WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio continues to inspire Leah Sparks.
On the January 26 edition of WWE Raw from Toronto, Rey Mysterio fractured his ribs during a match against The Vision’s Austin Theory. Despite the setback, Mysterio managed to spread positivity to those who saw him backstage afterward, according to Leah Sparks.
“I don’t know him personally,” Sparks told WrestleZone’s Ella Jay in a new interview, “but when I got a chance to see him backstage and talk to him a little bit, like you are a legend, you’re in this so long, and you still take time and you’re present with the people he loves, but even with me, who was a stranger in that moment…He still took time to talk to me. What a blessed man.”
For Sparks, a Canadian indie wrestling star, the opportunity to meet Mysterio was extra special as his underdog story and in-ring artistry greatly inspired her as a young wrestling fan.
“He had a mask on and was still able to evoke emotion. That’s amazing, just gifted,” she said. “His physical is insane. He is the perfect example of can do cool sh*t, but knows how to do it in a way that prioritizes the narrative. Of course, in wrestling, there’s moments where you’re in a crazy match and you’re just doing sh*t, but that’s the story. I got to do as much as I can to get the over, get the win. Sometimes that is the story and you are doing your crazy sh*t, but there’s a reason.
Rey Mysterio is an artist in the ring
“He stuck with me for my heart. But as I reflect as an adult, it’s like, oh, it’s because he gets it as a creative, as an athlete, as a professional. That’s what stood out to me growing up and now still sticks with me today. Then there’s that extra layer of as a professional, he’s just an artist using his body.”
Now a pro wrestler herself, Leah Sparks is eyeing a dream tag team match with Mysterio as her partner. Elsewhere, she’s also eager to face the “Hardcore Country” legend Mickie James as she continues to take bookings across the indie wrestling scene as a free agent. Looking ahead, James will compete in a three-on-three Knockouts match at TNA Rebellion as well.
Watch our full interview with Leah Sparks:
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