Rey Mysterio says he was on the verge of retiring from wrestling around five or six years ago before his son Dominik’s decision to enter the business reignited his passion for the sport.
Speaking to The Late Run, Mysterio recalled the conversation with his wife that brought him to that crossroads.
“I actually do remember a point that happened in my life. Not too long ago, maybe about five or six years, I just wasn’t getting that same emotion when I would step into the ring. I think my body was burnt out mentally and physically. I told my wife, I remember sitting down with her and telling her, ‘I don’t feel what I would always feel every time I would step into the ring, I think I’m going to tap out.
I just don’t feel it anymore.’ Shortly after, my son told me that he wanted to try and break into the business. Seeing him or helping him get on board kind of just inspired or ignited me that fire once again and it’s been going since.”
Dominik Mysterio debuted in August 2020 in a Street Fight against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam. He and Rey went on to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championships the following year before Dominik eventually turned on his father to join The Judgment Day.