WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio was interviewed on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, where he offered a glimpse into his thoughts on retirement, his path to WWE, and his hopes for his son Dominik Mysterio.
On Wrestling Longevity
Rey Mysterio revealed his ambivalence about how much longer he plans to wrestle, often prompted by his wife’s inquiries. He expressed that while his body feels great thanks to his wellness routines, his mindset is a more significant factor. “I don’t [think about it] until it’s being brought up and when my wife brings that up, that’s when I pause. I don’t know if I want to do it another two years, three years,” he said. Mysterio’s main concern is maintaining his physical health as he ages, hoping to remain mobile and active into his mid-50s.
On Joining WWE Post-WCW
Mysterio also recounted his hesitation and uncertainty about joining WWE after WCW folded. He felt his size was a barrier, despite the success of other smaller wrestlers. “I thought it was a way for them to say we’re not really interested,” Mysterio admitted. However, after his WCW contract ended, WWE’s Jim Ross kept his promise, and Mysterio began his storied WWE career.
On Dominik Mysterio’s Potential
Rey Mysterio spoke proudly of his son Dominik’s rapid rise in WWE, attributing his success to learning from top-tier talents like Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, and Roman Reigns. He acknowledged that Dominik’s exposure to high-caliber wrestlers has accelerated his growth, something Mysterio himself took longer to achieve.
“Yeah (Dominik Mysterio has what it takes to be a World Champion), most definitely. Dom is getting really good at what he’s doing and he’s understanding the craft. The fact that he’s where he’s at with such little time, I wish I could be there, or I could have been there with four years of being in the business. I didn’t know sh*t at four years.
(Look who he’s learned from) Not only me, yes, I am his father. But the fact that he’s been able to be in there with the best; Seth Rollins, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, John Cena. All these moments are moments that give you the ability to learn. So I think he’s taken very well advantage of those moments and has added them to his career.”
On the Iconic Custody of Dominik Match
Reflecting on the memorable Custody of Dominik ladder match at SummerSlam 2005, Mysterio revealed the idea’s origins and how it involved his then-young son. Initially shy, Dominik agreed after learning there was money involved. “Dom from his understanding had always been a little bit shy, timid especially back then, younger. But when he knew that money was involved he said ‘Yeah, I’m down. I’ll do it,'” Mysterio shared. He noted the surreal experience of seeing Bruce Prichard, who helped devise the storyline, now working closely with Dominik.
WATCH: Vince McMahon Hugs Dominik Mysterio & Praises Him:
