
WWE Legend Rey Mysterio Explains Why He Will Never Turn Heel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Rey Mysterio's professional wrestling career began in 1992. Throughout his entire run, his character has never been a full-blown heel.
The 50-year-old WWE Hall of Famer won two world championships, both as a babyface. He currently leads the Latino World Order faction, which he revived before WrestleMania 39.
Rey Mysterio on a Potential Heel Turn
During a recent interview with WrestleZone, Rey Mysterio was asked what it would take for WWE fans to turn on him. He explained that his laid-back nature would make a transition to a heel persona very difficult.
He said, "They (fans) would really have to, like, push me to the edge. I mean, even my wife says, like, 'I never see you get mad at anyone but me. Like, why do you not fight? You don't fight with anyone, but when you want to fight, you fight with me.' So, I mean, it would be very hard for me to get pushed."
The Closest Rey Mysterio Came to Being a Heel
Mysterio did recall one period in his career when he came close to working as a heel. This was during his time in WCW as a member of the Filthy Animals.
US pro-wrestler Rey Mysterio attends Netflix's "WWE Monday Night RAW" premiere at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on January 6, 2025.
US pro-wrestler Rey Mysterio attends Netflix's "WWE Monday Night RAW" premiere at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California on January 6, 2025.
Michael Tran/AFP via Getty Images
He stated, "I think the only time that I've been closest to becoming a heel, or I guess we were just having fun cuz that's how we were, is Filthy Animals. That has been the closest, but overall, my personality, my demeanor is very laidback. So, I think it would be very hard."
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
Update on Rey Mysterio's In-Ring Return
Mysterio is currently out of action with an injury. His last match was on April 18, 2025, episode of SmackDown.
It was later revealed that he suffered an abductor muscle tear and a busted eardrum. On the Keepin' It 100 podcast, Konnan provided an estimated timeline for Mysterio's return, claiming he will not be back until August.
While away from the WWE ring, the legend was recently seen at the AAA Worlds Collide event. There, he paid homage to the history of Lucha Libre wrestling. He is already a Hall of Famer and truly one of the greatest to ever step foot inside of the ring.
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