WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio recently opened up about his profound friendship with the late Eddie Guerrero, commemorating two decades since Guerrero’s untimely passing. Their unique connection, forged inside and outside the squared circle, remains one of wrestling’s most heartfelt stories.
A Friendship Born In The Ring and On The Border
Rey Mysterio first encountered Eddie Guerrero in the late 1980s along the Mexico–U.S. border, while traveling with his uncle, Rey Misterio Sr., who introduced him into the wrestling world. At that time, a teenage Mysterio was an unofficial assistant, quietly observing Guerrero’s rising star power. Mysterio recalls their first meeting at the Auditorio de Tijuana in 1987, describing Guerrero as a “shooting star” whose charisma and skill immediately captivated him[1].
What made their friendship extraordinary was how it developed—not from casual encounters outside the ring, like many wrestling friendships, but beginning inside the wrestling ring itself. Mysterio explained that while most wrestlers become friends after working together, he and Guerrero’s bond was forged through their shared in-ring battles and performances. This mutual passion for wrestling created an unspoken understanding between them that few others could grasp[1][3].
Wrestling Together: Over 100 Matches and Lifelong Respect
Between Guerrero’s 1986 debut and Mysterio’s own start in 1989, the two men crossed paths over 100 times in various matches over 16 years. Their rivalry and alliance included some of the most memorable moments in wrestling history, such as their intense encounters in WCW and WWE. Mysterio highlighted a pivotal night in 1997 at WCW’s Halloween Havoc, when Guerrero fought behind the scenes to help Mysterio keep his mask—a vital part of the younger wrestler’s identity. According to Mysterio, Guerrero was willing to sacrifice his title and status to protect Mysterio’s legacy, a gesture deeply appreciated and never forgotten[3].
A WWE insider familiar with the locker room dynamics described Guerrero’s generosity as emblematic of the respect he held not only for Mysterio but for the Latino wrestling community as a whole. “Eddie was always about lifting others up, especially young talent. He saw Mysterio not just as a competitor but as family,” the source said.
WrestleMania 21: A Showcase of Brotherhood
Their friendship extended seamlessly into WWE, where Mysterio and Guerrero formed one of the company’s most beloved tag teams, winning the WWE Tag Team Championship together in 2005. Their bout at WrestleMania 21 remains a highlight in both careers, blending fierce competition with palpable camaraderie[2].
Following their tag team success, Guerrero turned heel, sparking a heated feud that culminated in emotionally charged matches, including an unforgettable ladder match for the custody storyline involving Mysterio’s son, Dominik. Just months after those intense storylines, Guerrero’s tragic death on November 13, 2005, left a void in the wrestling world and in Mysterio’s life[2].
The Legacy Eddie Left Behind
Eddie Guerrero was more than a charismatic performer; he was a trailblazer for Latino wrestlers, a WWE Champion, the 11th Triple Crown Champion, and the 6th Grand Slam Champion. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his place in wrestling history.
In a heartfelt letter published on the 20th anniversary of Guerrero’s passing, Mysterio reflected on not only the friendship but the communal bond they shared as Latino wrestlers fighting to carve out respect in a demanding industry. He emphasized that Guerrero’s willingness to “put others over” was foundational to the collective success of Latino wrestlers in the business[3].
Mysterio wrote, “Success for Latinos in this business … doesn’t have to be zero-sum. We either get over as a community or risk being buried as one. That lesson started with Eddie”[3].
Backstage Perspectives on Their Connection
According to sources close to WWE’s creative team, the genuine friendship between Mysterio and Guerrero influenced their storylines and helped shape authentic wrestling narratives. “Their chemistry was real. That authenticity translated on screen and made their matches unforgettable,” shared a longtime writer.
WWE executives still cite the Mysterio-Guerrero relationship as a blueprint for building rivalries that transcend simple competition to highlight respect and brotherhood.
Rey Mysterio’s Lasting Tribute
Rey Mysterio continues to honor Eddie Guerrero’s memory by sharing stories and paying tribute at WWE events and media appearances. His emotional remembrances remind fans and wrestlers alike of the deep human connections that define professional wrestling beyond the spectacle.
Mysterio’s reflections underscore how Guerrero’s influence, both as a performer and as a friend, helped shape his own career and philosophy toward wrestling and life. For Mysterio, Guerrero remains “the big brother” who showed him the meaning of loyalty, sacrifice, and passion in their shared craft[4].