Rey Mysterio details double injury setback before WrestleMania 41

Time of India

3 days ago

Image via WWE
WWE legend Rey Mysterio has opened up about a pair of injuries that kept him out of action during WrestleMania 41, shedding light on his sudden removal from a planned singles match against El Grande Americano.
The high-flying veteran was originally slated to face the masked alter ego of Chad Gable at the marquee event. However, on the final episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania, Mysterio suffered a torn groin and was pulled from the card. Speaking to Jim Varsallone in a recent interview, the WWE Hall of Famer revealed that he was also dealing with a busted eardrum at the time.
Rey Mysterio keeps the heat on
'I'm actually still recovering from the injury I suffered just before WrestleMania - a torn groin and a busted eardrum.
But I still love what I do,' said Mysterio, who was recently honored with the Legend Impact Award at the National Hispanic Media Coalition's Impact Gala.
Rey Mysterio, Brenda Victoria Castillo talk National Hispanic MC Legend Impact Award, WWE, AAA, Dom
The 49-year-old was replaced by Rey Fenix in the WrestleMania bout, where the babyface team - also featuring Dragon Lee. emerged victorious over American Made. Despite being sidelined, Mysterio's interview has kept him in the headlines, thanks to a light-hearted jab aimed at his on-screen son, Dominik Mysterio.
While the injuries sidelined him physically, Mysterio remained sharp on the mic. During a rapid-fire segment in the same interview, he was asked if Dominik could ever surpass his legacy in AAA Wrestling. Without missing a beat, Rey leaned into their long-running WWE storyline:
'Dirty Dom? Dirty Dom needs a spanking with a chancla and a belt.'
The culturally resonant quip, referencing a common Latino disciplinary tool, drew laughter from the hosts but also sent a clear message - the family feud is far from over.
WWE x AAA: Could the rivalry spill into 'Worlds Collide'?
The timing of Mysterio's comment is interesting, especially in the context of WWE's recent acquisition of AAA Wrestling, a historic move that opens doors for crossover rivalries and fresh storylines. The upcoming WWE x AAA: Worlds Collide event is being promoted as a celebration of global wrestling styles and legacies, with both Rey and Dominik Mysterio prominently featured in the early marketing campaigns.
Dom Mysterio talks WWE Tampa Takeover, IC Win, Attitude Era, Judgment Day, Carlito, AAA, Omos, Miami
Although Rey has not disclosed whether he'll be wrestling or appearing in a different capacity, fans are already speculating that the father-son feud could take center stage at the international showcase.
Rey's deep roots in lucha libre and Dominik's current run as Intercontinental Champion present a compelling contrast, offering creative opportunities for a legacy vs. rebellion narrative to unfold on a bigger stage.
Dominik, now firmly entrenched in his heel persona as part of The Judgment Day, has not shied away from provocation. In a separate interview, he boldly claimed to have already eclipsed his father's legacy in WWE and expressed a desire to 'sh** all over Rey Mysterio' in AAA as well.
The comment raised eyebrows and further fueled fan interest in a possible in-ring confrontation.
For now, both stars remain on separate paths - but in the world of professional wrestling, it often takes just one moment to bring everything crashing back together. Fans will be watching closely to see whether that moment arrives at Worlds Collide.