What Happened to Ćscar GutiĆ©rrez Rubio (Rey Mysterio)?
Rey Mysterio, born Ćscar GutiĆ©rrez Rubio, is a highly influential Mexican-American professional wrestler renowned for his innovative high-flying lucha libre style. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has achieved numerous championships across major promotions like WCW and WWE, including multiple world titles, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023. As of April 2026, he remains an active competitor in WWE, recently returning from a rib injury to compete at WrestleMania 42.
Quick Answer
Rey Mysterio is currently an active WWE Hall of Famer, known for his iconic high-flying lucha libre style. After suffering fractured ribs in January 2026, he made a brief appearance at the Royal Rumble before returning to in-ring competition at WrestleMania 42 in April 2026, participating in a multi-person Ladder Match for the WWE Men's Intercontinental Championship. He continues to be a prominent figure on the WWE roster and a member of the Latino World Order (LWO).
šKey Facts
š Complete Timeline15 events
Professional Wrestling Debut
Ćscar GutiĆ©rrez Rubio makes his professional wrestling debut in Mexico at the age of 14, trained by his uncle Rey Misterio Sr..
WCW Debut and Cruiserweight Revolution
Rey Mysterio debuts in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), where his high-flying style helps popularize lucha libre and revolutionize the cruiserweight division in the United States.
WWE Debut
Rey Mysterio makes his highly anticipated debut in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on SmackDown!, dropping the 'Jr.' from his name and re-establishing his masked persona.
Royal Rumble Winner
Mysterio wins the 2006 Royal Rumble match, dedicating his victory to the late Eddie Guerrero.
First World Heavyweight Championship
Rey Mysterio defeats Kurt Angle and Randy Orton at WrestleMania 22 to win his first World Heavyweight Championship, becoming the smallest Superstar to hold the title.
WWE Championship Victory
Mysterio wins the WWE Championship, though his reign is short-lived, losing it later the same night.
Departure from WWE
After an 11-year run, Rey Mysterio departs from WWE, wrestling for various promotions globally including NJPW, AAA, and Lucha Underground.
Return to WWE
Rey Mysterio makes a surprise return at the Royal Rumble and later signs a full-time contract with WWE.
First Father-Son Tag Team Champions
Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik Mysterio make history by becoming the first father-son duo to win the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship.
WWE Hall of Fame Induction
Rey Mysterio is inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as an individual, recognizing his legendary career and contributions to professional wrestling.
WrestleMania 40 Match vs. Dominik
Rey Mysterio teams with Andrade to defeat his son Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar at WrestleMania 40, with special guest appearances from NFL stars Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson.
Suffers Rib Fractures
Rey Mysterio sustains fractured ribs on both sides of his body during a match against Austin Theory on WWE Raw.
Brief Royal Rumble Appearance
Despite his rib injury, Rey Mysterio makes a brief appearance in the 2026 Men's Royal Rumble match.
Announces WrestleMania 42 Return
Rey Mysterio announces his return to in-ring action and entry into a multi-person Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 42.
Competes at WrestleMania 42
Rey Mysterio makes his official in-ring return from injury, competing in the WWE Men's Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
šDeep Dive Analysis
Ćscar GutiĆ©rrez Rubio, universally known as Rey Mysterio, began his professional wrestling career in Mexico in 1989 at the age of 14, trained by his uncle Rey Misterio Sr.. He quickly gained recognition for his innovative, high-flying lucha libre style, which he helped popularize in the United States during his tenure with Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the mid-to-late 1990s. In WCW, he was a multiple-time Cruiserweight Champion, revolutionizing the division with his acrobatic maneuvers.
Mysteria joined World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2002, dropping the 'Jr.' from his name and resuming his masked persona. His WWE career saw him reach unprecedented heights for a wrestler of his size, capturing the WWE Championship once, the World Heavyweight Championship twice, and numerous other titles including the Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Championships. A significant milestone was his victory in the 2006 Royal Rumble match. He is also recognized as WWE's 21st Triple Crown and Grand Slam Champion.
After a brief departure from WWE in 2015, Mysterio returned in 2018, continuing his legacy and engaging in a highly personal and acclaimed storyline with his real-life son, Dominik Mysterio. This feud culminated in a memorable match at WrestleMania 40 in April 2024, where Rey Mysterio teamed with Andrade against Dominik Mysterio and Santos Escobar, with surprise assistance from NFL players Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson. In 2023, Rey Mysterio was deservedly inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as one of professional wrestling's all-time greats.
As of early 2026, Rey Mysterio remains an active and integral part of the WWE roster. He suffered fractured ribs on both sides of his body during a match against Austin Theory on the January 26, 2026, episode of Monday Night RAW. Despite the injury, he made a brief appearance in the 2026 Men's Royal Rumble match. Following a period of recovery, Mysterio announced his return to in-ring competition on April 6, 2026, confirming his entry into a multi-person Ladder Match for the WWE Men's Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 42. The event took place on April 18 and 19, 2026, in Las Vegas, marking his official return from injury. He is currently a member of the Latino World Order (LWO) faction. While rumors of retirement occasionally surface, Mysterio has expressed interest in a proper farewell but has no confirmed date, and his current WWE contract reportedly extends until late 2026.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Ćscar GutiĆ©rrez Rubio (Rey Mysterio) made different choices?