Big-Name WWE Star Considered Retiring At WrestleMania 39

Written by Craig Ballantyne • Published 22nd March 2023
WWE WrestleMania 39

One of WWE’s top stars has reportedly considered the idea of retiring at WrestleMania 39.

On the March 10th edition of SmackDown, it was announced that Rey Mysterio will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023.

Now, WrestleVotes has reported via GiveMeSport that there were dicussion sabout the lucha legend hanging up his boots after one last match at WrestleMania. However, it seems that the idea was rejected.

“At one point, it was discussed that Rey Mysterio was going to retire at WrestleMania. But I don’t think next weekend is his last match, regardless of the Hall of Fame.”

Mysterio made his wrestling debut in 1989 at the age of only 14. He built his reputation as one of the premiere performers in the world through his work in AAA and ECW. In June 1996, he gained a global platform when he signed with WCW, becoming a key part of their burgeoning Cruiserweight division.

In June 2002, Mysterio joined WWE where he quickly rose to become one of the most popular stars on the roster. This popularity reached its peak in 2006 when Mysterio won the Royal Rumble match from the number two spot, dedicating his win to his late friend Eddie Guerrero who passed away just months earlier.

He went on to capitalise on the victory by capturing the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 22.

Mysterio left the company in 2015 and wrestled in promotions all around the world before making his return in 2018.

The high point of this second run so far arguably came at WrestleMania Backlash in 2021 when he won the SmackDown Tag Team Titles alongside his son Dominik. However, in recent months the father and son’s relationship has soured considerably.

Rey Mysterio challenged by Dominik Mysterio for WrestleMania 39 bout

Rey and his son have been at odds ever since Clash at the Castle, where Dominik turned on his father by hitting him with a low blow before going on to align himself with The Judgment Day and Rhea Ripley.

Dominik and Ripley have been making Mysterios life a misery ever since, even turning up to his home uninvited at Christmas and Thanksgiving. Rey sought to escape the nightmare by moving to SmackDown, but it has had little effect.

While Rey has refused to lay a finger on his son, Dominik has been trying his best to goad him into a fight. This came to a head on the March 13th edition of Raw when Dominik challenged Rey to a match at WrestleMania, which the star has so far turned down.