World-famous luchador and South Bay resident was honored Tuesday when the San Diego City Council proclaimed it to be Rey Mysterio Day.
Mysterio, whose real name is Óscar Gutiérrez, was born in Chula Vista and still resides in South County. At the 10 a.m. meeting of the Council, Councilman David Alvarez presented Mysterio with the proclamation citing his work in the community where he has organized and participated in “various charity events, educational campaigns and wrestling matches at schools and community centers.”
Mysterio started his wrestling career in Mexico at the age of 14 under the tutelage of his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr., under the moniker Rey Mysterio Jr. When he returned to the U.S. to make his professional the debut, Mysterio dropped the Jr.
He was considered to be one of the best cruiserweight wrestlers of all time and was known for his high-flying Lucha Libre style. His signature style was named the “619” in honor of his hometown (and also why June 19 was selected as Rey Mysterio Day).
Mysterio made his debut with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1996 and won his first Cruiserweight Championship that same year. He’s won the WCW World Cruiserweight Championship six times, WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Championship and WCW World Tag Team Championship three times.
He was known as the “giant killer” for beating bigger opponents such as Kevin Nash, Bam Bam Bigelow and Scott Norton.
Mysterio made his World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) debut in 2002 after it had acquired WCW and went on to win the WWE Championship belt and the WWE Heavy Weight Champion twice. He became a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a four-time WWE Champion, a three-time Cruiserweight Champion, the 2006 Royal Rumble winner, and the 21st Triple Crown Winner.