Why WWE Has FAILED To Replace This Legend

The Mysterio Legacy

As anyone who watched his WWE Hall of Fame induction now knows, Rey Mysterio Jr. has been wrestling since he was 14, but he didn’t really burst onto the national scene until he did a stint in ECW in 1995-96 before joining WCW’s cruiserweight division.

Rey quickly became the most famous cruiserweight on the roster, but that didn’t stop WCW from stripping him of his mask in 1999, a colossal mistake that WWE would rectify when they brought him into the company in 2002.

From the jump, Mysterio was presented as a special attraction on SmackDown, a human highlight reel and signature performer for the blue brand and the company. Arenas were filled with kids wearing his ubiquitous mask, and Rey went on to win nearly every title possible, including multiple world championship reigns. In the land of the giants, this only made Rey stand out even more as the biggest little man in the business.

Throughout all of this, Rey’s connection with the fans, his legendary rivalries with Kurt Angle, Eddie Guerrero, Batista and others, and his memorable performances made him a living icon. Mysterio’s natural charisma has only strengthened his bond with audiences in recent years, even as he’s on the back end of his career.

WWE has spent years trotting out various superstars who they’ve clearly envisioned would help solidify their position with the Latino/Mexican markets, and even take Rey’s place as a bankable main-eventer, but as we’ve seen, none of them have panned out.

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