Rey Mysterio Jr, since his debut in 1990, has revolutionized the sport of professional wrestling. Many credit Rey for helping to make "the little man" make an impact, with high-flying maneuvers and insane high-spots. Either against fellow cruiserweights or taking on the biggest in the business, there's nobody in the world who wrestles quite like li'l Rey.

Oscar Gonzales was born in the United States, which helped his parents earn their citizenship here, ensuring a better life. But Gonzales frequently went back to Mexico, where the majority of his family was located, and grew up in the shadows of professional wrestling, where his uncle, Rey Mysterio Sr, was a growing star. With his parents' permission, Gonzales, under the name "Colibri" ("Hummingbird"), started training with his uncle at the age of 15. He would also wrestle under the name "Super Nino", before finally earning his uncle's blessing to start being called Rey Mysterio Jr.

AAA/WWA

After wrestling for a few years in various, small-time organizations, learning the craft, Mysterio Jr started to make an impact when he joined the new Mexican federation, Asistencia Asesoria y Administracion. In the AAA, Mysterio exploded, becoming a fan favorite for the wild wrestling style he exhibited in the ring. Mysterio would win the AAA Welterweight Title five times, and take the AAA Light-Heavyweight Title twice, feuding with many of the men he grew up training with, like Konnan, Juventud Guerrera, and Psicosis, among others. Mysterio Jr also wrestled in the WWA, winning the WWA Lightweight Title 3 times, the WWA Welterweight Title 3 times, and even taking the WWA Tag-Team Titles with Rey Mysterio Sr.

ECW

Mysterio Jr made his first real long-term trip to the United States in the fall of 1995, as his unbelievable skills in the ring were noticed by Paul Heyman and Extreme Championship Wrestling. Mysterio entered ECW continuing some of his old feuds, mainly focusing on his long-time foe, Psicosis. At November To Remember III, Mysterio and Psicosis had a brutal "Mexican Death" Match, with Mysterio coming out the victor in the end. Mysterio would hang around ECW for a few months, while also still wrestling back in Mexico, and most notably teamed with 911 against the threat of the Eliminators. But it wasn't until the next year that Mysterio finally started to find the world-wide fame he was looking for.

WCW: 1996

In the early months of 1996, officials from World Championship Wrestling were informed by one of their stars, Konnan, about Rey Mysterio Jr's abilities. They contacted Mysterio, and plans were put together to bring him to WCW. Mysterio Jr made his debut at WCW's Great American Bash '96, immediately facing off against the Cruiserweight Champion, Dean Malenko. At first, the fans didn't know what to make of the masked man, until Mysterio started putting his abilities to work, putting on a show with Malenko. Although the champion was able to defend his title, winning the match, Mysterio definitely opened some eyes. Mysterio would quickly be put into a growing feud with Malenko, as well as some of the other Luchadors entering the federation. In July '96, Mysterio, after beating Psicosis for the shot the night before, defeated Malenko on Nitro to gain his first WCW Cruiserweight Championship.

Mysterio would unite the WCW Cruiserweight Title with the WWA (Mexico) Welterweight Title a few weeks later, beating Juventud Guerrera on a WAR show. While wrestling for other companies, fulfilling his contractural obligations, Mysterio Jr continued to impress in WCW, beating guys like Ultimo Dragon, Malenko and Super Calo, among others. Finally, at Halloween Havoc '96, Mysterio Jr dropped the Cruiserweight Title back to Malenko, ending his four-month reign. Mysterio Jr would then go on somewhat of a losing streak, falling to many wrestlers, including multiple times to Prince Iaukea, who wouldn't let go of his WCW Television Title.

1997

After various terrific matches against some of the best Luchadors in the company, Mysterio finally started to climb his way back up the ladder when he began a violent feud with another former star in Mexico, Eddie Guerrero. At Halloween Havoc '97, Mysterio and Guerrero met up. Guerrero placed his WCW Cruiserweight Title on the line, but made sure that Mysterio had something equally valuable up as well: Mysterio's mask. The match was incredible, featuring the best of both wrestlers, and would eventually be named 1997 Match of the Year by WCW magazine. In the end, Mysterio landed his Hurricanrana finisher to get the victory, winning the WCW Cruiserweight Title for the second time. Mysterio's second reign would only last a few weeks, as Guerrero would reclaim the belt on Nitro. Mysterio fought Guerrero in another great match at World War III '97, but was unable to get the gold back right away.

1998

Mysterio continued to wrestle in the very competitive Cruiserweight division as he went into 1998, where the belt seemed to be around a different waist every week. Mysterio continued the trend, beating Juventud Guerrera in the middle of January. This set Mysterio up, though, to face Chris Jericho at Souled Out '98, and he couldn't compete with Jericho's cheating tactics, losing the belt to him. Mysterio would also injure his knee, forcing him to leave wrestling for a few months, as Jericho bragged about putting Mysterio out. Mysterio made his return in the summer of '98, as he reappeared to challenge Jericho for the Cruiserweight belt. At Bash at the Beach '98, Jericho again tried to cheat, only to have his fierce rival, Dean Malenko, interfere, allowing Mysterio to get the victory and apparently win the Cruiserweight Title. At the time, though, Malenko was suspended, so, after Jericho pointed out a loophole, the belt was returned to him by reluctant WCW officials.

After taking more time off, Mysterio returned to begin feuding with the Latino World Order, whose leader, Eddie Guerrero, wanted him as a member. Due to an 'accidental' interference by Juventud Guerrera, Mysterio lost a "Join" match with Guerrero, forcing him to join the LWO. This was not a 'volunteer' who worked with the LWO, though. At World War III '98, Mysterio helped Kidman win the Cruiserweight Title from Guerrera (who had joined the LWO that night), then left the LWO again, but was then told by Guerrero that he couldn't leave, due to the "Join" match.

1999

A few weeks into '99, Ric Flair managed to convince the LWO to dissolve back into WCW, with the exception of Rey Mysterio, Jr. Mysterio continued wearing the LWO shirt, saying that they were his colors. Because of this, he began a feud with Lex Luger of the nWo Wolfpac, who had decided they were the only other group in WCW. Through this, Mysterio also began feuding with Kevin Nash. This led to the biggest change of Mysterio's wrestling career.

At Superbrawl IX, Mysterio and Konnan were supposed to meet Nash and Luger in a "Mask vs. Hair" match, with Miss Elizabeth's hair on the line. A few days before the event, however, Mysterio injured Luger's arm in a car door, and Scott Hall took his place. The four fought a great match, which was ultimately decided by the cast-armed Luger, who knocked out Konnan, allowing Hall to hit his Edge on Mysterio. Mysterio was then forced to remove his long-time mask, showing his face to the world. The next Nitro, Nash came out and held up the mask, saying that he would give it back to Mysterio. Mysterio told him he didn't want it back, and had a match with Nash, unbelievably getting the win over the 7' giant. Over the next few weeks, Mysterio would become the "giant-killer", defeating such big men as Scott Norton, Bam-Bam Bigelow, and others. It would all end at Uncensored '99, though, when, after Luger tripped Mysterio, Kevin Nash avenged his loss with a Jackknife Powerbomb.

After this Mysterio turned his attention back to the cruiserweight ranks. He faced Billy Kidman on a March Nitro and came out the winner, winning the WCW Cruiserweight Title for the 4th time. After the match, Mysterio announced that he would give Kidman another shot at the title, come the next pay-per-view. This was not the last title for Mysterio during the month. At the last Nitro of March '99, Billy Kidman came and asked Mysterio to be his tag partner against the Four Horsemen members Chris Benoit & Dean Malenko, the tag-team champs. Mysterio agreed, and, with some aid from Raven & Saturn, defeated the Horsemen to become the tag-team champs. Mysterio was holding two WCW titles at the same time, flying higher than ever before.

Despite being tag-team champions, Mysterio and Kidman met at Spring Stampede '99 in a great match, where Mysterio retained the Cruiserweight Title with his Hurricanrana. Although apparently straining the tag-team connection, the two pulled it back together, as Benoit & Malenko started attacking both their team and Raven & Saturn. A match was set up for the next pay-per-view, for the three teams to face in a 3-Way Tag-Team Match. In the middle of April, Mysterio fought in a Four-Way Cruiserweight match, where Psychosis pinned Blitzkrieg (with Guerrera as the other competitor) to become the Cruiserweight Champ. Undaunted, Mysterio came back the next week to regain the Cruiserweight belt from Psychosis. His celebration was short-lived, as the IV Horsemen attacked soon after.

At Slamboree '99, Mysterio and Kidman lost the tag belts in a three way match against Raven & Saturn and Benoit & Malenko, due to Kanyon's interference (Raven & Saturn won the belts). Mysterio then moved onto other teams, joining with his old friend Konnan as a new tag-team. The two rappers joined together against Curt Hennig, Bobby Duncum Jr, and Barry Windham, who believed rap was crap, and instead were into country music. The group met at the '99 Great American Bash, where Mysterio and Konnan came out on top, partially due to Master P and his bodyguards, who signed with WCW. This caused the feud to grow stronger, as the Rednecks united to face the No Limit Soldiers, fighting sporatically for the next month.

At the next PPV, Bash at the Beach '99, Mysterio, Konnan, Swoll, and BA Brad Armstrong fought an elimination match with the Rednecks (Hennig, Duncum, Barry and Kendall Windham). It was a long fight, but Mysterio won it, pinning Hennig and becoming the only survivor. Soon after, though, the No Limit Soldiers went their separate ways, when Master P left WCW. Mysterio soon became involved in a feud against Vampiro and the Insane Clown Posse, when they viciously attacked Konnan. Mysterio allied himself again with Konnan, as well as Eddie Guerrero, whom Mysterio strangely aided after an assault from other cruiserweights. The three were later joined by Kidman, forming the core of the Filthy Animals, a "cliq" of friends backstage. At Road Wild '99, Mysterio, Kidman, and E. Guerrero took down Vampiro and the ICP in a 6-man tag, in a great match.

A few days later, at the Thunder show, Mysterio faced Lenny Lane in what was expected to be a quick win. However, with help from Lodi, Lenny shockingly got the win, stealing away the Cruiserweight Title. Mysterio's loss of the belt shook him hard, but he kept himself focused, even as the Filthy Animals took a slight heel turn during the month. The group still defeated Vampiro and the ICP at Fall Brawl '99 in a rematch. Mysterio then joined with Konnan against the tag-team champions, Harlem Heat. They upset the champs at a Nitro, winning the tag-team titles. But Mysterio was injured during the fight, and the belts were vacated two days later. Konnan teamed with Kidman to try and get the belts back at Halloween Havoc, but were unsuccessful.

2000

Mysterio made a few appearances here and there in the first months of the year 2000, but never made much of an impact as he was still recovering from assorted injuries. In April '00, when Bischoff & Russo returned to WCW to take over and form the New Blood, Mysterio reappeared, rejoining Kidman and Konnan in the Filthy Animals and working for the New Blood. The group was soon joined by Juventud Guerrera and the Disco Inferno, making them stronger then ever, yet no one but Kidman received much of a push. When Kidman turned on the New Blood, the Filthy Animals refused to follow suit, taking down their former ally. Mysterio, Konnan, Guerrera, and Disco then formed a more rap-like version of the Filthy Animals, having a small war with the Misfits in Action (M.I.A.). This usually focused around Lt. Loco (Chavo Guerrero Jr) who held the Cruiserweight Title at that time. In successive PPVs, Loco defended against Disco Inferno and Juventud Guerrera, with Mysterio and the rest of the Animals trying to interfere on behalf of their teammates. Unfortunately, the MIA came through, blocking the attempts. Meanwhile, Mysterio continued to regain his strength, recovering from his knee injury, and finally began returning to the ring during the summer of '00.

At New Blood Rising, Mysterio and the rest of the Filthy Animals were made "enforcers" by Ernest "The Cat" Miller in the four-way Tag-Team Title match between Kronik(c), Jindrak & O'Haire, General Rection & Corporal Cajun, and the Perfect Event. While Disco was the special referee, the rest stayed on the outside, interfering every so often, while Disco kept doing a slow count. Eventually, Chavo Guerrero Jr came down during the melee and took Disco's shirt, making the count and giving the win to Kronik. Later that night, though, Kronik lost the belts to the Great Muta & Vampiro. On the next Nitro, the new champions defended against Mysterio & Guerrera. With some help from interfering parties, Guerrera & Mysterio surprisingly got the win, taking the WCW Tag-Team Titles for the first time. They would hold the belts for a month, then lost them when the Disco Inferno put them up in a battle against the Cat for the Commissionership, which Disco lost. This caused a lot of friction between Disco and the Filthy Animals, especially after Jindrak & O'Haire won the belts in the Battle Royal.

The Filthy Animals feuded with the Natural Born Thrillers for a while, eventually leading up to an Elimination match with them at Fall Brawl '00. The Filthy Animals team consisted of Mysterio, Guerrera, Disco, Konnan, Big Vito, Tygress (the Filthy Animals' valet) and "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, the man who had trained the Natural Born Thrillers, only to have them betray him. They faced off against Jindrak & O'Haire, Mike Sanders, Reno, Johnny the Bull, and the Perfect Event. Troubles continued between Disco and the rest, as he accidentally hit the Last Dance on Konnan, leaving his sidekick open for the pin. Disco then had to stay in the ring, as none of the other Filthy Animals would tag him. Big Vito even went as far as to slug him, allowing Reno to get the pin and take him out. Vito & Reno then fought for a while, with Reno knocking out Vito with a kendo stick and eliminating him. This made it 7-4 odds, but Mysterio & Guerrera brought their team back, double-teaming Reno and eliminating him with Guerrera's Juvi Driver. But the numbers were too great, as O'Haire hit his Sean-ton Bomb on Juvi to put him out of the match. Orndorff then entered the ring and showed some of his old skills, eliminating Johnny the Bull with a piledriver. However, on his next piledriver attempt, Orndorff badly injured himself, and the match had to be ended as a No-Contest.

At the next Nitro, Mysterio & Tygress opted to finish the match, entering against the survivors of the other team, Sanders, Palumbo, Stasiak, Jindrak, & O'Haire. Despite the odds, the two Animals persevered, and eventually came out on top. Soon after, Mysterio made up with his old friend, Billy Kidman, reforming their potent tag-team (as well as having Kidman back in the Filthy Animals). At Halloween Havoc '00, Mysterio & Kidman faced off against the Boogie Knights (ex-Filthy Animal member Disco Inferno & "Wunderkind" Alex Wright) and the WCW tag-team champions, Jindrak & O'Haire. The match soon broke down into a melee, with battles going on all over the place. In the end, O'Haire hit his SeanTon Bomb, winning the match. Afterwards, the champions beat down on Kidman & Mysterio, as well as Konnan, who tried to make the save. Sgt. AWOL of the MIA stable came to the rescue.

Mysterio & Kidman continued their battles with the Boogie Knights, but things got more difficult when Wright used his wallet, purchasing the talents of one of the most dangerous tag-teams around, Kronik. Mysterio & Kidman tried to fight through Kronik more than once, with little success. This led up to the duo facing Alex Wright & Kronik in a Handicap match at WCW Mayhem '00. Kronik again dominated for the beginning of the match, as Mysterio & Kidman just couldn't handle the monsters despite their speed. But as the match continued, Kronik suddenly departed, saying that the Disco Inferno hadn't bought enough minutes. The handicap match continued, only now Wright was handicapped. Mysterio & Kidman later ended it with their Nutcracker Suite maneuver (Mysterio off the ropes with a legdrop, while Kidman held Wright's legs).

The Filthy Animals next turned their attention to Jeff Jarrett and the Harris Brothers, and had a shifting feud with them for the next few weeks. The two teams decided to have a Street Fight at Starrcade '00 to decide what's what. At the event, though, Jarrett wanted a change of plans, telling the Commissioner (Mike Sanders) that he wanted a Bunkhouse Brawl instead. They compromised, and the two teams fought in a Bunkhouse Brawl Street Fight. The match was very violent, with weapons being scattered all over the ring. At one point, Jarrett picked up Mysterio and powerbombed him into a dumpster on the floor. The match then settled down, becoming a more typical 6-man battle with tags and all. This lasted for a few minutes, before the brawl broke out once again. Mysterio again took a huge bump, being H-Bombed through a table by the Harris Brothers. In the end, one of the Harris brothers hit Kidman with a liquor bottle, knocking him out enough so that Jarrett could apply his Stroke finisher and get the win.

2001

Far from being discouraged, the Filthy Animals headed into their next feud, battling against Team Canada (Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, & Elix Skipper). They came to the aid of "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan, who had been part of Team Canada for a time before they turned on him. This all led up to a "Penalty Box" match at WCW Sin at the start of 2001. Mysterio, Kidman, & Konnan faced Storm, Awesome, & Skipper, with Duggan as the special guest referee, calling "penalties" on the wrestlers that would end up putting the wrestler in a box for a certain amount of time. During the match, 3-on-1 encounters happened numerous times. In the end, after a major brawl, Kidman, Konnan, Awesome, & Skipper were all sent to the box, while Mysterio and Storm fought it out. Awesome got out of the box first, though, making it a double-team, which allowed Awesome to powerbomb Mysterio, followed by Storm's Canadian Mapleleaf submission hold, making Mysterio give up before Kidman & Konnan could return.

After two straight defeats as a group, the Filthy Animals dispersed for an event, with Mysterio getting exactly what he was looking for: a Cruiserweight Title shot against Chavo Guerrero Jr. The two rivals met up at Superbrawl: Revenge in a very competitive bout that saw a little of everything, as the high flyers put on a great display. The match wasn't decided by a high-risk maneuver, however. Instead, Guerrero managed to use a chair on Mysterio, stunning him enough to leave him open for the Tornado DDT. Once again, Mysterio was unable to reclaim the Cruiserweight Title. Since he and Kidman (who had been knocked out of the Cruiserweight Contenders match by Guerrero Jr) were temporarily out of the Cruiserweight Title hunt, the two teamed back up and entered the WCW Cruiserweight Tag-Team Title Tournament, to decide who the first champions of the division would be.

Mysterio & Kidman proved to be the favorites in the tournament, first defeating Johnny Swinger & Jason Lee fairly easily. They then took out 3 Count (Shannon Moore & Evan Karagias) to make it to the finals at WCW Greed. They faced off against Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo, who were surprising finalists, considering that Romeo had just arrived in WCW. The two teams both showed that they wanted the belts, fighting up and down the ramp and around the ringside area at times. There were numerous high-risk maneuvers, making the match one for the highlight reels in 2001. In the end, Romeo caught Mysterio in mid-air and dropped him with a Northern Lights Bomb, then pinned him. Romeo & Skipper left with the belts, while Mysterio & Kidman were once again left on the outside.

This would only last for a few weeks, as it was announced that, at the final Turner-run WCW event, all of the belts would be on the line. At the season finale, Mysterio & Kidman took on the Jung Dragons and Three Count in a 3-Way Cruiserweight Tag-Team Contenders match. After a flurry of fighting, Mysterio & Kidman came out on top when Mysterio took out Shannon Moore with a Guillotine Legdrop. This made Mysterio & Kidman the #1 Contenders again, thus having them face Romeo & Skipper later that night. The two teams put on another spirited match, with all four men having near falls. In the end, Kidman reversed Skipper's finisher into the Kid Krusher and made the cover, winning the Cruiserweight Tag-Team Titles for himself and Mysterio as the old WCW era came to an end. It would be over a year before Mysterio would be seen on the major circuit again.

WWE Smackdown: 2002

In July '02, various promos started to play on WWE Smackdown shows, announcing the return of Rey Mysterio, mask and all. On the July 25th episode, Mysterio made his first appearance with the federation, flying out from underneath the stage. Mysterio wrestled Chavo Guerrero Jr, who had challenged Mysterio the week before. In a great match, Mysterio hit his new maneuver, the 619, kicking Guerrero in the face with a spin through the middle ropes. Mysterio then landed the West Coast Pop, a springboard hurricanrana, for the victory. While celebrating in the back later on, however, Rey was thrown into a metal door by Test. Rey wrestled Tajiri the next week, getting another big win to add to his WWE resume.

In August, during a match between Kurt Angle and John Cena, Chris Benoit came to the ring, attacking Cena. Mysterio then ran in to make the save, only to be attacked himself by Eddie Guerrero. Edge was the final one involved, going after Guerrero. A six-man match was set up later in the show between the two groups, with Mysterio surprisingly saying that he'll take care of Angle. During the match, everything broke down, with all 6 wrestlers brawling. In the ring, Angle nailed Cena with his Olympic Slam, then leaned on the ropes, laughing about it. Mysterio ran over and took advantage, hitting the 619 followed by the West Coast Pop for the victory. After the match, Angle complained that he was just beaten by a 12-year-old. Later on, Mysterio challenged Angle to a match at Summerslam, which Angle quickly accepted. On the Smackdown before the PPV, Angle took on Mysterio's old partner, Billy Kidman. Thanks to Mysterio getting Angle to chase him, Kidman won via countout.

At Summerslam '02, Mysterio and Angle started the night off with their match. Mysterio took advantage of Angle's overconfidence in the beginning, landing some quick blows, then avoiding the ankle lock submission hold. But Angle soon took control, keeping Mysterio grounded with various wrestling locks, wearing him down. When Angle let the crowd get to him, he went to finish things off with his Olympic Slam, only to have Mysterio escape and get on the offensive. But even the 619 and the West Coast Pop wasn't enough, as Angle came back to put on the ankle lock, forcing Mysterio to tap out.

Mysterio had a brief feud with Billy & Chuck, as well as their 'stylist', Rico, as well as facing Kurt Angle a few more times, but the bouts never really went anywhere. Mysterio didn't have a live match at Unforgiven '02, instead wrestling Chavo Guerrero Jr on the Sunday Night Heat match. Mysterio got the win, but didn't gain much momentum due to not appearing on the pay-per-view. Soon after, though, it was announced by Smackdown General Manager Stephanie McMahon that the brand would be hosting a WWE Smackdown Tag-Team Title Tournament to crown champions exclusive to Smackdown. Mysterio teamed up with Edge in the tournament, and got a big win right away, winning over Taijiri & Brock Lesnar (who was subbing for Jaime Noble). The team next beat D'Von Dudley & Ron Simmons, to make it to the finals against the reluctant team of Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle at No Mercy '02.

The match between Mysterio & Edge and Benoit & Angle was tremendous, as all four wrestlers fought hard to earn the honor of holding the Smackdown Tag Titles first. In the early goings, Edge spent a lot of time in the ring, being double-teamed, as Mysterio tried to get the fans behind him to make the tag. Edge finally did, with Mysterio flying in to take out both opponents. He got a near-fall after a missile dropkick, but Benoit was able to come back with his Crippler Crossface, nearly taking out Mysterio. Mysterio finally was able to tag in Edge, as the match broke down into chaos. When Benoit was knocked to the outside, Edge helped Mysterio get a moonsault on him, throwing him to the outside. Unfortunately, this left Edge open to Angle, who got his ankle lock submission hold locked in for the victory, keeping Mysterio & Edge from the tag-team gold.

On the next Smackdown, Mysterio & Edge defeated Los Guerreros to become the #1 Contenders to the Smackdown Tag Titles, giving them another shot at Benoit & Angle. During the Halloween edition of Smackdown, Mysterio (wearing a mask, of course) was placed in a match with the Smackdown World Champ, Brock Lesnar. Mysterio tried to use his speed against the monster, with little effect. Lesnar dominated the action, but Mysterio started to make a comeback, hitting the 619 to Lesnar's ribcage. When Mysterio went for it again, though, he was caught by the Big Show, who had come to ringside. The Big Show then threw Mysterio about 5 rows deep into the crowd, before attacking Lesnar, ending the match in a DQ win for Mysterio.

On the first November Smackdown, Mysterio & Edge were given their shot at the tag-team champs, Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit, in a Three Falls match. It was an incredible bout, going nearly 20 minutes. The first fall went back and forth, with the momentum-changing being Edge hitting his Spear on both Angle & Benoit in the corner. Shortly thereafter, Mysterio hit a Frankensteiner and a Bombs Away on Benoit to get the first pin. The second fall was decided a few minutes later, when the referee was accidentally knocked down. This allowed Benoit to come in and waffle Edge with one of the tag titles. Angle got the ankle lock submission hold to work to tie up the series. The third fall was hotly contested, with Mysterio landing his WCW old-school Bronco Buster on Angle. Later on, Angle ducked the 619, but couldn't dodge Mysterio's victory roll, which apparently got Mysterio & Edge the win. However, when Angle explained that he was holding the ropes, the ref restarted the third fall. The end neared when Edge rolled through the ankle lock, hitting Angle into the turnbuckle. Mysterio then came from the floor for a version of the 619, knocking Angle backwards and allowing Edge to get the Spear. Benoit tried to break it up, but he missed the flying headbutt, hitting Angle instead. Mysterio then got rid of Benoit, as Edge made the cover for the victory. Mysterio & Edge were the new Smackdown Tag-Team Champions.

The feud continued between the two teams over the next couple of weeks, while also involving Los Guerreros, who also wanted a piece of the tag-team titles. At the '02 Survivor Series, the three teams met in an Elimination match, with the Smackdown Tag Championships on the line. The match delivered all that everyone expected it would from the six great wrestlers. The first team eliminated were Benoit & Angle, when the two couldn't get along. Edge & Mysterio took advantage, taking the team out. In the end, though, Los Guerreros were too strong with their sneaky tactics, and Eddie Guerrero got his Lasso From El Paso submission hold on Mysterio, forcing him to tap and lose the belts. Mysterio would continue to wrestle for the next few weeks, occassionally tagging with Edge, but the team strayed out of contention for the titles. Mysterio then had a match in December against Albert, with Albert blocking the West Coast Pop and smashing Mysterio down for the pin. After the match, Albert strung Mysterio out on the turnbuckle and took a chair to his knee, badly injuring it, until Edge comes out to make the save. Mysterio was carted out of the building on a stretcher, on his way to having knee surgery that put him out of wrestling the rest of the year.

2003

On the last Smackdown before the '03 Royal Rumble, Brock Lesnar was scheduled to face A-Train (Albert) & the Big Show in a tag match, with a mystery partner on his side. When Brock came out to the ring, the pyrotechnics started behind him, and Rey Mysterio made his return, jumping out of the stage. The match was a quick one, with Brock hitting his F-5 on Albert, followed by Mysterio getting the 619 for the victory, avenging his knee injury. Mysterio then appeared as the fourth wrestler in the Royal Rumble, and did land multiple 619's on various opponents. Mysterio also teamed up with Edge, but the two surprisingly got it on, with Mysterio nearly eliminating Edge at one point. The team later came back together against the other wrestlers. Mysterio was not able to eliminate anyone, as he was tossed out by Chris Jericho after less than 10 minutes in the ring.

On the Smackdown after the Royal Rumble, Mysterio faced off against Smackdown Champ Kurt Angle in a non-title match. Although Mysterio, as always, got off some impressive maneuvers, Angle got the victory with a roll-up. After the match, Angle continued attacking Mysterio, putting on the ankle lock, until Edge made the save. Mysterio would then go back to wrestling in the opening matches to fire up the fans, facing men like A-Train, Jaime Noble and a dehydrated Matt Hardy (who was trying to lose weight to compete in the cruiserweight ranks). Unfortunately for Rey, he wasn't involved in any major storylines during February, as he was left off the No Way Out '03 card, despite his tremendous abilities.

In March '03, Mysterio was set up in a match with Jaime Noble and Tajiri, with the winner to be declared the #1 Contender to the WWE Cruiserweight Title, which was around the waist of Matt Hardy. In a wild match with many, many close falls, Mysterio was able to pull it out, earning the shot against Hardy at Wrestlemania X-8. Mysterio teamed up with Brian "Spanky" Kendrick over the next few weeks, cheering on Kendrick as he won a WWE contract from Shannon Moore, Matt Hardy's follower. The two would join up as a team on the Smackdown before Wrestlemania, facing off against Hardy & Moore. In the match, Kendrick took a beating, but finally was able to nail Hardy and make the tag to Rey, who cleaned house. Unfortunately for the team, Hardy was able to block Kendrick's finisher, Sliced Bread #2, and landed the Twist of Fate for the victory. After the match, Mysterio got the 619 on Moore, but then was knocked out by Hardy's Twist of Fate.

Mysterio and Hardy started off Wrestlemania X-8 with their match, with Hardy having Shannon Moore at ringside, while Brian Kendrick was mysteriously absent. Mysterio spent the majority of the match fighting off Moore, who continued to interfere from the outside. There were many impressive spots, from Mysterio's corkscrew plancha to the outside on both opponents, to Mysterio landing a springboard flip off the top rope. Hardy fought hard, getting his Twist of Fate finisher, but Mysterio kicked out at two. Rey later reversed a Razors' Edge powerbomb into a hurricanrana, then got the 619. But Hardy was able to dodge a splash and roll up Mysterio, putting his feet on the bottom rope to get the deceitful victory, keeping the Cruiserweight Title.

Mysterio next started teaming with Tajiri, and the duo actually got a non-title victory over the Smackdown Tag Champs, Team Angle. The team next faced A-Train & the Big Show, and couldn't overcome the size difference, as A-Train chopped down Tajiri for the victory. After the match, Tajiri sprayed A-Train with the Green Mist, leaving him blinded. As the Big Show tried to help him, Mysterio ran over and spun off the turnbuckle, hitting a side-619 that knocked the Big Show onto his butt. Afterwards, a furious Big Show challenged Mysterio to a match at Backlash. Mysterio would continue to give the Big Show problems going up to the pay-per-view, including causing him to lose, via countout, to Tajiri.

At Backlash '03, Mysterio faced off in a singles match against the Big Show, giving up more than double his body weight. It was a short match, with the Big Show dominating the early going, until Mysterio used his speed against him. Mysterio then landed multiple 619's, but couldn't dodge the Big Show's huge hand, which grabbed him and violently choke-slammed the cruiserweight for the victory. Mysterio was hurting after the match, causing the EMTs to come out with a stretcher. However, after Mysterio was placed on the stretcher and secured, the Big Show came back and attacked, picking Mysterio (and the stretcher) up and swung him, baseball bat-style, into the ringpost, then sending him falling, helpless, to the floor. Mysterio landed headfirst, a sickening sight, as his arms were pinned to his sides by the harness. It was later revealed that the Big Show wasn't supposed to drop Mysterio, but couldn't hang on after the swing. Mysterio, fortunately, wasn't badly injured, but did take a few weeks off after the incident.

A feud was built up because of the incident, between the Big Show and Brock Lesnar, who signed to face each other in a "Stretcher" match at the next pay-per-view. During one Smackdown, Mysterio was being interviewed about the incident, when the Big Show appeared and attacked him. He brought Mysterio and a stretcher out to the ring, apparently planning to deliver the same punishment he did at Backlash. Mysterio managed to get in a 619, but was soon smashed down by the Big Show, with Lesnar running in to make the save. At Judgment Day '03, Mysterio wasn't assigned a match, but still made an appearance, coming out through the crowd during the Lesnar/Show match. While Lesnar went to the back, Mysterio kept the Big Show busy, hitting the 619. The Big Show soon came back, beating on Mysterio, but Lesnar returned to the ring with a forklift, leaping off the top and nailing the Big Show. Lesnar later got the Big Show on the forklift (a makeshift "stretcher") and carted the Big Show out, winning the match.

At the next Smackdown, Matt Hardy, still the Cruiserweight Champion, was wrestling against Chris Benoit, with Hardy's 'trainees', Shannon Moore & Crash Holly, interfering from the outside. Mysterio ran down to even the odds, taking out both men and allowing Benoit to get the Crippler Crossface for the victory. After the match, Hardy said that he'd give Mysterio a title shot whenever he wanted it, assuming that Mysterio could defeat both Moore & Holly in a handicap match. During the match, Mysterio injured himself on a maneuver, hurting his groin. Rey still had enough left, though, to eliminate Moore with the 619/West Coast Pop combination. Holly then tried to powerbomb Mysterio, only to be taken out with a hurricanrana, giving Mysterio the painful win. A week later, Mysterio talked about his upcoming title match against Matt Hardy, only to have Hardy interrupt. The two exchanged taunts, then Hardy kicked Mysterio low, making the groin injury worse.

On the first Smackdown in June '03, Mysterio and Matt Hardy got it on, with the WWE Cruiserweight Title on the line. It was also in Mysterio's hometown, with his family located at ringside. Shannon Moore and Crash Holly, not surprisingly, were also out there, although they were quickly warned by the ref not to interfere. However, only a short time into the match, Mysterio was thrown to the outside, with both Moore & Holly beating on him. The ref intervened and used his power to send the two wrestlers away, making it a fair match. The momentum swung back and forth, with Mysterio's groin injury obviously bothering him. At one point, Mysterio went for the 619, but couldn't walk, and was unable to complete it. The two wrestlers later fell to the outside of the ring, with Mysterio barely managing to get back in before the count. Hardy, meanwhile, grabbed his title and prepared to leave, since he wouldn't lose the gold on the countout. The ref, though, disagreed, and refused to count Hardy out. While they were arguing, Moore & Holly returned to the ring and attacked Mysterio, apparently taking him out. But Hardy couldn't put him away, and Mysterio was later able to get a surprise roll-up for the victory.

With the win over Hardy, Mysterio finally earned his first singles gold in the federation. Ironically, it was gold that Mysterio had held before (at the time, the Cruiserweight Title was the only surviving belt from WCW), making it the sixth time Mysterio was the Cruiserweight Champ. Over the next month, Mysterio defended the Cruiserweight strap against a variety of opponents, from a rematch against Matt Hardy to challenges from Kanyon and Nunzio. But Mysterio was interested in more than just a cruiserweight ranks. In July '03, Mysterio teamed up again with the returning Billy Kidman, as they were put in a #1 Contenders Match for the Smackdown Tag-Team Titles against the APA, the Basham Brothers and the Full Blooded Italians. After the APA and the FBI brawled down the aisle and left ringside, Mysterio was able to Drop the Dime, aka his springboard legdrop, on one of the Bashams and get the victory, earning them the #1 Contendership.

Over the next few weeks leading into the pay-per-view, Mysterio & Kidman faced off against teams like Los Conquistodores and Matt Hardy & Shannon Moore, always managing to come out to top. This gave them great momentum going into Vengeance '03, and their title shot against the World's Greatest Tag-Team (Shelton Benjamin & Charlie Haas). The match was thrilling, with all of the high spots expected from Mysterio & Kidman, including Kidman performing his Shooting Star Press from the top rope out to the floor, nailing both opponents. But in the end, the champions were too strong, as Benjamin & Haas landed a guillotine powerbomb maneuver on Mysterio to get the 1-2-3, securing their belts. The feud between the two teams would continue for the next few weeks, with Mysterio facing Benjamin and Haas in separate matches, followed by Mysterio & Kidman getting a televised title shot. Once again, however, the team came up short, with the World's Greatest Tag-Team retaining the titles.

Mysterio spent the next few weeks defending the Cruiserweight Title regularly, including defeating Shannon Moore during the Sunday Night Heat Match before Summerslam '03. Mysterio also beat men like Matt Hardy and Nunzio in televised matches, before being signed to defend the belt on the first Smackdown of September '03 against Tajiri, who was also a fan favorite at the time. After another stunning match, Mysterio got the victory, keeping his gold, and went for the handshake. Instead, Tajiri spit his mist into Mysterio's face, turning heel. Mysterio began feuding with Tajiri over the next month, teaming with various individuals to get his hands on his foe. Then, on September 23rd (it aired on September 25th), Mysterio granted Tajiri another title shot. Thanks to dirty tactics, Tajiri got the victory, finally taking away Mysterio's Cruiserweight Title.

Mysterio took a few weeks off after losing the gold, not wrestling on Smackdown. The week before the next pay-per-view, Mysterio faced off against Johnny Stamboli of the Full Blooded Italians. With Chuck Palumbo & Nunzio sent to the back by the referee, Mysterio had the chance for the clean match, and he made the most of it, taking down Stamboli with the 619. Mysterio was then announced as the opponent of Tajiri at No Mercy '03, with the Cruiserweight Title on the line. Before the match, the referee warned Tajiri about the use of his mist, saying that it could cost him the belt. The match was, as expected, a great back-and-forth match, with Tajiri's kicks nearly netting him the victory on several occasions. Near the end of the match, though, Mysterio took charge, landing the second 619 of the match. Before Mysterio could finish Tajiri off, however, a Japanese fan was seen near ringside, distracting him. Tajiri took advantage, pinning him and retaining the title. Soon afterwards, it was shown that Tajiri had new allies in the form of 2 Japanese bodyguards, proving that the 'distraction' was planned.

Mysterio soon fought in a match against the Ultimo Dragon, with the #1 Contendership to the Cruiserweight Title on the line. Due to interference from Tajiri and his allies, however, Mysterio lost the match, and drifted out of contendership. He fought in a match against John Cena, losing due to Cena's FU. The next week, Jamie Noble came out to try and get some revenge on Tajiri, who had blinded Noble's girlfriend with the black mist. When Tajiri and his goons triple-teamed Noble, Mysterio came out to the rescue. In the ensuing tag match, however, Mysterio & Noble fell to Akio & Sakata (the bodyguards), thanks to Tajiri knocking out Noble with a kick to the head. Next up was Survivor Series '03, but for some reason, Mysterio was left off the card. The Smackdown after Survivor Series, Mysterio continued his feud with Tajiri and his bodyguards, beating Akio (formerly known as Jimmy Yang in WCW) in an impressive, high-flying match.

In the middle of December '03, the Smackdown World Champion, Brock Lesnar, came out and insulted the San Diego crowd. An angry Rey Mysterio came out to defend his hometown, then demanded a title shot against Lesnar that night. Lesnar, though, only gave Rey a non-title match, with the stipulation that, if Mysterio won, he'd get a crack at the belt. The two put on a great match, with Mysterio using Lesnar's overconfidence against him, and nearly won with his new finisher, Dropping the Dime. In the end, though, Lesnar's size advantage was too great, as he forced Mysterio to tap out to the Brock Lock. After the match, Lesnar looked to do more damage to Mysterio, but was chased away by a masked 'relative', who was quickly revealed to be Hardcore Holly. Mysterio stood proudly with Holly in the ring, as Lesnar took off.

2004

The first show of 2004 started off with a bang, as Mysterio faced off against Tajiri for the WWE Cruiserweight Title. The odds seemed to be against Mysterio, as Tajiri had both Akio & Sakoda at ringside with him, interfering whenever they could. But Mysterio used this to his advantage near the end of the match, as he tricked Tajiri into spraying Sakoda with the Green Mist. A stunned Tajiri then turned into the West Coast Pop, with Mysterio getting the 1-2-3 to regain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship! After the match, Mysterio celebrated in the ring, and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Mysterio was interrupted, though, by the Big Show, who came out advertising his new t-shirt, "Chicks Dig It Big". An annoyed Mysterio grabbed the t-shirt away from the Big Show, then taunted him with it, before throwing the shirt into the crowd. The Big Show, infuriated, attacked Rey, but before he could chokeslam him, Hardcore Holly made the save, helping to set the Big Show up for the 619. Mysterio & Holly celebrated together, as an angry Big Show was left in the ring.

On the next Smackdown, it was announced that a #1 Contenders Match would be held to decide Mysterio's opponent at the Rumble, between Tajiri and Jamie Noble. But when Noble failed to show up, his blind girlfriend, Nidia, was forced to wrestle in his place! Needless to say, Tajiri easily won the match, then looked to do more damage, only to have Mysterio make the save. Jamie Noble then finally appeared, and took offense to Mysterio's actions, attacking him before leaving with Nidia. The next week, the contender's match finally took place, with Mysterio again helping out Nidia by keeping Tajiri's thugs from helping their man. As a result, Noble won the title shot, then again took down Mysterio. The two's feud slowly grew, as Mysterio couldn't stand the way that Noble mistreated his handicapped girlfriend.

At the '04 Royal Rumble, Mysterio met up with Noble, with Rey's Cruiserweight Title on the line. The match was a shorter one than expected, but no less of a thriller, with both men trying out some ariel maneuvers. In the end, Nidia proved to be a deciding factor, as she tried to trip up Mysterio, only to 'accidentally' trip Noble instead. A distracted Noble was then easy pickings for the 619 and the Drop the Dimes, as Mysterio got the victory, retaining his title. On the next Smackdown, Mysterio granted Noble a rematch, and the two again went at it, this time with a slightly longer bout. During the match, Nidia again tripped up Noble, nearly leading to the same ending. But Noble came back, and had Mysterio in a compromising position on the outside, when Nidia moved over into his path, apparently not realizing that she was in the way of Noble jumping off of the turnbuckle. A furious Noble threw Nidia into the ring, demanding to know what she was doing. He then shoved Nidia towards Mysterio, only to have Nidia stop in her tracks! Nidia then ducked a Noble charge, allowing Mysterio to get the West Coast Pop for the win. Afterwards, Nidia removed her sunglasses, showing that she had regained her vision, and had been getting revenge on Noble the whole time.

Mysterio had the premiere of his new music video, "Crossing Borders", on the next Smackdown. He also had a non-title match with Chavo Guerrero Jr, with Mysterio getting the win, but then getting assaulted by a furious Guerrero (with his father, Chavo Sr) after the match. Mysterio's match with Tajiri ended much the same way a week later, with Mysterio winning, but then getting attacked by the Guerreros. However, this time Mysterio had back-up in the form of Jorge Peyez, who helped clear the ring with a huge punch to Chavo Sr. At No Way Out '04, Mysterio put his title on the line against Chavo Jr, with Chavo Sr and Peyez at ringside. However, Peyez was sent away from ringside by the ref after he decked Chavo Sr, placing Mysterio at a disadvantage. This was the major deciding factor, as Chavo Sr pushed Mysterio off the top rope, allowing Chavo Jr to get the roll-up for the victory, winning away Mysterio's Cruiserweight Title.

A few days later on Smackdown, Mysterio asked for a rematch against Chavo Guerrero Jr. He played to GM Paul Heyman's ego, asking politely, which had Heyman opt to set up the rematch on the next show, as Chavo Jr was challenging his uncle, Eddie Guerrero, for the Smackdown Heavyweight Title that night. Heyman also gave Mysterio the night off, so that he wouldn't interfere. This didn't work, as Mysterio came down to the ring and attacked the special referee, Chavo Sr, to give Eddie a chance to win (he would have won, except for Kurt Angle, the second ref, refusing to count). This seemed to cost Mysterio his title shot, as a "Fatal Fourway" Match was set up instead to decide a contender. Mysterio took on Jamie Noble, Billy Kidman, and Nunzio in the match, with all four looking for a chance to take on the champion. Mysterio seemed to have earned it, pinning Nunzio, but GM Heyman voided the decision, then announced that Guerrero would instead defend the Cruiserweight Title in a Cruiserweight Open at the next PPV. Meanwhile, Mysterio was attacked by Tajiri, Akio, & Sakoda, but managed to escape. Mysterio's night wasn't through, though, as he joined John Cena in a tag match against Chavo Jr & the Big Show. Mysterio won for the second time that night, pinning Chavo Jr after the 619. Chavo Sr attacked Mysterio after the match, with Cena making the save by FU'ing the older Guerrero. However, the Big Show destroyed both men soon after.

For the next few weeks, all the cruiserweights on Smackdown continued to feud, which each hoping for the opportunity to earn the gold. This led to Wrestlemania XX, where each man participated in the Cruiserweight Open. Mysterio came in during the middle of the match, facing off against his old partner, Billy Kidman. Kidman nearly won thanks to the distraction of Akio on the outside, but Mysterio came back from a BK Bomb to get the pin with a sunset flip powerbomb. Tajiri was next, with Akio again helping from the outside. But the help backfired, as Akio took the Green Mist in the face by accident, allowing Mysterio to roll up the surprised Tajiri for another pin. With Akio incapacitated as well, Mysterio faced off against the final entrant, the Cruiserweight Champ, Guerrero Jr. The two went back and forth for a short time, but a tired Mysterio got distracted by Chavo Sr, allowing the champ to come back and catch Mysterio with a blocked sunset flip to get the win, staying the champ despite Mysterio's hard work.

On the next Smackdown, Mysterio was placed into the #1 Contender Gauntlet Tournament. The winner would face the champion, Eddie Guerrero, at the end of the tournament. Mysterio entered against a tired Shelton Benjamin, who had already wrestled two matches. This gave Mysterio a distinct advantage, and he used it, winning with the 619. Mysterio then had to face the Big Show in the final Gauntlet Match, a daunting task. But Mysterio benefited by John Cena distracting the Big Show, causing him to be counted out! This gave Mysterio the shot against Eddie Guerrero, and despite his exhaustion, Mysterio put on a great showing against the champion. But too much had been taken out of Mysterio, as Guerrero was able to pin him for the victory. After the match, GM Paul Heyman came out and talked about neither Mysterio nor Guerrero were part of his new Smackdown. But he was interrupted by the Undertaker, who came to the ring. Mysterio & Guerrero smartly worked together to push Heyman towards the Undertaker before bailing out, allowing the Dead Man to Tombstone Piledrive the general manager.

Going into April '04, Mysterio faded back somewhat from the limelight, losing a #1 Contenders Match for the Cruiserweight Title on Velocity to Nunzio (Billy Kidman and Akio were the other participants), then taking a few weeks off from Smackdown. He returned at the beginning of May '04, replacing Eddie Guerrero as Rob Van Dam's tag-team partner against the Dudley Boyz (Guerrero's anger management issues had led him to be taken out of the match). Mysterio & RVD proved to be a good team, winning the match, only to be attacked by the Dudleyz afterward. A fighting-mad Guerrero then came down for the 'save', swinging chairs at everyone, including RVD. Mysterio & RVD continued to feud with the Dudley Boyz, while Mysterio also became part of Guerrero's feud with John Bradshaw Layfield, facing (and losing) to JBL on one Smackdown.

At Judgment Day '04, Mysterio & Van Dam took on the Dudley Boyz in a tag-team match. Mysterio & RVD continued to show they were a good team, with Mysterio catching both Dudleyz with a 619, allowing RVD to get his Five Star Frog Splash on D'Von for the victory. On the next Smackdown, Mysterio & RVD teamed with Eddie Guerrero against JBL & the Dudley Boyz. The odds were against Mysterio's team, as Guerrero had been taken out before the match by a steel chair shot from JBL. But Guerrero did eventually appear, getting the tag from Mysterio and cleaning house... at least until he passed out suddenly in the ring, allowing JBL to make an easy pin. Guerrero had to be taken out by EMTs after the match, with a worried Mysterio looking on.

A week later, Mysterio & RVD had a rematch with the Dudleyz. Mysterio's team was once again in control, but interference from a returning Paul Heyman helped the Dudleyz get the win. Van Dam then began concentrating on the US Title, which sent Mysterio back to familiar territory: the Cruiserweight Title ranks. When Mysterio took down Chavo Guerrero Jr, he earned the chance to face Chavo Sr, who was holding the Cruiserweight Title at the time. In the middle of June '06, Mysterio took on the elder Guerrero, and despite Chavo Jr's presence at ringside, Mysterio got the victory, winning the Cruiserweight Championship for the 8th time (this was Chavo Sr's last match, as he was in trouble with WWE for missing shows).

When Chavo Guerrero Jr won a #1 Contender's Match, he faced Mysterio for the Cruiserweight Title at the '04 Great American Bash. Mysterio, no longer having to worry about Chavo Sr, seemed to have a lot of confidence going into the bout. It was a back-and-forth bout, with both wrestlers putting on great displays of athletic abilities. In the end, Mysterio was able to reverse into a sunset flip and get the roll-up victory, retaining his championship belt. On the next Smackdown, Mysterio continued to win, surprising Mordecai for the upset victory, giving Mordecai his first loss (and his last appearance on Smackdown, as he went back to OVW).

Mysterio next started teaming with Spike Dudley in various ways, as Spike was having problems with his brothers, the Dudley Boyz, wanting to interfere to help him win matches. The tension grew when Spike won a "#1 Contenders" Match over Jamie Noble and Chavo Guerrero, making him the challenger to Mysterio's title. The two friends faced off on the last Smackdown of July '04, with both men wanting to keep it clean, but also both wanting to walk out with the gold. Not surprisingly, the Dudley Boyz showed up, with Bubba Ray tripping Mysterio, allowing Spike to get the Dudley Dawg for the victory, taking away Mysterio's Cruiserweight Title! Spike apologized later, with the two signing for a tag match against the Dudleyz. During the match, Spike seemed to hurt his knee, leaving Mysterio to do a lot of the work. In the end, Mysterio was double-teamed, getting knocked out with the 3-D and pinned. After the match, a limping Spike helped Mysterio up, then turned on him, racking Mysterio, then getting him placed on a table by the Dudleyz, so that Spike could jump straight on him through it! An injured Mysterio was off tv for the next week, recovering from the assault.

At Summerslam '04, Mysterio teamed with Billy Kidman & Paul London against the three Dudley brothers. Kidman almost won the match with his Shooting Star Press on Spike. But D-Von was able to pull Kidman out of the ring, as chaos broke out. In the end, Kidman was put in the 3-D, then pinned by Spike, keeping Mysterio from his revenge. However, Mysterio also had other things to worry about, as he had to help his friend, Eddie Guerrero, against Kurt Angle & Luther Reigns. The two had a tag-team match set up on the next Smackdon, but when Angle was chased from the ring by the returning Big Show, Mysterio & Guerrero made easy work of Reigns. Mysterio faced Angle in a one-on-one match the next week, putting on a clinic. But, in the end, Angle managed to pin Mysterio, winning the match.

Mysterio then refocused on Spike Dudley and his brothers, demanding a shot against his rival. Mysterio and Spike had a non-title match in September '04, but the match couldn't continue due to the interference of the Dudley Boyz. When Rob Van Dam & Hardcore Holly made the save, a six-man tag match was set up by GM Theodore Long. With the odds evened, Mysterio came through for his team, getting the victory. A week later, Mysterio got another win, this time teaming with RVD to defeat the Dudley Boyz, much to the unhappiness of the boss, Spike. On the 5th Anniversary Show, Mysterio got his rematch with Spike for the Cruiserweight Title. Momentum seemed to be in Mysterio's favor, especially when the ref ejected the Dudley Boyz from ringside. But Mysterio had incurred other enemies recently, as he was attacked by the Smackdown Tag Champs, Rene Dupree & Kenzo Suzuki (whom Mysterio had had a conflict with earlier in the night), while the ref was down. This allowed Spike to retain, shifting Mysterio's anger in another direction.

At No Mercy '04, Mysterio teamed with Rob Van Dam to take on Dupree & Suzuki for the Smackdown Tag-Team Titles. Just as Mysterio & RVD looked to have the win late in the match, with Mysterio preparing for a high-flying maneuver on Suzuki, Dupree knocked him off, sending him crashing to the canvas. While Van Dam did a spectacular dive to take out Dupree, this left Mysterio open to Suzuki, who got the pin while using the ropes to allow his team to keep the belts. On the next Smackdown, Mysterio took on Kenzo Suzuki in a singles match. Thanks to RVD keeping Rene Dupree out of the bout, Mysterio got the victory. Mysterio & RVD would continue working together, focused on the Smackdown Tag Titles. But Mysterio had other gold to look at as well, as he surprisingly won a "United States Title #1 Contenders Battle Royal", tossing out Kurt Angle for the victory. Mysterio, though tired, was immediately challenged by the US Champ, Carlito, and the two wrestled that night. Fatigue was too much of a factor for Rey, as Carlito retained the title due to dirty tactics.

On the last Smackdown of October '04, Mysterio wrestled against an old foe in Kurt Angle. When the ref was knocked down during the match, Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak came down to interfere. But Van Dam & Eddie Guerrero made the save, with Guerrero hitting the Frog Splash on Angle, then getting Mysterio to make the pin for the victory. It was later announced that Guerrero and Angle would each form 4-Man Elimination Teams for the next PPV, with Mysterio & Van Dam being with Guerrero, while Angle had Reigns & Jindrak. The Big Show demanded to be Guerrero's 4th member, while Angle later signed up Carlito. But only a week or two before the PPV, it was announced by GM Teddy Long that Mysterio would be in a 4-Way Match for the Cruiserweight Title instead (Mysterio was later replaced by John Cena).

At the '04 Survivor Series, Mysterio went up against the Cruiserweight Champ, Spike Dudley, Chavo Guerrero Jr, and Billy Kidman. It was an exciting match from the four cruiserweights, with a lot of high-flying action. In the end, Mysterio got the 619 on Spike, but was stopped by Kidman from making the pin. Chavo then got the Gory Bomb on Spike, but Kidman again made the save, knocking Chavo out with a Flying Legdrop. As Mysterio then took out Kidman, Spike made the pin, winning the match and retaining his title. This sent Mysterio back out of the Cruiserweight Division, as he instead refocused with Rob Van Dam on the Tag-Team Titles. He & RVD defeated Kenzo Suzuki & Rene Dupree on the next Smackdown in a "Non-Title" Match, winning with their 420 combination. The two later came to Torrie Wilson's aid, as Suzuki was attracted to her (despite his valet, Hiroshi, disapproving). This later paid off more than Mysterio & RVD could have expected, as on one December '04 Smackdown, after saving Wilson from Suzuki & Dupree, Mysterio & Van Dam were immediately given a Tag-Team Title Match by GM Teddy Long! Mysterio & RVD made the most of it, getting the victory and becoming the Smackdown Tag-Team Champions!

Only a few days later, at Armageddon '04, Mysterio & Van Dam, now the champions, defended against Suzuki & Dupree. After a long, hard-fought match, Mysterio got the Double 619 on the challengers, which left Dupree open for the Five-Star Frog Splash, allowing Mysterio & Van Dam to retain the titles. Mysterio & RVD continued to be fighting champs the next week, when they took down Billy Kidman & Akio to stay the champs. A week later, Mysterio was part of the "Christmas In Iraq" show for the American troops serving there. Mysterio teamed with Eddie Guerrero to take down Kurt Angle & Luther Reigns, showing that Mysterio was a great tag partner no matter who he was with.

To end out the year, Mysterio & RVD defended the tag-team titles on the Championship Showcase. The two had to decide on their opponent, choosing between Eddie Guerrero & Booker T, the Basham Brothers, and Luther Reigns & Mark Jindrak. Although Van Dam joked about selecting Dawn Marie & Torrie Wilson to 'wrestle', they eventually went with Guerrero & Booker T, with Mysterio saying that they would wrestle Marie & Wilson later. The two teams put on the best match of the night, a back-and-forth contest with all looking very competitive. Guerrero also used his old tricks, trying to make it seem that Mysterio had clocked him with the belt. But the ref caught Guerrero bragging, putting him on the defensive and allowing Mysterio to get the roll-up to keep Mysterio & Van Dam the champs going into the new year.

2005

Mysterio started off the new year with an excellent match with Eddie Guerrero, with Guerrero looking to prove that his roll-up loss to Mysterio was a fluke. However, it didn't work that way, as, even after Mysterio missed the 619, he was able to roll up Guerrero again and get another victory. A week later, Mysterio & Van Dam put the Smackdown Tag Titles on the line in a "Fatal Fourway Elimination" Match, facing off against Guerrero & Booker T, the Basham Brothers, and Mark Jindrak & Luther Reigns. Mysterio and Guerrero showed some of their old teamwork at one point, working together to eliminate Jindrak & Reigns. But there the teamwork ended, as the two men went at it, with Mysterio again getting the pinfall on Guerrero, continuing Mysterio's winning streak over his friend. This left two teams, with all four men going at it full-tilt. The turning point occurred on the outside, as Van Dam's knee was badly injured due to a Basham double-team with the steel steps. With RVD basically out of the match, Mysterio fought against the double-team. But when the Bashams switched during a distraction, Mysterio was caught by the fresh man and pinned, costing Mysterio & RVD the tag-team titles.

With Van Dam being put on the shelf indefinitely from the knee injury, Mysterio was left with no one to challenge the Bashams with, until he again allied himself with Guerrero & Booker T. Mysterio also was preparing for the Royal Rumble match, as he won a "Qualifying" bout on the next Smackdown by beating Chavo Guerrero. A week later, Mysterio, Guerrero, & Booker T won a "Six-Man" Match over a disorganized union of Orlando Jordan, Mark Jindrak, & Luther Reigns (it broke down into a brawl after the match). Afterwards, the three men talked in the back room, each thinking about winning the Rumble and getting the Wrestlemania shot. At the '05 Royal Rumble, Mysterio entered early, as #8. He immediately began working on every wrestler, soon eliminating Kenzo Suzuki, as well as helping everyone toss out Muhammad Hassan. Surprisingly, Mysterio & Guerrero also worked together to eliminate Booker T! It truly was every man for himself. Mysterio hung in for quite a while after that, lasting to the Final Four along with Batista, John Cena, and Edge. Mysterio seemed to have some left as well, as he connected with the 619 on Edge. But Edge was later able to recover, Spearing Mysterio out of the ring and eliminating him. Batista went on to win the match.

It was announced on the next Smackdown that, since a Raw star had won the Rumble, a #1 Contenders Tournament would be held to decide who would face the champion, JBL. Mysterio first faced Mark Jindrak in a non-tournament match, with Kurt Angle wanting Mysterio "softened up". However, Mysterio pulled out the win over Jindrak, then went to face Angle in the first round the next week. The two had another fantastic match, as they had become known for. In the end, Mysterio was caught by Angle and locked in the Ankle Lock submission hold. Although Mysterio fought hard to reach the ropes, he inevitably had to tap out, allowing Angle to advance in the tournament, while Mysterio was left on the outside, looking in.

A week later, it was announced that Mysterio would be going after the Bashams again for the Tag-Team Titles. Mysterio also brought out his tag-team partner, Eddie Guerrero. Mysterio faced Doug Basham in a singles match that night, with both partners at ringside. When Danny Basham tried to distract the ref, it backfired, as Eddie tripped up Doug, allowing Mysterio to get the victory. The two teams met only a few days later at No Way Out '05, with Mysterio & Guerrero having a chance to take away the belts. The two teams both were willing to cheat to win, although the fans were clearly behind Mysterio & Guerrero. Near the end, Guerrero and Doug Basham both tried to get rid of one of the tag belts to the other, with the ref recovering nearby. The ref caught Doug with it, taking it away and heading through the ropes to dispose of it. Meanwhile, Mysterio gave Guerrero the other belt, allowing him to clock Doug. While Mysterio got the 619 on Danny, taking him out, Guerrero pinned Doug, making Mysterio a 3-time Smackdown Tag-Team Champion with his third different partner.

Mysterio & Guerrero retained the Tag Titles on the next Smackdown in a rematch with the Bashams, despite a miscue that saw Mysterio catch Guerrero with the 619. The duo came back, with Guerrero getting the Frog Splash for the victory. The tag-team continued to defend the belts almost every show for the next few weeks, always managing to keep the belts. At the same time, though, Chavo Guerrero, still a heel, was trying to get between the two partners, telling Mysterio that Eddie was only teaming with him to keep his enemy closer. Chavo also confronted Eddie, telling him that he shouldn't even call himself a Guerrero for taking the coward's way out. Late in March '05, Eddie seemed to succumb to some of the talk, as he challenged Mysterio to a friendly match at the next PPV. After the duo beat Hardcore Holly & Charlie Haas to stay the Tag-Team Champions, Rey agreed, setting up a Friend-vs-Friend match at Wrestlemania 21. The two wrestlers had another terrific bout, but once again, Mysterio came out on top, rolling up Guerrero for the victory. A solemn Guerrero shook hands after the match with Mysterio, keeping the team alive.

A #1 Contender Series was set up on the next Smackdown, to decide who would get the first shot at John Cena's recently won Smackdown Heavyweight Title. Problems continued, meanwhile, between Rey & Eddie, as Eddie's temper helped cost Mysterio his series match against JBL (Guerrero attacked JBL, causing the DQ). On the next Smackdown, Mysterio came to the ring during Carlito's Cabana to talk about the recent problems, as well as to say that he and Eddie would work them out. The Cabana was a set-up, though, as M-N-M (Joey Mercury, Johnny Nitro, & Melina) came out and beat on Mysterio. Eddie showed up in the back to check on Mysterio, saying that he had had car trouble, which is why he didn't make the save. Later in the night, Guerrero took on Kurt Angle in the #1 Contender Series, with Mysterio coming down to stop Angle from using a chair. But Guerrero only saw Mysterio with the chair, and thought that his partner was going to hit him instead. As the two tried to work it out, Angle came up from behind, shoving Mysterio (and the chair) into Guerrero. Angle then pinned Guerrero, eliminating him from the tournament.

Mysterio & Guerrero seemed to work out their differences on the next Smackdown, hugging after talking it out on Carlito's Cabana. The two were then challenged by M-N-M, who vandalized Guerrero's low rider with their spraypaint. The two teams faced off later in the night, with Eddie getting distracted by an attack from Melina. This allowed M-N-M to double-team Mysterio, getting the win and taking away the Tag-Team Titles! Mysterio and Guerrero each blamed the other after the match, with Mysterio slapping Guerrero across the face. The partners were placed in a rematch with M-N-M a week later, with Chavo trying, once again, to stir things up even more between them. Eddie wouldn't hear of it in the locker room, but when a miscue allowed Mysterio to hit him, Eddie's will seemed to go, as he started to walk away from the match. He eventually came back, but refused the tag from Mysterio, instead watching as M-N-M beat down Mysterio and won, keeping the belts away. After the match, Eddie simply walked away, leaving his former partner on the mat.

An angry Mysterio confronted Eddie on the next Smackdown, even smacking him in the face to try to encourage a fight. Instead, Eddie just walked away again. Chavo, though, was unhappy with Eddie letting Mysterio get away with that, and brawled with Mysterio, eventually leading to the two having a great "Street Fight" Match, with Mysterio winning despite the interference of M-N-M. After the match, though, M-N-M & Chavo beat down Mysterio, until Eddie surprisingly ran out. Chavo ran, while Eddie took out both members of M-N-M, then helped Mysterio up. It seemed the great tag-team might be able to be reformed. But as they rose, Eddie started to brutally attack Mysterio, including ripping his mask and suplexing him onto a set of steel steps! The horrified crowd watched in silence as Eddie taunted the downed Mysterio, asking him if he wanted to fight now.

Guerrero brought the tattered mask to ringside a week later, taking about how he didn't want to do what he had done, but that Rey had made him. He seemed mentally unstable, putting the torn mask on Jimmy Jacobs' head and giving him a brainbuster onto a chair. It was later announced that Mysterio would return at the next PPV to challenge Guerrero, although Guerrero warned that, if Mysterio appeared, his kids would not have a papa. At Judgment Day '05, Mysterio did show up, with the two former partners having a violent match. It was back-and-forth, with Mysterio taking control near the end. This caused Guerrero to lose it, nailing Mysterio with a steel chair when he was in mid-air, again causing a DQ. With Chavo watching, Eddie went ballistic, destroying Rey with several chair shots, again leaving him in a heap.

When Mysterio turned up on the next Smackdown to enter the "Winner's Choice Battle Royal", Eddie again lost it, attacking Mysterio as he was coming to the ring with another chair. Mysterio was taken away, as Guerrero walked around the ring, technically part of the Battle Royal, but not participating. He looked like a wild man, with his nose bleeding down his face. Guerrero eventually entered the ring, helping to eliminate some of the wrestlers. But Mysterio then returned, furiously attacking Eddie, eliminating him, then jumping over the ropes to get some more of him! Mysterio eventually re-entered the ring, fighting to the very end, until only he and Kurt Angle were left. The two had a series of close calls in the ring, going back-and-forth on several occassions. In the end, Mysterio caught Angle with the 619, then went for the West Coast Pop. However, Angle caught Mysterio on the way down with a low blow, then eliminated him, winning the Battle Royal.

Going into June '05, Mysterio took a few weeks off to rest, even as Guerrero continued to bad-mouth him about getting no respect. Mysterio did wrestle, however, on the ECW One Night Stand PPV, taking on his old ECW nemesis, Psicosis. The two had a fabulous match, even if the crowd was upset with Rey for using his WWE-style 619 at one point. Mysterio still got the win with the West Coast Pop, and the fans cheered him afterwards. Not long afterwards, on Smackdown, Guerrero battled Paul London, forcing him to tap out to his leg submission hold. Guerrero refused to let go, instead torturing London, until Mysterio ran out for the save, swinging a steel chair! Guerrero and Mysterio brawled all the way to the back, with Mysterio trying to keep the fight going by locking them into a garage. But Guerrero escaped at the last second, rolling under the lowering door, then listened as a furious Mysterio hit the door, shouting Eddie's name. The two wrestlers had another match on the next Smackdown, an epic 30-minute affair with Eddie coming oh so close to that must-have victory. But Mysterio still came out on top, causing Guerrero to look completely stressed out.

Guerrero came out with a new strategy on the next Smackdown, as he began to talk about a secret he had regarding Mysterio's son, Dominic. Mysterio pleaded with Eddie not to reveal the secret and hurt his family, as the issue was just between them, but Eddie wasn't buying it. Eddie even black-mailed Mysterio into being his partner one night, allowing him to get beat up by M-N-M and even hitting him himself. A week later, Eddie prepared to reveal the secret, but was stopped by his own family, including his wife, Vicki, causing Eddie to take them to the back instead. The secret seemed to consume Mysterio, who didn't want his son, Dominic, to know what "Uncle" Eddie was wanting to tell him.

It all came to a head at the '05 Great American Bash, where Mysterio & Guerrero once again met in a match. This time, if Guerrero won, he could reveal the secret, but if Mysterio won, Guerrero promised never to tell. It was another wild back-and-forth match, with Mysterio obviously worried about his family, especially Dominic, who was at ringside for the match. Guerrero seemed to have it all wrapped up in the end, leaping off with a Frog Splash onto Mysterio. But Mysterio countered the splash with a roll-up, somehow winning the match at the last second! On the next Smackdown, Eddie came to the ring talking about the promise. He also said that he had lied. Guerrero then revealed the big secret: he was Dominic's father, not Rey. Dominic asked his dad if it was true, which, from Rey's face, it apparently was (at least for the storyline). Dominic then ran off, with both Mysterio and Eddie acting like a worried papa.

Things grew worse for the Mysterio family when Guerrero got a social worker to take notes about Mysterio's parental ability. However, the social worker soon figured out that the fight between the wrestlers had nothing to do with Dominic, as she ruled that Dominic would actually go into foster care, rather than be with either dad! A compromise was then quickly reached between Rey and Eddie, setting up a Ladder Match for Summerslam '05, with the Custody Papers hanging above the ring. Before the match, Eddie had another confrontation with his wife, Vickie, who was upset that Eddie didn't care about Dominic, but was only doing this to hurt Rey. The match was another furious fight, with Mysterio doing all he could to come out on top and keep his son. Near the end, Eddie seemed to be about to win. However, Eddie was 'betrayed' by both his 'son', Dominic, and then Vicki, who shoved over the ladder with Eddie on it to keep him from getting the contract! Vicki held Guerrero down while Mysterio made the climb, winning the match and keeping Dominic.

It was announced that Mysterio and Guerrero would face off one more time, in a "Steel Cage" Match, competing on the first Friday Night Smackdown. Guerrero talked the week before about how he had nothing to lose, which made him even more dangerous. The "Steel Cage" Match was the closing chapter in the two wrestlers' epic feud, with both men again pulling out all the stops to get the victory. Late in the match, Mysterio went for a Flying Crossbody off the steel, but Eddie moved, causing Mysterio to injure his knee. Guerrero could have easily escaped, but he opted to hit the Frogsplash instead, getting the win. The feud then ended, with Mysterio finally having been pinned by his arch-rival.

On the next Smackdown, GM Teddy Long and "Network Consultant" Palmer Cannon came to the ring with the World Champion, Batista, to talk about the new #1 Contender. It seemed that Long was going to announce Mysterio as the next man to go after Batista's gold, but Cannon grabbed the mic before Long could finish and announced Guerrero as the #1 Contender instead, keeping Mysterio from the main event. Mysterio faced John Bradshaw Layfield that night, and got what many considered the upset victory, defeating JBL. This started a feud between the two men, as JBL appeared (on a horse) at the next Smackdown, distracting Mysterio and causing him to lose to Ken Kennedy. Mysterio teamed with Hardcore Holly against JBL & Kennedy on the next Smackdown, but the heels were able to get the victory.

On the next Raw, Mysterio was set to join Chris Benoit & Batista to take on JBL, Guerrero, & Christian. However, the match was 'canceled' by Raw GM Eric Bischoff, who didn't want Smackdown wrestlers on his show. Bischoff had the lights turned off, keeping the wrestlers from competing. The match instead took place on Smackdown, with Guerrero (who was working an angle with Batista) turning on his teammates and helping Batista get the win. Mysterio and JBL met again at No Mercy '05, with Mysterio looking for another 'upset' win over JBL. But JBL had help in the form of Jillian Hall, who helped to distract Mysterio during the match. In the end, Mysterio got the 619 on JBL, but missed the West Coast Pop, instead falling to the Clothesline From Hell and getting pinned.

Mysterio competed in a "#1 Contenders" Match for a US Title shot on the next Smackdown, facing off against JBL, Booker T, and Christian. Mysterio seemed to be the favorite late in the match, but was tripped up by Booker T's wife, Sharmell, allowing Booker T to get his Axe Kick for the win. A week later, Mysterio had a rematch with JBL. The match, though, was thrown out after interference from Raw superstars, as Edge came in and Speared Mysterio. When JBL, a strong supporter of Smackdown, went after Edge, another Raw wrestler, Chris Masters, came in and put Mysterio in the Masterlock, with half the Smackdown locker room coming out to make the save. Mysterio and JBL returned the favor the next week, as JBL distracted Masters outside the arena, while Mysterio nailed Edge with a sneak-attack in the ring.

It was later announced that the fans would decide which two Smackdown wrestlers would face Edge & Masters at the Raw PPV. Mysterio joined JBL, Matt Hardy, Hardcore Holly, and Christian as potential picks. The five men had a great match on the next Smackdown, with Mysterio coming out the winner. Mysterio kept impressing when he teamed with Matt Hardy to defeat JBL & Christian a week later. This helped shift the vote, with Mysterio getting 29%, allowing him to join Hardy (31%) in the match at Taboo Tuesday '05. One more change was made beforehand, though, as Edge refused to wrestle, saying he gained nothing by wrestling either man (in reality, Edge was recovering from an injury). Instead, Gene Snitsky took his place. The change didn't matter to Mysterio or Hardy, who fought hard in the bout, with Mysterio getting the 619 on Masters. Hardy followed that with the Twist of Fate, allowing Mysterio to Springboard onto Masters for the pin and the victory over the Raw wrestlers.

With things boiling over between the two brands, it was announced that both Raw and Smackdown would field 5-man teams for an "Elimination" Match at the next PPV, the Survivor Series. GM Teddy Long quickly announced Batista, the Smackdown Champion, as the leader of the team, then set up other qualifying matches. Mysterio took on Randy Orton, with the two wrestlers looking for the victory to get on the team. Mysterio got the win in surprising fashion, as he had Randy down, but was grabbed by Bob Orton, Randy's father, causing the DQ (much to the unhappiness of Cowboy Bob). Mysterio was soon joined on the team by Eddie Guerrero, Bobby Lashley, and JBL, with the group working together when Raw wrestlers attacked Long later that night (while Kane & the Big Show decimated Batista in the ring). Sadly, this team would face a dramatic change the next week.

On Sunday, November 13th, 2005, Eddie Guerrero passed away, just before a taping of both Raw and Smackdown. Both shows were dedicated to Guerrero, with Mysterio obviously badly shook up from the loss of his friend. Mysterio did a taped interview during Raw, where he broke down, sobbing and taking off his mask (although his face couldn't be seen). Mysterio wrestled against Raw's Shawn Michaels that night, with the two putting on an emotional match for the fans. In the end, Mysterio got the victory, pointing to the sky in tribute to his long compadre. Mysterio and Michaels hugged after the match, with "HBK" lending a comforting shoulder for Mysterio. It was one of the most emotional nights in the organization's history.

Things returned somewhat to normal the next week, with the Smackdown Squad (now with Randy Orton taking Eddie's place) going to Raw and challenging the Raw team to a parking lot brawl. When Batista was Double-Chokeslammed onto a car during the fight, he seemed to be injured, but the rest of the Smackdown crew stuck around, as JBL took on Michaels in the main event. The match broke down into a chaotic brawl, with Batista returning to get some revenge. On Smackdown, with Raw wrestler Chris Masters & Carlito watching from the seats, Mysterio & JBL took on William Regal & Paul Birchall. But Shawn Michaels interfered, giving JBL some Sweet Chin Music. As security chased off Michaels, Masters & Carlito entered the ring and attacked Mysterio, but the Smackdown locker room again cleared them out. In the main event, Batista was scheduled to take on Orton for the World Title. But the Raw locker room appeared and fought with Smackdown, even as Batista was once again double-teamed by Kane & the Big Show.

At the '05 Survivor Series, Mysterio sat in the back with Orton, JBL, and Lashley, as Orton tried to make himself the leader of the team, due to Batista's injury. Batista soon put a stop to that, with Mysterio being the first to quickly reaffirm his alligance to the champ. In the match, Mysterio, Orton, JBL, Lashley, & Batista took on Raw's Shawn Michaels, Chris Masters, Carlito, Kane, & the Big Show. Lashley was the first eliminated, being Chokeslammed by Kane (who was outside the ropes), then pinned by Michaels. Batista led his team back, though, beating Kane with a Spinebuster. But Kane refused to leave, and he & the Big Show took out Batista with a Double-Chokeslam, eliminating the Smackdown leader. Team Smackdown persevered, though, with Mysterio, JBL, & Orton all attacking the Big Show with their finishers, until Mysterio was able to pin him. Smackdown then struck twice more, with JBL eliminating Carlito with the Clothesline From Hell, and Mysterio taking out Masters by Dropping the Dime. This made it 3-on-1 for Smackdown, but Mysterio was caught by Michaels with some Sweet Chin Music, being eliminated. Michaels would also get rid of JBL, but fell to Orton's RKO, giving the win to Smackdown.

On a special Tuesday night edition of Smackdown, Mysterio wrestled in another interpromotional match, taking on Raw's the Big Show. Mysterio dedicated the match to Eddie's memory, and even drove a low-rider out to the ring. The Big Show, though, seemed to have no qualms about using the car, even slamming Mysterio on it at one point. When the ref was taken out later on, Mysterio was able to use some Eddie tactics, hammering the Big Show with some chair shots, then getting the Frog Splash. However, Kane then came out, leading to a double-team on Mysterio. The Undertaker made the save, attacking both Raw Tag Champs, but Orton then came out and attacked the Dead Man, eventually driving the car (with the Undertaker in it) through the stage entryway! The night ended with the car in flames, while Mysterio's match was (obviously) thrown out.

Going into December '05, Mysterio teamed up with JBL to face the Raw Tag Champs, Kane & the Big Show, on the regular edition of Friday Night Smackdown. It was another competitive match, with Mysterio having to use everything he had against the two giants. But when the referee accidentally got JBL in the eye, JBL surprisingly bailed from the match, leaving Mysterio on his own. Although Mysterio tried to keep going, Kane & the Big Show were able to catch him with a Double Chokeslam to get the win. The Raw champs continued beating on Mysterio afterwards, until Batista made the save with a steel chair. Mysterio went for revenge against JBL the next week, but the match was ended due to Orlando Jordan causing the DQ. The two Cabinet members beat on Mysterio, with Batista again making the save. This time, GM Teddy Long intervened, making a tag-team match between the four later that night. Mysterio & Batista soon proved to be a strong team, as Mysterio got a Double 619 on JBL & OJ. JBL soon left another partner hanging, pretending to have injured his knee while tripping over Jillian Hall, leaving Jordan to get squashed by Batista.

Mysterio & Batista soon were announced as challenging Kane & the Big Show at the next PPV. Before that, though, Mysterio & Batista had a WWE Smackdown Tag Titles Match against M-N-M. Although Melina tried to 'convince' Batista not to compete before the match, Batista soon joined Mysterio, and the two were too strong for M-N-M, with Mysterio getting the 619 on Nitro, while Batista took out Mercury with the Batista Bomb to win them the titles! Once again, Mysterio was the Smackdown Tag-Team Champion, with his fourth different partner in four reigns, proving his abilities in the tag-team ranks. The two wrestlers met Kane & the Big Show in a "Champions vs. Champions" Match at Armageddon '05. Mysterio was definitely the odd man out, compared to the other three massive men, but he proved he also had the most heart, taking it to the Raw Tag Champs. In the end, though, with Batista and the Big Show on the outside on the announce table, Mysterio was caught and Chokeslammed by Kane, losing the match.

After a week off for the Best of Smackdown episode, Mysterio & Batista came to the final Smackdown of the year to defend their titles in a rematch against M-N-M. Batista was having to deal with the consequences of his 'actions' with Melina a few weeks before, with Melina filing suit against Batista for sexual harrassment. Batista said, though, that he was going to remain focused on the match. The bout was another good one, with Mysterio & Batista continuing to work well as a team. The deciding factor, though, was a returning Mark Henry, who was working on behalf of Melina. Henry nailed Batista with a massive slam, which allowed Mercury to cover him and win the Tag-Team Titles away from Mysterio & Batista.

2006

Mysterio & Batista cashed in their rematch clause in the new year, getting a "Steel Cage" Match against M-N-M for the Tag-Team Titles. It was a back-and-forth match, with M-N-M dominating Mysterio & Batista for a while. But Mysterio & Batista came back, with Batista in complete control near the end. But Henry again came down, this time ripping the door off the steel cage and coming in to take out Batista again, keeping Mysterio & Batista from getting the gold back. Before Mysterio & Batista could go for some more revenge, Batista was badly injured during a house show match with Henry, putting him on the shelf. So, just like Mysterio's last partner (Van Dam), Batista's injury kept Mysterio from continuing to go after the tag-team titles.

Mysterio said goodbye to Batista after Batista's emotional departure speech on the next Smackdown, then got down to business, entering into a 20-man Battle Royal to decide the new Smackdown Heavyweight Champion. Mysterio was very competitive, eliminating both members of M-N-M to reach the final Three. With Kurt Angle still down outside the ring (he had been put through a table), Mysterio went one-on-one with Mark Henry. Although Mysterio got in some good shots, he couldn't shut the big man down, eventually getting caught and tossed out. Angle later recovered and tossed out Henry to win the title. Mysterio took on Henry again the next week in a "#1 Contenders" Match, and very nearly got the win after a 619 and a Frog Splash. But Henry still managed to get up and slam Mysterio for the victory, keeping Mysterio from the title shot. Mysterio went up against Henry one more time a week later, but despite his best efforts, the result was the same, with Henry getting the win.

Mysterio's next opporunity came at the '06 Royal Rumble, which he dedicated to the memory of Eddie Guerrero. Mysterio considered it a 'bad joke' from Eddie, though, when he drew the #2 entry, facing off against #1, Triple H. Mysterio was strong early on, as he & Triple H eliminated Simon Dean, followed by Mysterio eliminating Psicosis. Mysterio later got rid of Super Crazy as well, which helped him get to the Final Four, along with Triple H, Randy Orton, and Rob Van Dam (who had returned at the Rumble). Mysterio & Van Dam reformed their old tag-team briefly, going against the two men. But Van Dam was caught on the turnbuckle by Triple H, who threw Mysterio into him to eliminate him. Mysterio was then double-teamed, but came back with a Double 619, then later got a leg scissors on Triple H to toss him out. Mysterio still was at the disadvantage, though, as Triple H, enraged, dragged Mysterio out and hammered him on the steel steps before leaving. Despite this, though, Mysterio came bak with a 'Rana on Orton to eliminate him, winning the Royal Rumble!! It was possibly Mysterio's greatest moment in his wrestling career, lasting 1:02:15 and earning a main event shot at a World Champion (either Raw or Smackdown) at Wrestlemania!

Mysterio appeared on the next Smackdown and thanked Eddie Guerrero for being there for him, talking about his old friend, as well as the 'joke' that Guerrero had played on him by making him #2. Mysterio was interrupted, though, by Orton, who talked about how Eddie was laughing AT Mysterio, not with him. Orton wanted Mysterio to put his Wrestlemania Title shot on the line in a match against him, even going so far as to say that Eddie wasn't in heaven, but in hell. A completely incensed Mysterio immediately attacked Orton, leading to a one-sided brawl that had to be broken up by officials. The rage was obvious in Mysterio's eyes, as he glared at Orton. Mysterio teamed with the Smackdown Champion, Kurt Angle, against Orton & Henry later on in the main event, but when Angle chased Henry's manager, Daivari, out of the arena, followed by Henry, the match finished with Mysterio against Orton, with Orton blocking a sunset flip attempt to hold Mysterio down (using the mask) for the pin. Orton again taunted Mysterio after the match, saying that Mysterio had as good a shot at winning at Wrestlemania as Eddie had of coming back to life. Mysterio couldn't take anymore, giving in and agreeing to face Orton for Mysterio's Wrestlemania shot.

Mysterio feuded with Orton over the next few weeks, with Orton explaining that he was just bashing Guerrero in order to get the Wrestlemania Title shot from Mysterio. But Orton didn't contend with Mysterio's rage, as he violently attacked Orton during one show, giving Orton a concussion by dropkicking his head against the ringpost. The two wrestlers met at No Way Out '06, in a strong match. Mysterio fought hard to get the win, using all his signature maneuvers. But in the end, he was caught by Orton, who used the ropes to get the pinfall victory. Orton taunted Mysterio after the match, walking away and saying that he was going to Wrestlemania, while Mysterio was going nowhere. Mysterio apologized to Eddie Guerrero's wife, as well as Chavo Guerrero Jr, after the match, saying that he let them down. Although Chavo disagreed with him, Mysterio was obviously heartbroken after the loss, seemingly watching his dream of main-eventing Wrestlemania fade away.

A dejected Mysterio appeared on the next Smackdown, coming to the ring to apologize to the fans, as well as to Eddie Guerrero, for losing his opportunity. However, Mysterio's apology was interrupted by GM Teddy Long, who came to the ring and showed the footage of Orton cheating to win. Long then announced that, although he couldn't take Orton out of the main-event match, he COULD add to it, making it Orton vs. Angle vs. Mysterio at Wrestlemania! Mysterio was overjoyed, jumping around the ring in celebration. Later that night, Mysterio teamed with Chris Benoit & Bobby Lashley against Orton, JBL, & Finlay. Although Mysterio took some shots (and taunts) from Orton during the match, he also proved to be strong at the end, getting tagged in by Benoit and catching JBL with the 619. He Dropped the Dime on JBL and got the pinfall victory, then celebrated afterwards on Lashley's shoulders, to the cheers of the crowd.

A week later, Mark Henry called out Kurt Angle, who quickly obliged, causing a brawl in the ring. As Angle fought with Henry, though, Randy Orton appeared, causing the Double-Team. Mysterio came down for the save, but got taken out himself, with Angle coming back in with a chair to send off the heels. GM Long then made a Tag match that night between Mysterio & Angle and Henry & Orton. It was a hard-fought match, with each wrestler getting in some great offense. Near the end, though, Henry lost it, beating down Mysterio, then taking out the ref, causing the DQ. Henry then went to squash Mysterio through a table like he did the Undertaker the week before, but Angle made the save, only to later take the splash through the table himself! The three men had a "Wrestling Summit" on the next Smackdown, each talking in separate rooms about how they felt about Wrestlemania, with Angle bashing Orton for stealing his way into the main event, while Orton called Angle a "paper champion" for winning the belt in a Battle Royal. The three men were forced to team up later on that night, facing off against Henry & MNM. Despite problems between Orton and the faces, they still managed to pull off the win, with Angle giving the Angle Slam to Henry, followed by Mysterio getting the 619 on Joey Mercury. Orton then, for the first time, tagged himself into the match, getting the pin for the victory.

At Saturday Night's Main Event #32, Mysterio, Angle, & Orton went into the "Handicap" Match with Cena & Triple H, with everyone wondering how they would work together. Triple H showed what he thought, as, after Cena caught Orton with the FU, Triple H ran in and gave Cena the Pedigree! He then tried to get Orton to make the cover, with Mysterio making the save (not wanting to win that way), leading to Triple H Pedigree'ing Mysterio as well! Angle then took out Triple H, only to be RKO'ed. With everyone else down, though, Cena rolled up Orton and got the quick win, celebrating by taunting his Wrestlemania foe, Triple H. Meanwhile, tensions only seemed worse between Mysterio & Angle and Orton. A week later, Orton continued to insult Mysterio, even using his entrance spring on the ramp. Later on, Mysterio fought in a match against Finlay. But while Finlay distracted the referee, going for his weapon, Orton suddenly appeared, RKO'ing Mysterio to cost him the match. When Orton tried the same thing during Angle's match with Mark Henry, Mysterio came down to interfere, only to hit Angle with a Senton Splash, allowing Henry to get the win. An angry Angle shoved Mysterio down afterwards, then went to yell at Orton (outside the ring). Mysterio came back, though, dropkicking Angle, then landing the 619 on the champion!

Both Mysterio and Angle wanted a piece of Orton on the final Smackdown before the PPV. But their animosity between each other allowed Orton to arrange for the two to fight each other instead. It was a competitive match, with Mysterio going for the 619, only to have it reversed into the Ankle Lock, causing Mysterio to tap out! After the match, as Angle left, Mysterio was given the RKO from Orton. Orton then trash-talked Angle, causing the champ to come back in the right, fight Orton, and lock him in the Grapevine Ankle Lock! At Wrestlemania 22, Mysterio, Angle, and Orton met in a "Triple Threat" Match for Angle's World Title. It was a very competitive match, with Angle nearly winning with the Ankle Lock twice, applying it to both men (with the other distracting the referee to keep him from seeing the tap out). In the end, Angle got the Ankle Slam on Orton, but Mysterio then was able to counter another Angle Slam, sending Angle out of the ring. Mysterio then got the 619 on Orton, followed by the West Coast Pop to get the victory, finally winning the World Heavyweight Championship! Afterwards, Mysterio celebrated with Vickie & Chavo Guerrero, in the most emotional moment of the PPV.

Mysterio didn't have long to celebrate, however, as his first title defense was set up on the next Smackdown, where he took on Orton in a singles match. It was a competitive bout, with Orton obviously cocky, since he considered his pinfall loss to Mysterio a fluke. But Mysterio proved his championship mettle, catching Orton with a 619 around the ringpost, then landing another one through the ropes! Mysterio then Dropped the Dime to get the victory, retaining the title. Mysterio joined his family in the back to celebrate again, rejoicing in holding the World Heavyweight Title. Mysterio took a week off the next Smackdown, even as the '06 King of the Ring Tournament started, with the winner to get a title shot against Mysterio.

It was announced on the next Smackdown that Angle would be getting his rematch against Mysterio for the World Title the next week. When John Bradshaw Layfield, during his Great American celebration, challenged the winner to a match (and basically guaranteed he would win), Angle came out, soon followed by Mysterio. While both Mysterio and Angle showed respect for one another, both also wanted to win the next week. JBL soon made himself the focus again, though, bashing both men. This was a mistake, as Mysterio attacked JBL, with Angle moving in to get the Angle Slam on the US Champ! Mysterio then scored the 619 on JBL, putting him down. Mysterio and Angle then stared each other down as the night ended.

Mysterio put the World Title on the line the next week against Angle in the rematch. Once again, Mysterio was looked at as the underdog in the match, even being called the "underdog" champion in the previews for the bout. Mysterio seemed unconcerned, as he was ready to put everything he had into the match. The two had an excellent bout, with Mysterio catching Angle late with the 619. But when Mysterio tried to come off the ropes afterward, Angle caught him and applied the Ankle Lock, putting Mysterio in tremendous pain. However, before Mysterio could either escape or submit, Angle was then attacked by Mark Henry, causing the match to be thrown out! Mysterio was knocked out of the ring by Henry, who then destroyed Angle by splashing him through a table. While it wasn't the ending Mysterio wanted, he still walked out of the London arena with the World Title around his waist.

Mysterio came out the next week, on the first Smackdown of May '06, to once again talk about living the dream of being champion. He was soon interrupted by John Bradshaw Layfield, though, who was now officially the #1 Contender to Mysterio's World Title. When Mysterio told Layfield that he would face anyone, Layfield used it against him, announcing that Mysterio would have to face Henry in a "Non-Title" Match that night. Mysterio had his hands full, both trying to take out the monster, Henry, as well as watching out for Layfield on the outside. Layfield mostly stayed at the announce table, but did come close enough for Mysterio to have to dropkick him at one point. Unfortunately for the champ, Henry proved to be too strong, devestating Mysterio with a front slam for the victory. Afterwards, Henry wanted to do more damage, beating on Mysterio. He was going to deliver another monster splash on Mysterio, but JBL stopped him, not wanting Mysterio put out of commission before he could win the belt.

Mysterio started things off with a bang on the next Smackdown, attacking JBL during his opening speech (in Mysterio's hometown of San Diego). Security had to pull Mysterio off of the US Champ, who retreated to the back. But JBL had already worked it out, making sure that Mysterio would be facing the Great Khali. Before the match, JBL came out to the broadcast position. As he was talking to the announcers, though, Mysterio came out, then surprisingly leapt out of the ring and attacked JBL again, hitting a Seated Senton on him! As they were broken up again, Khali made his way to the ring, towering over the World Champion. Although Mysterio tried to stand against the big man, he was no match, as Khali decimated him in the "Non-Title" bout, eventually pinning him. Afterwards, JBL bragged over Mysterio's broken body, saying that Mysterio won't believe who he'll have to face the next week.

On the Smackdown before the PPV, Mysterio came out once more to face JBL's challenger, having taken two bad beatings in a row. JBL, meanwhile, had a hidden agenda, tricking Mysterio into saying the date: May 19th. This brought out Raw's Kane (who had been going crazy any time someone mentioned that date, which was the debut date of his movie, See No Evil). Mysterio valiantly went against the Big Red Machine, trying to shut down the lunatic. He even got in some offense at one point thanks to Kane being distracted by 'voices', with Mysterio hitting the 619. But when Mysterio went to Drop the Dime, Kane caught him by the throat and Chokeslammed him, laying out the champ. Kane didn't go for the pin, though, still too out of it to care. When JBL came into the ring and tried to get Kane to finish Mysterio, he accidentally said the date, which caused Kane to attack JBL, laying him out with a Chokeslam as well! Both challenger and champion were down in the ring, as Kane left them both behind. JBL's plan had backfired, although Mysterio still took some punishment going towards the PPV.

At Judgment Day '06, Mysterio and JBL finally met for Rey's World Title. Mysterio made sure to have some support in the arena, as both his wife and Chavo Guerrero were in attendance. JBL, meanwhile, was cocky, knowing that he was about to end the "feel good story" of Mysterio's title reign. The match itself was also about Mysterio's speed vs. JBL's strength. Early on, Mysterio controlled the tempo, even getting a low blow baseball slide on Layfield. But Layfield soon grabbed the momentum, busting open Mysterio with a series of moves on the outside. He also showed the bloody Mysterio to his wife, scaring her. Late in the match, Layfield, thinking he was in full control, went for a Powerbomb, only to have Mysterio reverse it and send him into the ropes! Mysterio then hit the 619, and followed it up by Dropping the Dime, but the ref got taken out as well! With Mysterio checking on the ref, JBL came back, Powerbombing Mysterio. But the replacement ref got there too late, as Mysterio kicked out. JBL angrily took out the 2nd ref, then went and got a chair. But Mysterio kicked the chair back into his face, setting him up for the 619! After landing the maneuver, Mysterio opted to go up top, coming off the top rope with a Frog Splash for the victory, getting the clean pin on JBL! Mysterio celebrated with his wife and Chavo, content that he had proven he deserved to be the champion.

On the next Smackdown, a furious JBL called the match a "fluke", and wanted to face Mysterio again. Mysterio answered the challenge by asking why, as the US Champion, JBL hadn't been 'facing all comers' himself? JBL said that he would take on anybody, which was what Mysterio was hoping to trick him into saying. Mysterio then sent out Bobby Lashley, who promptly defeated the still-offbalance JBL to win away the US Title! JBL was beside himself in the back, as GM Teddy Long agreed with Mysterio in the ruling and the match. This led to one more match being signed between the two men, with the stipulation being that JBL would quit if he lost. It was another brutal match for Mysterio, as he was still trying to recover from the night before. At one point, JBL knocked Mysterio out with the Clothesline From Hell and got the 3 count, but the ref noticed a second later that Mysterio had gotten his foot on the ropes, and ruled that the match would continue, despite JBL's complaints. Late in the bout, the ref got taken out (with JBL lying on top of him in the position of the 619, keeping Mysterio from hitting the move). Mysterio then grabbed JBL, only to suffer a low blow. JBL went to the outside to get a chair, but he was distracted by Mysterio's friend, Chavo Guerrero. Chavo got the chair shot instead, with JBL then reentering the ring, only to be caught by Mysterio's own low blow! Mysterio then delivered a bulldog onto the chair, before hitting a dropkick, the 619, and Dropping the Dime to pin JBL, end his career, and retain the World Title!

The next Smackdown, Mysterio took on Kurt Angle in Angle's Farewell Match (Angle was drafted to ECW). It was an impressive bout, with both wrestlers getting some close calls. At one point, Angle managed to get the Angle Slam, but Mysterio got a foot on the ropes, keeping the match going. Later on, when Mysterio went for the 619 on Angle, the Olympic Hero caught Mysterio's legs, possibly preparing for the Ankle Lock. But Mysterio reversed into a roll-up, nearly stealing the win. At the end of the match, Mysterio went to take out Angle, but Angle caught him and gave him a Belly-to-Belly to the outside, injuring Mysterio's knee long enough to get him counted out! Angle won his final Smackdown match, adding some respect afterwards by handing the World Title to Mysterio and shaking his hand before leaving. That night, it was also announced that Mysterio would be defending the World Title against ECW wrestler Sabu at the ECW PPV.

Mysterio next appeared on the WWE vs. ECW special, where he took on Rob Van Dam in a "Non-Title" Match. It was a very competitive affair, with Mysterio even taking to a high-flying dive off the top rope and into the crowd to get a Flying Splash on Van Dam! In the end, though, Van Dam's usage of a chair proved to be the deciding factor, if only as a distraction. Van Dam laid the chair (already used earlier in the match) onto a downed Mysterio, then climbed the turnbuckle for his Five Star Frog Splash. Mysterio recovered soon enough to knock the chair away, but he still took the full brunt of the Frog Splash, allowing Van Dam to get the pin on the World Champion. Afterwards, Van Dam showed respect to his former tag-team partner, pulling Mysterio up and handing him the title. Still, it was not a good start to the week for Mysterio.

Things got more interesting through WWE.com, which ran a story stating that Mysterio had been contacted by ECW owner Paul Heyman about jumping to the new brand. Would Mysterio turn his back on WWE, and return to his old stomping grounds in ECW? Anything was possible going into the Smackdown before the PPV.

(Under Construction)

Pay-Per-View/Show Summary: (63 - 63, 3 NCs)
- AAA Triplemania I (April '93) = Mysterio Jr., Volador and Misterioso defeated Vulcano, Tony Arce and Rocco Valente.
- AAA in Queretoro (May '93) = Mysterio Jr. survived a "Three Way Loser Unmasks" match over Angel Mortal & El Bandito (who lost his mask).
- AAA La Revencha (August '93) = Mysterio Jr., Voladar, & Misterioso lost a 3 Falls match to Psicosis, Heavy Metal, & Jerry Estrada.
- AAA La Lucha del Honor (November '93) = Mysterio Jr., Voladar, & Misterioso defeated La Parka, Karis la Momia, & Espectro Jr in a Three Falls match.
- AAA in Los Angeles (March '94) = Mysterio Jr., Winners, & Heavy Metal lost a 3 Falls match to Fuerza Guerrera, Espectro Jr, & Jerry Estrada.
- AAA Triplemania II-A (April '94) = Mysterio Jr., Rey Mysterio, and Winners beat Vulcano, Tony Arce and Rocco Valente.
- AAA Triplemania II-B (May 15, '94) = Mysterio Jr., Rey Mysterio, and Volador lost to Juventud Guerrera, Misterioso, and Fuerza Guerrera.
- AAA Triplemania II-C (May 27, '94) = Mysterio Jr., Rey Mysterio and Torero defeated Fuerza Guerrera, Pirata Morgan and the Fishman.
- AAA When Worlds Collide (November '94) = Mysterio Jr., Heavy Metal, & Latin Lover were beaten by Psicosis, Fuerza Guerrera, & Madonna's Boyfriend.
- AAA Triplemania III-B (June 18, '95) = Mysterio Jr., La Parka, Octagon and El Hijo del Santo won a "3 Falls" Match over Psychosis, Pentagon, Fuerza Guerrera and the Blue Panther.
- AAA Triplemania III-C (June 30, '95) = Mysterio Jr., Octagon and El Hijo del Santo won, via DQ, over Psychosis, Fuerza Guerrera, and the Blue Panther.
- ECW November To Remember III ('95) = Mysterio Jr. defeated Psychosis in a "Mexican Death" Match.
- WAR Sumo Hall (December '95) = Mysterio Jr beat Psychosis.
- ECW House Party (January '96) = Mysterio Jr & 911 defeated the Eliminators.
- AAA Trios Title Tournament (February-March '96) = Mysterio Jr., La Parka, & Frisbee lost in the first round to Cien Caras, the Latin Lover & Heavy Metal. Los Villanos won the tournament.
- World Wrestling Peace Festival '96 (June '96) = Mysterio Jr. and the Ultimo Dragon defeated Psychosis and Heavy Metal.
- AAA Triplemania IV-B (June 15, '96) = Mysterio Jr., Super Calo, Oro Jr., and Winners beat Perro Silva, Halloween, Kraken and El Mosco.
- WCW Great American Bash '96 = Mysterio Jr. was unable to win the Cruiserweight Title from Dean Malenko.
- WCW Bash At The Beach '96 = Mysterio Jr. defeated Psicosis.
- AAA Triplemania IV-C (July 15, '96) = Mysterio Jr. defeated Juventud Guerrera.
- WAR Sumo Hall (July 20, '96) = Mysterio Jr won the WWA Welterweight Title, beating Juventud Guerrera.
- WAR Sumo Hall (July 21, '96) = Mysterio Jr, Lance Storm, Yuji Yasuraoka & the Ultimo Dragon took down Juventud Guerrera, Jushin Liger, Lion Do & Gedo.
- WCW Hogg Wild '96 = Mysterio Jr. retained the Cruiserweight Title by defeating the Ultimo Dragon.
- WCW Clash of the Champions XXXIII (August '96) = Mysterio Jr. again retained the WCW Cruiserweight Belt, defeating Dean Malenko.
- WCW Fall Brawl '96 = Mysterio Jr. stayed the Cruiserweight Champion by pinning Super Calo.
- WAR Crush Night in Osaka (October '96) = Mysterio Jr. defended the WWA Welterweight Title, defeating Psychosis.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '96 = Mysterio Jr. lost the WCW Cruiserweight Belt to Dean Malenko.
- WCW World War III '96 = Mysterio, Jr, was defeated by J Crown Champion the Ultimo Dragon. Later in the night, Misterio competed in the "3 Ring Battle Royal", which was won by the Giant.
- WCW Starrcade '96 = Mysterio Jr. lost to Jushin "Thunder" Liger.
- WAR at Sumo Hall (December 13, '96) = Mysterio Jr. was beaten by the J Crown Champion, the Ultimo Dragon.
- WCW Superbrawl VII ('97) = Mysterio Jr. lost to Prince Iaukea, who retained his WCW TV Title.
- WCW Uncensored '97 = Mysterio Jr. again was pinned by WCW TV Title holder Prince Iaukea.
- WCW Spring Stampede '97 = Mysterio Jr. managed to pin the Ultimo Dragon.
- WCW Slamboree '97 = Mysterio Jr. defeated Yuji Yasuraoka.
- WCW Road Wild '97 = Mysterio Jr. was forced to submit to Konnan.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '97 = Mysterio Jr. won a "Mask vs. Title" Match over Eddie Guerrero, becoming the WCW Cruiserweight Champion for a second time.
- WCW World War III '97 = Mysterio Jr. lost to then-Cruiserweight Champion Eddie Guerrero. Later in the night, Misterio competed in the "3 Ring Battle Royal", which was won by Scott Hall.
- WCW/nWo Souled Out '98 = Mysterio, Jr., submitted to Chris Jericho, losing the WCW World Cruiserweight Belt.
- WCW Bash At The Beach '98 = Mysterio Jr. defeated Jericho for the Cruiserweight Title (later reversed by J.J. Dillon on account of Malenko's interference).
- WCW Road Wild '98 = Mysterio Jr. pinned Psicosis.
- WCW World War III '98 = Mysterio Jr. competed in the "3 Ring Battle Royal", which was won by Kevin Nash.
- WCW Starrcade '98 = Mysterio, Juventud Guerrera and Billy Kidman competed in a 3 Way Battle for the Cruiserweight Title. Kidman eventually won, thus defending his title.
- WCW Souled Out '99 = In a 4-way Cruiserweight Title match, Billy Kidman retained his title by defeating Mysterio, Juvy Guerrera, and Psychosis.
- WCW Superbrawl IX ('99) = Mysterio and Konnan lost a "Mask" tag match to Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, forcing Misterio to remove his mask.
- WCW Uncensored '99 = Mysterio, after interference from Lex Luger, was defeated by Kevin Nash.
- WCW Spring Stampede '99 = Mysterio retained the Cruiserweight Title, defeating Billy Kidman with the Hurricanrana.
- 2nd Annual Brian Pillman Memorial Show (May '00) = Mysterio & Konnan defeated Dean Malenko & Chris Benoit.
- WCW Slamboree '99 = Mysterio and Billy Kidman lost the WCW Tag-Team Titles, in a Three-Way Tag match, to Raven and Saturn, due to Kanyon's interference. The other team was Chris Benoit and Dean Malenko.
- WCW Great American Bash '99 = Mysterio Jr and Konnan got the victory over Curt Hennig and Bobby Duncum Jr, after Master P's bodyguard knocked out Duncum.
- WCW Bash at the Beach '99 = Mysterio Jr, Konnan, Swoll, and BA Brad Armstrong fought an Elimination match against Curt Hennig, Bobby Duncum Jr, Barry and Kendall Windham. Mysterio got the win by pinning Hennig. He was the only survivor.
- WCW Road Wild '99 = Mysterio Jr, Kidman, and Eddie Guerrero defeated El Vampiro and the Insane Clown Posse.
- WCW Fall Brawl '99 = Mysterio Jr., Kidman, and Eddie Guerrero once again won over Vampiro and the ICP.
- WCW Fall Brawl '00 = Mysterio Jr, Juventud Guerrera, Konnan, Big Vito, "Mr. Wonderful" Paul Orndorff, Disco Inferno, & Tygress fought in an Elimination match with Mark Jindrak, Sean O'Haire, Reno, Mike Sanders, Chuck Palumbo, Sean Stasiak, & Johnny the Bull. The match went to a No-Contest due to Orndorff's injury.
- WCW Halloween Havoc '00 = Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman were beaten by the WCW Tag-Team Champions Jindrak & O'Haire. The Boogie Knights were the other participants.
- WCW Millenium Final (November '00) = Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman lost to Kronik. Later that night, Mysterio competed in a Battle Royal, which was won by Mike Awesome.
- WCW Mayhem '00 = Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman won a Handicap match over Alex Wright & Kronik.
- WCW Starrcade '00 = Mysterio Jr, Billy Kidman , & Konnan lost a "Bunkhouse Brawl Street Fight" to Jeff Jarrett & The Harris Brothers.
- WCW Sin (January '01) = Mysterio Jr, Billy Kidman, & Konnan were beaten in a "Penalty Box" match by Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, & Elix Skipper. Jim Duggan was the special referee.
- WCW Superbrawl: Revenge ('01) = Mysterio Jr was defeated by the Cruiserweight Champion Chavo Guerrero Jr.
- WCW Greed (March '01) = Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman were beaten in the Finals of the WCW Cruiserweight Tag-Team Tournament, losing to Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo.
- EMLL Arena Mexico (December '01) = Mysterio Jr, El Hijo del Santo, El Hombre Sin Nombre & Negro Casas fell to Juventud Guerrera, Nicho, Halloween & Damien.
- EWF Houston Show (February 9, '02) = Mysterio Jr took down Vago II.
- HWA Batavia Show (May 18, '02) = Mysterio Jr was beaten by the HWA Cruiserweight Champ, B.J. Whitmer.
- HWA Cincinnati Show (May 21, '02) = Mysterio Jr & Spanky won over B.J. Whitmer & Chad Collyer.
- WWE Global Warning (August 10, '02) = Mysterio Jr & Billy Kidman lost to the WWE Tag Champs, Lance Storm & Christian.
- WWE Summerslam '02 = Mysterio was forced to submit to Kurt Angle.
- WWE Unforgiven '02 = In a dark match, Mysterio won over Chavo Guerrero Jr.
- WWE Smackdown Tag-Team Title Tournament (October '02) = Mysterio & Edge defeated Brock Lesnar & Tajiri and D-Von Dudley & Ron Simmons to reach the finals at No Mercy.
- WWE No Mercy '02 = Mysterio & Edge lost in the finals of the Tag-Team Title Tournament to Chris Benoit & Kurt Angle.
- WWE Rebellion '02 (October 26, '02) = Mysterio fell to the Cruiserweight Champion, Jaime Noble.
- WWE Survivor Series '02 = Mysterio & Edge lost the WWE Smackdown Tag Titles to Chavo & Eddie Guerrero. Kurt Angle & Chris Benoit were the other participants.
- WWE Royal Rumble '03 = Mysterio competed in the Royal Rumble, which was won by Brock Lesnar.
- WWE Wrestlemania X-9 (March 30, '03) = Mysterio lost to the WWE Cruiserweight Champ, Matt Hardy.
- WWE Backlash '03 = Mysterio fell to the Big Show.
- WWE Vengeance '03 = Mysterio & Billy Kidman lost to the WWE Smackdown Tag Champs, the World's Greatest Tag-Team.
- WWE Summerslam '03 = In a dark match, Mysterio defeated Shannon Moore.
- WWE No Mercy '03 = Mysterio fell to the Cruiserweight Champ, Tajiri.
- WWE Royal Rumble '04 (January 25) = Mysterio stayed the WWE Cruiserweight Champion, beating Jamie Noble.
- WWE No Way Out '04 (February 15) = Mysterio lost the Cruiserweight Title to Chavo Guerrero Jr.
- WWE Wrestlemania XX (March 14, '04) = Mysterio competed in the "Cruiserweight Open" Gauntlet Match, which was won by the WWE Cruiserweight Champ, Chavo Guerrero Jr.
- WWE Judgment Day '04 (May 16) = Mysterio & Rob Van Dam defeated the Dudley Boyz.
- WWE Great American Bash '04 (June 27) = Mysterio retained the WWE Cruiserweight strap, beating Chavo Guerrero Jr.
- WWE Summerslam '04 (August 15) = Mysterio, Billy Kidman, & Paul London fell to Spike Dudley & the Dudley Boyz.
- WWE No Mercy '04 (October 3) = Mysterio & Rob Van Dam lost to the WWE Smackdown Tag Champs, Rene Dupree & Kenzo Suzuki.
- WWE Survivor Series '04 (November 14, '04) = Mysterio lost a "Four Corners" Match to the Cruiserweight Champion, Spike Dudley. Chavo Guerrero Jr and Billy Kidman were the other participants.
- WWE Armageddon '04 (December 12, '04) = Mysterio & Rob Van Dam stayed the WWE Smackdown Tag Champs, beating Rene Dupree & Kenzo Suzuki.
- WWE Royal Rumble '05 (January 30) = Mysterio competed in the Royal Rumble, which was won by Batista.
- WWE Smackdown Title Contenders Tournament (February '05) = Mysterio lost in the first round to Kurt Angle. John Cena won the tournament.
- WWE No Way Out '05 (February 20) = Mysterio & Eddie Guerrero won the WWE Smackdown Tag Titles from the Basham Brothers.
- WWE Wrestlemania 21 (April 3, '05) = Mysterio pinned Eddie Guerrero.
- WWE Judgment Day '05 (May 22, '05) = Mysterio won, via DQ, over Eddie Guerrero.
- OVW Six Flags Summer Sizzler Series '05 (June 3) = Mysterio & Seth Skyfire defeated M-N-M.
- ECW One Night Stand (June 12, '05) = Mysterio beat Psicosis.
- WWE Great American Bash '05 (July 24) = Mysterio took down Eddie Guerrero. Due to prematch stipulations, Guerrero couldn't reveal his 'secret' (although he did it anyway on the next Smackdown).
- WWE Summerslam '05 (August 21, '05) = Mysterio won a "Custody Ladder" Match over Eddie Guerrero.
- WWE No Mercy '05 (October 9) = Mysterio fell to John Bradshaw Layfield.
- WWE Taboo Tuesday '05 (November 1) = Mysterio & Matt Hardy, representing Smackdown, defeated Raw's Chris Masters & Gene Snitsky (substituting for Edge).
- WWE Survivor Series '05 (November 27) = Team Smackdown (Mysterio, Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, John Bradshaw Layfield, & Batista) fought in an "Elimination" Match against Team Raw (Shawn Michaels, Chris Masters, Carlito, Kane, & the Big Show). Mysterio was eliminated by Michaels. Orton was the sole 'survivor'.
- WWE Armageddon '05 (December 18) = Mysterio & Batista (Smackdown Tag Champs) lost a "Non-Title" Match to Kane & the Big Show (Raw Tag Champs).
- WWE Royal Rumble '06 (January 29) = Mysterio won the Royal Rumble Match.
- WWE No Way Out '06 (February 19) = Mysterio lost his "Wrestlemania Title Shot", falling to Randy Orton.
- WWE Saturday Night's Main Event #32 (March 18, '06) = Mysterio, Kurt Angle, & Randy Orton lost a "Handicap" Match to John Cena & Triple H.
- WWE Wrestlemania 22 (April 2, '06) = Mysterio won the WWE Smackdown World Heavyweight Title in a "Triple Threat" Match, beating Kurt Angle and Randy Orton.
- WWE Judgment Day '06 (May 21) = Mysterio retained the WWE Smackdown World Heavyweight Title, taking down John Bradshaw Layfield.
- WWE vs. ECW (June 7, '06) = Mysterio lost a "Non-Title" Match to Rob Van Dam.
- ECW One Night Stand II (June 11th, '06) = Mysterio, as the WWE Smackdown World Heavyweight Champion, fought to a No-Contest with Sabu.
- WWE Saturday Night's Main Event #33 (July 15, '06) = Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, & Batista defeated Mark Henry, King Booker, & Finlay.
- WWE Great American Bash '06 (July 23) = Mysterio lost the WWE Smackdown World Heavyweight Title to King Booker.
- WWE Summerslam '06 (August 20) = Mysterio fell to Chavo Guerrero.
- WWE No Mercy '06 (October 8) = Mysterio won a "Falls Count Anywhere" Match over Chavo Guerrero.
- WWE Raw Family Reunion (October 9, '06) = Mysterio, Bobby Lashley, & Batista took down Chavo Guerrero, William Regal, & Finlay.
- WWE Summerslam '07 (August 26) = Mysterio defeated Chavo Guerrero.
- WWE Unforgiven '07 (September 16) = Mysterio lost a "Three Way" Match to Batista, who won the World Heavyweight Title. The Great Khali was the other participant.
- WWE No Mercy '07 (October 7) = Mysterio fought to a No-Contest with Finlay.
- WWE Cyber Sunday '07 (October 28) = Mysterio won a "Stretcher" Match over Finlay.
- WWE Survivor Series '07 (November 18) = Mysterio, Jeff Hardy, Triple H, & Kane won a "Handicap Elimination" Match over Big Daddy V, Finlay, Mr. Kennedy, MVP, & Umaga.
- WWE Armageddon '07 (December 16) = Mysterio won, via Countout, over the WWE United States Heavyweight Champ, MVP.
- WWE Royal Rumble '08 (January 27) = Mysterio lost to the World Champion, Edge.
- WWE No Way Out '08 (February 17) = Mysterio again lost to the World Champ, Edge.
- WWE Unforgiven '08 (September 7) = Mysterio lost a "Scramble" Match to Chris Jericho, who won the World Heavyweight Title. John Bradshaw Layfield, Batista, and Kane were the other participants.
- WWE No Mercy '08 (October 5) = Mysterio won, via DQ, over Kane. Mysterio's mask was on the line in the match.
- WWE Cyber Sunday '08 (October 26) = Mysterio won a "No Holds Barred" Match over Kane.
- WWE Survivor Series '08 (November 23) = Team HBK (Mysterio, Shawn Michaels, the Great Khali, & Cryme Tyme) won an "Elimination" Match over Team JBL (John Bradshaw Layfield, Kane, The Miz, John Morrison, & MVP).
- WWE Intercontinental Title #1 Contenders Tournament (November/December '08) = Mysterio defeated the Miz and Kofi Kingston to reach the finals at the PPV.
- WWE Armageddon '08 (December 14) = Mysterio lost in the finals of the WWE Intercontinental Title #1 Contenders Tournament to CM Punk.

Title Summary:
- Mexican National Welterweight Champion (10/28/92 - ??/??/??)
- WWA (Mexico) World Lightweight Champion (?? - 10/93)
- WWA (Mexico) World Lightweight Champion(2) (11/30/94 - 3/2/95)
- WWA (Mexico) World Tag-Team Champion w/ Rey Mysterio, Sr. (95 - 3/2/95)
- Mexican National Trios Champion (4/14/95 - 95)
- WWA (Mexico) World Lightweight Champion(3) (6/16/95 - ??)
- WWA (Mexico) World Welterweight Champion (9/22/95 - 9/28/95)
- WWA (Mexico) World Welterweight Champion(2) (9/29/95 - 4/28/96)
- WCW World Cruiserweight Champion (7/8/96 - 10/27/96)
- WWA (Mexico) World Welterweight Champion(3) (7/20/96 - 2/21/97)
- WCW World Cruiserweight Champion(2) (10/26/97 - 11/10/97)
- WCW World Cruiserweight Champion(3) (1/15/98 - 1/24/98)
- WCW World Cruiserweight Champion(4) (3/15/99 - 4/19/99)
- WCW World Tag-Team Champions w/ Billy Kidman (3/29/99 - 5/09/99)
- WCW World Cruiserweight Champion(5) (4/26/99 - 8/19/99)
- WCW World Tag-Team Champions(2) w/ Konnan (10/18/99 - 10/20/99)
- WCW World Tag-Team Champions(3) w/ Juventud Guerrera (8/14/00 - 9/18/00)
- WCW World Cruiserweight Tag-Team Champions w/ Billy Kidman (3/26/01 - 01)
- WWC Junior Heavyweight Champion (1/06/02 - 02)
- WWE "Smackdown" Tag-Team Champion w/ Edge (11/05/02 - 11/17/02)
- WWE World Cruiserweight Champion(6) (6/03/03 - 9/23/03)
- WWE World Cruiserweight Champion(7) (12/30/03 - 2/15/04)
- WWE World Cruiserweight Champion(8) (6/15/04 - 7/27/04)
- WWE Smackdown World Tag-Team Champion(2) w/ Rob Van Dam (12/07/04 - 1/11/05)
- WWE Smackdown World Tag-Team Champion(3) w/ Eddie Guerrero (2/20/05 - 4/18/05)
- WWE Smackdown World Tag-Team Champion(4) w/ Batista (12/13/05 - 12/27/05)
- WWE Smackdown World Heavyweight Champion (4/02/06 - 7/23/06)

- HHW Light Heavyweight Champion (???)
- 5-time AAA World Welterweight Champion (???)
- 2-time AAA World Light Heavyweight Champion (???)

PWI Achievement Awards: (0 wins, 2 1st RUs, 5 2nd RUs, 6 3rd RUs)
- 1995 Match of the Year, 3rd Runner-Up (Mysterio vs. Psicosis)
- 1996 Most Inspirational Wrestler, 3rd Runner-Up
- 1997 Match of the Year, 1st Runner-Up (Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero)
- 2002 Match of the Year, 2nd Runner-Up (Mysterio/Edge vs. Kurt Angle/Chris Benoit)
- 2003 Most Popular Wrestler, 3rd Runner-Up
- 2003 Most Inspirational Wrestler, 3rd Runner-Up
- 2005 Most Popular Wrestler, 3rd Runner-Up
- 2005 Feud of the Year, 2nd Runner-Up (Mysterio vs. Eddie Guerrero)
- 2005 Most Inspirational Wrestler, 3rd Runner-Up
- 2006 Wrestler of the Year, 2nd Runner-Up
- 2006 Most Popular Wrestler, 2nd Runner-Up
- 2006 Most Inspirational Wrestler, 1st Runner-Up
- 2007 Comeback of the Year, 2nd Runner-Up