10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week (Nov 13)

6. Rey Mysterio Pleaded With Eric Bischoff Over Losing Mask

When quizzed about the situation now, Eric Bischoff has usually remarked that he has no regrets over unmasking Rey Mysterio Jr. One of the top Cruiserweight stars in WCW, the high-flying performer was often described as one of the best masked wrestlers in the world. In Bischoff's mind, the fact his face was hidden made him hard to market, and made it more difficult for fans to relate to him. At the SuperBrawl IX Pay-Per-View in February, 1999, Mysterio teamed with Konnan to face Scott Hall and Kevin Nash. The Outsiders were scheduled to go over, with Nash pinning Rey. A stipulation booked before the bout dictated that Mysterio would therefore lose his trademark mask, being forced to pull it off after he was pinned. This was not something he was eager to do. Of course, masks have always played a huge part in Mexican wrestling tradition. Only too aware of this, Rey approached Bischoff and asked him to reconsider the booking. The boss wasn't having any of it, and reminded the wrestler that he was contractually obligated to do whatever WCW wanted him to. The unmasking would prove to be a mistake, something WWE rectified when they hired Mysterio in 2002.