June 19th (6/19) in San Diego was appropriately declared Rey Mysterio Day as the city celebrated the Lucha Libre legend and honored him for his contributions both in and out of the ring.
David Alvarez, a member of San Diego’s district council, announced the day in a media release, which read, “Oscar Gutierrez, otherwise known as Rey Mysterio, is a professional wrestler, born and raised in South San Diego. Widely regarded as the greatest cruiserweight wrestler of all time, he is known for his high-flying Lucha Libre wrestling style and named his signature move ‘619’ (he is appropriately honored on June 19). Mysterio has won numerous wrestling championships and continues to give back to the San Diego community by organizing and participating in various charity events.”
It’s official! June 19th is @ReyMysterio Day! The pro wrestler thanked his family, his community and his fans. Council member @AlvarezSD conducted the official ceremony. @10news pic.twitter.com/2TmpQCYkHO
— Andi Dukleth (@PhotogAndi) June 19, 2018
In his remarks, Rey Mysterio talked about being “blessed, humbled and honored” to have the day named after him. He also thanked God for the opportunity to perform for as long as he has, as well as his family and all of his fans for their support throughout his 28 years in the industry.
“Rey Mysterio would not be who he is now without the fans. The fans have catapulted me to the level I am at and whether I have two or three years left, I want to continue giving the best to my fans like I always have.”
In between all of the thank yous, Mysterio, an eight-time cruiserweight champion (WCW and WWE) and three-time world champion, mentioned that he was in the process of negotiating a new deal with WWE, where he last made a one-off appearance at the Greatest Royal Rumble in April.
Honored & grateful with the city of SD 619 for officially naming today 6/19/Rey Mysterio Day! A Sincere Thank U to my fans🌎wide for the support & unconditional love given through out my 28 yrs of career & please understand that without your support I would not be who I am now! pic.twitter.com/7I58rF4ZGI
— ♛Rey Mysterio❔ (@reymysterio) June 19, 2018
“I’m actually getting ready to go back to, possibly, a WWE contract so we’re talking about another three years if my body hangs tight and holds on,” Mysterio, who will be 44 in December, said.
Perhaps the most coveted free agent on the market, Rey Mysterio has kept incredibly busy ever since leaving WWE in 2015. He has worked all around the world including WhatCulture Pro Wrestling in the UK, Lucha Libre AAA in Mexico, New Japan Pro Wrestling in Japan and Lucha Underground in California, to name a few. He also helped to create the Aro Lucha promotion, of which he is still involved in. Citing wanting to spend more time with his family and work a less intensive schedule as part of the reason why he left WWE, Mysterio never ruled out a return to the company where he had previously spent over 13 years.
Rey Mysterio talked to a young fan, who thanked him so many times for talking to him. Young fan says he wants to see Rey fight WWE champion AJ Styles or Finn Balor. He said not Braun Strowman and Rey agreed. Rey said he’d rather be Strowman’s tag team partner. pic.twitter.com/rhZYMsYaFV
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) June 19, 2018
That return came in 2018, when Mysterio showed up as a surprise entrant in the Royal Rumble. Fans began to speculate then that Mysterio was coming back but it was revealed that the rumble, just like his appearance in the Greatest Royal Rumble, were just one-off appearances. This new deal however, seems to be much more.
Returning to WWE would give Mysterio the chance to work with a brand new set of stars, most of whom he’s never faced before. Plus, at a time where someone like John Cena looks to be transitioning away from the ring, bringing back a fan favorite like Rey Mysterio who is someone who can sell tickets and fill seats, would be in the best interest of the company.
Rey Mysterio on what 619 day means to him. pic.twitter.com/McKVr3QWY8
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) June 19, 2018
In an interview with Mighty 1090’s Scott and BR radio show, Mysterio said the two sides, he and WWE, were going back and forth on the particulars of a deal. Mysterio also said, “it’s looking really good for a possible return.” Prior to this, Mysterio went on Jim Ross‘ radio show and told Good Ol’ JR that he was just “kind of jumping here and there waiting for if something big happens to pop off with WWE again.”
It certainly seems like Rey Mysterio, who is one United States title reign away from being a grand slam champion, wants to return to WWE and the company wants him there as well. As far as a return timetable, no deal has been signed yet but even if there was, Mysterio has several commitments that take him into the fall. He just worked NJPW Dominion and it is likely he will be used on their G1 Special in San Francisco on July 7th. Following that, Mysterio is expected to be at AAA’s Triplemania XXVI in August and has already been confirmed for All In on September 1st. Additionally, Mysterio is scheduled to be a part of Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager at Sea, which sets sail October 27-31st.
