8 Things You Didn't Know About Rey Mysterio

4. He Tried To Join WWE In 2000

Rey Mysterio WCPW
WWE

When Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, Eddie Guerrero, and Perry Saturn defected to WWE in early 2000, other disgruntled heads in WCW began to turn in the direction of Stamford. With the Turner company in an absolute state, many could foretell the inevitable, and wisely sought to follow suit.

Konnan and Shane Douglas were the first unhappy stars angling to jump from the sinking ship in the immediate aftermath of The Radicalz's departure. Unfortunately, the path was blocked for both; lingering resentment from the former 'Dean' Douglas' acrimonious 1995 WWF exit prevented his migration, whilst the company simply had no interest in 'K-Dawg'. Nevertheless, an atmosphere of dissension had been established, and soon a host of other grumbling grapplers were airing their grievances.

Chief amongst them was Rey Mysterio. Alongside Juventud Guerrera and Psicosis, Rey negotiated with WCW lawyers for the trio's release, only to see it rebuffed as the company feared a mass exodus. For their impertinence, Juvi and Psicosis found their roles severely hampered; Rey, 'luckily', was nursing a knee injury, so avoided any sanction for his gambit.

Would a move to WWF in 2000 for the cruiserweight have been the right one? Given a light-heavyweight division that had been essentially inactive since Duane Gill's title victory in 1998, probably not.

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.