10 Things You Learn Binge Watching Every WWE SmackDown From 2002
7. Rey Mysterio Was A Breath Of Fresh Air
Who's that jumping out the sky? Why it's ex-WCW man Rey Mysterio Jr. Only...he isn't junior anymore, and he hasn't been shoved onto screens with his smiling little handsome baby-faced features on full show. In 2002, WWE signed Mysterio up and put the mask back on him. Not only did that rake in dollars at the merchandise stalls, it also proved to be an inspired decision generally.
Rey looked comfortable with the hood back on. Revisiting his debut match vs. Chavo Guerrero (the perfect man to post for his dazzling aerials) on the 25 July '02 SmackDown proved to be a real treat. Firstly, both guys nailed it. Chavo did everything he could to make his old WCW cohort look like a million dollars, and Rey (bolstered by some much-needed time off to rest his body in 2001) was eager to make a splash.
Later, Mysterio hit a spectacular dive spot off the top of a steel cage to close out the show.
Backstage, higher ups were impressed by what they were seeing. Vince McMahon was so charmed by the high-flyer that he immediately programmed Rey opposite Kurt Angle heading into SummerSlam that August. If that doesn't go to show just how awesome Mysterio had been during his debut, then nothing will.
He added so much to the WWE roster in the summer of 2002. Change was afoot as the promotion tried to leave 'Attitude' behind in favour of 'Ruthless Aggression', and Mysterio also benefitted from not being bogged down by the woeful WCW/ECW invasion angle the prior year.
Give his debut another watch. You will not be sorry you did.