1. Rey Mysterio Is A Global Icon And Consistently A Top Merchandise Seller
Halloween is a retail marketing bonanza because kids love masks. Thus, when one of the top stars in your pro wrestling organization is a masked luchador, expect to sell a ton of masks. Now, the man that sells those masks likely isn't ever coming back. As well, WWE is a globally marketed company. Having the most legendary luchador of all time in your employ is obviously a gift that must be capitalized upon. Rey Mysterio was a marketer's dream. An affable bilingual family man who had extraordinary gymnastic talent, an eye for fashion and design, plus a willingness to literally turn every piece of his body into some sort of commercial bonanza was impressive. Mysterio was consistently in the top five of all WWE talents as a merchandise seller during his 13-year run with the company. In an era where Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker, Tbe Ultimate Warrior, Randy Savage, John Cena, CM Punk and more were all moving major numbers, Mysterio more than held his own. At-present, WWE is likely hemorrhaging a ton of money. Is WWE sure that not re-signing Rey Mysterio and dropping a brand new Cena-like merchandise line during Wrestlemania season (and say, having Mysterio feud with an up-and-comer like UK-born Adrian Neville) isn't the way to go? WWE allowing Rey Mysterio to leave is unfortunately because he will never *truly* be replaced.
Besides having been an independent professional wrestling manager for a decade, Marcus Dowling is a Washington, DC-based writer who has contributed to a plethora of online and print magazines and newspapers writing about music and popular culture over the past 15 years.
