Legendary Wrestler Rey Misterio Sr. Dead at 66

Mexican wrestling legend Rey Misterio Sr., the uncle of WWE star Rey Mysterio Jr., has died at the age of 66. 

The family of the late wrestling icon confirmed his death Dec. 20, according to TMZ. Misterio first rose to prominence as a part of the lucha libre scene in his native Mexico, earning champion titles with organizations including the World Wrestling Association and Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, viewed by many as the lucha libre equivalent of WWE. Stateside, he competed in events like World Championship Wrestling's Starrcade night in 1990. 

"We mourn the death of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Misterio Sr.," Lucha Libre AAA shared in a statement. "We send our sincerest condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest."

Misterio Sr. went on to found his own gym and train a new generation of lucha libre fighters like Konnan, Psicosis, Halloween, and Damian 666. Two of his relatives also carry on his legacy today: His son Rey Misterio Heredero, better known as El Hijo de Rey Misterio, and WWE legend and beloved lucha libre figure Rey Mysterio Jr. The patriarch continued to compete up until 2023. 

Related: How to Have the Ultimate Lucha Libre Guys' Trip in Mexico City

Misterio Sr.'s death comes just one month after Mysterio Jr. bid farewell to his own father, Robert Gutierrez. "Father: thank you for giving me the life I have. You did more than set the example of how to love and maintain a strong marriage and father four boys. You were the example and passed every single time until your death with flying colors," he mourned on Instagram.

Misterio Sr.'s cause of death has not been revealed.