WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio, who has been off television for months due to injury, was recently seen in public without his mask. The image appeared in a collection of photos posted to Instagram by his daughter, Aalyah, showing the legendary luchador posing for the camera.
While Mysterio was famously unmasked in WCW after losing a Hair vs. Mask match at SuperBrawl IX in 1999 and has had his face revealed on WWE programming since, he typically maintains the tradition in public appearances.
Mysterio has been absent from WWE programming since suffering a torn groin on the April 18, 2025, episode of SmackDown. The injury occurred during a six-man tag team match when he pushed off his left leg and heard a ripping sound. The tear required surgery and forced him to pull out of his scheduled match against El Grande Americano at WrestleMania 41, with Rey Fenix taking his place. During his time away, he also had a busted eardrum repaired.
His return appears to be imminent. Mysterio’s longtime friend Konnan stated in June that the veteran was expected back in August. Later that month, Mysterio confirmed the timeline himself, saying he should be back “hopefully by August.” Backstage reports from early August also indicated a return was planned for after SummerSlam, with WWE affording him ample time to ensure a full recovery.
Despite his in-ring hiatus, Mysterio has remained visible. He made an appearance to kick off the WWE x AAA Worlds Collide premium live event on June 7 and was also present at AAA Triplemania XXXIII on August 17. It was at the AAA event where, in response to crowd chants for “Alberto,” Mysterio promised the fans, “I’ll bring him, wait on me,” fueling talk about a potential return for Alberto Del Rio.
The speculation surrounding Mysterio’s future intensified this past week. On August 28, a social media post from SK Wrestling questioned if his son, Dominik, would accept a proposed retirement match, sparking widespread discussion among fans about the final chapter of the legend’s career.