Dominik Mysterio recently shared insights into how his father, Rey Mysterio, maintained the authenticity of a legendary storyline involving Eddie Guerrero during their intense rivalry in 2005. This feud, culminating in a dramatic Ladder Match at SummerSlam, revolved around the custody of Dominik and remains one of the most iconic angles in professional wrestling history.
In an interview with the Towers of Power Pro Wrestling Podcast, Dominik described how Rey went to great lengths to preserve the storyline’s believability even off-screen. During the storyline, Dominik was depicted as being taken away by a social worker, and Rey ensured the illusion continued by hiding him from fans outside the arena. Dominik recalled, “They’d put me in the back seat in crevices and cover me with clothes and bags so people couldn’t see me because there’s fans outside the arena.” This old-school approach to wrestling storytelling left a lasting impression on the young Mysterio.
The 2005 custody battle concluded with Rey Mysterio triumphing over Guerrero in an emotional match, securing full custody of Dominik. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Guerrero’s passing, and Rey honored his late friend with a heartfelt letter published in The Players’ Tribune on November 13.
In the world of WWE, Dominik Mysterio has also been making headlines for his recent actions in the ring. On November 10, during an episode of Monday Night Raw, he faced John Cena for the Intercontinental Championship. The match, which was initially scheduled for the upcoming Survivor Series, was moved to Raw to allow Cena a significant moment in his hometown of Boston.
Despite losing the title to Cena, Dominik embraced his heel persona by intentionally stealing the spotlight during Cena’s celebration. He admitted to interrupting Cena’s moment, stating, “For me, it wasn’t even about preparing. It was just making that moment about me.” His approach reflects a deep understanding of wrestling dynamics, especially as he navigates the complex landscape of fan interaction and character development.
During the match, Dominik attempted to gain an advantage by ambushing Cena before the bell rang. However, despite his aggressive strategy and a chaotic referee bump, he ultimately could not retain the championship. Cena’s victory not only marked a significant milestone in his storied career but also completed his Grand Slam, adding another achievement ahead of his impending retirement.
With just three appearances remaining on his year-long retirement tour, including his final Raw scheduled for November 17 at Madison Square Garden, the wrestling community eagerly anticipates how WWE will craft Cena’s farewell. Meanwhile, Dominik Mysterio continues to evolve as a performer, blending the lessons learned from his father with his own distinct style.
As the wrestling world reflects on the past while looking towards the future, the legacies of both Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guerrero remain firmly etched in the annals of WWE history, with Dominik Mysterio carrying that legacy forward in his career.
