Rey Misterio Sr. (real name: Miguel Ángel López Díaz) died in December 2024, his family confirmed as well as the Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Best known as the uncle of the WWE’s Rey Mysterio, the retired athlete helped his entire family build a legacy in the wrestling world.
“We regret the sensitive death of Miguel Ángel López Días, known as Rey Mysterio Sr. [sic]” the AAA’s statement read in Spanish, which was translated to English. “We send our most sincere condolences to his loved ones and raise our prayers to heaven for his eternal rest.”
Misterio Sr.’s cause of death is unclear. The wrestling world and countless fans paid tribute to honor Misterio Sr.’s contributions to the industry. Aside from being an influential figure to his family, the late wrestler was also a legend to fellow wrestlers. During his time in the ring, he went by names such as “Bullrider” and “Rey Misterio” before adding the “Sr.” part to distinguish himself from his nephew.
Misterio Sr. wrestled from the 1970s until 2009 when he retired. However, he briefly returned to wrestling one final time in 2023.
Learn about Misterio Sr.’s family, below.
Misterio Sr. was a father to his son, Miguel Aarón López Hernández, a.k.a El Hijo de Rey Misterio.
It’s unclear if Misterio Sr. was married.