A Brief History Behind Mysterio’s Mask & Its Relation to WWE

Thanks to Christopher for sending this in:

The important thing about Rey’s mask that WWE hasn’t addressed (mostly
because you’re right, WCW history isn’t necessarily WWE history) is
that Oscar Gutierrez has never lost his mask as Rey Mysterio.  I know
this sounds trivial but hear me out.

When he first broke into the business he wrestled as the masked
Colibri (The Hummingbird).

He then was given permission by his uncle to become Rey Misterio, Jr.
(Junior King of Mystery), eventually changed to Rey Mysterio, Jr. as
to not confuse American fans (much like Psicosis to Psycosis).

Rey Mysterio, Jr. was unmasked at Superbrawl IX and for the duration
of his career as Rey Mysterio, Jr. he wrestled without a mask.

With Miguel Diaz’s (Oscar’s uncle and the original Rey Misterio)
blessing, when Oscar joined WWE he became simply Rey Mysterio,
essentially taking over the gimmick from his uncle.

Oscar Gutierrez as Rey Mysterio has technically never been unmasked,
but at different points in their existence, both Oscar Gutierrez and
Rey Misterio have been unmasked, in 1999 and 1988 respectively.

This is probably just nit picking on my part, but it would be a viable
point for WWE to make.  There isn’t much more to be ashamed of as a
masked luchador than losing your mask.  At the suggestion of Vince
McMahon and with his uncles blessing, he once again donned the mask,
but as Rey Mysterio rather than Rey Mysterio, Jr.  It could
technically be considered a separate gimmick and an even bigger mark
of honor since it wasn’t just a name that his uncle gave him, but his
personal gimmick.