Rey Mysterio Snr dead, family say, just weeks after a family tragedy – as wrestling world pays tribute to legend

Rey Mysterio Snr has passed away, his family have said.

The wrestling legend, real name Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, was the uncle of current WWE star Rey.

Mexican wrestling company Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide revealed the news on social media. They posted: ‘We regret the sensitive death of Miguel Angel Lopez Dias, known as Rey Mysterio Sr.

‘We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest.’

Mysterio, who was 66, began wrestling in 1976 and officially retired in 2009. His son, Rey, and grandson, Dominik, are still with WWE and Rey was introduced into the Hall of Fame in 2023. 

The tragedy comes just a week after Mysterio Jnr’s father, Roberto Gutierrez, died at the age of 76.

Mysterio Snr was the uncle of current WWE star and Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio Jnr

Mysterio Jnr’s son, Dominik, also currently wrestles in the company and has feuded with his father in recent years

Mysterio first began training as a boxer, but found out about wrestling through his trainers.

He debuted in January 1976, and, throughout his career, wrestled for the likes of Pro Wrestling Revolution, Tijuana Wrestling and World Wrestling Association.

To distinguish the star from his nephew, he was often referred to as Rey Mysterio Snr, with Dominik his grand nephew. His grand niece, Aalyah, has also appeared in WWE on a number of occasions.

Upon the passing of his father, Rey Jnr wrote on Instagram: ‘You did more than set the example of how to love & maintain a strong marriage and father 4 boys, you were the example and passed every single time until your death with flying colors. Excellent husband, loving father, beautiful grandfather, incredible son & brother, and amazing father in law.

‘You checked every list on the box and can honestly say my majority [traits] I picked up from you. You fought until the very last minute and know that you biggest fear was leaving Moms behind, but I can assure you that she will not be alone and we will always look out for her.’

‘You are with God now and smiling from the heavens while we continue with the real struggle of life until we see again. You will never be forgotten and will always be loved, RIP Pops.’

‘Prayers for the Mysterio family,’ one fan posted on social media.

Another wrote: ‘Man, Rey is having a heartbreaking past few weeks. First he lost his father and now his uncle. Stay strong Mysterio family.’