Rey Mysterio’s Top Ten Superhero Tributes
Pro wrestling is the closest we will ever get to seeing the superhuman abilities showcased in our favorite comics unfold in reality. Mexico’s long legacy with the artform takes it one step further, having its luchadors ascend to a supernatural plain with trans-generational characters and eye-popping mask/costume combinations. In this instance, Rey Mysterio stands heads and shoulders above current and past practitioners of lucha libre.
Few have been more idolized than R-E-Y over his thirty-year career. He has bewildered audiences with his acrobatic abilities while standing as the epitome of “the underdog” label. He’s transcended the usual caveats that would normally keep a wrestler of his stature buried in the undercard. He has launched himself to legendary heights across the world. And he’s adored by youngsters donning his masks at events, grounding the myth back in reality as an inspiration to the next generation.
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All of this sounds awfully familiar, right? Yeah, Rey Mysterio is a modern-day superhero and he knows it. He’s embraced that moniker, melding it with his own love for comics. Elaborate, detailed (and ingenious) wrestling gear frequently pays tribute to them. Such acknowledgements have been common in lucha libre for generations, but Mysterio’s speak to populations across cultural divides. It’s not so different from how his wrestling style seamlessly blended lucha libre with American showman grappling style.
This power and adoration is why the 619’s favorite son’s creations are so special to wrestling fans. The practice remains only a small facet of Mysterio’s monumental in-ring legacy, but one which audiences worldwide continue to celebrate lovingly. And we will continue to do so as long as he keeps cranking them out. While we wait, let’s relive Rey Mysterio’s (and longtime costume designer Masahiro Hayashi’s) ten best superhero tributes. Booyaka!
Rey Mysterio's Best Superhero Costumes
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10. Batman - SummerSlam 2012
Summerslam 2012 played host to the rare non-Wrestlemania Mysterio cosplay under the WWE banner. Not satisfied to enter his Intercontinental title match with The Miz in his normal attire, Rey decided to channel the other side of Gotham’s most heated rivalry. Mysterio took on the cape and cowl of the Dark Knight in hopes of imbuing himself with the character’s brooding strength. He wasn’t able to replicate the success found under his Joker mask, but he still put up a good effort. This would also be his last superhero tribute under WWE contract for almost seven years. Even the most lauded heroes need a sabbatical every once in a while.
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9. The Flash - Wrestlemania XX
A second Wrestlemania appearance brought another chance for Mysterio to emulate a hero that emphasized his in-ring style. Daredevil represented Rey’s high-flying ability and instinctual movement, but only The Flash could match his speed and crispness. It also shadowed the far too rapid nature of Wrestlemania XX’s Cruiserweight Invitational. Rey’s time in the ring zipped by quicker than Barry Allen due to an overcrowded and rushed match, though he did face down rival Chavo Guerrero in the finals. He felt the tinge of defeat once again, but he looked lightning-bolt lavish while doing so.
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8. Spider-Man - World War 3 1996
The earliest incarnation of the marriage between Mysterio’s two loves occurred in 1996 during his early days with WCW. The young phenom of WCW’s cruiserweight division lit the crowd up with both his athleticism and Spider-Man inspired tights/mask combo at World War 3. His clash with Ultimo Dragon set a pace for the show that wouldn’t carry through, but his webbed gear lived far beyond this one November evening. It would go on to be Rey’s default attire in two of the most revolutionary pro wrestling videogames ever: WCW vs. NWO: World Tour and WCW/NWO Revenge. Rey even brought a new set of Spidey-style gear over a decade later.
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7. Daredevil - Wrestlemania XIX
Mysterio’s Wrestlemania tradition began at Safeco Field back in 2003 with this little number dedicated to the devil of Hell’s Kitchen. Coinciding with his Wrestlemania debut, Rey infused himself with Daredevil’s extrasensory skills while battling Matt Hardy (V.1) back when the Cruiserweight title still had some clout. His be-horned half mask proved to be troublesome throughout the match, but Rey still pulled off the look better than Ben Affleck did months earlier. Mysterio’s Murdoch-esque acrobatics left WWE fans in awe for the first time that night in Seattle, setting the stage for years of iconic moments to come.
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6. The Joker - Wrestlemania 25
Mysterio’s tribute to Heath Ledger’s interpretation of The Joker from The Dark Knight is usually the one on the forefront of fans’ minds. He donned the famous scarred smile at the uber-hyped 25th edition of Wrestlemania less than a year after the film’s release. Never say the man doesn’t have a knack for timing. His Joker fit was also the most intricate to date at the time. From the mask’s removable green hair to the playing card tucked in his waistband, no detail was spared. Mysterio even mimicked Ledger’s unnerving mannerisms as he approached the ring. He left a short time later with the Intercontinental title and JBL’s career as trophies. Luckily, they didn’t go up in a blaze, like his counterpart’s pull.
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5. Mysterio - Wrestlemania 35
There is nothing more on brand than Rey Mysterio donning the purple hood of Spider-Man’s illusionary nemesis. He did just that earlier this month in his return to the Wrestlemania stage. Rey and his cosplaying were absent from the WWE’s grandest stage for five years before returning in the purple, green and gold. His entrance might’ve lasted longer than his clash with Samoa Joe, but that didn’t soil his costume game. It was also pretty topical considering Mysterio will be the featured villain in Spider-Man: Far From Home. Hopefully Rey is icing his ankle and hitting up Kevin Feige for some marketing kickbacks.
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4. Black Panther - The Crash 6th Anniversary
The time between T’Challa’s debut in Captain America: Civil War and the release of Black Panther saw a distinct lull in Wakandan royalty in combat. That is until Rey decided to strap on his own vibranium suit, along with some well placed airbrushing, and bring the Black Panther to Tijuana. The mask’s panther resemblance was only upstaged by the superb replication of T’Challa’s necklace. Much like the Wakandan king, Rey drew enough resolve from his battle gear to become the inaugural heavyweight champion of The Crash Lucha Libre promotion in Nov. 2017. Unlike with T’Challa, though, there was no Killmonger to knock Mysterio from his throne. He held the title almost a full year before vacating it to return to WWE.
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3. Wolverine - All In
Rey’s legacy across generations of wrestling fans gives him the unique ability to represent nostalgic and modern wonder for audiences worldwide. This isn’t lost on him and no piece of superhero gear addresses this quality more than his picture perfect Wolverine outfit from 2018’s All In. Mysterio’s tributes have always been highly detailed, but his appearance at the indy wrestling mega event required perhaps his most comprehensive cosplay. The suit brought the Logan of the '90s animated series to life, minus the adamantium claws. Pretty sure those aren’t legal in a trios match.
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2. Captain America - Wrestlemania 27
No costume, other than his Aztec inspired garb at Wrestlemania 22, did more to embody Mysterio’s cross-cultural influence. Rey bounded into the Georgia Dome at Wrestlemania 27 clad in Captain America’s classic colors, complete with his winged cowl. There was one small difference, though. In place of Cap’s famous star was traditional Aztec iconography; a small but powerful nod to the luchador’s influence across physical and cultural borders. Rey physically became a Mexican-American hero ahead of stealing the show with hometown hero Cody Rhodes.
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1. The Phantom - Halloween Havoc 1997
Mysterio’s tribute to the original costumed hero stands as one of his most understated and memorable for reasons beyond just the gear. The Phantom has a lineage dating back to 1936 but never reached a level of popularity comparable to Marvel and DC’s headliners. An ill-fated 1996 film adaptation didn’t help matters, but that didn’t stop Rey from donning the purple and black ahead of his clash with Eddie Guerrero. The reference flew over many fans’ heads, though the classic quality of the match could easily distract the most focused viewer. The match was an instant classic, arguably the best match in WCW history, and forever immortalized this image of Rey. Kit Walker might not be a household name, but his likeness survives on the WWE Network and WCW/NWO Revenge thanks to the master of the 619.
