Former WWE star Rey Mysterio recently spoke with Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard, to promote this weekend’s Northeast Wrestling events. Below are some interview highlights:
On the tragic in-ring death of Perro Aguayo, Jr:
“That something like that would even occur. You always think of the worst injury, but never that situation. In this case, it was absolutely that. We lost the biggest superstar that Mexico has ever seen. There were so many plans moving forward that would have been incredible. When I meet great people in this industry, I like to let them know they are great human beings. Perro was definitely one of them. He was so warm-hearted, kind, and respectful. Just like there will never be another Eddie, there will never be another Perro.”
On losing his mask in WCW:
“Losing my mask really bothered me,” admitted Mysterio. “I’d been carrying my mask for almost ten years, and in Mexico the mask is very prestigious. It became a part of me, so I was very disappointed.”
Mysterio opposed the move right from the beginning, but Bischoff laid out two options – lose the mask or lose your job.
“That was the political side of this industry,” said Mysterio. “I wasn’t given a choice. I couldn’t protect myself because I had signed my name on their contract, so I was screwed. I couldn’t stop it from happening.”
On his WWE departure:
“My contract was coming to an end. I had been on the grind for so long, and even I was out for a long period of time due to surgery, I was constantly rehabbing. I never had the time to participate in my kids’ lives or be around my wife. So I really thought about it – I could be working until I’m 43, 44, or 45 years old, and keep on making money, but where is that going to leave me? I’ve already done good for myself, so I really needed a break. I wanted to detach myself from having a certain obligation. I wanted to do things on my terms. I wanted to rest, I wanted to enjoy my kids. I wasn’t getting any younger, and my kids weren’t getting any younger. I weighed my options, and leaving WWE was a decision my wife and I made together.
I’m truly blessed to have a partner, a soulmate that’s been loyal and equal to me for all this time. She’s been a mother and a father throughout all the years me being on the grind, on the road. Now, I have control of my life and my career. Family has always been the number one importance in my life, and they’re the reason I decided I stepped away for a little while.
I didn’t leave on bad terms. I left on good terms with WWE, so I don’t want to say never. They treated me very well, and I’m nothing but thankful with that company for letting Rey Mysterio be Rey Mysterio and be recognized worldwide. If the opportunity comes about in the future, and there is interest from both parties, then why not?”
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
