The professional wrestling world was shocked on Thursday when fans visited WWE.com to discover that long time World Wrestling Entertainment Superstar Rey Mysterio had been moved from the active roster section to the Alumni section of the website. Of course, some fans might not have even been aware that Rey was still with the company. After all, the last time he made an appearance on WWE television was the night after Wrestlemania XXX in a losing effort to Bad News Barrett. Those who know the story behind Mysterio’s disappearance would find the move less than surprising.
Rumours had been circling for years regarding Mysterio’s desire to slow down and even stop altogether. It wouldn’t be hard to see why. The last few years have not been particularly kind to Rey, as he has been plagued with injury after injury. Ironically, if another wrestler were to spend as much time on the disabled list as Rey, they would likely be seen as a liability and let go a long time ago, but for Mysterio, these injuries are what kept him on WWE’s payroll for so long. During his last stint recovering, Rey asked for his released, but was denied the request. In fact, WWE extended his contract, saying that Mysterio owed them time for when he was hurt and unable to perform. It was an unheard of precedent in WWE, with speculation being that they wanted to lock up Mysterio so he couldn’t work for another wrestling company while continuing to make money for WWE as a marketable star.
While Rey was doing his time, his long time rival and friend Alberto Del Rio unceremoniously parted ways with WWE amid much controversy when he accused the company of racial discrimination. Unlike Mysterio’s situation, WWE was happy to let Del Rio go, who soon afterwards showed up on Asistencia Asesoría y Administración under his new ring name Alberto El Patron. Appearing at Triplemania XXII, El Patron brought with him a video of Rey Mysterio, wishing the company well. Soon afterwards, #FreeRey began trending on Twitter.
It would seem as though Mysterio is finally free at last, as WWE has confirmed that he is no longer under contract with the company. While this news will surely upset WWE fans who were a big fan of Rey’s work with the Sports Entertainment juggernaut, others are happy that he is now free to do as he pleases, including wrestle for other organizations. There is a large possibility that Mysterio may just go home and be with his family. He has certainly earned that, but if he does decide to step back into the squared circle, here are six opponents from companies outside of WWE that I would love to see face off against the master of the 619.
Jay Lethal (Ring of Honor): For months, Jay Lethal has made the argument that the championship he currently holds as of this writing, the ROH World Television Championship, is the most important championship in ROH. Given the length of his reign and the quality of his opposition, he might have a strong case. With Truth Martini by his side, Lethal has defeated every obstacle put in his way, and the biggest names in the world continue to challenge him, including Rey Mysterio’s friend Alberto El Patron. Lethal is a young veteran, having gained experience all over the world at the young age of just 29 years old. His path is quite similar to that of Mysterio, but his arrogance is the antithesis of the humble king of mystery. The similar styles and juxtaposed attitudes would make this a one of kind contest.
Prince Puma (Lucha Underground): While I could watch Rey wrestle Alberto El Patron any day of the week, I’m far more interested in them as partners, rather than enemies. The real exciting match up for Mysterio in Lucha Underground is against the current Lucha Underground Champion, Prince Puma. When Rey was Puma’s age, he was innovating moves and causing excitement wherever he went. Today, Puma finds himself in a similar situation, defying gravity and seemingly creating offense out of nowhere. Combined with the fact that Puma has a similar quiet humility to him, and these two could produce a battle of masked technicos unlike anything seen in North American rings.
Abyss (Total Nonstop Action Wrestling): I can already hear some readers groaning and feel their eyes rolling, but allow me to explain why I would be excited to see this match. While many of the matches on this list include wrestlers who bear a similar style and stature to Rey, he is at heart, an underdog. Mysterio has always been at his best when fighting from beneath and no one in TNA would serve as the perfect foil to him like the Monster Abyss. Abyss has the uncanny ability to make his offense look devastating while protecting his opponent, a skill that would likely come in handy against a guy as banged up as Rey. Of course, if Rey decided to hold nothing back against the former Joseph Parks, his history in Extreme Championship Wrestling proves that Mysterio can get hardcore when needed. The curiosity factor in this match alone is enough to sell me a ticket.
Ryusuki Taguchi (New Japan Pro Wrestling): When I tuned in to NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom IX, I was hoping that I would be impressed with some talents I had never seen before. That certainly turned out to be the case, and one of my new favorites coming out of the event was former International Wrestling Grand Prix Champion Ryusuki Taguchi. At first, Taguchi seemed unimpressive to me. His entrance music was silly, and his look was less than intimidating, but once he started to wrestle, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the late great Eddie Guererro. It obvious Eddie was a huge influence on Ryusuki, and while we will never have another Mysterio vs Guerrero classic, this match up could end up being the next best thing.
Myzteziz (Asistencia Asesoría y Administración): It was the match everyone expected and wanted, but never got. When Mistico signed with WWE in 2011, the wrestling world was abuzz. For years Mistico had been one of the most popular stars in Mexico and his work had been praised as innovative and exciting, not unlike a veteran who had received similar praise during his younger days. The two were so alike that many were looking at Mistico, now Sin Cara, as the next Rey Mysterio, and for this new masked sensation to take Rey’s place in the world of Sports Entertainment. It was simply a matter of time before we saw the past and present collide in what was sure to be a dream match up. Alas, it was just not meant to be. Rey racked up injuries, and Sin Cara had difficulties adjusting to the WWE style, causing him to get hurt as well. We did get a formidable tag team when the two luchadores decided to join forces, but it would be the closest we ever came to a meeting of the masks. Sin Cara returned to Mexico and now wrestles under the new identity of Myzteziz. With Rey no longer under contract, perhaps AAA can give us the match WWE couldn’t.
AJ Styles (New Japan Pro Wrestling): Since the day he became a star, one dream match opponent consistently suggested for AJ Styles has been Rey Mysterio, and it’s not hard to see why. Both men have an uncanny control over the laws of physics when they choose to take to the air and seemingly defy gravity as will. Even when working at a slower pace through injuries, AJ Styles and Rey Mysterio were ahead of everyone else on the roster when it came to athleticism and excitement. The truth of the matter is, you could put this match on any card for any company and whatever the cost of admission would be worth it. If paired off against Styles, I’m sure Mysterio would have flashbacks to his days in WCW fighting against the N.W.O, considering how Styles is firmly in the Bullet Club camp, but even without their help, Styles is a force to be reckoned with, especially since leaving TNA, when he seemed to become more motivated, focused and dangerous. Imagine if the same thing were to happen with Rey Mysterio, what kind of dream match would that be?
The future of Rey Mysterio is a blank slate, with endless possibilities. The men listed here represent a small, personal list of performers that would match up well against Mysterio, while the complete list is much longer. It has to be when discussing an athlete and entertainer as versatile as Rey Mysterio. Even past his prime, Mysterio is a huge attraction, and can still offer the excitement and thrills that fans have come to associate with the master of the 619. Whatever corner of the globe he travels to, if Mysterio decides to compete, he is guaranteed to bring the same passion that has made him an international mega star. Of course, that is if he decides to compete. Mysterio hasn’t made his intentions known, and although we don’t have a crystal ball that can predict the future, it sure is exciting to think about, now that he has the freedom to decide his own fate.
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Photo courtesy of wwe.com
