Rey Mysterio is the “Mr. Longevity” of professional wrestling
The October 4 evening of professional wrestling was filled with what many fans will call “dream” matches. On one side, Katsuyori Shibata battled Orange Cassidy for the AEW All-Atlantic Championship. On the other was Rey Mysterio versus Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Both champions remained, but in WWE the focus of the match was on Mysterio’s longevity in professional wrestling. Mysterio’s perseverance in wrestling isn’t a new conversation, but it is one that continues to illicit awe for what he has achieved.
According to Cagematch, Mysterio’s career began 33 years ago. That’s a run that has spanned the careers of some of the greatest names in professional wrestling. Yet, in 2022, Mysterio is not only still doing it, but doing so at a high level. His match with Gunther from SmackDown was one of the best that WWE has put together on weekly television all year. And it’s not like this is a breakout performance for Mysterio. Whenever fans see he’s getting a big match with ample time and no shenanigans, it’s clear he’s about to show out.
Mysterio deserves to be recognized among some of the best in history. He accomplished nearly everything that WWE has to offer. In fact, it’s astounding that he hasn’t become a WWE Grand Slam Champion, even though he’s right on the cusp of that accolade.
Then look at what he’s achieved outside the WWE, especially that run from 2015-2018. He took part in some epic dream matches like his first series against Prince Puma, teaming with Kushida to take on Kazuchika Okada, SHO, YOH, Pentagon Dark, and many others.
Still, there is a lot left for Mysterio to achieve, even if he’s already recognized as professional wrestling’s “Mr. Longevity.” WWE fans have already seen a small portion of the magic that he and Ricochet can achieve in singles competition. Imagine giving them a full-blown feud. What about Carmelo Hayes? The former A-champion of NXT will need someone to battle when he makes his main roster debut and Mysterio would fit well in that role too. Santos Escobar and Legado del Fantasma? That’s a feud that screams excellent matches from start to finish.
And Mysterio’s final run in the promotion should include a sprint to a championship match. Not saying he needs to carry the title again, but a run-up to one final grasp at the belt would be the proper sendoff when the time comes.
Mia Yim would be a welcome return to the WWE. dark. Next
Rey Mysterio is the consummate fan favorite. For 33 years he’s played the role of the superhero that children love to cheer. Now, those kids are grown and a new generation showers him with praise. His name may not be the first mentioned when it comes to debates about the greatest of all time. But Mysterio is certainly at the top of the list when thinking about who best represents longevity in professional wrestling.