When is the right time for a legendary pro wrestler to retire? It’s a question that’s different for each one, and difficult to answer. Sometimes it helps to set a date in advance, which is what Sting just did this week. Rey Mysterio hasn’t done that, but he has said in the past he’d call it a career once he turned 50.
That’s relevant because Mysterio will turn 49 in December. He also doesn’t seem to have any career goals left to check off: He’s won almost every title there is to win (including his current stint as WWE United States Champion), has had a chance to work with son Dominik, is already in the WWE Hall of Fame, and is generally considered among the greatest luchadors and cruiserweights of all time.
With all of that in mind, is Mysterio holding firm on his retirement plan? As a recent guest on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, he didn’t confirm it … but he also didn’t shoot that idea down (h/t Fightful for the transcription).
That’s a year away. I’m hoping…I did say 50…If my body keeps responding the way it has…the way I’ve been working for the past 34 years, I’ve modified my work a lot, for the best, but still being able to invest the audience into watching Rey Mysterio. I always like to come up and create moves where fans can say, ‘Wow, he’s still doing it.’ That’s part of my growth and what’s been keeping me healthy to be able to do what I do.
Mysterio singled out his trademark slide under the ropes to the floor as a move he wouldn’t necessarily need to do at this age, but one he still enjoys because it gives the fans the experience they expect from him.
He also thanked his wife for being supportive of his career decisions and that he’d like to give time back to her soon.
I’m hoping that it can be within the next year and a half or two.
Just like you should for several other legends nearing the end of their careers, enjoy Mysterio now, because it sounds like you may not have a chance before too long.