Crash-landing on WWE TV in 2002, Rey Mysterio was an instant revelation. It's odd now to think that Rey was initially only employed to lead the way for the rejuvenated Cruiserweight division, because he would go so far above and beyond that title, cementing himself in the history books as one of the most unlikely World Champions in pro wrestling history. The seeds were sown just a few months after his debut - Mysterio's matches with the likes of Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Chavo Guerrero, Edge and others, in a variety of singles encounters and tag matches, are ones fans who weren't around during that period should check out. Through his efforts on the Smackdown brand, Mysterio proved he was one of the hottest attractions in WWE, but there still couldn't have been many ear-marking him for a run with any of the top heavyweight titles. His star may have faded in recent years, but when looking back at Mysterio's run in WWE, it's easy to realise that his decision to put the mask back on, after he had competed in WCW without it for years, was a shrewd one. That marketability, combined with his immense talent, was a recipe for success.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
