Every year in Wrestlemania season, wrestling fans worldwide are filled with excitement in preperation for the biggest show of the year in Wrestlemania. However another staple of Mania season is the WWE Hall of Fame, a yearly event where wrestlers as well as wrestling personalities are inducted into the Hall of Fame as a way to honor and respect what they’ve given to the industry as a whole. The Hall of Fame began as a concept in 1993 with the induction of Andre the Giant however it was not a proper yearly occurence until 2002.
And the first inductee of 2023’s class was recently revealed to be none other than Rey Mysterio. Mysterio is without a doubt one of the most recognisable luchadors in the industry and given he’s been an active competitor for over 30 years it’s clear his induction is warranted. Mysterio began his career in Mexico in 1989 and over the years has wrestled in numerous promotions including (of course) WWE, as well as the now extinct WCW, AAA, New Japan as well as various indy promotions and even taking part in 2018’s “All in” PPV which of course was the precursor to the founding of AEW.
With such a long and storied career, Mysterio’s highlight reel is endless. You could pick from several options for his greatest ever moment, such as his longstanding record as the longest lasting traditional Royal Rumble entrant (before Gunther recently broke that record) having lasted 62 minutes in the 2006 Rumble. Which he of course won and went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship at that years Wrestlemania which was seen as a fantastic moment and tribute to Eddie Guererro a longtime friend of Mysterio’s who tragically died in November 2005. Or the fact that Mysterio lasted so long in the business that he was able to eventually team up with his son Dominik and even become Tag Team Champions alongside him, even though nowadays that relationship has soured and Dominik now being adamant Rey fight him at Wrestlemania.
Another confirmed inductee is ‘The Great Muta’ or Keiji Muto. Who, despite never formally wrestling a match for WWE has a long and storied career across the world which includes WCW having had feuds against the likes of Ric Flair Sting and Lex Luger. And the most spoken about rumored induction is that of former wrestler turned Hollywood Star ‘Batista’. He was initially due to be inducted back in 2020 but of course, Covid happened which delayed the ceremony and he couldn’t make the new date due to other commitments. While it may not be this year either, whenever the induction finally occurs it’s certainly a warranted inclusion.
But regardless, Mysterio being revealed as the first inductee is a perfect way to demonstrate just how valuable his contributions to the industry have been in his long career. And how his presence will certainly be missed when he hangs up his mask and retires. Which, given he’s going into the Hall of Fame could be sooner rather than later. So we should all appreciate the Master of the 619 for everything he has given and cherish him for however long he carries on competing.
