When is Time Up for Rey Mysterio? The Legacy of a GOAT

Alright, let’s talk about Rey Mysterio. — Alright, let’s talk about **Rey Mysterio**.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love the guy. He’s a living legend, a Hall of Famer, and quite possibly the greatest cruiserweight of all time. But here’s the thing. He’s still wrestling.

At 50 years old, Rey is still mixing it up with guys half his age, still pulling off high-flying moves, and still putting his knees through absolute hell every time he steps into a WWE ring. And I can’t help but wonder when is enough, enough?

At some point, even the GOATs have to call it a day. Right?

But with Rey, it’s tricky. Because even though his career has nothing left to prove, he’s still going out there, proving it anyway.

Rey Mysterio and Lionel Messi The Legends Who Just Won’t Quit

If you’re looking for a real-life comparison, Rey Mysterio is basically Lionel Messi!

Both are undersized superstars who defied expectations to become the best in their field...

Both have carried their sport on their back for over two decades...

Both are now in the twilight of their careers, still showing flashes of brilliance but clearly not in their prime...

The difference. At least Messi took the hint and moved to MLS to take it easy. Rey. Nah. This guy’s still out here flipping off ropes, getting hit with Canadian Destroyers, and feuding with his own son.

At some point, even the greatest slow down. The question is, does it matter?

Because here’s the thing about Messi. Even if he’s past his peak, he’s still better than most players on the planet... and the same goes for Rey Mysterio!

Why Rey Mysterio is the Greatest Luchador of All Time

Look, before we talk about when Rey should retire, let’s take a second to appreciate why he’s the GOAT in the first place.

There have been plenty of legendary luchadores Eddie Guerrero, Último Dragón, Blue Demon, El Santo, Jushin Thunder Liger but none of them have done what Rey has done on a global scale.

Rey’s Greatest Hits

If someone asks, “Why is Rey the GOAT” this is Exhibit A:

Halloween Havoc 1997 Rey Mysterio vs Eddie Guerrero

If you’ve never seen this match, stop reading this article and go watch it

A cruiserweight masterpiece, showing that smaller wrestlers could steal the show

Winning the 2006 Royal Rumble

62 minutes in the ring Outlasting 29 guys bigger than him

Dedicated to Eddie Guerrero cue the tears

Officially proved that a cruiserweight could win the big one

WrestleMania 22 Rey vs Kurt Angle vs Randy Orton

One of the biggest underdog stories ever

Becomes World Heavyweight Champion, despite WWE constantly booking him as an afterthought

Still one of the most iconic WrestleMania wins ever

Rey vs The Undertaker Royal Rumble 2010

A perfect David vs Goliath match, proving that Rey could believably hang with The Deadman

Had no right to be as good as it was

Rey vs Dominik WrestleMania 39

One of the best father vs son feuds in wrestling history

Showed that even in 2023, Rey could still deliver on the biggest stage

Plus, he finally gave Dom the spanking he deserved

At this point, Rey’s legacy is set in stone. He has nothing left to prove. So the question remains

Why is he still doing this?

Does WWE Even Need Rey Anymore

Look, I get it. Rey Mysterio is a walking merch machine. He still gets a massive pop every time he comes out. He’s beloved across generations. But let’s be real. WWE does not need him anymore!

He’s done everything there is to do...

He’s already passed the torch whether Dominik wants it or not...

The roster is packed with high-flyers who grew up watching Rey...

So, is Rey still wrestling because he wants to Or is he sticking around because WWE keeps throwing money at him?

Because let’s face it. He could retire tomorrow and still be considered the greatest lucha star ever. At this point, I feel like WWE is keeping Rey around because they don’t know how to let go.

How Should Rey Mysterio Retire

If Rey is going to hang up the boots, it needs to be a proper send-off; a Mask vs Career Match classic lucha tradition go out with dignity? One last WrestleMania moment maybe against a rising star like Dragon Lee or Penta? A Full-Circle Feud with Dominik where his son retires him for good?

Because if Rey just quietly fades into the midcard and disappears, that’s a waste.

Final Thoughts The Legacy is Set, But the Clock is Ticking

Like Messi, Rey Mysterio has nothing left to prove He could retire tomorrow and still be the undisputed GOAT of lucha libre.

But the longer he keeps wrestling, the more I wonder is he adding to his legacy, or is he risking overstaying his welcome. The question isn’t if Rey should retire. It’s when? And more importantly who gets to decide that? Will it be Rey on his own terms? Or will WWE keep rolling him out there until he literally can’t do it anymore?