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WWE Reportedly Helped Cover Hip Replacement Costs For Lucha Libre Legend
Image Credit: WWE
WWE reportedly paid approximately $44,000 for hip replacement surgery for lucha libre legend Psicosis after Rey Mysterio helped arrange support for his longtime in-ring rival and friend. A GoFundMe page was set up earlier to help cover the wrestler’s medical bills.
Dionicio “Nicho” Castellanos, the original Psicosis, became one of lucha libre’s most recognizable performers during the 1990s and 2000s. His career included runs in Mexico, Japan, ECW, WCW, and WWE. He also became a two-time WCW Cruiserweight Champion.
He signed with WWE in 2005 and appeared at ECW One Night Stand, where he lost to Mysterio. He was released in November 2006. Dave Meltzer reported that he remains under a ‘legends’ merchandise contract with the company.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE President Nick Khan approved the decision. The report noted that Rey Mysterio spearheaded the effort to help the veteran wrestler with his medical expenses.
Meltzer described Psicosis as Mysterio’s “regular opponent” during their time wrestling in AAA, ECW, WAR, and WCW. The two developed a longstanding connection through their years competing against each other. (via F4WOnline)
“WWE, through a decision by Nick Khan, paid for Dionicio ‘Nicho’ Castellanos (the original Psicosis) hip replacement. Castellanos is under a merchandise ‘legends’ deal with the company. The price tag was in the $44,000 range. Rey Mysterio spearheaded this. Castellanos was Mysterio’s regular opponent and made him shine in AAA, ECW, WAR and then WCW and he had many of his best career matches with him.”
Mysterio recently honored Psicosis at the Cauliflower Alley Club’s 60th anniversary reunion in Las Vegas with the organization’s 2026 Lucha Libre Award.
It was a great honor to be at the Cauliflower Alley Club 2026 Awards Banquet for Psicosis to recieve the Lucha Libre Award presented by @reymysterio The ceremony brought together the greatest luchadors of our generation. Viva Psychosis #psicosis #reymysterio #luchalibreaward pic.twitter.com/SX1Xsl0GYQ
— Ron Riv (@RonRiv3) August 28, 2026
