Dominik Mysterio has spoken about the accusations he receives that he is exploiting the memory of the late, great Eddie Guerrero.
In 2005, Mysterio was caught in the middle of a lengthy feud between Guerrero and his father, Rey Mysterio. The storyline saw Latino Heat claim that he was Dominik’s biological father, leading to a Ladder Match with his custody on the line.
Guerrero tragically passed away just months after the conclusion of the feud, but he had already planted the seeds for Dominik’s own path into the world of pro wrestling.
On a recent edition of the Cheap Heat podcast, spoke about comparisons between and Eddie, saying he understands he isn’t on the same level, but he is happy to use their onscreen history to his advantage.
“I get goosebumps every time I talk about him. I understand that in no way, shape, or form do I hold a candle to this man — be it in-ring or anything he’s done. I understand that. That said, I use everything to my advantage. Obviously, the people hate it, and they hate me for doing it.
“At the end of the day, that’s Uncle Eddie, that’s dad. In WWE storyline, that’s my dad. So, I’m going to steal whatever I can and I’m gonna use it to my advantage.”
Dominik Mysterio is forever grateful to Eddie Guerrero
Although some fans think Mysterio is being disrespectful to Eddie, he has made it clear that he doesn’t want any issues with the late star’s family and is in regular contact with the WWE Hall of Famer’s wife, Vickie Guerrero.
“Being able to talk to Vickie, it’s been little things here and there. She’ll reach out and be like, ‘I love what you’re doing.’ I’ll reach out to here and go, ‘Hey, hopefully this is okay.’ Little things like that. I just never want any problems with the Guerrero family.
“It’s all love and respect at the end of the day. Even before [the Judgment Day storyline] started, I asked someone in WWE if I could reach out to Vickie and ask her, ‘Is this okay?'”
Mysterio admitted things seemed to be “getting a little out of hand” after he his mullet, with some seeing it as disrespectful towards Guerrero.
“I don’t ever want [the Guerrero family] to think that I’m taking advantage of anything. End of the day, it’s all love and respect for Eddie and admiration for what he did. Eddie and my dad nudged me into this business when I was an 8-year-old. He planted that seed without me even knowing, and I’m forever grateful.”
Dominik Mysterio is currently a member of The Judgment Day in WWE and is still at loggerheads with his father. This has led to several run-ins between the two and even saw Dominik being arrested for trespassing at his parents’ house on Christmas Eve.
H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the above transcription