, Dominik, were brutally attacked by [[Brock Lesnar]], resulting in a storyline injury for the latter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Crosby |first=Jack |date=September 30, 2019 |title=WWE Raw results, recap, grades: Brock Lesnar goes on a rampage, the Fiend sends a final message |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-brock-lesnar-goes-on-a-rampage-the-fiend-sends-a-final-message/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029235940/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-results-recap-grades-brock-lesnar-goes-on-a-rampage-the-fiend-sends-a-final-message/ |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |access-date=October 2, 2019 |website=[[CBSSports.com]]}}</ref> On the October 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio assisted the debut of [[Cain Velasquez]] to attack Lesnar after the latter's WWE Championship win.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crosby |first=Jack |date=October 4, 2019 |title=WWE SmackDown results: Cain Velasquez makes shocking debut, targets Brock Lesnar on Fox premiere |url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-cain-velasquez-makes-shocking-debut-targets-brock-lesnar-on-fox-premiere/amp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502023603/https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-cain-velasquez-makes-shocking-debut-targets-brock-lesnar-on-fox-premiere/amp/ |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=October 5, 2019 |work=[[CBSSports.com]]}}</ref> At [[Crown Jewel (2019)|Crown Jewel]] on October 31, Lesnar defeated Velasquez by submission and continued to apply the Kimura Lock after the match had concluded until Mysterio attacked Lesnar with a chair.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Crown Jewel results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar vs. Cain Velasquez for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Bray Wyatt in a Falls Count Anywhere match for the WWE Universal Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Tyson Fury, Lacey Evans vs. Natalya|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 31, 2019|access-date=October 31, 2019|archive-date=November 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117025741/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/10/31/wwe-crown-jewel-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnar-vs-cain-velasquez-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-bray-wyatt-in-a-falls-count-anywhere-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championsh/|url-status=live}}</ref> The following week, Lesnar quit SmackDown to move to Raw in order to seek revenge against Mysterio, who had been drafted to Raw.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/1 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review the show featuring a makeshift crew caused by flight issues in Saudi Arabia following WWE Crown Jewel|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/01/11-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-the-show-featuring-a-makeshift-crew-caused-by-flight-issues-in-saudi-arabia-following-wwe-crown-jewel/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 1, 2019|access-date=November 2, 2019|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118175646/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/01/11-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-the-show-featuring-a-makeshift-crew-caused-by-flight-issues-in-saudi-arabia-following-wwe-crown-jewel/|url-status=live}}</ref> At [[Survivor Series (2019)|Survivor Series]] on November 24, Mysterio lost to Lesnar despite interference from Dominik.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Benigno |first1=Anthony |date=November 24, 2019 |title=WWE Champion Brock Lesnar def. Rey Mysterio (No Holds Barred, No Disqualification Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/brock-lesnar-vs-rey-mysterio-results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207161957/https://www.wwe.com/shows/survivor-series/2019/brock-lesnar-vs-rey-mysterio-results |archive-date=December 7, 2019 |access-date=November 24, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
Mysterio won a fatal-four-way match on the November 25 episode of ''Raw'' to earn a match for the United States Championship, regaining the title by defeating [[A.J. Styles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 25, 2019 |title=11/25 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of the night after Survivor Series edition with AJ Styles vs. a four-way winner for the U.S. Championship, Charlotte Flair vs. Asuka, Seth Rollins' town hall meeting |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129011421/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/25/11-25-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-the-night-after-survivor-series-edition-with-aj-styles-vs-humberto-carrillo-for-the-u-s-championship-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-seth-rollins-town-hall-m/ |archive-date=November 29, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the December 9 episode of ''Raw'', he successfully defended the title against Styles, before losing it to [[Andrade El Idolo|Andrade]] during a [[house show]] at [[Madison Square Garden]] on December 26.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=December 9, 2019 |title=12/09 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Rey Mysterio vs. AJ Styles for the U.S. Championship, Rusev and Lana divorce, the brand's final push for the WWE TLC pay-per-view |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/09/12-09-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-lana-divorce-the-brands-final-push-for-the-wwe-tlc-pay-per-view/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129043146/https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/09/12-09-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-aj-styles-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-lana-divorce-the-brands-final-push-for-the-wwe-tlc-pay-per-view/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=December 26, 2019 |title=Andrade captures U.S. Title by defeating Rey Mysterio at Madison Square Garden |url=https://www.wwe.com/article/andrade-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200106153351/https://www.wwe.com/article/andrade-wins-us-title-madison-square-garden |archive-date=January 6, 2020 |access-date=December 27, 2019 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He attempted to win the title back from Andrade on the January 6 and 20 episodes of ''Raw'', in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/06/01-06-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-brock-lesnars-return-andrade-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-u-s-championship-the-viking-raiders-vs-the-street-profits-vs-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-in-a/|title=01/06 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Brock Lesnar's return, Andrade vs. Rey Mysterio for the U.S. Championship, The Viking Raiders vs. The Street Profits vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in a Triple Threat for the Raw Tag Titles, first show of 2020|date=January 6, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 7, 2020|archive-date=January 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200115173923/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/06/01-06-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-brock-lesnars-return-andrade-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-u-s-championship-the-viking-raiders-vs-the-street-profits-vs-luke-gallows-and-karl-anderson-in-a/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/20/01-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-andrade-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-liv-morgan-vs-bobby-lashley-and-lana-wwe-champion-brock-lesnar-royal/|title=01/20 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Andrade vs. Rey Mysterio in a ladder match for the U.S. Championship, Rusev and Liv Morgan vs. Bobby Lashley and Lana, WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, Royal Rumble developments|date=January 20, 2020|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 22, 2020|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802230328/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/01/20/01-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-andrade-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-u-s-championship-rusev-and-liv-morgan-vs-bobby-lashley-and-lana-wwe-champion-brock-lesnar-royal/|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Teaming with Dominik Mysterio (2020–2022) ====
{{Main|Mysterios}}
[[File:The Mysterios vs. The Street Profits December 2021.jpg|thumb|[[The Mysterios]] during a tag team match against the [[Street Profits]] in December 2021]]
In May 2020, Mysterio began feuding with [[Seth Rollins]], who used the corner of steel steps to pierce Mysterio's eye and take him out of action.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=May 11, 2020 |title=5/11 WWE Raw Results: Keller's report on Money in the Bank PPV fallout, Edge hunting Orton, Becky confronting Asuka |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/05/11/5-4-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-money-in-the-bank-ppv-fallout-edge-hunting-orton-becky-confronting-asuka/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517081608/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/05/11/5-4-wwe-raw-results-kellers-report-on-money-in-the-bank-ppv-fallout-edge-hunting-orton-becky-confronting-asuka/ |archive-date=May 17, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 13, 2020 |title=Update on Rey Mysterio's eye injury |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/rey-mysterio-injury-update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528235030/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/rey-mysterio-injury-update |archive-date=May 28, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[The Horror Show at Extreme Rules]] on July 19, Mysterio lost to Rollins in an Eye for an Eye match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=July 19, 2020 |title=Seth Rollins def. Rey Mysterio (Eye for an Eye Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2020/article/seth-rollins-def-rey-mysterio-eye-for-an-eye-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206042532/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/extreme-rules-2020/article/seth-rollins-def-rey-mysterio-eye-for-an-eye-match |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On August 30, Mysterio and his son, [[Dominik Mysterio]], defeated Rollins and [[Buddy Matthews|Murphy]] at [[Payback (2020)|Payback]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Rey & Dominik Mysterio def. Seth Rollins & Murphy |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/08-30-2020/rey-dominik-mysterio-def-seth-rollins-murphy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228195208/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/08-30-2020/rey-dominik-mysterio-def-seth-rollins-murphy |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> As part of the [[2020 WWE Draft|2020 Draft]], Mysterio was drafted to the [[SmackDown (WWE brand)|SmackDown]] brand.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 9, 2020 |title=See all the results from the 2020 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103213249/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |access-date=October 9, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Mysterio and Rollins faced each other in a No Holds Barred Final Chapter match on the November 13 episode of ''SmackDown'', which Mysterio won after assistance from Murphy, who turned on Rollins, ending their feud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=November 13, 2020 |title=11/13 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the final Seth Rollins vs. Rey Mysterio match, Sami Zayn vs. Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship, Survivor Series build continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/13/11-13-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-final-seth-rollins-vs-rey-mysterio-match-sami-zayn-vs-apollo-crews-for-the-intercontinental-championship-survivor-series-build-con/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116154041/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/11/13/11-13-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-final-seth-rollins-vs-rey-mysterio-match-sami-zayn-vs-apollo-crews-for-the-intercontinental-championship-survivor-series-build-con/ |archive-date=November 16, 2020 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Royal Rumble (2021)|Royal Rumble]] on January 31, 2021, Mysterio entered at No. 26, but was eliminated by [[Jordan Omogbehin|Omos]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=January 31, 2021 |title=Edge won the 2021 Royal Rumble Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201054241/https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/01-31-2021/mens-royal-rumble-match-results |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
Following the Royal Rumble, Mysterio began teaming with Dominik.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 19, 2021 |title=2/19 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Edge's appearance, Kevin Owens, Daniel Bryan, and Cesaro vs. Jey Uso, King Corbin, and Sami Zayn in a six-man tag match, the final push for the Elimination Chamber event |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/19/2-19-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-edges-appearance-kevin-owens-daniel-bryan-and-cesaro-vs-jey-uso-king-corbin-and-sami-zayn-in-a-six-man-tag-match-the-final-push-fo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228102235/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/19/2-19-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-edges-appearance-kevin-owens-daniel-bryan-and-cesaro-vs-jey-uso-king-corbin-and-sami-zayn-in-a-six-man-tag-match-the-final-push-fo/ |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 26, 2021 |title=2/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Bianca Belair's WrestleMania decision, The Street Profits vs. Sami Zayn and King Corbin, Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio vs. Chad Gable and Otis, Elimination Chamber fallout |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/26/2-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-bianca-belairs-wrestlemania-decision-the-street-profits-vs-sami-zayn-and-king-corbin-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-chad/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228192301/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/26/2-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-bianca-belairs-wrestlemania-decision-the-street-profits-vs-sami-zayn-and-king-corbin-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-chad/ |archive-date=February 28, 2021 |access-date=November 8, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=March 19, 2021 |title=3/19 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Moore's review of Edge vs. Jey Uso to become special enforcer of the WWE Universal Championship at WWE Fastlane, Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Big E and Apollo Crews interview |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/19/3-19-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-moores-review-of-edge-vs-jey-uso-to-become-special-enforcer-of-the-wwe-universal-championship-at-wwe-fastlane-sasha-banks-vs-nia-jax-for-the-smackdown-wom/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321200913/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/19/3-19-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-moores-review-of-edge-vs-jey-uso-to-become-special-enforcer-of-the-wwe-universal-championship-at-wwe-fastlane-sasha-banks-vs-nia-jax-for-the-smackdown-wom/ |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[WrestleMania Backlash (2021)|WrestleMania Backlash]] on May 16, they defeated [[Dolph Ziggler]] and [[Bobby Roode|Robert Roode]] to win the [[WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]], becoming the first ever father-son tag team champions in WWE history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=May 16, 2021 |title=Rey & Dominik Mysterio def. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to become the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2021/dolph-ziggler-robert-roode-vs-rey-mysterio-dominik-mysterio-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006214651/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2021/dolph-ziggler-robert-roode-vs-rey-mysterio-dominik-mysterio-results |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the June 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', the Mysterios retained their titles against [[The Usos]], albeit with controversy as the referee failed to notice Jimmy's shoulder was lifted. After [[Adam Pearce]] and [[Sonya Deville]] granted a rematch later that night, the Mysterios again retained their titles after [[Roman Reigns]] interfered and attacked them, causing a disqualification.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 4, 2021 |title=6/4 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio vs. Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Apollo Crews vs. Kevin Owens for the Intercontinental Championship with Commander Azeez banned from ringside |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/04/6-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-apollo-crews-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-intercon/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US |archive-date=June 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602042348/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/04/6-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-jimmy-uso-and-jey-uso-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-apollo-crews-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-intercon/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the June 18 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio lost to Reigns in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Reigns vs. Mysterio Hell in a Cell match moved to WWE SmackDown |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/reigns-vs-mysterio-hell-cell-match-moved-wwe-smackdown-344456 |access-date=September 29, 2022 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726185655/https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/reigns-vs-mysterio-hell-cell-match-moved-wwe-smackdown-344456 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 18, 2021 |title=6/18 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Rey Mysterio in a Hell in a Cell match for the WWE Universal Championship, Big E and Kevin Owens vs. Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez, Shinsuke Nakamura vs. King Corbin in a battle for the crown, Angelo Dawkins vs. Otis |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/18/6-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-big-e-and-kevin-owens-vs-apollo-crews-and-comm/ |access-date=September 30, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200145/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/06/18/6-18-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-rey-mysterio-in-a-hell-in-a-cell-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-big-e-and-kevin-owens-vs-apollo-crews-and-comm/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[Money in the Bank (2021)|Money in the Bank]] pre-show on July 18, the Mysterios lost the titles to the Usos, ending their reign at 63 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clapp |first=John |date=July 18, 2021 |title=The Usos def. Rey & Dominik Mysterio to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship (Kickoff Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/rey-dominik-mysterio-vs-the-usos-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719010948/https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/07-18-2021/rey-dominik-mysterio-vs-the-usos-results |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> They failed to regain the titles at [[SummerSlam (2021)|SummerSlam]] on August 21.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laboon |first=Jeff |date=August 21, 2021 |title=The Usos def. The Mysterios to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/the-usos-vs-rey-dominik-mysterio-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210822030709/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2021/the-usos-vs-rey-dominik-mysterio-results |archive-date=August 22, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
As part of the [[2021 WWE Draft|2021 Draft]], both Rey and Dominik were drafted to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw brand]].<ref name="SmackDown100121">{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/01/10-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-first-night-of-the-wwe-draft-smackdown-womens-champion-bianca-belair-vs-sasha-bank-edge-returns-fallout-from-extreme-rules/|title=10/1 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the first night of the WWE Draft, Belair vs. Sasha Banks, Edge returns, fallout from Extreme Rules|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 1, 2021|access-date=October 2, 2021|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019190549/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/01/10-1-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-first-night-of-the-wwe-draft-smackdown-womens-champion-bianca-belair-vs-sasha-bank-edge-returns-fallout-from-extreme-rules/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rey, along with Dominik, were then involved in a feud with [[The Miz]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=February 7, 2022 |title=2/7 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on Quiz Bowl Showdown between RK-Bro and Alpha Academy, Seth vs. Riddle, Lita appears |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/07/2-7-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-quiz-bowl-showdown-between-rk-bro-and-alpha-academy-seth-vs-riddle-lita-appears/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208043540/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/07/2-7-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-quiz-bowl-showdown-between-rk-bro-and-alpha-academy-seth-vs-riddle-lita-appears/ |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=February 14, 2022 |title=2/14 WWE Monday Night Raw Results: Keller's report on RK-Bro Broga Party, Brock and Lita appear, Styles challenges Damian Priest for U.S. Title |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/14/2-14-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-rk-bro-broga-party-brock-and-lita-appear-styles-challenges-damian-priest-for-u-s-title/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217050606/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/14/2-14-wwe-monday-night-raw-results-kellers-report-on-rk-bro-broga-party-brock-and-lita-appear-styles-challenges-damian-priest-for-u-s-title/ |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> whom Rey defeated at the [[Elimination Chamber (2022)|Elimination Chamber]] pre-show on February 19.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=February 19, 2022 |title=Rey Mysterio def. The Miz |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2022/rey-mysterio-vs-the-miz-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219185041/https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2022/rey-mysterio-vs-the-miz-results |archive-date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> The feud grew to involve social media star [[Logan Paul]], culminating in a tag team match between the Mysterios and Miz and Paul on Night 1 of [[WrestleMania 38]] on April 2,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=February 21, 2022 |title=2/21 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of the milestone episode featuring new WWE Champion Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton and Riddle vs. Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, and Miz TV on the Elimination Chamber fallout edition |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/21/2-21-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-milestone-episode-featuring-new-wwe-champion-brock-lesnar-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-kevin-owens-and-miz-tv-on-the-elimination-cha/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222025414/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/02/21/2-21-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-the-milestone-episode-featuring-new-wwe-champion-brock-lesnar-randy-orton-and-riddle-vs-seth-rollins-and-kevin-owens-and-miz-tv-on-the-elimination-cha/ |archive-date=February 22, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 28, 2022 |title=Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Miz & Logan Paul |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/rey-dominik-mysterio-vs-the-miz-logan-paul |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228232648/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/rey-dominik-mysterio-vs-the-miz-logan-paul |archive-date=February 28, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> which the Mysterios lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=April 2, 2022 |title=The Miz & Logan Paul def. Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio, Miz turns on Paul |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/rey-dominik-mysterio-vs-the-miz-logan-paul-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220403021059/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-38/rey-dominik-mysterio-vs-the-miz-logan-paul-results |archive-date=April 3, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
Over the following weeks, The Mysterios began a feud with [[The Judgment Day (professional wrestling)|The Judgment Day]] ([[Finn Balor]], [[Damian Priest]], and [[Rhea Ripley]]), who repeatedly attempted to have Dominik join the stable.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 27, 2022 |title=6/27 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of John Cena's 20th Anniversary celebration, AEW wrestlers submit Cena videos, a 20-man battle royal for a spot in the Money in the Bank ladder match, a six-woman elimination match for a spot in the MITB ladder match, Jey Uso vs. Montez Ford |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/27/6-27-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-john-cenas-20th-anniversary-celebration-kevin-owens-vs-ezekiel-or-elias-or-elrod-in-a-money-in-the-bank-qualifier-the-brands-final-push-for-the-mi/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628061433/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/27/6-27-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-john-cenas-20th-anniversary-celebration-kevin-owens-vs-ezekiel-or-elias-or-elrod-in-a-money-in-the-bank-qualifier-the-brands-final-push-for-the-mi/ |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 11, 2022 |title=7/11 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Brock Lesnar's latest appearance, Bianca Belair vs. Carmella for the Raw Women's Championship, Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor for the first time ever, the build to SummerSlam continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/11/7-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnars-latest-appearance-bianca-belair-vs-carmella-for-the-raw-womens-championship-rey-mysterio-vs-finn-balor-for-the-first-time-ever-the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713164154/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/11/7-11-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-brock-lesnars-latest-appearance-bianca-belair-vs-carmella-for-the-raw-womens-championship-rey-mysterio-vs-finn-balor-for-the-first-time-ever-the/ |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=July 18, 2022 |title=7/18 WWE Raw results: Powell's live review of Bianca Belair vs. Carmella for the Raw Women's Championship, Logan Paul appears on Miz TV, the build to SummerSlam continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/18/7-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bianca-belair-vs-carmella-for-the-raw-womens-championship-logan-paul-appears-on-miz-tv-the-build-to-summerslam-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220719080117/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/07/18/7-18-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-bianca-belair-vs-carmella-for-the-raw-womens-championship-logan-paul-appears-on-miz-tv-the-build-to-summerslam-continues/ |archive-date=July 19, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[SummerSlam (2022)|SummerSlam]] on July 30, the Mysterios defeated Bálor and Priest after interference from a returning [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Nathan |date=July 30, 2022 |title=The Mysterios def. Finn Bálor & Damian Priest of The Judgment Day; Edge returns |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/the-mysterios-vs-finn-balor-damian-priest-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731024016/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/2022/the-mysterios-vs-finn-balor-damian-priest-results |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At [[WWE Clash at the Castle|Clash at the Castle]] on September 3, Rey and Edge defeated Bálor and Priest. After the match, Dominik hit Edge with a low blow and hit a clothesline on Rey, thus disbanding the Mysterios.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Gregory |date=September 3, 2022 |title=Edge & Rey Mysterio def. The Judgment Day; Dominik Mysterio shockingly betrays his father and Edge |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/clash-at-the-castle/2022/edge-rey-mysterio-vs-the-judgment-day-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220903194324/https://www.wwe.com/shows/clash-at-the-castle/2022/edge-rey-mysterio-vs-the-judgment-day-results |archive-date=September 3, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the October 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', he was transferred to the SmackDown brand, refusing to fight his son. Later that night, he won a fatal four-way match for an Intercontinental Championship match against [[Gunther (wrestler)|Gunther]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/14/10-14-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-bray-wyatts-return-sheamus-vs-ricochet-vs-karrion-kross-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-four-way-for-a-shot-at-the-intercontinental-champion/|title=10/14 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Bray Wyatt's return, Sheamus vs. Ricochet vs. Karrion Kross vs. Solo Sikoa in a four-way for a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Sami Zayn, LA Knight vs. Mansoor|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 14, 2022|access-date=October 15, 2022|archive-date=October 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221017020420/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/14/10-14-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-bray-wyatts-return-sheamus-vs-ricochet-vs-karrion-kross-vs-solo-sikoa-in-a-four-way-for-a-shot-at-the-intercontinental-champion/|url-status=live}}</ref> which he lost on the November 4 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=November 4, 2022 |title=11/4 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Gunther vs. Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship, Liv Morgan vs. Sonya Deville in a No DQ match, LA Knight vs. Ricochet, Shayna Baszler vs. Natalya, Braun Strowman faces five opponents in a handicap match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/04/11-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-gunther-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-no-dq-match-la-knight-vs-ricochet/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221107000554/https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/04/11-4-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-gunther-vs-rey-mysterio-for-the-intercontinental-championship-liv-morgan-vs-sonya-deville-in-a-no-dq-match-la-knight-vs-ricochet/ |archive-date=November 7, 2022 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref>
==== Latino World Order (2023–present) ====
{{main|Latino World Order}}
[[File:619 to Judgement Day (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Mysterio (left) gives a 619 to [[The Judgment Day (professional wrestling)|The Judgment Day]] ([[Finn Balor]], [[Damian Priest]], [[Dominik Mysterio]] and [[JD McDonagh]]) in August 2024.]]
At the [[Royal Rumble (2023)|Royal Rumble]] on January 28, 2023, Rey was scheduled to enter the Royal Rumble match at No. 17, but was unable to compete in storyline due to presumably being attacked by Dominik, who entered the match at No. 18.<ref name="RR2023">{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Bianca Belair vs. Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women's Championship, Bray Wyatt vs. LA Knight in a Pitch Black match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 28, 2023|access-date=January 28, 2023|archive-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129010056/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/28/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-for-the-undisputed-wwe-universal-championship-bianca-belair-vs-alexa-bliss-for-the-raw-women/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On March 10, WWE announced that Mysterio would be inducted into the [[WWE Hall of Fame]] as a part of the [[WWE Hall of Fame (2023)|Class of 2023]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 10, 2023 |title=Rey Mysterio to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023 |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/article/rey-mysterio-to-be-inducted-into-the-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311143147/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame/article/rey-mysterio-to-be-inducted-into-the-wwe-hall-of-fame-class-of-2023 |archive-date=March 11, 2023 |access-date=March 11, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After weeks of continuous torment by Dominik,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 10, 2023 |title=3/10 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Jey Uso's return and the reaction of Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. LA Knight vs. Karrion Kross vs. Xavier Woods for an Intercontinental Title shot at WrestleMania 39, The Viking Raiders vs. Braun Strowman and Ricochet, Legado Del Fantasma vs. Judgment Day |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/10/3-10-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-jey-usos-return-and-the-reaction-of-roman-reigns-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-la-knight-vs-karrion-kross-vs-xavier-woods-for-an-inter/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325164830/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/10/3-10-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-jey-usos-return-and-the-reaction-of-roman-reigns-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-la-knight-vs-karrion-kross-vs-xavier-woods-for-an-inter/ |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=John |date=March 17, 2023 |title=3/17 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Moore's review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus for an Intercontinental Title shot at WrestleMania 39, Sami Zayn confronting Jey Uso, Cody Rhodes's appearance, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio vs. Zelina Vega and Santos Escobar |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/17/3-17-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-moores-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-for-an-intercontinental-title-shot-at-wrestlemania-39-sami-zayn-confronting-jey-uso-cody-rhodess-appearance-r/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205215216/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/17/3-17-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-moores-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-for-an-intercontinental-title-shot-at-wrestlemania-39-sami-zayn-confronting-jey-uso-cody-rhodess-appearance-r/ |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> on the March 24 episode of ''SmackDown'', Rey attacked Dominik after he disrespected his mother and sister, accepting his challenge for a match at [[WrestleMania 39]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 24, 2023 |title=3/24 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Dominik Mysterio confronting his family, Cody Rhodes vs. Ludwig Kaiser, Rey Mysterio vs. LA Knight, The KO Show with Sami Zayn as a guest, Intercontinental Title match contract signing with Gunther, Sheamus, and Drew McIntyre |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/24/3-24-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-dominik-mysterio-confronting-his-family-cody-rhodes-vs-ludwig-kaiser-rey-mysterio-vs-la-knight-the-ko-show-with-sami-zayn-as-a-guest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611001830/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/24/3-24-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-dominik-mysterio-confronting-his-family-cody-rhodes-vs-ludwig-kaiser-rey-mysterio-vs-la-knight-the-ko-show-with-sami-zayn-as-a-guest/ |archive-date=June 11, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the following episode of ''SmackDown'', Rey would reform the [[Latino World Order]] by gifting LWO shirts to [[Legado Del Fantasma]] ([[Santos Escobar]], [[Zelina Vega]], [[Joaquin Wilde]], and [[Cruz Del Toro]]), as the group had aided Mysterio against The Judgment Day for several weeks prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 31, 2023 |title=3/31 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of the final Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes confrontation before WrestleMania 39, the Andre the Giant memorial battle royal, Drew McIntyre and Sheamus vs. Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, Raquel Rodriguez vs. Natalya vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Sonya Deville in a four-way |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/31/3-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-final-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-confrontation-before-wrestlemania-39-the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-drew-mcintyre-and/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230401104747/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/31/3-31-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-the-final-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-confrontation-before-wrestlemania-39-the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-drew-mcintyre-and/ |archive-date=April 1, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Night 1 of WrestleMania 39 on April 1, Rey defeated Dominik with help from [[Bad Bunny]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=April 1, 2023 |title=Rey Mysterio def. Dominik Mysterio |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/rey-mysterio-vs-dominik-mysterio-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402031527/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/rey-mysterio-vs-dominik-mysterio-results |archive-date=April 2, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
In July, Mysterio competed in the United States Title Invitational Tournament, where he was defeated by LWO stablemate Escobar in the finals via referee stoppage, after suffering from whiplash.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=July 21, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (7/21): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso set the rules of engagement, LA Knight vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Sheamus vs. Cameron Grimes in a U.S. Title Invitational four-way |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/21/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-7-21-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-jey-uso-set-the-rules-of-engagement-la-knight-vs-rey-mysterio-vs-sheamus-vs-cameron-grimes-in-a-u-s-title-invitati/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722031311/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/07/21/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-7-21-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-jey-uso-set-the-rules-of-engagement-la-knight-vs-rey-mysterio-vs-sheamus-vs-cameron-grimes-in-a-u-s-title-invitati/ |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Keller |first=Wade |author-link=Wade Keller |date=July 28, 2023 |title=WWE SmackDown Results (7/28): Keller's report on Rey vs. Santos for U.S. Title match, Kross vs. Anderson, Roman and Jey |url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/07/28/wwe-smackdown-results-7-28-kellers-report-on-rey-vs-santos-for-u-s-title-match-kross-vs-anderson-roman-and-jey/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230729021945/https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2023/07/28/wwe-smackdown-results-7-28-kellers-report-on-rey-vs-santos-for-u-s-title-match-kross-vs-anderson-roman-and-jey/ |archive-date=July 29, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the August 11 episode of ''SmackDown'', after Escobar was rendered unable to compete in his title match due to an attack from the champion, [[Austin Theory]], Mysterio took Escobar's place and defeated Theory to capture his third United States Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=August 11, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (8/11): Barnett's review of Jimmy Uso's "Hail to the Chief" segment, Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair, Austin Theory vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, AJ Styles vs. Karrion Kross |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/11/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-11-barnetts-review-of-jimmy-usos-hail-to-the-chief-segment-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-austin-theory-vs-santos-escobar-f/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813104712/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/08/11/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-8-11-barnetts-review-of-jimmy-usos-hail-to-the-chief-segment-asuka-vs-charlotte-flair-austin-theory-vs-santos-escobar-f/ |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Payback (2023)|Payback]] on September 2, he defeated Theory in a rematch to retain the title.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gilpin |first=Matt |date=September 2, 2023 |title=WWE Payback 2023 full recap, highlights, photos and exclusives |url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903034211/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2023/results |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the September 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio successfully defended the title against Escobar. After the match, they were attacked by [[Street Profits|The Street Profits]] (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=September 29, 2023 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (9/29): Barnett's review of Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar for the U.S. Title, Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley, John Cena's appearance, Grayson Waller Effect with Bobby Lashley |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-29-barnetts-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-john-cenas-appearance-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231004083010/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-9-29-barnetts-review-of-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-for-the-u-s-title-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-john-cenas-appearance-grayson-waller-effect-with/ |archive-date=October 4, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At [[Fastlane (2023)|Fastlane]] on October 7, Mysterio, Escobar and the returning [[Carlito (wrestler)|Carlito]] defeated [[Bobby Lashley]] and The Street Profits in a six-man tag team match.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=October 7, 2023 |title=WWE Fastlane results: Powell's review of Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Last Man Standing match for the World Heavyweight Title, John Cena and LA Knight vs. Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/07/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-john-cena-and-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jimmy-uso/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008193457/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/07/wwe-fastlane-results-powells-review-of-seth-rollins-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-world-heavyweight-title-john-cena-and-la-knight-vs-solo-sikoa-and-jimmy-uso/ |archive-date=October 8, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On November 4, at [[Crown Jewel (2023)|Crown Jewel]], Mysterio lost the United States Championship to [[Logan Paul]] after Escobar placed brass knuckles in the ring, which Paul used on Mysterio, ending his reign at 85 days.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2023 |title=Crown Jewel: Roman Reigns retains, Logan Paul new U.S. champ |url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38814935/wwe-crown-jewel-live-results-analysis-2023-roman-reigns-la-knight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129151930/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/38814935/wwe-crown-jewel-live-results-analysis-2023-roman-reigns-la-knight |archive-date=November 29, 2023 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>
[[File:Rey Mysterio RR25.jpg|thumb|Mysterio in February 2025]]
After a three-month hiatus, Mysterio returned on the March 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', assisting Carlito in winning a [[Professional wrestling match types|street fight]] against Escobar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=March 1, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/1): Powell's review of The Rock's appearance with The Bloodline, Kabuki Warriors vs. Bayley and Dakota Kai, Naomi vs. Tiffany Stratton |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/01/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-1-powells-review-of-the-rocks-appearance-with-the-bloodline-kabuki-warriors-vs-bayley-and-dakota-kai-naomi-vs-tiffany-stratton/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417021542/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/01/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-1-powells-review-of-the-rocks-appearance-with-the-bloodline-kabuki-warriors-vs-bayley-and-dakota-kai-naomi-vs-tiffany-stratton/ |archive-date=April 17, 2024 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> Three weeks later, Mysterio lost to Escobar after interference from Dominik.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 22, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/22): Barnett's review of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio vs. Santos Escobar, WWE Women's Champion Iyo Sky vs. Naomi in a non-title match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-22-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-wwe-womens-champion-iyo-sky-vs-naomi-in-a-non-title-match/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323033252/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/22/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-22-barnetts-review-of-roman-reigns-and-cody-rhodes-rey-mysterio-vs-santos-escobar-wwe-womens-champion-iyo-sky-vs-naomi-in-a-non-title-match/ |archive-date=March 23, 2024 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the March 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Mysterio introduced [[Dragon Lee (wrestler)|Dragon Lee]] as the newest member of the LWO, and Rey and Lee challenged Escobar and Dominik to a tag team match at [[WrestleMania XL]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 29, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (3/29): Barnett's review of Jade Cargill's appearance, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens vs. Pretty Deadly, WMXL tag team title ladder match qualifiers |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-29-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargills-appearance-randy-orton-and-kevin-owens-vs-pretty-deadly-wmxl-tag-team-title-ladder-match-qualifiers/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330113710/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/29/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-3-29-barnetts-review-of-jade-cargills-appearance-randy-orton-and-kevin-owens-vs-pretty-deadly-wmxl-tag-team-title-ladder-match-qualifiers/ |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |access-date=November 9, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> However, Lee was found attacked backstage the following week, rendering him unable to compete at WrestleMania. Rey was assisted by [[Andrade El Idolo|Andrade]] to fend off Escobar and Dominik.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=April 5, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night Smackdown results (4/5): Barnett's review of the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, Jey Uso vs. Solo Sikoa, KO Show with guest Randy Orton, final hype for WMXL |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-5-barnetts-review-of-the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-jey-uso-vs-solo-sikoa-ko-show-with-guest-randy-orton-final-hype-for-wmxl/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518165209/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/05/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-4-5-barnetts-review-of-the-andre-the-giant-memorial-battle-royal-jey-uso-vs-solo-sikoa-ko-show-with-guest-randy-orton-final-hype-for-wmxl/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=April 5, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> At Night 1 of WrestleMania XL on April 6, Mysterio and Andrade defeated Escobar and Dominik after interference from [[Lane Johnson]] and [[Jason Kelce]].<ref name="WM40N1">{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 6, 2024 |title=WrestleMania XL results: Powell's live review of night one with The Rock and Roman Reigns vs. Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley vs. Becky Lynch for the Women's World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-the-rock-and-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-and-cody-rhodes-rhea-ripley-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407003451/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/06/wrestlemania-xl-results-powells-live-review-of-night-one-with-the-rock-and-roman-reigns-vs-seth-rollins-and-cody-rhodes-rhea-ripley-vs-becky-lynch-for-the-womens-world-championship/ |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |access-date=April 6, 2024 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On the April 26 episode of ''SmackDown'', after Rey and Lee defeated Los Lotharios ([[Angel Garza|Angel]] and [[Humberto Carrillo|Berto]]), Escobar revealed that Carlito had attacked Lee. Carlito then proceeded to attack both Lee and Mysterio after Escobar's revelation.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Quiles |first=Fernando Jr. |date=April 26, 2024 |title=WWE Friday Night SmackDown Free Live Stream Results: WWE Draft 2024 Begins, The Bloodline Drama Continues |url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-wwe-draft-2024-the-bloodline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240427023426/https://www.si.com/wrestling/wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-wwe-draft-2024-the-bloodline |archive-date=April 27, 2024 |access-date=April 27, 2024 |magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]}}</ref> As part of the [[2024 WWE Draft]], Mysterio and the rest of the LWO were drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 30, 2024 |title=WWE Draft Tracker: The full list of wrestlers to Raw and Smackdown |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/30/wwe-draft-tracker-the-full-list-of-wrestlers-to-raw-and-smackdown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430062711/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/30/wwe-draft-tracker-the-full-list-of-wrestlers-to-raw-and-smackdown/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}}</ref>
In October 2024, the LWO began a televised feud with [[Chad Gable]]’s newly formed faction, [[American Made (professional wrestling)|American Made]]. The rivalry was centered around Gable’s portrayal of “El Grande Americano,” a masked character parodying lucha libre traditions, directly opposing Rey Mysterio and the LWO's cultural legacy. The two groups competed in various tag team and mixed-tag matches throughout late 2024 and early 2025. The storyline culminated at [[WrestleMania 41]], where Gable (as El Grande Americano) was scheduled to face Mysterio. However, on the April 19, 2025 episode of SmackDown, Mysterio suffered a legitimate torn groin and a ruptured eardrum during a six-man tag match involving American Made and the LWO. As a result, he was medically disqualified from competing and was replaced by [[Rey Fénix]]. Mysterio later underwent surgery and was expected to return to action towards the end of 2025.
On June 7, 2025, he appeared at [[Worlds Collide (2025)|AAA X WWE Worlds Collide 2025]], giving a speech to open the show.
== Other media ==
Mysterio has been a subject of several DVDs during his wrestling career, including ''Rey Mysterio: 619'', a 2003 documentary of Mysterio's career and personal life. WWE also produced ''Rey Mysterio: The Biggest Little Man'', a three disc set featuring Mysterio's best matches that was released on October 23, 2007. He was also featured on the DVD ''Before They Were Wrestling Stars: Rey Mysterio Jr.'' in 2007 which featured matches from his time in Mexico. ''Rey Mysterio: The Life of a Masked Man'' was issued on July 12, 2011. In the UK, [[Silver Vision]] released a Mysterio DVD as part of their Best of WWE collection. This featured his matches from [[SummerSlam 2005]], [[WrestleMania 22]], [[No Mercy 2006]], and [[SummerSlam 2007]].<ref>{{cite AV media|title=Best of WWE Volume 1 – Rey Mysterio DVD | publisher= Silver Vision | year=2011}}</ref>
===Movies===
Mysterio appeared in the 2000 film ''[[Ready to Rumble]]'' along with several other wrestlers.
=== Books ===
* {{cite book
| ref={{harvid|Mysterio|2009}}
| last1=Mysterio|first1=Rey
| last2=Roberts |first2=Jeremy
| title=Rey Mysterio: Behind the Mask
| publisher=WWE Books ([[Pocket Books]])
| ___location=New York City
| date=November 10, 2009
| isbn=978-1-4391-9584-0
| pages=368pp
| no-pp=y
}}
=== Music ===
Mysterio, along with rapper Mad One, performed the original version of "Booyaka 619", which Mysterio used as his WWE entrance theme around September 2005.<ref name="619 Rey">{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_43822.shtml|title=WWE SmackDown flashback – Five years ago (09–16–05): Early evaluation of Mr. Kennedy/Anderson, Orton vs. Undertaker, JBL vs. Rey|date=September 16, 2010|access-date=January 30, 2018|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc.|archive-date=January 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131200726/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Flashbacks_19/article_43822.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> Mysterio also performed a rap song, called "Crossing Borders", which appears on the 2004 album ''[[WWE Originals]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Borders/dp/B008HS7JEC|title=Crossing Borders by Rey Mysterio|access-date=January 30, 2018|website=[[Amazon.com|Amazon]]|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213174409/https://www.amazon.com/Crossing-Borders/dp/B008HS7JEC|url-status=live}}</ref> and was also used as the official theme song for the [[No Way Out (2004)|2004 No Way Out]] pay-per-view.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=2521 | title=WWE No Way Out 2004 | access-date=June 2, 2018 | work=CageMatch | archive-date=February 13, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213174409/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=2521 | url-status=live }}</ref>
== Filmography ==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
|2000
|''[[Ready to Rumble]]''
|Himself
|Uncredited cameo
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Television
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Role
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
|2007
|[[Heroes (American TV series)|''Heroes'']]
|Himself
|Archival footage
'The Kindness of Strangers'
|-
| 2021–present
| ''Booyaka! Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness''
| Himself (voice)
|
|-
|2022
|''[[Celebrity Family Feud]]''
|Himself
(contestant)
|
|}
== Video games ==
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | WCW video games
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
| 1997
| ''[[WCW vs. nWo: World Tour]]''
| Video game debut
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1998
| ''[[WCW Nitro (video game)|WCW Nitro]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WCW/nWo Revenge]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1999
| ''[[WCW/nWo Thunder]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WCW Mayhem (video game)|WCW Mayhem]]''
|
|-
| 2000
| ''[[WCW Backstage Assault]]''
|
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | WWE video games
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2003
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania XIX (video game)|WWE WrestleMania XIX]]''
| WWE video game debut
|-
| ''[[WWE Raw 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! Here Comes The Pain]]''
| Cover athlete (NTSC version)
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2004
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Survivor Series (video game)|WWE Survivor Series]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="3"| 2005
| ''[[WWE WrestleMania 21 (video game)|WWE WrestleMania 21]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE Day of Reckoning 2]]''
|
|-
| ''[[WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006]]''
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007]]''
| Cover athlete (NTSC version)
|-
| 2007
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008]]''
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009]]''
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| 2010
| ''[[WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011]]''
|
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2011
| ''[[WWE All Stars]]''
| Cover athlete
|-
| ''[[WWE '12]]''
|
|-
| 2012
| ''[[WWE '13]]''
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[WWE 2K14]]''
|
|-
| 2014
| ''[[WWE 2K15]]''
|
|-
| 2018
| ''[[WWE 2K19]]''
|As pre-order bonus<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/fighting/article214673740|title=A return for Rey Mysterio and a first for Ronda Rousey on the WWE 2K19 video game|publisher=[[Miami Herald]]|last=Mesa|first=Steve|date=July 17, 2018|access-date=July 18, 2018}}</ref>
|-
| 2019
| ''[[WWE 2K20]]''
|
|-
| 2020
| ''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''
|
|-
| 2022
| ''[[WWE 2K22]]''
| Cover athlete<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/wwe/story/_/id/33101646/rey-mysterio-revealed-wwe-2k22-cover-star|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=January 21, 2022|access-date=March 14, 2022|title=Rey Mysterio revealed as WWE 2K22 cover star|archive-date=March 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316190932/https://www.espn.com.au/wwe/story/_/id/33101646/rey-mysterio-revealed-wwe-2k22-cover-star|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| 2023
| ''[[WWE 2K23]]''
|
|-
| 2024
| ''[[WWE 2K24]]''
|
|-
| 2025
| ''[[WWE 2K25]]''
|
|}
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="text-align:center;"
! colspan=4 style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Other
|- style="text-align:center;"
! style="background:#ccc;" | Year
! style="background:#ccc;" | Title
! style="background:#ccc;" | Notes
|-
| 2024
| ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III]]''
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oneesports.gg/call-of-duty/rey-mysterio-mw3-release-date-price/ |title= Rey Mysterio operator bundle in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone: Release date, price, items |date=August 1, 2024 |last=Sevilla|first=Jeremiah|work=One Esports|access-date=June 27, 2025 }}</ref>
|}
== Personal life ==
Gutiérrez is of Mexican descent. He and his wife, Angie, have two children: a son, [[Dominik Mysterio|Dominik]], and a daughter, Aalyah.<ref name="Herald">{{cite web|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/866767.html|title=Common ground between Mysterio, Obama|date=January 22, 2009|last=Varsallone|first=Jim|access-date=February 24, 2009|work=[[The Miami Herald]]|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5eom3XLTC?url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/wrestling/story/866767.html|archive-date=February 24, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> He has tattoos of his children's names on his right and left biceps, tattoos dedicated to his wife, and a tattoo with the initials "EG" for his best friend and fellow wrestler, [[Eddie Guerrero]], who died in 2005.<ref name="tats">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/reymysterio|title=Rey Mysterio: A Made Man|last=Zeigler|first=Zack|date=November 1, 2007|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=September 15, 2009|archive-date=May 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522140605/http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstarink/articles/reymysterio|url-status=live}}</ref> Gutiérrez is part of an extended family of wrestlers, including his son Dominik, uncle [[Rey Misterio]], and his cousins [[El Hijo de Rey Misterio]] and Metalika.<ref name="Cage"/>
On March 19, 2007, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' published an article in its continuing series investigating a steroid and [[Growth hormone treatment|HGH]] ring used by a number of professional athletes in several sports. That article mentioned several current and former WWE wrestlers, including Gutierrez who was alleged to have obtained [[nandrolone]] and [[stanozolol]].<ref name=HGH-SI>{{cite magazine|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html|title=Wrestlers allegedly tied to drug ring|access-date=March 22, 2007|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|publisher=[[CNN]]|date=March 19, 2007|archive-date=July 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725025224/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/more/03/19/wrestlers/index.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> WWE subsequently stated that the allegations preceded the Talent Wellness program WWE launched in February 2006.<ref name=HGH-WWE>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/si|title=A Statement From World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.|access-date=March 22, 2007|archive-date=March 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328171424/http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/si|url-status=dead}}</ref> On August 27, 2009, WWE announced that Gutierrez would receive a 30-day suspension due to a violation of the wellness program.<ref name="Suspension"/> Days later, Gutierrez defended himself in a newspaper interview by explaining the drugs as being on a prescription for his knee and arm. While the Wellness Policy allows for prescribed drugs, Gutierrez further contested he had been on a family holiday and subsequently in Europe promoting [[SummerSlam (2009)|SummerSlam]], giving him only a day to provide the prescription after being notified.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}} On April 26, 2012, WWE suspended Gutierrez for 60 days due to a second violation of their wellness program.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 26, 2012 |title=Rey Mysterio suspended |url=http://www.wwe.com/news/rey-mysterio-suspended |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522105737/http://www.wwe.com/news/rey-mysterio-suspended |archive-date=May 22, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2012 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
Gutiérrez and his wrestling gear were credited as one of the inspirations for the 2014 [[Mexico national football team|Mexican National football]] teams jerseys for that years World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-25 |title=Mexico soccer: El Tri World Cup uniforms inspired by Rey Mysterio |url=https://fansided.com/2014/03/25/mexico-soccer-el-tri-world-cup-uniforms-inspired-rey-mysterio/ |access-date=2025-07-30 |website=FanSided |language=en-us}}</ref>
In 2018 the city of [[San Diego]] honored Gutiérrez by naming June 19th Rey Mysterio day. The day was picked in homage to his signature move the 619.<ref> {{Cite web |date=2018-06-19 |title=San Diego City Council declares Tuesday as Rey Mysterio Day |url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/san-diego-city-council-declares-tuesday-as-rey-mysterio-day/509-32b94813-8ac6-48b5-a654-a51d4ed715f1 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=cbs8.com |language=en-US}} </ref>
Gutiérrez is known to have an extensive [[sword]] collection, including a prop sword from the 2002 film ''[[The Scorpion King]]''.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCwBtjWmiAI |title=Rey Mysterio's awesome sword collection - Superstar Toyz Episode 5 |date=2012-04-24 |last=WWE |access-date=2025-07-30 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
In 2019, Gutiérrez criticized President Donald Trump's plan to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, saying Trump was "definitely not helping" and "a wall is definitely not the solution"; he spent his childhood crossing the border from Mexico to the United States each day for school.<ref name="alja">{{cite web |title=WWE's Rey Mysterio: 'I'm representing my people' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2019/2/18/wwes-rey-mysterio-im-representing-my-people |website=Aljazeera |date=February 18, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rey Mysterio Almost Represented Donald Trump At WrestleMania 23 |url=https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/rey-mysterio-wwe-wrestlemania-23-donald-trump/ |website=Uproxx |date=February 19, 2019}}</ref>
He is a fervent [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], frequently crossing himself before his matches and bearing numerous religious tattoos on his body, most notably a cross on his chest attached to [[rosary|rosaries]], crosses on his mask, as well as other crosses and allusions to God.<ref name="tats"/>
Gutiérrez is a fan of California based sports team such as the [[Los Angeles Chargers]] and [[San Diego Padres]]. In September 2023 Gutiérrez threw out the ceremonial first pitch at a [[San Diego Padres|San Diego padres]] game.<ref> {{Cite web |date=2023-09-25 |title=WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio honored by San Diego Padres at Petco Park |url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/community/our-community/wwe-hall-of-famer-rey-mysterio-honored-by-padres/509-19fb6f28-0c7a-4301-a385-d552b16f9543 |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=cbs8.com |language=en-US}} </ref>
Gutiérrez has been involved in numerous charitable acts throughout his career most notably with [[Make-A-Wish Foundation|make a wish]]. In December 2024 he granted his 100th wish for the organization. In 2019, he started a fundraiser called "Fight4Autism." In order to raise money for people suffering from autism around the world.<ref> {{Cite web |date=2025-01-11 |title=Rey Mysterio Net Worth 2025 |url=https://www.si.com/fannation/wrestling/rey-mysterio-net-worth |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Wrestling On Fannation |language=en-US}} </ref><ref> {{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5T-unKhyn0 |title=WWE star Rey Mysterio hits a 100 wish milestone |date=2025-02-26 |last=ABC15 Arizona |access-date=2025-07-28 |via=YouTube}} </ref>
Gutiérrez is an avid fan of the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] attending numerous events throughout the year. At [[UFC 306]] he gifted [[Dana White]] one of his masks that was UFC 306 themed.<ref> {{Cite web |date=2024-09-16 |title=Rey Mysterio Attends UFC 306, Gives Dana White His Mask |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/rey-mysterio-attends-ufc-306-003308507.html |access-date=2025-07-28 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}} </ref><ref> {{Cite news |date=2024-09-17 |title=WWE Legend Presents Noche UFC Lucha Mask To Dana White |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/wwe/top-stories/wwe-legend-rey-mysterio-gifts-dana-white-his-iconic-lucha-mask-at-noche-ufc-306/articleshow/113403669.cms |access-date=2025-07-28 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}} </ref>
== Championships and accomplishments ==
[[File:ReyWHC.jpg|right|upright=0.79|thumb|Mysterio is a two-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Champion]] (among three overall world titles in WWE).]]
[[File:Rey Mysterio raises IC title.jpg|thumb|upright=0.79|Mysterio is a two-time [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Champion]].]]
[[File:ReyAndEddie.jpg|thumb|upright=0.79|Mysterio is a four-time [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champion]] (shown here during his reign with [[Eddie Guerrero]]).]]
* '''[[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide|Asistencia Asesoría y Administración / Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide]]'''
** [[Mexican National Trios Championship]] ([[Mexican National Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Octagón]] and [[Super Muñeco]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/mex-6.html|access-date=June 24, 2008|title=Comision de Box y Lucha Libre Mexico D.F. National Trios Title|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com|archive-date=June 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601135123/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/mex-6.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Mexican National Welterweight Championship]] ([[List of Mexican National Welterweight Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/mex-wl.html|access-date=June 24, 2008|title=Comision de Box y Lucha Libre Mexico D.F. National Welterweight Title|publisher=Wrestling-titles.com|archive-date=June 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601113830/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/mexico/mex-wl.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[Lucha Libre World Cup]] ([[Lucha Libre World Cup (2015)|2015]]) – with [[Místico|Myzteziz]] and [[Alberto Del Rio|Alberto El Patrón]]<ref name=LuchaWorldCupWV/>
** [[AAA Hall of Fame]] (Class of 2007)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://luchalibreaaa.com/rey-misterio-jr.php|title=Rey Misterio Jr.|access-date=June 18, 2011|publisher=[[Lucha Libre AAA World Wide]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619074436/http://luchalibreaaa.com/rey-misterio-jr.php|archive-date=June 19, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** ''Técnico'' of the Year (2015)<ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 11, 2016|title=January 11, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Cena out with shoulder injury, New Japan stars to WWE|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|___location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=59}}</ref>
* '''Catch Wrestling Europe'''
** CWE World Grand Prix (2017)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=177306|title=CWE Catch Wrestling World Grand Prix 2017 In Wien - Das Finale « Events Database « CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=September 7, 2017|archive-date=October 15, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015074712/https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=177306|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''[[Cauliflower Alley Club]]'''
**Lucha Libre Award (2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/CACReunion/status/1186630881466707969|title=Happy to publicly announce our first award winner for 2020. The Lucha Libre award will go to one of the most popular and innovative wrestlers of all time, @reymysterio ! Please join us April 27-29th as we present Rey with this prestigious awardpic.twitter.com/921P4DHKGL|date=October 22, 2019|access-date=November 26, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022152811/https://twitter.com/CACReunion/status/1186630881466707969|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[The Crash (professional wrestling)|The Crash]]'''
** [[The Crash Heavyweight Championship]] (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2017/11/05/rey-mysterio-es-campeon-en-the-crash-volador-jr-lo-masacro|title=Rey Mysterio es Campeón en The Crash, Volador Jr. lo masacró|date=November 5, 2017|access-date=November 5, 2017|work=MedioTiempo|language=es|archive-date=November 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171105192540/http://www.mediotiempo.com/lucha-libre/2017/11/05/rey-mysterio-es-campeon-en-the-crash-volador-jr-lo-masacro|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[DDT Pro-Wrestling]]'''
** [[Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship]] ([[List of Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions (2010–2019)#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|title=Ironman Heavymetalweight Title|access-date=August 12, 2016|publisher=Wrestling-Titles.com|archive-date=July 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729200555/http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/ddt/ironman-hm.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Destiny World Wrestling'''
** DWW Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/56436-viva-la-raza-lucha-weekly-10-4-15|title=Viva la Raza: Lucha Weekly (10/4/15)|access-date=October 4, 2015|work=Wrestleview|date=October 4, 2015|archive-date=October 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151007023339/http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/56436-viva-la-raza-lucha-weekly-10-4-15|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=DWW Championship History|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2663|website=cagematch.net|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=December 14, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214212908/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=2663|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Hollywood Heavyweight Wrestling'''
** HHW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="Titles">{{cite book|first1=Royal |last1=Duncan |first2=Gary |last2=Will|title=Wrestling Title Histories|publisher=Archeus Communications|edition=4th|year=2000|isbn=0-9698161-5-4}}</ref>
* '''International Wrestling All-Stars'''
** IWAS Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Konnan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wttiwas.html|access-date=June 24, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=IWAS – International Wrestling All Stars IWAS World Tag Team Title History|publisher=Solie|archive-date=September 9, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020909043937/http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wttiwas.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[Lucha Underground]]'''
** [[Lucha Underground Trios Championship]] ([[Lucha Underground Trios Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Rey Horus|Dragon Azteca Jr.]] and [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Prince Puma]]<ref name=LuchaSpoilers/>
* '''''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''''
** Ranked No. 4 of the top 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 1999<ref>{{cite web|url=http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/1999.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 1999|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database|access-date=February 26, 2015|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201161748/http://profightdb.com/pwi-500/1999.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** Ranked No. 56 of the top 500 singles wrestlers of the "PWI Years" in 2003
* '''[[World Championship Wrestling]]'''<ref name="titlehistory">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/reymysterio/detailedtitlehistory|title=Rey Mysterio's Detailed Title History|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513153729/http://www.wwe.com/superstars/smackdown/reymysterio/detailedtitlehistory <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archive-date=May 13, 2008}}</ref>
** [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WCW Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE Cruiserweight Champions (1991–2007)|5 times]])<ref name="cruiser"/>
** [[WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Billy Kidman]]<ref name="cruisertag"/>
** [[WCW World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WCW World Tag Team Champions|3 times]]) – with Billy Kidman (1), Konnan (1), and [[Juventud Guerrera]] (1)<ref name="wcwtag"/>
* '''[[World Wrestling Association]]'''
** [[WWA Lightweight Championship]] ([[WWA Lightweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wlhwwa.html|access-date=June 24, 2008|last=Will|first=Gary|title=WWA – World Wrestling Association World Light Heavyweight Title|publisher=Solie|archive-date=June 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602150242/http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wlhwwa.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[WWA Tag Team Championship (Mexico)|WWA Tag Team Championship]] ([[WWA Tag Team Championship (Mexico)#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Rey Misterio|Rey Misterio Sr.]]
** [[WWA Welterweight Championship]] ([[WWA Welterweight Championship#Title history|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wwwwwa.html|access-date=June 24, 2008|last=Duncan|first=Royal|title=WWA – World Wrestling Association World Welterweight Title|publisher=Solie|archive-date=June 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602150421/http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/wwwwwa.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[World Wrestling Council]]'''
** [[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/jhtwwcp.html|access-date=June 24, 2008|last=Gonzalez|first=Manuel|title=WWC – World Wrestling Council (Puerto Rico) Junior Heavyweight Title|publisher=Solie|archive-date=June 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602145300/http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/jhtwwcp.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]] / [[WWE]]'''
** [[WWE Championship]] ([[List of WWE Champions|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/25027443|title=WWE Championship – Rey Mysterio|access-date=July 25, 2011|publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422150515/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/25027443|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE, 2002–2013)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE, 2002–2013)|2 times]])<ref name="worldtitle">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/|title=World Heavyweight Championship official title history|publisher=WWE|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-date=February 14, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214184932/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight|url-status=live}}</ref>
** [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] ([[List of WWE Intercontinental Champions|2 times]])<ref name=IC>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/9787528|access-date=April 6, 2009|title=History of the Intercontinental Championship: Rey Mysterio (1)|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=April 9, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409074816/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/9787528|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=IC2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/10659470|access-date=September 7, 2009|title=History of the Intercontinental Championship: Rey Mysterio (2)|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|archive-date=July 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090702140737/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/intercontinental/10659470|url-status=dead}}</ref>
** [[WWE United States Championship]] ([[List of WWE United States Champions|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE United States Championship|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|access-date=May 25, 2020|website=WWE}}</ref>
** [[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|WWE Cruiserweight Championship]] ([[List of WWE Cruiserweight Champions (1991–2007)|3 times]])<ref name="cruiser"/>
** [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|4 times]]) – with [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]] (1), [[Rob Van Dam]] (1), [[Eddie Guerrero]] (1), and [[Dave Bautista|Batista]] (1)<ref name="wwetag">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/|title=WWE Tag Team Championship official title history|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|access-date=May 15, 2008}}</ref>
** [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|1 time]]) – with [[Dominik Mysterio]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championship|title=WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|publisher=[[WWE]]|access-date=May 17, 2021}}</ref>
** [[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2006)|2006]])
** [[WWE Hall of Fame]] ([[WWE Hall of Fame (2023)|Class of 2023]])
**[[List of WWE tournaments#Championship Competition Tournament|Championship Competition Tournament (2007)]]
** [[Bragging Rights (2010)|Bragging Rights Trophy (2010)]] – with [[Team SmackDown]] <small>([[Big Show]], [[Jack Swagger]], [[Alberto Del Rio]], [[Edge (wrestler)|Edge]], [[Tyler Reks]] and [[Kofi Kingston]])</small>
**[[List of WWE tournaments#WWE Championship Tournament (2011)|WWE Championship Tournament (2011)]]
** [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)#List of WWE Men's Triple Crown winners|21st]] [[Triple Crown (professional wrestling)|Triple Crown Champion]]
** [[Grand Slam (professional wrestling)|21st Grand Slam Champion]]
** Bumpy Award (1 time)
*** Tag Team of the Half-Year (2021) - with Dominik Mysterio<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 4, 2021|title=WWE presenta the Bumpy Awards 2021|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/100392-wwe-presenta-the-bumpy-awadrs-2021|website=SOLO WRESTLING}}</ref>
* '''''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''''
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Flying Wrestler|Best Flying Wrestler]] (1995–1997, 2002–2004)
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Wrestling Maneuver|Best Wrestling Maneuver]] (1995) <small>[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Somersault|Flip dive]] into a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving hurricanrana|frankensteiner]] on the floor</small>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2002) <small>with Edge vs. [[Chris Benoit]] and [[Kurt Angle]], for the [[WWE Raw Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Championship]], [[No Mercy (2002)|WWE No Mercy]], October 20</small>
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (1996)
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Rookie of the Year|Rookie of the Year]] (1992)
** [[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Worst Feud of the Year|Worst Feud of the Year]] (2008) <small>with [[Glenn Jacobs|Kane]]</small>
** [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame]] ([[Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame#Inductees|Class of 2010]])
== ''Luchas de Apuestas'' record ==
{{See also|Lucha libre#Luchas de Apuestas|l1=Luchas de Apuestas}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100% style="text-align: center"
!width=20% scope="col"|Winner (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Loser (wager)
!width=20% scope="col"|Location
!width=20% scope="col"|Event
!width=15% scope="col"|Date
!class="unsortable" width=5% scope="col"|Notes
|-
|Colibri (mask) || [[Psicosis|El Salvaje]] (hair) || Tijuana, Baja California || Live event || {{dts|1991}} || {{Notetag|This was a tag team match where [[Psicosis|El Salvaje]] was teamed with Caballero de la Muerte. It is not known who Colibri's partner was.}}
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || El Junior (mask) || Tijuana, Baja California || Live event || {{dts|1992}} || {{Notetag|Misterio's opponent, who also wrestled as The King, is not the same wrestler as the [[Fénix (wrestler)|more famous Mexican ''luchador'']] who used "The King" ring name.}}
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || Mr. Cóndor (mask) || Acapulco, Guerrero || Live event || {{dts|1992|8|14}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio">{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Rey Mysterio|___location=[[Mexico City|Mexico City, Mexico City, Distrito Federal]] |id=Tomo IV|pages=14–15|date=October 1, 2007|language=es}}</ref>
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || Rocco Valente (hair) || Tampico, Tamaulipas || Live event || {{dts|1992|10|18}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || Tony Arce (hair) || Acapulco, Guerrero || Live event || {{dts|1992|11|6}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || Bandido (mask) || Querétaro City, Querétaro || Live event || {{dts|1993|5|28}} || {{Notetag|This was a three-way match that also involved Ángel Mortal. The wrestler that Misterio defeated during this three-way match is not the same wrestler as the [[Bandido (wrestler)|more famous Mexican ''luchador'']] who used "Bandido" as a ring name.}}<ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || Vulcano (hair) || Monterrey, Nuevo León || Live event || {{dts|1993|9|11}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
|-
|Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || [[Misterioso (wrestler)|Misterioso]] (mask) || Tijuana, Baja California || Live event || {{dts|1996|12|19}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Enciclopedia de las Mascaras|work=Misterioso|___location=[[Mexico]]|id=Tomo III|page=34|date=October 2007|language=es}}</ref>
|-
| Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) || [[Eddie Guerrero]] ([[WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991–2007)|championship]]) || Las Vegas, Nevada || [[Halloween Havoc (1997)|Halloween Havoc]] || {{dts|1997|10|26}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
|-
|[[Kevin Nash]] and [[Scott Hall]] (hair){{Notetag|Manager [[Miss Elizabeth|Elizabeth]]'s hair.}}|| Rey Misterio Jr. (mask) and [[Konnan]] || Oakland, California || [[SuperBrawl IX]] || {{dts|1999|2|21}} || <ref name="TomoMysterio"/>
|-
|Rey Mysterio (mask) || [[Kane (wrestler)|Kane]] || Portland, Oregon || [[No Mercy (2008)|No Mercy]] || {{dts|2008|10|5}} || {{Notetag|Kane did not wager anything during this match.}}
|-
|Rey Mysterio (mask) || [[Chris Jericho]] ([[WWE Intercontinental Championship|championship]]) || Sacramento, California || [[The Bash (2009)|The Bash]] || {{dts|2009|6|28}} || <ref name="Elliott">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629143632/http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2009/06/29/9968166.html|url-status=usurped|archive-date=June 29, 2012|title=Mysterio & Jericho save The Bash from wash-out|date=June 29, 2009|last=Elliott|first=Brian|access-date=June 30, 2009|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
|-
|Rey Mysterio ([[The Straight Edge Society|stable pledge]]) || [[CM Punk]] (hair) || Detroit, Michigan || [[Over the Limit (2010)|Over the Limit]] || {{dts|2010|5|23}} || <ref name=OTL/>
|}
== Notes ==
{{Notefoot}}
== References ==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name=AaronTrejoBook>{{cite book|last=Trejo|first=Aaron|title=Rey Mysterio|year=2011|publisher=Bellwether Media|___location=North Mankato, MN|isbn=978-1-60014-639-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/reymysterio0000trej/page/9 9]|url=https://archive.org/details/reymysterio0000trej/page/9}}</ref>
<ref name="Cage">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=604&name=Rey+Misterio+Jr.|title= Rey Misterio Jr. | access-date= August 17, 2015| publisher=CageMatch.net }}</ref>
<ref name="Mooneyham">{{cite news|first=Mike|last=Mooneyham|title=Rey Mysterio Jr: Pro wrestling's human highlight.|work=The Post and Courier|publisher=Evening Post Publishing Company|date=November 28, 2004|access-date=August 5, 2009|quote=Born on this side of the Mexican border in Chula Vista, Calif.,|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/premium/0286/0286-5236111.html}}</ref>
<ref name="NJPW">{{cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/19885?showCards=1|title=STRONG STYLE EVOLVED|work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]]|access-date=March 3, 2018}}</ref>
<ref name="official">{{cite web|url=http://www.reymysterio.com/rey_biography.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080203101031/http://www.reymysterio.com/rey_biography.htm|archive-date=February 3, 2008|title=Rey Mysterio Jr official web site|access-date=September 24, 2007|publisher=Rey Mysterio.com}}</ref>
<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/bios/r/rey-mysterio-jr/|title=Rey Mysterio Profile|access-date=October 19, 2012|publisher=Online World Of Wrestling}}</ref>
<ref name="WrestlingData">{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=66|title= Rey Misterio Jr.|work=wrestlingdata.com|access-date=February 17, 2017}}</ref>
<ref name="WWE Bio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/reymysterio|title=Rey Mysterio Bio|access-date=April 25, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]|work=[[WWE]].com}}</ref>
}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{WWE superstar}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Twitter|reymysterio}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
{{Navboxes|
|title = Articles related to Rey Mysterio
|list1=
{{AAA Hall of Fame}}
{{Grand Slam-Triple Crown Champions}}
{{Ironman Heavymetalweight Championship}}
{{Lucha Underground Trios Championship}}
{{Mexican National Trios Championship}}
{{Mexican National Welterweight Championship}}
{{The Crash Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWE Championship}}
{{WWE personnel}}
{{World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)}}
{{WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWE Intercontinental Championship}}
{{WWE United States Championship}}
{{World Tag Team Championship (WWE, 2024–present)}}
{{WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship}}
{{WWE Cruiserweight Championship (1991-2007)}}
{{WWC World Junior Heavyweight Championship}}
{{WWE personnel}}
{{Royal Rumble winners}}
{{WCW World Tag Team Championship}}
{{Latino World Order}}
{{WWE Hall of Fame}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mysterio, Rey}}
[[Category:1974 births]]
[[Category:20th-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:20th-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:21st-century American professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]
[[Category:American professional wrestlers of Mexican descent]]
[[Category:Catholics from California]]
[[Category:Gutiérrez family (professional wrestling)|Rey Mysterio]]
[[Category:Ironman Heavymetalweight Champions]]
[[Category:Latino World Order members]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Lucha Underground Trios Champions]]
[[Category:Masked wrestlers]]
[[Category:Mexican National Trios Champions]]
[[Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:People from Chula Vista, California]]
[[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]]
[[Category:The Crash Heavyweight Champions]]
[[Category:World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)]]
[[Category:WWF/WWE Intercontinental Champions]]
[[Category:WWE Champions]]
[[Category:WWE Grand Slam champions]]
[[Category:WWE Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:WCW/WWE Cruiserweight Champions]]
[[Category:WCW World Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:Royal Rumble match winners]]
[[Category:World Tag Team Champions (WWE)]]
[[Category:WWE Tag Team Champions]]
[[Category:WWC World Junior Heavyweight Champions]]
|