The wrestling world received a bittersweet update this week as WWE Hall of Famer Rey Mysterio revealed his retirement plans in an exclusive interview ahead of WrestleMania 41, scheduled for April 19 and 20, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The legendary luchador, whose career has spanned over three decades, dropped a bombshell: he had intended to hang up his mask following the monumental event. But what’s driving this decision, and why now? Mysterio, speaking candidly as of March 28, 2025, tied his exit to a deeply personal goal—seeing his son, Dominik Mysterio, rise to championship glory in WWE. The statement, layered with pride and emotion, underscores a father’s dream for his child to carry forward the family legacy in the squared circle.
Rey Mysterio’s journey in professional wrestling is the stuff of legend. Debuting in 1989, the 50-year-old high-flyer revolutionized the industry with his Lucha Libre style, defying his 5’6” frame to win world titles in WCW, WWE, and beyond. His signature 619 and aerial acrobatics made him a fan favorite, culminating in a World Heavyweight Championship victory at WrestleMania 22 in 2006. Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2023 while still an active competitor, Mysterio’s longevity is a testament to his resilience and passion. Yet, even icons must eventually step aside, and for Rey, WrestleMania 41 was envisioned as his swan song—a final showcase on wrestling’s grandest stage.
The timing of his planned retirement aligns with a pivotal moment in his family’s story. Dominik Mysterio, now 27, has carved his own path in WWE since turning heel in 2022 and joining The Judgment Day. Once a tag team partner to his father—together they made history as the first father-son duo to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship in 2021—Dominik’s evolution into “Dirty Dom” has seen him become one of WWE’s most despised villains. Their rivalry peaked with a father-son clash at WrestleMania 39, where Rey emerged victorious, and continued with a tag team encounter at WrestleMania XL. Now, as Rey nears the end, his focus has shifted from competition to legacy, with Dominik at the heart of his final wish.
“I was planning on retiring after the upcoming WM41 event,” Mysterio said, his voice carrying the weight of reflection. “Probably my last wish in WWE is to see my baby Dom become champion.” The sentiment reveals a father’s pride in Dominik’s growth, despite their on-screen animosity. Dominik has already tasted gold, holding the NXT North American Championship twice in 2023, but Rey’s dream likely points to a main roster singles title—perhaps the Intercontinental or United States Championship, or even a world title shot. It’s a goal that could cement Dominik as a top star, fulfilling Rey’s vision of passing the torch.
Speculation about Rey’s retirement has swirled for years. In 2020, he told Lilian Garcia he didn’t see himself wrestling past 50, a milestone he reached in December 2024. Yet, his body has held up remarkably, thanks to therapies like stem cells and cryotherapy, allowing him to perform at a high level with the Latino World Order (LWO) on RAW. Posts on X from May 2024 also captured Rey musing about a mask-versus-hair match with Dominik, hinting at a dramatic farewell. While that specific stipulation remains unconfirmed, the idea of a career-defining moment at WrestleMania 41 fits his flair for the theatrical. Could this be the stage for Dominik to unmask his father or claim a title in one fell swoop?
The WWE Universe is already imagining the possibilities. A retirement match against Dominik could serve as the perfect bookend, with Rey putting his career on the line to elevate his son. Alternatively, he might step into a mentorship role, guiding Dominik and the LWO toward a championship storyline post-WrestleMania. The emotional stakes would be sky-high, especially given Dominik’s heel persona—imagine the heat if he betrays Rey one last time to seize a title. Fans on X are split, with some clamoring for a feel-good moment and others anticipating a heel triumph to solidify Dominik’s status.
For now, Rey remains active, recently competing in multi-man matches on RAW. His retirement plans could shift—after all, he’s walked back such talk before, reinvigorated by Dominik’s rise. But as WrestleMania 41 looms, the clock is ticking. Whether he exits as a champion, a mentor, or a proud father watching Dominik ascend, Rey Mysterio’s final chapter promises to be unforgettable. His last wish isn’t just about a title—it’s about legacy, family, and the enduring magic of a mask that’s inspired millions. Come April, the WWE Universe will hold its breath to see if “baby Dom” makes it happen.
