Rey Mysterio is one of the few remaining WWE legends who is still active in the ring. However, he nearly decided to retire from WWE years before fans expected, but an unexpected career revival changed everything.
From changing the perception of cruiserweights to eventually entering the WWE Hall of Fame, Rey has accomplished everything in the business. But there was a time when he seriously considered walking away.
As it turns out, the person who changed his mind was his own son, Dominik Mysterio.
Dominik Mysterio’s WWE ambitions reignited Rey Mysterio’s passion
Speaking on The Late Run, Rey looked back on a difficult period in his career. Even though he was still one of WWE’s top stars, he no longer felt the same excitement every time he stepped into the ring.
“I actually do remember a point that happened in my life. Not too long ago, maybe about five or six years. I just wasn’t getting that same emotion when I would step into the ring,” Rey said.
After decades of wrestling, the wear and tear had finally caught up to him.
“I think my body was burnt out mentally and physically. I told my wife; I remember sitting down with her and telling her, ‘You know what, I just don’t feel what I would always feel every time I would step into the ring. I think I’m going to tap out. I just don’t feel it anymore,'” he said.
At that point, Rey Mysterio was ready to retire.
Then everything changed.
Not long after those conversations, Dominik told his father that he wanted to become a professional wrestler.
“Shortly after, my son told me that he wanted to try and break into the business. And seeing him or helping him get on board kind of just inspired or ignited me that fire once again, and it’s been going since,” Rey said.
Dominik eventually made his WWE debut at SummerSlam 2020, facing Seth Rollins in a Street Fight. Soon after, Rey and Dominik teamed up, and in 2021, they won the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
Of course, their partnership didn’t last forever. At Clash at the Castle 2022, Dominik turned on Rey and joined The Judgment Day. The betrayal turned Dominik into one of WWE’s biggest heels and kicked off the rivalry between father and son.
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