Rey Mysterio Discusses Passing of Perro Aguayo Jr., How Vince McMahon Marketed Him, and More

– SI.com recently interviewed former WWE Superstar Rey Mysterio, who discussed the passing of Perro Aguayo Jr. last March, on leaving WWE and more. Below are some highlights.

On the passing of Perro Aguayo Jr: “That something like that would even occur. You always think of the worst injury, but never that situation. In this case, it was absolutely that. We lost the biggest superstar that Mexico has ever seen. There were so many plans moving forward that would have been incredible. When I meet great people in this industry, I like to let them know they are great human beings. Perro was definitely one of them. He was so warm-hearted, kind, and respectful. Just like there will never be another Eddie, there will never be another Perro.”

Mysterio on first meeting Vince McMahon in 2002: “Meeting Vince was eye-opening. It was exciting for me to meet the man. Here I was, part of a company I thought I’d never be a part of because of my size, but Vince McMahon decided to bring me on board. My only option was to succeed. I needed to prove that I could make it in the big leagues with my size and weight. But Vince was really cool right off the bat. He said they had big plans for me, and I was looking very forward to every single plan they had. My first night with WWE was coming in after a match with Chavo [Guererro]. He had me run down to the cage, climb up, and do a plancha off the top of the cage. No one knew how to market me like Vince McMahon.”

Mysterio on his exit from WWE: “My contract was coming to an end. I had been on the grind for so long, and even I was out for a long period of time due to surgery, I was constantly rehabbing. I never had the time to participate in my kids’ lives or be around my wife. So I really thought about it – I could be working until I’m 43, 44, or 45 years old, and keep on making money, but where is that going to leave me? I’ve already done good for myself, so I really needed a break. I wanted to detach myself from having a certain obligation. I wanted to do things on my terms. I wanted to rest, I wanted to enjoy my kids. I wasn’t getting any younger, and my kids weren’t getting any younger. I weighed my options, and leaving WWE was a decision my wife and I made together. I’m truly blessed to have a partner, a soul mate that’s been loyal and equal to me for all this time. She’s been a mother and a father throughout all the years me being on the grind, on the road. Now, I have control of my life and my career. Family has always been the number one importance in my life, and they’re the reason I decided I stepped away for a little while.”

On not leaving WWE on bad terms: “I didn’t leave on bad terms. I left on good terms with WWE, so I don’t want to say never. They treated me very well, and I’m nothing but thankful with that company for letting Rey Mysterio be Rey Mysterio and be recognized worldwide. If the opportunity comes about in the future, and there is interest from both parties, then why not?”