From Mask Shock to World Champion: Every Time Rey Mysterio Defied the Odds and Ruled WWE
Rey Mysterio isn’t just a wrestler — he’s a walking miracle in a business built for giants. Standing barely 5’6”, Mysterio didn’t just survive in WWE… he conquered it. Widely hailed as the greatest high-flyer in wrestling history, Rey turned speed, heart, and lucha libre tradition into a Hall of Fame–level career.
The Mask, the Fall, and the Comeback
Rey first exploded onto the global stage in WCW in 1996, instantly becoming the face of the Cruiserweight division. But in 1999, his career hit rock bottom. A brutal Mask vs. Hair match against Kevin Nash forced Rey to unmask — a devastating moment in lucha libre culture and, by his own admission, the lowest point of his career.
When Rey arrived in WWE in 2002, everything changed. WWE allowed him to reclaim his mask — and with it, his identity. The underdog was back.
Royal Rumble Glory Changed Everything
Rey’s career reached legendary status in 2006 when he won the Royal Rumble, lasting over an hour and proving the impossible was possible. That victory launched him into the main event scene, where he completed WWE’s ultimate fairytale.
At WrestleMania 22, Rey defeated Kurt Angle and Randy Orton to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, cementing his legacy forever. From that point on, Rey wasn’t just a fan favorite — he was a world champion and a Grand Slam winner.
Injuries, Exit, and a Stunning Return
Years of high-risk wrestling took a toll. Chronic knee injuries and multiple surgeries forced Rey to step away from WWE in 2015. Many thought that was the end.
They were wrong.
Rey made a shocking return at the 2018 Royal Rumble, looking faster, sharper, and healthier than ever. His second WWE run delivered one of the most emotional storylines of his career — a heated feud with his own son, Dominik Mysterio. The rivalry peaked at WrestleMania 39, where Rey defeated Dominik with a little help from Bad Bunny, creating a true WrestleMania moment.
Every Time Rey Mysterio Won a WWE World Championship
Despite his size, Rey captured WWE’s top prize three times, each win telling a different story of resilience and heart.
🏆 Rey Mysterio’s WWE World Title Wins
| Title | Date Won | Opponents | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Heavyweight Championship | April 2, 2006 | Kurt Angle & Randy Orton | WrestleMania 22 |
| World Heavyweight Championship | June 20, 2010 | Jack Swagger, CM Punk, Big Show | Fatal 4-Way |
| WWE Championship | July 25, 2011 | The Miz | Monday Night RAW |
His final world title reign in 2011 was heartbreakingly short-lived. Just hours after defeating The Miz for the WWE Championship, John Cena challenged Rey and ended his reign in under two hours — a cruel reminder of how hard Rey had to fight for every inch of success.
The Ultimate Underdog Legacy
Rey Mysterio didn’t just win championships — he changed what a world champion could look like. Masked, undersized, injury-prone, and doubted at every turn, Rey still climbed to the top again and again.
And that’s why Rey Mysterio isn’t just a former world champion — he’s eternal. 👑
