WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio has confirmed that the conclusion of his celebrated in-ring career is drawing near, stating that he is “really close” to retirement.
The 50-year-old legend is currently recovering from a torn groin and a burst eardrum suffered during a match on the April 18 edition of SmackDown. The significant injuries, which required surgery, forced him to miss a scheduled appearance at WrestleMania 41. He is expected to be medically cleared for a return in August 2025.
Despite the physical toll, Mysterio explained that the emergence of his son, Dominik, as a performer gave him renewed purpose. On the La Platica podcast, he revealed that he was nearing the end before his son’s career began, an event that provided a “second wind” and motivation to continue.
“Oh, it’s definitely really close [retirement]. It’s really close, but at the same time, I’m so motivated. A lot of people ask me, ‘What keeps you going?’ I think that once my son started to wrestle, that kind of pushed me to continue, ’cause I was really getting very close to calling it quits, but that just kind of gave me that second wind, and it pushed me to keep going.”
Even while sidelined, Mysterio appeared at the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event in June, sporting a new look with a beard. He kicked off the show with a promo highlighting the new partnership between the two promotions.
Mysterio also reflected on his 2023 Hall of Fame induction, which occurred while he was still an active competitor. He admitted he was not ready to step away at that time but viewed the recognition as a true honor.
“The fact that I was inducted into the Hall of Fame before I even tapped out – I was like, I don’t want to, I’m not ready to retire. [WWE said] ‘Like no, we’re presenting this to you.’ So truly honored to have been considered, you know, one of the Hall of Famers.”
Ultimately, Mysterio acknowledged that his time in the ring has a definitive endpoint.
“To be honest, I know I’m going to still enjoy it when I retire, but I’m going to have to tap out. I still love what I do and I always have.”
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