100 Greatest WWE WrestleMania Moments
54. Rey Mysterio Defies The Odds (WrestleMania 22)
Emotion and 'Mania typically go hand in hand.
That was exemplified in 2006 when Rey Mysterio won the 30-man Royal Rumble then tearfully marched on to April's date with destiny as the spirit of fallen friend Eddie Guerrero spurred him on. WWE don't always come through on feel-good sentiment, but they did at WrestleMania 22. The booking for Rey Rey's World Title win didn't miss, then he embraced Chavo and Vickie as everyone honoured the Guerrero family.
On camera, WWE explained that Mysterio's love for Eddie was like rocket fuel. He wouldn't rest until he could pay tribute to 'Latino Heat' by defying the odds and winning main events during a period of the year normally dedicated to anything but pushing masked high-flyers. This was defo never part of the plan when Rey waited out his WCW contract before coming over in 2002 - he was supposed to be the face of the undercard Cruiserweights at absolute best, not a World Champ.
Hard work, sustainably healthy merchandise sales and the personal touch of his kinship with Guerrero sold management on Rey's Rumble win and 'Mania memory. Off screen, WWE knew Mysterio would be a fine ambassador for the company too. There was just nothing to worry about whenever the personable flyer was in front of the media.
Some took issue with Rey pinning fellow challenger Randy Orton instead of defending champion Kurt Angle, but that didn't last long. There was far too much heartfelt emotion on display anyway. Focusing on the niggling negatives would've been churlish as Mysterio blew a kiss skywards towards his friend's legacy.