Rey Mysterio’s 5 Best WWE Matches

‘The Biggest Little Man’ first debuted for the WWE in 2002, after winning the hearts and minds of wrestling fans throughout his tenure in WCW’s cruiserweight division. The luchador flew around the ring with such grace that kids and adults alike were soon flocking to merchandise stands to sport a Rey Mysterio mask after falling in love with his exciting and innovative style. Mysterio’s popularity has transcended generations, whether it be during the Ruthless Aggression era, or even amongst today’s stacked roster, Rey Mysterio is one of the most beloved superstars in WWE.

The former World Heavyweight Champion, Royal Rumble winner and WrestleMania headliner has put on some of the most spectacular matches from WWE’s storied history. ‘The Master of the 619’ has tangled with some of the absolute greats and is a certified future Hall of Famer – here are his 5 best matches from his legendary career in WWE.

Make sure you leave your favourite Rey Mysterio matches and moments in the comments section below.

 

5. Rey Mysterio vs Shawn Michaels (Nov 14th 2005)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yt4fT413nVk

A match between two of the most iconic WWE superstars took place under rather sombre circumstances. In one of the most heart-warming segments from Eddie Guerrero’s memorial episode, Rey Mysterio and HBK stepped into the ring together for the first time. Fans had been waiting to see Michaels and Rey-Rey mix it up for years, both popular babyfaces and both wrestling with a very similar athletic style. Naturally, the two absolutely smashed it out of the park.

Both megastars wore the patented black ‘EG’ armband, they shook hands and wrestled in one of the most technically sound matches that we’ve ever seen on an episode of Raw. Mysterio and Michaels made the most of their rare encounter in the name of their departed friend. It’s a timeless classic that did them both justice.

 

4. Rey Mysterio vs Sabu (One Night Stand 2006)

The revival of ECW under the WWE umbrella didn’t exactly go the way anyone expected. But if the 2006 comeback is to be remembered for anything, it should be the instant classic pay-per-view, One Night Stand. Not only did we see the 5* main event between RVD and John Cena, but we were also treated to a fantastic World Heavyweight Championshiop match between Rey Mysterio and ECW original, Sabu.

Being no stranger to the land of extreme, Rey Mysterio dipped his toes back into the violence and chaos that comes with an ECW main event. The two daredevils battered each other senselesswith whatever implements they could get their hands on. This was a really exciting title match, a huge nod to Sabu while giving Rey the spotlight alongside some of WWE’s biggest stars.

The match concluded with both men being stretchered away from the ring, after Sabu nailed Rey with a huge DDT through a table. An interesting finish to a match that you’d think was WWE’s way of putting themselves over a rival company (see Triple H vs Sting). But no, a treat for fans both old and new.

 

3. Rey Mysterio vs Kurt Angle (Summerslam 2002)

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6nij5u

Rey Mysterio and the Olympic gold medallist have had some amazing matches in the past, including Rey’s titanic World Heavyweight title win at WrestleMania 22, but none were quite as fun as their first encounter at Summerslam in 2002. Hot off the heels of his WWE debut, Mysterio stepped into the ring with the WWE veteran and put on what became his breakout performance in front of a hot New York crowd.

The action was smooth, crisp and full of energy. Their styles meshed together so well that their feud carried SmackDown through one of its best eras. Alongside the likes of Edge, Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit, wrestling was at its finest in matches such as this one.

Angle/Mysterio was a phenomenal opening match to the summer extravaganza, headlined by the historic WWE Championship match between Rock and Brock Lesnar and the first bloody fight between Triple H and Shawn Michaels. This match set the event off to a great start, and is a match that everyone should watch at least once.

 

2. Rey Mysterio vs Chris Jericho (The Bash 2009)

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x37n8o1

I mentioned during my account of Chris Jericho’s best WWE matches that their Mask vs Intercontinental Championship match from the 2009 edition of The Bash would easily fit into both of their respective best of’s. Their mid-card feud set the SmackDown brand alight throughout 2009 and culminated with this fantastic title fight. Having had experience facing each other in WCW, their chemistry translated perfectly into WWE. They wrestled the classic Cruiserweight style to perfection and reminded everyone why they are two of the best on the planet.

To sum it up in a word, this match is thrilling and without a doubt one of 2009’s MOTY candidates. Of course Rey managed to hold onto his mask and reclaim the Intercontinental Championship from his bitter rival. At a time where the Cruiserweight style of wrestling was dying a slow death, it was great to see these two smaller athletes embrace lucha libre in a classic marathon. If you’re a fan of old-school style matches, then make sure you check this one out.

 

1. Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero (WrestleMania 21)

Best friends always make the best rivals. Quite possibly one of the greatest love/hate relationships was between Rey Mysterio and Eddie Guererro, a rivalry that is now defined by the absurd ladder match, with the stipulation being the winner gaining custody of Rey Mysterio’s son Dominik. But before all the crazy, personal twists throughout 2005, they competed in a match at that year’s WrestleMania whilst holding onto the WWE Tag Team Championships.

Rey and Eddie were known for always having an unbelievable in-ring chemistry, but never had it been exploited as much as it was at WrestleMania 21. The former WWE Champion became obsessed with getting the win over his friend, but unfortunately for him, it wasn’t his night. Rey toppled Eddie once again in a competitve exhibition match.

Wrestling is at its best when the performers are allowed to just go out and have fun. When they can relish in the synchronicity they have with their best buds, you know you’re in for a fantastic 15 minutes. I’m so happy these two were granted a WrestleMania performance, because boy did they make the most of it.